Foldable intermodal container

Abstract

The present invention generally relates to a foldable intermodal container. The present invention also generally relates to a framework structure assembly and wall, roof and floor structure subassemblies.

Description

[0001] Related Applications

[0002] This application claims conventional priority to Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2022901112 and Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2022901637, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The invention relates to a foldable intermodal container. Background Art

[0004] It is known in the prior art to construct foldable intermodal or shipping containers. The foldable container preferably has a modular structure, such as disclosed in the applicant's international patent publication No. WO2018 / 145140 (WO'140). In a preferred embodiment of WO'140, the top panel is hinged to the upper side of one wall and the bottom panel is hinged to the lower side of the opposite wall. The container of this embodiment includes a linking structure that is pivotally connected to the top panel or the bottom panel at one end and pivotally connected to the associated wall of the opposite wall at the opposite end. The hinged connection of the top panel to the wall and the bottom panel to the other wall is in the form of a piano hinge, which cooperates with the linking structure to facilitate the folding and unfolding of the foldable container. There are reliability issues with foldable containers of this structure and similar structures, including their failure in folding and / or unfolding.

[0005] It should be understood that any identification of prior art in this patent specification is not to be taken as an admission that the prior art is common general knowledge in Australia or elsewhere.

[0006] It is an object of at least one preferred embodiment of the present invention to provide an alternative to existing foldable or collapsible containers. Summary of the invention

[0007] In a first aspect, a foldable intermodal container is disclosed, the foldable intermodal container comprising:

[0008] opposing first and second elongated side walls, each elongated side wall having opposing lower and upper sides;

[0009] an elongated bottom panel having opposite sides and connected to the first side wall;

[0010] an elongated top panel having opposite sides and connected to the second side wall;

[0011] wherein the container is configured to move between (a) an expanded configuration in which the opposing side walls are arranged parallel to each other and spaced apart to define a space for storing cargo, and (b) a folded configuration in which the opposing side walls are arranged close to each other and remain parallel to each other;

[0012] wherein the first side wall and the second side wall respectively comprise a first wall frame frame and a second wall frame frame, each of said wall frame frames comprising a wall perimeter frame and a plurality of longitudinally spaced and transversely oriented wall members, each of said wall members being connected at opposite ends to respective opposite sides of the wall perimeter frame; and

[0013] Wherein, the roof comprises a roof frame frame, the roof frame frame comprising a roof perimeter frame and a plurality of longitudinally spaced and transversely oriented roof beams, the wall frame frame and the roof frame frame cooperate with each other for reinforcement of the foldable intermodal container.

[0014] Preferably, the opposing first and second elongated side walls remain substantially parallel to each other when the foldable container is moved between the deployed configuration and the folded configuration.

[0015] Preferably, one side of the elongated bottom panel is connected to the underside of the first side wall, and

[0016] One side of the elongated top plate is connected to the upper side of the second side wall.

[0017] Preferably, the wall and roof frame structure provides reinforcement of the container in both the deployed and folded configurations, and reinforcement of the container in any intermediate configurations therebetween.

[0018] Preferably, the wall and roof frame structures each remain substantially intact and unchanged between intermediate configurations.

[0019] Preferably, the plurality of longitudinally spaced roof beams are substantially aligned with corresponding ones of the plurality of longitudinally spaced wall members of both the first wall frame frame and the second wall frame frame.

[0020] Preferably, the plurality of longitudinally spaced wall members comprises a plurality of pairs of said wall members.

[0021] Preferably, each of the plurality of roof beams is substantially aligned with a corresponding pair of wall members of the plurality of pairs of wall members, together forming one of a plurality of longitudinally spaced ring frames, thereby enhancing the structural rigidity of the foldable intermodal container.

[0022] Preferably, the container further comprises: a plurality of bottom plate hinges connected to said one of the opposite sides of the bottom plate and a lower side of the opposite sides of the first wall to allow hinged connection between the bottom plate and the first wall; and a plurality of top plate hinges connected to said one of the opposite sides of the top plate and an upper side of the opposite sides of the second wall to allow hinged connection between the top plate and the second wall.

[0023] Preferably, the plurality of floor hinges comprises a plurality of pairs of said hinges, each pair of hinges in the plurality of pairs of hinges being substantially aligned with a corresponding pair of wall members in the plurality of pairs of wall members of the first wall.

[0024] Preferably, the plurality of top panel hinges comprises a plurality of pairs of said hinges, adjacent hinges of said plurality of pairs of hinges being equidistantly spaced apart in substantial alignment with corresponding pairs of wall members of the plurality of pairs of wall members of the second wall.

[0025] Preferably, the bottom panel hinge / top panel hinge comprises a hinge member having a first extension connected to the bottom panel or the top panel and a second extension hingedly coupled to the first side wall or the second side wall via a hinge pin, the hinge pin being mounted to the wall adjacent to the lower side or the upper side of the wall, the first extension and the second extension being formed perpendicular to each other to provide an eccentric movement of the bottom panel or the top panel relative to its corresponding side wall during movement of the foldable container between its unfolded configuration and folded configuration.

[0026] Preferably, the hinge pin is spaced a distance from the lower side or upper side of the corresponding wall so as to enable an eccentric movement of the bottom plate or the top plate.

[0027] Preferably, the container also includes a plurality of first track members associated with a first wall of a pair of opposing walls, each of the first track members being configured to engage with each other through one of a plurality of corresponding roof panel brackets connected to the roof, whereby movement of the foldable container between the unfolded configuration and the folded configuration is accompanied by sliding movement of the roof panel bracket relative to the corresponding first track member.

[0028] Preferably, a plurality of first track members are mounted to the first wall between corresponding wall members of the plurality of pairs of wall members of the first wall frame.

[0029] Preferably, it also includes a plurality of second track members associated with the second wall, each of the second track members being configured to engage with each other through one of a plurality of corresponding floor brackets connected to the floor, whereby movement of the foldable container between the unfolded configuration and the folded configuration is accompanied by sliding movement of the floor bracket relative to the corresponding second track member.

[0030] Preferably, a plurality of second track members are mounted to the second wall between corresponding wall members in the plurality of pairs of wall members of the second wall frame.

[0031] Preferably, each of the track members is welded or otherwise attached to a corresponding pair of wall members.

[0032] Preferably, the roof perimeter frame is elongated and adapted to be connected to a roof panel associated with the roof; and

[0033] A plurality of longitudinally spaced and transversely oriented roof beams are connected to respective opposite sides of the roof perimeter frame to strengthen the roof panel.

[0034] Preferably, the roof panel comprises a plurality of peripheral sides, and the roof perimeter frame is aligned with the roof panel at or near the peripheral sides.

[0035] Preferably, the base plate comprises a base plate skeleton frame, the base plate frame comprising:

[0036] a floor perimeter frame that is elongated and adapted to be connected to one or more floor panels associated with the floor;

[0037] a plurality of longitudinally spaced and transversely oriented floor beams, each of said transverse beams being connected at opposite ends to corresponding opposing longitudinal beams of the floor perimeter frame, thereby reinforcing the floor;

[0038] A pair of support beams connected at opposite ends to respective opposing longitudinal beams, the support beams being (a) disposed parallel to the transverse floor beams and (b) longitudinally spaced a predetermined distance apart.

[0039] Preferably, the relative longitudinal beams of the floor perimeter frame each include a plate recess adapted to receive a transition plate connected to the lower portion of the relative longitudinal beams of the perimeter frame of each of the opposite side walls, the transition plate being arranged to bridge the longitudinal beams of the floor perimeter frame and the corresponding lower longitudinal beams of the wall perimeter frame in the unfolded configuration of the foldable container so that the container is continuously supported when moving on the roller tracks when unfolded.

[0040] Preferably, the plate recesses of the respective opposing longitudinal beams of the floor perimeter frame and the corresponding transition plates of the opposing side walls are longitudinally offset from each other so that during movement of the foldable container to the folded configuration, said transition plates can be received in the plate recesses of the lower longitudinal beams of the opposing side walls, whereupon the transition plates bridge said lower beams of the side walls, so that the container is continuously supported when moving on the roller tracks when folded.

[0041] Preferably, the wall perimeter frame is elongate and adapted to be connected to a wall panel associated with one of the pair of side walls; and

[0042] Therein, the wall frames each include a plurality of longitudinally spaced and transversely oriented wall members, each of which is connected at opposite ends to respective opposite sides of the wall perimeter frame to thereby strengthen the wall panel.

[0043] Preferably, the wall panel comprises a plurality of peripheral sides, and the wall perimeter frame is connected to and aligned with the wall panel at or near its peripheral sides.

[0044] In a second aspect, a foldable intermodal container is disclosed, the foldable intermodal container comprising a pair of opposing side walls each hingedly connected to a respective top panel and bottom panel, wherein the walls remain substantially parallel to each other when the foldable container is moved between an expanded configuration and a folded configuration, the container comprising a bracket and track subassembly of the subassembly, the bracket and track subassembly comprising:

[0045] one or more spaced apart track members adapted to connect to a wall stud frame associated with one of a pair of opposing side walls; and

[0046] One or more of the following:

[0047] a roof panel bracket adapted to be connected to a roof panel skeleton frame associated with the roof panel, the roof panel bracket being configured to interengage with the one of the track members for sliding movement of the bracket relative to the track member during movement of the foldable container between the deployed configuration and the folded configuration;

[0048] A floor bracket is adapted to be connected to a floor frame structure associated with the floor, the floor bracket being configured to interengage with the one of the track members for sliding movement of the bracket relative to the track member during movement of the foldable container between the deployed configuration and the folded configuration.

[0049] Preferably, the carriage includes a slidable car having a plurality of rollers configured for sliding movement along the track member.

[0050] Preferably, the carriage includes a carriage mounting bracket for rigid connection to the top plate or the bottom plate, and a coupling arm pivotally coupled at opposite ends thereof to the mounting bracket and the slidable car, respectively.

[0051] Preferably, the coupling arm comprises a recess facing away from the side wall, and the slidable car comprises a limit rod facing the side wall, the recess and the limit rod being positioned such that pivoting of the coupling arm relative to the slidable car is limited by the limit rod.

[0052] Preferably, the bracket mounting bracket is removably mounted to the perimeter frame of the top deck or the side rail of the bottom deck via one or more bracket mounting fasteners.

[0053] Preferably, the slidable car comprises a car body to which the rollers are rotatably mounted about a rotation axis perpendicular to the corresponding wall.

[0054] Preferably, the slidable car comprises a car body to which the rollers are rotatably mounted about an axis of rotation parallel to the elongate axis of the side wall.

[0055] Preferably, the car body includes a stop member projecting from the car body to limit movement of the car body within the track members when the container has been moved to the folded configuration.

[0056] Preferably, the track members have a generally C-shaped profile in cross-section and are configured for captive retention of a plurality of rollers such that the rollers cooperate with corresponding track members to handle both axial and radial loads imposed on the rollers during movement of the intermodal container between its deployed and folded configurations.

[0057] Preferably, the C-profile track members are each attached to an opposing pair of wall members of the wall stud frame.

[0058] Preferably, attachment of the track member to the opposing wall member is provided at an exposed and inwardly facing joint between the wall member and the track member, thereby strengthening the track member along opposing edge portions of the track member defining the C-profile slot opening.

[0059] Preferably, each of the track members is made from one or more plates connected at opposing edges to one or more channel section members of a pair of opposing channel section members that together form a C-profile track member.

[0060] In a third aspect, disclosed herein is a foldable intermodal container comprising a pair of opposing side walls each hingedly connected to a respective roof and floor, wherein the opposing walls remain parallel to one another when the container is moved between an expanded configuration and a folded configuration, wherein in the expanded configuration the side walls, the roof and the floor define a space for storing cargo, the foldable intermodal container comprising an end frame and a door assembly for sealing the space in the expanded configuration, the end frame and the door assembly comprising:

[0061] an end frame extending perpendicularly to a pair of opposing side walls and adapted to releasably engage at least one of the side walls, the roof, and the floor of the container to thereby retain the container in an expanded configuration;

[0062] a pair of doors hingedly connected to respective opposite sides of the end frames, the doors being movable from a closed position to an open position for providing access to the space within the foldable container in the deployed configuration;

[0063] a pair of stabilizing members connected to a respective pair of doors, the stabilizing members being connected to the doors proximate upper adjacent corners or lower adjacent corners of the doors, the stabilizing members being configured to engage anchor members associated with corresponding upper beams or lower beams of the end frames when the doors are in a closed position, thereby stabilizing the container in its deployed configuration and under lateral loads.

[0064] Preferably, the stabilizing member comprises a hook-shaped member configured to hook on either side of an anchoring member located in the center of an upper beam or a lower beam of the end frame when the door is in the closed position.

[0065] Preferably, the anchoring member comprises a contoured shape at least partially shaped to be complementary to a corresponding and contoured edge face of the hook member.

[0066] Preferably, each of the doors is hingedly connected to the end frame via three door hinges.

[0067] Preferably, the pair of stabilising members comprises upper and lower paired stabilising members arranged to cooperate with upper and lower anchoring members of the end frame, respectively.

[0068] In a fourth aspect, disclosed herein is a foldable intermodal container comprising a pair of opposing side walls each hingedly connected to a respective top and bottom panel, wherein the opposing walls remain parallel to each other when the foldable container moves between an expanded configuration and a folded configuration, wherein in the expanded configuration the side walls, bottom panel, top panel and covered end frames define a space for storing cargo, and in the folded configuration the end frames have completed hinged movement about one of the pair of opposing side walls between (i) a closed position extending perpendicular to the pair of walls and (ii) an open position extending parallel to the one of the walls and disposed on an outer surface of the one of the walls, the foldable intermodal container comprising an end frame locking assembly for securing the end frame to the side walls in the folded configuration, the locking assembly comprising:

[0069] a retractable pin subassembly including a retractable pin, the pin assembly being adapted to be mounted to an end frame of the foldable container; and

[0070] A receiver subassembly adapted to be mounted to one of the side walls, the receiver subassembly including a locking member configured to receive a retractable pin in an extended position when the end frame is in an open position, whereby the extended pin is releasably engaged by the locking member to retain the end frame in the open position.

[0071] Preferably, the retractable pin includes an engagement end having a slot for releasably engaging the retractable pin in the extended position via a locking member of the receiver subassembly to retain the end frame.

[0072] Preferably, the retractable pin subassembly includes a pin biasing device arranged to cooperate with a radial protrusion connected to the retractable pin, the biasing device being arranged to retract the retractable pin toward a retracted position displaced from the extended position and disengage from the locking member of the received subassembly.

[0073] Preferably, the retractable pin comprises an actuation end at an end opposite the engagement end, the actuation end being adapted to press the retractable pin against the force of the biasing means to shift from the retracted position towards the extended position.

[0074] Preferably, the retractable pin subassembly comprises a retractable pin housing arranged to accommodate the biasing means and the radial projection of the retractable pin, the housing having an opposed pair of openings through which the respective engagement ends extend and through which the actuation end is exposed.

[0075] Preferably, the retractable pin subassembly includes a pin biasing device, which is arranged to cooperate with an actuating element connected to the opposite end of the retractable pin away from the engagement end, and the biasing device is arranged to retract the retractable pin toward a retracted position shifted from the extended position and disengage from the locking member of the receiver subassembly.

[0076] Preferably, the actuation element comprises an actuation surface adapted to press the retractable pin against the force of the biasing means to shift from the retracted position towards the extended position.

[0077] Preferably, the retractable pin subassembly comprises a retractable pin housing arranged to accommodate a biasing means in the form of a spring mounted about the retractable pin, the housing having an opposed pair of openings through which the respective engagement ends extend and through which the actuating surface is exposed.

[0078] Preferably, the retractable pin includes a shoulder at its engagement end which is arranged to abut the housing and thereby limit travel of the retractable pin towards the retracted position under the action of the pin biasing means.

[0079] Preferably, the retractable pin housing is adapted to be mounted within an upper beam of an end frame of the foldable container.

[0080] Preferably, the receiver member comprises a receiver housing accommodating a locking member cooperating with locking biasing means urging said locking member into an engaged position in which it releasably engages the retractable pin in the extended position.

[0081] Preferably, the locking member comprises a locking plate having a latching element for releasably engaging a slot in the engagement end of the retractable pin in its extended position, the latching element being retained in the latched position by a locking bias urging the locking member into the engagement position.

[0082] Preferably, the locking member comprises a locking bar for releasably engaging a slot in the engagement end of the retractable pin in its extended position, said locking bar being retained in the latched position by locking biasing means urging the locking member into the engaged position.

[0083] Preferably, the latch element or locking bar is arranged to cooperate with the engagement end of the retractable pin, which contacts the latch element or locking bar during the displacement toward the extended position, thereby moving the locking member toward the unlocked position, allowing the retractable pin to further shift into the extended position, and then the latch element or locking bar latches the narrow slot of the retractable pin under the action of the locking bias device.

[0084] Preferably, the engagement end of the retractable pin is tapered for sliding contact with an inclined surface of the latch element or locking bar during displacement of the retractable pin towards its extended position, thereby urging the locking member into the disengaged position against the force of the locking biasing means.

[0085] Preferably, the locking member comprises a locking actuator associated with a locking plate or a locking bar, the locking actuator having a latching element or a locking bar in a latched position being arranged to move via an external locking actuator for resisting the force of a locking biasing device to shift the locking member and the associated latching element or locking bar, thereby releasing the retractable pin to retract from its extended position.

[0086] Preferably, the receiver housing is adapted to be mounted within an upper beam of said one of a pair of opposing side walls of the foldable container.

[0087] In a fifth aspect, disclosed herein is a foldable intermodal container, the foldable intermodal container comprising a pair of opposing side walls, each of the pair of opposing side walls being hingedly connected to a corresponding top panel and bottom panel, wherein the opposing walls remain parallel to each other when the foldable container moves between an expanded configuration and a folded configuration, wherein in the expanded configuration, the side walls, bottom panel, top panel and covered end frames define a space for storing cargo, and in the folded configuration, the end frames have completed hinged movement about one of the pair of opposing side walls between (i) a closed position extending perpendicular to the pair of walls and (ii) an open position extending parallel to the one of the walls and disposed on an outer surface of the one of the walls, the container comprising a locking assembly for locking the end frame to the top panel or the bottom panel when the container is in the expanded configuration, the locking assembly comprising:

[0088] a stud subassembly adapted to be mounted to a top plate or a bottom plate, the stud subassembly comprising a pull stud;

[0089] A receiver subassembly adapted to be mounted to the end frame, the receiver subassembly including a locking member operably coupled to the receiver member, the receiver member being arranged such that the foldable container is in an expanded configuration and the end frame is in a closed position to receive a pull stud which is releasably engaged by the locking member to releasably lock the end frame in the closed position to the top panel or the bottom panel, thereby maintaining the foldable container in the expanded configuration.

[0090] Preferably, the draw stud is adapted to be rigidly secured to a front or rear beam of a roof or floor of a foldable container, the draw stud comprising an engagement end having a recess for releasably engaging a locking member of a receiver subassembly to retain the end frame in a closed position.

[0091] Preferably, the receiver member comprises a receiver housing configured to retractably receive the pull stud, the locking member being arranged to cooperate with a locking biasing device which urges the locking member into an engaged position in which the locking member releasably engages the groove of the pull stud.

[0092] Preferably, the locking member is one of a pair of locking members arranged in an engaged position to latch within a recess of the pull stud.

[0093] Preferably, the pair of locking members is in the form of a pair of locking columns, which are arranged on either side of the pull screw when the pair of locking columns are received in the receiver housing, and the locking columns are arranged to slide relative to the receiver housing in a reciprocating motion and are pushed to the engagement position of the locking members under the action of the locking biasing device.

[0094] Preferably, the locking post is operably coupled to the locking actuator, wherein the locking biasing means is located between the receiver housing and the locking actuator to urge the locking member and its locking post into the engaged position via the locking actuator.

[0095] Preferably, the pair of locking posts are secured to the locking actuator via an associated pair of sliding locking shafts which are slidably received in a corresponding pair of shaft passages formed in the receiver housing, thereby enabling the locking posts to move in a reciprocating action.

[0096] Preferably, the locking member comprises a notch, at least part of the profile of the notch being shaped to be complementary to a corresponding profile of the groove of the pull stud, the locking member being thus configured to latch within the groove of the pull stud in the engaged position.

[0097] Preferably, the locking member is arranged to slide relative to the receiver housing in a reciprocating motion and is urged towards its engaged position under the action of the locking biasing means.

[0098] Preferably, the locking member is operably coupled to the locking actuator, wherein the biasing means is located between the receiver housing and the locking actuator to urge the locking member into the engaged position via the locking actuator.

[0099] Preferably, the locking member is secured to the locking actuator via an associated pair of side locking shafts which are slidably received in a corresponding pair of shaft passages formed in the receiver housing so as to enable the locking member to move in a reciprocating action.

[0100] Preferably, the engaging end of the pull stud is tapered for sliding contact with the inclined surface of each locking post in a pair of locking posts or the notch of the locking member, so that during the movement of the pull stud into the receiver housing and releasable engagement with the locking member, the locking member is urged toward the disengaged position against the force of the locking biasing device for the pull stud to continue to move into the receiver housing in the expectation that it will engage with the locking member in the engaged position.

[0101] Preferably, the receiver housing is adapted to be mounted within an upper or lower beam of an end frame of the foldable container.

[0102] In a sixth aspect, disclosed herein is a foldable intermodal container, the foldable intermodal container comprising a pair of opposing side walls, each of the pair of opposing side walls being hingedly connected to a corresponding top panel and bottom panel, wherein the opposing walls remain parallel to each other when the foldable container moves between an expanded configuration and a folded configuration, wherein in the expanded configuration, the side walls, bottom panel, top panel and covered end frames define a space for storing cargo, and in the folded configuration, the end frames have completed hinged movement about one of the pair of opposing side walls between (i) a closed position extending perpendicular to the pair of walls and (ii) an open position extending parallel to the one of the walls and disposed on an outer surface of the one of the walls, the container comprising a locking assembly for locking the end frame to a first side wall and / or a second side wall, the locking assembly comprising:

[0103] a stud subassembly adapted to be mounted to at least one of the pair of side walls, the stud subassembly including a pull stud;

[0104] A receiver subassembly adapted to be mounted to the end frame, the receiver subassembly including a locking member operably coupled to the receiver member, the receiver member being arranged such that, with the foldable container in the deployed configuration and the end frame in the closed position, it receives a pull stud which is releasably engaged by the locking member to releasably lock the end frame in the closed position to the at least one of the side walls, thereby maintaining the foldable container in the deployed configuration.

[0105] Preferably, the draw stud is adapted to be rigidly secured to the front or rear member of the side wall of the foldable container, the draw stud comprising an engagement end having a recess for releasably engaging a locking member of the receiving subassembly to retain the end frame in the closed position.

[0106] Preferably, the receiver member comprises a receiver housing, the locking member being arranged to cooperate with locking biasing means urging said locking member into an engaged position in which it releasably engages the recess of the pull stud.

[0107] Preferably, the locking member is one of a pair of locking members arranged in an engaged position to latch within a recess of the pull stud.

[0108] Preferably, the pair of locking members is in the form of a pair of locking columns, which are arranged on either side of the pull screw when the pair of locking columns are received in the receiver housing, and the locking columns are arranged to slide relative to the receiver housing in a reciprocating motion and are pushed to the engagement position of the locking members under the action of the locking biasing device.

[0109] Preferably, the locking post is operably coupled to the locking actuator, wherein the locking biasing means is located between the receiver housing and the locking actuator to urge the locking member and its locking post into the engaged position via the locking actuator.

[0110] Preferably, the pair of locking posts are secured to the locking actuator via an associated pair of sliding locking shafts which are slidably received in a corresponding pair of shaft passages formed in the receiver housing, thereby enabling the locking posts to move in a reciprocating action.

[0111] Preferably, the locking member comprises a notch, at least part of the profile of the notch being shaped to be complementary to a corresponding profile of the groove of the pull stud, the locking member being thus configured to latch within the groove of the pull stud in the engaged position.

[0112] Preferably, the locking member is arranged to slide relative to the receiver housing in a reciprocating motion and is urged towards its engaged position under the action of the locking biasing means.

[0113] Preferably, the locking member is operably coupled to the locking actuator, wherein the biasing means is located between the receiver housing and the locking actuator to urge the locking member into the engaged position via the locking actuator.

[0114] Preferably, the locking member is secured to the locking actuator via an associated pair of side locking shafts which are slidably received in a corresponding pair of shaft passages formed in the receiver housing so as to enable the locking member to move in a reciprocating action.

[0115] Preferably, the engaging end of the pull stud is tapered for sliding contact with the inclined surface of each locking post in a pair of locking posts or the notch of the locking member, so that during the movement of the pull stud into the receiver housing and releasable engagement with the locking member, the locking member is urged toward the disengaged position against the force of the locking biasing device for the pull stud to continue to move into the receiver housing in the expectation that it will engage with the locking member in the engaged position.

[0116] Preferably, the receiver housing is adapted to be mounted within an upper or lower beam of an end frame of the foldable container.

[0117] Preferably, each locking assembly further comprises:

[0118] a second stud subassembly adapted to be mounted to one of the opposing pair of side walls, the stud subassembly including a second pull stud; and

[0119] wherein the locking member is operably coupled to a first receiver member arranged such that the foldable container is in the deployed configuration and the end frame is in the closed position to receive a first pull stud which is releasably engaged by the first locking member to releasably lock the end frame in the closed position to the top panel or the bottom panel to maintain the foldable container in the deployed configuration, and the receiver subassembly further comprises:

[0120] A second locking member operably coupled to a second receiver member arranged with the foldable container in the deployed configuration and the end frame in the closed position to receive a second pull stud releasably engaged by the second locking member to releasably lock the end frame in the closed position to the one of the opposing walls, thereby maintaining the foldable container in the deployed configuration.

[0121] Preferably, the locking assembly further comprises a receiver housing configured to contain the first and second locking and receiver members.

[0122] Preferably, the receiver housing includes an opening exposing an actuator button, which is arranged to interact with the locking actuator when pressed via an external locking actuator, for the corresponding first locking member and the second locking member to move toward the disengaged position against the force of the locking biasing device, for the first pull stud and the second pull stud to be released from the corresponding first receiver member and the second receiver member.

[0123] Preferably, the first and second receiver members are integral with one another to form a receiver housing, and the locking actuator is common to both the first and second locking members.

[0124] Preferably, the receiver housing includes an opening exposing a common locking actuator, which is arranged to enable the first locking member and the second locking member to move toward a disengaged position against the force of the locking biasing device when pressed by an external locking actuator, for releasing the first pull stud and the second pull stud from the corresponding first receiver member and the second receiver member.

[0125] Preferably, the pull studs cooperating with the first and second receiver members associated with the lower beam of the end frame of the foldable container have a short relative length.

[0126] Preferably, the shorter length pull studs include grooves having a relatively larger diameter and width.

[0127] Preferably, the receiver housing is adapted to be mounted within an upper or lower beam of an end frame of the foldable container.

[0128] In a seventh aspect, disclosed herein is a foldable intermodal container comprising a pair of opposing side walls each hingedly connected to a respective top panel and bottom panel, wherein the opposing walls remain parallel to each other when the foldable container is moved between an expanded configuration and a folded configuration, the container comprising a locking assembly for securing the side walls to the bottom panel and / or the top panel, the locking assembly comprising:

[0129] a retractable plunger subassembly adapted to be mounted to at least one of the pair of side walls, the plunger subassembly comprising (a) a retractable plunger configured to move between an extended position and a retracted position, and (b) a locking member arranged to cooperate with the plunger to lock it in the extended position;

[0130] A receiver subassembly adapted to be mounted to a floor or roof panel, the receiver subassembly including a snap member configured to receive a retractable plunger in an extended position when the foldable container is in an expanded configuration, whereby the plunger is locked via a locking member to releasably retain the floor or roof panel relative to a corresponding wall of a pair of opposing walls, thereby retaining the foldable container in the expanded configuration.

[0131] Preferably, the plunger subassembly further comprises a plunger housing housing the retractable plunger and the cooperating locking member, the plunger housing being adapted to be mounted at least partially within the lower beam or the upper beam of the one of the pair of walls.

[0132] Preferably, the plunger subassembly further comprises a plunger biasing means mounted within the plunger housing and arranged to act on the retractable plunger to urge it towards the retracted position.

[0133] Preferably, the plunger subassembly further comprises locking biasing means arranged to cooperate with the locking member or to urge the locking member into a locked configuration to retain the plunger in the extended position.

[0134] Preferably, the retractable plunger comprises a pair of grooves arranged in the extended position of the plunger to be engaged by a corresponding pair of posts of a locking member which is urged into a locked configuration via locking biasing means to retain the plunger in the extended position.

[0135] Preferably, a pair of posts each include a notch configured to allow sliding movement of the retractable plunger from the retracted position to the extended position with the locking member in the unlocked configuration, and vice versa, the notches of the posts guiding sliding movement of the plunger between the posts.

[0136] Preferably, the retractable plunger comprises a radial projection configured to be releasably engaged by the locking member in the locked configuration.

[0137] Preferably, the locking member comprises a frame member having a flange configured to releasably engage with a protrusion of the plunger to retain the plunger in the extended position.

[0138] Preferably, the locking member includes a locking actuator exposed through a locking actuator opening in the plunger housing, the locking actuator being pressed through an external locking actuator to achieve movement of the locking member toward an unlocked configuration against the force of the locking biasing device, thereby allowing the plunger to slide from its retracted position to an extended position against the force of the plunger biasing device.

[0139] Preferably, the retractable plunger comprises a plunger actuator exposed via a plunger actuator opening in the plunger housing, the plunger actuator being depressed via an external plunger actuator for sliding movement of the plunger from its retracted position to its extended position.

[0140] Preferably, the container further comprises:

[0141] a plurality of plugs mounted on at least one of a pair of side walls, the plugs being longitudinally spaced apart along the one of the side walls;

[0142] A plurality of receivers are mounted to the top panel or the bottom panel, the receivers being longitudinally spaced apart along the top panel or the bottom panel and being substantially aligned with the plurality of plugs, whereby when the foldable container is in the expanded configuration, each of the plurality of receivers is arranged to receive a corresponding one of the plurality of plugs, thereby aligning the top panel or the bottom panel of the container with the associated side wall.

[0143] Preferably, each of the plurality of plugs is in the form of a tapered post adapted to be mounted to an upper beam or a lower beam of said one of the pair of side walls.

[0144] Preferably, each of the plurality of receivers is in the form of a conical cup having a cavity of substantially complementary shape to a corresponding one of the conical posts, the conical cup being adapted to be mounted to a lower beam or an upper beam of a base or top plate respectively.

[0145] Preferably, a plurality of plugs and receptacles are arranged in pairs, wherein adjacent said pairs are substantially equidistantly spaced longitudinally along said wall and top or bottom panel.

[0146] Preferably, the container further comprises:

[0147] one or more wedge members mounted to either or both of the top or bottom panels opposite the hinged connection of the top or bottom panels to the respective side walls;

[0148] One or more receivers adapted to be mounted to either of the opposing side walls, each of the receivers being positioned to align with a corresponding one of the wedge members, the wedge members being received within the aligned receivers for alignment of the top or bottom panel of the container with the associated wall when the foldable container is moved to the expanded configuration.

[0149] Preferably, the wedge members are mounted to the top and bottom plates, and the receivers are mounted to the upper and lower longitudinal beams of the respective opposing side walls.

[0150] Preferably, each of the receptacles is in the form of a groove oriented parallel to the upper or lower beam of the side wall with which it is associated, the groove being at least partially wedge-shaped and having a cross-sectional shape complementary to that of the corresponding wedge-shaped member.

[0151] In an eighth aspect, disclosed herein is a foldable intermodal container, the foldable intermodal container comprising a pair of opposing side walls, each side wall being hingedly connected to a top panel and a bottom panel, respectively, wherein the opposing walls remain parallel to each other when the foldable container is moved between an expanded configuration, in which the top panel and the bottom panel extend substantially perpendicularly between the side walls, and a folded configuration, in which the top panel and the bottom panel extend substantially parallel to the side walls, the container comprising a locking assembly for securing the top panel or the bottom panel in the expanded configuration, the locking assembly comprising:

[0152] a rotatable shaft having a drive head drivable by an actuator;

[0153] A locking member is moved by the shaft between a free position and a locked position, wherein in the locked position, the locking member engages the top plate or the bottom plate to resist movement of the top plate or the bottom plate in a vertical direction and thereby maintains the top plate or the bottom plate in the deployed configuration.

[0154] Preferably, the locking member includes a hook portion which, when the locking member is in the locked position, engages a recess in the top plate or the bottom plate to prevent the shaft from rotating beyond the locked position and resists movement of the top plate or the bottom plate in a direction parallel to the extension direction of the side wall and / or in a direction perpendicular to the side wall.

[0155] Preferably, the locking assembly is used to secure the top panel in the deployed configuration, and wherein the locking member includes a taper in the direction of movement of the locking member so that when the locking member moves from the free position to the locked position, the top panel is urged upwardly into the folded configuration.

[0156] Preferably, the tapered portion of the locking member is dimensioned such that the top panel is pushed upwardly in the deployed configuration to ensure that a sealing pressure is created between the top panel and the side wall.

[0157] In a ninth aspect, disclosed herein is a foldable intermodal container comprising a pair of opposing elongated side walls, each of which is hingedly connected to a top panel and a bottom panel, respectively, wherein an end frame is hingedly connected to one of the side walls to cover an opening created between the side walls, the top panel and the bottom panel, wherein the opposing walls remain parallel to each other when the foldable container is moved between an expanded configuration, in which the top panel and the bottom panel extend substantially perpendicularly between the side walls, and a folded configuration, in which the top panel and the bottom panel extend substantially parallel to the side walls, wherein the end frame is hingedly movable about one of the pair of opposing side walls between (i) a closed position extending perpendicularly to the pair of said walls and (ii) an open position extending parallel to the one of the walls and disposed on an outer surface of the one of the walls,

[0158] The container includes a locking assembly for securing the end frame to the outer surface of the side wall, the locking assembly comprising:

[0159] a rotatable shaft having a drive head drivable by an actuator;

[0160] A locking member is moved by the shaft between a free position and a locked position, wherein in the locked position the locking member engages the end frame to resist movement of the end frame relative to the side wall and thereby retains the end frame in the open position.

[0161] Preferably, the end frames include corner castings having screw-lock holes, and

[0162] The locking member includes a hook portion sized to hook into the twist lock hole and engage the inner surface of the corner casting to retain the end frame in the open position.

[0163] Preferably, the hook portion has a sufficient height so that an upper surface of the hook portion engages an inner surface of a top of the twist-lock hole so that sagging of the end frame is resisted by the hook portion.

[0164] Preferably, the locking assembly is housed in the side wall and wherein the locking member protrudes from the side wall in the locked position and is fully received within the side wall in the free position.

[0165] Preferably, the end frame comprises a corner casting having a front face, a back face, a side face and a vertical face, the corner casting comprising:

[0166] a first standard hole in the front face;

[0167] a second standard hole in the side;

[0168] a third standard hole in the vertical plane; and

[0169] The fourth hole in the back.

[0170] Preferably the corner casting has a length from front to back exceeding 185mm.

[0171] Preferably, the locking assembly is located in the side wall facing the extension direction of the side wall, and wherein the locking member includes a twist lock member, which is asymmetrical about the axis of the rotatable shaft and can move between a free position and a locked position, in which the twist lock member is able to move through the fourth hole and in the locked position, the twist lock member engages the inner surface of the corner casting when inserted into the corner casting through the fourth hole, for fixing the end frame in the closed position.

[0172] In a tenth aspect, disclosed herein is a foldable intermodal container, the foldable intermodal container comprising a pair of opposing side walls, each side wall being hingedly connected to a roof and a floor, respectively, wherein the opposing walls remain parallel to each other when the foldable container is moved between an expanded configuration, in which the roof and the floor extend substantially perpendicularly between the side walls, and a folded configuration, in which the roof and the floor extend substantially parallel to the side walls, the container comprising a composite beam profile formed by:

[0173] A first beam portion having a first beam profile, the first beam profile comprising:

[0174] a first portion having a first height;

[0175] a second portion extending from the first portion and having a common base profile with the first portion and a second height that is lower than the first height, the second portion having a planar contact surface terminating in an upwardly extending lip;

[0176] a second beam portion having a second beam profile, the second beam profile comprising:

[0177] a first portion having a first height;

[0178] a second portion extending from the first portion and having a common top profile with the first portion and a second height that is lower than the first height, the second portion having a planar contact surface terminating in a downwardly extending lip;

[0179] a sealing member extending between the first beam and the second beam,

[0180] Wherein, when the first beam portion is arranged together with the second beam portion, the second portions engage such that the lip of each beam contacts the flat contact surface of the other beam.

[0181] Preferably, the contact surfaces are arranged such that when the first beam portion is arranged together with the second beam portion and a vertical load is applied to the composite beam, engagement of the lips urges the beams towards each other, exerting a compressive force on the sealing member between the beams.

[0182] Preferably, the sealing material comprises a seal located between a first portion of one of the beams and a second portion of the other beam.

[0183] Preferably, the first beam and / or the second portion of the second beam comprises a reinforcement member such that a vertical load applied to the composite beam forms a load path through the reinforcement member.

[0184] Preferably, the reinforcement member is U-shaped. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0185] A preferred embodiment of a collapsible intermodal container will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0186] Figure 1A is an isometric view of a foldable intermodal container of a preferred embodiment of the first to fourth aspects of the present invention shown in an expanded configuration;

[0187] Figure 1B and Figure 1C is an isometric view and a detailed view of the preferred embodiment of the foldable intermodal container of FIG. 1 , showing the foldable intermodal container in an inverted position for purposes of clarity;

[0188] Figure 2A is an isometric view of a foldable intermodal container of a preferred embodiment of the fifth to eighth aspects of the present invention, as shown in its deployed configuration;

[0189] Figure 2B and Figure 2C It is taken from Figure 2AIsometric and detailed views of the floor frame framework of the skeleton structure assembly of the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0190] Figure 3 is an isometric view of the preferred embodiment of the foldable intermodal container of FIG. 1 shown in a partially folded configuration;

[0191] Figure 4A is an isometric view of the preferred embodiment of the foldable intermodal container of FIG. 1 shown in a folded configuration;

[0192] Figure 4B and Figure 4C Shown in inverted position Figure 4A Isometric and detailed views of a preferred embodiment of a foldable intermodal container;

[0193] FIG. 5A to FIG. 5C 1, 2 and 3 are shown in the corresponding unfolded configuration, partially folded configuration and folded configuration. Figure 3 and an isometric and detailed view of a pair of roof hinges of a preferred embodiment of a foldable intermodal container of FIG. 4 ;

[0194] FIG. 5D to FIG. 5F are isometric and detailed views of an alternative roof hinge suitable for use with the preferred embodiment of the foldable intermodal container of FIGS. 1 to 4 ;

[0195] FIG. 6A to FIG. 6C 1, 2 and 3 are shown in the corresponding unfolded configuration, partially folded configuration and folded configuration. Figure 3 and FIG. 4 isometric and detailed views of a floor hinge of a foldable intermodal container of a preferred embodiment;

[0196] FIG. 6D to FIG. 6F are isometric and detailed views of an alternative floor hinge suitable for use with the preferred embodiment of the foldable intermodal container of FIGS. 1 to 4 ;

[0197] Fig. 7A and Figure 7B isometric and detailed views of a carriage and track subassembly of a preferred embodiment of a ninth aspect of the present invention of a foldable intermodal container taken from FIGS. 1 to 4 shown in an expanded configuration and a folded configuration;

[0198] FIG. 8A to FIG. 8C isometric and detailed views of a carriage and track subassembly of a preferred embodiment of the tenth aspect of the present invention of a foldable intermodal container taken from FIGS. 1 to 4 shown in an expanded configuration, a partially folded configuration, and a folded configuration;

[0199] 9A to 9C yes Figure 5A and Fig. 6ACross-sectional and detailed views of the top and bottom hinges of a foldable intermodal container shown in its unfolded configuration;

[0200] FIG. 10A to FIG. 10D are cross-sectional, detailed and isometric views of the carriage and track assembly of the ninth and tenth aspects of the present invention, wherein the foldable intermodal container is in its deployed configuration;

[0201] FIG. 11A to FIG. 11D It is taken from Figure 1. Figure 3 and a top cross-sectional view, a front view and a detailed view of one of the side walls of a foldable intermodal container of a preferred embodiment of FIG. 4 , depicting a portion of a bracket and track subassembly of the ninth and tenth aspects of the present invention;

[0202] Fig. 12A and Fig. 12B It is taken from Figure 1. Figure 3 and a cross-sectional view and an enlarged view of a portion of the bracket and track subassembly of the side wall of FIG. 11 of the preferred embodiment of the foldable intermodal container of FIG. 4 ;

[0203] Fig.13A and Fig. 13B isometric and detailed views of the rail members of the bracket and rail assembly or subassembly of the foldable container of the ninth and tenth aspects of the present invention;

[0204] Fig.14 FIG1 is a diagram showing an expanded structure. Figure 3 and an isometric view of the preferred embodiment of the foldable intermodal container of FIG. 4 with the associated end frames in their open positions;

[0205] Fig.15A and Fig. 15B It is taken from Fig.14 Detailed isometric and cross-sectional views of an end frame locking assembly of a preferred embodiment of the thirteenth aspect of the present invention for a foldable intermodal container;

[0206] FIG. 16A to FIG. 16C is in its expanded configuration Fig.14 an isometric view and a detailed view of a preferred embodiment of a foldable intermodal container of the present invention together with a preferred embodiment of a front frame and door assembly of the present invention of the twelfth aspect, wherein the door thereof is shown closed and one of the doors thereof is partially open;

[0207] Fig.17A and Fig. 17B Detailed isometric and cross-sectional views of the retractable pin subassembly of the end frame locking assembly of FIG. 15 , which is a preferred embodiment of the thirteenth aspect of the present invention;

[0208] 18A to 18Dare various isometric and cross-sectional views of a retractable pin assembly of the end frame locking assembly of FIG. 15 shown removed from an end frame of a collapsible intermodal container;

[0209] Fig.19 18 is an exploded view of the retractable pin subassembly of the preferred embodiment end frame locking assembly shown in FIG.

[0210] Fig. 20A and Fig. 20B are detailed isometric and cross-sectional views of a receiver subassembly of an end frame locking assembly associated with one of the side walls of the foldable container of FIG. 15 ;

[0211] Fig.21A and Fig.21B is shown removed from the associated side wall of a foldable intermodal container Fig. 20A and Fig. 20B isometric and cross-sectional views of a receiver subassembly;

[0212] FIG. 22A to FIG. 22E are isometric, exploded and cross-sectional views of a receiver subassembly of the preferred embodiment end frame locking assembly of FIG. 21 and an alternative embodiment of the receiver subassembly;

[0213] FIG. 23A to FIG. 23C is a cross-sectional view of an end frame in its closed position relative to an associated foldable intermodal container in an expanded configuration, the foldable intermodal container constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment and comprising (i) an end frame to top or bottom panel locking assembly of the fourteenth aspect of the present invention, (ii) an end frame to sidewall locking assembly of the fifteenth aspect of the present invention, and (iii) a combination locking assembly of the sixteenth aspect of the present invention;

[0214] FIG. 24A to FIG. 24C is a cross-sectional view of a roof / floor panel to end frame stud and receiver assembly of a seventeenth aspect of the present invention associated with a roof / floor panel and end frame of a preferred embodiment foldable intermodal container shown in an expanded configuration with the end frame in a closed position;

[0215] FIG. 25A to FIG. 25D is a cross-sectional view of a roof / floor panel to end frame stud and receiver assembly of a seventeenth aspect of the present invention associated with a roof / floor panel and end frame of a preferred embodiment foldable container shown in a folded configuration, wherein the end frame is in a closed position to cooperate with a stud sub-assembly of another foldable container in a folded configuration;

[0216] Fig.26is an isometric view of a receiver subassembly of a preferred embodiment of the combination locking assembly of the sixteenth aspect of the present invention shown removed from an associated end frame of the foldable intermodal container of FIG. 23 ;

[0217] FIG. 27A to FIG. 27G are isometric, cross-sectional, exploded and other views of the receiver subassembly of FIG. 25 together with the first and second subassemblies of the combined locking assembly and an alternative embodiment of the receiver assembly of the seventeenth aspect of the present invention;

[0218] FIG. 28A to FIG. 28F is a detailed isometric, front and cross-sectional view of a combination lock assembly of a preferred embodiment of a sixteenth aspect of the present invention showing a pull stud releasably engaged by a corresponding locking member;

[0219] FIG. 29A to FIG. 29C is an isometric view of a locking member and a receiver member removed from a receiver subassembly of the combination lock assembly of the sixteenth aspect of the present invention;

[0220] Fig. 30A and Fig. 30B is a cross-sectional view of a first or second locking and receiver member removed from a receiver subassembly of a combination lock assembly of the sixteenth aspect of the invention, the locking member being shown in an engaged position and a disengaged position relative to a corresponding pull stud of the subassembly;

[0221] FIG. 31A to FIG. 31C are transverse and longitudinal cross-sectional views of a combination lock assembly of a preferred embodiment of the sixteenth aspect of the present invention, sequentially depicting the insertion of a pull stud into a corresponding receiver subassembly;

[0222] FIG. 32A to FIG. 32C are transverse and longitudinal cross-sectional views of a combination locking assembly of a preferred embodiment of the sixteenth aspect of the present invention, sequentially illustrating the release of a pull stud from a corresponding receiver subassembly;

[0223] Fig.33 It is taken from Fig.23A and Fig.24A an isometric view of a roof / floor panel to end frame stud and receiver assembly of a seventeenth aspect of the invention of a foldable intermodal container, wherein the stud subassembly and receiver subassembly are removed from the associated roof / floor panel and end frame, respectively;

[0224] Fig.34 yes Fig.33 An exploded view of the top / bottom plate to end frame stud and receiver assembly of the preferred embodiment shown;

[0225] FIG. 35A to FIG. 35F yes Fig.33 and Fig.34Isometric, front and cross-sectional views of a top plate / bottom plate to end frame stud and receiver assembly of a preferred embodiment of the seventeenth aspect of the present invention;

[0226] FIG. 36A to FIG. 36C are isometric and cross-sectional views of the receiver subassembly of the top / bottom plate to end frame stud and receiver assembly of the preferred embodiment taken from FIG. 35 ;

[0227] Fig.37 is a front view of a preferred embodiment of a foldable intermodal container depicting the position of the wall-to-bottom panel and wall-to-top panel locking assemblies of the eighteenth aspect of the present invention;

[0228] FIG. 38A to FIG. 38F It is taken from Fig.37 Detailed and cross-sectional views of preferred embodiment wall-to-floor and wall-to-roof panel locking assemblies of a foldable container and alternative embodiments of said locking assemblies;

[0229] FIG. 39A to FIG. 39D is an isometric view and a cross-sectional view of a wall to floor or roof locking assembly of a preferred embodiment of an eighteenth aspect of the present invention, the wall to floor or roof locking assembly being shown removed from a floor or roof of a foldable intermodal container;

[0230] Fig.40A and Fig.40B is an exploded view of an alternative embodiment of a wall to base or top panel locking assembly of the eighteenth aspect of the present invention;

[0231] Fig.41A and Fig.41B is an isometric view and a detailed view of the floor of the preferred embodiment foldable intermodal container, depicting the location of the receiver subassembly of the associated wall to floor locking assembly of the preferred embodiment of the eighteenth aspect of the present invention;

[0232] FIG. 42A to FIG. 42C are isometric, elevational and cross-sectional views of a receiver subassembly of the wall-to-floor locking assembly of FIG. 41 , the receiver subassembly being shown removed from the associated floor;

[0233] Fig.43A and Fig.43B isometric and detailed views of a preferred embodiment roof panel of a foldable container and associated receiving subassemblies of a preferred embodiment wall to roof panel locking assembly of an eighteenth aspect of the present invention;

[0234] FIG. 44A to FIG. 44C are isometric, elevational and cross-sectional views of the receiver subassembly of FIG. 43 , depicted removed from an associated top plate;

[0235] FIG. 45A to FIG. 45Dis an isometric and enlarged view of a preferred embodiment sidewall to floor / roof panel plug and receiver assembly of a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, the plug and receiver assembly being associated with a preferred embodiment foldable intermodal container;

[0236] FIG. 46A to FIG. 46C isometric, cross-sectional and detailed views of a plurality of plugs of the sidewall to base panel plug and receiver assembly of the preferred embodiment of FIG. 45 of the nineteenth aspect of the present invention;

[0237] FIG. 47A to FIG. 47C is an isometric view and an enlarged view of a plurality of plugs of the sidewall to ceiling plug and receiver assembly of the preferred embodiment of FIG. 45 of the nineteenth aspect of the present invention;

[0238] FIG. 48A to FIG. 48C isometric, cross-sectional and detailed views of a plurality of receivers of a sidewall to base panel plug and receiver assembly of the preferred embodiment of FIG. 45 of the nineteenth aspect of the present invention;

[0239] FIG. 49A to FIG. 49F Detailed, isometric and cross-sectional views of a preferred embodiment of the sidewall to roof / floor wedge and receiver assembly of the twentieth aspect of the present invention, the wedge and receiver assembly being associated with a preferred embodiment of a foldable intermodal container. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0240] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, there is a foldable intermodal container 10 and associated subassemblies of a preferred embodiment of the first to fourth aspects of the present invention. The foldable intermodal container 10 can be Figure 1A / Figure 1B and Figure 2A The expansion structure and Figure 4A / Figure 4B Configured between the folding structures. Figure 3 The foldable intermodal container 10 is depicted in an intermediate or partially folded configuration. It should be understood that for ease of viewing, the foldable intermodal container 10 is shown in FIG. Figure 1A / Figure 1B , Figure 3 and Figure 4A / Figure 4B Shown as partially wrapped. Figure 2A and Figure 2B The skeleton structural components of a collapsible intermodal container of a preferred embodiment of the fifth aspect of the invention and the top, wall and floor frame structures of preferred embodiments of the sixth, seventh and eighth aspects of the invention are depicted.

[0241] The foldable intermodal container of various aspects of the present invention generally comprises a pair of opposing side walls each hingedly connected to a respective top panel and bottom panel, wherein the walls remain substantially parallel to one another when the foldable container is moved between an expanded configuration and a folded configuration.

[0242] The foldable intermodal container 10 of the preferred embodiment generally comprises:

[0243] Opposing first and second elongated side walls 12, 14, each having opposing lower and upper sides 12a / b and 14a / b, respectively;

[0244] an elongated bottom panel 16 having opposite sides 16a / b, one side of which is hingedly connected to the lower side 12a of the opposite side of the first side wall 12;

[0245] an elongated top panel 18 having opposing sides 18a / b, one side of which is hingedly connected to an upper side 14b of an opposing side of the second side wall 14;

[0246] a first wall frame 20 and a second wall frame 22 associated with the first wall 12 and the second wall 14, respectively;

[0247] Associated with the top panel 18 is a top panel skeleton frame 24 .

[0248] In the first aspect of the invention, each of the wall frame frames 20 and 22 includes a wall perimeter frame 26 and 28 and a plurality of longitudinally spaced and transversely oriented wall members 20a to 20n and 22a to 22n. Each of the wall members, such as 20a, is connected at opposite ends to respective opposite sides of the perimeter frame, such as 26. The wall members, such as 20a to 20n, are arranged in pairs of said wall members, such as 20a / b, wherein the spacing of adjacent pairs 20a / b and 20c / d is equal compared to adjacent adjacent pairs of wall members 20c / d and 20e / f.

[0249] The roof frame frame 24 includes a roof perimeter frame 30 and a plurality of longitudinally spaced and transversely oriented roof beams 24a to 24g. In this embodiment, the roof beams 24a to 24g are equally spaced and substantially aligned with corresponding wall members of a plurality of pairs of opposing wall members 20a / b to 20m / n and 22a / b to 22m / n. The wall frame frames 20 / 22 and the roof frame frame 24 are arranged together to cooperate with each other for strengthening the foldable intermodal container 10. In this embodiment, the aligned roof beams (such as 24a) and the opposing pairs of wall members 20a / b form one of a plurality of longitudinally spaced ring frames, such as 32a, which are designed to enhance the structural rigidity of the foldable intermodal container 10. Importantly, the roof frame 24 and the wall frames 20 / 22 provide reinforcement of the foldable intermodal container 10, which is configured to move between an expanded configuration and a folded configuration under the action of a folding actuator. The wall frame 20 / 22 and roof frame 24 also provide reinforcement of the container 10 in any intermediate configurations between the deployed configuration and the collapsed configuration.

[0250] The foldable intermodal container 10 of this embodiment is in the deployed configuration of Figures 1 and 2, arranged with the opposing pair of walls 12 and 14 disposed parallel to and spaced apart from each other, with the bottom panel 16 extending between the opposing lower sides 16a / b of the separated first and second walls 12 and 14. In the deployed configuration, the top panel 18 extends between the opposing upper sides 12b and 14b of the separated walls 12 and 14. In the folded configuration of Figure 4, the foldable intermodal container 10 is arranged with the opposing pair of walls 12 and 14 together with the bottom panel 16 and the top panel 18 substantially parallel to and adjacent to each other.

[0251] like FIG. 2A to FIG. 2C As shown in , according to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is a floor structure subassembly 25 of the foldable intermodal container 10 of the aforementioned embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention. In this embodiment, the floor structure subassembly 25 generally comprises:

[0252] One or more floor panels, such as 39a and 39b associated with floor 16 (see Figure 1A and Figure 3 );

[0253] The floor perimeter frame 51 is elongated and adapted to be connected to the floor panels 39a / b;

[0254] a plurality of longitudinally spaced and transversely oriented floor beams, such as 53a and 53b, each of said transverse beams 53a / b being connected at opposite ends to respective opposing longitudinal beams 55a and 55b of the floor perimeter frame 51;

[0255] A pair of support beams 57a and 57b, connected at opposite ends to the respective opposing longitudinal beams 55a and 55b, are disposed parallel to the transverse floor beams 53a / b and are longitudinally spaced a predetermined distance apart.

[0256] In this embodiment, the predetermined distance or spacing of the pair of support beams 57a / b is substantially equal to the spacing between a pair of parallel conveyors associated with a container handling system (not shown) along which the foldable container 10 moves. Applicant's co-pending Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2022901341 describes and illustrates a container handling system suitable for this purpose. It will be appreciated that the support beams 57a / b of the floor 16 of the foldable container 10 in the unfolded configuration are aligned with respective ones of the pair of parallel conveyors of the container handling system. In this example, the support beams 57a / b are located beside and adjacent to respective transverse beams 53a / b.

[0257] like Figure 1B and Figure 1C As best shown in FIG. 1 , the opposing longitudinal beams 55a / b of the floor perimeter frame 51 each include a plate recess, such as 59aa, on the underside thereof. The plate recess 59aa is adapted to receive a transition plate, such as 61aa, connected to the lower portion of one of the opposing longitudinal beams 65 of the perimeter frame 26 of the corresponding opposing side wall 14. The transition plate, such as 61aa, is arranged to bridge the longitudinal beams 55a of the floor perimeter frame 51 and the corresponding lower longitudinal beams 65 of the wall perimeter frame 26 in the deployed configuration of the foldable container 10. This arrangement enables the foldable container 10 to move relatively smoothly on a pair of parallel conveyors of a container handling system.

[0258] like Figure 4B and Figure 4C As best shown, the panel recesses (such as 59aa / ba) of the opposing longitudinal beams 55a / b of the floor perimeter frame 51 are longitudinally offset from one another. Similarly, the corresponding transition panels 61aa / ba are longitudinally offset from one another so that the transition panels 61aa / ba can be received within the panel recesses 59aa / ba during movement of the foldable container 10 to the folded configuration. It should be appreciated that the transition panels 61aa / ba thus bridge the lower longitudinal beams 63 / 65 of the side walls 14 / 16 of the foldable container 10 in the folded configuration. This arrangement enables relatively smooth movement of the container 10 in the folded configuration along a pair of parallel conveyors of the container handling system.

[0259] like FIG. 5A to FIG. 5CAs shown, the foldable intermodal container 10 includes a plurality of roof hinges in the form of a pair of hinges 34ea and 34eb connected to one side 18b of the opposite sides of the roof 18 and an upper side 14b of the opposite sides of the second wall 14 to allow for hinged connection between the roof 18 and the second wall 14. FIG. 6A to FIG. 6C As shown, the foldable intermodal container 10 also includes a plurality of floor hinges, such as 361, connected to one side 16a of the opposite sides of the floor 16 and the lower side 12a of the opposite sides of the first wall 12 to allow for articulation between the floor 16 and the first wall 12. In this embodiment, a pair of top floor hinges (such as 34ea / eb) are located on either side of the corresponding top floor beam 24e and the corresponding pair of wall members 22i / j, and are therefore substantially aligned with the corresponding ring frame 32e. Similarly, a floor hinge (such as 361) is mounted beside one of the pair of corresponding wall members 20m / n, and is therefore aligned with the corresponding ring frame 32g. FIG. 5D to FIG. 5F as well as FIG. 6D to FIG. 6F An alternative embodiment of the top and bottom plate hinges is shown. This variation of the hinge has substantially the same structure and operation as the previous embodiment, and therefore corresponding parts are indicated by the same reference numerals. In this alternative embodiment, the hinges are of a more robust construction, with their hinge members and associated hinge brackets having an increased thickness or gauge of between about 40 mm and 80 mm.

[0260] like Fig. 7A and Figure 7B According to a ninth aspect of the invention, a bracket and track subassembly 37 of a foldable intermodal container 10 taken from a previous embodiment of the invention is depicted in this embodiment. The bracket and track subassembly 37 includes one of a plurality of longitudinally spaced first track members, such as 38e, adapted to be connected to a wall frame frame 20 associated with a first wall of an opposing pair of walls 12. In this embodiment, the first track member 38e is mounted between a corresponding pair of wall members 20i / j. The first track member 38e is configured to be operably engaged by one of a plurality of roof brackets, such as 40e. In this case, the roof bracket 40e is adapted to be connected to a roof frame frame 24 associated with a roof 18, whereby movement of the foldable container 10 between an expanded configuration and a folded configuration is accompanied by sliding movement of the roof bracket 40e relative to the corresponding first track member 38e.

[0261] like FIG. 8A to FIG. 8CAs shown, according to the tenth aspect of the present invention, in this embodiment, a bracket and track subassembly 41 of a foldable intermodal container 10 taken from the previous embodiment of the present invention is shown. The bracket and track subassembly 41 includes one of a plurality of second track members, such as 42g, which is adapted to be connected to the wall frame frame 22 associated with the second wall 14 and is installed between the corresponding pair of wall members 22m / n in this example. The second track member (such as 42g) is configured to be operably engaged by one of a plurality of floor brackets (such as 44g) adapted to be connected to the floor frame frame 43 of the floor 16, whereby the movement of the foldable container 10 between the deployed configuration and the folded configuration is accompanied by the sliding movement of the floor bracket 44g relative to the corresponding second track member 42g.

[0262] It should be appreciated that the location of the roof panel brackets (such as 40e) and the floor panel brackets (such as 44g) and the associated first and second track members 38e and 42g between the corresponding pair of first and second wall members 20i / j and 22i / j provides additional rigidity to the foldable intermodal container 10. The first and second track members (such as 38e and 42g) are aligned with the corresponding roof panel beams (such as 24e and 24g) to provide reinforced ring frames 32e and 32g. Similarly, the location of the roof panel hinges (such as 34ea / eb) and the floor panel hinges (such as 361) substantially aligned with the corresponding ring frames 32g and 32e increases the structural rigidity of the foldable intermodal container 10, particularly during its movement between the deployed configuration and the folded configuration. In this embodiment, hinges (such as 361 and 34ea / eb) and top and bottom panel brackets (such as 40e and 44g) along with their corresponding first and second track members 38e and 42g cooperate with the first and second wall frames 20 and 22 for reinforcement of the foldable intermodal container 10. More specifically, it should be understood that positioning the track members (such as 42g) between the wall members 22m / n allows forces to be transferred from the hinges (such as 361) across a relatively short load path, carrying the load of the top panel 18 or bottom panel 16 to the wall members (such as 22m). This relatively short load path means less torque, which translates into less torsional deformation. Less deformation (torsion or otherwise) leads to improved reliability, where, for example, there is a reduced likelihood of sticking during movement of the top or bottom panel brackets in the corresponding track members.

[0263] In an eleventh aspect of the present invention, a bracket and track assembly is provided, such as a bracket 40e associated with the top panel 18, and a first track member 38e associated with the first wall 12, see e.g. Fig. 7A and Figure 7BThe bracket and track assembly may also include a bracket (such as 44g) associated with the bottom panel 16, and a second track member 42g associated with the second wall 14. In a preferred embodiment of this aspect of the invention, the first track member or the second track member (such as 38e or 42g) is one of a plurality of longitudinally spaced track members adapted to be mounted in a transverse orientation to a wall frame frame 20 / 22 associated with the respective first wall 12 or second wall 14 of the associated foldable container 10. The top or bottom panel bracket (such as 40e or 44g) is configured to operably engage one of the plurality of track members (such as 38e or 42g) for sliding movement during movement of the foldable container 10 between its deployed configuration and its folded configuration.

[0264] Returning to the first aspect of the present invention, the foldable intermodal container 10 of the preferred embodiment also includes a roof hinge assembly, such as 34ea and 34eb, which is connected to the roof 18 and the second wall 14 for articulated movement. The foldable container 10 of this embodiment also includes a floor hinge, such as 36l, connected to the floor 16 and the first wall 12 for articulated movement. The extreme end of the track member 42a is associated with a single roof hinge 34a, which provides structural rigidity during the movement of the foldable intermodal container 10 between its unfolded configuration and folded configuration. Similarly, the middle portion of the track member 42e is associated with a corresponding pair of roof hinge members 34ea and 34eb. It should be understood that positioning the hinge (such as 36l) next to the wall member (such as 22m) allows the force to be transmitted from the hinge 36l across a relatively short load path, carrying the load of the roof 18 or the floor 16 to the wall member 22m. This relatively short load path means reduced torque, which translates into reduced torsional deformation.

[0265] Fig. 9A and Fig. 9B Shown is taken from Figure 5ADetailed view of a pair of top panel hinges 34ea and 34eb in an enlarged view of a foldable intermodal container 10 in an unfolded configuration. Each top panel hinge, such as 34ea, includes a hinge member 50ea having one mounting end 52ea arranged to be rigidly connected to the top panel 18 and an opposite pivot end 54ea configured to be pivotally coupled to a hinge pin 56ea mounted to the second wall 14. The hinge member 50ea has a first extension including a mounting end 52ea for connecting to the top panel 18 and a second extension including a pivot end 54ea hingedly coupled to the hinge pin 56ea. The first extension and the second extension are formed perpendicular to each other to provide eccentric movement of the top panel 18 relative to the second side wall 14. In this example, the top panel hinge 34ea includes a hinge bracket 58ea mounted to one of the multiple pairs of wall members 22i, and the hinge pin 56ea is connected between the hinge bracket 58ea and the corresponding wall member 22i. The top panel hinge 34ea is therefore arranged for pivotal movement about an axis defined by the hinge pin 56ea, which axis is substantially parallel to the second wall 14 and the top panel 18.

[0266] Fig. 9C It is taken from Fig. 6A Detailed illustration of a floor hinge 361 of an enlarged view of a foldable intermodal container 10 in an expanded configuration. The floor hinge 361 of this example is substantially the same as the top hinge (such as 34ea) of the preferred embodiment. The floor hinge 36 includes a hinge member 501 having one mounting end 521 arranged to be rigidly connected to the floor 16 and an opposite pivot end 541 configured to be pivotally coupled to a hinge pin 561 mounted to the first wall 12. In this example, the floor hinge 361 includes a hinge bracket 581 mounted to one of a pair of wall members 20m of the first wall 12, and the hinge pin 561 is connected between the hinge bracket 581 and the corresponding wall member 20m for pivotal movement of the hinge member 501. The hinge member 501 thus pivots about an axis defined by the hinge pin 561, which is substantially parallel to the first wall 12 and the floor 16.

[0267] From Figure 4, Figure 5C , Figure 6C and Figure 8CIt should be understood that each of the top panel hinges and bottom panel hinges (such as 34ea and 361) is shaped so that the hinge of the top panel 18 about the second wall 14 provides eccentric movement of the top panel 18 relative to the second wall 14, and similarly, the hinge of the bottom panel 16 about the first wall 12 provides eccentric movement of the bottom panel 16 relative to the first wall 12. The hinge pin 56ea or 56b is separated from the upper side or lower side of the corresponding wall 14 or 12 by a distance, thereby enabling eccentric movement of the top panel 18 or the bottom panel 16. This eccentric movement of the top panel 18 and the bottom panel 16 means that when the foldable container 10 is moved toward the folded configuration:

[0268] The bottom plate 16 is located in the space formed between the top plate 18 and the second wall 14 (see Figure 5C and Figure 8C );

[0269] The top plate 18 is located in the space formed between the bottom plate 16 and the first wall 12 (see FIG. Figure 6C and Figure 7B ).

[0270] Returning to FIG. 9 , the mounting end (such as 52ea) of the top panel hinge 34ea is removably mounted to the top panel 18, and the mounting end 52l of the bottom panel hinge 50l is removably mounted to the bottom panel 16. More specifically, the top panel hinge mounting fastener (such as 60ea) is screwed to the perimeter frame 30 of the top panel 18, and likewise, the top panel hinge mounting fastener (such as 60l) is screwed to the side rail 62 of the bottom panel 16. Each hinge pin (such as 56eb) of the top panel hinge 34eb is retractably mounted to the associated hinge bracket 58eb via a fastening plate (such as 64eb). Therefore, each of the bottom panel hinge or the top panel hinge (such as 34eb) can be relatively easily removed and replaced by removing the corresponding hinge mounting fastener (such as 60eb) and the corresponding hinge pin 56eb and the associated fastening plate 64eb.

[0271] like FIG. 10A to FIG. 10C shown, taken from Fig. 7A and Fig. 8A Each of the plurality of top and bottom plate brackets 40e and 44g of the enlarged view of FIG. 4 includes a slidable car 70e and 74g that is configured to slide along the corresponding first track member 38e and second track member 42g. Fig. 10CAs shown, the top plate bracket and the bottom plate bracket (such as 40e and 44g) have substantially the same structure. Each bracket (such as 40) includes a bracket mounting bracket 76 for rigidly connecting to the top plate 18 or the bottom plate 16, and a connecting arm 78 pivotally connected to the mounting bracket 76 and the slidable car 70 at its opposite ends. The slidable car 70 has a plurality of rollers 80a to 80d or four rollers 80a to 80d in this example, which are configured to slide or roll along the corresponding first track member or second track member (such as 38e or 42g). The rollers 80a to 80d are staggered and not completely aligned, wherein the two (2) end rollers 80a and 80d are substantially aligned with each other, and the two (2) intermediate rollers 80b and 80c are offset from the end rollers 80a / d but substantially aligned with each other. This configuration of rollers 80a to 80d ensures rolling contact of at least one roller (such as 80a or 80d) with one side of a track member (such as 42g), and rolling contact of another roller (such as 80b or 80c) with the opposite side of the track member 42g. This arrangement of rollers 80a to 80d also avoids simultaneous contact of any one roller (such as 80a) with the opposite side of the track member 42g, which would result in a reactionary rotational force on the roller 80a, thereby causing slippage with intermittent rolling.

[0272] As shown in Figures 11 and 12, the second track member (such as 42a and 42e) is located or nested between the associated wall members of multiple pairs of wall members 22a / b and 22i / j. In this example, the track member (such as 42a) is fillet welded to a corresponding pair of wall members 22a / b along its front and rear outwardly facing edges. The fillet weld between the wall member 22a / b and the rear outwardly facing edge of the track member 42a effectively strengthens the track member 42a along the opposite edge portions 47aa and 47ab of the track member 42a that define the narrow slot opening 49 of the C-shaped profile. These connections between the wall member (such as 22a / b) and the intermediate track member (such as 42a) effectively transmit shear forces between the track member 42a and the wall member 22a / b, typically during the folding or unfolding of the foldable container 10. The track member 42a can be butt welded to the wall member 22a / b at its top and bottom outwardly facing edges. The wall members, such as 22a / b and 22i / j, are square hollow sections (SHS) in this embodiment, each being fillet welded along their longitudinal outwardly facing edges to (a) a corresponding wall panel, such as the second wall panel 15 of the second wall 14, and (b) in the case of wall member 22a, a corner post 17 associated with the second wall 14. The SHS members 22a / b and 22i / j may also be butt welded to the corresponding wall panel 15 at their top and bottom outwardly facing edges.

[0273] Returning to Figure 10, each slidable car (such as 70) may include an upper and / or lower retaining plate (such as 82) whose shape is complementary to the inner profile of the corresponding first track member 38 or second track member 42. Four (4) rollers (such as 80) are rotatably mounted to the car body 86 of the slidable car 70. The car body 86 is elongated, has rollers (such as 80a) spaced equally in the longitudinal direction, and is mounted to rotate around an axis perpendicular to the first wall 12 or the second wall 14. In a manner similar to the top plate hinge 34 and the bottom plate hinge 36, the top plate bracket and the bottom plate bracket (such as 40e and 44g) can be relatively easily removed and replaced. For this purpose, the bracket mounting bracket (such as 76) is removably screwed to the top plate 18 via one or more bracket mounting fasteners (such as 88). The rollers 80a to 80d of this embodiment are removably secured to the slidable car 70 via nuts 81a which are connected to threaded pins 83a associated with the rollers 80a or more specifically their bearing arrangements. The nuts 81a are exposed on the inwardly facing side of the carriage 40, which means that they can be released from the threaded pins 83a for removal and replacement or repair of the associated rollers 80a.

[0274] As shown in FIG. 13 , the cross-section of the second track member (such as 42a) is generally C-shaped and is configured for the mooring retention of multiple rollers (such as 80). Therefore, the rollers (such as 80) cooperate with the corresponding second track member 42a to handle both axial loads and radial loads applied to the rollers (such as 80) during the movement of the foldable intermodal container 10 between its unfolded configuration and folded configuration. The C-profile track member 42a of this embodiment is made of an elongated and continuous plate 43, which is connected to a plurality of pairs of opposing channel section members, such as 45aa and 45ab, at opposite longitudinal edges. The channel section members 45aa / ab are formed by metal extrusion and / or machining in this example. The connection of the plate 43 to a pair of channel members 45aa / ab and the end-to-end connection of multiple channel section members (such as 45aa) are achieved by welding.

[0275] Fig.14 A preferred embodiment of a foldable intermodal container 10 is shown in its unfolded configuration with associated end frames 19 and 21 in their open positions. In a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the foldable container 10 includes end frame locking assemblies 90 and 91 associated with the end frames 19 and 21, respectively. In a preferred embodiment of this aspect, as shown in FIG. Fig.15A and Fig. 15B The illustrated end frame locking assemblies, such as 90, generally include:

[0276] a retractable pin subassembly 92 comprising a retractable pin 94, said subassembly 92 being adapted to be mounted to an end frame 19 of said foldable container 10;

[0277] A receiver subassembly 96, which is suitable for mounting to the side wall 12, includes a locking member 98, which is operably connected to a receiver member 100, and the receiver member is configured to receive the retractable pin 94 in the extended position when the end frame 19 is in the open position for releasable engagement through the locking member 98.

[0278] In this embodiment, the retractable pin 94 includes an engagement end 101 having a slot 102 for releasably engaging the retractable pin 98 in the extended position via the locking member 98 of the receiver subassembly 96, thereby retaining the end frame 19 in the open position. 18A to 18C As shown, the retractable pin subassembly 92 includes a pin biasing means in the form of a pair of pin springs 104a and 104b arranged to cooperate with radial projections 106a and 106b connected to the retractable pin 94. The pin springs 104a / b are arranged to bias the retractable pin 94 toward the Fig.15A and Fig. 15B The retractable pin 94 is retracted to a retracted position displaced from the extended position and disengaged from the locking member 98 of the receiver subassembly 96. The retractable pin 94 includes an actuating end 107 located at an end opposite to the engagement end 101, and the actuating end 107 is adapted to press the retractable pin 94 to shift from the retracted position toward the extended position against the force of the pin spring 104a / b. The retractable pin subassembly 92 includes a retractable pin housing 108, which is arranged to accommodate the pin spring 104a / b and the radial protrusion 106a / b of the retractable pin 94. The pin housing 108 has a pair of opposing openings 110 and 112 through which the corresponding engagement end 101 extends and the actuating end 107 is exposed. In this example, the retractable pin housing 108 is adapted to be mounted within the upper beam 23 of the end frame 19 of the foldable container 10, see Fig.15A and Fig. 15B .

[0279] As shown in FIGS. 20 to 22 , the end frame locking assembly 10 of this embodiment of the thirteenth aspect includes a receiver member in the form of a receiver housing 100 that houses a locking member 98 that cooperates with locking biasing means in the form of four (4) locking springs 110 a to 110 d. The locking springs (such as 110 a) urge the locking member 98 into an engaged position in which the locking member 98 releasably engages the retractable pin 94 in the extended position (see FIG. 110 ). Fig.15A and Fig. 15B). The locking member 98 includes a locking plate 112 having a latching element 114 for releasably engaging the slot 102 of the engagement end 101 of the retractable pin 94 in the extended position. It should be understood that the latching element 114 is maintained in the latched position by a locking spring (such as 110a) that urges the locking member 98 into the engaged position.

[0280] As best shown in FIGS. 21 and 22 , the locking member 98 also includes a locking actuator in the form of an actuator post 116 connected to the locking plate 112. The locking post 116 is arranged to cause the latch element 114 to be in the latched position, for displacing the locking member 98 and the associated latch element 114 against the force of a locking spring (such as 110a). Such displacement of the locking member 98 via the actuator post 116 effectively releases the retractable pin 94 to retract from its extended position. With the end frame 19 in the open position, it should be understood that the end frame locking assembly 90 is configured to latch alongside the associated side wall 12, wherein:

[0281] The latch element 114 is arranged to cooperate with the engagement end 101 of the retractable pin 94 which contacts the latch element 114 during displacement towards the extended position, thereby moving the latch element towards the unlocked position;

[0282] This movement of the latch element toward the unlatched position allows the retractable pin 94 to be further displaced to the extended position, whereupon the latch element 114 latches the slot 102 of the retractable pin 94 under the action of a locking spring, such as 110a.

[0283] In this example, the engagement end 101 of the retractable pin 94 is tapered for sliding contact with the inclined surface 118 of the latch element 114. During the displacement of the retractable pin 94 toward its extended position, this cooperative action between the retractable pin 94 and the latch element 114 causes the locking member 98 to move to the disengaged position against the force of the locking spring (such as 110a). This allows the retractable pin 94 to continue to displace before latching with the latch element 114 in the extended position of the retractable pin 94.

[0284] FIG. 22C to FIG. 22EAn alternative embodiment of the end frame locking assembly of the thirteenth aspect of the present invention is shown. This variation has substantially the same structure and operation as the previous embodiment, and corresponding parts are therefore indicated by the same reference numerals. In this alternative embodiment, the retractable pin subassembly 92 includes a pin biasing device in the form of a single spring 91, which is arranged to cooperate with an actuating element 93 connected to the opposite end of the retractable pin 94 away from the engagement end 101. The single spring 91 is arranged to retract the retractable pin 94 toward a retracted position displaced from the extended position and disengage the locking member 98 of the receiver subassembly 96. The actuating element 93 is in the form of an enlarged collar mounted to the retractable pin 94 and includes an actuating surface (not shown) adapted to press the retractable pin 94 against the force of the single spring 91 to displace from the retracted position toward the extended position. In this variation, the retractable pin housing 108 accommodates the single spring 91, which is otherwise mounted around the retractable pin 94. The housing 108 has a pair of opposing openings 110 and 112 through which the respective engagement ends of the retractable pin 94 extend and through which the actuation surface of the enlarged collar 93 is exposed. It will be appreciated that the retractable pin 94 of this modification includes a shoulder 95 at its engagement end that is arranged to abut the housing 108 and thereby limit the travel of the retractable pin 94 toward the retracted position under the action of the single spring 91.

[0285] like Fig.22D and Fig.22E As shown, the locking member 98 of the receiver subassembly 96 includes a locking bar 97 for releasably engaging the slot 102 of the retractable pin 94 in its extended position. The locking bar 97 is mounted within a reciprocating locking housing 99 of the locking member 98. The locking bar 97 is maintained in the latched position with the retractable pin 94 in its extended position under the action of a locking biasing means, which in this variation is in the form of a single locking spring 103. The locking spring 103 urges the locking housing 99 and the associated locking bar 97 of the locking member 98 into an engaged position.

[0286] like FIG. 16A to FIG. 16C As shown, according to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, an end frame and door assembly 67 associated with the foldable intermodal container 10 of the previous embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention is shown in this embodiment. The end frame and door assembly 67 generally includes:

[0287] an end frame 19 facing forward and extending perpendicularly to the pair of opposing side walls 12 / 14, the end frame 19 being configured to maintain the foldable container 10 in the deployed configuration;

[0288] a pair of doors 69a and 69b hingedly connected to respective opposite sides of the end frame 19, the doors 69a / b being movable from a closed position to an open position for providing access to the foldable container 10 in the deployed configuration,

[0289] A pair of stabilizing members 71a and 71b are connected to a respective pair of doors proximate the upper and lower corners of the pair of doors, the stabilizing members 71a / b being configured to engage anchoring members (such as 73) associated with the upper beam 75 of the end frame 19 when the doors 69a / b are in the closed position, thereby stabilizing the container 10 in its deployed configuration and under lateral loads.

[0290] In this embodiment, the pair of stabilizing members 71a / b and anchoring members 73 are duplicated at the lower adjacent corners of the door 69a / b and the lower beam 77 of the end frame 19. The stabilizing members (such as 71a / b) are each in the form of a hook or L-shaped member configured to hook either side of an associated anchoring member (such as 73) located in the center of the upper beam 75 of the end frame 19 when the door 69a / b is in the closed position. The anchoring members (such as 73) have a contour shape at least partially formed to complement the corresponding and contoured edge faces of the L-shaped members 71a / b. The doors 69a / b of this aspect are each hingedly connected to the end frame 19 via three (3) relatively deep door hinges (e.g., 79aa to 79ac). The door hinges 79aa to 79ac have a relatively sturdy structure designed to further improve the stability of the unfolded container 10 under lateral loads.

[0291] FIG. 23A to FIG. 23C Preferred embodiments of the end frame to top or bottom panel locking assembly of the fourteenth aspect of the invention, the end frame to side wall locking assembly of the fifteenth aspect of the invention, and the combination locking assembly of the sixteenth aspect of the invention are depicted. It should be understood that the combination locking assembly 120 is duplicated as 120a and 120b on opposite sides of the foldable container 10, and for simplicity, only one of the combination locking assemblies is referenced. It should also be understood that the combination locking assembly 120 includes the end frame to top / bottom panel and side wall locking assemblies of the fourteenth and fifteenth aspects of the invention.

[0292] Figure 26 to Figure 3 2 shows an embodiment of a combination lock assembly 120 of the sixteenth aspect of the invention, which is shown removed from an associated end frame (such as 19) and top / bottom panel 18 / 16 or side wall 12 / 14. The combination lock assembly 120 generally comprises:

[0293] A first stud subassembly in the form of a first pull stud 122a adapted to be mounted to the top plate 18;

[0294] a second stud subassembly in the form of a second pull stud 122b adapted to be mounted to one of the side walls 12 or 14;

[0295] A receiver subassembly 124 adapted to be mounted to the end frame 19, the receiver subassembly 124 comprising:

[0296] a first locking member 126a operably coupled to a first receiver member 128a arranged to receive the first pull stud 122a with the foldable container 10 in the deployed configuration and the end frame 19 in the closed position;

[0297] A second locking member 126b is operably coupled to a second receiver member 128b that is arranged to receive the second pull stud 122b.

[0298] In the closed position of the end frame 19, the first pull stud 122a is releasably engaged by the first locking member 126a, and the second pull stud 122b is releasably engaged by the second locking member 126b. This releasable engagement of the pull studs 122a / b via the locking members 126a / b effectively releasably locks the end frame 19 in the closed position, thereby maintaining the foldable container 10 in the deployed configuration.

[0299] It will be appreciated that the pull stud 122a is welded or otherwise secured to a front beam (such as 27) of the roof 18 of the foldable container 10 of this embodiment. Similarly, another pull stud 122b is adapted to be welded or otherwise secured to a front member (such as 29) of the side wall 14 of the foldable container 10. The pull stud 122a / b includes an engagement end having a groove 130a / b for releasably engaging a locking member 126a / b of a receiver subassembly 124. The receiver member 128a / b is in the form of a receiver housing configured to retractably receive the pull stud 122a / b. The locking member 126a / b is arranged to cooperate with a locking biasing device in the form of a locking spring 132a / b that urges the locking member 126a / b into an engaged position in which the locking member releasably engages the groove 138a / b of the pull stud 122a / b.

[0300] As best shown in FIGS. 28 to 30 , the locking member 126 is one of a pair of locking members in the form of a pair of locking posts 134aa and 134ab, which in this case are disposed on either side of the pull stud 122a when received in the receiver housing 128a. The locking posts 134aa / ab are arranged in an engaged position to latch with the groove 130a of the pull stud 122a. The locking posts 134aa / ab are arranged to slide relative to the receiver housing 128a in a reciprocating motion and are urged toward the engaged position of the locking member 126a under the action of the locking spring 132a. The locking posts 134aa / ab are operably coupled to a locking actuator 136a, wherein the locking spring 132a is located between the receiver housing 128a and the locking actuator 136, thereby urging the locking member 126a and its locking posts 134aa / ab into the engaged position via the locking actuator 136. In this example, a pair of locking posts 134aa / ab are secured to the locking actuator 136 via an associated pair of sliding locking shafts 138aa and 138ab. The sliding locking shafts 138aa / ab are received in a corresponding pair of shaft channels 140aa and 140ab formed in the receiver housing 128a, thereby enabling the locking posts 138aa / ab to move in a reciprocating motion.

[0301] 31 and 32 depict the movement of a pull stud (such as 122a) into and out of a corresponding receiver housing (such as 128a). FIG. 31A to FIG. 31C It will be appreciated that when the end frames are moved to their closed positions, reception of the pull studs 122a and 122b within the corresponding receiver housings 128a and 128b is achieved, wherein:

[0302] The engaging end of the pull stud (such as 130a) is tapered for sliding contact with the inclined surfaces 142aa and 142ab of each of the pair of locking posts 134aa and 134ab (see FIG. 29), such sliding contact during the movement of the pull stud 122a into the receiver housing 128a to achieve movement of the locking member 126a toward the disengaged position against the force of the locking spring 132, see FIG. Fig.31B ;

[0303] With the locking member 126a in the disengaged position, the pull stud 122a continues to move in a sliding motion into the receiver housing 128a, which is expected to engage with the locking member 126a in the engaged position to provide interlocking of the pull stud 122a and the receiver subassembly 124, see Fig.31C .

[0304] FIG. 32A to FIG. 32CThe retraction of the pull stud 122a / b from the receiver subassembly 124 is depicted, wherein the steps for insertion described in the previous paragraph are essentially reversed. The locking actuator 136 is depressed against the biasing force of a locking spring (such as 132), wherein the locking member 126a is released from the pull stud 122a, thereby enabling it to be retracted or withdrawn from the associated receiver housing 128a.

[0305] Returning to FIG. 27 , the combination locking assembly of this embodiment of the sixteenth aspect of the present invention further includes a receiver housing 144, which is configured to contain the first locking member 126a and the second locking member 126b and the corresponding receiver members 128a and 128b. In this example, the receiver housing 144 includes a central housing 146 having a front cover plate 148 and a rear cover plate 150. The central housing 146 includes an opening 152, which exposes an actuator button 154, which is arranged to interact with a locking actuator (such as 136) when pressed. This action realizes the movement of the first locking member 126a and the second locking member 126b toward the disengaged position against the force of the locking spring (such as 132), for the release of the first pull stud 122a and the second pull stud 122b from the first receiver member 128a and the second receiver member 128b. In this embodiment, the receiver housing 144 is suitable for installation in the upper beam or lower beam (such as 23) of the end frame 19 of the foldable container 10 (see FIG. 23 ).

[0306] FIG. 27B to FIG. 27G An alternative embodiment of an end frame to top or bottom plate locking assembly, an end frame to side wall locking assembly, and a combination locking assembly according to the respective fourteenth to sixteenth aspects of the present invention is depicted. The locking assembly of this variant is similar to the preferred embodiment in its basic structure and operation, and therefore corresponding components are indicated by the same reference numerals. The alternative pull studs 122a / b of this embodiment are unique to the lower left and lower right corners of the foldable container 10. It should be understood that in other embodiments, this alternative arrangement can be used for different corners of the container because the swing direction of the associated end frame should not be important. These lower pull studs 122a / b have a relatively short length and their grooves 130a / b have a relatively large diameter and width. It should be understood that the pull studs 122a / b cooperate and interlock with corresponding locking members 126a / b of the common receiver housing 146 of the front end frame 19. Fig.27D A corresponding housing 146' is shown for receiving a subassembly (such as 124a') from the rear frame 21 of the foldable container 10 of this embodiment, which is replicated from the front frame 19. This design variation is understood to improve the stability of the foldable container 10 in the deployed configuration under lateral loads. Figure 27GAs best shown in the figure, the first and second receiver members are integral with each other to form a receiver housing 146, and the locking actuator 136 is common to both the first and second locking members 126a / b. The receiver housing 146 includes an opening 152 that exposes the common locking actuator 136, which is arranged to be pressed via an external locking actuator to achieve movement of the locking members 126a / b. This movement of the locking members 126a towards the disengaged position against the force of the locking biasing means in the form of springs 132a / b achieves the release of the first and second pull studs 122a / b from the respective integral first and second receivers 146.

[0307] In this alternative embodiment, the locking member (such as 126a) includes a notch 127a, at least a portion of which is shaped to complement the corresponding profile of the groove 130a of the pull stud 122a. The locking member 126a is thus configured to be in an engaged position to latch within the groove 130a of the pull stud 122a. In this variation, a biasing device or spring 132a / b is located between the integral receiver housing 146 and the locking actuator 136, thereby urging the locking member 126a / b into the engaged position via the common locking actuator 136. It should be understood that the locking member 126a / b is secured to the locking actuator 136 via an associated pair of side locking shafts 129a and 129b, which are slidably received in a corresponding pair of shaft channels 131a and 131b formed in the receiver housing 46. This arrangement enables the locking member 126a / b to slide and move in a reciprocating action within the receiver housing 146.

[0308] FIG. 24A to FIG. 24C A roof / floor to end frame stud and receiver assembly, such as 160, of a seventeenth aspect of the present invention is shown. In this embodiment, the stud and receiver assembly 160 is associated with a roof / floor 18 / 16 and an end frame, such as 19, of a foldable intermodal container 10 in an expanded configuration, with the end frame 19 in a closed position. Figure 33 to Figure 3 6, the top / bottom plate to end frame stud and receiver assembly 160 of this embodiment generally includes:

[0309] a stud subassembly in the form of a pull stud 162 adapted to be mounted to the top plate 18 or the bottom plate 16;

[0310] A receiver subassembly 164 is adapted to be mounted to the end frame 19, the receiver subassembly 164 comprising one of a pair of receiver members 166a and 166b arranged so that the foldable container 10 is in an expanded configuration and the end frame 19 is in a closed position to receive the pull studs 162, thereby aligning the top panel 18 or the bottom panel 16 with the end frame 19.

[0311] In this embodiment of the seventeenth aspect of the invention, only one of the pair of receiver members 166a is utilized by the draw stud 162 when the container is in this configuration and the end frame 19 is in the closed position. It should be understood that the other of the pair of receiver members 166b is redundant in this configuration because a draw stud not mounted to the top plate 18 or the bottom plate 16 occupies the other receiver member 166b. In this example, the receiver subassembly 164 includes a receiver housing of similar construction to the embodiment of the thirteenth aspect, but without the actuator and its opening in the housing. For ease of reference, the same reference numerals are used for the receiver housing 144.

[0312] FIG. 25A to FIG. 25D The foregoing embodiment of the roof / floor to end frame stud and receiver assembly of the seventeenth aspect of the present invention is shown, but in a packed configuration of a foldable container 10A. In this packed configuration, Fig.25A It can be understood that the first foldable container 10A is in its folded configuration, wherein the end frames (such as 19A) are in a closed position, for containing and holding the second to fourth foldable containers 10B to 10D, which are arranged in the folded configuration, wherein their respective end frames 19b to 19d are in an open position. FIG. 25B to FIG. 25D As shown, a pair of receiver members (such as 166a and 166b) of a receiver subassembly 164 are utilized in association with the end frame 19a of the first foldable container 10a, wherein:

[0313] The draw studs of the bottom panel 16A of the first container are received in a first locking receiver associated with the end frame 19A of the first container 10A, and the draw studs of the top panel 18A of the first container 10A are received in a second locking receiver of the same receiver subassembly 124a (see FIG. Fig.25D );

[0314] The tie studs of the bottom panel 16B of the second container 10B are received within a first receiver member of another receiver subassembly 160a associated with the end frame 19A, and the tie studs of the top panel 18B of the second container are received within a second receiver member of the same receiver subassembly 160a;

[0315] A pair of tie studs of the respective bottom and top panels of the third container 10C are similarly received within first and second receiver members of another receiver subassembly 160b associated with the end frame 19A of the first container 10A (see Fig.25C );

[0316] A pair of pull studs of the respective bottom and top panels of the fourth container 10D are received within respective locking receiver members of yet another receiver subassembly 124b associated with the end frame of the first container 10A (see FIG. Fig.25B ).

[0317] It will be appreciated that the first container 10a in the packed configuration thus utilizes the roof / floor end frame studs and receiver assemblies of the seventeenth aspect of the invention to hold the second to fourth containers 10B to 10D in the collapsed configuration. It should be noted that this embodiment of the seventeenth aspect of the invention can be configured for packing different numbers of containers that rely on the end frames 19A of the first container 10A to lock one or more other containers at different widths. Thus, this aspect of the invention can be extended to packing containers at different ratios, wherein the first container 10A is used to pack one, two or three other containers in a collapsed or partially collapsed configuration.

[0318] Fig.37 44 shows a wall to floor or roof locking assembly for a preferred embodiment of a foldable intermodal container 10. In this fifteenth aspect of the invention, the wall to floor or roof locking assembly 170 is designed to hold the foldable container 10 in the deployed configuration. Fig.38A and Fig.38B As best shown in FIG. 1 , the locking assembly 170 of this example generally includes:

[0319] The retractable plunger subassembly 172 includes a retractable plunger subassembly adapted to be mounted to the Fig.38A The second wall 14 or Fig.38B a retractable plunger 174 of the first wall 12;

[0320] The receiver subassembly 176 or 178 is adapted to be mounted to the Fig.38A and Fig.38B 16 or top panel 18 of the foldable container, the receiver subassembly 176 or 178 includes a snap member 180 or 182 configured to receive the retractable plunger 174 in the extended position when the foldable container 10 is in the deployed configuration.

[0321] As best shown in FIGS. 39 and 40 , the retractable plunger subassembly 172 of this example includes a retractable plunger 174 configured to move between an extended position and a retracted position, and a locking member 184 arranged to cooperate with the plunger 174 to lock it in the extended position. This action releasably locks the bottom panel 16 or the top panel 18 relative to the corresponding wall of a pair of opposing walls 14 or 12, thereby maintaining the foldable container in the deployed configuration (see FIG. 1 ). Fig.37). The plunger subassembly 172 also includes a plunger housing 186 that houses the retractable plunger 174 and the cooperating locking member 184. The plunger housing 186 is adapted to be mounted at least partially within the lower beam of the second wall 14 or within the upper beam of the first wall 12. The plunger subassembly 172 also includes a plunger biasing device in the form of a pair of plunger springs 188a and 188b, which are mounted within the plunger housing 186 and are arranged to act on the retractable plunger 174 to urge it toward the retracted position.

[0322] As best shown in FIG. 40 , the retractable plunger 174 includes a pair of grooves 190a and 190b that are arranged in the extended position of the plunger 174 to be engaged by a corresponding pair of posts 192a and 192b of the locking member 184. The locking member 184 is urged into a locked configuration via a locking spring 188a / b to retain the plunger 174 in the extended position. The pair of posts 192a and 192b each include a notch 194a and 194b that is configured to allow sliding movement of the retractable plunger 174 from the retracted position to the extended position, and vice versa, when the locking member 184 is in the unlocked configuration. The notches 194a / b in the posts 192a / b guide the sliding movement of the plunger 174 between the posts 192a / b. Such sliding movement is only possible when the locking member 184 is moved to the unlocked position against the force of a locking spring (not shown), wherein sliding movement of the plunger 174 from its retracted position to the extended position is against the force of the plunger springs 188a / b.

[0323] The locking member 184 includes a locking actuator 195 connected to the pair of posts 192a / b and configured to be depressed to effect movement of the locking member 184 to the unlocked configuration. The locking actuator 195 is exposed via a locking actuator opening 196 in the plunger housing 186. Similarly, the retractable plunger 174 includes a plunger actuator 198 exposed via a plunger actuator opening 200 in the plunger housing 186. The plunger actuator 198 is depressed against the force of the plunger springs 188a / b for sliding movement of the plunger 174 from its retracted position to its extended position.

[0324] 41 to 44 illustrate the receiver subassembly 176 or 178 of the bottom plate 16 or top plate 18. In either case, the snap member 180 or 182 includes a snap cavity 202 or 204 (see FIG. 38 ) that is substantially complementary in shape to the engagement end of the retractable plunger 174. The snap cavity 102 or 104 is thus tapered or otherwise angled inwardly to aid in engagement with the plunger 174 when the plunger is locked in its extended position.

[0325] FIG. 38C to FIG. 38F and Fig.40BAn alternative embodiment of the wall to floor or roof locking assembly of the eighteenth aspect of the present invention of a foldable intermodal container taken from the previously described embodiments is depicted. The locking assembly is substantially identical in its structure and operation as compared to the preferred embodiment of that aspect, and corresponding components are therefore designated with the same reference numerals. The retractable plunger 174 of the retractable plunger subassembly 172 of this variant includes or is associated with a radial protrusion 175 that is configured to be releasably engaged by a locking member 185 in a locked configuration. The locking member 185 includes a frame member 187 having a flange 189 that is configured to releasably engage with the protrusion 175 of the plunger 174 to retain it in an extended position. The plunger subassembly 172 of this alternative embodiment includes a locking biasing device in the form of a pair of locking springs 191a and 191b, which is arranged to cooperate with the locking member 185 and its frame member 187 to push the locking member 185 into a locked configuration, thereby maintaining the plunger 174 in an extended position. The locking actuator 195 operably connected to the locking member 185 is pressed via an external locking actuator (not shown) to achieve movement of the locking member 185 to an unlocked configuration against the force of the locking springs 191a / b. This allows the plunger 174 to slide from its retracted position to the extended position against the force of the plunger biasing device or springs 188a and 188b. The plunger actuator 198 of the retractable plunger 174 is pressed via an external plunger actuator (not shown) for sliding movement of the plunger 174 from its retracted position to the extended position.

[0326] Figures 45 to 48 depict the side wall to floor / roof panel plug and receiver assembly of the nineteenth aspect of the present invention associated with the preferred embodiment of the foldable intermodal container 10. In this embodiment, the plug and receiver assembly 210 is designed to help align the roof 18 or floor 16 of the container with the associated side wall 12 or 14 when the foldable container 10 is in its unfolded configuration. It should be understood that maintenance of this alignment between the roof / floor and the associated side wall is important to facilitate movement of the end frames 19 and 21 to their closed positions. The plug and receiver assembly 210 of this embodiment generally includes:

[0327] a plurality of plugs, such as 222a to 222l, adapted to be mounted to the lower beam 31 of the second side wall 14;

[0328] A plurality of receivers 224a to 224l adapted to be mounted to the side beams 33 of the floor 16 (shown from below in FIG. 48), the receivers 224a to 224l being longitudinally spaced apart along the floor beams 33 in substantial alignment with the plurality of plugs 222a to 222l.

[0329] The function of the plug and receiver assembly (such as 210a) is that, with the foldable container 10 in the expanded configuration, each of the plurality of receivers (such as 224a to 224l) is arranged to receive a corresponding plug of the plurality of plugs 222a to 222l, thereby aligning the floor 16 with the associated side wall 14. It should be understood that the plurality of plugs (such as 222a) and mating receivers are repeated on the opposite beams of the floor 16 and the lower beam of the first wall 12.

[0330] As shown in Figure 47, multiple plugs 232a to 232l from another plug and receiver assembly 230 can be similarly incorporated into the top plate 18 and the associated upper beam 35 of either or both of the side walls 12 / 14. In this case, multiple plugs (such as 232a to 232l) and corresponding receivers (not shown) have the same structure as the previous embodiment of the nineteenth aspect of the present invention. In both cases, each of the multiple plugs 222 / 232 is in the form of a tapered column, and each of the matching receivers (such as 224) is in the form of a tapered cap. The tapered cap 224 includes a cavity 226, which is substantially complementary to the corresponding tapered column 222 / 232. In this embodiment, multiple plugs (such as 222a to 222l) and receivers 224a to 224l are arranged in pairs, dedicated to the corresponding track member (such as 42c) associated with the second wall 14. Thus, the plug and receiver assembly facilitates alignment of the track members (such as 42c and 42e) with their corresponding roof panel brackets (such as 40c and 40e) of the floor panel 16 when the foldable container 10 approaches and maintains its deployed configuration.

[0331] like FIG. 49A to FIG. 49F As shown, according to the twentieth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a side wall to top / bottom panel wedge and receiver assembly 101 for a preferred embodiment of a foldable intermodal container 10. In this embodiment, the wedge and receiver assemblies 201a and 201b are located at the lower right and upper left joints between the bottom panel 16 and the side wall 14 and between the top panel 18 and the other side wall 12, respectively. In this configuration, the side wall to top / bottom panel plug and receiver assemblies of the previous embodiments of this aspect are removed from the foldable container 10. In this embodiment, the foldable container 10 does not rely on any other plug / wedge and receiver assemblies to align at the hinged lower left and upper right joints between the bottom / top panel 16 / 18 and the corresponding wall.

[0332] The wedge and receiver assemblies 201a and 201b of this embodiment have substantially the same structure, and the wedge and receiver assemblies generally include:

[0333] one or more wedge-shaped members, such as 203a or 203b, adapted to be mounted to the respective bottom plate 16 or top plate 18, opposite the hinged connection of the bottom plate 16 or top plate 18 to the respective side walls 12 and 14;

[0334] One or more receivers 205a and 205b are adapted to be mounted to either of the opposing side walls 14 and 12, each of the receivers 205a / b being positioned to align with a corresponding each of the wedge members 203a / b.

[0335] The wedge-shaped members (such as 203a) cooperate with their corresponding receivers (such as 205a) for aligning, for example, the floor 16 of the container 10 with the associated wall 14 during the movement of the foldable container 10 to its expanded configuration. It should be understood that the wedge-shaped member and receiver assembly (such as 201a / b) also contribute to the longitudinal and lateral stability of the container in its expanded configuration. In this configuration, the receivers 205a and 205b are mounted to the lower longitudinal beams and upper longitudinal beams of the opposite side walls 14 and 12, respectively. The wedge-shaped members (such as 203a and 203b) are similarly mounted to the longitudinal beams of the floor 16 and the top plate 18. In this embodiment, each receiver (such as 205a) is in the form of a groove oriented parallel to the lower beam of the side wall 14. Each of these grooves is at least partially wedge-shaped and has a cross-sectional shape complementary to the corresponding wedge-shaped member (such as 203a). The wedge-shaped members 203a / b are configured to be received within receivers 205a / b with the corresponding inclined surfaces cooperating with each other in a sliding action during the final stage of deployment of the foldable container 10. It should be appreciated that other non-orthogonal cross-sectional shapes of the members 203a / b and receivers 205a / b facilitate such structure and action.

[0336] exist Figures 50 to 81 Another embodiment of a foldable container 310 is disclosed in . The container 310 is substantially similar to the container 10 and therefore only the differences between the containers 310 and 10 will be discussed.

[0337] First consider Fig.53 and Fig.54341 is shown. The link arm 378 includes a recess 380 facing away from the side wall 314. The slidable car 370 includes a limit rod 372 facing the side wall 314. The recess 380 and the limit rod 372 are positioned so that the pivoting of the link arm 378 relative to the slidable car 370 is limited by the limit rod 372. For example, when the floor 316 of the container 310 is lowered during the movement from the folded configuration to the deployed configuration, momentum, friction or other unpredictable factors may cause the floor 316 to rotate or deform, causing one or more link arms 378 to be pushed against the track members 338, 342, thereby causing damage. The limit rod 372 limits such undesirable movement.

[0338] Turning to the car body 386, the rollers 380 are rotatably mounted about an axis of rotation 382 parallel to the elongated axis 384 of the side wall 314. This orientation allows for better absorption of loads perpendicular to the track members 338, 342. The car body 386 preferably has a width 388 between 43 mm and 100 mm, and preferably has a height 390 between 140 mm and 185 mm. Preferably, the car body 386 includes six shafts 392 on which the rollers 380 are mounted. Preferably, the car body 386 includes stop members 394 protruding from the car body 386 to limit the movement of the car body 386 within the track members 338, 342 when the container 310 has been moved to the folded configuration. To this end, the track members 338, 342 include stop members (not shown) that abut the stop members 394 in the folded configuration.

[0339] Turning now to the various locking assemblies 396, which are used to secure the top panel 318 or the bottom panel 316 to the side wall 314 in the deployed configuration, such as Figures 55 to 68 Each locking assembly 396 includes a rotatable shaft 400 having a drive head 402 that can be driven by an actuator (not shown). In addition, each locking assembly 396 includes a locking member 398 that is rotatable through the shaft 400. Fig.58 and Fig.60 The free position shown is Fig.59 and Fig.61 The top plate 318 or the bottom plate 316 can move relative to the side wall 314 in the free position, and the top plate 318 or the bottom plate 316 can move relative to the side wall 314 in the locked position, and the locking member 398 engages the top plate 318 or the bottom plate 316 to resist the movement of the top plate 318 or the bottom plate 316 in the vertical direction relative to the side wall, thereby maintaining the top plate 318 or the bottom plate 316 in the expanded structure.

[0340] The locking member 398 includes a hook portion 404 that engages a recess (not shown) in the top plate 318 or the bottom plate 316 when the locking member 398 is in the locked position. Thus, excessive rotation of the locking member 398 and movement of the top plate 318 or the bottom plate 316 in a direction parallel to the elongated direction 384 of the side wall 314 and / or in a direction 408 perpendicular to the side wall 314 are prevented.

[0341] Regarding the locking assembly 396 for the top plate 318, as shown in FIG. Figure 62 to Figure 68 As shown, the locking member 396 includes a tapered portion 410 in the direction of movement 412 of the locking member 398. When the locking member 398 moves from the free position to the locked position, the tapered portion 410 abuts against the surface of the side wall 314 to push the top plate 318 upward into the folded configuration. Preferably, the locking member 398 is sized so that the top plate 318 is pushed upward in the unfolded configuration to ensure that a sealing pressure is generated between the top plate 318 and the side wall 314.

[0342] Similarly, container 310 includes locking assemblies 414 for securing end frames 319, 321 to outer surfaces 416 of side walls 314, such as Figure 69 to Figure 75 The locking assembly 414 also includes a rotatable shaft 418 having a drive head 420 that can be driven by an actuator (not shown). The locking assembly 414 also includes a rotatable shaft 418 having a drive head 420 that can be driven by an actuator (not shown). Fig.72 and Fig.74 The free position shown in Fig.73 and Fig.75 314, in which the end frames 319, 321 are free to move relative to the corresponding side walls 314. In the locked position, the locking member 422 engages the end frames 319, 321 to resist the movement of the end frames 319, 321 relative to the side walls 314, and thus maintains the end frames 319, 321 in the open position. The locking member 422 is biased toward the free position by a spring 423 against the asymmetric surface 425 of the shaft 418.

[0343] In a preferred embodiment, the end frames 319, 321 include one or more corner castings 424. On the one hand, the corner castings 424 are used for their normal task of allowing the container 310 to be manipulated by compliant container handling and tie-down equipment. On the other hand, the corner castings 424 have been modified to facilitate the folding function of the container 310. The corner castings 424 include standard holes 426 on their sides 428 that are adapted to receive flexible twist locks (not shown). The locking member 422 includes a hook portion 430 that is sized to extend into the standard hole 426 and engage an inner surface 432 of the corner casting 424 in the locked position. The engagement of the hook portion 430 with the corner casting 424 holds the end frames 319, 321 in the open position. Preferably, the hook portion 430 has a sufficient height 434 so that the upper surface 436 of the hook portion 430 engages the upper inner surface 438 of the standard hole 426 so that the sagging of the end frames 319, 321 is resisted by the hook portion 430. Preferably, the locking assembly 414 is housed in the side wall 314, and the locking member 422 protrudes from the side wall 314 in the locked position to engage the end frames 319, 321. More preferably, the locking member 422 is fully received in the side wall 314 in the free position.

[0344] Turning to the corner casting 424 in more detail. Fig.78 As shown, in addition to the standard holes 426 on the side 428, the corner casting 424 also includes a first standard hole 440 on the front face 442 and a third standard hole 444 on the vertical face 446. The vertical face 446 can refer to the top face when the corner casting 424 is located at the top of the container 310, or the bottom face when the corner casting 424 is located at the bottom of the container. The corner casting 424 finally includes a fourth non-standard hole 448 in the back face 450. The corner casting 424 preferably has a length from the front face 442 to the back face 450 of more than 185 mm.

[0345] In order to secure the end frames 319, 321 against the side wall 314 when the end frames 319, 321 are in the closed position, another locking assembly 452 is disclosed, such as Figures 76 to 79D As shown. The locking assembly 452 similarly has a rotatable shaft 453 and a locking member 454 that can move between a free position and a locked position. The locking assembly 452 is located in the side wall 314, facing the extension direction 384 of the side wall 314. The locking member 454 includes a twist lock member that is asymmetrical about the axis of the rotatable shaft 453 and can move between a free position and a locked position. In the free position, the twist lock member 454 can move through the fourth hole 448. In the locked position, when the twist lock member 454 is inserted into the corner casting 424 through the fourth hole 448, it engages the inner surface 432 of the corner casting 424 for fixing the end frames 319, 321 in the closed position.

[0346] Another difference of container 310 is the use of Fig.80 and Fig.81 The composite beam 456 is shown. The composite beam 456 is formed by a first beam portion 458 that is part of the side wall 314. The first beam portion has a first beam profile that includes a first portion 460 having a first height 462, and a second portion 464 extending from the first portion 460 and having a common base profile 466 with the first portion 460. The second portion 464 has a second height 468 that is lower than the first height 462. The second portion 464 has a flat contact surface 470 that terminates in an upwardly extending lip 472. The second beam portion 478 is a portion of the top plate 318 ( Fig.80 The second beam profile includes a first portion 480 having a first height 482 and a second portion 484 extending from the first portion 480 and having a top profile 486 in common with the first portion 480. The second portion 484 has a second height 488 that is lower than the first height 482. The second portion 484 has a flat contact surface 490 that terminates in a downwardly extending lip 492. A sealing member 494 extends between the first beam portion 458 and the second beam portion 478, and is preferably embodied as a seal 494 located between the first portion 460, 480 of one of the beam portions 458, 478 and the second portion 464, 484 of the other beam portion 478, 458. In this way, when the first beam portion 458 and the second beam portion 478 are arranged together, the second portion 464, 484 of each of the beam portions 492, 472 engages so that the lip 472, 492 of each beam portion 458, 478 contacts the flat contact surface 470, 490 of the other beam portion 492, 472. The angle of the lips 472, 492 pushes the beam portions 458, 478 toward each other, thereby exerting a compressive force on the sealing member 494 between the beam portions 458, 478.

[0347] The second portion 464, 484 of the first beam portion 458 and / or the second beam portion 478 includes a reinforcing member 496. The reinforcing member 496 is preferably a U-shaped extrusion and extends between the flat contact surface 470, 490 and the bottom or top profile 466, 486 such that a vertical load applied to the composite beam 456 forms a load path through the reinforcing member 496.

[0348] Having now described preferred embodiments of various aspects of the present invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the foldable intermodal container has at least one or more of the following advantages:

[0349] The wall and roof frame structures provide reinforcement of the collapsible intermodal container in its deployed configuration;

[0350] The wall and roof frame structure stiffens the foldable intermodal container during its movement between the deployed configuration and the folded configuration under the influence of the folding actuator, thereby ensuring relatively smooth operation of the container with minimal twisting or other deformation;

[0351] The hinges and brackets are substantially aligned with their associated track members to increase the rigidity of the foldable container in its deployed configuration and when the foldable container is moved between its deployed and folded configurations;

[0352] first and second track members are associated with corresponding wall members of the plurality of pairs of wall members of the first and second wall frame frames, the wall members protecting associated top and bottom panel brackets from damage;

[0353] The first track member and the second track member are welded or otherwise integrated with the wall frame frames of the first wall and the second wall to provide additional reinforcement and increase the structural rigidity of the foldable intermodal container;

[0354] The bottom plate hinge and the top plate hinge have substantially the same structure and are therefore interchangeable, reducing the number of replacement parts;

[0355] The top plate bracket and the bottom plate bracket have substantially the same structure and are therefore interchangeable, reducing the number of spare parts;

[0356] The floor / top panel hinges and the top / bottom panel brackets are removably mounted to the collapsible container to allow for relatively quick replacement;

[0357] The end frame locking assembly provides an integral fitting that, in a preferred embodiment, temporarily secures the end frame to the outer surface of the associated side wall;

[0358] The end frame locking assembly is designed to be in its inoperative or retracted position to comply with ISO standards to restrict projection when the associated end frame is in its closed position;

[0359] Locking assemblies associated with the end frames provide rigidity of the foldable container in its deployed configuration when the end frames are interlocked with the roof / floor panels and / or side walls;

[0360] The stud and receiver assembly associated with the end frame is adaptable so long as it both maintains alignment of the roof / floor panels with the end frames in the closed position when the container is in its deployed configuration and enables packaging of two or more foldable containers using the receiver subassembly associated with the end frame of a first of said containers in the packed configuration;

[0361] Plug and receiver assemblies associated with the sidewalls and roof / floor junctions enhance alignment of the foldable container in and near the deployed configuration, thereby enabling movement and interlocking of the end frames into their closed positions.

[0362] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention described herein is susceptible to variations and modifications other than those specifically described. For example, the specific structure of the wall, roof and / or floor frame structure may differ from the described embodiments, as long as there are roof beams and / or wall members that effectively reinforce the foldable intermodal container having a broadly defined basic structure and operation. The number and placement of hinges and brackets / tracks may vary, although it is preferred that they are substantially aligned to enhance the structural rigidity of the foldable container. The specific structure of the floor / roof hinge may differ from the preferred embodiment, as long as effective articulation can be achieved between the roof / floor and the associated side walls, and the hinge brackets of the hinge assembly are arranged for mounting to the associated wall members. Similarly, the structure of the bracket and track assembly may differ from the described embodiments, as long as each of the longitudinally spaced bracket / track members provides sliding motion during folding of the foldable container, wherein each of the brackets is operably engaged with a corresponding track member. It should be understood that the locking assemblies and stud and receiver assemblies of various aspects of the present invention extend to other containers of foldable construction and are not necessarily limited to the intermodal foldable containers and associated structures and assemblies of the broad aspects of the present invention.

[0363] In addition, each feature discussed in this specification will be understood by those skilled in the art as a separate, independent development that can be mixed and matched with other features discussed in this specification to produce a combination of features that have not been specifically proposed for the sake of brevity. Those skilled in the art will understand that these combinations are fully capable of being realized through the disclosure of this document, as such reorganization is within their rights.

[0364] All such changes and modifications are considered to be within the scope of the invention, the nature of which is apparent from the foregoing description.

Claims

1. A foldable intermodal container, the foldable intermodal container comprising: opposing first and second elongated side walls, each elongated side wall having opposing lower and upper sides; an elongated bottom panel having opposite sides and connected to the first side wall; an elongated top panel having opposite sides and connected to the second side wall; wherein the container is configured to move between (a) an expanded configuration in which the opposing side walls are arranged parallel to each other and spaced apart to define a space for storing cargo, and (b) a folded configuration in which the opposing side walls are close to each other and remain parallel to each other; wherein the first side wall and the second side wall respectively comprise a first wall frame frame and a second wall frame frame, each of the wall frame frames comprising a wall perimeter frame and a plurality of longitudinally spaced and transversely oriented wall members, each of the wall members being connected at opposite ends to respective opposite sides of the wall perimeter frame; and Wherein, the roof comprises a roof frame frame, the roof frame frame comprises a roof perimeter frame and a plurality of longitudinally spaced and transversely oriented roof beams, the wall frame frame and the roof frame frame cooperate with each other for reinforcement of the foldable intermodal container.

2. The foldable intermodal container of claim 1, wherein: The opposing first and second elongated side walls remain substantially parallel to each other when the foldable container is moved between the deployed configuration and the folded configuration.

3. The foldable intermodal container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: One side of the elongated bottom plate is connected to the lower side of the first side wall, and Wherein, one side of the elongated top plate is connected to the upper side of the second side wall.

4. The foldable intermodal container according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The wall frame framework and the roof frame framework provide reinforcement of the container in the deployed and folded configurations, and reinforcement of the container in any intermediate configurations between the deployed and folded configurations.

5. The foldable intermodal container of claim 4, wherein: The wall frame framework and the roof frame framework each remain substantially intact and unchanged between the intermediate configurations.

6. The foldable intermodal container according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The plurality of longitudinally spaced roof beams are substantially aligned with corresponding ones of the plurality of longitudinally spaced wall members of both the first and second wall frame frames.

7. A foldable intermodal container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The plurality of longitudinally spaced wall members comprises a plurality of pairs of said wall members.

8. The foldable intermodal container of claim 7, wherein: Each of the plurality of roof beams is substantially aligned with a corresponding pair of the plurality of pairs of wall members, together forming one of a plurality of longitudinally spaced ring frames, thereby enhancing the structural rigidity of the foldable intermodal container.

9. A foldable intermodal container according to any one of claims 7 or 8, wherein: The container further includes: a plurality of bottom plate hinges connected to the one of the opposite sides of the bottom plate and the lower side of the opposite sides of the first wall to allow hinged connection between the bottom plate and the first wall; and a plurality of top plate hinges connected to the one of the opposite sides of the top plate and the upper side of the opposite sides of the second wall to allow hinged connection between the top plate and the second wall.

10. The foldable intermodal container of claim 9, wherein: The plurality of floor hinges includes a plurality of pairs of hinges, each pair of hinges in the plurality of pairs of hinges being substantially aligned with a corresponding pair of wall members in the plurality of pairs of wall members of the first wall.

11. A foldable intermodal container according to any one of claims 9 or 10, wherein: The plurality of top panel hinges include a plurality of pairs of the hinges, adjacent ones of the pairs of hinges being equidistantly spaced apart and substantially aligned with corresponding ones of the plurality of pairs of wall members of the second wall.

12. A foldable intermodal container according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein: The bottom panel hinge / top panel hinge comprises a hinge member having a first extension connected to the bottom panel or the top panel and a second extension hingedly coupled to the first side wall or the second side wall via a hinge pin, the hinge pin being mounted to the wall adjacent to the lower side or the upper side of the wall, the first extension and the second extension being formed perpendicular to each other to provide an eccentric movement of the bottom panel or the top panel relative to its corresponding side wall during movement of the foldable container between its unfolded configuration and folded configuration.

13. The foldable intermodal container of claim 12, wherein: The hinge pin is spaced apart from the lower side or the upper side of the corresponding wall by a distance, thereby enabling the bottom plate or the top plate to move eccentrically.

14. A foldable intermodal container according to any one of claims 7 to 13, wherein: The container also includes a plurality of first track members associated with a first wall of the pair of opposing walls, each of the first track members being configured to engage with each other via one of a plurality of corresponding roof panel brackets connected to the roof, whereby movement of the foldable container between the deployed configuration and the folded configuration is accompanied by sliding movement of the roof panel bracket relative to the corresponding first track member.

15. The foldable intermodal container of claim 14, wherein: The plurality of first track members are mounted to the first wall between corresponding ones of the plurality of pairs of wall members of the first wall frame.

16. A foldable intermodal container according to any one of claims 7 to 15, further comprising a plurality of second track members associated with the second wall, each of the second track members being configured to engage with each other via one of a plurality of corresponding floor brackets connected to the floor, whereby movement of the foldable container between the deployed configuration and the folded configuration is accompanied by sliding movement of the floor bracket relative to the corresponding second track member.

17. The foldable intermodal container of claim 16, wherein: The plurality of second track members are mounted to the second wall between corresponding wall members of the plurality of pairs of wall members of the second wall frame.

18. A foldable intermodal container according to any one of claims 15 or 17, wherein: Each of the track members is welded or otherwise attached to the corresponding pair of wall members.

19. A foldable intermodal container according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein: The roof perimeter frame is elongated and adapted to be connected to a roof panel associated with the roof; and The plurality of longitudinally spaced and transversely oriented roof beams are connected to respective opposite sides of the roof perimeter frame to thereby strengthen the roof panel.

20. The foldable intermodal container of claim 18, wherein: The roof panel includes a plurality of peripheral sides, and the roof perimeter frame is aligned with the roof panel at or near the peripheral sides.

21. A foldable intermodal container according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein: The bottom plate includes a bottom plate skeleton frame, and the bottom plate frame includes: a floor perimeter frame that is elongated and adapted to be connected to one or more floor panels associated with the floor; a plurality of longitudinally spaced and transversely oriented floor beams, each of said transverse beams being connected at opposite ends to corresponding opposing longitudinal beams of said floor perimeter frame, thereby strengthening said floor; A pair of support beams connected at opposite ends to the respective opposing longitudinal beams, the support beams being (a) arranged parallel to the transverse floor beams and (b) longitudinally spaced apart by a predetermined distance.

22. The foldable intermodal container of claim 21, wherein: The opposing longitudinal beams of the floor perimeter frame each include a plate recess adapted to receive a transition plate connected to a lower portion of the opposing longitudinal beams of the perimeter frame of each of the opposing side walls, the transition plate being arranged to bridge the longitudinal beams of the floor perimeter frame and the corresponding lower longitudinal beams of the wall perimeter frame in the unfolded configuration of the foldable container so that the container is continuously supported when moving on roller tracks when unfolded.

23. The foldable intermodal container of claim 22, wherein: The plate recesses of the respective opposing longitudinal beams of the floor perimeter frame and the corresponding transition plates of the opposing side walls are longitudinally offset from each other so that the transition plates can be received in the plate recesses of the lower longitudinal beams of the opposing side walls during movement of the foldable container to the folded configuration, and then the transition plates bridge the lower beams of the side walls so that the container is continuously supported when moving on roller tracks when folded.

24. A foldable intermodal container according to any one of claims 1 to 23, wherein: The wall perimeter frame is elongated and adapted to be connected to a wall panel associated with one of the pair of side walls; and Wherein, the wall frames each include a plurality of longitudinally spaced and transversely oriented wall members, each of the wall members being connected at opposite ends to respective opposite sides of the wall perimeter frame to thereby strengthen the wall panel.

25. The foldable intermodal container of claim 24, wherein: The wall panel includes a plurality of perimeter sides, and the wall perimeter frame is connected to and aligned with the wall panel at or near the perimeter sides of the wall panel.

26. A foldable intermodal container, the foldable intermodal container comprising a pair of opposing side walls, each of the pair of opposing side walls being hingedly connected to a respective top panel and bottom panel, wherein the walls remain substantially parallel to each other when the foldable container is moved between an expanded configuration and a folded configuration, the container comprising a bracket and track subassembly of the subassembly, the bracket and track subassembly comprising: one or more spaced apart track members adapted to connect to a wall stud frame associated with one of the pair of opposing side walls; as well as One or more of the following: a roof panel bracket adapted to be connected to a roof panel skeletal frame associated with the roof panel, the roof panel bracket being configured to interengage with the one of the track members for sliding movement of the bracket relative to the track member during movement of the foldable container between the deployed configuration and the folded configuration; a floor bracket adapted to be connected to a floor frame structure associated with the floor, the floor bracket being configured to interengage with the one of the track members for sliding movement of the bracket relative to the track member during movement of the foldable container between the deployed configuration and the folded configuration.

27. The foldable intermodal container of claim 26, wherein: The carriage includes a slidable car having a plurality of rollers configured for sliding movement along a track member.

28. The foldable intermodal container of claim 27, wherein: The carriage includes a carriage mounting bracket for rigidly connecting to the top plate or the bottom plate, and a coupling arm pivotally coupled to the mounting bracket and the slidable car, respectively, at opposite ends thereof.

29. The foldable intermodal container of claim 28, wherein: The link arm includes a recess facing away from the side wall, and the slidable car includes a limit rod facing the side wall, the recess and the limit rod being positioned so that pivoting of the link arm relative to the slidable car is limited by the limit rod.

30. A foldable intermodal container according to claim 28 or 29, wherein: The bracket mounting bracket is removably mounted to the perimeter frame of the top panel or the side rails of the bottom panel via one or more bracket mounting fasteners.

31. A foldable intermodal container according to any one of claims 27 to 30, wherein: The slidable car includes a car body to which the rollers are rotatably mounted about a rotation axis perpendicular to the corresponding wall.

32. A foldable intermodal container according to any one of claims 27 to 30, wherein: The slidable car includes a car body to which the rollers are rotatably mounted about a rotation axis parallel to the elongated axis of the side wall.

33. The foldable intermodal container of claim 32, wherein: The roller comprises six axles to which the rollers are mounted.

34. A foldable intermodal container according to any one of claims 31 to 33, wherein: The car body includes a stop member protruding from the car body to limit movement of the car body within the track members when the container has been moved to the folded configuration.

35. A foldable intermodal container according to any one of claims 31 to 34, wherein: The track members have a generally C-shaped profile in cross-section and are configured for captive retention of the plurality of rollers such that the rollers cooperate with the corresponding track members to handle both axial and radial loads imparted on the rollers during movement of the intermodal container between its deployed and folded configurations.

36. The foldable intermodal container of claim 35, wherein: The C-profile track members are each attached to an opposing pair of wall members of the wall stud frame.

37. The foldable intermodal container of claim 36, wherein: Attachment of the track member to the opposing wall member is provided at an exposed and inwardly facing joint between the wall member and the track member, thereby strengthening the track member along opposing edge portions of the track member defining the slot opening of the C-profile.

38. A foldable intermodal container according to any one of claims 35 to 37, wherein: Each of the track members is made from one or more plates connected at opposing edges to one or more channel section members of a pair of opposing channel section members that together form the C-profile track member.

39. A foldable intermodal container, the foldable intermodal container comprising a pair of opposing side walls, each of the pair of opposing side walls being hingedly connected to a respective roof and floor, wherein the opposing walls remain parallel to each other when the container is moved between an expanded configuration and a folded configuration, wherein in the expanded configuration, the side walls, the roof and the floor define a space for storing cargo, the foldable intermodal container comprising an end frame and door assembly for sealing the space in the expanded configuration, the end frame and door assembly comprising: an end frame extending perpendicular to the pair of opposing side walls and adapted to releasably engage at least one of the side walls, roof, and floor of the container to retain the container in the deployed configuration; a pair of doors hingedly connected to respective opposite sides of the end frames, the doors being movable from a closed position to an open position to provide access to a space within the foldable container in the deployed configuration; a pair of stabilizing members connected to a respective pair of doors, the stabilizing members being connected to the doors proximate upper adjacent corners or lower adjacent corners of the doors, the stabilizing members being configured to engage anchor members associated with corresponding upper beams or lower beams of the end frames when the doors are in a closed position, thereby stabilizing the container in its deployed configuration and under lateral loads.

40. The foldable intermodal container of claim 39, wherein: The stabilizing member includes a hook-shaped member configured to hook either side of the anchor member located at the center of the upper beam or the lower beam of the end frame when the door is in the closed position.

41. The foldable intermodal container of claim 40, wherein: The anchor member includes a contoured shape at least partially shaped to complement a corresponding and contoured edge face of the hook member.

42. The foldable intermodal container of claim 41, wherein: Each of the doors is hingedly connected to the end frame via three door hinges.

43. An end frame and door assembly according to any one of claims 39 to 42, wherein: The pair of stabilizing members includes upper and lower paired stabilizing members arranged to cooperate with upper and lower anchoring members of the end frame, respectively.

44. A foldable intermodal container, the foldable intermodal container comprising a pair of opposing side walls, each of the pair of opposing side walls being hingedly connected to a corresponding top panel and bottom panel, wherein the opposing walls remain parallel to each other when the foldable container moves between an expanded configuration and a folded configuration, wherein in the expanded configuration, the side walls, the bottom panel, the top panel and the covered end frames define a space for storing cargo, and in the folded configuration, the end frames have completed hinged movement about one of the pair of opposing side walls between (i) a closed position extending perpendicular to the pair of walls and (ii) an open position extending parallel to the one of the walls and disposed on an outer surface of the one of the walls, the foldable intermodal container comprising an end frame locking assembly for securing the end frame to the side walls in the folded configuration, the locking assembly comprising: a retractable pin subassembly, the retractable pin subassembly including a retractable pin, the pin assembly being adapted to be mounted to an end frame of the foldable container; as well as a receiver subassembly adapted to be mounted to said one of said side walls, said receiver subassembly including a locking member configured to receive said retractable pin in an extended position when said end frame is in said open position, whereby said extended pin is releasably engaged by said locking member to retain said end frame in said open position.

45. The foldable intermodal container of claim 44, wherein: The retractable pin includes an engagement end having a slot for releasably engaging the retractable pin in the extended position via a locking member of the receiver subassembly to retain the end frame.

46. ​​The foldable intermodal container of claim 45, wherein: The retractable pin subassembly includes a pin biasing device, which is arranged to cooperate with a radial protrusion connected to the retractable pin, and the biasing device is arranged to retract the retractable pin toward a retracted position displaced from the extended position and disengage from the locking member of the received subassembly.

47. The foldable intermodal container of claim 46, wherein: The retractable pin includes an actuation end at an end opposite to the engagement end, the actuation end being adapted to press the retractable pin to shift from the retracted position toward the extended position against the force of the biasing device.

48. The foldable intermodal container of claim 47, wherein: The retractable pin subassembly includes a retractable pin housing arranged to accommodate the biasing device and the radial projection of the retractable pin, the housing having an opposed pair of openings through which the respective engagement ends extend and the actuation end is exposed.

49. A foldable intermodal container according to any one of claims 44 or 45, wherein: The retractable pin subassembly includes a pin biasing device, which is arranged to cooperate with an actuating element connected to the opposite end of the retractable pin away from the engagement end, and the biasing device is arranged to retract the retractable pin toward a retracted position displaced from the extended position and disengage from the locking member of the receiver subassembly.

50. The foldable intermodal container of claim 49, wherein: The actuation element comprises an actuation surface adapted to press the retractable pin to shift from the retracted position towards the extended position against the force of the biasing means.

51. The foldable intermodal container of claim 50, wherein: The retractable pin subassembly includes a retractable pin housing arranged to accommodate a biasing device in the form of a spring mounted around the retractable pin, the housing having a pair of opposing openings through which the respective engagement ends extend and the actuating surface is exposed.

52. The foldable intermodal container of claim 51, wherein: The retractable pin includes a shoulder at its engagement end, the shoulder being arranged to abut the housing and thereby limit travel of the retractable pin towards the retracted position under the action of the pin biasing means.

53. A foldable intermodal container according to any one of claims 48 or 51, wherein: The retractable pin housing is adapted to be mounted within an upper beam of an end frame of the foldable container.

54. A foldable intermodal container according to any one of claims 45 to 53, wherein: The receiver member includes a receiver housing accommodating the locking member, the locking member cooperating with a locking biasing means that urges the locking member into an engaged position in which the locking member releasably engages the retractable pin in the extended position.

55. The foldable intermodal container of claim 54, wherein: The locking member includes a locking plate having a latching element for releasably engaging a slot at the engagement end of the retractable pin in its extended position, the latching element being maintained in a latched position by the locking biasing means urging the locking member into the engagement position.

56. The foldable intermodal container of claim 54, wherein: The locking member includes a locking bar for releasably engaging a slot in the engagement end of the retractable pin in its extended position, the locking bar being retained in a latched position by the locking biasing means urging the locking member into the engagement position.

57. A foldable intermodal container according to any one of claims 55 or 56, wherein: The latch element or the locking rod is arranged to cooperate with the engagement end of the retractable pin, and the engagement end contacts the latch element or the locking rod during the displacement toward the extended position, thereby causing the locking member to move toward the unlocked position, allowing the retractable pin to further shift into the extended position, and then the latch element or the locking rod latches the narrow slot of the retractable pin under the action of the locking bias device.

58. The foldable intermodal container of claim 57, wherein: The engagement end of the retractable pin is tapered for sliding contact with an inclined surface of the latch element or the locking bar during displacement of the retractable pin toward its extended position, thereby urging the locking member into the disengaged position against the force of the locking biasing means.

59. The foldable intermodal container of claim 58, wherein: The locking member includes a locking actuator associated with the locking plate or the locking bar, and the locking actuator with the latch element or the locking bar in the locking position is arranged to move via an external locking actuator to resist the force of the locking bias device to shift the locking member and the associated latch element or the locking bar, thereby releasing the retractable pin to retract from its extended position.

60. A foldable intermodal container according to any one of claims 54 to 59, wherein: The receiver housing is adapted to be mounted within an upper beam of the one of a pair of opposing side walls of the foldable container.

61. A foldable intermodal container, the foldable intermodal container comprising a pair of opposing side walls, each of the pair of opposing side walls being hingedly connected to a corresponding top panel and bottom panel, wherein the opposing walls remain parallel to each other when the foldable container moves between an expanded configuration and a folded configuration, wherein in the expanded configuration, the side walls, the bottom panel, the top panel and covered end frames define a space for storing cargo, and in the folded configuration, the end frames have completed hinged movement about one of the pair of opposing side walls between (i) a closed position extending perpendicular to the pair of walls and (ii) an open position extending parallel to the one of the walls and disposed on an outer surface of the one of the walls, the container comprising a locking assembly for locking the end frame to the top panel or the bottom panel when the container is in the expanded configuration, the locking assembly comprising: a stud subassembly adapted to be mounted to the top plate or the bottom plate, the stud subassembly comprising a pull stud; a receiver subassembly adapted to be mounted to the end frame, the receiver subassembly comprising a locking member operably coupled to the receiver member, the receiver member being arranged so that, with the foldable container in the deployed configuration and the end frame in the closed position, the pull studs are received, the pull studs being releasably engaged by the locking member to releasably lock the end frame in the closed position to the top panel or the bottom panel, thereby maintaining the foldable container in the deployed configuration.

62. The foldable intermodal container of claim 61, wherein: The draw stud is adapted to be rigidly secured to a front or rear beam of the roof or floor of the foldable container, the draw stud comprising an engagement end having a groove for releasably engaging a locking member of the receiver subassembly to retain the end frame in the closed position.

63. A foldable intermodal container according to any one of claims 61 or 62, wherein: The receiver member includes a receiver housing configured to retractably receive the pull stud, the locking member being arranged to cooperate with a locking biasing device that urges the locking member into an engaged position in which the locking member releasably engages the recess of the pull stud.

64. The foldable intermodal container of claim 63, wherein: The locking member is one of a pair of locking members arranged in the engaged position to latch within a recess of the pull stud.

65. The foldable intermodal container of claim 64, wherein: The pair of locking members is in the form of a pair of locking columns, which are arranged on either side of the pull screw when the pair of locking columns are received in the receiver housing. The locking columns are arranged to slide relative to the receiver housing in a reciprocating motion and are pushed toward the engagement position of the locking members under the action of the locking biasing device.

66. The foldable intermodal container of claim 65, wherein: The locking post is operably coupled to a locking actuator, wherein the locking biasing device is located between the receiver housing and the locking actuator to urge the locking member and its locking post into the engaged position via the locking actuator.

67. The foldable intermodal container of claim 66, wherein: The pair of locking posts are secured to the locking actuator via an associated pair of sliding locking shafts that are slidably received in a corresponding pair of shaft passages formed in the receiver housing, thereby enabling the locking posts to move in a reciprocating action.

68. The foldable intermodal container assembly of claim 61, wherein: The locking member comprises a notch at least partially contoured to complement a corresponding contour of the recess of the pull stud, the locking member being thus configured to latch within the recess of the pull stud in the engaged position.

69. The foldable intermodal container of claim 68, wherein: The locking member is arranged to slide relative to the receiver housing in a reciprocating motion and is urged towards its engaged position under the action of the locking biasing means.

70. The foldable intermodal container of claim 69, wherein: The locking member is operably coupled to a locking actuator, wherein the biasing device is located between the receiver housing and the locking actuator to urge the locking member into the engaged position via the locking actuator.

71. The foldable intermodal container of claim 70, wherein: The locking member is secured to the locking actuator via an associated pair of side locking shafts that are slidably received in a corresponding pair of shaft passages formed in the receiver housing to enable the locking member to move in the reciprocating motion.

72. The foldable intermodal container of any one of claims 67 or 71, wherein: The engaging end of the pull stud is tapered for sliding contact with the inclined surface of each locking post in the pair of locking posts or the notch of the locking member, so that during the movement of the pull stud into the receiver housing and releasable engagement with the locking member, the locking member is urged toward the disengaged position against the force of the locking biasing device for the pull stud to continue to move into the receiver housing in anticipation of its engagement with the locking member in the engaged position.

73. A foldable intermodal container according to any one of claims 61 to 72, wherein: The receiver housing is adapted to be mounted within an upper beam or a lower beam of the end frame of the foldable container.

74. A foldable intermodal container, the foldable intermodal container comprising a pair of opposing side walls, each of the pair of opposing side walls being hingedly connected to a corresponding top panel and bottom panel, wherein the opposing walls remain parallel to each other when the foldable container moves between an expanded configuration, in which the side walls, the bottom panel, the top panel and covered end frames define a space for storing cargo, and a folded configuration, in which the end frames have completed hinged movement about one of the pair of opposing side walls between (i) a closed position extending perpendicular to the pair of walls and (ii) an open position extending parallel to the one of the walls and disposed on an outer surface of the one of the walls, the container comprising a locking assembly for locking the end frame to a first side wall and / or a second side wall, the locking assembly comprising: a stud subassembly adapted to be mounted to at least one of the pair of side walls, the stud subassembly including a pull stud; a receiver subassembly adapted to be mounted to the end frame, the receiver subassembly including a locking member operably coupled to the receiver member, the receiver member being arranged such that, with the foldable container in the expanded configuration and the end frame in the closed position, the pull studs are releasably engaged by the locking member to releasably lock the end frame in the closed position to the at least one of the side walls, thereby maintaining the foldable container in the expanded configuration.

75. The foldable intermodal container of claim 74, wherein: The draw stud is adapted to be rigidly secured to a front or rear member of a side wall of the foldable container, the draw stud including an engagement end having a recess for releasably engaging a locking member of the receiver subassembly to retain the end frame in the closed position.

76. A foldable intermodal container according to any one of claims 74 or 75, wherein: The receiver member comprises a receiver housing, the locking member being arranged to cooperate with a locking biasing means which urges the locking member into an engaged position in which the locking member releasably engages a recess of the pull stud.

77. The foldable intermodal container of claim 76, wherein: The locking member is one of a pair of locking members arranged in the engaged position to latch within a recess of the pull stud.

78. The foldable intermodal container of claim 77, wherein: The pair of locking members is in the form of a pair of locking columns, which are arranged on either side of the pull screw when the pair of locking columns are received in the receiver housing. The locking columns are arranged to slide relative to the receiver housing in a reciprocating motion and are pushed toward the engagement position of the locking members under the action of the locking biasing device.

79. The foldable intermodal container of claim 78, wherein: The locking post is operably coupled to a locking actuator, wherein the locking biasing device is located between the receiver housing and the locking actuator to urge the locking member and its locking post into the engaged position via the locking actuator.

80. The foldable intermodal container of claim 79, wherein: The pair of locking posts are secured to the locking actuator via an associated pair of sliding locking shafts that are slidably received in a corresponding pair of shaft passages formed in the receiver housing to enable the locking posts to move in a reciprocating action.

81. The foldable intermodal container of claim 76, wherein: The locking member comprises a notch at least partially contoured to complement a corresponding contour of the recess of the pull stud, the locking member being thus configured to latch within the recess of the pull stud in the engaged position.

82. The foldable intermodal container of claim 81, wherein: The locking member is arranged to slide relative to the receiver housing in a reciprocating motion and is urged towards its engaged position under the action of the locking biasing means.

83. The foldable intermodal container of claim 82, wherein: The locking member is operably coupled to a locking actuator, wherein the biasing device is located between the receiver housing and the locking actuator to urge the locking member into the engaged position via the locking actuator.

84. The foldable intermodal container of claim 83, wherein: The locking member is secured to the locking actuator via an associated pair of side locking shafts that are slidably received in a corresponding pair of shaft passages formed in the receiver housing, thereby enabling the locking member to move in a reciprocating action.

85. The foldable intermodal container of any one of claims 80 or 84, wherein: The engaging end of the pull stud is tapered for sliding contact with the inclined surface of each locking post in the pair of locking posts or the notch of the locking member, so that during the movement of the pull stud into the receiver housing and releasable engagement with the locking member, the locking member is urged toward the disengaged position against the force of the locking biasing device for the pull stud to continue to move into the receiver housing in the expectation that it will engage with the locking member in the engaged position.

86. A foldable intermodal container according to any one of claims 76 to 85, wherein: The receiver housing is adapted to be mounted within an upper beam or a lower beam of the end frame of the foldable container.

87. A foldable intermodal container according to any one of claims 61 to 86, wherein: Each locking assembly also includes: a second stud subassembly adapted to be mounted to one of the opposing pair of side walls, the stud subassembly including a second pull stud; and wherein the locking member is operably coupled to a first receiver member, the first receiver member being arranged such that the foldable container is in the deployed configuration and the end frame is in the closed position to receive the first draw stud, the first draw stud being releasably engaged by the first locking member to releasably lock the end frame in the closed position to the top panel or the bottom panel to retain the foldable container in the deployed configuration, and the receiver subassembly further comprising: and a second locking member operably coupled to a second receiver member arranged, with the foldable container in the deployed configuration and the end frame in the closed position, to receive the second draw stud releasably engaged by the second locking member to releasably lock the end frame in the closed position to the one of the opposing walls, thereby retaining the foldable container in the deployed configuration.

88. The foldable intermodal container of claim 87, wherein: The lock assembly also includes a receiver housing configured to contain the first and second locking members and a receiver member.

89. The foldable intermodal container of claim 88, wherein: The receiver housing includes an opening exposing an actuator button, which is arranged to interact with the locking actuator when pressed via an external locking actuator for movement of the corresponding first and second locking members toward the disengaged position against the force of the locking biasing device for release of the first and second pull studs from the corresponding first and second receiver members.

90. The foldable intermodal container of any one of claims 87 to 89, wherein: The first and second receiver members are integral with each other to form a receiver housing, and the locking actuator is common to both the first and second locking members.

91. The foldable intermodal container of claim 90, wherein: The receiver housing includes an opening exposing the common locking actuator, which is arranged to achieve movement of the first locking member and the second locking member toward the disengaged position against the force of the locking biasing device when pressed by an external locking actuator, for releasing the first pull stud and the second pull stud from the corresponding first receiver member and second receiver member.

92. The foldable intermodal container of claim 91, wherein: The pull studs cooperating with the first and second receiver members associated with lower beams of end frames of the foldable container have a short relative length.

93. The foldable intermodal container of claim 92, wherein: The shorter length pull stud includes a groove having a relatively large diameter and width.

94. The foldable intermodal container of claim 93, wherein: The receiver housing is adapted to be mounted within an upper beam or a lower beam of an end frame of the foldable container.

95. A foldable intermodal container, the foldable intermodal container comprising a pair of opposing side walls, each of the pair of opposing side walls being hingedly connected to a respective top panel and bottom panel, wherein the opposing walls remain parallel to each other when the foldable container is moved between an expanded configuration and a folded configuration, the container comprising a locking assembly for securing the side walls to the bottom panel and / or the top panel, the locking assembly comprising: a retractable plunger subassembly adapted to be mounted to at least one of the pair of side walls, the plunger subassembly comprising (a) a retractable plunger configured to move between an extended position and a retracted position, and (b) a locking member arranged to cooperate with the plunger to lock it in the extended position; a receiver subassembly adapted to be mounted to the floor or the roof, the receiver subassembly comprising a snap member configured to receive the retractable plunger in the extended position when the foldable container is in the deployed configuration, whereby the plunger is locked via the locking member to releasably retain the floor or the roof relative to a corresponding wall of the pair of opposing walls, thereby retaining the foldable container in the deployed configuration.

96. The foldable intermodal container of claim 95, wherein: The plunger subassembly further includes a plunger housing housing the retractable plunger and cooperating locking member, the plunger housing being adapted to be mounted at least partially within a lower beam or an upper beam of the one of the pair of walls.

97. The foldable intermodal container of claim 96, wherein: The plunger subassembly further comprises a plunger biasing device mounted within the plunger housing and arranged to act on the retractable plunger to urge it towards the retracted position.

98. The foldable intermodal container of claim 97, wherein: The plunger subassembly further comprises a locking biasing arrangement arranged to cooperate with the locking member or to urge the locking member into a locked configuration to retain the plunger in the extended position.

99. The foldable intermodal container of claim 98, wherein: The foldable plunger includes a pair of grooves arranged in the extended position of the plunger to be engaged by a corresponding pair of posts of the locking member, the locking member being urged into the locked configuration via the locking biasing means to retain the plunger in the extended position.

100. The foldable intermodal container of claim 99, wherein: The pair of posts each include a notch configured to allow sliding movement of the retractable plunger from the retracted position to the extended position when the locking member is in the unlocked configuration, and vice versa, the notches of the posts guiding sliding movement of the plunger between the posts.

101. The foldable intermodal container of claim 98, wherein: The retractable plunger includes a radial protrusion configured to be releasably engaged by the locking member in the locked configuration.

102. The foldable intermodal container of claim 101, wherein: The locking member includes a frame member having a flange configured for releasably engaging a protrusion of the plunger to retain the plunger in the extended position.

103. The foldable intermodal container of any one of claims 98 to 102, wherein: The locking member includes a locking actuator exposed through a locking actuator opening in the plunger housing, and the locking actuator is pressed through an external locking actuator to achieve movement of the locking member toward the unlocking configuration against the force of the locking biasing device, thereby allowing the plunger to slide from its retracted position to the extended position against the force of the plunger biasing device.

104. The foldable intermodal container of claim 103, wherein: The retractable plunger includes a plunger actuator exposed via a plunger actuator opening in the plunger housing, the plunger actuator being depressed via an external plunger actuator for sliding movement of the plunger from its retracted position to the extended position.

105. The foldable intermodal container of any one of claims 95 to 104, wherein: The container also includes: a plurality of plugs mounted to at least one of the pair of side walls, the plugs being longitudinally spaced apart along the one of the side walls; a plurality of receivers mounted to the top panel or the bottom panel, the receivers being longitudinally spaced apart along the top panel or the bottom panel and being substantially aligned with the plurality of plugs, whereby with the foldable container in the expanded configuration, each of the plurality of receivers is arranged to receive a corresponding one of the plurality of plugs, thereby aligning the top panel or the bottom panel of the container with the associated side wall.

106. The foldable intermodal container of claim 105, wherein: Each of the plurality of plugs is in the form of a tapered post adapted to be mounted to an upper beam or a lower beam of the one of the pair of side walls.

107. The foldable intermodal container of claim 106, wherein: Each of the plurality of receivers is in the form of a conical cup having a cavity of substantially complementary shape to a corresponding one of the conical posts, the conical cup being adapted to be mounted to a lower beam or an upper beam of a base plate or a top plate, respectively.

108. The foldable intermodal container of any one of claims 105 to 107, wherein: The plurality of plugs and receivers are arranged in pairs, wherein adjacent pairs are substantially equidistantly spaced longitudinally along the wall and the top panel or the bottom panel.

109. The foldable intermodal container of any one of claims 105 to 108, wherein the container further comprises: one or more wedge members mounted to either or both of the top panel or the bottom panel opposite a hinged connection of the top panel or the bottom panel to the respective side wall; One or more receivers adapted to be mounted to either of the opposing side walls, each of the receivers being positioned to align with a corresponding one of the wedge-shaped members, the wedge-shaped members being received within the aligned receivers when the foldable container is moved to the expanded configuration for alignment of the top or bottom panel of the container with the associated wall.

110. The foldable intermodal container of claim 109, wherein: The wedge members are mounted to the top plate and the bottom plate, and the receivers are mounted to upper and lower longitudinal beams of the respective opposing side walls.

111. The foldable intermodal container of claim 110, wherein: Each of the receivers is in the form of a groove oriented parallel to the upper or lower beam of the side wall with which it is associated, the groove being at least partially wedge-shaped and having a cross-sectional shape complementary to the corresponding wedge-shaped member.

112. A foldable intermodal container, the foldable intermodal container comprising a pair of opposing side walls, each side wall being hingedly connected to a top panel and a bottom panel, respectively, wherein the opposing walls remain parallel to each other when the foldable container is moved between an expanded configuration, in which the top panel and the bottom panel extend substantially perpendicularly between the side walls, and a folded configuration in which the top panel and the bottom panel extend substantially parallel to the side walls, the container comprising a locking assembly for securing the top panel or the bottom panel in the expanded configuration, the locking assembly comprising: a rotatable shaft having a drive head drivable by an actuator; A locking member moves between a free position and a locked position via the shaft, wherein in the locked position, the locking member engages the top plate or the bottom plate to resist vertical movement of the top plate or the bottom plate and thereby maintains the top plate or the bottom plate in the deployed configuration.

113. The foldable intermodal container of claim 112, wherein: The locking member includes a hook portion which, when the locking member is in the locking position, engages a recess in the top plate or the bottom plate to prevent the shaft from rotating beyond the locking position and resists movement of the top plate or the bottom plate in a direction parallel to the extension direction of the side wall and / or in a direction perpendicular to the side wall.

114. A foldable intermodal container according to claim 112 or claim 113, wherein: The locking assembly is used to secure the top panel in the expanded configuration, and wherein the locking member includes a tapered portion in the direction of movement of the locking member so that when the locking member moves from the free position to the locked position, the top panel is pushed upward into the folded configuration.

115. The foldable intermodal container of claim 114, wherein: The tapered portion of the locking member is sized such that the top panel is pushed upward in the deployed configuration to ensure a sealing pressure is created between the top panel and the side wall.

116. A foldable intermodal container, the foldable intermodal container comprising a pair of opposed elongated side walls, each side wall being hingedly connected to a roof and a bottom panel, respectively, wherein an end frame is hingedly connected to one of the side walls to cover an opening created between the side walls, the roof and the bottom panel, wherein the opposed walls remain parallel to one another when the foldable container is moved between an expanded configuration in which the roof and the bottom panel extend substantially perpendicularly between the side walls and a folded configuration in which the roof and the bottom panel extend substantially parallel to the side walls, wherein: The end frame is hingedly movable about one of the pair of opposing side walls between (i) a closed position extending perpendicular to the pair of walls and (ii) an open position extending parallel to the one of the walls and disposed on the outer surface of the one of the walls, The container includes a locking assembly for securing the end frame to the outer surface of the side wall, the locking assembly comprising: a rotatable shaft having a drive head drivable by an actuator; A locking member is moved by the shaft between a free position and a locked position, wherein in the locked position, the locking member engages the end frame to resist movement of the end frame relative to the side wall and thereby retains the end frame in the open position.

117. The foldable intermodal container of claim 116, wherein: The end frames include corner castings having screw-lock holes, and Wherein, the locking member includes a hook portion, the hook portion is sized to hook into the twist lock hole and engage the inner surface of the corner casting to retain the end frame in the open position.

118. The foldable intermodal container of claim 117, wherein: The hook portion has a sufficient height so that an upper surface of the hook portion engages an inner surface of a top portion of the twist-lock hole, so that sagging of the end frame is resisted by the hook portion.

119. The foldable intermodal container of any one of claims 112 to 118, wherein: The locking assembly is housed in the side wall, and wherein the locking member protrudes from the side wall in the locked position and is fully received within the side wall in the free position.

120. The foldable intermodal container of any one of claims 116 to 119, wherein: The end frame includes a corner casting having a front face, a rear face, side faces and a vertical face, the corner casting comprising: a first standard hole in the front face; a second standard hole in the side; a third standard hole in the vertical surface; and A fourth hole in the back surface.

121. The foldable intermodal container of claim 120, wherein: The corner casting has a length from the front face to the back face exceeding 185 mm.

122. The foldable intermodal container of claim 120 or 121, wherein: The locking assembly is located in the side wall facing the extension direction of the side wall, and wherein the locking member includes a twist lock member, which is asymmetric about the axis of the rotatable shaft and can move between the free position and the locked position. In the free position, the twist lock member can move through the fourth hole and in the locked position, the twist lock member engages the inner surface of the corner casting when inserted into the corner casting through the fourth hole to fix the end frame in the closed position.

123. A foldable intermodal container, the foldable intermodal container comprising a pair of opposing side walls, each side wall being hingedly connected to a roof and a floor, respectively, wherein the opposing walls remain parallel to one another as the foldable container moves between an expanded configuration, in which the roof and the floor extend substantially perpendicularly between the side walls, and a folded configuration in which the roof and the floor extend substantially parallel to the side walls, the container comprising a composite beam profile formed by: A first beam portion having a first beam profile, the first beam profile comprising: a first portion having a first height; a second portion extending from the first portion and having a common base profile and a second height as the first portion, the second height being lower than the first height, the second portion having a planar contact surface terminating in an upwardly extending lip; a second beam portion having a second beam profile, the second beam profile comprising: a first portion having a first height; a second portion extending from the first portion and having a common top profile with the first portion and a second height, the second height being lower than the first height, the second portion having a planar contact surface terminating in a downwardly extending lip; a sealing member extending between the first beam and the second beam, Wherein, when the first beam portion and the second beam portion are arranged together, the second portions engage such that the lip of each beam contacts the flat contact surface of the other beam.

124. The foldable intermodal container of claim 123, wherein: The contact surfaces are arranged such that when the first and second beam portions are arranged together and a vertical load is applied to the composite beam, engagement of the lips urges the beams towards each other, exerting a compressive force on the sealing member between the beams.

125. The foldable intermodal container of claim 123 or 124, wherein: The sealing material includes a seal between a first portion of one of the beams and a second portion of the other beam.

126. The foldable intermodal container of any one of claims 123 to 125, wherein: The second portion of the first beam and / or the second beam includes a reinforcement member such that a vertical load applied to the composite beam forms a load path through the reinforcement member.

127. The foldable intermodal container of claim 126, wherein: The reinforcement member is U-shaped.

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