Assembly of collapsible intermodal shipping containers

Abstract

An assembly (102) of collapsible intermodal shipping containers (100), each container (100) being configurable between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration, and each container (100) including: opposing first and second elongate side walls (120, 140), each having lower and upper opposing sides (120a, 120b, 140a, 140b); an elongate floor (180) extending between the lower sides (120b, 140b) of the side walls (120, 140) in the expanded configuration; an elongate roof (160) extending between the upper sides (120a, 140a) of the side walls (120, 140) in the expanded configuration; and at least one end frame (240) to close an opening (104) created by the side walls (120, 140), floor (180), and roof (160), in the expanded configuration, the end frame (240) having a corner casting (280), wherein the floor (180) and roof (160) abut the end frame (240) in the expanded position at a mating surface (166), and include: one or more locating stubs (300) on the mating surface (166), the end frame (240) having one or more receivers (242) for receiving the locating stubs (300), wherein the receivers (242) are shaped to conform to the locating stub (300); and a locking stub (322) engageable with the corner casting (280) when the end frame (240) closes the opening (104) and movable between a free position and a locking position, wherein the assembly (102) includes: a first container (100a), having the features defined above and configured in the collapsed configuration; a last container (100c), having the features defined above and configured in the collapsed configuration; and at least one intermediate container (100b), having the features defined above and configured in the collapsed configuration, wherein the receivers (242) of the end frame (240) of the first container (100a) receive the locking stubs (322) of the first (100a), intermediate (100b), and last container (100c), such that the intermediate (100b) and last containers (100c) are connected to the first container (100a).

Description

ASSEMBLY OF COLLAPSIBLE INTERMODAL SHIPPINGCONTAINERSRELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims convention priority from Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2024901777, the contents of which are incorporated herein in their entirety by reference thereto.FIELD

[0002] The present invention relates to an assembly of collapsible intermodal shipping containers.BACKGROUND

[0003] Collapsible intermodal shipping containers have been proposed in prior patent publications, such as WO 2018 / 170527 Al, WO 2018 / 145140, and WO 2023 / 205856. A continuing problem to be addressed in the design of collapsible intermodal shipping containers, is that the container must be sufficiently rigid and sufficiently resistant to variety of specified loads so as to pass certification for interchangeable use with non-collapsible intermodal shipping containers. This requirement is difficult to pass while also ensuring that the empty weight of the collapsible container is sufficiently low so as to not appreciably affect the possible net weight of contents to be transported using the container, due to gross weight requirements imposed by certification requirements.

[0004] Further improvements in the design of the collapsible intermodal shipping container, in its expanded configuration, in its collapsed configuration, and in the form of an assembly of multiple collapsible intermodal shipping containers in their collapsed configurations, are desirable.SUMMARY

[0005] It is an object of the present invention to substantially overcome, or at least ameliorate, one or more of the disadvantages of the above mentioned containers, or at least provide a useful alternative to the containers and assemblies discussed above.

[0006] There is disclosed herein an assembly of collapsible intermodal shipping containers, each container being configurable between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration, and each container including: opposing first and second elongate side walls, each having lower and upper opposing sides; an elongate floor extending between the lower sides of the side walls in the expanded configuration; an elongate roof extending between the upper sides of the side walls in the expanded configuration; and at least one end frame to close an opening created by the side walls, floor, and roof, in the expanded configuration, the end frame having a corner casting, wherein the floor and roof abut the end frame in the expanded position at a mating surface, and include: one or more locating stubs on the mating surface, the end frame having one or more receivers for receiving the locating stubs, wherein the receivers are shaped to conform to the locating stub; and a locking stub engageable with the comer casting when the end frame closes the opening and movable between a free position and a locking position, wherein the assembly includes: a first container, having the features defined above and configured in the collapsed configuration; a last container, having the features defined above and configured in the collapsed configuration; and at least one intermediate container, having the features defined above and configured in the collapsed configuration, wherein the receivers of the end frame of the first container receive the locking stubs of the first, intermediate, and last container, such that the intermediate and last containers are connected to the first container.

[0007] Preferably, the locking stub of the last container engages the corner casting of the end frame of the first container.

[0008] Preferably, the end frame of the intermediate container is folded so as to be located between the first side wall of the intermediate container and the second side wall of the first container; and wherein the end frame of the last container is folded so as to be located between the first side wall of the last container and the second side wall of the intermediate container.

[0009] Preferably, the assembly includes two intermediate containers.

[0010] Preferably, each container includes six locating stubs and two locking stubs on the mating surface of the floor and six locating stubs and two locking stubs on the mating surface of the roof, and each end frame correspondingly includes two comer castings and six receivers on the mating surface of the floor, and two comer castings and six receivers on the mating surface of the roof.

[0011] Preferably, each container includes a hinge between the first side wall and the upper wall, the hinge including: a first end to be connected to the first side wall; a second end to be connected to the upper wall; a joint providing a pivot axis therethrough, to allow relative movement of the upper wall and the side wall, wherein the second end is movable upwardly relative to the first end to disengage the upper wall from the side wall.

[0012] Preferably, the joint comprises a first intermediate connector pivotally connected to the first end and the second end.

[0013] Preferably, the hinge further comprises a resilient member connected to the first end and the first intermediate connector to bias the first end and the first intermediate connector away from each other.

[0014] Preferably, the hinge further includes a second intermediate connector pivotally connected to the second end and the first intermediate connector.

[0015] Preferably, each container includes a second hinge between the second side wall and the lower wall, the hinge including: at least one arm including a first end to be connected to the second side wall; a bracket connected to the at least one arm, the bracket configured to be connected to the lower wall; wherein, the first end is pivotally connected to the side wall of the collapsible intermodal container to allow relative movement of the lower wall and the side wall.

[0016] Preferably, the hinge further includes a second arm connected to the bracket, the second arm including a second end to be pivotally connected to the side wall; wherein the first and second arm each include a U-shaped portion integrally formed with respective ends of the first arm and the second arm.

[0017] Preferably, each container further includes a trolley for connecting the first side wall to the floor and / or the second side wall to the roof, the trolley including: a carriage configured for movement along the respective side wall of the container; a bracket configured for connection to the respective floor and / or roof of the container; an intermediate portion pivotally connected to the trolley portion and the bracket.

[0018] Preferably, the intermediate portion includes one or more linkages having: a first arm including a first end pivotally connected to the carriage, and a second end opposite the first end; a second arm including a first end pivotally connected to the second end of the first arm, and a second end opposite the first end; and a third arm including a first end pivotally connected to the second end of the second arm, and a second end opposite the first end pivotally connected to the bracket.

[0019] Preferably, the end frame of each container is movable to a folded position adjacent the first side wall, on a side opposite the second side wall, to allow for configuration of the shipping container to the collapsed configuration; and wherein the each container further includes an end frame retention device located in the first side wall, operable to engage the corner casting when the end frame is in the folded position to retain the end frame.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] For a more complete understanding of the present invention, exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail in the following description with reference to the accompanying drawing figures, in which like reference signs designate like parts:

[0021] FIG. la shows a perspective view of a collapsible intermodal container according to an embodiment in an erected configuration.

[0022] FIG. lb shows a perspective view of a structure of the collapsible intermodal container shown in FIG. la.

[0023] FIG. 2a shows a perspective view of the collapsible intermodal container shown in FIG. la when in a partially collapsed configuration.

[0024] FIG. 2b shows a side view of the collapsible intermodal container shown in FIG. 2a in the partially collapsed configuration.

[0025] FIG. 2c shows a perspective view of a collapsible intermodal container according to an embodiment in a collapsed configuration.

[0026] FIG. 3 a shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a lock for the collapsible intermodal container in an open configuration.

[0027] FIG. 3b shows a top view of the lock shown in FIG. 3a in the open configuration.

[0028] FIG. 3 c shows a front view of the lock shown in FIG. 3 a in the open configuration.

[0029] FIG. 3d shows a side view of the lock shown in FIG. 3a in the open configuration.

[0030] FIG. 3e shows a bottom view of the lock shown in FIG. 3a in the open configuration.

[0031] FIG. 3f shows a section view of the lock shown in FIG. 3a in the open configuration.

[0032] FIG. 4a shows another perspective view of the lock shown in FIG. 3a in a locked configuration.

[0033] FIG. 4b shows a top view of the lock shown in FIG. 4a in the locked configuration.

[0034] FIG. 4c shows a front view of the lock shown in FIG. 4a in the locked configuration.

[0035] FIG. 4d shows a side view of the lock shown in FIG. 4a in the locked configuration.

[0036] FIG. 4e shows a bottom view of the lock shown in FIG. 4a in the locked configuration.

[0037] FIG. 4f shows a section view of the lock shown in FIG. 4a in the locked configuration.

[0038] FIG. 5 shows an exploded perspective view of the lock shown in FIG. 3a.

[0039] FIGS. 6a to 6c show a process for locking the lock shown in FIG. 3a.

[0040] FIG. 7 shows detail views of the lock shown in FIG. 3a in situ on the collapsible intermodal container.

[0041] FIG. 8a shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of a lock for the collapsible intermodal container.

[0042] FIG. 8b shows a top view of the lock shown in FIG. 8a.

[0043] FIG. 8c shows a front view of the lock shown in FIG. 8a.

[0044] FIG. 8d shows a side view of the lock shown in FIG. 8a.

[0045] FIG. 8e shows a bottom view of the lock shown in FIG. 8a.

[0046] FIG. 8f shows a section view of the lock shown in FIG. 8a.

[0047] FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of the lock shown in FIG. 8a.

[0048] FIGS. 10a to 10c show a process for locking the lock shown in FIG. 8a.

[0049] FIG. 11 shows a detail view of the lock shown in FIG. 8a in situ.

[0050] FIG. 12 shows a detail view of a receiver located on the intermodal container.

[0051] FIG. 13 shows a detail view of the intermodal container.

[0052] FIG 14 shows a perspective view of a structure of the collapsible intermodal container shown in FIG lb according to an alternate embodiment.

[0053] FIG 15 shows an exploded perspective view of the lock shown in FIG 4a according to an alternative embodiment.

[0054] FIG 16 shows a perspective view of a lock according to another embodiment.

[0055] FIG 17 shows a perspective view of a receiver according to an embodiment.

[0056] FIG 18 shows a section view the lock and receiver shown in FIGs 16 and 17.

[0057] FIG 19a shows a section view of the collapsible intermodal container shown in FIG 2a in the partially collapsed configuration.

[0058] FIG 19b shows a detailed section view an upper wall trolley shown in region A in FIG 19a.

[0059] FIG 19c shows a detailed section view of an upper wall hinge shown in region B in FIG 19a.

[0060] FIG 20a shows a section view of the collapsible intermodal container shown in FIG 2a in the partially collapsed configuration.

[0061] FIG 20b shows a detailed section view of a lower wall hinge shown in region C in FIG 20a.

[0062] FIG 21a shows a section view of the collapsible intermodal container shown in FIG 2a in the partially collapsed configuration.

[0063] FIG 21b shows a detailed section view of a lower wall trolley shown in region D of FIG 21a.

[0064] FIG 22a shows a section view of the collapsible intermodal container when in the collapsed configuration.

[0065] FIG 22b shows a section view of the upper wall hinge shown in region A of FIG 22a.

[0066] FIG 22c shows a section view of the upper wall trolley shown in region B of FIG 22a.

[0067] FIG 23 a shows a section view of the collapsible intermodal container when in the collapsed configuration.

[0068] FIG 23b shows a section view of the lower wall trolley shown in region C of FIG 23 a.

[0069] FIG 23c shows a section view of the lower wall hinge shown in region D of FIG 23a.

[0070] FIG 24a shows a perspective view of the upper wall hinge in situ.

[0071] FIG 24b shows a section view of the upper wall hinge shown in FIG 24a.

[0072] FIG 25a shows a perspective view of the upper wall hinge.

[0073] FIG 25b shows a top view of the upper wall hinge shown in FIG 25a.

[0074] FIG 25c shows a bottom view of the upper wall hinge shown in FIG 25a.

[0075] FIG 25d shows a side view of the upper wall hinge shown in FIG 25a.

[0076] FIG 25e shows a section view of the upper wall hinge shown in FIG 25a.

[0077] FIG 25e shows an exploded perspective view of the upper wall hinge shown in FIG 25a.

[0078] FIG 26a shows a perspective view of the upper wall trolley in situ.

[0079] FIG 26b shows a section view of the upper wall trolley shown in FIG 26a.

[0080] FIG 27a shows a perspective view of the upper wall trolley.

[0081] FIG 27b shows a top view of the upper wall trolley shown in FIG 27a.

[0082] FIG 27c shows a bottom view of the upper wall trolley shown in FIG 27a.

[0083] FIG 27d shows a side wall of the upper wall trolley shown in FIG 27a.

[0084] FIG 27e shows a section view of the upper wall trolley shown in FIG 27a.

[0085] FIG 27f shows an exploded perspective view of the upper wall trolley shown in FIG 27a.

[0086] FIG 28a shows a perspective view of a lower wall trolley in situ.

[0087] FIG 28b shows a section view of the lower wall trolley shown in FIG 28a.

[0088] FIG 29a shows a perspective view of the lower wall trolley.

[0089] FIG 29b shows a top view of the lower wall trolley shown in FIG 29a.

[0090] FIG 29c shows a section view of the lower wall trolley shown in FIG 29a.

[0091] FIG 29d shows an exploded perspective view of the lower wall trolley shown in FIG 29a.

[0092] FIG 30a shows a perspective view of the lower wall hinge in situ.

[0093] FIG 30b shows a section view of the lower wall hinge shown in FIG 30a.

[0094] FIG 31a shows a perspective view of the lower wall hinge.

[0095] FIG 3 lb shows a top view of the lower wall hinge shown in FIG 31a.

[0096] FIG 31c shows a section view of the lower wall hinge shown in FIG 31c.

[0097] FIG 3 Id shows an exploded perspective view of the lower wall hinge shown in FIG 31a.

[0098] FIG 32 shows a perspective view of a structure of the collapsible intermodal container shown in FIG lb according to an alternate embodiment.

[0099] FIG 33 shows a perspective view of the lower wall trolley shown in FIG 14a according to an alternate embodiment.

[0100] FIG. 34 shows an isometric view of an end frame assembly of the shipping container of FIG. la.

[0101] FIG. 35 shows a detailed view of the shipping container of FIG. la with the end frame assembly removed.

[0102] FIG. 36 shows a detailed view of the end frame assembly of FIG. 34.

[0103] FIG. 37 shows orthogonal projections of a locating stub of the container of FIG. la.

[0104] FIG. 38 shows an isometric view of the locating stub of FIG. 37.

[0105] FIG. 39 shows orthogonal projections of a receiver of the container of FIG. la.

[0106] FIG. 40 shows an isometric view of the receiver of FIG. 39.

[0107] FIG. 41 shows an isometric view of another embodiment of the receiver of FIG. 39.

[0108] FIG. 42 shows a detailed view of the container of FIG. 35.

[0109] FIG. 43 shows a detailed view of the container of FIG. 35.

[0110] FIG. 44 shows a detailed view of the container of FIG. 35.

[0111] FIG. 45 shows a detailed view of the container of FIG. 35.

[0112] FIG. 46 shows orthogonal projections of a locking stub assembly of the container of FIG. la.

[0113] FIG. 47 shows an isometric view of the locking stub assembly of FIG. 46.

[0114] FIG. 48 shows an isometric view of another embodiment of the locking stub assembly of FIG. 46.

[0115] FIG. 49 shows an exploded view of the locking stub assembly of FIG. 47.

[0116] FIG. 50 shows an exploded view of the locking stub assembly of FIG. 48.

[0117] FIG. 51 shows section, rear, and front views of the locking stub assembly of FIG. 46 in a locking position.

[0118] FIG. 52 shows section, rear, and front views of the locking stub assembly of FIG. 46 in a free position.

[0119] FIG. 53 shows detailed top views of the shipping container of FIG. la with the end frame assembly in a collapsed configuration.

[0120] FIG. 54 shows detailed bottom views of the shipping container of FIG. la with the end frame assembly in the collapsed configuration.

[0121] FIG. 55 shows an exploded view of an end frame retention device used by the shipping container of FIG. la.

[0122] FIG. 56 shows an isometric view of the end frame retention device of FIG. 55.

[0123] FIG. 57 shows an exploded view of another embodiment of the end frame retention device used by the shipping container of FIG. la.

[0124] FIG. 58 shows an isometric view of the end frame retention device of FIG. 57.

[0125] FIG. 59 shows front and side section views of the end frame retention device in a free position.

[0126] FIG. 60 shows front and side section views of the end frame retention device in a movable position.

[0127] FIG. 61 shows front and side section views of the end frame retention device in a retaining position.

[0128] FIG. 62 shows a detailed front view of the container of FIG. la.

[0129] FIG. 63 shows schematic detailed views of the container of FIG. la.

[0130] FIG. 64 shows a detailed isometric section view of the container of FIG. la.

[0131] FIG. 65 shows a detailed side section view of the container of FIG. la.

[0132] FIG. 66 shows a detailed isometric section view of the container of FIG. la.

[0133] FIG. 67 shows a detailed side section view of the container of FIG. la.

[0134] FIG. 68 shows a detailed isometric section view of the container of FIG. la.

[0135] FIG. 69 shows a detailed side section view of the container of FIG. la.

[0136] FIG. 70 shows a detailed isometric section view of the container of FIG. la.

[0137] FIG. 71 shows a detailed side section view of the container of FIG. la.

[0138] FIG. 72 shows a detailed isometric section view of the container of FIG. la.

[0139] FIG. 73 shows a detailed top section view of the container of FIG. la.

[0140] FIG. 74 shows a detailed isometric section view of the container of FIG. la.

[0141] FIG. 75 shows a detailed top section view of the container of FIG. la.

[0142] FIG. 76 shows schematic detailed views of the container of FIG. la.

[0143] FIG. 77 shows an isometric view of multiple containers of FIG. la in the collapsed configurations.

[0144] FIG. 78 shows an isometric view of an assembly of collapsed containers of FIG. la.

[0145] FIG. 79 is a detailed view of the assembly of FIG. 78.

[0146] FIG. 80 is an isometric view of the assembly of FIG. 78.

[0147] FIG. 81 is an isometric view of the assembly of FIG. 78.

[0148] FIG. 82 is an isometric view of the assembly of FIG. 78 with detail views.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0149] FIGS la and lb show an embodiment of a collapsible intermodal container 100. The general concept of a collapsible intermodal container is substantially described in the Applicant’s PCT application WO 2018 / 145140, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0150] Generally, the collapsible intermodal container 100 may include a right side wall 120 and a left side wall 140. The side walls 120, 140 oppose each other and are substantially parallel to each other. Each of the side walls 120, 140 may be formed from a rectangular corrugated steel panel which is surrounded by a rectangular steel frame. The right side wall 120 is defined by an upper longitudinal end 120a, a lower longitudinal end 120b, a front end 120c and a rear end 120d. The left side wall 140 is defined by an upper longitudinal end 140a, a lower longitudinal end 140b, a front end 140c and a rear end 140d.

[0151] The container 100 also includes a plurality of side wall stiffeners 122a to 122f and 142a to 142f. Each of the side wall stiffeners 122a to 122f and 142a to 142f include a channel configured to receive a trolley, which will be described in more detail later in this document.

[0152] The container 100 also includes an upper wall 160 located between the right side wall 120 and the left side wall 140. The upper wall 160 may be fabricated from a rectangular corrugated steel panel. The upper wall 160 is defined by a right longitudinal end 160a, a left longitudinal end 160b, a front end 160c and a rear end 160d. The upper wall 160 includes a plurality of upper wall stiffeners 162a to 162d to provide rigidity.

[0153] The container 100 also includes a lower wall 180 located between the right side wall 12 and the left side wall 14. The lower wall 180 is fabricated from steel and is substantially rectangular in shape. The lower wall 180 is defined by a right longitudinal end 180a, a left longitudinal end 180b, a front end 180c and a rear end 180d.

[0154] The container 100 further includes a front end assembly 240 and a rear end assembly 260, the front and rear end assemblies 240, 260 being designed for closing the front and rear ends of the container 100 in the erected configuration and for controlling access to the interior of the container 100. In this embodiment, the end assemblies 240, 260 include door panels for accessing the interior of the container 100 in the erected configuration. The front and rear end assemblies 240, 260 are also referred to herein as front and rear door assemblies 240, 260.

[0155] FIGs 2a and 2b show the container 100 in transition between the erected configuration and the collapsed configuration. FIG 2c shows the container 100 in the collapsed configuration.

[0156] FIGs 3a to FIG 7 show an embodiment of a lock 400 for the collapsible intermodal container 100. As shown more clearly in FIG 7, the lock 400 is intended for securing the lower wall 180 and the sidewall 120 to each other. Turning back to FIGs 3a to FIG 5, the lock 400 includes a body 410 which is configured to be connected to the sidewall of the container 100, preferably by welding. The lock 400 also includes a securing hook 420 connected to the body 410. The securing hook 420 is connected to the body 410 by a hinge 430 which allows the securing hook 420 to move between a free position and a securing position. The securing hook 420 is shown in the free position in FIGs 3a-e, whilst FIGs 4a-e show the securing hook 420 in the securing position.

[0157] The hinge 430 may include a shaft 432, a resilient member 434 and a knob 440. The shaft 432 may be elongate and configured to extend through an opening 423 at a first end 422 of the securing hook 420, and engage the knob 440. This is best shown in FIG 5. The knob 440 may include a boss 442 and a gripping portion 444. The boss 442 may be configured to engage the securing hook 420 through the opening 423 such that when the knob 440 is rotated, the securing hook 420 rotates with the knob 440. The securing hook 420 may include a second end 424 opposite the first end 422. At the second end 424, there may be a recess 426. The recess 426 is shaped in a way such that in use, the recess 426 securely engages a protrusion on the collapsible intermodal container 100, when the securing hook 420 is in the securing position.

[0158] The body 410 may be in the form of a housing that includes a cavity 412 and an opening 414 to the cavity 412. In the free position, the securing hook 420 may be contained substantially within the cavity 412 of the body 410. In the securing position, the securing hook 420 may move outwardly from the cavity 412, by rotating the knob 440 about axis A which in turn rotates the securing hook 420 by about 90 degrees. To rotate the securing hook 420 outwardly from the cavity 412 to the securing position, a force is applied to the knob 440 along axis A to press the securing hook 420 against the resilient member 434. In the embodiment shown, the resilient member 434 is a spring, however it is envisaged that there are other ways known to those skilled in the art to bias the securing hook 420 along the axis A.

[0159] In use, with reference to FIGS 6a to 6e, the securing hook 420 may start in the free position as shown in FIG 6a. In FIG 6b, a force is applied to the knob 440 thereby depressing the knob 440 along axis A to move the securing hook 420 along the axis A. The knob 440 is then rotated 90 degrees and the force can be removed from the knob 440, as shown in FIG 6c. FIG 6c shows the securing hook 420 in the securing position. In the securing position, the securing hook 420, specifically the recess 426, engages a protrusion 182 located on the lower wall 180 of the collapsible intermodal container 100. There may be several protrusions 182 on the lower wall 180 of the container 100, as shown in FIG 7. The container 100 side wall 120 may include corresponding locks 400 to engage each protrusion to secure the side wall 120 and the lower wall 180 to each other, so that the container 100 can remain in the erected configuration.

[0160] FIGs 8a to 13 show a lock 500 according to a second embodiment for the collapsible intermodal container. As shown more clearly in FIGs 11 to FIG 13, the lock 500 is intended for securing the upper wall 160 and the left side wall 140 to each other. Turning back to FIGs 8a to FIG 9, the lock 500 includes a body 510 which is configured to be connected to the sidewall of the container 100, preferably by welding. The lock 500 also includes a securing hook 520 connected to the body 510. The securing hook 520 is connected to the body 510 by a hinge 530 which allows the securing hook 520 to move between a free position and a securing position, as shown in FIGs 10a to lOe.

[0161] The hinge 530 may include a shaft 532, a first washer 534, a second washer 536 and a knob 540. The shaft 532 may be elongate and configured to extend through an opening 523 at a first end 522 of the securing hook 520, and engage the knob 540. This is best shown in FIG 9.The shaft 532 may include a boss 533 at one end that engages the knob 540. The knob 540 may include a gripping portion 542. The shaft 532 may also include a flange 537 at an end opposite the boss 533. The securing hook 520 may be mounted on the shaft 532 such that the securing hook 520 is free to rotate about the shaft when the securing hook 520 is in the free position. The securing hook 520 may include a second end 524 opposite the first end 522. In the embodiment shown, the securing hook 520 may include a recess 526 adjacent the second end 524 and a wear member 528 positioned in the recess 526. The recess 526 is shaped such that in use, the recess 526 rests on an edge of the intermodal container 100 and the second end 524 sits in an upper wall recess 164 of the intermodal container 100, when the securing hook 520 is in the securing position. This is shown most clearly in FIGs 11 to 13.

[0162] The body 510 may be in the form of a housing that includes a cavity 512 and an opening 514 to the cavity 512. The body 510 may include a retaining member 516 located within the cavity 512. The retaining member may include a threaded opening 517 configured to engage with a complementary thread 531 on the shaft 532.

[0163] The embodiment of the intermodal container 100 shown and described above includes six upper wall hinges 400, six upper wall trolleys 500, six lower wall trolleys 600 and six lower wall hinges 700. However, the intermodal container 100 may be designed to include fewer components. For example, in an alternate embodiment shown in FIG 17, the intermodal container 100 may include five upper wall hinges 400, five upper wall trolleys 500, five lower wall trolleys 600 and five lower wall hinges 700. In this alternate embodiment, there will accordingly be one less side wall stiffener 142a-e for the upper wall trolleys 500 to track therein, and one less side wall stiffener 122a-e for the lower wall trolleys 600 to track therein.

[0164] FIG 15 shows an alternative embodiment of the lock 400 shown in FIG 4a. Like numbering has been used for like components. A difference in the embodiment of the lock shown in FIG 15 is that the boss 442 is shaped differently to interact with the securing hook 420. In particular, the boss 442 includes a portion that projects outwardly from a longitudinal axis of the boss 442, preferably perpendicularly from the longitudinal axis of the boss 442. This portion that projects outwardly can apply pressure to an upper wall of the container 100, in use. Use of the lock 400 shown in FIG 15 is the same as the embodiment shown in FIG 4a.

[0165] FIGs 16 to 18 show an alternative embodiment of the lock 500. Instead of the securing hook 520 engaging a recess 164 in the container 100, the securing hook 520 engages a receiver 164’. The receiver 164’ may be welded to the container 100. In the alternative embodiment, the securing hook 520 and the receiver 164’ are shaped in a complementary manner such that they securely engage one another when in the securing position. It is envisaged the securing hook 520 slides over the receiver 164’ to engage the receiver in the securing position. Like parts of the lock 500 of this alternative embodiment have been given like numbers as those shown in FIGs 11 to 13.

[0166] In use, with reference to FIGS 10a to 10c, the securing hook 420 may start in the free position as shown in FIG 6a. In the free position, the flange 537 is adjacent or abuts the retaining member 516 and the knob 540 is further away from the body 510. In the free position, the securing hook 524 is free to pivot about the shaft 532 so that the second end 524 can be brought into aligned with the upper wall recess 164. In FIG 6b, the knob 540 is rotated, preferably clockwise, to move the shaft 532 through the threaded opening 517, such that the shaft 532 and securing hook 520 moves relative to the body 510. Fig 10c shows the securing position in which the knob 540 is closed to the body and the flange 537 is further from the retaining member 516. In the securing position, the knob 540 holds the first end 522 of the securing hook 520 against the body 510. In the securing position, the securing hook 520, specifically the recess second end 524, engages the upper wall recess 164 and the recess 526 rests against the upper edge of the collapsible intermodal container 100. This is shown most clearly in FIG 13.

[0167] FIGS. 2a, 2b, 19a-19c, 20a, 20b, 21a and 21b show the container 100 in transition between the erected configuration and the collapsed configuration. FIGS. 2c, 22a-22c and 24a- 24c show the container 100 in the collapsed configuration. A more detailed explanation of these figures will follow once various hardware components have been described.

[0168] Moving to FIGS. 24a to 25e, various views of a hinge 400 according to an embodiment for the collapsible intermodal container 100 are shown. The hinge 400 includes a first end 410 to be connected to a side wall of the collapsible intermodal container. The hinge 400 also includes a second end 430 to be connected to an upper wall of the collapsible intermodal container. The hinge 400 further includes a joint 470 that provides a pivot axis therethrough, to allow relative movement of the upper wall and the side wall.

[0169] The first end 410 may be in the form of a bracket which may include a plurality of apertures 412a, 412b, 412c and 412d. The plurality of apertures 412a-412d are configured for receiving fasteners 414a, 414b, 414c, 414d therethrough to connect the first end 410 to a side wall of the container 100.

[0170] The second end 430 may be connected to the upper wall by welding, or by a plurality of fasteners (not shown). The first end 410 and the second end 430 may include one or more arms to accommodate one or more intermediate connectors. In the embodiment shown, the first end includes four arms 416a, 416b, 416c, 416d. The arms 416a, 416b may be said to be a first pair of arms and the arms 416c, 416d may be said to be a second pair of arms. Each arm 416a-d includes an aperture 418 configured for receiving a locking pin 420a, 420b. The first and second pairs of arms together receive a first intermediate connector 440. The first intermediate connector 440 includes a pair of projections 442a, 442b which are each configured to sit between the first pair of arms 416a, 416b and the second pair of arms 416c, 416d respectively. The pair of projections 442a, 442b each include an aperture to receive the locking pin 420a, 420b therethrough, thereby pivotally connecting the first intermediate connector 440 to the first end 410.

[0171] The first intermediate connector 440 may be configured to connect to a second intermediate connector which may be a pair of second intermediate connectors 460a, 460b. Opposite the pair of projections 442a, 442b, the first intermediate connector 440 may include two second pairs of arms 444a, 444b and 444c, 444d. The arms 444a-d are configured to receive the second intermediate connector 460a, 460b. Each second intermediate connector 460a, 460b may include a first pair of arms 462a, 462b. Each pair of arms 462a, 462b include an aperture so that a locking pin 420c, 420d can pass there through. In this way, the second intermediate connector 460a, 460b is pivotally connected to the first intermediate connector 440. Opposite the first pair of arms 462a, 462b, the second intermediate connector 460a, 460b includes a second pair of arms 464a, 464b. Each of the second pairs of arms 464a, 464b include an aperture to receive a locking pin 420e, 420f therethrough. Each of the second pairs of arms 464a, 464b are pivotally connected to the second end 430. The second end 430 includes two pairs of arms 432a, 432b to receive the arms of the second intermediate connector 464a, 464b therebetween.

[0172] The hinge 400 may further include a means to bias the first end 410 and the first intermediate connector 440 away from each other in the form of one or more resilient members405a, 405b. In the embodiment shown, the resilient members 405a, 405b are torsion springs. However, it is envisaged that other types of resilient members could be used such as, for example, a helical extension spring. The resilient members 405a, 405b may be attached to the first end 410 and the first intermediate connector 440 by one or more fasteners 406a-406d. The first end 410 may also include a first end fascia 408. The intermediate connectors together form the joint 470.

[0173] Moving to FIGS. 26a to 27f, various views of a trolley 500 according to an embodiment for the collapsible intermodal container 100 is shown. The trolley 500 includes a carriage 510 configured for movement along a side wall of the container 100. The trolley 500 also includes a bracket 520, which in the embodiment shown is connected to the upper wall of the container 100 but may alternately be connected to the lower wall of the container 100. The trolley 500 further includes an intermediate portion that is pivotally connected to both the carriage 510 and the bracket 520. The intermediate portion may form a substantially L-shaped connection between the carriage 510 and the bracket 520, and may include several parts, described below.

[0174] The carriage 510 may include one or more wheels and in particular, as shown in FIGS. 26a to 27f, the carriage 510 may include four wheels 512a-d to allow the carriage 510 to move along a side wall of the container 100.

[0175] The intermediate portion may include one or more linkages 530a, 530b, 530c. As shown most clearly in FIG 27f, linkage 530a may be in the form of an elongate arm including a first end 532a and a second end 534a. Each end includes an aperture to receive a locking pin 540a, 540b therethrough, so that the first end 532a can be pivotally connected to the carriage 510, and the second end 534a can be connected to a second linkage 530b.

[0176] The second linkage may be in the form of an elongate arm including a first end 532b and a second end 534b. Each end includes an aperture to receive locking pins 540b, 540c. The first end 532b may be a forked end to sit around the end 534a of arm 530a and pivot about the end 534a.

[0177] The third linkage may be in the form of an arm or an L-shaped arm including a first end 532c and a second end 534c. Each end includes an aperture to receive locking pins 540c, 540d. The first end 532c may be a forked end to sit around the second end 534b of arm 530b and pivot about the end 534b.

[0178] The second end 534c may be configured to sit within of the bracket 520 or connect to an outer surface of the bracket 520. The bracket 520 includes apertures to receive locking pin 540d so as to pivotally connect the second end 534c and the bracket 520 to each other.

[0179] The trolley 500 may also include a biasing means such as resilient member, which is shown as a pair of torsion springs 550a, 550b. The resilient member is connected to the second linkage 530b and the third linkage 530c. The resilient member serves to bias the first end 532b away from the third linkage 530c. Each torsion spring 550a, 550b may be connected to the second linkage 530b and the third linkage 530c by one or more fasteners 552a-d.

[0180] Moving to FIGS. 28a to 29d, various views of another trolley 600 according to an embodiment for the collapsible intermodal container 100 is shown. The trolley 600 is similar to the trolley 500 described above, including a carriage 610, a bracket 620 and an intermediate portion to pivotally connect the carriage 610 and the bracket 620. The carriage 610 may include one or more wheels and in particular, as shown in FIGS. 28a to 29d, the carriage 610 may include four wheels 612a-d to allow the carriage 610 to move along a side wall of the container 100.

[0181] The bracket 620 may include a pair of arms 622a, 622b, each including an aperture to receive a locking pin 640a. The intermediate portion may include an elongate arm or linkage 630. The linkage includes a first end 632a and a second end 632b. The first end 632a includes an aperture to receive the locking pin 640a, thereby pivotally connecting the linkage 630 to the bracket 620. The second end 632b also includes an aperture to receive a locking pin 640b, allowing the linkage 630 to pivotally connect to the carriage 610. Fasteners 644a-c may be used to connect the hinge 600 to the container 100.

[0182] Moving to FIGS. 30a to 3 Id, various views of another hinge 700 according to an embodiment for the collapsible intermodal container 100 is shown. The hinge 700 includes at least one arm 710a extending from a bracket 720. The arm 710a has an end 712a to be pivotally connected to a side wall of the collapsible intermodal container 100. In the embodiment shown, the arm 710a is substantially L-shaped, however the arm 710a is not limited to being L-shaped and could be a different shape.

[0183] The hinge 700 may also include a second arm 710b extending from the bracket 720. The second arm 710b includes a second end 712b to be pivotally connected to a side wall of thecollapsible intermodal container 100. In the embodiment shown, the arm 710b is substantially L-shaped, however the arm 710b is not limited to being L-shaped and could be a different shape.

[0184] The first end 712a and the second end 712b each include a fork or be substantially U- shaped and include a pair of apertures to receive a locking pin (not shown) therethrough.

[0185] The bracket 720 may include a plurality of apertures 722a-e configured for receiving respective fasteners 724a-e to connect the hinge 700 to the lower wall of the container 100. Alternatively, there may be no apertures and fasteners and the bracket 720 could be connected to the lower wall of the container 100 by other means such as welding, for example. Additionally, the hinge 700 may include a bracket fascia 730 to cover the bracket and / or the apertures 722a-e and fasteners 724a-e.

[0186] In the embodiments shown and described the hinge 400 is connected to an upper wall of the container 100 and the hinge 700 is connected to a lower wall of the container 100. Thus, the hinge 400 may be referred to as an upper wall hinge 400 and the hinge 700 may be referred to as a lower wall hinge 700. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the upper wall hinge 400 and the lower wall hinge 700 may be reversed such that the hinge 400 is connected to the lower wall and the hinge 700 is connected to the upper wall.

[0187] Similarly, in the embodiment shown and described the trolley 500 is connected to an upper wall of the container 100 and the trolley 600 is connected to a lower wall of the container 100. Thus the trolley 500 may be referred to as an upper wall trolley 500 and the trolley 600 may be referred to as a lower wall trolley 700. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the upper wall trolley 500 and the lower wall trolley 600 may be reversed such that the trolley 500 is connected to the lower wall and the trolley 600 is connected to the upper wall.

[0188] The embodiment of the intermodal container 100 shown and described above includes six upper wall hinges 400, six upper wall trolleys 500, six lower wall trolleys 600 and six lower wall hinges 700. However, the intermodal container 100 may be designed to include fewer components. For example, in an alternate embodiment shown in FIG 32, the intermodal container 100 may include five upper wall hinges 400, five upper wall trolleys 500, five lower wall trolleys 600 and five lower wall hinges 700. In this alternate embodiment, there will accordingly be one less side wall stiffener 142a-e for the upper wall trolleys 500 to track therein, and one less side wall stiffener 122a-e for the lower wall trolleys 600 to track therein.

[0189] An alternate embodiment of a lower wall trolley 600’ is shown in FIG 33. The lower wall trolley 600’ has the same components as the lower wall trolley 600 described above and operates in the same manner. However, the bracket 620’ is shaped more optimally for reduced weight. Like components are given like numbering.

[0190] Use of the hinge and trolley will now be described.

[0191] As shown in FIG. 24a and FIG. 24b, the upper wall hinge 400 may be connected at the first end 410 to the right side wall 140 of the container 100 by fasteners 406a-d. More specifically, the first end 410 may be fastened to or near the right side wall stiffeners 122a-f of the container 100 or fastened to a beam 123 of the side wall. The second end 430 may be connected to the upper wall 160 of the container 100 by welding. More specifically, the second end 420 may be welded to or adjacent to the upper wall stiffeners 162a-d.

[0192] As shown in FIG. 26a and FIG. 26b, the upper wall trolley 500 may be connected at the bracket 520 to the upper wall 160 of the container 100. More specifically, the bracket 520 may be welded to the upper wall 160. The carriage 510 is located within a channel 144a of the left side wall stiffener 142a. The wheels 512a-d of the carriage 510 allow the carriage 510 to move freely within the channel, in a direction parallel to the side wall 140.

[0193] As shown in FIG. 28a and FIG. 28b, the lower wall trolley 600 may be connected at the bracket 620 to the lower wall 180 by the fasteners 644a-c. The carriage 610 is located within a channel 124a of the right side wall stiffener 122a. The wheels 612a-d of the carriage 610 allow the carriage 610 to move freely within the channel, in a direction parallel to the side wall 120.

[0194] As shown in FIGS. 30a and 30b, the lower wall hinge 700 may be connected at the bracket 720 to the lower wall 180 by the fasteners 724a-e, at the lower longitudinal end 180b. Spaced from the bracket 720 are the arms 710a,b which are pivotally connected to the left side wall 140 by a locking pin (not shown) at ends 712a,b.

[0195] Referring back to FIGS. 19 to 21, the container 100 may be collapsed from the erect configuration by releasing a locking mechanism (not shown) to allow the upper wall trolley 500 to move within the channel 144a along the left side wall 140 toward the lower wall hinge 700, pivoting at the upper wall hinge 400. Simultaneously, the lower wall trolley 600 is allowed to move within the channel 124a along the right side wall 120 toward the upper wall hinge 400,pivoting at the lower wall hinge 700. A shown in FIGS. 22a to 23c, once the upper wall trolley 500 has reached the lower wall hinge 700 and the lower wall trolley 600 has reached the upper wall hinge 500, the container 100 will have reached the collapsed configuration.

[0196] As shown in FIGS, la, the container 100 further includes a front end assembly 240 and a rear end assembly 260, both being an end frame assembly, shown in more detail in FIG. 34.The front and rear end assemblies 240, 260 are designed for closing the front and rear ends of the container 100 in the expanded configuration and for controlling access to the interior of the container 100. In the expanded configuration, the end frame assemblies 240, 260 abut the roof 160 and floor 180 at a respective mating surface 166, 186. In this embodiment, the end assemblies 240, 260 include door panels for accessing the interior of the container 100 in the expanded configuration. The front and rear end assemblies 240, 260 are also referred to herein as front and rear door assemblies 240, 260, or collectively as end frame assemblies 240, 260. Each end frame assembly 240, 260 includes a plurality of comer castings 280, preferably four corner castings 280 located at the intersection point of the walls 120, 140, 160, 180. The corner castings 280 are used when the shipping container 100 is in the expanded configuration for their usual, norm-specified, purpose of engaging the shipping container 100 with other containers, vehicles transporting the container, or other fixing requirements.

[0197] The container 100 is configurable between an expanded configuration shown, and a collapsed configuration in which the upper wall 160 is hinged downwardly from the right side wall 120 and the lower wall 180 is hinged upwardly from the left side wall 140. In this way, the right side wall 120 and left side wall 140 may be brought closer together, reducing the volume occupied by the container 100. A required step for the collapsed configuration is the movement of the end frame assembly 240 from the front and rear ends 160c, 160d of the container 100 to a folded position shown in FIGS. 46 and 47 adjacent one of the side walls 160, 180, to allow for the roof 160 and floor 180 to move from the expanded configuration. The comer castings 280 are fixedly attached to the end frame assemblies 240, 260 and move therewith away from the walls 120, 140, 160, 180 toward the folded position of the end frame assemblies 240, 260.

[0198] The roof 160 and floor 180 each include one or more locating stubs 300 on the respective mating surface 166, 186, as shown in FIG. 35. The locating stub 300 is shown in more detail in FIGS. 37 and 38. The stub 300 may be generally wedge-shaped and include chamfered and / or filleted edges.

[0199] Correspondingly, the end frame assembly 240, 260 has one or more receivers 242 located for receiving the relevant locating stub 300, as shown in FIG. 36. Thus, the receiver 242 is shaped to conform to the locating stub 300, such that force may be transmitted from the end frame assemblies 240, 260 to the roof 160 and floor 180, and vice versa, by engagement of the locating stub 300 with the respective receiver 242. The receiver 242 is shown in more detail in FIGS. 39 and 41. The receiver 242 includes a shell 248 surrounding an interior 246. The interior 246 is shaped to conform to the locking stub 300, however providing substantially flat upper and lower locating surfaces 250. The shell 248 may include a wedge-shaped portion 252 including the locating surfaces 250, while the remainder of the receiver 242 may have an open side wall, and a cut-out in the walls adjacent the open side wall. In other embodiments, such as shown in FIG. 62, the shell 248 may not include an open side wall, such that the locating surfaces 250 are substantially similarly shaped and sized. This arrangement, while being less permissible to misalignment, allows the locating stub to engage the locating surfaces 250 more securely. As shown in FIGS. 39 and 40, the receiver 242 may include an inspection slot 244 that provides visual access to an interior 246 of the receiver 242, where the locating stub 300 is to be received. However, as shown in FIG. 41, embodiments without the inspection slot 244 are also contemplated.

[0200] As shown in FIG. 37, the locating stub 300 may be tapered at one or more angles 302 from a base portion 304 attached to the mating surface 166, 186 to a tip portion 306 distal from the mating surface 166, 186. The receiver 242 may be similarly tapered to conform to the shape of the locating stub 300., as shown in FIGS. 40 and 41. The taper of angle 302 creates a force between the locating stub 300 and the receiver 242 when the stub 300 enters the receiver 242 that centers the locating stub 300 within the receiver 242 and reduces the risk of jamming of the components. As shown in FIG. 37, the locating stubs 300 may be asymmetric across a horizontal plane 308 so as to allow the locating force to be larger in a vertical direction 310 compared to opposite the vertical direction. The asymmetry may also cause the locating force to occur earlier in the insertion of the stub 300. In a preferred embodiment, a locating surface 312 of the locating stub 300 is planar, opposite the angle 302, such that the position of the end frame assembly 240, 260 relative to the roof 160 or floor 180 is well defined by contact of the locating surface 312 with the respective locating surface 250 of the receiver 242, and not particularly dependent on the insertion depth of the stub 300. Preferably, the locating surface 312 of the stubs 300 on the mating surface 166 is facing opposite the locating surface 312 of the stubs 300 on the mating surface 186.

[0201] As shown in FIGS. 42 to 45, the container 100 may further include a locking stub assembly 320, that includes a locking stub 322 that is engageable with the comer casting 280, preferably an aperture 282 of the comer casting 280 that faces towards the walls 120, 140, 160, 180 when the end frame assembly 240, 260 is in the expanded configuration. Preferably, the locking stub assembly 320 is received each by the upper longitudinal ends 160a, 160b and the lower longitudinal ends 180a, 180b, respectively, at the intersection of the walls 120, 140, 160, 180. The aperture 282 is preferably not used for the norm-specified uses of the corner casting 280, as it faces inwards rather than outwards relative to the container 100. The locking stub 322 is movable between a locking position shown in FIG. 51, and a free position shown in FIG. 52. The aperture 282 of the corner casting 280 is preferably shaped such that the locking stub 322 may pass through the aperture 282 only when the locking stub is in the free position. When received by the aperture 282, the locking stub 322 may rotate to the locking position so as to inhibit movement of the comer casting 280 away from the locking stub assembly 320, and thus keep the end frame assembly 240, 260 locked against the walls 120, 140, 160, 180. The locking stub 322 is shaped substantially similarly to the locating stubs 300. In this way, the locking stub 322 may be received by the receiver 242, which becomes useful when combining multiple containers 100 to a combined container unit (not shown). In this scenario, the locking stubs 322 may be used, effectively, as the locating stubs 300 of the combined container unit to engage the end frame assembly 240, 260 in the expanded configuration. To this end, the container 100 may include more receivers 242 than locating stubs 300. The container 100 may preferably contain two more receivers 242 than locating stubs 300 or may include 50% more receivers 242 than locating stubs 300.

[0202] As shown in FIG. 49, the locking stub 322 may pivot about a twist axis 324 when moving between the free position and the locking position. To this end, the locking stub assembly 320 may include a body 326 within which the locking stub 322 is received. The body 326 may have an aperture 328 through which the locking stub 322 extends out of the body 326. Preferably, the aperture 328 includes extended circumferential walls 330 to support the locking stub 322 and discourage wedging and / or jamming of the locking stub 322 in the aperture 328. The circumferential walls 330 may also form a profile external of the body 326 that conforms to the interior 246 of the receiver 242, such that the receiver 242 may be seated on the circumferential walls 330 to transfer load directly from the receiver 242 to the body 326, rather than through the locking stube 322. The locking stub 322 is further received by a holder 332 within the body 326. Together, the holder 332 and the aperture 328 provide bearings on whichthe locking stub 322 may pivot. The locking stub 322 may have a second portion 322b that is secured to the locking stub 322 through the holder 332 to attach the locking stub 322 to the holder 332.

[0203] The locking stub assembly 320 may further include a pinion gear 334 located within the body 326 that is driven by a rack 336. The pinion gear 334 is preferably mounted on the locking stub 322, such that rotation of the pinion gear 334 causes rotation of the locking stub 322. The rack 336 is preferably mounted to a translatable button assembly 338 that moves within a second aperture 340 of the body 326. Thus, translation of the button assembly 338 causes the rack 336 to drive the pinion gear 334 thereby moving the locking stub 322 between the free and locking positions. Preferably, the button assembly 338 includes a button 342 that is sealingly mounted within the second aperture 340, and a button body 344 that sits within the second aperture 340 and / or the body 326 and receives the button 342 and the rack 336. The locking stub assembly 320 may further include a bias member, such as a torsion spring 346, for biasing the locking stub 322 toward the locking position. The torsion spring 346 preferably acts on the locking stub 322, bearing from the body 326.

[0204] As shown in FIGS. 49 and 50, the locking stub assembly 320 may be provided according to a first embodiment shown in FIG. 49 at the lower longitudinal ends 140b, 160b, wherein the second aperture 340 faces downward, away from the floor 180. The locking stub assembly 320 may be provided according to a second embodiment shown in FIG. 50 at the upper longitudinal ends 140a, 160a, wherein the second aperture 340 faces upwards, away from the roof 160. In this way, the button 342 is accessible to actuate the locking stub assembly 320. FIGS. 51 and 52 show section views of the locking stub assembly 320 in the locking and free positions, respectively.

[0205] As shown in FIGS. 53 and 54, the container 100 may further include an end frame retention device 350. Preferably two retention devices 350 for each end frame assembly 240, 260. The retention device 350 is operable to engage the corner casting 280 when the end frame assembly 240, 260 is in the folded position shown in FIGS. 53 and 54, to retain the end frame assemblies 240, 260 in the folded position. The retention device 350 preferably engages a second aperture 284 of the corner casting 280. The second aperture 284 is preferably also used for ordinary uses of comer castings and, when the end assembly 240, 260 is in the expanded configuration abutting the walls 120, 140, 160, 180, faces away from the container 100.

[0206] As shown in FIGS. 55 to 58, the retention device 350 may include a body 352 having a shell 354 and a cavity 356. The retention device 350 may further include a hook 358 mounted within the cavity 356, the hook 358 being movable between a free position, shown in FIG. 58, and a retaining position, shown in FIG. 56. In the retaining position, the hook 358 is adapted to engage the second aperture 284 of the corner casting 280. As shown in FIGS. 55 and 57, the hook 358 may be mounted to a spindle 360 so as to move about a spindle axis 362 between the free and retaining positions. The spindle 360 may have a non-circular profile, seated in a matching hole of the hook 358, such that movement of the spindle 360 causes movement of the hook 358. The spindle 360 may be manufactured in two parts that are engage each other in the hole of the hook 358 to locate the hook 358 on the spindle 360. The spindle axis 362 is preferably entirely within the cavity 356, while the hook 358 extends away from the spindle axis 362 such that, in the retaining position, the hook 358 extends out of the cavity 356. The hook 358 includes a hook portion 364 that extends at an angle to the remainder of the hook 358, and in the retaining position substantially the entire hook portion 364 is located outside of the cavity 356. The hook portion 364 is preferably tapered towards an end of the hook portion 364, which is also the end of the hook 358. The spindle 360 may be topped with a drive nut 366, preferably they are fixedly engaged to each other, such as by welding. The drive nut 366 may be engaged by a suitable drive means, such as a chuck (not shown), to rotate the spindle 360 for moving the hook 358 between the free and retaining positions. Preferably, the drive nut 366 includes drive faces 368 extending perpendicular to the spindle axis 362, most preferably four drive faces 368.

[0207] As shown in FIG. 57, the shell 354 of the body 352 may include a channel 370, while the hook 358 may include a cam 372 for engaging the channel as the hook 358 pivots about the spindle axis 362. The cam 372 may take the form of a cylindrical boss extending away from the hook 358, perpendicular to the spindle axis 362. The channel 370 guides the movement of the hook 358 between the free and retaining positions. Preferably, the channel 370 may include endpoints 374 that define the free and retaining positions of the hook 358. The channel 370 may extend substantially along a channel path, and the endpoints 374 are preferably located at an offset from the channel path. The retaining device 350 may include a bias member 376 to bias the hook 358 and spindle 360 such that the cam 372 is urged into the respective endpoint 374 when the hook 358 is in the free or retaining position. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 55, the bias member 376 may act on a flat profile 375 of the hook 358 and / or spindle 360 to retain the hook 358 in the position defined by the flat profile 375. The spindle 360 is therefore preferably translatably mounted within the body 352 to allow movement of the spindle 360 along thespindle axis 362 against the force of the bias member 376 to allow movement of the cam 372 between the endpoints 374. This process is shown in FIGS. 59 to 61. The retention device 350, as shown in FIG. 59, is in the free position with the hook 358 located within the cavity 356. As shown in FIG. 60, the spindle 360 is moved along the spindle axis 362 by applying a normal force to the drive nut 366 to move the cam 372 from the endpoint 374 corresponding to the free position into the channel 370. As shown in FIG. 61, the spindle 360 is then pivoted about the spindle axis 362 by applying a moment to the drive nut 366 to move the hook 358 to the retaining position, extending out of the cavity 356 to engage the corner casting 280. Following release of the spindle 360, the cam 372 is urged by the bias member 376 into the endpoint 374 corresponding to the retaining position.

[0208] FIGS. 62 to 76 show the container 100 with an end frame seal 600 positioned to be compressed between the end frame 240 and the roof 160, floor 180, and side walls 120, 140, when the locking stubs 322 are in the locking position. As shown in FIG. 62, the end frame seal 600 may be mounted to the end frame 240 to surround a sealed area 602 that includes the opening 104. As shown, the end seal 600 is preferably configured such that the corner castings 280 are outside the sealed area 602. The end frame seal 600 may include vertical portions 604 and horizontal portions 606, and a width 614 of the vertical portions 604 may be larger than a height 616 of the horizontal portions 606. The end frame seal 600 may also include corner portions 610 adjacent the corner castings 280, and the corner portions 610 may have a larger transverse dimension across the seal 600 than other portions of the end frame seal 600.

[0209] Moving to FIG. 63, the floor 180 may include a floor seal plate 618 on the mating surface 186 located to engage the end frame seal 600 when the container 100 is in the expanded position. The first and second side wall 120, 140 may each include a lower side seal plate 620 on the mating surface 186 located to engage the end frame seal 600 when the container 100 is in the expanded position. The floor seal plate 618 and the lower side seal plate 620 at least partially overlap when the container 100 is in the expanded position, such that a tortuous path is between the plates 618, 620, inhibiting fluid ingress across the seal created between the plates 618, 620 and the end frame seal 600 into the sealed area 602.

[0210] Similarly, the roof 160 may include a roof seal plate 622 on the mating surface 186 located to engage the end frame seal 600 when the container 100 is in the expanded position. The first and second side wall 120, 140 may each include an upper side seal plate 624 on themating surface 186 located to engage the end frame seal 600 when the container 100 is in the expanded position. The roof seal plate 622 and the upper side seal plate 624 at least partially overlap when the container 100 is in the expanded position, such that a tortuous path is between the plates 618, 620, inhibiting fluid ingress across the seal created between the plates 618, 620 and the end frame seal 600 into the sealed area 602. The upper side seal plate 624 preferably slopes outwardly to direct fluid flowing under the influence of gravity out and away from the cavity 106. The upper side seal plate 624 may include an overhang 625 extending outwardly beyond the width 614 of the vertical portions 604 of the seal 600. The overlap between the roof seal plate 622 and the upper side seal plate 624 may include a U-shaped receiver 626 that receives a tongue 628 to form the tortuous path between the roof seal plate 622 and the upper side seal plate 624. Preferably, the U-shaped receiver 626 is formed on the roof seal plate 622 and the opening of the U is downwardly facing, with the tongue 628 being formed by the upper side seal plate 624 and projecting upwardly into the receiver 626.

[0211] FIGS. 64 and 65 show sections of the end frame seal 600 positioned between the end frame 240 and the roof 160 at horizontal portions 606 of the seal 600. The end frame seal 600 includes a seal bracket 630 attached to the end frame 240. The seal bracket 630 may take the form of an extruded section surrounding a seal bracket cavity 632, the extruded section includes an end wall 634 and one or more retaining walls 636 projecting from the end wall 634 to at least partially define the cavity 632. The seal bracket 630 is preferably attached to the end frame 240 using the end wall 634, such as by welding or using fasteners. Within the cavity 632, the seal bracket 630 may contain a foam member 638 configured to seal in a first plane 640 parallel to the end frame 240, and a second foam member 642 configured to seal in a second plane 644 perpendicular to the end frame 240. In preferred embodiments, the foam member 638 has a substantially rectangular shape, or is configured from a plurality of rectangular shapes to form, for example, an L-shaped foam member, as seen in FIG. 65. The second foam member 642 preferably includes a projection from the foam member 638, such as a bead or lip formed on the foam member 638. The roof seal plate 622 preferably extends substantially parallel to the roof 160 into the bracket cavity 632. The seal 600 is preferably located immediately between an upper transverse beam 290 of the end frame 240 and a transverse beam 182 of the floor 180

[0212] Also shown in FIG. 64 is an end frame door 286 mounted to the end frame 240 that permits access to the cavity 106 when the container 100 is in the expanded position. The end frame 240 includes a door seal 288 that inhibits fluid ingress between the end frame 240 and theend frame door 286 into the cavity 106. Preferably, the door seal 288 is mounted to the end frame door 286 and projects from the end frame door 286 towards the end frame 240.

[0213] FIGS. 66 and 67 show sections of the end frame seal 600 positioned between the end frame 240 and the floor 180 at horizontal portions 606 of the seal 600. The floor seal plate 618 preferably extends substantially parallel to the floor 180 and extends into the bracket cavity 632. As shown, one of the retaining walls 636 may be coplanar with the floor 180, with the floor seal plate 618 being offset below the floor 180, such that a substantially flat surface is created by the floor 180, seal bracket 630, and end frame 240. The seal 600 is preferably located immediately between a lower transverse beam 292 of the end frame 240 and a transverse beam 182 of the floor 180.

[0214] FIGS. 68 and 69 show sections of the end frame seal 600 positioned between the end frame 240 and the right side wall 120 at the comer portions 608 of the seal 600 close to the corner casting 280 at an upper end of the right side wall 120. The seal bracket 632 is much larger, having a larger end wall 634 compared to the seal bracket 632 positioned adjacent the roof 160 and floor 180. The height of the end wall 634 is substantially similar to a height of the corner casting 280. The foam member 638 extends for the height of the end wall 634 and the upper side seal plate 624 extends into the foam member 638. The second foam member 642 extends over the upper side seal plate 624 and engages an outer surface of the side wall 120.

[0215] FIGS. 70 and 71 show sections of the end frame seal 600 positioned between the end frame 240 and the right side wall 120 at the comer portions 608 of the seal 600 close to the corner casting 280 at a lower end of the right side wall 120. The lower side seal plate 618 extends into the bracket cavity 632 that contains the foam member 638 to create the seal.

[0216] FIGS. 72 and 73 show sections of the end frame seal positioned between the end frame 240 and the right side wall 120 at vertical portions 604 of the seal 600. The seal bracket 632 is positioned between a right longitudinal beam 294 of the end frame 240 and an end of the right side wall 120. A side seal plate 646, that connects the lower side seal plate 620 to the upper side seal plate 624, is mounted to the right side wall 120 and extends into the bracket 632 that contains the foam member 638 to create the seal.

[0217] FIGS. 74 and 75 show sections of the end frame seal positioned between the end frame 240 and the left side wall 140 at vertical portions 604 of the seal 600. The seal bracket 632 ispositioned between a left longitudinal beam 296 of the end frame 240 and an end of the left side wall 140. The side seal plate 646 is mounted to the left side wall 140 and extends into the bracket 632 that contains the foam member 638 to create the seal. The container 100 may include a piano hinge 190 to connect the end frame 240 to the left side wall 140, such that the end frame 240 is pivotable about the piano hinge 190 between the expanded and collapsed configurations. The piano hinge 190 may include a container member 192 mounted to the left side wall 140, and an end frame member 194 mounted to the end frame 240. The piano hinge 190 may further include an intermediate member 196 extending between the container member 192 and the end frame member 194. The connections between the members 192, 194, 196 of the piano hinge 190 are preferably pivotable about parallel axes. The container member 192 may be mounted to the left side wall within a groove 198 having side walls 200, with the container member 192 having matching side walls 202 formed on a plug that fits into the groove 198, such that rotation of the container member perpendicular to the pivotal axes of the hinge 190 is inhibited by contact of the side walls 202, 200. The seal bracket 632 is preferably located such that, when the end frame 240 is in the expanded configuration, the seal bracket 632 is adjacent the intermediate member 196. Preferably, the intermediate member 196 extends across a gap 648 between the end frame 240 and the left side wall 140.

[0218] FIG. 76 shows detailed views of the container 100. These views illustrate that, preferably, the corner portions 608 of the seal 600 are spaced from the respective corner casting 280 to create a drainage channel 650. The drainage channel 650 may be fluidly connected to an internal cavity 281 of the corner casting 280 to provide drainage of fluid from the corner casting 280. The drainage channel 650 for each comer casting 280 preferably includes an outlet 652, the outlet 652 being located at a side wall 245 of the end frame 240. The drainage channel 650 preferably extends at a level below the comer casting 280, such that liquid from the corner casting 280 is drawn into the drainage channel 650 by gravity. Preferably, the drainage channel 650 extends circumferentially about the outline of the corner casting at the mating surface 186 between the end frame 240 and the side walls 120, 140. Preferably, a bottom surface of the drainage channel 650 is defined by the upper side seal plate 624. Preferably, a bottom surface of the outlet 652 is defined by the overhang 625 of the upper side seal plate 624.

[0219] FIGS. 77 to 824 show an assembly of multiple intermodal containers 100, each being embodied as described above. As shown in FIG. 77, the containers 100 may be collocated so as to be positioned adjacent one another, with respective end frames 240 being folded to thecollapsed configuration, adjacent the left side wall 140, forming an assembly of collapsed intermodal shipping containers 102 as shown in FIG. 78. It is convenient to refer to the container 100 whose end frame 240 is not adjacent to a further container 100 as the first container 100a, while the container 100 at the opposite end of the assembly 102 is referred to as the last container 100c. The one or more containers 100 between the first container 100a and the last container 100c are referred to as intermediate containers 100b. In the preferred embodiment, there are two intermediate containers 100b.

[0220] To connect the containers 100 together to fully form the assembly 102, the end frame 240 of the first container 100a is moved from the collapsed configuration to the expanded configuration. If required, the end frame retention device 350 is moved to the free position to allow the end frame 240 to move relative to the side wall, as shown in FIG. 80. The locking stub assemblies 320 of all containers are actuated to move the locking stubs 322 to the free position, as shown in FIG. 79, such that when the end frame 240 completes the movement toward the expanded configuration, the receivers 242 are engaged by the locking stubs 322 of the first container 100a, the intermediate containers 100b, and the last container 100c. The locking stub assemblies 320 of the containers 100 are then operated to move the locking stub to the locking position, to engage the containers 100 with the end frame 240 of the first container 100a. Importantly, at least one locking stub 322 of the last container 100c engages the corner casting 280 of the end frame 240 of the first container 100a, such that the assembly 102 has generally similar dimensions to the container 100 in the expanded configuration, as shown in FIGS. 81 and 82. As shown particularly in FIG. 82, preferably, each container 100 has 8 locking stubs 322 - four for each end frame 240, being one for each corner casting 280. Accordingly, preferably each container 100 has 24 locating stubs 300 - 12 for each end frame 240, being six on each mating surface 186. In this way, the end frame 240 includes eight receivers 242 on each mating surface 186. Thus, in the expanded configuration of the container 100, the eight receivers 242 receive six locating stubs 300 and two locking stubs 322.Conversely, when the end frame 240 of the first container 100a forms the assembly 102, the eight receivers 242 on each mating surface 186 receive eight locking stubs 322, two from each container 100.

[0221] The engagement of the locking stubs 322 with the corner castings 280 of the first container 100a shorten the load paths through the end frame 240 and the assembly 102, suchthat less material is required to strengthen the portions of the end frame 240 being engaged by the containers 100.

[0222] It will also be appreciated that in this document the terms “comprise”, “comprising”, “include”, “including”, “contain”, “containing”, “have”, “having”, and any variations thereof, are intended to be understood in an inclusive (i.e. non-exclusive) sense, such that the process, method, device, apparatus or system described herein is not limited to those features or parts or elements or steps recited but may include other elements, features, parts or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. Furthermore, the terms “a” and “an” used herein are intended to be understood as meaning one or more unless explicitly stated otherwise. Moreover, the terms “first”, “second”, etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on or to establish a certain ranking of importance of their objects.

[0223] Integers:Container 160d Rear end100 Intermodal container 162a-d Upper wall stiffeners100a First container 164 Upper wall recess100b Intermediate container 166 mating surface100c Last container 168 transverse beam102 Assembly 180 Lower wall104 opening 180a Upper longitudinal end106 cavity 180b Lower longitudinal end120 Right side wall 180c Front end140 Left side wall 180d Rear end120a Upper longitudinal end 182 transverse beam120b Lower longitudinal end 186 mating surface120c Front end 190 piano hinge120d Rear end 192 container member122a-f Right side wall stiffeners 194 end frame member124a Right side wall channel 196 intermediate member123 Side wall beam 198 groove of left side wall140a Upper longitudinal end 200 side wall of groove140b Lower longitudinal end 202 side wall of container member140c Front end 240 Front end / door assembly140d Rear end 242 Receiver142a-f Left side wall stiffeners 244 Inspection slot144a Left side wall channel 245 side wall of end frame160 Upper wall 246 Interior160a Upper longitudinal end 248 Shell160b Lower longitudinal end 250 Locating surface160c Front end 252 wedge-shaped portion260 Rear end / door assembly 400 Upper wall hinge280 corner casting 405a, b Resilient members281 internal cavity 406a-d Fasteners282 aperture 408 First end fascia284 second aperture 410 First end286 end frame door 412a-d Apertures288 door seal 414a-d Fasteners290 upper transverse beam 416a-d Arms292 lower transverse beam 418 Aperture294 right longitudinal beam 420a-f Locking pin296 left longitudinal beam 430 Second end 432a, b Pair of armsTwist lock and locating stubs 440 First intermediate connector300 locating stub 442a, b Projections302 angle 444a-d Two second pair of arms304 base portion 460a, b Second intermediate connector306 tip portion 462a, b Aperture308 horizontal plane 464a, b Arms310 vertical direction 470 Joint312 locating surface320 locking stub assembly Upper wall trolley322 locking stub 500 Upper wall trolley322b second portion of stub 510 Carriage324 twist axis 512a-d Wheels326 body 520 Bracket328 aperture 530a-c Linkages330 circumferential walls 532a First end332 holder 532b First end334 pinion gear 532c First end336 rack 534a Second end338 button assembly 534b Second end340 second aperture 534c Second end342 button 540a-d Locking pin344 button body 550a, b Resilient members346 torsion spring 552a-d Fasteners350 end frame retention device352 body Lower wall trolley354 shell 600 Lower wall trolley356 cavity 610 Carriage360 spindle 612a-d Wheels362 spindle axis 620 Bracket364 hook portion 622a, b Arms366 drive nut 644a-c Fasteners368 drive faces 630 Linkage370 channel 632a First end372 cam 632b Second end374 endpoints 640a, b Locking pin375 flat profile376 bias member Lower wall hinge700 Lower wall hingeUpper wall hinge 710a,b Arm712a,b End 530 Hinge 720 Bracket 533 Boss 722a-e Apertures 534 First washer 724a-e Fasteners 536 Second washer 730 Bracket fascia 537 Flange540 KnobFloor Lock 542 Gripping portion 400 Floor lock 410 Body End frame Seal 412 Cavity 600 end frame seal 414 Opening 602 sealed area 420 Securing hook 604 vertical portions422 First end 606 horizontal portions423 Opening 608 corner portions424 Second end 614 wi dth of verti cal 426 Recess 616 height of horizontal 430 Hinge 618 floor seal plate432 Shaft 620 lower side seal plate 434 Resilient member 622 roof seal plate 440 Knob 624 upper side seal plate 442 Boss 625 overhang 444 Gripping portion 626 U-shaped receiver628 tongueRoof Lock 630 seal bracket 500 Roof lock 632 seal bracket cavity 510 Body 634 end wall 512 Cavity 636 retaining wall 514 Opening 638 foam member516 Retaining member 640 first plane517 Threaded opening 642 second foam member 520 Securing hook 644 second plane522 First end 646 side seal plate523 Opening 648 gap524 Second end 650 drainage channel 526 Recess 652 outlet528 Wear member

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. An assembly of collapsible intermodal shipping containers, each container being configurable between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration, and each container including: opposing first and second elongate side walls, each having lower and upper opposing sides; an elongate floor extending between the lower sides of the side walls in the expanded configuration; an elongate roof extending between the upper sides of the side walls in the expanded configuration; and at least one end frame to close an opening created by the side walls, floor, and roof, in the expanded configuration, the end frame having a corner casting, wherein the floor and roof abut the end frame in the expanded position at a mating surface, and include: one or more locating stubs on the mating surface, the end frame having one or more receivers for receiving the locating stubs, wherein the receivers are shaped to conform to the locating stub; and a locking stub engageable with the comer casting when the end frame closes the opening and movable between a free position and a locking position, wherein the assembly includes: a first container, having the features defined above and configured in the collapsed configuration; a last container, having the features defined above and configured in the collapsed configuration; and at least one intermediate container, having the features defined above and configured in the collapsed configuration, wherein the receivers of the end frame of the first container receive the locking stubs of the first, intermediate, and last container, such that the intermediate and last containers are connected to the first container.

2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the locking stub of the last container engages the corner casting of the end frame of the first container.

3. The assembly of claim 1 or 2, wherein the end frame of the intermediate container is folded so as to be located between the first side wall of the intermediate container and the second side wall of the first container; and wherein the end frame of the last container is folded so as to be located between the first side wall of the last container and the second side wall of the intermediate container.

4. The assembly of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the assembly includes two intermediate containers.

5. The assembly of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein each container includes six locating stubs and two locking stubs on the mating surface of the floor and six locating stubs and two locking stubs on the mating surface of the roof, and each end frame correspondingly includes two corner castings and six receivers on the mating surface of the floor, and two comer castings and six receivers on the mating surface of the roof.

6. The assembly of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein each container includes a hinge between the first side wall and the upper wall, the hinge including: a first end to be connected to the first side wall; a second end to be connected to the upper wall; a joint providing a pivot axis therethrough, to allow relative movement of the upper wall and the side wall, wherein the second end is movable upwardly relative to the first end to disengage the upper wall from the side wall.

7. The assembly of claim 6, wherein the joint comprises a first intermediate connector pivotally connected to the first end and the second end.

8. The assembly of claim 7, wherein the hinge further comprises a resilient member connected to the first end and the first intermediate connector to bias the first end and the first intermediate connector away from each other.

9. The assembly of claim 8, wherein the hinge further includes a second intermediate connector pivotally connected to the second end and the first intermediate connector.

10. The assembly of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein each container includes a second hinge between the second side wall and the lower wall, the hinge including:at least one arm including a first end to be connected to the second side wall; a bracket connected to the at least one arm, the bracket configured to be connected to the lower wall; wherein, the first end is pivotally connected to the side wall of the collapsible intermodal container to allow relative movement of the lower wall and the side wall.

11. The assembly of claim 10, wherein the hinge further includes a second arm connected to the bracket, the second arm including a second end to be pivotally connected to the side wall; wherein the first and second arm each include a U-shaped portion integrally formed with respective ends of the first arm and the second arm.

12. The assembly of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein each container further includes a trolley for connecting the first side wall to the floor and / or the second side wall to the roof, the trolley including: a carriage configured for movement along the respective side wall of the container; a bracket configured for connection to the respective floor and / or roof of the container; an intermediate portion pivotally connected to the trolley portion and the bracket.

13. The assembly of claim 12, wherein the intermediate portion includes one or more linkages having: a first arm including a first end pivotally connected to the carriage, and a second end opposite the first end; a second arm including a first end pivotally connected to the second end of the first arm, and a second end opposite the first end; and a third arm including a first end pivotally connected to the second end of the second arm, and a second end opposite the first end pivotally connected to the bracket.

14. The assembly of any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the end frame of each container is movable to a folded position adjacent the first side wall, on a side opposite the second side wall, to allow for configuration of the shipping container to the collapsed configuration; and wherein the each container further includes an end frame retention device located in the first side wall, operable to engage the corner casting when the end frame is in the folded position to retain the end frame.

Images