Foldable collapsible container for transporting lightweight vehicles

Abstract

The present invention relates to a foldable collapsible container for transporting lightweight vehicles, formed by a platform (1) with wheel slots, at least two ramps (3) that act as a wall on the base portions of the platform, two double-hinge systems (4), two collapsible walls (2) at the sides of the platform (1) with wheel slots, at least four L-shaped protuberances (1.2), at least two central protuberances (1.3) and, in one embodiment, four support sections (6) used to fasten the ramps to the walls for the transport thereof. According to the invention, the ramps can be converted into walls and ramps simultaneously and, similarly, the container volume can be reduced by a large percentage by collapsing all the components, so as to facilitate the transport and storage thereof.

Description

[0001] FOLDABLE AND COLLAPSIBLE CONTAINER FOR TRANSPORTING LIGHT VEHICLES

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention relates to a foldable and collapsible container for the transport of light vehicles to be used in the light vehicle manufacturing and transport industry, particularly for the transport of motorcycles, bicycles and all-terrain vehicles, whether pre-assembled or partially assembled; it is also intended to be implemented in the logistics industry for the transport of items with a similar arrangement or structure to the vehicles mentioned.

[0004] STATE OF THE ART

[0005] By implementing the present invention in the aforementioned industries, the aim is to provide the various stakeholders with an efficient and safe solution for transporting and packaging vehicles. This means a solution that is rigid enough to safely contain light vehicles for transport from the assembly site to the point of sale, yet flexible enough to be easily transported, assembled, and used without increasing production, transport, and assembly costs. It also aims to reduce losses resulting from the use of fragile racks or conveyors that break easily, such as the wooden containers currently used in the market.Additionally, the small size of each collapsed container is intended to allow for transport to the buyer or manufacturer of the vehicles, reducing the amount of space required for storage prior to use, and to make it easy to load and unload the vehicles once assembled, as well as secure them for shipment.

[0006] In that order of ideas, a novelty study was carried out in which it was concluded that the containers in general, and more specifically, the containers for the transport of vehicles that currently exist on the market lack the characteristics that the present invention assumes, in addition to the fact that they do not allow the easy loading of the vehicles into the container, their easy assembly and transport.

[0007] In that context, the following documents were found: First, the invention called Collapsible Container was identified, published under file number AU589903B2, on October 26, 1989, which describes a collapsible container comprising a rectangular base, support mechanisms at at least two of the corners adjacent to the base, where each support mechanism has an opening and four sides that adapt to the respective pivot with respect to the base between a folded-in position, normally adjacent to the base, and a vertical position. For their part, the two ends opposite the corners provided with the support mechanisms have extended protrusions that lock the position of the side wall in the vertical or folded position, as required.The second document analyzed is a motorcycle pallet, published under number EP0875462A1 on November 4, 1998. It claims a panel mounted on a frame, the entire assembly of which has the appropriate dimensions to be accommodated in the cargo areas or holds of freight trucks or ships. The panel features pairs of openings: the first openings are longitudinally oriented for the rear wheel of the motorcycle, while the second openings are obliquely oriented for the front wheel, providing sufficient stability without the need for additional fastening elements. The openings have beveled edges at their ends to prevent damage to the wheels. The pallet is intended for transporting motorcycles on trucks and / or ships, and for storing these motorcycles in stable conditions while occupying minimal space.

[0008] Finally, the last document reviewed, contained in file number US 11738937B2, published on March 19, 2021, refers to a container that includes a base and a plurality of walls, including a front wall. The front wall is movable between a retracted open position and a closed position. In some versions, the front wall includes a frame, a first portion, and a second portion. The first portion is hinged to the frame, and the second portion is hinged to the first portion.

[0009] From the documents analyzed it was concluded that, although there is a wide variety of foldable and / or collapsible containers with different uses, the idea of ​​using a foldable container for the transport of vehicles, as well as the implementations of the same and the structure itself are modifications and improvements that do not exist in the state of the art.

[0010] OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The general objective of the invention of the foldable and collapsible container for the transport of light vehicles is to reduce the impact on the environment from the use of fragile wooden racks by using a strong and versatile container that allows for easy reuse and transport.

[0012] Objective 1: To allow the safe and easy transport of light vehicles, such as motorcycles or bicycles, by using a container that allows the easy and safe fixing of the vehicles inside without risking the integrity of the structure.

[0013] Objective 2: Reduce the costs related to the transport of light vehicles by using a container whose structure includes an element that allows for easy loading and unloading of vehicles.

[0014] Objective 3: Reduce the sales and transportation costs of containers by reducing the space and weight required by containers of this type by using a container that can be easily folded, allowing for easy assembly and transport from the production point to the vehicle manufacturer and vice versa. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0015] The figures presented depict various views of one of the intended modalities of the invention, as well as the main elements that make up the foldable and collapsible container for transporting light vehicles.

[0016] Figure 1.- Bottom view of the platform base with wheel notches (1) showing three of the rectangular "L" shaped protrusions (1.2) and one of the middle protrusions (1.3) of the collapsible and foldable container for transporting light vehicles.

[0017] Figure 2.- Isometric view of one of the implementations of the foldable and collapsible container for the transport of light vehicles where some of the rectangular "L" shaped protrusions (1.2), a middle protrusion (1.3), the collapsible walls (2), the ramps (3), a double hinge system (4) with the upper joining hinge (4.1) and the base joining hinge (4.2), as well as the upper support pieces (6) and one of the hinges of the upper support pieces (6.2) can be observed.

[0018] Figure 3.- Side view of the foldable and collapsible container for transporting light vehicles showing the platform base with wheel notches (1), the rectangular "L" shaped protrusion (1.2), a middle protrusion (1.3), a collapsible wall (2), a wall securing mechanism (2.1), a ramp (3), two upper support pieces (6) and a securing mechanism for the upper piece (6.1). Figure 4.- Front view of the foldable and collapsible container for transporting light vehicles showing the pallet base with wheel notches (1), the rectangular "L" shaped protrusion (1.2), a ramp (3), a double hinge system (4) with the upper joining hinge (4.1), the base joining hinge (4.2) and the hinge system locking mechanism (4.3).

[0019] Figure 5.- Top view of the foldable and collapsible container for transporting light vehicles showing the platform base with wheel notches (1), the collapsible walls (2), the ramps (3) and the upper support pieces (6).

[0020] Figure 6.- Detailed corner view of the foldable and collapsible container for transporting light vehicles showing the wall securing mechanism (2.1), a ramp (3), a double hinge system (4), a top joining hinge (4.1), a base joining hinge (4.2), a hinge securing mechanism (4.3), a top support piece (6) and a top support piece securing mechanism (6.1).

[0021] Figure 7.- Detailed view of the foldable and collapsible container for transporting light vehicles, specifically of the hinge section for collapsing the walls where the platform base with wheel notches (1), the hinge for collapsing walls (5) and the rail for raising and lowering the hinge for collapsing walls (5.1) can be seen.

[0022] Figure 8.- Isometric view of one of the implementations of the foldable and collapsible container for the transport of light vehicles where the platform base with wheel notches (1) can be seen, rectangular "L" shaped protrusions (1.2), medium protrusions (1.3), two collapsible walls (2), the wall securing mechanisms (2.1), a ramp (3), and a double hinge system (4) with one of the ramps open.

[0023] Figure 9.- Isometric view of the collapsed foldable and collapsible container for transporting light vehicles, showing the pallet base with notches for wheels.

[0024] (1) , rectangular L-shaped protrusions (1.2) , medium protrusions (1.3) , a collapsible wall

[0025] (2) , the ramps (3) collapsed inwards and a double hinge system (4) .

[0026] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] The present invention relates to a collapsible container configured by a platform with wheel notches (1), at least two ramps (3) acting as a wall on the base portions of the platform, two double hinge systems (4), two collapsible walls (2) located on the sides of the platform with wheel notches (1), at least four "L" shaped protrusions (1.2), at least two middle protrusions (1.3), and in one of the implementations, four support sections with which the ramps are attached to the walls for transport (6).

[0028] In that sense, the platform base with wheel notches (1) has on each side portion a middle protrusion (1.3), and at each corner rectangular "L" shaped protrusions (1.2) which in addition to supporting the ramp (3) and the collapsible walls (2) on each side, allow the folding and easy storage of the collapsible walls (2) by moving the hinges for collapsing walls (5) up or down within the rail for ascending and descending the collapsible walls (5.1) which is located in the inner portion of each of the protrusions.

[0029] Thus, as can be seen in Figure 7, each of the protrusions has a rail for raising and lowering the collapsed walls (5.1) for the movement of the folding hinges of the walls (5) with which the collapse and subsequent storage of the walls is allowed to result in a smaller container that will allow easy transport or storage of the container, as can be seen in Figure 9.

[0030] In this sense, these protrusions allow the collapsible walls (2) to be collapsed or lifted into the interior of the platform base with wheel notches (1), or to be fixed at 90° to allow the loading of the light vehicle into the container.

[0031] For such purposes, the configuration of the ramps (3) allows the introduction or exit of the light vehicle in a simple way with the double hinge system (4) which allows the modification of the degree of inclination of the ramp (3) as required from 90°, which is the inclination in which it is fixed, to 180° with the possibility that it can be adjusted by resting it on the required surface, as can be seen in Figure 8.

[0032] The ramps (3) for their part, may be attached to the collapsible walls (2) by means of the wall securing mechanisms (2.1), double hinge system securing mechanisms (4.3) and the upper support piece securing mechanism (6.1).

[0033] This is achieved by constructing a double hinge system (4) with a connecting piece attached to the ramp by means of an upper connecting hinge (4.1), which connects the connecting piece to the platform base with wheel notches (1), and another base connecting hinge (4.2) on the lower portion that allows the entire system to be raised or lowered. Thus, the base connecting hinge (4.2) is located on the lower portion of the platform base, more specifically at the corners and the central portion.

[0034] In that same sense, the upper portions of the collapsible walls (2) will have in each of their corners a support piece (6) which will also have their respective securing mechanisms (6.1) and the collapse hinges for the support pieces (6.2) with which the stability of the walls will be given to enable the secure attachment of the container to the means of transport and the light vehicle that contains it.

[0035] Similarly, it is noted that, in the upper lateral portions of the collapsible walls (2), in the portion adjacent to the ramps, each wall will have four wall fixing mechanisms (2.1) in addition to the support pieces (6) and the securing mechanisms of the different components with which the container structure is reinforced and it is ensured that the ramp (3) remains properly closed.

[0036] Likewise, when the collapsible walls (2) are collapsed, they can be stored inside the pallet base with wheel notches (1), where the collapsible walls (2) will be joined together to finally close the collapsed container and the ramps (3) folded and fixed to the "L" shaped protrusions and rectangular mid-protrusions to form a smaller container which in turn will allow the transport of the disassembled container for reuse or easy storage.

[0037] Regarding the stabilization and construction of the collapsible and foldable container for transporting light vehicles, it should be noted that this is achieved through the use of various securing mechanisms. Specifically, the securing system for the collapsible walls (2.1) is attached to the ramp (3), while the securing mechanism for the hinge system (4.3) is fixed to the platform base with wheel notches (1), and the securing mechanism for the upper support piece (6.1) is fixed to the upper portion of the ramp (3). The hinge of the upper support piece (6.2) stabilizes the collapsible wall (2) and the ramp (3) by positioning the hinge of the upper support piece (6.2) at 180° relative to the collapsible wall (2).

[0038] In another sense, it is noted that in one of the implementations of the present foldable and collapsible container for the transport of light vehicles, the length and configuration of the ramps will allow the total collapse shown in figure 9 to be carried out either by using 2 ramps (3), as shown, or by using a single ramp (3) of greater length which in turn will have hinges in its construction with which the upper portion of the container could be covered as a lid.

[0039] Similarly, in another implementation, the number of ramps (3) that will be installed on the base may be greater than one per base, which may be proportional to the number of motorcycle notches provided to the platform base (1), so that, for example, the foldable and collapsible container for the transport of light vehicles could have two ramps if its capacity is increased to two vehicles, if desired.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A foldable and collapsible container for transporting light vehicles comprising: i. A pallet base with wheel notches (1) having at least 6 protrusions; four of them rectangular in the shape of an "L" (1.2) and two of them medium protrusions (1.3), which in turn have a rail for raising and lowering the wall collapse hinge (5.1); ii. At least one ramp (3) configured and joined to the pallet base with wheel notches (1) by a double hinge system (4), an upper joining hinge (4.1), a base joining hinge (4.2) and a hinge system securing mechanism (4.3); iii. At least two collapsible walls (2) attached to the "L" shaped protrusions (1.2) and medium protrusions (1.3) of the wheel-notch platform base (1) in the lower portion by means of three wall-collapsing hinges (5), walls which in turn have at least two wall-locking mechanisms (2).1) ; and iv. At least four upper support pieces (6) that are fixed to the collapsible walls (2) by means of upper support piece collapse hinges (6.2) and which in turn are fixed to the ramps by means of upper support piece securing mechanisms (6.1).

2. A foldable and collapsible container for transporting light vehicles according to claim 1, characterized in that: the configuration of the double hinge system (4), which is formed by the hinge of The upper joint (4.1) and the base joint hinge (4.2) allow the ramp (3) to be used as a wall and as a ramp (3) by folding it from the 90° position in which the container is upright, to the position of +- 180° towards the outside of the container.

3. Foldable and collapsible container for transporting light vehicles according to claims 1 and 2, characterized in that: in one of the proposed implementations, the ramp (3) can function as a collapsible wall (2) and as a lid for the container when assembled, while also being able to be used as a longer ramp.

4. A foldable and collapsible container for transporting light vehicles according to claim 1, characterized in that: the securing mechanisms of the collapsible walls (2.1) fix the collapsible walls (2) to the ramps (3); which are attached to the base of the platform with wheel notches (1) in their rectangular L-shaped protrusions (1.2) by means of the securing mechanisms of the hinge system (4.3); and in the upper portion of the ramps, the support pieces (6) are attached to the ramps (3) by means of the securing mechanisms of the support pieces (6.1).

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