CN103889860B - Joining member and reversibly collapsible shipping container - Google Patents

Abstract

The present disclosure provides an abutment joint comprising a first abutment member and a second abutment member. The first abutment member has a projection extending from a first abutment member shoulder and the projection has a distal end from which first and second surfaces extend at an acute angle toward the first abutment member shoulder. The second abutment member has a socket into which the projection of the first abutment member is releasably seated. The socket has a first surface and a second surface extending away from the first end of the second abutment member at an acute angle. The first end of the second abutment member includes a second abutment member shoulder extending from the socket.

Description

Joining member and reversibly collapsible shipping container

technical field

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to joints; more particularly to butt joints.

Background technique

Freight containers are used to transfer items from one location to another. Freight containers can be transferred via several different modes such as sea, rail, air, tractor-trailer, etc.

To help improve efficiency, shipping containers used to transfer items have been standardized. One such standardization is overseen by the International Organization for Standardization known as "ISO". ISO publishes and revises standards for freight containers. The ISO standard for these freight containers helps to make each freight container have similar physical properties. Examples of these physical properties include, but are not limited to, the width, height, depth, base, maximum load, and shape of the cargo container.

Contents of the invention

The present disclosure provides a butt joint, a joint member including the butt joint, and a reversibly collapsible freight container including the butt joint. The abutment joint includes a first abutment member and a second abutment member. The first abutment member has a protrusion extending from the first abutment member shoulder. The protrusion has an end from which the first surface and the second surface extend at an acute angle towards the first abutment member shoulder. The second abutment member has a socket into which the protrusion of the first abutment member is releasably seated. The socket has a first surface and a second surface extending away from the first end of the second abutment member at an acute angle. The first end of the second abutment member includes a second abutment member shoulder extending from the socket. When the protrusion of the first abutment member is seated in the socket of the second abutment member, the second surface of the protrusion contacts the second surface of the socket, and the second abutment member shoulder contacts the first abutment member. Member shoulder contact.

For various embodiments, the socket having first and second surfaces extending away from the first end of the second abutment member has an acute angle equal to the acute angle of the first and second surfaces of the first abutment member, and When the protrusion of the first abutment member is seated in the socket of the second abutment member, the first surface of the protrusion is in contact with the first surface of the socket, the second surface of the protrusion is in contact with the second surface of the socket, And the shoulder of the second abutting member is in contact with the shoulder of the first abutting member. The end of the protrusion defines a planar surface that forms an obtuse angle with the first surface of the protrusion, and wherein the planar surface forms a ninety degree angle with the second surface of the protrusion. The first abutment member shoulder includes a first shoulder surface extending from the first surface of the protrusion and a second shoulder surface extending from the second surface of the protrusion. The second shoulder surface forms a ninety degree angle with the second surface of the protrusion. The first shoulder surface forms an obtuse angle with the first surface of the protrusion.

With respect to the jointed members of the present disclosure, the structure includes a first elongated section, a second elongated section, and an abutment joint. The first elongated section has a first end and a second end opposite the first end joined to the first hinge. The second elongated section has a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the second end joined to the second hinge. An abutment joint having a first abutment member and a second abutment member as discussed herein, wherein the first abutment member forms part of a first elongated section and the second abutment member forms a second elongated section a part of.

The reversibly foldable freight container of the present disclosure comprises: a roof structure; a floor structure opposite the roof structure; side wall structures positioned between the floor structure and the roof structure, each of the side wall structures having an exterior surface and a The interior surface opposite the exterior surface; a front wall joined to the roof structure, the floor structure, and the side wall structure, the front wall comprising a front wall corner post, a front door hinge on at least one of the front wall corner posts, and a front door hinge joined to the front door hinge a front door; a rear wall joined to a roof structure, a floor structure, and a side wall structure, wherein the interior surfaces of the roof structure, floor structure, side wall structure, and the rear wall define the volume of the reversibly foldable shipping container, the rear wall comprising a rear wall corner post, a hinge on the rear wall corner post and a rear wall door coupled to the hinge, wherein the hinge is lockable to the rear wall corner post in a first predetermined position such that the rear wall door can pivot on the hinge Extends adjacent to an exterior surface of the sidewall structure, or is unlockable in a second predetermined position relative to the rear wall corner post such that the rear wall door is pivotable into the volume of the reversibly foldable freight container and adjacent to the interior surface of the sidewall structure extended, and wherein, in the unfolded state, the reversibly foldable freight container has a predetermined maximum width measured at predetermined points on each of the rear wall corner posts; and the floor structure discussed herein Multiple joint components in .

The above summary of the present disclosure is not intended to describe each disclosed embodiment or every implementation of the present disclosure. The description that follows specifically exemplifies illustrative embodiments. In several places throughout the application, guidance is provided through a set of examples that can be used in various combinations. In each case, the exemplary set is cited as a representative set only and should not be construed as an exhaustive list.

Description of drawings

1A-1D show perspective views ( FIGS. 1A and 1B ) and plan views ( FIGS. 1C and 1D ) of a first member ( FIG. 1A ) and a second member ( FIG. 1B ) of an abutment joint according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

2 shows a perspective view of a first member and a second member of an abutment joint according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

3A to 3D show perspective views of a first member and a second member of an abutment joint according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

4A and 4B show perspective views of a joint member including a first elongated section, a second elongated section, and an abutment joint, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

5A and 5B show perspective views of a joint member including a first elongated section, a second elongated section, and an abutment joint, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

6A and 6B show perspective views of joint members according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

Figure 7 shows a perspective view of a joint member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 8 shows a plan view of a joint member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

9A and 9B show a reversibly foldable shipping container according to the present disclosure, wherein portions of the reversibly foldable shipping container have been removed to show details;

Figure 10 shows an end view of the freight container in detail;

11A to 11E show joint members according to the present disclosure;

Figure 12 shows a portion of a joint member according to the present disclosure;

Figure 13 provides an exploded view of a freight container according to the present disclosure;

Figure 14 provides a perspective view of a freight container according to the present disclosure;

15A and 15B provide perspective views of a door assembly according to the present disclosure, wherein the locking lever is respectively in a first predetermined position (FIG. 15A) and a second predetermined position (FIG. 15B);

Figure 16 provides a perspective view of a door assembly according to the present disclosure;

Figure 17 provides a perspective view of a hinge according to the present disclosure;

Figure 18 provides a plan view of a hinge secured to a corner post of a shipping container in accordance with the present disclosure;

Figure 19 provides a plan view of a hinge secured to a corner post of a freight container according to the present disclosure;

Figure 20 provides a perspective view of a freight container according to the present disclosure;

21A to 21C provide perspective views of an embodiment of a front wall of a collapsible freight container taken along line of sight 18-18 shown in FIG. 13;

22A to 22D provide perspective views of an embodiment of a collapsible freight container according to the present disclosure;

23A-23B provide perspective views of anti-racking supports according to the present disclosure;

24A-24B provide perspective views of an anti-push block for a door of a freight container according to the present disclosure;

25A-25B provide perspective views of a hinge for a door of a freight container according to the present disclosure.

detailed description

As used herein, "a", "an", "the", "at least one", and "one or more" are used interchangeably. The term "and/or" refers to one, one or more, or all of the listed items. The recitations of numerical ranges by endpoints include all numbers subsumed within that range (eg, 1 to 5 includes 1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, 5, etc.). Reference numerals herein follow a numbering convention in which the first digit or digits correspond to a figure number and the remaining digits refer to components in that figure. Similar components between different graphs can be identified with similar number of digits. For example, 354 could represent "54" in FIG. 3, and a similar component could be labeled 1454 in FIG. It should be emphasized that the drawings are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting in any way. The drawings herein may not be drawn to scale and may exaggerate the relationship between components in the drawings. The figures are used to illustrate the conceptual structures and methods described herein.

The angular measurements discussed herein are measured as acute angles (angles less than 90° (less than 90°)) or obtuse angles (angles greater than 90° but less than 180°)), where the surface measurements discussed herein are taken to exclude reflexive angles (from 180 ° to 360° angle).

1A-1B show perspective views of an abutment joint 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The abutment joint 100 includes a first abutment member 102 and a second abutment member 104 . The first abutment member 102 includes a protrusion 106 extending from a first abutment member shoulder 108 . The protrusion 106 has an end 110 from which the first surface 112 and the second surface 114 extend at an acute angle 116 toward the first abutment member shoulder 108 . As used herein, an "angle" is the outline formed by two rays sharing a common endpoint, such as the vertex of the angle. For the acute angle 116 , the first surface 112 and the second surface 114 share a common endpoint 117 . As used herein, an "acute angle" is an angle that is less than ninety degrees (less than 90°).

The second abutment member 104 has a socket 118 into which the protrusion 106 of the first abutment member 102 is releasably seated. The socket 118 has a first surface 120 and a second surface 122 extending away from a first end 124 of the second abutment member 104 at an acute angle 126 . The acute angle 126 can be equal to or smaller than the acute angle 116 of the first surface 112 and the second surface 114 of the first abutment member 102 , wherein the first surface 120 and the second surface 122 share a common endpoint 127 . In one embodiment, the socket 118 having the first surface 120 and the second surface 122 extending away from the first end 124 of the second abutment member 104 has a Acute angles 116 of surface 114 are equal acute angles. Figures 1A to 1C provide illustrations of this embodiment. On the contrary, FIG. 1D illustrates a situation where the acute angle 126 is smaller than the acute angle 116 of the first surface 112 and the second surface 114 of the first abutment member 102 .

The second abutment member 104 also includes a second abutment member shoulder 128 extending from the socket 118 so that when the protrusion 106 of the first abutment member 102 is seated in the socket 118 of the second abutment member 104, the protrusion The second surface 114 of 106 is in contact with the second surface 122 of the socket 118 and the second abutment member shoulder 128 is in contact with the first abutment member shoulder 108 . In one embodiment, when the socket 118 having the first surface 120 and the second surface 122 extending away from the first end 124 of the second abutting member 104 has a When the acute angles 116 of the two surfaces 114 are equal, the protrusion 106 of the first abutment member 102 can be seated in the socket 118 of the second abutment member 104, so that the first surface 112 of the protrusion 106 and the second edge of the socket 118 One surface 120 is in contact, the second surface 114 of the protrusion 106 is in contact with the second surface 122 of the socket 118 , and the second abutting member shoulder 128 is in contact with the first abutting member shoulder 108 . Figures 1A to 1C provide illustrations of this embodiment.

As used herein, "contact" refers to at least partial contact (such as when the protrusion 106 of the first abutment member 102 is seated in the socket 118 of the second abutment member 104, the second surface 114 of the protrusion 106 at least partially in contact with the second surface 122 of the socket 118). As used herein, "seat, seats, seated" means to fit into the surface of another part, such as the first abutment member 102 and the second abutment member 104, so that at least some of the surfaces of these parts become to lean against each other (eg, when the first abutment member 102 and the second abutment member 104 move to become leaned against each other, no further relative motion is possible in the direction in which they move).

The end 110 of the protrusion 106 can define a planar surface 130 that forms an obtuse angle 132 at a common end point 133 with the first surface 112 of the protrusion. The planar surface 130 may also form a ninety degree angle with the second surface 114 of the protrusion 106 at a common end point 137 . The socket 118 of the second abutment member 104 includes a second end 134 having a planar surface 136 . In one embodiment, the planar surface 136 may be a mirror image of the planar surface 130 of the end 110 of the protrusion 106 . However, please understand that the end 110 of the protrusion 106 does not necessarily have to be a planar surface as shown in FIG. 1A . For example, the tip 110 of the protrusion 106 may have a non-planar configuration, such as a circular configuration, such as a convex or concave surface.

The first abutment member shoulder 108 includes a first shoulder surface 138 extending from the first surface 112 of the protrusion 106 and a second shoulder surface 140 extending from the second surface 114 of the protrusion 106 . The second shoulder surface 140 of the protrusion 106 and the second surface 114 form a ninety degree angle 141 at a common endpoint 143 . As discussed herein, the second shoulder surface 140 and the second surface 114 of the protrusion 106 may also form an obtuse angle (the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 ). The first shoulder surface 138 of the protrusion 106 and the first surface 112 form an obtuse angle 145 at a common endpoint 147 .

The relationship of the size and shape of the protrusion 106 relative to both the first and second shoulder surfaces 138 , 140 , and the socket 118 also varies. For example, the height of the second shoulder surface 140 may be two to four times the height of the first shoulder surface 138 . The height of the second shoulder surface 140 may also be two to six times the height of the first shoulder surface 138 . In one embodiment, the second shoulder surface 140 is three times as large as the height of the first shoulder surface 138 (eg, the second shoulder surface 140 is "X" millimeters (eg, 18 mm) high and the first shoulder surface 138 is "3X" "millimeters high (eg 6mm)).

The length of the protrusion 106 measured along the second surface 114 of the protrusion 106 between the planar surface 130 and the second shoulder surface 140 of the first abutment member 102, and from the second surface 114 of the first abutment member 102 to There may be a predetermined relationship between the height of the second shoulder surface 140 as measured by the bottom surface 159 . For various embodiments, the predetermined relationship is such that the length of the protrusion 106 as measured along the second surface 114 of the protrusion 106 between the planar surface 130 and the second shoulder surface 140 of the protrusion 106 is equal to or less than that measured from the first abutment member. The height of the second shoulder surface 140 measured from the bottom surface 159 of 102 to the second surface 114 . So, for example, there may be a length of protrusion 106 measured along second surface 114 between second shoulder surface 140 and planar surface 130 relative to a length measured from bottom surface 159 of first abutment member 102 to second surface 114 A ratio of one (1) to one (1) of the height of the second shoulder surface 140. The length of the protrusion 106 measured along the second surface 114 between the second shoulder surface 140 and the planar surface 130 is relative to the second shoulder surface 140 measured from the bottom surface 159 of the first abutment member 102 to the second surface 114 Other ratios of heights are also possible. Examples of these ratios include, but are not limited to: eight (8) to nine (9); seven (7) to eight (8); six (6) to seven (7); five (5) to six (6); (4) to five (5); three (3) to four (4); two (2) to three (3); and one (1) to two (2), and others.

As shown in FIG. 1A , the first shoulder surface 138 and the second shoulder surface 140 may be disposed in a common plane 142 . Alternatively, the first shoulder surface 138 and the second shoulder surface 140 are not disposed in a common plane. When the first shoulder surface 138 and the second shoulder surface 140 do not lie in a common plane, the two surfaces 138 and 140 may be coplanar with each other. In this configuration, the second shoulder surface 140 will be closer to the end 110 of the protrusion 106 relative to the location of the first shoulder surface 138 . The second abutment member 104 would complement the alternative shape by shortening the height of the shoulder surface 146 to be closer to the height of the second end 134 of the socket 118 . FIG. 1C shows that the first shoulder surface 138 and the second shoulder surface 140 are coplanar with each other.

The second abutment member shoulder 128 includes a first shoulder surface 144 extending from the first surface 120 of the socket 118 and a second shoulder surface 146 extending from the second surface 122 of the socket 118 . The second shoulder surface 146 and the second surface 122 of the socket 118 form a ninety degree angle at a common endpoint 151 . The first shoulder surface 144 and the first surface 120 of the socket 118 form an obtuse angle 152 at a common endpoint 153 .

Socket 118 may be sized and shaped in relation to protrusion 106 such that first abutment member shoulder 108 and second abutment member shoulder 128 contact when protrusion 106 is seated in socket 118 as discussed herein. As discussed herein with respect to protrusion 106 , socket 118 size and shape may also have a varying relationship relative to both first shoulder surface 144 and second shoulder surface 146 . For example, the second shoulder surface 146 may have a height that is two to four times greater than the height of the first shoulder surface 144 . The second shoulder surface 146 may also have a height that is two to six times greater than the height of the first shoulder surface 144 . In one embodiment, the second shoulder surface 146 is three times as large as the height of the first shoulder surface 144 (eg, the second shoulder surface 146 is "X" millimeters (eg, 18 mm) high and the first shoulder surface 144 is "3X" "millimeters high (eg 6mm)).

There may also be a predetermined relationship between the height of the second shoulder surface 146 and the height of the second shoulder surface 140 . This predetermined relationship includes making the height of the second shoulder surface 146 equal to the height of the second shoulder surface 140 . There may also be a predetermined relationship between the length of the protrusion 106 measured along the second surface 114 and the length of the second surface 122 measured from the second shoulder surface 146 to the second end 134 . The predetermined relationship includes such that the length of the protrusion 106 measured along the second surface 114 may be equal to or shorter than the length of the second surface 122 measured from the second shoulder surface 146 to the second end 134 .

1A through 1C illustrate embodiments in which the length of the protrusion 106 measured along the second surface 114 is equal to the length of the second surface 122 measured from the second shoulder surface 146 to the second end 134. FIG. ID shows an embodiment in which the length of the protrusion 106 measured along the second surface 114 is less than the length of the second surface 122 measured from the second shoulder surface 146 to the second end 134 .

As shown in FIG. 1B , the first shoulder surface 144 and the second shoulder surface 146 may be disposed in a common plane 148 . Alternatively, the first shoulder surface 144 and the second shoulder surface 146 are not disposed in a common plane. When the first shoulder surface 144 and the second shoulder surface 146 are not in a common plane, the two surfaces 144 and 146 may be coplanar with each other. Figure 1C shows this embodiment. Regardless of their relationship, when the protrusion 106 of the first abutment member 102 is seated in the socket 118 of the second abutment member 104, the first shoulder surface 138 and the second shoulder surface 140 of the first abutment member 102 are in contact with the The first shoulder surface 144 and the second shoulder surface 146 of the second abutment member 104 are contactable.

The first surfaces 112 , 120 and the second surfaces 114 , 122 of the first abutment member 102 and the second abutment member 104 may have various shapes. For example, the first surface 112 and the second surface 114 of the first abutting member 102 and the first surface 120 and the second surface 122 of the second abutting member 104 may each be a planar surface. In an additional embodiment, the first surfaces 112 and 120 may have a curvature (eg, a non-planar curved surface). It is also possible for the first surfaces 112 and 120 to have two or more planar surfaces. For example, first surfaces 112 and 120 may have a "V-shaped" form, an arcuate form, or a hemispherical form. Other shapes are also possible.

The second surfaces 114, 1122 of the first abutment member 102 and the second abutment member 104, respectively, are shown in FIGS. 1A-1C as planar surfaces orthogonal to their respective second shoulder surfaces 140 and 146. In FIGS. For different embodiments, the second surfaces 114 , 122 of the first abutment member 102 and the second abutment member 104 may not be orthogonal to their respective second shoulder surfaces 140 and 146 , respectively. FIG. 2 shows an embodiment in which the second surfaces 214 , 222 of the first abutment member 202 and the second abutment member 204 are non-orthogonal to their respective shoulder surfaces 240 and 246 , respectively. As shown, the angle 254 formed by the second shoulder surface 246 and the second surface 222 at the common endpoint 255 is obtuse.

Referring again to FIGS. 1A to 1C, when the protrusion 106 of the first abutment member 102 is seated in the socket 118 of the second abutment member 104, the first surface 112 of the first abutment member 102 and the second abutment member The first surface 120 of 104 is contactable. In an additional embodiment, when the protrusion 106 of the first abutment member 102 is seated in the socket 118 of the second abutment member 104, the first surface 112 of the first abutment member 102 and the second abutment member The first surface 120 of 104 is not in contact. Figure ID provides an example of such an embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 1D , there may be a gap between the first surface of the first abutting member 102 and the first surface 120 of the second abutting member 104 . This gap can have many different shapes and sizes. For example, the kerf of a blade used to form (eg, cut) the first and second abutment members 102, 104 from a single piece of material may be along the Adjacent surfaces of the abutment head provide clearance at one or more locations. In another embodiment, a gap much larger than just the width of the blade (such as a notch) can be formed on the first surface 112 of the first abutment member 102 and the first surface 120 of the second abutment member 104 between. These gaps may help the abutment joint 100 to release, as discussed herein, to allow the first abutment member 102 and the second abutment member 104 to move in an arcuate path. Due to the clearance, the protrusion 106 (eg, the volume of the protrusion 106 ) is smaller than the socket 118 of the abutment joint 100 . This allows the protrusion 106 to fit into the space defined by the socket 118 .

A gap between one or more surfaces defining the first abutment member 102 and the second abutment member 104 may also be intentionally formed. For example, when the protrusion 106 of the first abutment member 102 is seated in the socket 118 of the second abutment member 104, a space having a predetermined shape and size may exist on the first surface 112 of the first abutment member 102 and between the first surface 120 of the second abutting member 104 . Figure 1D shows one such embodiment. Other embodiments are also possible. As will be discussed more fully herein, this space of predetermined shape and size can facilitate the separation of the first abutment member 102 and the second abutment member 104 along an arcuate path of travel without first separating the protrusion 106. The end 110 is connected to the second end 134 of the socket 118 .

When the protrusion 106 of the first abutment member 102 is seated in the socket 118 of the second abutment member 104 , the first shoulder surface 138 of the first abutment member 102 contacts the first shoulder surface of the second abutment member 104 144. When the protrusion 106 of the first abutment member 102 is seated in the socket 118 of the second abutment member 104 , the second shoulder surface 140 of the first abutment member 102 also contacts the second shoulder of the second abutment member 104 Surface 146. As discussed more fully herein, when the protrusion 106 of the first abutment member 102 is seated in the socket 118 of the second abutment member 104, this contact of the shoulder surfaces 138, 144, 140, and 146 facilitates re-guiding. Shear forces (eg, forces normal to shoulder surfaces 138, 144, 140, and 146) applied through protrusion 106 are directed to be at least partially directed along the first abutment member 102 and the second abutment member. The compressive force of the longitudinal axis of 104 (eg, the force is redistributed into the set of abutment members 102 and 104).

The first abutting member 102 further includes a first peripheral surface 158 and a second peripheral surface 160 opposite to the first peripheral surface 158 . The first peripheral surface 158 and the second peripheral surface 160 of the first abutment member 102 help define at least a portion of the protrusion 106 . The second abutting member 104 also includes a first peripheral surface 162 and a second peripheral surface 164 opposite to the first peripheral surface 162 . The first peripheral surface 162 and the second peripheral surface 164 of the second abutment member 104 help define at least a portion of the socket 118 . When the protrusion 106 of the first abutment member 102 is seated in the socket 118 of the second abutment member 104, the first peripheral surfaces 158, 162 and the second peripheral surfaces 160, 164 may be parallel to each other.

The butt joints of the present disclosure can be made from a variety of different materials. Such materials include, but are not limited to, metals, metal alloys, polymers (such as thermoset polymers or thermoplastic polymers), and composite materials (such as composite materials consisting of two or more components with substantially different physical properties that are kept separate and distinct within the finished structure). material made of). Examples of metals include but are not limited to steel such as 'weathering steel' specified in standard BS EN10025-5:2004, also known as CORTEN steel. Other examples include, but are not limited to, corrosion resistant alloys formed from mixtures of various metals such as stainless steel, chromium, nickel, iron, copper, cobalt, molybdenum, tungsten, and/or titanium. When combined, these metals resist corrosion more effectively than standard carbon steel. Examples of polymers include, but are not limited to, thermoplastic, thermoset, and elastomeric polymers. Specifically, such as polycarbonate, polyetherimide, polybutylene terephthalate and other high-strength polymers. Examples of composite materials include, but are not limited to, mixtures of polymers and fillers provided herein. Examples of fillers include, but are not limited to, glass fibers, Kevlar, or carbon fibers, which can greatly improve the physical properties of composite materials. Butt joints of the present disclosure may also be formed from other materials such as wood and/or wood products.

Referring now to FIGS. 3A-3D , perspective views of butt joint 300 are shown. As shown in FIGS. 3A-3D , the first abutment member 302 and the second abutment member 304 of the abutment joint 300 separate to allow the first abutment member to move as the two structures of the abutment joint separate and move relative to each other. Each of 302 and second abutment member 304 moves along an arcuate path of travel. As shown in FIG. 3A , the first abutment member 302 and the second abutment member 304 are seated relative to each other. In this position (shown in FIG. 3A ), the abutment joint 300 has two degrees of freedom along which the first and second abutment members 302, 304 are movable relative to each other (e.g., the first One degree of freedom is the movement of the first abutment member 302 and the second abutment member 304 in opposite directions along the longitudinal axis 366, and the second degree of freedom is the movement of the first abutment member 302 and the second abutment member 304 Movement of one or both of them along an orthogonal axis 368 relative to the longitudinal axis 366). When seated relative to each other (eg, FIG. 3A ), the first abutment member 302 and the second abutment member 304 cannot initially travel on the arcuate travel path 369 . In other words, when seated relative to each other (such as in FIG. 3A ), the first abutment member 302 and the second abutment member 304 must first oppose each other along the longitudinal axis 366 before they can move relative to each other along the arcuate path of travel 369. move with each other.

As discussed herein, the first abutment member 302 and the second abutment member 304 may travel in the arcuate travel path 369 once disengaged from the seated configuration (see FIG. 3A for an example of a seated position). 3B to 3D show an embodiment of the arcuate travel paths 369 of the first abutting member 302 and the second abutting member 304 . As shown in FIG. 3B , the first abutment member 302 and the second abutment member 304 have been separated from their seated positions (see FIG. 3A ) along the longitudinal axis 366 . As this occurs, a first gap 370 is formed between the end 310 of the protrusion 306 and the second end 334 of the socket 318 of the second abutment member 304 . A second gap 372 is also formed between the first surface 312 of the protrusion 306 and the first surface 320 of the socket 318 .

For a given configuration of the abutment joint 300 , this combination of the first gap 370 and the second gap 372 allows the first abutment member 302 and the second abutment member 304 to travel along the arcuate path of travel 369 . The ability to travel along arcuate travel path 369 results from the combination of first and second gaps 370, 372 for a given configuration of abutment joint 300, which combination is first abutment member 302 and second abutment member 304. A third degree of freedom is provided.

Referring now to FIGS. 4A and 4B , an embodiment of an engagement member 474 according to the present disclosure is shown. The engagement member 474 includes an abutment joint 400 , as discussed herein, wherein the abutment joint includes a first abutment member 402 and a second abutment member 404 . The abutment member 474 also includes a first elongated section 476 and a second elongated section 477 . The first elongated section 476 has a first end 478 and a second end 480 opposite the first end 478 , wherein the second end 480 is connected to a first hinge 482 . The second elongated section 477 has a first end 486 and a second end 488 opposite the first end 486 , wherein the second end 488 is connected to a second hinge 490 .

The first hinge 482 is also connected to the first side rail 489 and the second hinge 490 is connected to the second side rail 491 . The first side rail 489 and the second side rail 491 can have a variety of different configurations. For example, the first side rail 489 and the second side rail 491 may have a tubular configuration, such as a length of square tubing or a length of rectangular tubing. Alternatively, the first side rail 489 and the second side rail 491 may have a contiguous solid structure. The first side rail 489 and the second side rail 491 may also have a planar truss and/or a space truss structure.

The first elongated section 476 and the second elongated section 477 of the engagement member 474 also each include a first end connector 492 and a second end connector 493 . The first end connector 492 facilitates coupling the second end 480 of the first elongated section 476 to the first hinge 482, and the second end connector 493 facilitates coupling the second end 488 of the second elongated section 477 to the first hinge 482. Engaged to the second hinge 490 .

The first abutment member 402 and the first end connector 492 may be integrally formed with the first elongated section 476 . Similarly, the second abutment member 404 and the second end connector 493 may be integrally formed with the second elongated section 477 . Alternatively, the first elongated section 476 and the second elongated section 477 may have a tubular configuration. For this configuration, a portion of the first abutment member 402 and a portion of the first end connector 492 can be inserted into the first end 478 and the second end 480 of the tubular structure of the first elongated section 476, respectively. The first abutment member 402 and the first end connector 492 may then be secured to the tubular structure of the first elongated section 476 (such as by welding and/or a nut and bolt assembly, which is used to engage the first elongated section 476 with the first end connector 492 and the portion of the first abutment member 402 inserted into the tubular structure). Similarly, a portion of the second abutment member 404 and a portion of the second end connector 493 may be inserted into the first end 486 and the second end 488 of the tubular structure of the second elongated section 477, respectively. The second abutment member 404 and the second end connector 493 can then be fixed to the tubular structure of the second elongated section 477 (such as by welding and/or a nut and bolt assembly, which is used to join the second elongated section 477 with the second end connector 493 and the part of the second abutment member 404 inserted into the tubular structure).

The first side rail 489 and the second side rail 491 may further include structures 495 and 497, respectively. Structures 495 and 497 may be, but are not limited to, vertical wall members (e.g., wall studs, header structures, etc.), and/or siding structures (which may be attached to vertical wall members). siding, side wall structures, etc.), and other structures.

5A and 5B show an embodiment in which the first elongated section 576 and the second elongated section 577 have a tubular configuration. As shown in FIG. 5A, a portion of the first abutment member 502 is inserted into the first end 578 of the tubular structure of the first elongated section 576, and a portion of the first end connector 592 is inserted into the first elongated section 576. Inside the second end 580 of the tubular structure. 5B shows a portion of the second abutment member 504 inserted into the first end 586 of the tubular structure of the second elongated section 577 and a second end connection inserted into the second end 588 of the tubular structure of the second elongated section 577. part of the device 593. The first abutment member 502, the second abutment member 504, the first end connector 592 and the second end connector 593 are affixed to their respective corresponding structures by welding and/or passing through the nut and bolt assembly of the corresponding structure. tubular structure.

Referring again to FIGS. 4A and 4B , a first abutment member 402 forms part of a first elongated section 476, wherein the first abutment member 402 has a protrusion 406 extending from a first abutment member 408, the protrusion 406 has a End 410, first surface 412, and second surface 414 extend at an acute angle from end 410 toward first abutment member shoulder 408, as discussed herein.

The first abutment member 404 forms part of the second elongated section 477 . The second abutment member 404 has a socket 418 into which the protrusion 406 of the first abutment member 402 is releasably seated. The socket 418 has a first surface 420 and a second surface 422 extending away from the first end 424 of the second abutment member 404 at an acute angle. The first end 424 of the second abutment member 404 includes a second abutment member 428 extending from the socket 418 such that when the protrusion 406 of the first abutment member 402 is seated in the socket 418 of the second abutment member 404 , the second surface 414 of the protrusion 406 is in contact with the second surface 422 of the socket 418 , and the second abutment member shoulder 428 is in contact with the first abutment member shoulder 408 .

In one embodiment, when the socket 418 having the first surface 420 and the second surface 422 extending away from the first end 424 of the second abutting member 404 has the first surface 412 and the second surface 422 of the first abutting member 402 When the acute angle of the surface 414 is equal to an acute angle, the protrusion 406 of the first abutment member 402 can be seated in the socket 418 of the second abutment member 404 such that the first surface 412 of the protrusion 406 is aligned with the first surface 418 of the socket 418. Surface 420 is in contact, second surface 414 of protrusion 406 is in contact with second surface 422 of socket 418 , and second abutment member shoulder 428 is in contact with first abutment member shoulder 408 .

Since the first abutment member 402 is seated in the socket 418 of the second abutment member 404, an example of which is shown in FIG. Carried in part by the interaction of protrusion 406 and socket 418 and shoulders 408 and 428 . Tab 406 and socket 418 and shoulders 408 and 428 help redirect weight along first elongated section 476 and second elongated section 477 when carrying this bulk weight. The protrusion 406 and socket 418 also help to "lock" the abutment sub 400 in a downward direction 498, but also allow the abutment sub 400 to be released in an upward direction 499, wherein the first and second side rails 489 and 491 The amount of movement along the longitudinal axis 466 is limited.

In FIG. 4A, the abutment joint 400 has one degree of freedom (when the protrusion 406 of the first abutment member 402 is seated in the socket 418 of the second abutment member 404), the first abutment member 402 and the second abutment member 402 The abutment members 404 are movable relative to each other along this degree of freedom (eg, movement of the first abutment member 402 and the second abutment member 404 in opposite directions along the longitudinal axis 466 ). When seated relative to each other (such as in FIG. 4A ), the first abutment member 402 and the second abutment member 404 cannot initially travel in an arcuate travel path 469 (as seen at least in part in FIGS. 4A and 4B ). . In other words, when seated relative to each other (eg, FIG. 4A ), the first abutment member 402 and the second abutment member 404 must first oppose each other along the longitudinal axis 466 before they can move relative to each other along the arcuate path of travel 469. move with each other.

As the first abutment member 402 and the second abutment member 404 move in opposite directions along the longitudinal axis 466 , the protrusion 406 of the first abutment member 402 is unseated from the socket 418 of the second abutment member 404 . As this action occurs, a second degree of freedom is created for the first abutment member 402 and the second abutment member 404, as discussed herein. These two degrees of freedom allow the first elongated section 476 and the second elongated section 477 of the joint member 474 to pivot as the first and second elongated sections 476, 477 pivot on the first hinge 482 and the second hinge 490, respectively. Segment 477 travels along arcuate path 469 . FIG. 4B also shows that the first side rail 489 and the second side rail 491 can maintain their same relationship to the longitudinal axis 466 as seen in FIG. 4A . For example, the first side rail 489 and the second side rail 491 can move along the longitudinal axis 466 (as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B ), wherein the first side rail 489 (4101-1) and the second side rail 491 (4101- The upper surfaces 4101 of 2) remain substantially parallel or coplanar with each other as they move along the longitudinal axis 466 . Furthermore, as first side rail 489 and second side rail 491 move along longitudinal axis 466, structures 495 and 497 remain parallel to each other. As first elongated section 476 and second elongated section 477 of engagement member 474 travel along arcuate path 469, structures 495 and 497 may also remain parallel to each other (see FIG. 4B).

The engagement member 474 of the present disclosure can be made from a variety of different materials. Such materials include, but are not limited to, metals, metal alloys, polymers (such as thermoset polymers or thermoplastic polymers), and composite materials (such as materials composed of two or more materials that remain separate and distinct in the finished structure) Materials made of constituent materials with different physical properties). Examples of metals include but are not limited to steel such as 'weathering steel' as specified in standard BS EN10025-5:2004, also known as CORTEN steel. Other examples include, but are not limited to, those provided herein.

Referring now to FIGS. 6A and 6B , an additional embodiment of a joint member 674 according to the present disclosure is shown. Joining member 674 includes abutment joint 600 , as discussed herein, wherein abutment joint 600 includes first abutment member 602 and second abutment member 604 , as discussed herein. The joint member 674 also includes a first elongated section 676 having a first end 678 and a second end 680 opposite the first end 678, wherein the second end 680 is connected to a first hinge 682 as described herein. discuss. The joint member 674 also includes a second elongated section 677 having a first end 686 and a second end 688 opposite the first end 686, wherein the second end 688 is connected to a second hinge 690 as described herein. discuss.

The first hinge 682 is also connected to the first side rail 689 and the second hinge 690 is connected to the second side rail 691 , as discussed herein. Each of the first elongated section 676 and the second elongated section 677 of the engagement member 674 also includes a first end connector 692 and a second end connector 693 . The first side rail 689 and the second side rail 694 may further include structures 695 and 697, respectively, as discussed herein.

The engagement member 674 may further include a fastener 6100 passing through a portion of both the first elongated section 676 and the second elongated section 677 . As shown, the portion of the first elongated section 676 and the second elongated section 677 through which the fastener 6100 passes is removed from the portion of the first elongated section 676 and the second elongated section 677 that includes the abutment joint 600 extend. For example, the first elongated section 676 and the second elongated section 677 can comprise a tubular structure, as discussed herein. These tubular structures of the first elongated section 676 and the second elongated section 677 include a first abutment member 602, a first end connector 692, a second abutment member 604, and a second end connector 693, as discussed herein. The first elongated section 676 and the second elongated section 677 also include a first beam 6102 and a second beam 6104 . The first beam 6102 extends away from the tubular structure of the first elongated section 676 and the second beam 6104 extends away from the tubular structure of the second elongated section 677 .

The first beam 6102 and the second beam 6104 of the engagement member have surfaces that define an oblong opening through which the fastener 6100 passes. Reference is now made to FIG. 7 , wherein engagement member 774 is shown in an exploded view. As shown, the engagement member 774 includes a first elongated segment 776 and a second elongated segment 777 . Each of the first elongated section 776 and the second elongated section 777 can be of equal length. Alternatively, one of the first elongated section 776 and the second elongated section 777 may be longer than the other elongated section. The joint members provided herein are also discussed in a co-pending application entitled "Joint Members" (Docket #128.0020011), which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

In one or more embodiments, each of the first elongated section 776 and the second elongated section 777 has an oblong opening 7106 through each of the first beam 7102 and the second beam 7104 . As discussed herein, oblong openings such as 7106 and others discussed herein may have an oblong or double D shape. Therefore, the term "oblong" herein can be replaced with "obround" or "double D" as desired. An oblong circle is defined as a shape constituted by connecting two semicircles with a parallel line tangent to their endpoints. A double D-shape is defined as a shape formed by connecting two arcs with a parallel line tangent to their endpoints. As used herein, oblong or double D shapes do not include circles.

As shown, the first beam 7102 of the first elongated section 776 has a first surface 7108 that defines a first oblong opening 7110 through the first beam 7102 of the first elongated section 776, And the second elongated section 777 has a second surface 7112 defining a second oblong opening 7114 through the second elongated section 777 . As shown, each of the surfaces 7108 and 7112 has a first end 7116 (designated 7116-A for the first oblong opening 7110 and 7116-B for the second oblong opening 7114) and The second end 7118 (designated 7118-A for the first oblong opening 7110 and 7118-B for the second oblong opening 7114), wherein the second end 7118 extends along the first oblong opening 7110 and the second oblong opening 7110. The longitudinal axis 7120 of each of the two oblong openings 7114 is opposite the first end 7116 .

Joining member 774 also includes fastener 7100 , a portion of which passes through first and second oblong openings 7110 and 7114 to connect first elongated section 776 and second elongated section 777 . As will be discussed more fully herein, the fastener 7100 passes through a first oblong opening 7110 and a second oblong opening 7114 . The fastener 7100 is secured in place to help hold the first elongated section 776 and the second elongated section 777 together (e.g., the fastener 7100 mechanically attaches the first elongated section 776 to the second elongated section 777). ground joint).

Although the fastener 7100 mechanically engages the first elongated section 776 and the second elongated section 777 , the first elongated section 776 and the second elongated section 777 are also capable of sliding relative to each other and rotating about the fastener 7100 . This ability of the first elongated section 776 and the second elongated section 777 to slide relative to each other allows the length of the hypotenuse of the right triangle to change as the joint member 774 is folded, thereby preventing damage to the joint member, associated Hinges and structures, as discussed in this article. The ability for the two to slide relative to each other and to rotate about the fastener 7100 provides at least two features that allow the engagement member 774 to overcome the problem of the hypotenuse of a right triangle. This aspect of the invention will be discussed more fully herein.

In addition, as discussed herein, the ability of the first elongated section 776 and the second elongated section 777 to slide relative to each other allows a gap (such as the first gap 370 and the second gap 372, as discussed in FIG. 3B ) to be created between the first pair of In the abutment member 702 and the second abutment member 704, a second degree of freedom is thereby obtained that allows the abutment joint 700 to travel in an arcuate path, as discussed herein.

A variety of different fasteners 7100 can be used. For example, fasteners 7100 may be in the form of bolts or rivets. The bolt may have a threaded portion at or adjacent to the first end for receiving the nut, and a second end opposite the first end. The heads of the nuts and bolts can have diameters related to the first oblong opening 7110 and the second oblong opening 7114 to prevent either from passing through one of the openings 7110 and 7114 (e.g., only the body of the bolt passes through). through openings 7110 and 7114). A washer may also be used between the head of the bolt and the nut to help prevent either from passing through openings 7110 and 7114.

Examples of bolts may include, but are not limited to, structural bolts, hex bolts, or carrigao bolts, among others. The nuts used with the bolts may be jam nuts, slot top nuts, slot nuts, twist thread jam nuts, interference thread nuts, or split beam nuts, among others. Lock nuts can also be used with nuts if desired. Examples of rivets include solid rivets that have a shaft that passes through openings 7110 and 7114 and a head that does not pass through openings 7110 and 7114 . A shophead can then be formed on the rivet to fasten the first elongated section 776 and the second elongated section 777 . Regardless of which fastener is used, however, fastener 7100 is not tightened to the extent that first and second elongated segments 776, 777 of engagement inhibiting member 774 slide relative to each other and rotate about fastener 7100.

As discussed herein, the fastener 7100 passes through the first oblong opening 7110 and the second oblong opening 7114 to connect the first elongated section 776 and the second elongated section 777 . For one or more embodiments, as the engagement member 774 transitions from the first predetermined state to the second predetermined state, the first oblong opening 7110 and the second oblong opening 7114 are relative to each other and relative to the fastener. 7100 moves. For the present disclosure, the first predetermined state may be the unfolded state of the engagement member 774 . In the unfolded state, the engagement member 774 can only be moved towards its second predetermined state. In the first predetermined state, the first oblong opening 7110 and the second oblong opening 7114 have minimal overlap and the protrusion 706 of the first abutment member 702 is seated on the socket 718 of the second abutment member 704 middle. Figure 8 shows this first predetermined state. From the first predetermined state, the first oblong opening 7110 and the second oblong opening 7114 are movable towards a second predetermined state in which the first oblong opening 7110 and the second oblong opening 7114 There is a maximum overlap as opposed to a minimum overlap, and the protrusion 706 of the first abutment member 702 is unseated from the socket 718 of the second abutment member 704 .

As shown herein, the fastener 7100 has an axial center 7122 (e.g., a longitudinal axis about which the fastener 7100 can rotate) that moves along the axis of rotation as the engagement member 774 transitions from the first predetermined state to the second predetermined state. Moving along (eg, substantially parallel to) the longitudinal axis 7120 of the first oblong opening 7110 and the second oblong opening 7114 . The cross-sectional shape of the fastener 7100 is such that the fastener 7100 is configured along the longitudinal axis of the first oblong opening 7110 and the second oblong opening 7114 when the joint member 774 transitions from the first predetermined state to the second predetermined state. The size and shape of the travel 7120 without any significant amount of travel along the minor axis 7124 of the first oblong opening 7110 and the second oblong opening 7114. So, for example, the distance between parallel lines tangent to the two semicircular endpoints of the first oblong opening 7110 and the second oblong opening 7114 is approximately the passage of the fastener 7100 shown herein. The diameters of portions of the first and second oblong openings 7110 and 7114.

Referring now to FIG. 8 , a first elongated section 876 and a second elongated section 877 of the engagement member 874 are shown in a first predetermined state. In the first predetermined state, the first oblong opening 8110 and the second oblong opening 8114 have a second predetermined state relative to the engagement member 874 (an example of the second predetermined state is shown in FIG. discussed more fully) and the minimum overlap in terms of the amount of overlap in positions between the first and second predetermined states.

Specifically, the amount of overlap shown in FIG. 8 for the first predetermined state is approximately the cross-sectional area of the portion of fastener 8100 passing through openings 8110 and 8114 as seen in end view. In one embodiment, the overlap area is equal to the cross-sectional area of the portion of fastener 8100 that passes through openings 8110 and 8114 . For any of the embodiments discussed in this paragraph, the first oblong opening 8110 and the second oblong opening 8114 also define the portion of the fastener 8100 that passes through the openings 8110 and 8114 when in their first predetermined state. The corresponding shape of the cross-sectional shape.

Referring again to FIG. 7 , the first surface 7108 defining the first oblong opening 7110 and the second surface 7112 defining the second oblong opening 7114 each include a first end 7116 and a second end 7118 opposite the first end 7116 . Each of the first end 7116 and the second end 7118 is in the shape of an arc, which helps the surfaces 7108, 7112 to form a circle when in the first predetermined state (see FIG. 8 ). For other embodiments, the first end 7116 and/or the second end 7118 may comprise one or more shapes including, but not limited to, polygonal, non-polygonal, and combinations thereof. Additionally, the first oblong opening and the second oblong opening may be as discussed herein along the height 7126 of the first end 7130 of the first elongated section 776 and the first end 7132 of the second elongated section 777 and/or Or the width 7128 is positioned in several different positions.

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 8, in the first predetermined state, the first oblong opening 8110 and the second oblong opening 8114 provide a circular shape which is compatible with the openings passing through the openings 8110 and 8114. The circular cross-sectional shape of the portion of fastener 8100 corresponds. In addition to having the same shape, the area bounded by the first oblong opening 8110 and the second oblong opening 8114 in the first predetermined state is the cross-sectional area of the portion of the fastener 8100 passing through the openings 8110 and 8114 . It will be appreciated and will be discussed herein that the cross-sectional area of the portion of fastener 8100 passing through openings 8110 and 8114 and defined by first oblong opening 8110 and second oblong opening 8114 in the first predetermined state The area is not precise enough that the first elongated section 876 and the second elongated section 877 are constrained from sliding relative to each other and rotating about the fastener 8100 .

In the first predetermined state, a portion of the first surface 8108 and a portion of the second surface 8112 are in physical contact with the fastener 8100 passing through the openings 8110 and 8114 . In other words, a portion of surface 8108 and a portion of surface 8112 seat or rest against a portion of fastener 8100 passing through openings 8110 and 8114 in the first predetermined state.

As shown in FIG. 7, the first elongated section 776 includes a first abutment member 702 and the second elongated section 777 includes a second abutment member 704, as discussed herein. In the first predetermined state, the first abutment member 702 and the second abutment member 704 are in physical contact, and a portion of the first surface 7108 and a portion of the second surface 7112 are in physical contact with the fastener 7100. In other words, when the engaging member 774 is in the first predetermined state, the first abutting member 702 and the second abutting member 704 abut or seat. 8 shows first abutment member 802 and second abutment member 804 in a first predetermined state, wherein abutment members 802 and 804 are seated against each other, as discussed herein.

Referring again to FIG. 7, when the joint member 774 is in the first predetermined state, or unfolded state, and a structural load 7134 applied to the joint member 774 causes the first abutment member 702 and the second abutment member 704 to be in compression (eg, each abutment member 702 and 704 applies a compressive force to the other). At the same time, a portion of surface 7108 of first oblong opening 7110 and surface 7112 of second oblong opening 7114 applies a shear stress to the portion of fastener 7100 passing through openings 7110 and 7114 . For example, a shear stress in the first predetermined state is applied to the fastener 7100 through the first end 7116 of the first surface of both the first surface 7108 (7116-A) and the second surface 7112 (7116-B). Thus, in the first predetermined state, the fastener 7100 is not free to move along the longitudinal axis 7122 of the first oblong opening 7110 and the second oblong opening 7114 . As a result, the structural load 7134 is maintained on the joint member 774 in the first predetermined state, which has the effect of helping to offset the shear stress applied to the portion of the fastener 7100 passing through the openings 7110 and 7114 (offset ) compressive force of the first abutting member 702 and the second abutting member 704.

As shown in FIG. 7 , the first oblong opening 7110 and the second oblong opening 7114 have an oblong shape with a longitudinal axis 7120 (major axis) that is longer than a minor axis 7124 . The longitudinal axis 7120 and the minor axis 7124 can each have symmetry relative to each other. The longitudinal axis 7120 is longer than the minor axis 7124. For example, the ratio of the length of the longitudinal axis 7120 to the length of the minor axis 7124 is in the range of 10.0:1.0 to 1.1:1.0, 8.0:1.0 to 1.1:1.0, or 5.0:1.0 to 1.1:1.0. "Axis/axis" as used herein does not necessarily imply symmetry, but for one or more embodiments, the oblong opening may be symmetrical about a major axis, a minor axis, or both axes. As used herein, "axis/axis" refers to a line about which a geometric feature such as an oblong opening can conceivably be rotated.

The first oblong opening 7110 and the second oblong opening 7114 can be selected based on the size and/or amount of structural load that one or more engagement members 774 (e.g., there is more than one engagement member 774) are intended to carry and the size and shape of the fastener 7100.

As shown in FIG. 7 , the first end 7130 of the first elongated section 776 further includes a surface 7136 defining an arc, in this example a semicircle, and the first end 7130 of the second elongated section 777 7132 further includes a surface 7138 that defines an arc, in this example a semicircle. The curved surfaces 7136 and 7138 allow the first end 7130 of the first elongated section 776 or the first end 7132 of the second elongated section 777 to move relative to each other without colliding with the abutment member 702 or 704 or possibly mounted thereon. Floors on elongated sections 776 and/or 777 interfere. For example, the first end 7130 of the first elongated section 776 can move relative to the second abutment member 704 on the second elongated section 777 as the engagement member 774 transitions from the first predetermined state to the second predetermined state. Surface 7136 is shaped to accommodate a path of travel that is not in contact with second abutment member 704 on second elongated section 777 . Shapes other than arcs are possible, and include, but are not limited to, polygons, non-angular shapes, and combinations thereof.

As discussed herein, FIG. 8 shows an embodiment of a first elongated segment 876 and a second elongated segment 877 of a joint member 874 in a first predetermined state, which may be referred to as an unfolded state. In the first predetermined state, the first oblong opening 8110 and the second oblong opening 8114 have a second predetermined state relative to the engagement member 874 (shown in FIG. 12 and discussed more fully herein) and the first and second The minimum overlap in terms of the amount of overlap in many locations between two predetermined states. Specifically, the amount of overlap shown in FIG. 8 for the first predetermined state is approximately the cross-sectional area of the portion of fastener 8100 passing through openings 8110 and 8114 . In one embodiment, the area of overlap is equal to the cross-sectional area of the portion of fastener 8100 passing through openings 8110 and 8114 . For any of the embodiments discussed in this paragraph, the first oblong opening 8110 and the second oblong opening 8114 also define a relationship with the fastener 8100 passing through the openings 8110 and 8114 when in their first predetermined state. The shape corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the part.

FIG. 8 also shows the relative positions of the first abutment member 802 and the second abutment member 804 seated in the first predetermined state. As shown, in the first predetermined state, the first elongated segment 876 of the engagement member 874 includes a first member end 8140 opposite the first abutment member 802 . Similarly, the second elongated segment 877 of the engagement member 874 includes a second member end 8142 opposite the second abutment member 804 . In the first predetermined state, as shown in FIG. The maximum length of 8144. As discussed with reference to FIGS. 11A to 11E , as the jointed member 874 transitions from the first predetermined state to the second predetermined state, the first member end 8140 of the first elongated section 876 and the second end of the second elongated section 877 The distance between member ends 8142 does not exceed a defined maximum length 8144.

A first hinge 882 connects the first member end 8140 of the first elongated section 876 to a first side rail 889 . Similarly, a second hinge 890 connects the second member end 8142 of the second elongated section 877 to the second side rail 891 . FIG. 8 also shows the maximum length 8144 of the engagement member 874 . As shown in FIGS. 11A to 11C , the jointed member transitions from its first predetermined state (such as an unfolded state) to its second predetermined state (such as a folded state) without any portion of the jointed member extending beyond its first predetermined state. Defined maximum length 8144.

8 shows that when the joint member 874 supports a structural load 8134, the force is distributed to cause the first abutment member 802 and the second abutment member 804 to be in compression and the surfaces of the first and second oblong openings 8110 and 8114 8116 applies a shear stress to fastener 8100. It is also possible that the ends 8140 and 8142 of the first elongated section 876 and the second elongated section 877 can exert a compressive force against their respective side rails 889 and 891 due to the engagement member 874 supporting the structural load 8134 .

FIG. 8 further shows that the first abutment member 802 and the second abutment member 804 are under compressive force and the direction of movement via the hinges 882 and 890 as the structural load 8134 is held on the engagement member 874 in the first predetermined state. The shear stress-applying surfaces 8108 and 8112 of the fastener 8100 prevent the engagement member 874 from buckling or flexing to any appreciable extent.

The static interaction of first and second abutment members 802, 804 under compression and surfaces 8108 and 8112 that apply shear stress to fastener 8100 via hinges 882 and 890 allows engagement member 874 of the present disclosure to carry Structural loads 8134 (eg, as specified in ISO standard 1496).

9A and 9B show a reversibly collapsible shipping container 9150 in partial view, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. In FIGS. 9A and 9B , portions of the reversibly foldable freight container 9150 have been removed (e.g., portions of the roof structure, portions of the side wall structure, portions of the floor structure, portions of the front and rear walls, doors parts of the assembly, etc.) to allow a clearer view of the location and relative position of the engagement members 974, which in this embodiment act as cross member members of the reversibly foldable freight container 9150. The reversibly collapsible shipping container 9150 shown in FIG. 9A is shown in an unfolded state.

As shown in Figure 9A, the reversibly foldable freight container 9150 includes a first corner post 9152-1, a second corner post 9152-2, a third corner post 9152-3, and a fourth corner post 9152-4. Corner posts 9152-1 through 9152-4 are rigid and non-collapsible load bearing vertical support members. Additionally, corner posts 9152-1 through 9152-4 have sufficient strength to support the weight of several other fully loaded freight containers stacked on reversibly collapsible freight container 9150. Each of the corner posts 9152-1 through 9152-4 includes a corner fitting 9154 (9154-1 through 9154-8). Corner fittings 9154-1 through 9154-8 may be used for holding, moving, placing, and/or securing reversibly collapsible shipping container 9150. In one embodiment, corner posts 9152-1 through 9152-4 and corner fittings 9154-1 through 9154-8 comply with ISO standards for shipping containers, such as ISO Standard 688 and ISO Standard 1496 (and amendments to ISO 1496), among others . In the unfolded state, the predetermined maximum width 9155 of the reversibly foldable freight container 9150 is eight (8) feet (measured from the corner fittings), as specified in ISO 668 Fifth Edition 1995-12-15.

The reversibly foldable freight container 9150 also includes a first bottom side rail 9156-1 and a second bottom side rail 9156-2. As shown, the first bottom side rail 9156-1 is located between the first corner post 9152-1 and the second corner post 9152-2, and the second bottom side rail 9156-2 is located between the third corner post 9152-3 and the fourth corner post 9152 Between -4. The reversibly foldable freight container 9150 further includes a first upper side rail 9158-1 and a second upper side rail 9158-2. The first upper side rail 9158-1 can be located between the first corner post 9152-1 and the second corner post 9152-2. The second upper side rail 9158-2 can be located between the third corner post 9152-3 and the fourth corner post 9152-4.

The reversibly collapsible freight container 9150 further includes an engagement member 974 according to the present disclosure. As shown, the first and second bottom side rails 9156 - 1 and 9156 - 2 are joined by two or more joining members 974 . Engagement member 974 acts as a "beam member" in reversibly foldable freight container 9150 when reversibly foldable freight container 9150 is in an unfolded state. When used as a beam member, the joint members 974 act as beams to help carry structural loads placed on the floor structure of the reversibly foldable freight container 9150 . To this end, the disclosed components 974 of the present disclosure can help carry structural loads as specified by ISO Standard 1496. However, unlike typical beam members, the joint members 974 of the present disclosure can then be used to assist the reversibly foldable freight container 9150 to reversibly move laterally relative to the longitudinal axis 9162 of the upper and bottom side rails 9156 and 9158. fold.

Referring now to FIG. 9B , a reversibly collapsible freight container 9150 is shown in an at least partially collapsed state. As shown in FIG. 9B , engagement members 974 of reversibly foldable shipping container 9150 collapse into a volume 9164 defined by reversibly foldable shipping container 9150 . As joint member 974 is folded, corner posts 9152-1 through 9152-4 and corner fittings 9154-1 through 9154-8 are drawn laterally together. Again, this "foothold" (e.g., area) and volume 9164 of the reversibly collapsible freight container 9150 from the unfolded state (e.g., FIG. 9A ) can be achieved at least in part due to the presence of the engagement member 974. decrease.

As discussed more fully herein, one major obstacle overcome by the joint member 974 of the present disclosure is its ability not only to function in the unfolded state as a structural member or beam that can help support loads as specified in ISO Standard 1496, but also to Its surprising ability lies in its transition to the folded state without any portion of the joint member 974 extending beyond its defined maximum length 9144 as defined in the unfolded state. This defined maximum length 9144 of the joint member 974 can be the defined maximum length of the joint member in the unfolded state. Accordingly, the jointed members of the present disclosure may transition from the unfolded state to the folded state without causing any portion of the jointed member (such as the jointed member end that helps define the defined maximum length) to extend beyond its defined maximum length. As a result, the reversibly foldable freight container can transition from an unfolded state to a collapsed state without any portion of the reversibly foldable freight container extending beyond a predetermined point on each of the two rear wall corner posts 9152 Its predetermined maximum width is 9155. A predetermined point on each of the rear corner posts 9152 can be the corner fitting 9154 (eg, the maximum width as measured between the outer surfaces of the corner fittings 9154-4 and 9154-2). This problem is presented below.

Referring to Figure 10, an end view of a shipping container 10166 is shown. Freight container 10166 is shown in partial view with portions of the floor structure (such as wood floors), side wall structures, end frames (such as front and rear walls), and door assemblies removed to more clearly show the Problem encountered with container 10166. Freight container 10166 does not include the joint members of the present disclosure, but instead is shown with hinges 10168-1 to 10168-3 for connecting the two sections (halfs) of cross member 10170. Conventional thinking holds that the hinges 10168-1 through 10168-3 should serve to not only connect the halves of the beam member 10170 together and to the bottom side rails 10156-1 and 10156-2 of the freight container 10166, but also allow the beam member 10170 to fold into Supports within the volume 10164 of the shipping container 10166.

The beam member 10170 can have a variety of different cross-sectional shapes. Such cross-sectional shapes may include box-shaped (eg, rectangular or square), C-channel, Z-beam, and I-beam cross-sectional shapes. As shown, these cross-sectional shapes allow the surfaces 10172 of the cross member 10170 to abut each other in the unfolded state. When abutted, the surface 10172 of the beam member 10170 becomes under compression, with assistance from the hinge 10168-1, preventing the upper surface 10174 of the beam member 10170 from extending in the Level 10716 below. Plane 10716 is an imaginary flat plane on which a straight line joining any two points would lie entirely. Therefore, in this embodiment, any two points on the upper surface 10174 of the beam member 10170 will lie in the plane 10716 .

As shown, the placement of hinges 10168-1 through 10168-3 appears to allow the floor structure of freight container 10166 to collapse within predetermined maximum width 10155. Not so. As shown, the cross member 10170 of the freight container 10166 is in an unfolded state and has a predetermined maximum width 10155 . It is also shown that there are three hinges 10168-1 to 10168-3 in the shipping container 10166 which appear to allow the cross member 10170 of the shipping container 10166 to be folded into the volume 10164 defined by the shipping container 10166. Examining the relative positions of the three hinges 10168-1 to 10168-3, the corners of a right triangle 10178 (shown in hatching) appear. The right triangle 10178 includes a hypotenuse 10180 that is longer than either the first leg 10182 or the second leg 10184 of the right triangle 10178 . It can be understood that the longer the second right-angled side 10184 is, the longer the hypotenuse 10180 is.

It can also be seen that in the unfolded state, the lengths of both first right-angled sides 10182 help define the predetermined maximum width 10155 of the shipping container 10166 . Now, as the freight container 10166 is folded from the unfolded state, the width of the freight container 10166 will have to become greater than the predetermined maximum width 10155 to accommodate the length of the hypotenuse 10180 . Therefore, if the beam member 10170 is moved along the direction of travel 10186, there will not be enough width for the two parts making up the beam member 10170 to move from and back to the unfolded state (e.g., the situation where the floor of the freight container 10166 is parallel to the plane 10716) . This problem is referred to herein as the "hypotenuse problem".

If the two parts making up the beam member 10170 were forced to move along the direction of travel 10186, the overall width of the freight container 110166 would have to increase beyond its predetermined maximum width 10155. Therefore, when the container transitions from the unfolded state to the collapsed state, it is desirable not to expand the container width beyond its predetermined maximum width 10155 in its unfolded state.

If the two parts making up the beam member 10170 are forced to move along the direction of travel 10186, at least one of the following may occur: (1) the overall width of the freight container 10166 will have to increase beyond its predetermined maximum width 10155; Portions of the member 10170 will be forced (elastic or inelastic) to bend or deform; and/or (3) the first, second and/or third hinges 10168-1, 10168-2, 10168-3 will deform and/or or rupture. When the structure 10188 is used in conjunction with the shipping container 10166 (such as the roof structure and/or the lateral bracing members each should have a fixed length and/or width that cannot or should not extend beyond the predetermined maximum width 10155 of the shipping container 10166) , these problems will become more apparent. Examples of such lateral brace members may include, but are not limited to, cables, structural beams, rods, and/or tubes that may be used to help brace and support the shipping container 10166 in the unfolded state. As will be appreciated, one or more of these structures (such as one or more of the roof structure, lateral bracing members, hinges, and/or beam members 10170, and others) will move along with the shipping container 10166 was damaged by folding from the unfolded state.

Whatever happens, one thing is almost certain: the hypotenuse problem discussed herein where freight container 10166 expands beyond its predetermined maximum width 10155 can cause freight container 10166 (such as hinges 10168-1 to 10168-3 and/or beam members 1070) such that it is no longer able to support a load (eg, no longer conforms to ISO standards), thus rendering freight container 10166 unsuitable for its intended use. Thus, when the container transitions from the unfolded state to the collapsed state, it is desirable that the container width not expand beyond its predetermined maximum width 10155 in the unfolded state.

The joint members used in the reversibly foldable freight container of the present disclosure help to address the sloped edge problem discussed herein. The joint members as discussed herein allow the reversibly foldable freight container to transition from the unfolded state to the folded state without expanding beyond a predetermined maximum width in the unfolded state. As discussed herein, the engagement members are configured in such a way that the length of the hypotenuse changes (eg, is adapted) during the folding process. From the collapsed state, the container can be transitioned back to the unfolded state and is thus reversibly collapsible.

Additionally, when a structure is used in conjunction with a reversibly foldable shipping container (such as, for example, a roof structure and/or lateral brace members), the engagement members allow the reversibly foldable shipping container to be reversibly folded against the structure. within a fixed length and/or width. Examples of such structures may include, but are not limited to, cables, structural beams, rods and/or tubes that may be used to help stretch and support the reversibly collapsible shipping container in the unfolded state. As will be appreciated from reading this disclosure: these structures (such as one or more of the roof structure, lateral bracing members, hinges, and/or joint members, and other structures) will not be present in the reversibly foldable shipping container Damaged when folded from unfolded state.

As discussed herein, the joint members are configured in such a way that the length of the hypotenuse changes (eg, is adapted) during the folding process, thereby preventing damage to the joint members, associated hinges and structures (eg, 143 ). From a collapsed state, a reversibly collapsible freight container is transitionable back to an unfolded state and is thus reversibly collapsible.

As used in reversibly collapsible shipping container 9150, joint members 974 may act as beams. In this context, a beam is a structural member capable of carrying loads primarily by resisting bending. For various embodiments, the engagement member 974 may be configured as a beam, or a portion of a beam, of the reversibly foldable freight container 9150 . However, in addition to being a beam, the joint member 974 of the present disclosure also allows the reversibly foldable shipping container 9150 to fold. When in the collapsed state, the reversibly collapsible freight container occupies a smaller volume than a reversibly collapsible freight container in the unfolded state. Therefore, when in the folded state, the structure occupies less volume and/or area than the structure in the unfolded state.

Another significant advantage of the joint member 974 used in the reversibly collapsible freight container 9150 of the present disclosure is its surprising ability to fold within a defined maximum length of the joint member (e.g., the defined maximum length may be the maximum length of the joint member) . This defined maximum length of the engagement member 974 may be the defined maximum length of the engagement member 974 in the unfolded state. Accordingly, the joint members of the present disclosure can transition from the unfolded state to the folded state without causing any portion of the joint member 974 (such as the end of the joint member that contributes to defining the defined maximum length) to extend beyond its defined maximum length. The following discussion will help to further clarify the problems that the joint members of the present disclosure have helped to overcome.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 11A through 11E , which illustrate the transition of the engagement member 1174 from the first predetermined state to the second predetermined state without any portion of the engagement member 1174 extending beyond its predetermined maximum length 11144 . During this transition, the first oblong opening, the second oblong opening, and the fastener can move relative to each other, as is the case with the first abutment member 1102 and the second abutment member 1104 . This relative movement facilitates transitioning the joint member 1174 from a first predetermined state to a second predetermined state (such as a folded state) without expanding beyond a defined maximum length 11144 or a predetermined maximum width provided in the first predetermined state, while also Does not bend or damage the joint members, pivotable connections (such as hinges), or the structure of the container, as discussed herein. In other words, this relative motion has the effect of overcoming the hypotenuse problem discussed herein.

The engagement members 1174 can be folded in such a way that the components of the reversibly foldable freight container do not extend beyond their predetermined maximum width, such as an ISO standard width. Joint member 1174 has properties of a compound hinge. Rather, the joint member 1174 has two distinct and separate axes of rotation that are used during folding and/or unfolding of the joint member 1174 .

11A to 11C show a first elongated segment 1176 connected to a first bottom side rail 11156-1 by a first hinge 1182-1 and a second elongated section 1176 connected to a second bottom side rail 11156-2 by a second hinge 1182-2. Slender section 1177. 11A-11C also show first beam 11102 and second beam 11104 joined by fastener 11100 passing through first and second oblong openings 11110 and 11114, respectively. Fastener 11100 is shown in cross-section in FIGS. 11A to 11C to more clearly show the relationship between engagement member 1174 and the first and second oblong ellipses as it moves from a first predetermined or unfolded position toward a second predetermined or folded position. The relationship between the openings 11110 and 11114.

In FIG. 11A , the engagement member 1174 is shown having its defined maximum length 11144 in its first predetermined state. In this first predetermined state: the first and second abutment members 1102 and 1104 are in contact; the overlap of the first and second oblong openings 11110 and 11114 is at a minimum relative to the second predetermined state (see FIG. 12 ) and the surfaces 11108 and 11112 of the first beam 11102 and the second beam 11104 define the cross-sectional shape of the portion of the fastener 11100 passing through the first and second oblong openings 11110 and 11114. FIG. 11A also shows the upper surfaces 11192 of the first and second beams 11102 and 11104 .

As joint member 1174 begins to fold, different portions of joint member 1174 move to rotate about a predetermined point of rotation (e.g., a first axis of rotation), to slide relative to one or more other portions of joint member 1174 and/or to Different stages of the folding process shift relative positions. Referring now to FIG. 11B , the joint member 1174 is shown beginning to fold from its first predetermined state as shown in FIG. 11A toward a second predetermined state as shown in FIG. 12 . As shown in FIG. 11B , first abutment member 1102 and second abutment member 1104 define a first point of rotation about a first axis of rotation for first elongated section 1176 and second elongated section 1177 . In other words, the first point of rotation about which the first elongated section 1176 and the second elongated section 1177 rotate is defined at the point of contact between the first abutment member 1102 and the second abutment member 1104 . Rotation about this first point of rotation may be caused at least in part by a force applied to the engagement member in direction 11202.

As the first elongated section 1176 and the second elongated section 1177 rotate about the first rotation point defined by the first abutment member 1102 and the second abutment member 1104, the first oblong opening 11110 and the second oblong opening 11110 are defined. Surfaces 11108 and 11112 of oblong opening 11114 move relative to each other. The fastener 11100 is also movable within the first oblong opening 11110 and/or the second oblong opening 11114 (eg, laterally) as the engagement member 1174 transitions from the first predetermined state to the second predetermined state. . The fastener 11100 is movable within the first oblong opening 11110 and/or the second oblong opening 11114 upon transition to the second predetermined state. As discussed herein, as the engagement member 1174 transitions from the first predetermined state to the second predetermined state, the axial center 11122 of the fastener 11100 extends along (eg, substantially parallel to) the first oblong opening 11110 and the second oblong opening 11110. The longitudinal axis 11120 of the shaped opening 11114 moves. The cross-sectional shape of the fastener 11100 has a size and shape that allows the fastener 11100 to pass along the first oblong opening 11110 and the second predetermined state when the engagement member 1174 transitions from the first predetermined state to the second predetermined state. The longitudinal axis 11120 of the two oblong openings 11114 travels without any significant amount of travel along the minor axes 11124 of the first oblong opening 11110 and the second oblong opening 11114 . So, for example, the distance between parallel lines tangent to the endpoints of the two semicircles of the first and second oblong openings 11110 and 11114 is approximately The diameter of the portion of the fastener 11100.

As shown in FIG. 11B , fastener 11100 has moved laterally (eg, in a direction coincident with longitudinal axis 11120 ) within first oblong opening 11110 . Likewise, the fastener 11100 can move laterally (eg, in a direction coincident with the longitudinal axis 11120 ) within the second oblong opening 11114 .

11B shows how a gap 1182 is created between the fastener 11100 and the first end 11116 of the surface that bounds the first oblong opening 11110 (11116-A) and the second oblong opening 11114 (11116-B). For example, the engagement member 1174 can rotate around a contact point (such as a predetermined contact point) between the first abutment member 1102 and the second abutment member 1104 until the first oblong opening 11110 (11118-A) and the second elongated opening 11110 (11118-A) The second end 11118 of the oval opening 11114 (11118-B) ends in contact with the fastener 11100.

11C shows an embodiment in which the second ends 11118 of the first oblong opening 11110 (11118-A) and the second oblong opening 11114 (11118-B) contact the fastener 11100. 11C also shows that when positioned against the fastener 11100, the point of rotation is now displaced from the first point of rotation defined by the first abutment member 1102 and the second abutment member 1104 to the point defined by the first oblong shape. A second point of rotation on a second axis of rotation formed by the first surface 11108 (11118-A) of the opening 11110 and the second end 11118 of the second surface 11112 (11118-B) of the second oblong opening 11114. This second point of rotation about the second axis of rotation for the first abutment member 1102 and the second abutment member 1104 is different than the first point of rotation discussed herein. As before, rotation about this second point of rotation may be caused at least in part by a force applied to the engagement member in direction 11202 .

As shown in FIGS. 11A to 11C , as the joint member 1174 transitions from the first predetermined state to the second predetermined state, the first elongated section 1176 and the second elongated section 1177 rotate about a second rotational point (eg, on which Rotate) around (eg rotate on) the first point of rotation. Also, as shown in FIG. 11C , when the second ends 11118 of both the first surface 11108 ( 11118 -A) and the second surface 11112 ( 11116 -B) are seated against the fastener 11100 , the first surface 11108 ( 11116-A) and the first end 11116 of each of the second surface 11112 (11116-B) do not contact the fastener 11100.

As shown in FIGS. 11A to 11C , as the first elongated section 1176 and the second elongated section 1177 rotate around (eg, rotate on) the first rotation point, the first abutment member 1102 and the second abutment member 1104 Can be initially detached or moved along longitudinal axis 1166 from its docked position. When this occurs, a first gap 1170 is formed between the end of the protrusion 1106 and the second end of the socket 1118 of the second abutment member 1104. A second gap 1172 is also formed between the first surface of the protrusion 1106 and the first surface of the socket 1118 . For a given configuration of the abutment joint 1100, this combination of the first and second gaps 1170, 1172 allows the first and second abutment members 1102, 1172 to rotate as the engagement member 1174 rotates about the second point of rotation. 1104 travels along the arched travel path.

When shifting from the first point of rotation to the second point of rotation, the length of the hypotenuse of the engagement member 1174 changes from an initial value when the engagement member 1174 is in the first predetermined state (as discussed herein) to such as when the point of rotation is shifted to The point of contact between the second end 11118 of the first oblong opening 11110 (11118-A) and the second oblong opening 11114 (11118-B) and the fastener 11100 is shorter relative to the initial value value.

11D and 11E are used to illustrate this change in the length of the hypotenuse of the engagement member 1174 . Dashed lines 11204 and 11206 of FIGS. 11D and 11E show the hypotenuse of the engagement member 1174 when the engagement member is at the first or second rotation point. In FIG. 11D , a first elongated section 1176 is shown, the fastener 11100 , first abutment member 1102 , and second end 1180 all lying in a common plane may define the first elongated section 1176 in a first predetermined state. The right triangle 11208. Specifically, the hypotenuse of the right triangle 11208 is located between the fastener 11100 and the second end 1180, and the first leg 11209 of the right triangle 11208 is defined by the second end 1180 and the first line 11212 extending from the second end 1180 and Defined by the orthogonal intersection of a second line 11213 extending from the geometric center of the fastener 11100, wherein the first and second lines 11212 and 11213 lie in a common plane.

As shown in FIG. 11D , dashed line 11204 shows the hypotenuse of engagement member 1174 in the first predetermined state. When the point of rotation is shifted to a second point of rotation, dashed line 11206 shows the now shortened hypotenuse relative to the hypotenuse of the first predetermined state. In addition to being shorter than dashed line 11204, the hypotenuse shown by dashed line 11206 may be equal to or shorter than a first leg 11209 of right triangle 11208 of first elongate segment 1176 when the jointed members are in the first predetermined state. In this manner, the engagement member 1174 having the now shortened hypotenuse may, for example, pass through the defined maximum length 11144, as discussed herein.

Similarly, a second elongated section 1177 is shown in FIG. 11E , wherein in a first predetermined state, the fastener 11100, the second abutment member 1104, and the second part of the second elongated section 1177 all lie in a common plane. End 1188 defines a right triangle 11208 of second elongated segment 1177 . Specifically, the hypotenuse of the right triangle 11208 is located between the fastener 11100 and the second end 1188, and the first leg 11209 of the right triangle 11208 is defined by the second end 1188 and the first line 11212 extending from the second end 1188. Defined by the orthogonal intersection of a second line 11213 extending from the geometric center of the fastener 11100, wherein the first and second lines 11212 and 11213 lie in a common plane.

As shown in FIG. 11E , dashed line 11204 shows the hypotenuse of engagement member 1174 in the first predetermined state. When the point of rotation is shifted to a second point of rotation, dashed line 11206 shows the now shortened hypotenuse relative to the hypotenuse of the first predetermined state. In addition to being shorter than dashed line 11204, the hypotenuse shown by dashed line 11206 may be equal to or shorter than a first leg 11209 of right triangle 11208 of second elongate segment 1177 when the jointed member is in the first predetermined state. In this manner, the engagement member 1174 with the now shortened hypotenuse can, for example, pass through the defined maximum length 11144, as discussed herein.

As shown in FIGS. 11D and 11E , in the first predetermined state, the hypotenuse has a length greater than the length of the first right-angled side 11209 . However, as the first abutment member 1102 and the second abutment member 1104 rotate about the first rotation point, the length of the first leg 11209 of the right triangle 11208 changes by a length 11230, which is the geometric center of the fastener 11100 at The length of the transition between the first predetermined state and the second predetermined state. The change of the first leg 11209 also changes the length of the hypotenuse so that it is no longer greater than the length of the first leg 11209 measured in the first predetermined position. This change in the effective length of the hypotenuse allows the joint member 1174 to collapse toward the second predetermined state without extending beyond the defined maximum length 11144 defined in the first predetermined state. To unfold joint member 1174, a force opposite force 11202 may be applied to the folded joint member to cause joint member 1174 to return to its first predetermined state, as shown in FIG. 11A. During returning to its first predetermined state, the defined maximum length 11144 is not exceeded.

Referring now to FIG. 12 , an embodiment of a joint member 1274 in a second predetermined state is shown in which the first oblong opening 12110 and the second oblong opening 12114 can be separated relative to a minimum overlap (such as the first predetermined state). Languages have a maximum overlap, as discussed herein. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 12, when the first oblong opening and the second oblong opening are in the second predetermined state, the fastener 12100 can move along the first oblong opening and the second oblong opening. The longitudinal axis 12120 is free to move.

In the second predetermined state, FIG. 12 shows the first oblong opening 12110 completely overlapping the second oblong opening 12114 . Although FIG. 12 shows a complete overlap of the first oblong opening 12110 and the second oblong opening 12114, the overlap may be a substantially complete overlap due to factors such as machine tolerances and the like. This relationship between the first oblong opening 12110 and the second oblong opening 12114 can be considered as the maximum overlap of the first oblong opening and the second oblong opening with respect to the minimum overlap, As discussed in this article. In other words, the value of the maximum overlapping area cannot be further increased by repositioning the first elongated section or the second elongated section.

The butt joints of the present disclosure may be used in freight containers. Freight containers (also known as shipping containers, shipping containers, intermodal containers, and/or ISO containers, among other names) may be shipped by rail, air, road, and/or water. Freight containers are often shipped empty. Because a freight container occupies the same volume whether it contains items or not, the cost (both financial and environmental) of shipping an empty freight container will be the same as the cost of shipping a full freight container. For example, the same number of trucks (say five) are required to transport the same number of empty freight containers (say five pieces). In addition, freight containers are often empty at storage facilities and/or shipping hubs. Regardless of where a freight container is located (in transit or in storage), the volume occupied by an empty freight container is not utilized to its full potential.

Various solutions to these problems will lie in reversibly collapsible freight containers. By having a reversibly collapsible freight container, it would allow an "empty" freight container to be folded to a smaller volume than its fully expanded state. The extra volume gained by at least partially collapsing the reversibly collapsible freight container can then be utilized to accommodate other at least partially folded reversibly collapsible freight containers, providing extra volume for unfolded (e.g., ordinary) freight Container and/or reversibly collapsible freight container in its fully expanded state. Therefore, a plurality (eg, five) of empty reversibly collapsible freight containers can be stacked such that one truck can transport that number of empty reversibly collapsible freight containers. As a result, significant environmental and cost savings can be expected.

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a reversibly collapsible shipping container including a plurality of the engagement members discussed herein. For one or more embodiments, the reversibly collapsible shipping container complies with International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standards. For example, a reversibly collapsible freight container as disclosed herein complies with ISO Standard 688 and ISO Standard 1496 (and amendments to ISO Standard 1496), each of which is incorporated herein by reference. As discussed herein, commercial standards for freight containers are set by ISO. ISO sets commercial standards for almost all aspects of freight containers. These commercial standards include, but are not limited to, freight container design, dimensional specifications, dimensional tolerances, freight transport, ratings, weight (mass), center of gravity, load capacity, rigging tests, symbols, markings, locations, stacking tests, weatherability, and Mechanical testing, and others.

A reversibly foldable freight container as discussed herein includes a plurality of jointed members, as disclosed herein. The reversibly foldable freight container of the present disclosure can transition from an unfolded state to a folded state without expanding the reversibly foldable freight container beyond a predetermined maximum width of the unfolded state. A reversibly collapsible freight container is transitionable from a collapsed state back to an unfolded state, and is thus reversibly collapsible. As used herein, the "folded state" of a reversibly foldable freight container is a state that does not include the unfolded state, as discussed herein. The folded state may include, but is not limited to, a second predetermined state of the reversibly foldable freight container.

As discussed, the engagement members may be used in reversibly collapsible freight containers, as discussed herein. However, the joint members as disclosed herein can be used in a variety of different applications, including transitioning from an unfolded state to a folded state without expanding beyond a defined maximum length of the joint members in the folded state, without either bending or damaging the joint members of the container , pivotable connections (such as hinges) or structures (as discussed herein).

Figure 13 shows an exploded view of a reversibly collapsible freight container 13500 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The reversibly foldable freight container 13500 comprises a floor structure 13502, a roof structure 13504 opposite the floor structure 13502, a first side wall structure 13506-1 and a second side wall structure 13506-2, wherein the first side wall structure 13506-1 Both the floor structure 13502 and the roof structure 13504 are joined to the second side wall structure 13506-2. The sidewall structures 13506-1 and 13506-2 each have an exterior surface 13508 and an interior surface 13511, wherein the interior surfaces 13511, the floor structure 13502, and the roof structure 13504 of the sidewall structures 13506-1 and 13506-2 at least partially define Volume 13512 of reversibly collapsible freight container 13500.

The first side wall structure 13506-1 includes a first side wall panel 13514-1 joined to a first upper side rail 13516-1 and a first bottom side rail 13518-1. The second side wall structure 13506-2 includes a second side wall panel 13514-2 joined to a second upper side rail 13516-2 and a second bottom side rail 13518-2. The floor structure 13502 includes a floor piece 13520 attached to a joint member 13510 according to the present disclosure, wherein a portion of the floor piece 13520 has been removed to reveal the joint member 1374 . One or more hinges 13513 couple the first member end of each of the plurality of engagement members 1374 to the first bottom side rail 13518-1 and couple the second member end of each of the plurality of engagement members 1374 to the first bottom side rail 13518-1. Two bottom side rails 13518-2. The bottom side rail 13518 may further include a forklift opening 13524 .

Reversibly collapsible shipping container 13500 further includes a rear wall 13526 and a front wall 13528 . Rear wall 13526 and front wall 13528 each include an end frame 13530 joined to roof structure 13504, floor structure 13502, and side wall structures 13506-1 and 13506-2. The end frame 13530 includes corner posts 13532 , corner fittings 13534 , headers 13536 and sills 13538 . End frame 13530 for rear wall 13526 is referred to herein as rear wall end frame 13531 , while end frame 13530 for front wall 13528 is referred to herein as front wall end frame 13533 . Corner posts 13532 for rear wall 13526 are referred to herein as rear wall corner posts 13532-1 and 13532-2, and those for front wall 13528 are referred to herein as front wall corner posts 13532-3 and 13532-4.

Rear wall 13526 includes door assembly 13540 . The door assembly 13540 can include a door 13542 attached to a rear wall end frame 13531 of a rear wall 13526 by hinges 13544, as will be discussed more fully herein. The door assembly 13540 and hinge 13544 provided herein are also discussed in co-pending application entitled "Door Assembly for Freight Containers," Docket No. 128.0030001, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

The rear wall end frame 13531 includes a header 13536, also referred to as a rear wall header member 13546 for the door assembly 13540, and a sill 13538, also referred to as a rear wall sill member 13548 for the door assembly 13540. Rear wall corner posts 13532-1 and 13532-2 extend between and connect rear wall sill member 13548 and rear wall header member 13546.

Figure 13 provides an embodiment of a door assembly 13540 comprising two doors 13542, one of each door 13542 attached to one of each of the rear wall corner posts 13532-1 and 13532-2 by a hinge 13544 . Each door 113542 has a height 13550 and a width 13552 that allows the door 13542 to fit within the area 13554 bounded by the rear wall end member 13531 . The door 13542 may further include a gasket 13556 disposed around the perimeter of the door 13542 to help provide waterproofing on the exterior portion of the rear wall 13526.

The door 13542 further includes a locking lever 13558 having a cam 13560 and a handle 13562 . Locking rod 13558 can be mounted to door 13542 by support bracket assembly 13564, wherein locking rod 13558 rotates within and is guided by support bracket assembly 13564 to engage and disengage cam 13560 and cam retainer 13566. Cam holder 13566 is mounted on rear wall end frame 13531. In one embodiment, the cam retainer 13566 is mounted on the rear wall sill member 13548 and the rear wall header member 13546 of the rear wall end frame 13531 of the rear wall 13526 .

The locking bar 13558 mounted to the door 13542 is movable between a first predetermined position in which the cam 13560 is aligned and can engage the cam retainer 13566 as discussed above, and a second predetermined position. In the second predetermined position, the cam 13560 is disengaged from the cam retainer 13566 and has a position relative to the rear wall end frame 13531 that allows the cam 13560 and the door 13542 to travel through the region 13554 past the rear wall end frame 13531 of the rear wall 13526 and cam retainer 13566, and into volume 13512 of reversibly collapsible shipping container 13500. In other words, in the second predetermined position, portions of the locking bar 13558 have been removed, as described herein, thereby positioning the cam 13560 directly adjacent the surface of the door 13542 so that the door 13542 can be opened into a reversible Within the volume 13512 of the collapsed shipping container 13500. As discussed herein, utilizing the hinge 13544 of the present disclosure, in addition to positioning the locking bar 13558 in the second predetermined position, also enables opening the door 13542 into the volume 13512 of the reversibly collapsible shipping container 13500, as will be further described herein. Full discussion.

13 shows a first predetermined position in which the cam 13560 and cam retainer 13566 are positioned relative to each other such that the cam 13560 can engage and disengage with the cam retainer 13566 located on the rear wall end frame 13531.

FIG. 14 shows the cam 14560 in at least one embodiment in a second predetermined position relative to the cam retainer 14566 . As shown in FIG. 14 , the cam 14560 has been positioned relative to the first predetermined position such that the cam 14560 is no longer aligned to engage and/or disengage the cam retainer 14566 . The cam 14560 is also positioned relative to the rear wall end frame 14530 such that as the door 14542 travels into the volume 14512 of the reversibly foldable freight container 14500, the cam 14560 can pass through the area 14554 bounded by the rear wall end frame 14530, Wherein volume 14512 may be at least partially bounded by floor structure two 14502, roof structure 14504, side wall structures 14506-1 and 14506-2, and rear wall 14528 (shown in partial cutaway to help more clearly show door 14542 in position within the volume 14512 defined by the reversibly collapsible freight container 14500).

Moving the cam 14560 between the first predetermined position and the second predetermined position can be accomplished in a number of different ways. For example, locking rod 14558 can have two or more sections that are telescopic along longitudinal axis 14568 of locking rod 14558 . The locking rod 14558 can include a first portion 14570 and a second portion 14572 joined to the first portion 14570 by a connecting shaft 14574 . The first part 14570 and the second part 14572 can be stretched relative to the connecting shaft 14574 to change the length 14576 of the locking rod 14558 . For example, the first portion 14570 and the second portion 14572 can move along the connecting axis 14574 between a first predetermined position and a second predetermined position.

As shown, the connecting shaft 14574 can be held in place on the door 14542 by the combination of the support bracket assembly 14564 and the anti-push ring 14578 . Anti-push rings 14578 can be engaged to connecting shaft 14574 on either end of support bracket assembly 14564, so due to the presence of anti-push rings 14578, shaft 14574 can be rotated within support bracket assembly 14564 by turning handle 14584, while Does not pass through support bracket assembly 14564 perpendicularly relative to floor structure 14502 and/or roof structure 14504 (eg, connecting shaft 14574 will not move up and/or down relative to support bracket assembly 14564).

Referring now to FIGS. 15A and 15B , which shows door assembly 15540 with locking lever 15558 in a first predetermined position (e.g., cam 15560 is aligned and engageable with cam retainer 15566, as shown in FIG. 15A ) and a second predetermined position ( For example, the cam 15560 is disengaged from the cam retainer 15566 and has a position relative to the rear wall end frame 15530 that allows the cam 15560 and door 15542 to travel into the volume of the reversibly collapsible freight container 155 (as shown in FIG. 16 ). As shown, door assembly 15540 includes door 15542, hinge 15544, rear wall header member 15546, rear wall sill member 15548, locking bar 15558, cam 15560, handle 15562, support bracket assembly 15564, and cam retainer 15566, as Discussed herein. The embodiment shown in Figures 15A and 15B also includes each of a first portion 15570 and a second portion 15572, wherein each of the portions 15570 and 15572 includes a socket 15586 for receiving at least a portion of a coupling shaft 15574 The first part 15570 and the second part 15572 can be opposite each other as the locking rod 15558 is retracted to change the length of the locking rod 15558 between the first predetermined position shown in FIG. 15A and the second predetermined position shown in FIG. 15B The connecting shaft 15574 travels along and through the socket 15586 .

Socket 15586 and connecting shaft 15574 can have a cross-sectional shape that does not allow for any significant degree of rotation of connecting shaft 15574, first portion 15570, and/or second portion 15572 relative to each other. Such cross-sectional shapes may include, but are not limited to, non-circular cross-sectional shapes such as ovals, ellipses, or polygons such as triangles, squares, rectangles, or more polygons such as pentagons, hexagons, and the like. The connection shaft 15574 may further include a support bracket assembly, as discussed herein, wherein the connection shaft 15574 is provided for rotation and support in its position relative to the first and second portions 15570 and 15572 . Possible socket 15586 may also include a bushing disposed between connecting shaft 15574 and each of first and second portions 15570 and 15572 . The bushing can be made of a polymer such as polytetrafluoroethylene.

First portion 15570 and second portion 15572 may be mounted to door 15542 by a combination of support bracket assembly 15564 and anti-thrust ring 15578 . For example, each of the first portion 15570 and the second portion 15572 can have a support bracket assembly 15564 and an anti-thrust ring 15578 joined to each portion 15570 and 15572, which allow the portions 15570 and 15572 to be rotated between Support bracket assembly 15564. The second portion 15572 can include a handle 15562 . The door 15542 further includes a retaining plate 15588 and a retaining latch 15590 to receive and releasably hold the handle 15562 against the door 15542.

As shown, the anti-thrust ring 15578 on each of the first portion 15570 and the second portion 15572 of the locking rod 15558 is positioned between the support bracket assembly 15564 for the connecting shaft 15574 and the corresponding portion 15570 and 15572 between support bracket assemblies 15564. This configuration allows each of the first portion 15570 and/or the second portion 15572 to flex between a first predetermined position (FIG. 15A) and a second predetermined position (FIG. 15B) relative to the floor structure and the roof structure, as described herein discuss. The anti-push ring 15578 can also act as a stop to limit the extent of travel of the first and second portions 15570 and 15572 of the locking rod 15558 .

The locking rod 15558 also includes an adjustment member 15580 that can releasably engage the first portion 15570 and the second portion 15572 of the locking rod 15558 . The adjustment member 15580 includes a first end 15582 and a second end 15583, wherein the surface defines a first opening 15587 adjacent the first end 15582 and a second opening between the first opening 15587 and the second end 15583 of the adjustment member 15580 15589. Adjustment member 15580 may be non-releasably but pivotally attached to first portion 15570 or adjacent to first end 15582 . The first and second openings 15587 and 15589 can then be used to releasably connect the locking bar in either of the first predetermined position (see FIG. 15A ) and/or the second predetermined position (see FIG. 15B ). The first and second parts 15570 and 15572 of 15558.

Adjustment member 15580 may be a forged metal rod that is non-releasably but pivotally attached to first portion 15570 by a hub mounting frame 15592 . Adjustment member 15580 may be coupled to hub mounting frame 15592 using a rivet. The second portion 15572 can also include a mounting frame 15594 receivable and releasably coupled to the adjustment member 15580 . In an embodiment, the mounting frame 15594 can include a pin or shaft over which either the first opening 15587 or the second opening 15589 on the adjustment member 15580 can be positioned. The pin or shaft on the mounting frame 15594 can have a surface that defines an opening through the pin or shaft. The opening through the pin or shaft can be configured such that when either the first opening 15587 or the second opening 15589 is positioned over the pin or shaft, the opening can releasably receive an R pin or R clip. Once in place, the R pin or R clip can hold the adjustment member 15580 thereby maintaining the rigidity of the locking rod 15558 (eg, along the longitudinal axis of the locking rod 358). The locking bar 15558 in its first predetermined position may perform an anti-push function, which is known in the art. It can be understood that, besides the R pin or the R clip, other structures can also be used to releasably fix the adjusting member 15580 between the first part 15570 and the second part 15572 .

The adjusting member 15580 can also be used to make the first part 15570 of the locking rod 15558 stretch (for example, move) between the first predetermined position and the second predetermined position. Similarly, the second portion 15572 of the locking rod 15558 can be retracted (eg, moved) by the handle 15562 between a first predetermined position and a second predetermined position.

Referring now to FIG. 16 , an embodiment of a door assembly 16540 of the present disclosure is shown. As shown, only one door 16542 is shown to more clearly illustrate the following embodiments. Door assembly 16540 includes assemblies as discussed herein with respect to FIGS. 13-15B . For a different embodiment, the door 16542 shown in FIG. 16 further includes wheels 16596 disposed between the door 16542 and the floor structure 16502 . For different embodiments, more than one wheel 16596 can be used with the door 16542 (eg, two wheels 16596, three wheels 16596, etc. can be used with the door 16542).

The wheels 16596 can help support the weight of the door 16542 and guide the door as the door 16542 travels into the volume 16512 of the reversibly foldable shipping container 16500. The wheel 16596 includes an axle 16598 on which the wheel 16596 rotates. For various embodiments, the axle 16598 may be fixed to the wheel 16596, wherein the axle 16598 is supported by and rotates on a frame housed within the door 16542 structure. Alternatively, the wheel axle 16598 may be fixed to the door 16542, with the wheel 16596 including a bearing or bushing to allow the wheel 16596 to rotate about the wheel axle 16598.

Referring now to FIG. 17 , an embodiment of a hinge 17544 is shown in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown, the hinge 17544 includes a first wing 17601 and a second wing 17603 , wherein the first wing 17601 and the second wing 17603 are pivotally connected by a first hinge pin 17605 . The second wing 17603 includes a first planar portion 17607 having a first end 17609 and a second end 17611 and a second planar portion 17613 extending orthogonally from the first end 17609 of the first planar portion 17607 . A first hinge pin 17605 pivotally connects the first wing 17601 to the second end 17611 of the first planar portion 17607 . As shown, a portion of first planar portion 17607 of second wing 17603 passes through an opening defined in first wing 17601 thereby allowing second end 17611 of first planar portion 17607 of second wing 17603 to pivot Rotately connected to the first hinge pin 17605 and the first wing 17601.

Hinge 17544 also includes a pair of hinge lugs 17615 extending from second planar portion 17613 of second wing 17603 . Each of the hinge lugs 17615 has a first set of surfaces 17617 that define an opening 17619 through which a second hinge pin 17621 passes. For various embodiments, at least one of the pair of hinge lugs 17615 has a surface 17623 to define an opening 17625 through which the locking pin 17627 travels. The locking pin 17627 is reversibly movable through the opening 17625, wherein in the first position with the locking pin 17627 completely outside the opening 17625, the second wing 17603 is unlocked relative to the first wing 17601 and when the locking pin 17627 When positioned at least partially or fully through the opening 17625, the second wing 17603 is locked relative to the first wing 17601.

Second planar portion 17613 of second wing 17603 includes a first major surface 17629 and a second major surface 17631 opposite first major surface 17629 . The pair of hinge tabs 17615 extend from the first major surface 17629 of the second planar portion 17613 . The first wing 17601 has a first major surface 17633 and a second major surface 17635 opposite the first major surface 17633 . In the first predetermined position, the first wing 17601 is orthogonal to the first planar portion 17607 of the second wing 17603 and the first major surface 17633 of the first wing 17601 is aligned with the second major surface 17631 of the second planar portion 17613 directly opposite and parallel to each other. As discussed more fully herein, when the first wing 17601 is attached to a corner post of a reversibly foldable shipping container, and when the second wing 17603 of the hinge 17544 is positioned against (eg, adjacent to and at least partially When contacting the corner post, the first predetermined position can occur.

The first wing 17601 has a first end 17637 and a second end 17639, and wherein the first hinge pin 17605 pivotally connects the first end 17637 of the first wing 17601 to the first end 17607 of the second wing 17603 17611 on the second end. The second planar portion 17613 has an end 17643 distal relative to the first end 17609 of the first planar portion 17607, and the pair of hinge lugs 17615 extending from the second planar portion 17613 have a first peripheral edge 17645, Wherein the end 17643 of the second planar portion 17613 and the first peripheral edge 17645 of the hinge lug 17615 lie in a common plane.

Reference is now made to FIG. 18 , which shows a top view of a hinge 18544 according to the present disclosure that has been installed on a rear wall corner post 18532 of a reversibly foldable freight container 18500 . Only a portion of reversibly foldable freight container 18500 is shown in FIG. 18 to allow for a clearer view and understanding of hinge 18544 operation. The corner posts of the reversibly foldable freight container are formed from "J" shaped bar 18547 and "U" shaped channel 18549 which are welded together to form a reversible Type Collapsible Freight Container 18,500 Corner Posts. "U"-shaped channel steel 18549 is also called "inner column". This configuration of corner posts can be applied to both the front and rear wall corner posts discussed herein.

As shown, the first wing 18601 is secured to a portion of the U-shaped channel 18549 . The first wing 18601 may be secured to the portion of the U-shaped channel by a welding process such as arc welding. The second wing 18603 (shown in various positions in FIG. 18 as the second wing 18603 pivots about the first hinge pin 18605) is free to pivot about the first hinge pin 18605. The path of travel 18651 of the second wing 18603 shown in FIG. defined).

Reference is now made to FIG. 19 , which shows hinge 19544 in a first predetermined position (as shown in FIG. 17 ) on reversibly collapsible freight container 19500 as viewed along line 7-7 of FIG. 18 . The embodiment shown in FIG. 19 also includes locking pin 19627 and hinge pin 19621 , as shown in FIG. 17 . As shown, the second wing 19603 includes a hinge lug 19615 extending from the second planar portion 19613, and the hinge lug 19615 includes a first set of surfaces 19617 defining an opening 19619 through which the second hinge pin 19621 passes. And seated in the opening 19619. As discussed more fully herein, the door of the freight container pivots (eg, swings) about the second hinge pin 19621 . Hinge lug 19615 also includes a surface 19623 to define an opening 19625 through which locking pin 19627 travels. Figure 19 also shows that the hinge 19544 has a pair of seating blocks 19655 fastened to the rear wall end frame 19530 (only a portion of which is shown) of the reversibly foldable freight container to form a second planar Portion 19613 and socket 19657 of at least a portion of the pair of hinge lugs 19612. U-shaped channel 19549 of rear wall end frame 19530 helps to form part of socket 19657 as shown. A portion of the J-shaped bar 19547 is removed to create a volume in which the second wing 19603 can reside and thereby allow the hinge 19653 to pivot so that the door can swing towards the exterior surface of the sidewall structure (a type of This article shows and discusses the feature structure more fully). At least one of the pair of seating blocks 19655 has a surface 19659 to define an opening 19661 through which a locking pin 19627 travels to lock and unlock the second wing 19603 from the corner post of the reversibly foldable shipping container. As discussed herein, the locking pin 19627 reversibly travels to lock and unlock the second wing 19603 from the corner post of the shipping container. The door is joined to the pair of hinge lugs 19615 by a second hinge pin 19621, as discussed herein, where the door is positioned relative to the pair of hinge lugs 19615 when the hinge lugs 19615 are locked to the corner posts of the reversibly foldable freight container. Pivot on the second hinge pin 19621. This allows the door to extend adjacent the exterior surface of the sidewall structure. Additionally, when the hinge tab 19615 is unlocked from the corner post of the reversibly foldable shipping container, the door and second wing 19603 can pivot on the first hinge pin to allow the door to travel to the volume of the reversibly foldable shipping container Extending inwardly and adjacent to the interior surface of the sidewall structure. These examples are shown and discussed further herein.

The pair of seating blocks 19655 may include a lower seating block 19663 and an upper seating block 19665 . The pair of hinge lugs 19615 includes a lower hinge lug 19667 and an upper hinge lug 19665 . Lower hinge lug 19667 can releasably seat or rest on lower seating block 19663 . Upper block 19669 may have surface 19659 to define opening 19661 through which locking pin 19627 travels past opening 19623 of hinge lug 19669 to lock and unlock second wing from corner post of reversibly foldable freight container 19603. The lower hinge tab 19667 can also include a surface 19695 to define an opening 19697 through which the locking pin 19627 travels. Each of the lower seat block 19663 and the upper seat block 19665 also includes a surface for defining an opening through which the locking pin 19627 travels to lock and unlock the second Wing 19603 (for this embodiment, locking pin 19627 will be of sufficient length to travel through opening 19623 in hinge lug 19669 and opening 19697 in lower hinge lug 19667 and lower seat block 19663 to reversibly reversible Corner posts of folded freight container lock and unlock second wing 19603).

As shown in Figure 19, the lower seat block 19663 can include a first surface 19671 for the lower hinge lug 19667 to seat or rest on, a second surface 19673 substantially perpendicular to the first surface 19671, and a lower seat surface 19673. An inclined third surface 19675 between the first surface 19671 and the second surface 19673 of the connection block 19663 . As the second wing 19603 pivots relative to the first wing about the first hinge pin, the lower hinge lug 19667 travels along the third surface 19675 . The upper seat block 19665 includes a first surface 19677, a second surface 19679 substantially perpendicular to the first surface 19677, and a third surface 19681 inclined between the first surface 19677 and the second surface 19679, wherein, with the second Wing 19603 pivots relative to the first wing about the first hinge pin and upper hinge lug 19669 is movable along third surface 19681 .

The end frame may also include a locking pin travel stopper 19685 to limit the travel distance of the locking pin 19627. The locking pin 19627 can also include a surface 19693 that defines a structure on or within which the locking pin can be moved using a tool. For example, the structure can be a notch or recess formed in the locking pin 19627 that can accommodate a crowbar or other picking tool to help move the locking pin 19627. The locking pin 19627 can be perpendicular to the rotation axis 19691 of the second hinge pin 19621 to fix the hinge 19544 .

Referring now to FIG. 20 , there is shown an embodiment of a reversibly collapsible freight container 20500 of the present disclosure, wherein one of the doors 20524 is located within the volume 20512 of the reversibly collapsible freight container 20500 and the other of the doors 20524 is closed. Positioned along the exterior surface 20508 of the sidewall structure 20506-1. As shown, the reversibly foldable freight container 20500 includes a roof structure 20504, a floor structure 20502 opposite the roof structure 20504, and side wall structures 20506-1 and 20506-2 between the floor structure 20502 and the roof structure 20504 , as discussed in this paper. Each of the sidewall structures 20506-1 and 20506-2 has an exterior surface 20508 and an interior surface 20510, wherein the interior surface 20510 at least partially defines a volume 20512 of the reversibly collapsible freight container 20500.

The reversibly foldable freight container 20500 includes a rear wall end frame 20530 joined to a roof structure 20504, a floor structure 20502, and side wall structures 20506-1 and 20506-2, wherein the rear wall end frame 20530 has a rear wall sill member 20548, The rear door header member 20546 and the rear wall corner posts 20532-1 and 20532-2 between the rear wall sill member 20548 and the rear door header member 20546. Door assembly 20540 also includes hinges 20544 on each of corner posts 20532-1 and 20532-2, wherein the hinges are of the type discussed herein. The first wing of hinge 20544 is secured to corner posts 20532-1 and 20532-2. The first hinge pin pivotally connects the first wing secured to the corner posts 20532-1 and 20532-2 to the second end of the first planar portion of the second wing 20603, as discussed herein.

The locking pin 20627 is movable through at least one of a pair of hinge lugs having a surface to define an opening through which the locking pin travels. The reversibly foldable freight container 20500 further includes a pair of seating blocks 20655 as discussed herein secured to the rear wall end frame 20530 to form sockets 20557 for receiving and seating the hinge lugs of the hinge 20544 . As discussed herein, once the hinge 20544 is seated on the docking block 20655 in the receptacle 20557, the locking pin 20627 can be moved (eg, moved up and/or down) to remove from the corner post of the reversibly foldable shipping container 20500 20532-1 and 20532-2 lock and unlock the second wing of hinge 20544.

The reversibly foldable freight container 20500 further includes two doors 20524 joined to the pair of hinge lugs of a hinge 20544 by a second hinge pin. When the hinge lugs are locked to the corner posts 20532-1 and 20532-2 of the reversibly foldable freight container 20500, each door 20524 pivots on a second hinge pin relative to the pair of hinge lugs to allow the door 20524 extends adjacent to exterior surface 20508 of sidewall structures 20506-1 and 20506-2. When the hinge lugs are unlocked relative to the corner posts 20532-1 and 20532-2 of the reversibly foldable freight container 20500, the door 20524 and the second wing of the hinge 20544 can also pivot on the first hinge pin to allow the door 20524 Translates into volume 20512 of reversibly collapsible freight container 20500 and extends adjacent interior surface 20510 of sidewall structure 20506 . These examples are shown in Figure 17.

The side wall structures 20506-1 and 20506-2 of the reversibly collapsible freight container 20500 further include a latch 205100, wherein the latch 205100 can be used to engage or releasably retain the interior of adjacent side wall structures 20506-1 and 20506-2 Door 20524 of Surface 20510. Door 20524 is also shown with locking bar 20558 mounted to door 20524 as discussed herein. As shown in FIG. 20 , the locking bar 20558 is shown positioned in a first predetermined position on the door 20524 positioned along the exterior surface 20508 of the sidewall structure 20506 and positioned within the volume 20512 of the reversibly collapsible shipping container 20500 In the second predetermined position on the door 20524 of the

Referring now to FIGS. 21A-21C , there is shown a front wall 21528 of a reversibly collapsible shipping container of the present disclosure. The views of the front wall 21528 shown in FIGS. 21A to 21C are taken along the line of sight 18 - 18 shown in FIG. 13 . As shown, the front wall 21528 engages the roof structure, floor structure and side wall structure, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 17 .

As shown, the front wall 21528 includes a front wall end frame 21533 having front wall corner posts 21532-3 and 21532-4, a front door hinge 21400 positioned on the front wall corner post 21532-3, and a front door 21402 coupled to the front door hinge 21400 . The front door 21402 is pivotable on the front door hinges 21400 into the volume of the reversibly foldable shipping container and extends adjacent the interior surface of the side wall structure (as shown in FIG. 13 ).

The front wall end frame 21533 also includes a front wall sill member 21538 and a front wall header member 21536, wherein the front wall sill member 21538 and the front wall header member 21536 extend between the front wall corner posts 21532-3 and 21532-4 . Front wall sill member 21538 is connected to a first one of front wall corner posts 21532 by a sill hinge 21710 , wherein sill hinge 21710 allows at least a portion of front wall sill member 21538 to fold toward a second one of front wall corner posts 21532 . Similarly, the front wall header member 21536 is connected to a second one of the front wall corner posts 21532 by a head seat hinge 21712, wherein the head seat hinge 21712 allows at least a portion of the front wall header member 21536 to face toward the first one of the front wall corner posts 21532. One is folded.

Figures 21B and 21C illustrate this ability for both the front wall header member 21536 and the front wall sill member 21538 to be foldable. A pivot pin 21714 is used in the head seat hinge 21712 and the sill hinge 21710 to connect and allow the front wall sill member 21538 relative to the first of the front wall corner posts 21532, and the front wall head seat member 21536 relative to the first one of the front wall corner posts 21532. A second of the front wall corner posts 21532 is rotated.

A first of the latches 21760-1 is used to releasably connect the front wall sill member 21538 to a first of the front wall corner posts 21532-3. Similarly, a second of the latches 21760-2 is used to releasably connect the front wall header member 21536 to a second of the front wall corner posts 21532. When the gear is in the locked position, the latch 21760 helps to prevent the front wall sill member 18236 and the front wall header member 21536 from moving relative to their corresponding front wall corner posts 21532-3 and 21532-4. When in the unlocked position, the front wall header member 21536 and the front wall sill member 21538 are foldable toward their respective front wall corner posts 21532-3 and 21532-4 (shown in Figures 21B and 21C).

For example, latches 21760-1 and 21760-2 can releasably connect these structures via bolts or fasteners that can be removed to allow front wall header member 21536 to pivot substantially ninety degrees, Such that the front wall header member 21536 is adjacent to (eg, substantially parallel to) the front wall corner post 21532-3). Likewise, the bolts or fasteners that are used to releasably connect the front wall sill member 21538 and the front wall corner post 21532-3 can be removed to allow the front wall sill member 21538 to pivot substantially ninety degrees so that the front wall sill member 21538 The sill member 21538 is adjacent to (eg, substantially parallel to) the front wall corner post 21532-4).

As shown in FIG. 21A , the front door 21402 further includes a planar truss 21406 . The planar truss 21406 in its seated and locked position helps provide the reversibly collapsible shipping container 1800 with an anti-push function.

As shown, the planar truss 21406 releasably seats across the front door 21402 against and extends from the front wall corner posts 21532-3 and 21532-4. The planar truss 21406 includes straight members 21410. As shown, the planar trusses 21406 form a triangle because this shape will remain constant when the length of the sides of the front door 21402 is fixed. As shown, the straight members 21410 and The corner posts 21532 form the nodes 18414 of the planar trusses 21406, all lying in the two-dimensional plane of the front door 21402. The planar trusses 21406 may be in the form of beams having a number of different cross-sectional profiles. Such cross-sectional profiles include, but are not limited to I-beam, tubular, rectangular, triangular, and square, and others.

The front wall corner post 21532-4 also includes a socket 21420 into which the end portion 21422 of the planar truss 21406 is releasably seated when the front door 21402 is in the first predetermined position. In this embodiment, the first predetermined position is the position when the front door 21402 is seated in the front wall end frame 21533, wherein the front wall end frame 21533 includes corner posts 21532, corner fittings 21534, front wall head seat components 21536 and Front wall sill member 21538.

Socket 21420 may be formed by extension 18450 , such as a plate, applied to the surface of front wall corner post 21532 , locking plate 21456 , and a portion of corner fitting 21534 . When the end portion 21422 of the planar truss 21406 is seated in the socket 21420, the locking plate 21456 can be reversibly slid over the end portion 21422 to lock the planar truss 21406. From the locked position, the locking plate 21456 can be slid in a direction opposite the direction of travel 21460 to unlock the end portion 21422 of the planar truss 21406 .

A portion of the planar truss 21406 abuts a portion of the front door corner post 21532 when in the first predetermined position. As shown, the portion of planar truss 21406 that abuts a portion of front door corner post 21532 may be end portion 21422 . When abutted in the first predetermined position, the planarity trusses 21406 can cooperate with the front wall end frame 21533 to minimize lateral extrusion of the reversibly collapsible freight container.

Figure 21A shows: the front wall corner post 21532-3 installed with the front door hinge 21400 also includes a seat block 21700, when the door 21402 is in the first predetermined position, at least a part of the front door hinge 21400 can be seated on the seat block 21700. The seating block 21700 can help support the weight of the front door 21402 when in the first predetermined position. The front wall 21528 further includes a door lock 21716 . The door lock 21716 includes a frame 21718 and a sliding member 21720 mounted to the front wall corner post 21532-4. Frame 21718 may be "C" shaped to help define a socket into which extension member 21722 mounted to front door 21402 can be releasably seated.

The socket defined by the frame 21718 can receive the extension member 21722 when the slide member 21720 is in the open position. Once the extension member has been received in the receptacle, the slide member 21720 can slide over at least a portion of the extension member 21722, thereby helping to "lock" the front door 21402 in its first predetermined position. When the front door 21402 is to be moved from its first predetermined position, the sliding member 21720 and the locking plate 21456 can slide to open their respective sockets, thereby allowing the front door 21402 to rotate on the door hinge 21400.

21A to 21C show the positioning of the front door 21402 of the front wall 21528 of the reversibly foldable shipping container so that it can be located within the volume defined by the reversibly foldable shipping container. As discussed herein, the positioning of the door 21402 of the front wall 21528 of the reversibly foldable freight container within the volume defined by the reversibly foldable freight container includes unlocking the door 21402 from the front wall end frame 21533, and the opening of the door truss 21406. part. Once unlocked, the door 21402 can pivot on door hinges 21400 to position the door 21402 within the volume defined by the reversibly foldable shipping container. Fig. 21B shows this state. 21B also shows that once the door 21402 has been swung out of the front wall header member 21536 and the front wall sill member 21538, these members 21536 and 21538 can be folded towards their respective front wall corner posts 21532. Figure 21C shows the front wall header member 21536 and the front wall sill member 21538 folded relative to their respective front wall corner posts 21532.

Referring now to Figures 22A to 22D, there is shown a rear wall 22526 of a reversibly foldable freight container 22500 of the present disclosure. As shown, rear wall 22526 is joined to roof structure 22504, floor structure 22502, and side wall structures 22506-1 and 22506-2, wherein the interior of roof structure 22504, floor structure 22502, and side wall structures 22506-1 and 22506-2 Surface 22511 and rear wall 22526 define volume 22512 of reversibly collapsible freight container 22500 .

As shown, rear wall 22526 includes rear wall corner posts 22532-1 and 22532-2, hinges 22344 as discussed herein on rear wall corner posts 22532-1 and 22532-2, and rear wall doors joined to hinges 22344 22542. 22A to 22D show the hinge 22344 unlocked relative to the rear wall corner post in a second predetermined position such that the rear wall door 22542 can be pivoted into the volume 22112 of the reversibly foldable freight container 22500 adjacent to the side wall structure 22506 -1 and the inner surface 22511 of 22506-2 extend.

Figure 22A shows a reversibly collapsible freight container 22500 in an unfolded state with The defined maximum width is 22501. Specifically, the predetermined point on each of the two rear wall corner posts 22506-1 and 22506-2 is defined by the outer surface 22499 of the corner fittings 22534 and 22534 as specified in ISO668 fifth edition 1995-12-15. For various embodiments, the reversibly foldable freight container 22500 has a defined maximum width 22501 of eight (8) feet in the unfolded state, as specified in ISO668 Fifth Edition 1995-12-15.

The rear wall 22526 includes a rear wall end frame 22531 having two rear wall corner posts 22532-1 and 22532-2, a rear wall sill member 22548 and a rear wall header member 22546. Rear wall sill member 22548 and rear wall header member 22546 extend between rear wall corner posts 22532-1 and 22532-2. The rear wall sill member 22548 is connected to a first one of the rear wall corner posts 22532-2 by a sill hinge 22750 which allows at least a portion of the rear wall sill member 22548 to fold towards the first one of the rear wall corner posts 22532- 1. The rear wall head member 22546 is connected to the second one 22532-1 of the rear wall corner post by a head seat hinge 22752 which allows at least a portion of the rear wall head member 22546 to fold towards the second one 22532-1 of the rear wall corner post .

22A and 22B illustrate the folding capabilities of both the rear wall header member 22546 and the rear wall sill member 22548. A pivot pin 22756 is used in head seat hinge 22752 and sill hinge 22750 to connect and allow rear wall sill member 22548 relative to first one 22502-2 of rear wall corner post, and rear wall head seat member 22546 relative to The second 22536-2 of the rear corner post rotates.

A first of the latches 22760-1 is used to releasably retain the rear wall sill member 22548 to a first of the front wall corner posts 22532-1. Similarly, the rear wall header member 22546 is releasably retained to the second of the rear wall corner posts 22532-2 using the second of the latches 22760-2. When in the locked position, the latches 22760-1 and 22760-2 help prevent rear wall sill member 22548 and rear wall header member 22546 from moving relative to their respective rear wall corner posts 22532-1 and 22532-2. When in the unlocked position, the rear wall header member 22546 and the rear wall sill member 22548 are foldable toward their respective rear wall corner posts 22532-1 and 22532-2 (shown in Figures 22A and 22B).

22A to 22D show the positioning of the rear door 22542 of the rear wall 22526 of the reversibly foldable shipping container 22500 so that it can be located within the volume 225A12 defined by the reversibly foldable shipping container 22500. As discussed herein, positioning the rear door 22542 of the front wall 22526 of the reversibly foldable shipping container 22500 within the volume 22512 defined by the reversibly foldable shipping container 22500 includes moving the locking bar 22558 to its second predetermined position In the second predetermined position, the cam 22560 is disengaged from the cam retainer 22566 and has a position relative to the rear wall end frame 22531 that allows the cam 22560 and door 22542 to travel through the region 22554, through the rear wall end frame 22531 and the cam holder 22566, and enters volume 22512 of reversibly collapsible shipping container 22500. Figures 22A and 22B show that once the rear door 22542 has been swung out of the rear wall header member 22546 and rear wall sill member 22548, these members 22546 and 22548 can be folded toward their respective rear wall corner posts 22532-1 and 22532-2. Figure 22B shows the header member 22546 and rear wall sill member 22548 after they have been folded relative to their respective front wall corner posts 22532-1 and 22532-2.

Figure 22A also shows that the floor structure 22502 includes bottom side rails 22518-1 and 22518-2, wherein a plurality of joint members in the floor structure 22502 are joined to the bottom side rails 22518-1 and 22518-2 by hinges 22020. This structure will be discussed more fully with reference to FIG. 20 . The reversibly collapsible freight container 22500 also includes a beam box 22600. As shown, beam box 22600 may be located in bottom side rails 22518-1 and 22518-2, wherein beam box includes a surface defining an opening through which lateral lock member 22602 may pass. For this embodiment, the lateral lock member 22602 and the roof structure 22504 provide an example of a structure that, as discussed herein, is an example of a structure because the engagement member 2250 extends beyond its defined maximum length defined in the unfolded state. Has a fixed length and/or width that cannot or should not extend beyond the defined maximum width 22001 of the shipping container 22500 .

When the reversibly foldable freight container 22500 is in a collapsed state, such as a second predetermined state, the lateral lock member 22602 can pass through the spar box 22600 in the bottom side rails 22518-1 and 22518-2. An example of this is shown in Figures 22C and 22D. The lateral lock member 22602 can have a surface that defines an opening at a predetermined location along the lateral lock member 22602 through which a pin 22610 can be releasably seated. In one embodiment, the surface that defines the opening through the lateral lock member 22602 allows the lateral lock member 22602 to help lock the Reversibly collapsible freight container 22500 is maintained in an unfolded state.

The roof structure 22504 of the reversibly foldable freight container 22500 further includes a beam box 22600 having a surface defining an opening through which the lateral lock member 22602 may pass. The bottom side rails 22518-1 and 22518-2 and beam box 22600 of the roof structure 22504 can help define a minimum width of the reversibly foldable freight container 22500 when it is in its second predetermined state. FIG. 22D shows an example of the second predetermined state.

The roof structure 22504 may include a first roof panel segment 22261 , a second roof panel segment 22263 , and a third roof panel segment 22265 . The roof structure 22504 is reversibly foldable, as discussed herein. For example, as the joint members are folded into the reversibly foldable shipping container 22500, the roof panel segments 22261, 22263, 22265 are also foldable into the reversibly foldable shipping container 22500. The roof 22264 can be connected to the first upper side rail 22516-1 and the second upper side rail 22516-2 by one or more hinges.

The third roof panel segment 22265 can be positioned between the first roof panel segment 22261 and the second roof panel segment 22263 . The third roof panel section 22265 is connected to the first roof panel section 22261 and the second roof panel section 22263 by one or more hinges. For one or more embodiments, the one or more hinges may be a flexure support (eg, a hinge) extending along the longitudinal axis of the roof structure.

In the unfolded state, each of the roof panel segments 22261, 22263, 22265 can be substantially parallel to each other (eg, each roof panel segment can be substantially parallel to the engagement member in the first predetermined state). In the unfolded state, the roof can be said to be flat. In the second predetermined state, the roof panel segments 22261 , 22263 may be substantially parallel to each other, with each of the roof panel segments 22261 , 22263 being substantially orthogonal to the roof panel segment 22265 . In the second predetermined state, the roof may be called a partial rectangle.

For one or more embodiments, the reversibly collapsible shipping container includes a floor surface 22266 . The floor surface 22266 can include a first floor segment 22267 and a second floor segment 22269 . Floor surface 22266 is reversibly collapsible, as discussed herein. For example, as the joint members are folded into the reversibly foldable shipping container 22500, the floor segments 22267, 22269 are also foldable into the reversibly foldable shipping container 22500. The floor surface 22266 can be connected to a plurality of engagement members (eg, adjacent to the first bottom side rail 22506-1 and/or the second bottom side rail 22506-2). The reversibly collapsible freight container 22500 also includes a forklift port 22524. Each forklift opening 22524 can be a corresponding opening in the first and second bottom side rails 22518-1 and 22518-2.

As discussed, the reversibly foldable freight container transitions from the unfolded state to the second predetermined state without expanding the container beyond the unfolded state. In an unfolded state, a reversibly foldable freight container may be considered to be at its defined maximum width (eg, unfolded width), as seen in FIG. 13 . In the second predetermined state, the reversibly foldable freight container may have a width less than 60% of the defined maximum width. For example, in the second predetermined state, the reversibly foldable freight container may have a defined maximum width of 50%, a defined maximum width of 40%, a defined maximum width of 30%, a defined maximum width of 25%, or a defined maximum width. 20% width. In an example where the reversibly foldable freight container has a width that is 25% of the defined maximum width in the second predetermined state, four folded reversibly foldable freight containers can be stored in the space of one unfolded container .

Freight containers are exposed to a variety of different forces while on board a vessel and/or vehicle. For example, it is exposed to motion in six degrees of freedom on a ship: rolling, pitching, heaving, swaying, surging, and yawing ). These actions can exert lateral pushing forces on the freight container, especially when it is in a stacked configuration (eg stacked ten high fully loaded freight containers). These lateral pushing forces generally distort the walls and end frames of the container. Referring now to Figures 23A and 23B, there is shown an anti-push support 23800 (shown more fully herein) that may be used with a door 23542 of a shipping container. The anti-push support 23800 includes a first lug 23802 and a second lug 23804, both extending from the mounting support 23806 in a common direction. Mounting support 23806 may have an elongated configuration comprising a square or rectangular cross-sectional shape (as seen). Mounting support 23806 may be welded and/or fastened (e.g., bolted or screwed) to door 23542 (e.g., an inside surface, as shown in FIG. The anti-push support 23800 is mounted in such a way that the 23802 and second tab 23804 extend from the peripheral edge 23809 of the door 23542 of the shipping container.

Each of the first lug 23802 and the second lug 23804 has a first surface 23810 , and the first surface 23810 defines a recess 23812 relative to the second surface 23814 . The first surface 23810 and the second surface 23814 of each of the first lug 23802 and the second lug 23804 can be parallel to each other. When mounted to the door 23542 of a freight container, the recesses 23812 of the first lug 23802 and the second lug 23804 can receive and ride over when the door is in the closed and/or locked (door cam engages cam retainer) position At least a portion of the second wing 23603 of the hinge 23544, as provided herein. The first surface 23810 of the first lug 23802 and the second lug 23804 may also be directly adjacent (e.g., without intervening structure) when the door is in the closed and/or locked (door cam engages cam retainer) position. At least a portion of the hinge second wing 23603 and/or in physical contact therewith. Similarly, the second surface 23814 of the first lug 23802 and the second lug 23804 may also be directly adjacent to the shipping container when the door is in the closed and/or locked (door cam engages cam retainer) position. "U" shaped channel 23549 of corner post 23532 and/or in physical contact therewith. As a result, anti-push support 23800 may be directly adjacent to and/or in contact with both hinge 23544 and corner post 23532 when the cam is engaged with the cam retainer.

Each of the first lug 23802 and the second lug 23804 includes a third surface 23816 extending between the first surface 23814 and the second surface 23810 . Third surface 23816 helps define recess 23812 . The third surface 23816 may also be directly adjacent to and/or in physical contact with at least a portion of the second wing 23603 of the hinge 23544 when the door 23542 is in the closed and/or locked (door cam engages the cam retainer) position.

One of the anti-push supports 23800 may be mounted to the door 23542 of the shipping container relative to each hinge 23544 (eg, one anti-push support 23800 per hinge 23544). When the freight container door 23542 is closed and locked (the door's cam engages the cam retainer), the anti-push support 23800 can help resist lateral push of the freight container. For example, the anti-push support 23800 can come into contact with the U-shaped channel 23549 during pushing to help the door 23542 remain parallel to the plane of the corner post. The anti-push support 23800 can also help minimize mechanical stress on the hinge 23544 of the door 23542 of the shipping container when the door is closed and locked (the door's cam engages the cam retainer). One way to achieve this is by bringing the anti-push support 23800 into contact with the hinge 23544 (such as the second wing 23603) and press the hinge 23544 against the U-shaped channel 23549, thereby keeping the hinge 23544 in the non-push condition remain in their same relative position.

As discussed herein, the use of anti-push braces 23800 on the door 23542 helps limit the impact of push forces on the freight container. When in its closed and locked configuration, the anti-push support 23800 and locking rod help maintain the relatively vertical position of the door 23542 in a push condition (eg, maintain its rectangular shape against external push forces). When a push occurs, the anti-push support 23800 can provide a "node" through which push force (eg, sideways force) can be transmitted through the door 23542 . These pushing forces may be absorbed by the anti-push support 23800 on the adjacent door, and/or through the locking bar via the cam, cam retainer and end frame of the freight container. Use of the anti-push support 23800 in conjunction with the shipping containers and hinges of the present disclosure may allow the shipping containers provided herein to comply with the requirements of ISO 1496 (fifth edition 1990-08-15) and its amendments.

Referring now to FIGS. 24A and 24B , there is shown an embodiment of a door 24542 (viewed from the "inside" of a shipping container) in which an anti-push support 24800 is positioned adjacent to a hinge 24544 mounted to a corner post 24532 . Figures 24A and 24B also show anti-push blocks 24820 mounted to doors 24542-1 and 24542-2. The anti-thrust block 24820 includes a tab 24822 and a slot 24824 for releasably receiving the tab 24822 . As shown, the tab 24822 extends from the first of the doors 24542-1 and the slot 24824 extends from the second of the doors 24542-2, so when the first of the doors 24542-1 and the second of the doors 245422 The tabs 24822 can be seated within the slots 24824 (eg, completely within the slots 24824) when the cams 24560 of each are engaged with their respective cam retainers.

Anti-push block 24820 helps limit the impact of push forces on the freight container. Anti-push blocks 24820 also help maintain the ortho-symmetry of the freight container's end frames and doors 24542 during lateral push. As shown, the anti-thrust block 24820 can transmit force in both the horizontal and vertical planes (eg, via all three sides of the slot 24824). This helps keep the doors 24542-1 and 24542-2 in a common plane and helps maintain the orthosymmetry of the end frame and door 24542 during lateral pushing. This also helps make the two doors (24542-1 and 24542-2) act as one large structure rather than two separate structures.

Therefore, the anti-push block 24820 used in conjunction with the anti-push support 24800 and locking bar helps maintain the relatively symmetrical position of the door 24542 under push conditions (eg, maintains its rectangular shape against external push forces). For example, when a push occurs, the anti-push support 24800 and the anti-push block 24820 can provide a "node" through which push force (eg, sideways force) can be transmitted through the door 23542 . These pushing forces can be absorbed through the anti-push support 24800 on the adjacent door and/or through the locking bar through the cam, cam retainer and end frame of the shipping container.

Referring now to FIGS. 25A-25B , additional embodiments of the hinge 25544 and corner post 25532 of the present disclosure are shown. Figure 25A shows an exploded partial view of a corner post 25532, "H" shaped block 25830, and hinge 25544 of the present disclosure. As shown, the H-shaped block 25830 can be positioned between the J-shaped bar 25547 of the corner post 25532 and the U-shaped channel 25549. H-shaped block 25830 may be fastened (eg, welded) to corner post 25532 . Specifically, the H-shaped block 25830 may be welded to the J-shaped bar 25547 of the corner post 25532. To accommodate the H-block 25830, portions of the U-channel 25549 are removed, wherein the edges of the U-channel 25549 can be butted and welded to the H-block 25830 as desired. The H-shaped blocks 25830 at the top and bottom of the corner posts 25532 can also be welded directly to the top and bottom fittings.

When the hinge 25544 is secured to the U-shaped channel 25549, as discussed herein, the H-shaped block 25830 can help protect the hinge 25544 from forces transmitted via the corner posts 25532 (such as stacking forces). Specifically, the H-shaped block 25830 can help transmit force around the hinge 25544. The H-shaped block 25830 also acts as a seating block for the hinge 25544 (for example, the hinge 25544 can rest on one end in the opening of the H-shaped block 25830, and the other end of the H-shaped block 25830 provides an opening for the locking pin 25832 Space, as discussed herein. Thus, the H-shaped block 25830 can help protect both the locking pin 25832 and the hinge 25544. The H-shaped block 25830 also includes notches 25834 extending from the legs of the "H", wherein these notches 25834 helps relieve the stresses that develop when freight containers are stacked (confirmed by finite element analysis model simulations).

Both the U-shaped channel 25549 and the H-shaped block 25830 also include a surface 25836 that defines a hole 25840 through the U-shaped channel 25549 and the H-shaped block 25830. Aperture 25840 is dimensioned to receive and reversibly pass at least a portion of locking pin 25832 . A locking pin 25832 is used to releasably lock the second wing 25603 of the hinge 25544 to both the corner post 25532 and the H-shaped block 25830. The locking pin 25832 is actuated from the inside of the shipping container.

For various embodiments, locking pin 25832 may be positioned through hole 25840, thereby releasably locking second wing 25603 of hinge 25544 to both corner post 25532 and H-shaped block 25830, and removed from hole 25840 to thereby The second wing 25603 of the hinge 25544 is unlocked from both the corner post 25532 and the H-shaped block 25830. Specifically, locking pin 25832 can be retracted from aperture 25840 , thereby releasing second wing 25603 of hinge 25544 from corner post 25532 and H-shaped block 25830 . Once released, the second wing 25603 can rotate about the first hinge pin 25605. To lock the second wing 25603 to the corner post 25532 and the H-shaped block 25830, the locking pin 25832 is aligned and reinserted through the hole 25840 of the corner post 25532 and the H-shaped block 25830. As discussed herein, first wing 25601 may be secured to portions of U-shaped channel 25549 and H-shaped block 25830 by a welding (eg, arc welding) process.

FIG. 25B provides an exploded view of hinge 25544. As shown, the hinge 25544 includes a first wing 25601 and a second wing 25603 , wherein the first wing 25601 and the second wing 25603 are pivotally connected by a first hinge pin 25605 . For various embodiments, the second wing 25603 includes a first planar portion 25607 having a first end 25609 and a second end 25611 and a second planar portion extending orthogonally from the first end 25609 of the first planar portion 25607 25613. A first hinge pin 25605 pivotally connects the first wing 25601 to the second end 25611 of the first planar portion 25607 . As shown, a portion of the first planar portion 25607 of the second wing 25603 passes through the opening defined in the first wing 25601 thereby allowing the second end 25611 of the first planar portion 25607 of the second wing 25603 to pivot Rotationally connected to the first hinge pin 25605 and the first wing 25601.

Hinge 25544 also includes a pair of hinge lugs 25615 extending from second planar portion 25613 of second wing 25603 . Each of the hinge lugs 25615 has a first set of surfaces 25617 defining an opening 25619 through which the second hinge pin 25621 passes. For various embodiments, the second planar portion 25613 of the first wing 25601 and the second wing 25603 includes a surface 25640 defining an opening 25642 through which the locking pin 25832 reversibly moves.

The second planar portion 25613 of the second wing 25603 includes a first major surface 25629 and a second major surface 25631 opposite the first major surface 25629 . A pair of hinge tabs 25615 extend from the first major surface 25629 of the second planar portion 25613 . The first wing 25601 has a first major surface 25633 and a second major surface 25635 opposite the first major surface 25633 . In the first predetermined position, the first wing 25601 is perpendicular to the first planar portion 25607 of the second wing 25603, and the first major surface 25633 of the first wing 25601 is directly opposite and parallel to the first planar portion 25613 of the second wing 25601. Second major surface 25631. As discussed herein, the first predetermined position may occur by attaching the first wing 25601 to the corner post 25532 of the shipping container and the second wing 25603 of the hinge 25544 being positioned against (eg adjacent to and at least in partial contact with) the corner post .

The first wing 25601 has a first end 25637 and a second end 25639 . The first hinge pin 25605 pivotally connects the first end 25637 of the first wing 25601 to the second end 25611 of the first planar portion 25607 of the second wing 25603 . The second planar portion 25613 has an end 25643 distally located relative to the first end 25609 of the first planar portion 25607, and a pair of lugs 25615 extending from the second planar portion 25613 have a first peripheral edge 25645, wherein The end 25643 of the second planar portion 25613 and the first peripheral edge 25645 of the hinge lug 25615 lie in a common plane.

Hinge 25544 further includes a support block 25650. The support block includes a surface 25652 that defines an opening 25654 . Support block 25650 can be positioned against second planar portion 25613 of second wing 25603 with opening 25654 concentrically aligned with opening 25642 through which locking pin 25832 travels. Support block 25650 may be welded to second planar portion 25613 of second wing 25603 . The support blocks 25650 may also be chamfered to allow the freight container door to swing unimpeded.

For various embodiments, the components of the reversibly collapsible freight container provided herein may be formed from suitable materials and constructed to comply with ISO Standard 1496-1 (fifth edition 1990-08-15) and its amendments, which are incorporated in their entirety In this article for reference. For various embodiments, components of the reversibly collapsible freight containers discussed herein may be formed from steel. Examples of such steels include but are not limited to 'weathering steel' as specified in standard BS EN10025-5:2004, also known as CORTEN steel. For various embodiments, the floor of the reversibly foldable freight container may be formed from planking wood or plywood. Additionally, gaskets as known for use with shipping containers may be used with the reversibly collapsible shipping containers of the present disclosure as desired.

Claims (44)

1. a kind of engagement member, it is included：

First elongated segment, it, which has, defines the first surface of the first oblong opening, first end and relative with the first end Second end, second termination is bonded to first axle；

Second elongated segment, it, which has, defines the second surface of the second oblong opening, first end and relative with the first end Second end, second termination is bonded to second hinge；

Fastener, the fastener is thin to connect first through the first oblong opening and the second oblong opening Long section and the second elongated segment；And

Butt-joint, there is first pair to be supported component for it and second pair is supported component, wherein

First pair is supported some that component forms the first elongated segment, and first pair is supported component and have what is extended to component shoulder from first Dui Teat, the teat has an end, and first surface and second surface extend towards first pair from the end with an acute angle and support component Shoulder；And wherein

Second pair is supported some that component forms the second elongated segment, and second pair is supported component and have socket, and first to component to dashing forward Portion is releasedly in seated connection to the socket, and the socket has the extended outwardly away from an acute angle from second pair of first end for supporting component One surface and second surface, and second pair of first end for supporting component includes the second couple extended outwardly away from from the socket to component Shoulder so that when supporting the teat seated connection of component in second pair of socket for supporting component for first pair, the second surface and socket of teat Second surface contact, and second pair supported component shoulder to support component shoulder grafting with first pair tactile, and wherein, as engagement member is from the One predetermined state changes to the second predetermined state, the first oblong opening and the second oblong opening relative to each other and Fastener is moved, wherein, first predetermined state has the minimum of the first oblong opening and the second oblong opening Overlap, and second predetermined state has the first oblong opening for overlapping relative with the minimum and the second length oval The maximum overlapping of shape opening, and wherein, under first predetermined state, described first pair is supported to component and described second pair Component applies compression stress toward each other, meanwhile, define the first surface of the first oblong opening and define the second oblong The second surface of opening applies shear stress to the fastener.

2. engagement member as claimed in claim 1, wherein extended outwardly away from the first end that component is supported from second pair first The socket of surface and second surface has with first pair to the first surface of the component acute angle equal with the acute angle of second surface, and When supporting the teat seated connection of component in second pair of socket for supporting component for first pair, the first surface of teat and the first table of socket Face is contacted, and the second surface of teat is contacted with the second surface of socket, and second pair is supported component shoulder grafting to component shoulder and first pair Touch.

3. engagement member as claimed in claim 2, wherein the teat seated connection that component is supported when first pair supports component at second pair When in socket, first pair is supported component and second pair and has one degree of freedom to component.

4. engagement member as claimed in claim 3, wherein the teat that component is supported when first pair supports the socket of component from second pair When releasing seated connection, first pair is supported component and second pair and has two frees degree to component.

5. engagement member as claimed in claim 1, wherein in the first predetermined state, the second end and second of the first elongated segment The distance between second end of elongated segment provides the restriction maximum length of engagement member, wherein as engagement member is pre- from first Determine state to the second predetermined state to change, the distance between the second end of the first elongated segment and second end of the second elongated segment do not surpass Cross the restriction maximum length.

6. engagement member as claimed in claim 1, wherein first pair defines for first to component and second pair to component First point of rotation of elongated segment and the second elongated segment；And

Second end of both first surface and second surface defines when being oriented to prop up fastener and supports structure for first pair Part and second pair of second point of rotation different from first point of rotation to component.

7. engagement member as claimed in claim 6, wherein as engagement member is from the first predetermined state to the second predetermined state Transformation, the first elongated segment and the second elongated segment are first rotated before being rotated on second point of rotation on first point of rotation.

8. engagement member as claimed in claim 6, wherein being propped up when the second end seat of both first surface and second surface connects During fastener, the first end of each in first surface and second surface not contact securing member.

9. engagement member as claimed in claim 6, wherein in the first predetermined state, the fastening in a common plane Part, first pair of second end to component and the first elongated segment define a right angled triangle of the first elongated segment, the wherein right angle Hypotenuse is located between fastener and the second end of the first elongated segment, and the right angled triangle the first right-angle side by the The First Line that a pair extend to member end and from the second end of the first elongated segment and second of the geometric center extension from fastener The perpendicular intersection of line is defined, wherein the First Line and the second line are located in the common plane.

10. engagement member as claimed in claim 9, wherein in the first predetermined state, the fastening in a common plane Part, second pair of second end to component and the second elongated segment define a right angled triangle of the second elongated segment, the wherein right angle three Angular hypotenuse be located between fastener and the second end of the second elongated segment, and the right angled triangle the first right-angle side by second The extended to the First Line that extends to member end and from the second end of second elongated segment and the geometric center from the fastener The perpendicular intersection of two wires is defined, wherein the First Line and the second line are located in the common plane.

11. the engagement member as any one of claim 9 and 10, wherein in the first predetermined state, the hypotenuse tool There is the length bigger than the length of the first right-angle side.

12. engagement member as claimed in claim 11, wherein first pair is supported component around second point of rotation to component and second pair Rotation, the fastener in common plane and the length between the second end of the first elongated segment are not more than the straight of the first elongated segment The length of first right-angle side of angle triangle.

13. engagement member as claimed in claim 11, wherein first pair is supported component around second point of rotation to component and second pair Rotation, the fastener in the common plane and the length between the second end of the second elongated segment are not more than the second elongated segment The length of first right-angle side of right angled triangle.

14. the end of engagement member as claimed in claim 1, wherein teat defines a planar surface, the flatness table The first surface formation obtuse angle of face and teat, and wherein 90 degree of angles of second surface formation of the planar surface and teat.

15. engagement member as claimed in claim 14, wherein second pair of socket for supporting component includes having a planar surface The second end, the planar surface for the teat end planar surface mirror image.

16. engagement member as claimed in claim 1, wherein first pair is supported component shoulder and include what is extended from the first surface of teat First shoulder surface and the second shoulder surface extended from the second surface of teat.

17. engagement member as claimed in claim 16, wherein 90 degree of angles of second surface formation of the second shoulder surface and teat.

18. engagement member as claimed in claim 16, wherein the first surface formation obtuse angle of the first shoulder surface and teat.

19. engagement member as claimed in claim 16, wherein along the flat of first pair of second shoulder surface for supporting component shoulder and teat The length of the teat measured by the second surface of teat between face property surface, which is equal to or less than from first pair, supports the of component The height on the second shoulder surface measured by two surfaces and basal surface.

20. engagement member as claimed in claim 16, wherein the first shoulder surface and the second shoulder surface are located in a common plane.

21. engagement member as claimed in claim 1, wherein first pair of first surface and second surface and second pair for supporting component Each in the first surface and second surface of component is planar surface.

22. engagement member as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first oblong opening and the second oblong opening have length It is round-shaped.

23. a kind of folding freight container of reversible, comprising：

Roof structure；

The floor panel structure relative with the roof structure；

Each in side wall construction between floor panel structure and room a structure, the side wall construction have outer surface and with The relative interior surface of the outer surface；

The antetheca engaged with room structure, floor panel structure and side wall construction, the antetheca includes preceding anta, positioned at the antetheca angle Preceding door hinge and the front door for being bonded to preceding door hinge at least one in post；

The rear wall that is engaged with roof structure, floor panel structure and side wall construction, wherein, roof structure, floor panel structure, side wall construction Interior surface and rear wall define the volume of the folding freight container of the reversible, and rear wall includes rear anta, is located at Hinge rear on anta and the rear wall door for being bonded to the hinge, wherein the hinge can secure to rear wall in the first precalculated position Corner post so that rear wall door, or can be in the second pre-determined bit pivotably in being extended on the hinge with the outer surface of adjacent sidewall structure Put relative to the unblock of rear anta so that rear wall door is pivotably in the volume of the folding freight container of reversible and neighbouring The interior surface extension of side wall construction, and wherein, in the unfolded state, the folding freight container of reversible has Anta afterwards both in each on predetermined point at the predetermined Breadth Maximum that measures, and

Multiple engagement members in floor panel structure, wherein each engagement member includes：

First elongated segment, it, which has, defines the first surface of the first oblong opening, first end and relative with the first end Second end, second termination is bonded to first axle；

Second elongated segment, it, which has, defines the second surface of the second oblong opening, first end and relative with the first end Second end, second termination is bonded to second hinge；

Fastener, the fastener is thin to connect first through the first oblong opening and the second oblong opening Long section and the second elongated segment；And

Butt-joint, there is first pair to be supported component for it and second pair is supported component, wherein

First pair is supported some that component forms the first elongated segment, and first pair is supported component and have the first couple that component is supported from first couple The teat extended to component shoulder, the teat has an end, and first surface and second surface extend court with an acute angle from the end Component shoulder is supported to first pair；And wherein

Second pair is supported component and has socket, and first pair of teat to component is releasedly in seated connection to the socket, and the socket has Support the first end first surface and second surface that extend outwardly away from of component from second pair with an acute angle, and second pair is supported the of component The second couple that one end includes extending outwardly away from from the socket supports component shoulder so that support when first Dui component teat seated connection this second During in the socket of component, the second surface of teat is contacted with the second surface of socket, and second pair is supported component shoulder and first To being touched to component shoulder grafting, and wherein, as engagement member changes from the first predetermined state to the second predetermined state, the first length is ellipse Circular open and the second oblong opening are relative to each other and fastener is moved, wherein, first predetermined state has The minimum overlapping of first oblong opening and the second oblong opening, and second predetermined state have with it is described most The maximum overlapping of small overlap the first relative oblong opening and the second oblong opening, and wherein, described first Under predetermined state, described first pair applies compression stress toward each other to component and described second pair to component, meanwhile, define first The first surface of oblong opening applies shearing with the second surface for defining the second oblong opening to the fastener should Power.

24. the folding freight container of reversible as claimed in claim 23, wherein with supporting the of component from second pair The first surface and the socket of second surface that one end is extended outwardly away from, which have, is equal to the first surface and second that the first couple supports component The acute angle of the acute angle on surface, and when the first couple supports the teat seated connection of component in the socket that the second couple supports component, this is dashed forward The second surface contact of the first surface contact of the first surface in portion and the socket, the second surface of the teat and the socket, and Described second pair is supported component shoulder grafting to component shoulder and first pair and touched.

25. the folding freight container of reversible as claimed in claim 24, wherein supporting the teat seat of component when first pair When being connected on second pair in the socket of component, first pair is supported component and second pair and has one degree of freedom to component.

26. the folding freight container of reversible as claimed in claim 25, wherein support when first Dui the teat of component from When second pair of socket to component releases seated connection, first pair is supported component and second pair and has two frees degree to component.

27. the folding freight container of reversible as claimed in claim 23, wherein in the first predetermined state, first is thin The distance between second end of long section and the second end of the second elongated segment provide the restriction maximum length of engagement member, wherein with Engagement member from the first predetermined state to the second predetermined state to change, the of the second end of the first elongated segment and the second elongated segment The distance between two ends are no more than the restriction maximum length.

28. the folding freight container of reversible as claimed in claim 23, wherein first pair is supported to component and second pair Component defines first point of rotation for the first elongated segment and the second elongated segment；And

Second end of both first surface and second surface defines when being oriented to prop up fastener and supports structure for first pair Part and second pair of second point of rotation different from first point of rotation to component.

29. the folding freight container of reversible as claimed in claim 28, wherein as engagement member is predetermined from first State changes to the second predetermined state, the first elongated segment and the second elongated segment rotated on second point of rotation before first in the first rotation Rotated on turning point.

30. the folding freight container of reversible as claimed in claim 28, wherein when first surface and second surface two The second end seat of person connects when propping up fastener, the not contact securing member of the first end of each in first surface and second surface.

31. the folding freight container of reversible as claimed in claim 28, wherein in the first predetermined state, positioned at one Fastener, first pair of second end to component and the first elongated segment in common plane define a right angle three of the first elongated segment Angular, wherein the hypotenuse of the right angled triangle is located between fastener and the second end of the first elongated segment, and the right angled triangle The first right-angle side member end is supported by first pair and the First Line that extends from the second end of the first elongated segment with from the several of fastener The second-line perpendicular intersection of what center extension is defined, wherein the First Line and the second line are located in the common plane.

32. the folding freight container of reversible as claimed in claim 31, wherein in the first predetermined state, positioned at one Fastener, second pair of second end to component and the second elongated segment in common plane define a right angle trigonometry of the second elongated segment The hypotenuse of shape, the wherein right angled triangle is located between fastener and the second end of the second elongated segment, and the right angled triangle First right-angle side member end is supported by second pair and the First Line that extends from the second end of second elongated segment with from the fastener The second-line perpendicular intersection of geometric center extension is defined, wherein the First Line and the second line are located in the common plane.

33. the folding freight container of reversible as any one of claim 31 and 32, wherein predetermined first In state, the hypotenuse has the length bigger than the length of the first right-angle side.

34. the folding freight container of reversible as claimed in claim 33, wherein first pair is supported to component and second pair Component rotates around second point of rotation, and the fastener in common plane and the length between the second end of the first elongated segment are little In the length of the first right-angle side of the right angled triangle of the first elongated segment.

35. the folding freight container of reversible as claimed in claim 33, wherein first pair is supported to component and second pair Component rotates around second point of rotation, and the fastener in the common plane and the length between the second end of the second elongated segment are not More than the length of the first right-angle side of the right angled triangle of the second elongated segment.

36. the folding freight container of reversible as claimed in claim 23, the end of wherein teat defines a plane Property surface, the first surface formation obtuse angle of the planar surface and teat, and wherein the second of the planar surface and teat Surface forms 90 degree of angles.

37. the folding freight container of reversible as claimed in claim 36, wherein second pair of socket for supporting component includes The second end with a planar surface, the planar surface is the mirror image of the planar surface of the end of the teat.

38. the folding freight container of reversible as claimed in claim 23, wherein first pair is supported component shoulder and included from prominent The second shoulder surface that the first shoulder surface of first surface extension in portion and the second surface from teat extend.

39. the folding freight container of reversible as claimed in claim 38, wherein the second of the second shoulder surface and teat Surface forms 90 degree of angles.

40. the folding freight container of reversible as claimed in claim 38, wherein the first of the first shoulder surface and teat Surface forms obtuse angle.

41. the folding freight container of reversible as claimed in claim 37, wherein supporting the second of component shoulder along first pair The length of the teat measured by the second surface of teat between shoulder surface and the planar surface of teat be equal to or less than from The height on the second shoulder surface measured by first pair of second surface and basal surface to component.

42. the folding freight container of reversible as claimed in claim 38, wherein the first shoulder surface and the second shoulder surface In a common plane.

43. the folding freight container of reversible as claimed in claim 23, wherein first pair of first surface for supporting component And second surface and second pair of each supported in the first surface and second surface of component are planar surfaces.

44. the folding freight container of reversible as claimed in claim 23, wherein the first oblong opening and second Oblong opening has obround shape.