DK202370467A1

DK202370467A1 - A container with a rescue system

Info

Publication number: DK202370467A1
Application number: DKPA202370467A
Authority: DK
Inventors: Henrik Pedersen Brian; Johnny Printz Rene; Wurtz Pallesen Carl-Eric
Original assignee: Crs Ipr Aps
Priority date: 2023-09-11
Filing date: 2023-09-11
Publication date: 2025-01-30
Also published as: WO2025056134A1; DK181821B1

Abstract

The present invention relates to container with a rescue system, said container comprising: a top section and a bottom section, two side sections, two end sections, a first end section and a second end section, an antenna, at least two main inflatable portions, detection means, such as one or more electrodes, for detecting the container is falling or has fallen overboard, one or more hydrostatic self-releasers, one or more gas cartridges, wherein at the first end section at least one opening means is positioned, such as doors, wherein the antenna is positioned at the second end of the container, wherein the antenna is positioned at least substantially in the center point of the second end of the container. Furthermore, method for rescuing an overboard falling container.

Description

DK 2023 70467 A1 i

A CONTAINER WITH A RESCUE SYSTEM

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to container with a rescue system, said container comprising: a top section and a bottom section, two side sections, two end sec-

S tions, a first end section and a second end section, an antenna, at least two main inflatable portions, detection means, such as one or more electrodes, for detecting that the container is falling or had fallen overboard, one or more hy- drostatic self-releasers, one or more gas cartridges, wherein at the first end section at least one opening means is positioned, such as doors, wherein the antenna is positioned at the second end of the container, wherein the antenna is positioned at least substantially in the center point of the second end of the container.

Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for rescuing an overboard falling container, preferably a container according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said method comprises the steps of. detecting, by detecting means such as electrodes, that a container is falling or has fallen overboard, sending a signal of the location of the container by an antenna, activating hydrostatic self-releasers, activating gas cartridges, wherein said activations lead to inflat- able portions, integrated in a container, to go from: a non-active position, wherein the inflatable portions are deflated in cavities of the container behind cover plates, to an active position, wherein the inflatable portions are inflated, preferably inflated via hydrostatic self.releasers and gas cartridges, ensuring the antenna is kept overhead the water, when the container is floating in the water, sending a signal by an antenna of the location of the container such that the container can be salvaged.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The world calls for an improved solution for containers that fall or have fallen overboard during shipment. Today, when containers have fallen overboard, they are very rarely salvaged, either because they sink too fast or because their

DK 2023 70467 A1 2 jiocation cannot be tracked by a rescue team. Containers in the ocean are deeply harming, pollutive and cause serious damage to the environment.

Hence, improved solutions for providing an optimal and better possibility for res- cuing overboard fallen containers are requested. Preferably, an efficient and reliable container solution, suitable for being shipped on a container ship, and in particular a more sustainable, mechanically strong, economical container with longevity would be advantageous.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION it is an object of the present invention to provide an alternative to the prior art. in particular, it may be seen as an object of the present invention io provide a container that solves the above-mentioned problems by improving its possibil- ity for being salvaged.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Thus, the above described object and several other objects are intended to be obtained in a first aspect of the invention by providing a container with a rescue system, said container comprising: — a top section and a bottom section, — {two side sections, — two end sections, a first end section and a second end section — an antenna, — atleast two main inflatable portions, — detection means, such as one or more electrodes, for detecting that the container is falling or has fallen overboard, — one or more hydrostatic self-releasers, — one or more gas cartridges, wherein at the first end section at least one opening means is positioned, such as doors, wherein the antenna is positioned at the second end of the container, and

DK 2023 70467 A1 3 wherein the antenna is positioned at least substantially in the center point of the second end of the container.

The invention is particularly, but not exclusively, advantageous for providing a container solution for containers that have fallen overboard during shipment, wherein the container provides a better possibility for rescuing the overboard fallen container.

While being more optimal for being rescued, the container is furthermore effi- cient and reliable, more sustainable, mechanically strong and an economical solution.

The container solution of the invention provides a container, wherein inflatable portions are blown up when it is detected that the container is falling or has fallen overboard. The inflated portions make sure that the container(s) are float- ing and not sinking for an extensive amount of time, at least time enough for a rescue team to find and salvage the container(s).

Furthermore, the invention provides a container solution wherein, when the con- tainer has fallen overboard, the antenna adapted to send a location signal is kept above water, and thereby providing the lowest risk for the antenna to be defected.

Moreover, the invention provides a container that is suitable for being stacked, and further for providing a system wherein a stack of overboard fallen contain- ers can be rescued. This is preferably provided by an integrated rescue solution. in the context of the present invention, "container" may be understood as an object for holding or transporting something. in this invention, the container is preferably made of metal, being box shaped and having standard dimensions such as 10 foot, 20 foot, 40 foot. in the context of the present invention, "detecting means” may be understood as being means suitable for detecting that a container is falling or has fallen

DK 2023 70467 A1 4 overboard. The detection means may be one or more electrodes, batteries, ac- celerometers, or any other suitable detectors.

Electrodes will detect water, such as salt water. It will detect when the container has fallen overboard. The electrodes may be copper and zine detecting a volt- age difference over the two electrodes.

Accelerometers will detect an unforeseen movement of the container. They will detect when the container is falling overboard.

Other detection means may be used within the invention. in the context of the present invention, "gas cartridge” may be understood as any vessel comprising gas. The shape of the cartridge should not be limiting for the invention. It may also be understood as a gas cylinder or the like. in the context of the present invention, "integrated" may be understood as being built into an element, being positionad in an element, or the like, such as the inflatable portions being positioned in a cavity or the like of the container and not being an outer portion attached to the container. in one embodiment of the invention the antenna is encased in a waterproof material, such as epoxy.

The embodiment is particularly, but not exclusively, advantageous for providing a container solution wherein, when the container has fallen overboard, the an- tenna adapted to send a location signal is secured from getting in touch with water, and thereby providing the lowest risk for the antenna to be defected.

The material is preferably epoxy, though it may be any composite material or another optimal material. in one embodiment of the invention the container further comprises a water- proof box or chamber for protecting electronic parts, said box or chamber at least comprising: — one or more circuit boards, and — one or more batteries.

DK 2023 70467 A1

The embodiment is particularly, but not exclusively, advantageous for securing that the electronic parts of the container solution are not damaged if the con- tainer is falling overboard into the ocean.

The waterproof chamber or box is preferably hermetically sealed, such as when 5 the electronic parts are castfmoulded into the box chamber.

The (hermetically sealed) waterproof chamber or box provides a solution, where the electronic parts are not exposed to for example salt (water) vapour.

The electronic parts may be thea parts controlling the container solution. in one embodiment of the invention the waterproof box or chamber is positioned at least substantially next to the antenna, or the antenna is positioned inside the waterproof box.

The embodiment is particularly, but not exclusively, advantageous for providing arescue system wherein the antenna is fully secured and protected from water. in one embodiment of the invention the inflatable portions are integrated in the container, and the main inflatable portions can take at least two positions: — a non-active position, wherein the inflatable portions are deflated, — an active position, wherein, when the detection means detect said con- tainer is falling or had fallen overboard, said inflatable portions take an active position, wherein the inflatable portions are inflated via the hy- drostatic self-releaser and the gas cartridges.

The embodiment is particularly, but not exclusively, advantageous for providing a container solution for containers that have fallen overboard during shipment, wherein the container provides a better possibility for rescuing the overboard fallen container. The container solution of the invention provides a container, wherein inflatable portions are blown up, when detected that the container is falling or has fallen overboard. The inflated portions make sure that the con- tainer(s) are floating and not sinking for an extensive amount of time, at least time enough for a rescue team to find and salvage the container(s).

DK 2023 70467 A1 6 in the context of the present invention, "deflated" may be understood as being empty for air/gas, preferably also being folded. in the context of the present invention, "inflated" may be understood as being filled with air/gas, preferably being unfolded and blown up. in the context of the present invention, "integrated" may be understood as being built into an element, being positioned in an element, or the like, such as the inflatable portions being positioned in a cavity or the like of the container and not being an outer attached portion. in one embodiment of the invention the container comprises at least two cavities for containing a main inflatable portion, the cavities being positioned respec- tively at each side of the container.

The embodiment is particularly, but not exclusively, advantageous for providing a container solution, wherein the inflatable portions are positioned securely, protected, and integrated in the container.

Furthermore, the embodiment is particularly, but not exclusively, advantageous for providing a container solution, wherein each cavity comprises a module, such as a rescuing module, consisting of at least the portions to be inflated and for holding the container over water and prevent it from sinking, and the gas cartridge that provides the possibility of inflating the portions, such as balloons.

Preferably, each cavity also comprises a self-relsaser. However, it may be pos- sible to have a central releaser system.

The one central or the more decentral releasers are in some way connected to the releasers. in one embodiment of the invention each side of the container comprises the same number of cavities containing a main inflatable portion, and wherein the position of the cavities comprising a main inflatable portion is sub- stantially symmetrical on each side of the container.

DK 2023 70467 A1

The embodiment is particularly, but not exclusively, advantageous for providing a container, wherein the container is kept, as much as possible, in a stable non- tilting position when floating in the water. in one embodiment of the invention the container comprises eight cavities com- prising main inflatable portions, four cavitias at each side of the container.

The embodiment is particularly, but not exclusively, advantageous for providing a container, wherein the container is kept, as much as possible, in a stable non- tilting position when floating in the water. in one embodiment of the invention the each main cavity comprises a main inflatable portion and one or more gas cartridge.

The embodiment is particularly, but not exclusively, advantageous for providing a container solution, wherein each cavity comprises a model, such as a rescu- ing model, consisting of at least the portions to be inflated and for holding the container over water and prevent it from sinking, and the gas cartridge that pro- vides the possibility of inflating the portions, such as balloons.

Preferably, each cavity also comprises a self-relsaser. However, it may be pos- sibie to have a central releaser system.

The one central or the more decentral releasers are in some way connected to the releasers. in the context of the present invention, it should be understood that each cavity may comprise more than one gas cartridge, such as two, three, four or more. in one embodiment of the invention the container comprises cover plates for covering the cavities comprising inflatable portions when being in a non-active position, and wherein the number of cover plates correspond to the number of cavities, preferably the cover plates are hinged to the container.

The embodiment is particularly, but not exclusively, advantageous for providing a container solution, wherein the inflatable portions are secured and protected

DK 2023 70467 A1 behind cover plates, such that the inflatable portions are not damaged and de- stroved under normal operations and circumstances.

It is important to protect the inflatable portions, such that no holes or scratches or the like are made in the portions, such that the portions can keep in the gas inflated into them, when the container is falling or has fallen overboard. in one embodiment of the invention the cover plates have one or more corners being rounded off.

The embodiment is particularly, but not exclusively, advantageous for providing cover plates with no sharp comers, which thereby have less risk of damaging the inflatable portions. in one embodiment of the invention, each side of the container comprises at least two cover plates, preferably four, and wherein the cover plates are hinged substantially at the horizontal middle line of the side of the container, and wherein the at least two cover plates on each side are opening towards the middle line of the container side in an active position.

The embodiment is particularly, but not exclusively, advantageous for providing covers for the inflatable portions, and wherein the covers open toward the mid- die to lower the risk of the plates smacking on the inflatable portions when the portions are inflated. it should be understood that the cover plates opening towards the middle is not a limitation of the invention, though a preferred embodiment. in one embodiment of the invention the container comprises: mounting plates positioned inside each cavity, and wherein each of the main inflatable portions are mounted on a mounting plate.

The embodiment is particularly, but not exclusively, advantageous for providing and easy and reliable mounting of the inflatable portions.

DK 2023 70467 A1 9

Preferably, the inflatable portions are attached in the top and the bottom of the mounting plate, preferably with fittings and/or threads. in one embodiment of the invention the gas cartridge has a tube or pipe like shape, preferably the length of the gas cartridge is between the length of the main inflatable portion and the length of the main cavity.

The embodiment is particularly, but not exclusively, advantageous for providing a gas vessel suitable for fitting into the cavity. The cavity may be narrow, and not all vessel for gas may fil into the narrow space in the cavity. Therefore, it is preferred that the gas vessels have a suitable shape to fit into the cavity.

The length of the gas cartridge may be desired as long as possible to provide the largest amount of gas possible for inflating the inflatable portion. 18 in one embodiment of the invention the container comprises: — a ventilation grid, — a grid inflatable portion positioned behind the grid, such as in a grid cavity, — preferably a grid hydrostatic self-releaser, and wherein the ventilation grid is blocked from water entering the container by the grid inflatable portion when the container is falling or has fallen overboard.

The embodiment is particularly, but not exclusively, advantageous for providing a container solution that ensures the possibility of ventilation of the container during shipping, though also provides a solution wherein water is not flowing into the container, as it is blocked by an inflatable portion when the container has fallen overboard and lies in the ocean water. if water flows into the container, the cargo in the container may be damaged, and if water fills up the container, the weight will increase significantly, and the risk of the container sinking will thereby also increase. in one embodiment of the invention the grid inflatable portion is positioned be- hind the grid, such as in a grid cavity.

DK 2023 70467 A1 10

The embodiment is particularly, but not exclusively, advantageous for providing a position of the grid inflatable portion that is safe and secure from being dam- aged, and still provides optimal blocking when inflated. in one embodiment of the invention the container further comprises a module inside the container adapted for measuring the condition / the diagnose inside the container.

The module may comprise one or More Sensors.

The condition being measured may be: temperature, humidity, etc. in one embodiment of the invention the container is a part of a system, said system comprising more than one container, such as a stack of containers.

The embodiment is particularly, but not exclusively, advantageous for providing a container rescue system, wherein the inflatable portion, adapted to rescue the container(s) from sinking is performing optimally even though the containers have failing overboard in a stack. in a second aspect, the invention further relstes to a method for rescuing an overboard falling container, preferably a container according to any of the pre- ceding claims, wherein said method comprises the steps of: — detecting, by detecting means such as electrodes, that a container is falling or has fallen overboard, — sending a signal of the location of the container by an antenna, — activating hydrostatic self-releasers, — activating gas cartridges, — wherein said activations lead to inflatable portions, integrated in a con- tainer, to go from: — a non-active position, wherein the inflatable portions are deflated in cavities of the container behind cover plates, to: — an active position, wherein the inflatable portions are inflated, pref- erably inflated via hydrostatic self.releasers and gas cartridges,

DK 2023 70467 A1 i — ensuring that the antenna is kept above water when the container is floating in the water, — sending a signal by an antenna of the location of the container such that the container can be salvaged, and wherein the steps of the method can be executed in any order and/or exe- cuted simultaneously.

The second aspect of the invention is particularly, but not exclusively, advanta- geous for providing a method for rescuing an overboard falling container from sinking. in one embodiment of the invention, water entering through a ventilation grid of the container is blocked by: — activating grid hydrostatic self-releasers, — activating grid gas cartridges, — wherein said activations lead to grid inflatable portions, positioned near the ventilation grid, to go from: — anon active position, wherein the grid inflatable portions are de- flated, to: — an active position, wherein the grid inflatable portions are inflated, oreferably inflated via grid hydrostatic self-releasers and grid gas cartridges.

The first and second aspect of the present invention may each be combined with any of the other aspects. These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter.

Embodiments from the system/product should be seen as applicable to the method, and embodiments from the method should be seen as applicable for the product/system.

DK 2023 70467 A1 12

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

Various examples are described hereinafter with reference to the figures. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. Like elements will, thus, not be described in detail with respect to the description of each figure. It should also be noted that the figures are only intended to facilitate the description of the examples. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the claimed invention or as a limitation on the scope of the claimed invention. In addition, an illustrated example need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. An aspect or an advantage described in conjunction with a particular example is not necessarily limited to that example and can be practiced in any other examples even if not so illustrated, or if not so explicitly described.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described in the figures, whereon:

Figure 1a illustrates a 3D drawing of a container according to the invention.

Figure 1b illustrates a 3D drawing of cover plates opening and a cavity.

Figure 1c illustrates a 3D drawing of a ventilation grid.

Figure 2a-d illustrate a container with inflatable portions in a non-active position.

Figure 3a-d illustrate a container with inflatable portions during a transition from a non-active position to an active position.

Figure 4a-d illustrate a container with inflatable portions in an active position.

Figure Sa-d illustrate a container with inflatable portions in an active position.

Figure 8a illustrates a waterproof box positioned at a container.

Figure 8b illustrates an encased antenna.

Figure oc illustrates a detector means.

Figure 6d illustrates positions of an antenna and detection means.

Figure 7 illustrates a ventilation grid with an inflatable portion.

Figure 8 illustrates a stack of container fallen overboard.

DK 2023 70467 A1 13

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Exemplary examplas will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings. in this regard, the present examples may have different forms and should not be construed as being limited to tha descriptions set forth herein. Accordingly, the examples are merely described below, by re- ferring to the figures, to explain aspects.

Throughout the specification, when an element is referred to as being “con- nected” to another element, the element is “directly connected” to the other el- ement, “electrically connected”, *fluidic connected” or “communicatively con- nected” to the other element with one or more intervening elements interposed there between.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular exam- ples only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the terms "com- prises" "comprising" "Includes" and/or "including" when used in this specification specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof,

Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scien- tific terms) have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains. | will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined in the present specification.

FIG. 1a illustrates a 3D drawing of a container according to the invention, being a container 100, said container comprising: - atop section 110 and a bottom section 120, - two end sections 130, 130°,

DK 2023 70467 A1 14 - two side sections 140, - at least two main inflatable portions 200, preferably having an elongated shape, such as an elongated dalloon, - detection means 300, such as one or more electrodes, - one or more hydrostatic selfreleasers 400, - one or more gas cartridges 500, wherein the at least two main inflatable portions 200 can take at least two po- sitions: - a non-active position NP, wherein the inflatable portions 200 are deflated, - an active position AP, wherein the inflatable portions 200 are inflated, preferably, wherein when the detection means 300 detect that said container 100 is falling or has fallen overboard, said inflatable portions 200 take an ac- tive position AP, wherein the inflatable portions 200 are being inflated via the hydrostatic seif-releaser 400 and the gas cartridge(s) 500, and wherein said inflatable portions 200 are being integrated in the container 100. in all the ilustrations of the figures, the container 100 comprises eight main in- flatable portions, four main inflatable portions 200 at each side 140 of the con- tainer.

However, it is important to note that this is a preferred embodiment and not a imitation to the invention.

There should be at least one inflatable portion 200 at each of the two sides 140 of the container 100, though a plurality of inflatable portions 200 at each side are preferred. in FIG. 1a the container 100 comprises four cavities 800 on each side 140 of the container. Within the invention, at least one cavity 800 comprising an inflat- able portion 200 must be positioned at each side 140 of the container. Within the invention, each side 140 of the container 100 comprises the same number of cavities 600, and/or the position of the cavities is substantially symmetrical on each side of the container. in FIG. Ta the cavities 800 are positioned near the four respective comers of the container 100. Each of the cavities 600 comprise at least an inflatable

DK 2023 70467 A1 15 portion 200, preferably further comprising a gas cartridge 500 and a self-re- leaser 400 (not shown).

The container ilustrated in FIG. ta is in a position between a non-active NP and an active position AP.

FIG. 1b illustrates a 3D section of cover plates 700 opening and a cavity 600.

The cover plates 700 are hinged to the container 100.

The illustration of the content of the cavities 800 is one embodiment of many possibly solutions. Within the cavity 600 dlustrated in FIG. 1b is a deflated and folded inflatable portion 200 mounted on a mounting plate 800.

Furthermore, a gas cartridge 500 with a tube-like shape positioned at the top of the cavity 600 is illustrated. However, the position of the gas cartridge 500 should not be seen as limiting to the invention.

Also, in FIG. 1d the gas cartridge 500 is between the length of the main inflata- ble portion 200 and the length of the main cavity 800. However, the length of the gas cartridge 500 should not be seen as limiting to the invention.

FIG. 1c illustrates a 3D section of a ventilation grid 900. The ventilation grid preferably comprises a grid inflatable portion 920 (see FIG. 7) connected to a grid hydrostatic self-releaser 940, and wherein, when the container 100 is falling or has fallen overboard, the ventilation grid 800 is adapted to block water from entering the container through the grid by the grid inflatable portion 820 being inflated.

The ventilation grid 900 is illustrated in FIG, 1c to be positioned at the corner of the container. it should be understood that the ventilation grid can be positioned at any suitable position at the container.

FIG. 2a-d illustrate a container 100 with inflatable portions 200 in a non-active position NP. The container illustrated comprises four cover plates 700 covering four cavities 600 comprising an inflatable portion 200 (not shown).

Within the invention the container 100 comprises cover plates 700 for covering the cavities 600 when being in a non-active position NP, and wherein the num- ber of cover plates 700 correspond to the number of cavities 600.

DK 2023 70467 A1 16

The cover plates 700 are hinged substantially at the horizontal middie line ML of the side 140 of the container 100, and the cover plates 700 on each side 140 are opening towards the middie line ML of the container 100 side in an active position AP.

FIG. 2a illustrates the container 100 from a side-perspective.

FIG. 2b illustrates the container 100 from an end-perspective.

FIG. Ze Hlustrates the container 100 from a top-/bottom perspective.

FIG. 2d illustrates the container 100 from a in a 3D perspective.

FIG. 3a-d illustrate the same container 100 as in FIG. 2a-d with inflatable por- tions 200 during a transition from a non-active position NP fo an active position

AP.

FIG. Ja illustrates the container 100 from a side-perspective.

FIG. 3b illustrates the container 100 from an end-perspective.

FIG. 3c Hlustrates the container 100 from a top-/bottom perspective.

FIG. 3d illustrates the container 100 from a in a 3D perspective.

FIG. 4a-d and 5a-d illustrate the same container 100 as in FIG. 2a-d and FIG. 3a-d with inflatable portions 200 in an active position AP.

FIG. 4a and 5a-d illustrate the container 100 from a side-perspective.

FIG. 4b and 58-d illustrate the container 100 from an end-perspective.

FIG. 4c and 5a-d illustrate the container 100 from a top-/bottom perspective.

FIG. 4d and 5a-d illustrate the container 100 from a in a 3D perspective.

FIG. Ga illustrates a waterproof box 150 positioned at a container 100.

The waterproof box 150 or chamber 150 is adapted to protect electronic parts, said box or chamber at least comprising: - one ar more circuit boards, and - one or more batteries.

DK 2023 70467 A1 17 in the illustration, the box 150 is positioned at an end 130 of the container and substantially in the center point CP of the end. It is preferred that the box 150 is positioned substantially near the antenna 160 (not shown). in FIG. 6a four potential positions of gas cartridges 500 are illustrated. It should be understood that within the invention one gas cartridge 500 can potentially be positioned in one of the illustrated positions within the cavity 600, or there can be a plurality of gas cartridges 500 within the same cavity 800 positioned such as illustrated or in any other optimal positions.

FIG. 6b illustrates an encased 170 antenna 160.

The container of the invention preferably comprises an antenna 160, said an- tenna being adapted to send a signal of the location of the container 100, pref- erably the antenna 160 is positioned substantially in the center point CP of an end 130 of the container 100, preferably at the opposite end of the container doors 130. The antenna 160 is encased 170 in a waterproof material, such as epoxy as illustrated in FIG. 6b.

FIG. 6c illustrates a detector means 300. The detection means illustrated is two electrodes in a chamber/box. The electrodes 300 are adapted to detect salt water, if water enters the box/chamber. The detector means perform as an over- board switch.

The detection means 300 is in FIG. &d illustrated as being positioned at sub- stantially the center of a side 140 of the container 100. However, it should be understood that the position of the detection means 300 is not limiting to the invention.

FIG. 6d illustrates possible positions of an antenna and detection means. The antenna is positioned at the center of an end, and the detection means at the center of the side of a container.

FIG. 7 illustrates a ventilation grid with an inflatable portion and a grid hydro- static self-releaser. When the container is falling or has fallen overboard, the

DK 2023 70467 A1 18 ventilation grid is adapted to block water from entering the container through the grid by the grid inflatable portion being inflated. in FIG. 7 the grid inflatable portion is positioned behind the grid, such as ina grid cavity.

FIG. 8 illustrates a stack of containers 100 fallen overboard, whereby a con- tainer is a part of a system, said system comprising more than one container, such as a stack of containers 100.

FIG. 8 further illustrates a situation wherein the method for rescuing an over- board falling container 100 from sinking should be performed.

The method comprises the steps of: - detecting, by detecting means 300 such as electrodes, that a container is falling or has fallen overboard, - activating hydrostatic self-releasears 400, ~ activating gas cartridges 500, wherein said activations lead to inflatable portions 200, integrated in a container 100, to go from: - a non-active position NP, wherein the inflatable portions 200 are deflated in cavities 800 of the container behind cover plates 700, fo - an active position AP, wherein the inflatable portions 200 are in- flated, preferably inflated via hydrostatic self-releasers 400 and gas cartridges 500, - preferably sending a signal by an antenna 160 of the location of the container 100, such that the container can be salvaged.

Although the present invention has been described in connection with the spec- fied embodiments, it should not be construed as being in any way limited to the presented examples. The scope of the present invention is set out by ihe ac- companying claim set. in the context of the claims, the terms "comprising" or "comprises" do not exclude other possible elements or steps. Also, the men- tioning of references such as "a" or "an" etc. should not be construed as exciud- ing a plurality. The use of reference signs in the claims with respect to elements

DK 2023 70467 A1 19 indicated in the figures shall also not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.

Furthermore, individual features mentioned in different claims may possibly be advantageously combined, and the mentioning of these features in different claims does not exclude that a combination of features is not possible and advantageous.

DK 2023 70467 A1 20

LIST OF REFERENCES

Container (100)

Top section (110)

Bottom section (120)

End sections (130, 130)

Side sections (140)

Waterproof box (1350) or waterproof chamber (150)

Antenna (160)

Encasing (170)

Main inflatable portions (200)

Detection means (300)

Hydrostatic self.releasers (400)

Gas cartridges (500)

Non-active position (NP)

Active position (AP)

Main cavities (600)

Cover plates (700)

Mounting plates (800)

Ventilation grid (800)

Grid inflatable portion (920)

Grid hydrostatic self-releaser (940)

Grid gas cartridge (950)

Grid cavity (980)

Claims

DK 2023 70467 A1 21 CLAIMS

1. A container (100) with a rescue system, said container comprising: - atop section (110) and a bottom section (120), - two end sections (130, 1307), a first end section (130) and a second end section (130) - two side sections (140), - an antenna (180), - at least two main inflatable portions (200), - detection means (300), such as one or more electrodes, for detecting that the container is falling or has fallen overboard, - one or more hydrostatic self-relsasers (400), - one or more gas cartridges (500), wherein at the first end section (130) at least one opening means is positioned, such as doors, wherein the antenna (160) is positioned at the second end (130) of the container (100), wherein the antenna (160) is positioned at least substantially in the center point (CP) of the second end (130) of the container (100).

2. A container according to claim 1, wherein the antenna (160) is encased (170) in a waterproof material, such as epoxy.

3. A container (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the con- tainer further comprises a waterproof box (150) or waterproof chamber (150) for protecting electronic parts, said box or chamber at least comprising: - one or more circuit boards, and - — one or more batteries.

4. Acontainer (100) according to claim 3, wherein the waterproof box or chamber (150) is positioned at least substantially next to the antenna (160), or wherein the antenna (160) is positioned inside the waterproof box (150).

DK 2023 70467 A1 22

5. A container (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said in- flatable portions (200) are being integrated in the container, and wherein the main inflatable portions (200) can take at least two positions: - a non-active position (NP), wherein the inflatable portions (200) are de- flated, - an active position (AP), wherein the inflatable portions are being inflated, and preferably wherein when the detection means (300) is adapted to de- fect that said container is falling or has fallen overboard and activates the hydrostatic self-releaser(s) (400) and the gas cartridge(s) (500).

8. A container (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the con- tainer comprises at least two cavities (600) for containing a main inflatable portion (200), the cavities being positioned respectively at each side (140) of the container.

7. A container (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein each side (140) of the container comprises the same number of cavities (140) containing a main inflatable portion (200), and wherein the position of the cavities (800) comprising a main inflatable portion (200) is substantially symmetrical on each side (140) of the container (100).

8. A container (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the con- tainer comprises eight cavities (600) comprising main inflatable portions (200), four cavities (600) at each side (140) of the container.

8. A container (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the con- tainer comprises cover plates (700) for covering the cavities (600) comprising inflatable portions (200) when being in a non-active position (NP), and wherein the number of cover plates (700) correspond to the number of cavities (600), preferably the cover plates (700) are hinged to the container (100). 10 A container (100) according to claim 9, wherein each side (140) of the con- tainer comprises at least two cover plates (700), preferably four, and

DK 2023 70467 A1 23 wherein the cover plates (700) are hinged substantially at the horizontal middle line (ML) of the side of the container, and wherein the at least two cover plates (700) on each side (140) are opening towards the middle line (ML) of the container side in an active position (AP).

11. A container (100) according to claim 6, wherein the container comprises: - mounting plates (800) positioned inside each cavity (600), and wherein each of the main inflatable portions (200) are mounted on a mounting plate (800).

12. A container (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the gas cartridge (500) has a tube or pipe like shape, preferably the length of the gas cartridge (500) is between the length of the main inflatable portion (200) and the length of the main cavity (600).

13. A container (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the con- tainer comprises: - 8 ventilation grid (800), - 8 grid inflatable portion (920), preferably positioned behind the grid, such as in a grid cavity (960), - preferably a grid hydrostatic self-releaser (940), and wherein the ventilation grid (900) is blocked from water entering the container by the grid inflatable portion (920) when the container is falling or has fallen overboard. 14 A container (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the con- tainer is a part of a system, said system comprising more than one container, such as a stack of containers (100). 15 A method for rescuing an overboard falling container (100), preferably a container (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said method comprises the steps of: ~ detecting, by detecting means (300) such as electrodes, that a container is falling or has fallen overboard,

DK 2023 70467 A1 24 - sending a signal of the location of the container by an antenna (160), - activating hydrostatic self-releasers (400), - activating gas cartridges (500), wherein said activations lead to inflatable portions (200), integrated in a container, to go from: - a non-active position (NP), wherein the inflatable portions (200) are deflated in cavities (600) of the container behind cover plates (700), to: - an active position, wherein the inflatable portions (200) are inflated, preferably inflated via hydrostatic self-releasers (400) and gas car- fridges (500), - ensuring the antenna (1680) is kept above water, when the container (100) is floating in water, - sending a signal by an antenna (160) of the location of the container, 18 such that the container can be salvaged, and wherein the steps of the method can be executed in any order and/or executed simultaneously.