TRANSPORT CONTAINER

Abstract

Container adapted for cargo or personnel transport, the container being substantially prismatic, cylindrical or cubic in shape, wherein the container comprises: an internal surface and an external surface, a rigid frame, which defines a plurality of container faces, wherein the confluence of two or more of said container faces define edge portions being substantially chamfered, and one or more shock absorbing corner protectors adapted for being mounted on the edge portions, characterized in that the edge portions of the rigid frame comprise one or more beams arranged substantially in parallel to the direction of the confluence of two container faces, and the inner face of the corner protectors comprise at least a flange adapted for fitting in the one or more beams of the edge portions, such that the corner protectors substantially protrude from the external surface.

Claims

1-11. (canceled)

12. A container adapted for cargo or personnel transport in marine operations, the container being substantially prismatic, cylindrical, or cubic in shape, wherein the container comprises: an internal surface and an external surface, a rigid frame, which defines a plurality of container faces, wherein the confluence of two or more of said container faces define edge portions, wherein one or more of the edge portions are substantially chamfered, and one or more shock absorbing corner protectors adapted for being mounted on the edge portions, wherein the corner protectors comprise an inner face and an outer face, wherein: the edge portions of the rigid frame comprise one or more beams arranged substantially in parallel to the direction of the confluence of two container faces, and the inner face of the corner protectors comprise at least a flange adapted for fitting in the one or more beams of the edge portions, such that the corner protectors substantially protrude from the external surface, the one or more shock absorbing corner protectors comprise a elastomeric material adapted for absorbing impact energy and distributing the associated impact stresses on the rigid frame, and a flexible foam core, wherein the flexible foam has shape memory, the flange of the corner protectors comprises one or more flange protrusions configured to self-lock the entire corner protector on the one or more beams; and the thickest part of the corner protectors is oriented substantially perpendicular to the chamfered face of the edge portions.

13. The container according to claim 12, comprising two beams on one or more edge portions.

14. The container according to claim 12, wherein the container is substantially rectangular prismatic, comprising a top container face, a bottom container face and four side container faces.

15. The container according to claim 14, comprising four identical corner protectors, said four corner protectors being each positioned on one edge portion.

16. The container according to claim 12, wherein the angle formed by the flange protrusions and the inner face of the corner protectors is larger than 0 and smaller than 90.

17. The container according to claim 12, wherein the corner protectors are substantially elongated.

18. The container according to claim 17, wherein the corner protectors comprise substantially beveled ends, adapted for avoiding the snagging on adjacent obstacles during hoisting or lowering.

19. The container according to claim 17, wherein the corner protectors comprise a substantially polygonal cross-section.

20. The container according to claim 19, wherein the angles formed by the sides of the polygonal cross-section of the corner protectors are larger than 0 and smaller than 180.

21. The container according to claim 17, further comprising detachable or modular boxes adapted for storage of items.

22. The container according to claim 17, further comprising a collapsible lifting point anchor suitable for hoisting or lifting up the entire container by a single point when the collapsible lifting point anchor is positioned in the non-collapsed position.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0078] These and other characteristics and advantages of the invention will become clearly understood in view of the detailed description of the invention which becomes apparent from a preferred embodiment of the invention, given just as an example and not being limited thereto, with reference to the drawings.

[0079] FIG. 1 This figure shows a container according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0080] FIG. 2 This figure shows a rigid frame according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0081] FIGS. 3a-3c These figures show different side-views of the corner protectors, particularly the rear view, the cross-sectional view and side view, respectively.

[0082] FIGS. 4a-4c These figures show different side-views of the corner protectors mounted on the edge portions according to a preferred embodiment, particularly the rear view, the upper view and front view, respectively.

[0083] FIG. 5 This figure shows a particular configuration of the container comprising detachable or modular boxes.

[0084] FIGS. 6a-6b These figures show a particular embodiment of the container comprising a collapsible lifting point anchor, in the non-collapsed position and collapsed position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0085] Container (1)

[0086] FIG. 1 shows a container (10) comprising: [0087] an internal surface (8) and an external surface (9), [0088] a rigid frame (1), which defines a plurality of container faces (11), wherein the confluence of two or more of said container faces (11) define edge portions (2), wherein one or more of the edge portions (2) are substantially chamfered, and [0089] one or more shock absorbing corner protectors (3) adapted for being mounted on the edge portions (2), wherein the corner protectors (3) comprise an inner face (4) and an outer face (5),

[0090] The edge portions (2) of the rigid frame (1) comprise one or more beams (7) arranged substantially in parallel to the direction of the confluence of two container faces (11).

[0091] By this configuration, there is a synergetic contrast between, a soft material able to absorb impacts, and a rigid material able to withstand loads and support the assets contained within the container (10).

[0092] In a particular example, the container (10) comprises four edge portions (2), wherein each edge portion comprises two beams (7) configured to mount a corner protector (3).

[0093] Furthermore, the container comprises lifting eyes (13) arranged on the container faces (11) as can be seen on FIG. 6a-6b. Particularly, said lifting eyes (13) are arranged on the top container face (11). More particularly, the container comprise one or n lifting eyes (13) depending on the weight of the assets and the weight of the container (10) itself.

[0094] Optionally, the container (10) further comprises two or more wheels (15) on the bottom container face (11) adapted to move horizontally the container on a surface. In the event the container has only one or two wheels (15), and no stable position is gotten, there is a need of an additional leg (not shown) to stabilize the container (10) on such surface. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the container (10) comprises four wheels (15).

[0095] Rigid Frame (2)

[0096] FIG. 2 shows the structure of the rigid frame (1) according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, comprising: [0097] a lower set of frames (20) wherein each frame (21) connects to the subsequent, in a close manner, by a first connecting plate (22) which supports the beams (7) in each edge portion (2), and [0098] an upper set of frames (25) wherein each frame (26) connects to the subsequent, in a close manner, by a second connecting plate (27) which holds the beams (7) in each edge portion (2),

[0099] the upper set of frames (25) is placed substantially parallel above the lower set of frames (20) at a distance according to the height of the beams (7). Preferably there are two beams (7) on each edge portion (2).

[0100] Additionally, the frames (21) of the lower set of frames (20) may comprise a first perimetral ridge (23) inwardly to the internal surface (8) of the container (10) suitable for supporting the assets contained. Said frames (21) may further comprise attaching points (not shown) for assuring the cargo does not move and/or comes off.

[0101] Also, the frames (26) of the upper set of frames (25) comprise a second perimetral ridge (not shown) inwardly to the internal surface (8) of the container (10). The second perimetral ridge is adapted for supporting the assets contained and the said frames (21, 26) and beams (7) may further comprise attaching points (not shown) for assuring the assets do not move and/or comes off from the container (10).

[0102] Additionally, said first (23) and second perimetral ridges may be arranged as a base and a roof plate, respectively. In this particular embodiment, the base plate is made of high strength material able to support the weight of the assets contained. In a particular embodiment, the first perimetral ridge (23) comprises several partitions some extending from one frame (21) to other (21), or the partition may be located only extending inwardly partially from the first connection plates (22), as it is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0103] Particularly, the frames (21, 26) of the lower (20) and/or upper (25) set of frames, and the beams (7) of the edge portions (2) may be hollow frames and/or hollow beams; or hollow frames and/or hollow beams filled in by light-weight materials.

[0104] Moreover, the first (22) and second (27) connecting plates joining the frames (21, 26) with the beams (7) may comprises a plurality of cross-sectional shapes and lengths or heights able to join the said frames (21, 26) and beams (7) when they have different sizes and cross-sections. Preferably, the joining between the frames (21, 26) and beams (7) with the first (22) and second (27) connecting plates are done by mechanical attachment means.

[0105] Additionally, all the structural elements comprising the rigid frame (1) may comprise a coating at least onto the external surface (9), configured to protect the material in maritime conditions.

[0106] Furthermore, the container (10) further comprises one or more access openings (14) on the external surface (9) of the container (10). Particularly, said access openings (14) are located on the external surface (9) of each of the second connecting plates (27) of the container (10) adjacent to each lifting eye (13). The access openings (14) are adapted for accessing the lifting eyes (13) from outside without the need of demounting the corner protectors (3) to hook the lifting eyes. By this way, a malicious act of manipulating the assets in order to operate the lifting eyes is thus avoided.

[0107] Corner Protectors (3)

[0108] FIG. 3a shows a rear view of a particular embodiment of the corner protector (3). This view allows seeing a detailed part of the inner face (4) of the corner protector (3). The inner face (4) of the corner protectors (3) comprise a flange (6) adapted for fitting in the two beams (7). The inner face (4) comprises three sections: one inner section (41) in the middle of two substantially equal outer sections (42). Preferably, the flange (6) is arranged in the inner section (41) of the inner face (4).

[0109] The flange (6) further comprises two flange protrusions (12) protruding from the flange (6) inclined towards the outer sections (42) leaving a space for allocating the beams (7) in a manner the flange protrusions (12) self-lock on the beams(7) as can be seen in FIG. 4a. In this particular example, the flange protrusions (12) protrude divergently from the inner section (41) of the inner face (4) of the corner protectors (3).

[0110] Particularly, the middle space between flange protrusions (12) is filled out by an additional protrusion of the flange (6) in the inner section (41).

[0111] FIG. 3b shows a particular cross-sectional view of the corner protector (3) of FIG. 3a perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, being the longitudinal axis substantially parallel to the elongation of the corner protector (3).

[0112] FIG. 3c shows a side view of the same corner protector (3) of FIGS. 3a and 3b. The outer face (5) of the corner protector (3) further comprises beveled ends (18) on the end closer to the top container face (11) and on the end closer to the bottom container face (11). In addition, the inner face (4) of the corner protector (3) further comprises recesses in both ends of the corner protector (3), i.e. without a flange (6) protruding from the inner face (4). Said recesses are configured to receive the first connecting plate (22) and the second connecting plate (27) in the corresponding end.

[0113] FIG. 4a shows the corner protector (3) of FIG. 3a, in the same position, mounted on the edge portions (2), and fitted in the beams (7) of the edge portions (2) by the flange (6).

[0114] FIG. 4b shows the corner protector (3) of FIG. 3b, in the same position, mounted on the edge portions (2), and fitted in the beams (7) of the edge portions (2) by the flange (6). The flange protrusions (12) snagging on the beams (7) form the same cross-sectional shape of the beam (7). In the FIG. 4b, the cross-sectional shape of the beam (7) is square and therefore, the angle form between the flange (6) and the flange protrusion (12) is a right angle.

[0115] In this FIG. 4b can be seen that the corner protectors (3) comprise a substantially polygonal cross-section with two lateral sides (5, 5). The lateral sides (5, 5) of the polygonal cross-section extend perpendicularly to each container side configured to form the edge portion (2); i.e. the lateral sides (5, 5) of the polygonal cross-section of the corner protector (3) are perpendicular to the frames (21). This allows maximize the space available within the container, more particularly when there is a modular configuration.

[0116] FIG. 4c shows the corner protector (3) mounted on the edge portions (2), and fitted in the beams (7) of the edge portions (2). It can be seen that outer face (5) of the corner protector (3) covers both beams (7) in the event that a diagonal impact of the container occurs. This allows a better protection and better load distribution from the corner protector (3) to the beams (7). Particularly, the outer face (5) extends in a manner embracing the said beams (7).

[0117] Additionally, FIG. 4c shows beveled ends (18) configure to avoid snagging with any interposed element when lifting up or hoisting the container by reducing the lateral top and bottom spaces of the container.

[0118] Additionally, in FIGS. 4a-4c it is shown a detail of the joining between the first connecting plate (22) with the frames (21) and beams (7). Moreover, a partition of the first perimetral ridge (23) extending inwardly from the first connecting plate (22) it is shown. The second connecting plate (27) is hidden in FIG. 4a, but the corresponding recess on the inner face (4) of the corner protector (3) is shown.

[0119] The inner face (4) of the corner protector (3) extends up to the top container face covering the access openings (14) from the lateral container sides.

[0120] Modular Configuration of the Container (1)

[0121] FIG. 5 shows a container (10) comprising detachable or modular boxes (16) adapted to store items. Each box (16) is separated apart and accessible from outside of the container (10) by its own door. Each door comprises a handle to open and access to the interior of the container (10). Optionally, the boxes (16) are closed and are stored into separated compartments within the container (10). In this particular embodiment, a face of the box (16) forms integrally a fixed door; furthermore, said door may comprise a corresponding handle.

[0122] In addition, each module or box (16) may have its own purpose or target item storing such as tools, equipment or any other classified item. Each classification may be identified by a label marked on the door or container face (11). In a particular embodiment, a box (16) may be accessible from more than one container face (11). More particularly, the container (10) comprises a plurality of boxes (16).

[0123] Collapsible Lifting Point Anchor (17)

[0124] FIG. 6a shows a particular embodiment of the container (10) comprising a collapsible lifting point anchor (17), said collapsible lifting point anchor (17) being in the non-collapsed position. In this configuration, the collapsible lifting point anchor (17) is laid onto the top container face.

[0125] Preferably, the collapsible lifting point anchor (17) is joined to the container (10) by two diagonally spaced second connecting plates (27). Said joining may be made by mechanical attachment means configured to rotate between the non-collapsed position and the collapsed position.

[0126] FIG. 6b shows the same embodiment that FIG. 6a but the said collapsible lifting point anchor (17) being in the collapsed position. In this configuration, the collapsible lifting point anchor (17) is positioned perpendicularly to the top container face (11). Additionally, the collapsible lifting point anchor (17) may be joined by at least one locking element (17) to a remaining second connecting plate (27). This locking element (17) may be rigid or flexible.

[0127] As a reinforcement to support the change of weight to be supported, the second connecting plates joined to the collapsible lifting point anchor (17) further comprises an additional plate (28).

[0128] Preferably, the collapsible lifting point anchor (17) comprises an L-shaped bent rod attached to each end with a second connecting plate (27), and further comprising a hook in the bent portion configured to act as a lifting eye (13).