CONVERTIBLE SHIPPING CONTAINER

Abstract

A convertible shipping container including a container body including a floor, roof, and first and second end walls, a sidewall hingedly attached to the container moveable between a first position perpendicular to the floor and a second position coplanar with the floor, an awning hingedly attached to the container moveable between a first position perpendicular to the roof and a second position at an angle with respect to the roof, and at least one awning support member, wherein the awning is extendable in at least one direction and wherein the hingedly attached edge of the awning is elevated with respect to the roof and overlies a portion of the roof when the awning is in the second position.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/253,859 filed Oct. 22, 2009 and entitled “CONVERTIBLE SHIPPING CONTAINER”, the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to the field of repurposed intermodal shipping containers, and more particularly, to an intermodal shipping container configured to convert between a generally rectangular box and a pavilion including sidewalls and awnings that open to form extended portions of the floor and roof of the pavilion, respectively, and wherein the awnings are adjustable in both length and height in order to achieve a desired slope.

2. Background of the Invention

Intermodal shipping containers of the type utilized in the present invention include large-scale steel containers designed with suitable strength to withstand repeated shipping, handling and stacked storage, engineering which makes them ideal as starting/building blocks for repurposed construction. Conventional intermodal shipping containers commonly come in standardized lengths of multiples of 20 ft and have a width and height of about 8-9 ft, thus providing adequate headroom and a large interior volume ideal for converting to habitable or event space.

While it is known to repurpose intermodal shipping containers, conventional conversions typically involve merely adding windows and doors to the sidewalls of containers or connecting containers together to increase the overall size of the structure, both of which result in dwellings having very basic architecture. As used containers are readily available at low cost and in an effort to be environmentally conscious, it would be desirable to use these containers for purposes other than merely basic dwellings, such as for events and promotions, and such applications would greatly benefit from more complex and visually striking architecture. Thus, to achieve the foregoing, the present invention provides a special use convertible intermodal shipping container that includes integrated floor and awning extensions that deploy to increase the covered square footage of the container and retract to achieve a rectangular box shape to facilitate transport and protect the internal contents of the container.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, a convertible shipping container is provided herein including a container body including a floor, a roof, and first and second opposing end walls collectively defining a rectangular box, a sidewall hingedly attached along one edge thereof to the container body such that the sidewall is selectively moveable between a first position perpendicular to the floor and a second position coplanar with the floor, an awning hingedly attached along one edge thereof to the container body such that the awning is selectively moveable between a first position perpendicular to the roof and a second position at an angle with respect to the roof, wherein the awning is extendable in at least one direction and wherein the edge of the awning hingedly attached about the roof is elevated with respect to the roof and overlies a portion of the roof when the awning is in the second position, and at least one support member adjustable in length pivotally attached to the awning for supporting the awning in the second position.

In a further embodiment, the container body includes open-ended tubular corner posts and a flange extending upwardly in a direction away from the roof for providing a drip edge such that water collected on the roof drains through the corner posts.

In a further embodiment, the awning is extendible in length in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the container body.

In a further embodiment, a free edge of the awning is vertically elevated with respect to the hingedly attached edge of the awning when the awning is in the second position such that the awning slopes toward the roof.

In a further embodiment, the awning lies flush against its respective sidewall when the shipping container is in the closed configuration.

In a further embodiment, the shipping container includes a mechanicals closet accessible through one of the first and second end walls.

In a further embodiment, a winch is disposed in the mechanicals closet and associated cabling selectively moves the sidewall between its first and second positions.

In a further embodiment, the shipping container includes a bracket positioned about a free edge of the sidewall for engaging the at least one support member when the awning is in the second position.

In a further embodiment, the shipping container includes a removable floor section filling a gap between the sidewall and the floor when the sidewall is in the second position coplanar with the floor.

In another embodiment, a convertible shipping container is provided including a container body including a floor, a roof, and first and second opposing end walls, a sidewall hingedly attached along one edge thereof to the container body such that the sidewall is selectively moveable between a first position perpendicular to the floor and a second position coplanar with the floor, an awning hingedly attached along one edge thereof to the container body such that the awning is selectively moveable between a first position perpendicular to the roof and a second position in which a free edge of the awning is at a position vertically elevated with respect to the hingedly attached edge such that the awning slopes in the direction toward the roof, and wherein the edge of the awning hingedly attached to the roof overlies a portion of the roof when the awning is in the second position, and at least one support member adjustable in length pivotally attached to the awning for supporting the awning in the second position.

Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the detailed description which follows, and in part will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from that description or recognized by practicing the invention as described herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Features, aspects and advantages of the present invention are understood when the following detailed description of the invention is read with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a repurposed shipping container shown in an open configuration;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the shipping container of FIG. 1 shown in a partially closed configuration;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the shipping container of FIG. 1 shown in a fully closed configuration;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view into a mechanicals closet located in an end wall of the container; and

FIG. 5 is a detailed perspective view of the container illustrating other features.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings in which exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown. However, the invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the representative embodiments set forth herein. The exemplary embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be both thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention and enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make, use and practice the invention.

Throughout the description and figures, modifications, systems and features of a repurposed shipping container are described and shown with reference to a shipping container that in a specific application functions as a convertible event pavilion, such as for events, parties, gatherings, mobile shelter, mobile restaurant, marketing purposes, etc. It is envisioned that the modifications, systems and features described herein may be readily adapted and utilized with other container conversions and modifications including, but not limited to, habitations, schools, buildings and other structures, as well as applied outside of the field of repurposing shipping containers.

As used herein, the term “convertible” is intended to mean that the container is configured to be readily changed from a structure having a general rectangular box shape of a shipping container to a pavilion including an extended floor and raised awnings. As used herein, the term “open” is intended to describe the configuration of the container in which the sidewalls are lowered to extend the floor and the awnings are raised to extend the roof to cover the extended floor. As used herein, the term “closed” is intended to describe the configuration of the container in which the sidewalls are folded up to form the sides of the container and the awnings are folded down and against the raised sidewalls, thus the configuration for storing, transporting and protecting the internal contents of the container. Thus, the container is “convertible” between a “closed” configuration having a generally rectangular box shape to an “open” configuration having open sides, a large floor area, and roof having a generally “gull-wing” appearance.

Although not shown in detail, it is envisioned that the container is readily connectable to basic utilities at an event location through conventional connections, such as electrical and plumbing connections. Although not shown in detail, it is also envisioned that the container may include at least one of wheels, casters, cleats and other features to facilitate loading, securing and transport on a conveyance, such as a flatbed truck.

Referring to FIG. 1, a perspective view of the convertible container shown in the open configuration is illustrated generally at reference numeral 20. Container 20 generally includes main container body 22, at least one moveable sidewall 24, and at least one moveable awning 26. In a preferred embodiment, container 20 includes opposing moveable sidewalls 24 and respective awnings 26 such that both sides of the container are capable of being independently opened.

Main container body 22 generally includes floor 28, roof 30, and first and second opposing end walls 32, 34, collectively defining a rectangular box shape. Window 36 may optionally be provided through at least one of the end walls 32,34 to further “open” the container. As shown, window 36 defined through end wall 32 includes a hingedly attached moveable cover 38 for opening and closing the window. Container body 22 further includes four vertically oriented corner posts 40 providing the main rigidity and support for the containers structure. Features of corner posts 40 are discussed in detail with regard to FIG. 5 below.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, sidewalls 24 are hingedly attached along the length of one of their edges 42 to container body 22 about floor 28 such that sidewalls 24 are selectively moveable between a first position in which sidewalls 24 are perpendicular to floor 28, and a second position in which sidewalls 24 are coplanar with floor 28. Thus, in the first position shown in FIG. 2, sidewalls 24 are generally perpendicular to floor 28 and container 20 is closed, and in the second position shown in FIG. 1, sidewalls 24 are coplanar with floor 28 and container 20 is open. Sidewalls 24 are generally rectangular in shape and are preferably dimensioned to span the space defined by the edges of floor 28, roof 30 and end walls 32, 34. The exterior of sidewalls 24 are preferably container steel and the interior of sidewalls 24 are preferably covered with flooring material corresponding to the flooring material of floor 28. Although not shown, when lowered to the second position, the free edge of sidewall 24 may be supported upon blocks or include integrated legs for leveling the floor's surface.

Awnings 26 are hingedly attached along the length of one of their edges to container body 22 about roof 30 such that awnings 26 are selectively moveable between a first position in which awnings 26 are generally perpendicular to roof 30 (FIG. 2), and a second position in which awnings 26 are at an angle with respect to roof 30 (FIG. 1). In a specific embodiment, the second position results in free edge 44 of each of the awnings 26 being at a position vertically above its respective hinged edge 46 such that the awnings slope toward the roof for aesthetic and drainage purposes. In this configuration, edge 46 of each awning 26 hingedly attached about roof 30 is also elevated with respect to roof 30 and overlies a portion of roof 30 such that water draining off of the awnings falls onto roof 30. To achieve this configuration, hinges 48 connecting awning 26 to container body 22 have a length and rotational travel sufficient to space awning 26 apart from container body 22, which spacing also allows awning 30 to fold over and against the outside of sidewall 24 when sidewall 24 is closed, thus achieving the rectangular box shape when both the sidewall 24 and awning 26 are closed.

Referring specifically to FIGS. 1, 2 and 5, awning 26 generally includes a supportive underlying framework 50 including cross members 52 that are covered with fabric 54 or other covering that is preferably waterproof. Certain ones of cross members 52 are telescoping or otherwise adjustable with respect to other ones such that awning 26 is adjustable in length in at least the direction perpendicular with respect to the longitudinal axis of container body 22, i.e. in the direction toward the free edge of sidewall 24 when sidewall 24 is in the second position. As awning 26 preferably achieves a sloped orientation when in the second position, awning 26 is required to extend in length to fully cover the extended portion of the underlying floor provided by sidewall 24 when in the second position, and retract to stow against sidewall 24 in the first position such that awning 24 does not extend vertically below the bounds of container body 22. It is envisioned that awning 26 may extend in other directions as well to increase its coverage area. Fabric 54 may be tied to framework 50 or otherwise attached using any conventional fastener.

To support awning 26 in the second position, at least one support member 56 (e.g. pole) is pivotally attached to the underside of awning 26. Support member 56 is preferably adjustable in length by any conventional adjustment mechanism (e.g. telescoping) and capable of locking in length, and in the preferred embodiment, is pivotally attached to the underside of awning 26 to prevent its separation therefrom while allowing support member 56 to fold against the underside of awning 26 for stowing as illustrated in FIG. 2. The height of the free end of awning 26 may be adjusted by changing the length of support member 56. Referring specifically to FIG. 1, a bracket 58, loop or other retainer is positioned about the vertical intersection of support member 56 with sidewall 24 for retaining support member 56 in place when erected. Bracket 58 anchors awning 26 against upward pulling forces from wind.

Referring to FIG. 5, corner posts 40 are preferably open-ended rectangular tubes and thus allow water to drain therethrough. Drip edge 60 (i.e. flange) projecting upwardly from roof 30 substantially surrounds the periphery of roof 30 and thus prevents water from escaping from roof 30 over the sides or ends of container 20, thus directing water to corner posts 40 for drainage therethrough.

Referring specifically to FIG. 4, mechanicals closet 62 is accessible through end wall 34 and houses winch 64, power source 66 (e.g. DC power source), associated cabling, and optionally utility connections and other items. Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, cables 68 originating from winch 64 are connected to the free edge of sidewalls 24 through a pulley system such that the rotation of the operational member of winch 64 in one direction causes cables 68 to “shorten” and consequentially sidewalls 24 to be raised, and rotation in the opposite direction causes cables 68 to “lengthen” and consequentially sidewalls 24 to be lowered. Control of winch 64 may be achieved through a simple control panel located in any desired location on the container. As shown, cables 68 are routed through the upper end of mechanicals closet 62 for leverage in raising sidewalls 24.

Referring specifically to FIG. 5, when sidewall 24 is lowered to the second position, resulting gap 70 is produced between the flooring surface of floor 28 and the flooring surface of sidewall 24. Removable flooring insert 72 is inserted to fill gap 70 to provide a continuous flooring surface extending from the free edge of sidewall 24 to the free edge of the opposing sidewall 24.

The interior volume provided by the convertible container 20 may house any upfittings and furniture depending upon the application of the container. For example, it is envisioned that a pavilion used for events may include counter space, seating, appliances, lighting, audio, video, heating/cooling systems, etc. Decorative interior walls, ceiling and flooring is preferably applied over the metal exoskeleton to improve the interior appearance, provide a distinct appearance, hide mechanicals, and generally conceal the underlying corrugated steel. In preferred embodiments, all original container sides are reused in one form or another, with corner posts 40 remaining intact for structural stability.

While a repurposed shipping container has been described with reference to specific embodiments and examples, it is envisioned that various details of the invention may be changed without departing from the scope of the invention. Furthermore, the foregoing description of the preferred embodiments of the invention and best mode for practicing the invention are provided for the purpose of illustration only and not for the purpose of limitation.

Claims

1. A convertible shipping container, comprising:

a container body including a floor, a roof, and first and second opposing end walls collectively defining a rectangular box;

a sidewall hingedly attached along one edge thereof to the container body about the floor such that the sidewall is selectively moveable between a first position perpendicular to the floor and a second position coplanar with the floor;

an awning hingedly attached along one edge thereof to the container body about the roof such that the awning is selectively moveable between a first position perpendicular to the roof and a second position at an angle with respect to the roof, wherein the awning is extendable in at least one direction and wherein the edge of the awning hingedly attached to the container body is elevated with respect to the roof and overlies a portion of the roof when the awning is in the second position; and

at least one support member adjustable in length attached to the awning for supporting the awning in the second position.

2. The convertible shipping container according to claim 1, wherein the container body further comprises open ended tubular corner posts and a flange extending upward in a direction away from the roof for providing a drip edge such that water collected on the roof drains through the corner posts.

3. The convertible shipping container according to claim 1, wherein the awning is extendible in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the container body.

4. The convertible shipping container according to claim 1, wherein a free edge of the awning is vertically elevated with respect to the hingedly attached edge of the awning when the awning is in the second position such that the awning slopes toward the roof.

5. The convertible shipping container according to claim 1, wherein the awning lies flush against the sidewall when the shipping container is in a closed configuration.

6. The convertible shipping container according to claim 1, further comprising a mechanicals closet accessible through one of the first and second end walls.

7. The convertible shipping container according to claim 6, further comprising a winch disposed in the mechanicals closet and associated cabling for moving the sidewall between the first and second positions.

8. The convertible shipping container according to claim 1, further comprising a bracket positioned about a free edge of the sidewall for engaging the at least one support member when the awning is in the second position.

9. The convertible shipping container according to claim 1, further comprising a removable floor section filling a gap between the sidewall and the floor when the sidewall is in the second position coplanar with the floor.

10. A convertible shipping container, comprising:

a container body including a floor, a roof, and first and second opposing end walls;

a sidewall hingedly attached along one edge thereof to the container body such that the sidewall is selectively moveable between a first position perpendicular to the floor and a second position coplanar with the floor;

an awning hingedly attached along one edge thereof to the container body such that the awning is selectively moveable between a first position perpendicular to the roof and a second position in which a free edge of the awning is at a position vertically elevated with respect to the hingedly attached edge such that the awning slopes in the direction toward the roof, and wherein the edge of the awning hingedly attached to the roof overlies a portion of the roof when the awning is in the second position; and

at least one support member adjustable in length attached to the awning for supporting the awning in the second position.

11. The convertible shipping container according to claim 10, wherein the container body further comprises open ended tubular corner posts and a flange extending upward in a direction away from the roof for providing a drip edge such that water collected on the roof drains through the corner posts.

12. The convertible shipping container according to claim 10, wherein the awning is extendible in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the container body.

13. The convertible shipping container according to claim 10, wherein the awning lies flush against the sidewall when the shipping container is in a closed configuration.

14. The convertible shipping container according to claim 10, further comprising a mechanicals closet accessible through one of the first and second end walls.

15. The convertible shipping container according to claim 14, further comprising a winch disposed in the mechanicals closet and associated cabling for moving the sidewall between the first and second positions.

16. The convertible shipping container according to claim 10, further comprising a bracket positioned about a free edge of the sidewall for engaging the at least one support member when the awning is in the second position.

17. The convertible shipping container according to claim 10, further comprising a removable floor section filling a gap between the sidewall and the floor when the sidewall is in the second position coplanar with the floor.