TRANSPORTATION SHIPPING CONTAINER

Abstract

An ISO approved shipping container has a spatially rotated, molded thermoplastic polymer container shell and encapsulated by a load hearing structural exoskeletal steel container framework. The container is integrated with a commercially licensed or third party supplied internal covert electronic sensor package consisting of a possible combination of an internally mounted, geo-location detection system, data transmission communication devices, inner environmental and security sensors, energy storage and recharging system, and data storage system.

Description

This application claims the benefit of application Ser. No. 12/386,530 filed on Apr. 20, 2009.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Large, enclosed steel marine shipping and transporting containers are used for a number of purposes. One particular container, the so-called intermodal marine shipping container, has been the standard container of the marine transportation shipping industry since its introduction by Malcolm Mclean and Sea Land Shipping over sixty years ago. These containers are hollow, six-sided boxes, fabricated almost entirely of welded mild steel corrugated sheets, or aluminum and/or non-recyclable fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP), in very few cases, such as in refrigeration containers. The containers are constructed in accordance with International Standards Organization (ISO) standard marine transportation size lengths of twenty feet, forty feet, forty five feet, forty eight feet, and fifty three feet, heights between eight feet and nine and a half feet, widths of eight feet. They are also provided with uniform distance lifting eyes and structural design specifications.

Intermodal marine shipping containers are easily lifted, moved, and secured, so that they can be shipped by sea, air, or land. The containers, because they are typically manufactured from steel, are relatively heavy and have a high heat transfer ratio. They are labor intensive in their manufacture and assembly (almost 95% of all manufacturing being sent to low cost manufacturing countries), are prone to accelerated corrosion from sea (salt) elements, and are environmentally difficult to recycle. These steel containers are not capable of being scanned with present standard x-ray technology from the outside and, being steel, are incapable of accepting radio frequency (RF) transmissions without the use of exterior antenna.

Representative examples of prior art intermodal marine shipping containers are disclosed with regard to the prior art discussed below. However, these containers are mainly made of mild steel, aluminum, or connected fiberglass reinforced panels, and, in a number of variations, they are configured to be collapsible or reduced in size to provide space savings during storage and transportation. All such containers would fail to obtain ISO certification through rigorous ABS testing for static loading bearing capability, vertical corner loading, and the watertight integrity required for marine intermodal shipping containers. The containers also were not developed to provide a solution to the problems of RF permeability for internal and external transmissions.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,570,698 discloses a collapsible rectangular steel shipping container having opposed horizontally-hinged sidewalls which can be collapsed or folded inward and downward.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,877,602 discloses a collapsible steel container with improved fastener assemblies, formed from a plurality of lightweight, insulating panel members, each detachably secured together along their respective edges by fastener assemblies.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,214,669 discloses an elongated and box-like steel cargo container having end walls which can be pivoted longitudinally inwardly and downwardly to collapsed horizontal positions to the bottom walls.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,190,179 discloses a collapsible framed, box type, waterproof shipping container including pivoting end walls and bi-folding side walls.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,865,334 discloses a self-contained, segmented, six-sided reusable container, including both an assembled form and a collapsed form. The sides and ends are interconnected while the container is in its assembled form.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,979,684 discloses a cargo container wherein at least two walls adjacent to each other are constituted using integrally formed FRP panels. The container has a sandwich panel including a core of plywood or polyurethane foam, and FRP skin as the main rigidity maintaining member.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,002,472 discloses a container configured for transporting cargo on a transportation vehicle A method for transporting the container on the transportation vehicle is disclosed. Disposed within the container housing is at least one detector for detecting security deviations and a communications link capable of transmitting the possible threat information to a central cargo data collection location.

U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 2004/0263329 discloses a container intrusion detection method and apparatus which emits a wireless signal within the container, detects the wireless signal near the container, and responds to detection of a change in a characteristic of the detected wireless signal by transmitting a wireless notification to a location remote from the container.

U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 2005/0046567 discloses a container and contents monitoring system which utilizes a monitoring device, a reader, a server, a software backbone and a receptacle for housing a plurality of sensors. The device communicates with the plurality of sensors and the reader in order to determine the condition of the container and its contents. The reader transmits the information from the device to the server. The device determines if a container abnormality has occurred, based on at least one of the sensors located on or in the container.

U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 2006/0016807 discloses a foldable, steel freight container, comprising a frame and other container components foldable for compactness.

U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 2006/0144837 discloses a segmented cargo carrying container which can be disassembled and thus collapsed.

None of the containers or container systems in the prior art addresses the many requirements and needs related to the law, economics, security, and practicality demanded in today's modern transportation shipping industry.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is thus the object of the present invention to provide a transportation shipping container which overcomes the disadvantages and limitations of prior shipping containers.

It is the object of the present invention to provide a shipping container which is constructed from material other than mild steel, which is also RF transparent.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a shipping container constructed of a one piece spatially molded container shell of uniform thickness made of thermoplastic polyethylene polymers.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a shipping container comprising an exoskeletal steel container framework encapsulating the molded shell, the container being constructed without the need for welding or mechanically assembled outer joints.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a shipping container which would withstand environmental conditions, e.g. thermal transfer, expansion, contraction, and still exhibit 100% watertight integrity.

It is an additional object of the present invention to provide a shipping container which could be designed and built in accordance with ISO criteria and ABS extensive testing specifications, which would permit the container to be ISO approved and ABS certified.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a shipping container capable of integrating devices which would determine geo-location, sense interior environmental conditions, and transmit such information in a cost and power efficient manner, without the use of an exterior antenna.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a shipping container which, as a result of its construction, provides for secure, covert communication capability with both internal and external RF transparency.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a shipping container which could be effectively x-ray scanned for any potential bio, chemical, or nuclear hazards, prior, during, or after utilization of the container, in an efficient and cost-effective manner.

It is an additional object of the present invention to provide a shipping container made of a material that is environmentally friendly and capable of being easily and efficiently recycled after useful utilization and product life cycle, in a cost effective manner.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a shipping container constructed of lighter weight material, which would increase energy efficiency.

These and other objects are accomplished by the present invention, an ISO approved shipping container having a spatially rotated, molded, thermoplastic polymer container shell encapsulated by a load bearing structural exoskeletal steel container framework. The container is integrated with a commercially licensed or third party supplied internal covert electronic sensor package consisting of a possible combination of an internally mounted, geo-location detection system, data transmission communication devices, inner environmental and security sensors, energy storage and recharging system, and data storage system.

The novel features which are considered as characteristic of the invention are set forth in particular in the appended claims. The invention, itself, however, both as to its design, construction and use, together with additional features and advantages thereof, are best understood upon review of the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the ISO approved, ABS certified, assembled shipping container of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of the shipping container of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is the top view of the shipping container of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an elevation view of the front end of the shipping container of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an assembled front end frame of the shipping container of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an assembled rear vertical frame and door of the shipping container of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an assembled bottom floor frame of the shipping container of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the assembled side connecting members of the shipping container of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of the transparent thermoplastic polymer shell of the shipping container of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a front perspective, exploded view of a partially assembled shipping container of the present invention, showing its components.

FIG. 11 is a front perspective, exploded view of the fastening method utilizing mechanical fasteners and rivets of the partially assembled shipping container of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a rear perspective, exploded view of the shipping container of the present invention, showing one location for the installation of the electronic sensor package.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to the drawings wherein identical reference numerals denote same elements throughout the various views, FIG. 1 illustrates ISO approved, ABS certified molded shipping container 1. The container comprises a one piece, six-sided, spatially molded, structural polyethylene container shell 2, manufactured with a polyethylene resin, containing an ultraviolet inhibitor and color additive to retard aging and fading. With specific reference to FIGS. 9 and 12, structural shell 2 has top 3, sides 4 and 6, front end 8, and open end 10. Monocular floor 12, molded of high density or linear tough waterproof, corrosion resistant low density, virgin or recycled polyethylene, forms the bottom of shell 2. The shell has inset recesses 14 at its front end 8 and inset recesses 15 at its sides 4 and 6. These inset recesses assist in maintaining the encapsulation of container shell 2 within container framework 22, as described hereinafter.

Shell 2 is integrally stiffened by molded vertical ribs 16 and horizontal ribs 18. If desired, the molded ribs may be exteriorially coated with a material such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) to improve the release characteristics. One and one-eighth inch marine grade plywood, or equivalent material, deck 20 overlays floor 12.

Shipping container 1 also comprises outer, load bearing exoskeletal container framework 22, substantially encapsulating container shell 2. Container framework 22 comprises a number of components including side connection member 24 having top frame 26 and side frames 28, 30, 32, 34, 36 and 38, and side connection member 40 having top frame 42 and side frames 44, 46, 48, 50, 52, and 54, best seen in FIG. 8. Cross frames 56 and 58 interconnect members 24 and 40. Further connections are provided by inner cross-braces 60 and outer cross-braces 62.

Top frames 26 and 42 are open at their ends 26a and 26b and 42a and 42b. The bottom ends at 30a, 46a, and 52a of side frames 30, 46, 52 and of 36 (bottom end not shown) are open as well.

Container framework 22 also comprises bottom floor frame 64, as best seen in FIG. 7. Floor frame 64 comprises side floor frame 66 having open ends 66a and 66b and side floor frame 68 having open ends 68a and 68b. Floor frame 64 also comprises transverse beams 70, longitudinal floor connecting beams 72, and forklift pockets 74. Vertical inserts 69 extend up from side floor frames 66 and 68.

Container framework 22 further comprises front end frame 76, best seen in FIG. 5, and door frame 92, best seen in FIG. 6. Front end frame 76 comprises side frames 78 and 80, bottom frame 82, top frame 83, cross frames 84 and 86, and top inserts 88 and bottom inserts 90, each extending from corner casings. Forklift pockets 85 are located in bottom frame 82.

FIG. 6 shows the assembled rear section of container 1, which comprises door frame 92 having side connecting frames 94 and 96, bottom connecting frame 98 with forklift pockets 104, top connecting beam 99, and top inserts 100 and bottom inserts 102, each extending from corner casings. Hinge doors 106, having polymer door inserts 110 and associated door hardware 108, provide access to the interior of container 1.

FIG. 10 illustrates the method of assembly of container 1. Shell 2 is first lowered onto floor frame 64. Side connection members 24 and 40 are positioned so that they fit squarely within inset recesses 15 in the sides of shell 2 and are aligned such that inserts 60 of side floor frame 68 are inserted into open bottom ends 46a and 52a of side frames 46 and 52 of connection member 40. Not shown, but in like manner, it can be appreciated that inserts 69 of side floor frame 66 are inserted into the open bottom ends of side frame 30 and 36 of connecting member 24.

Front frame 76 is aligned with front end 8 of shell 2 such that cross frames 84 and 86 are positioned within inset recesses 14. Door frame 92 is aligned with open end 10 of shell 2. Top inserts 88 of front end frame 76 are inserted into open end 26a of top frame 26 and open end 42a of top frame 42, and bottom inserts 90 of the front frame are inserted into open end 66a of side floor frame 66 and open end 68a of side floor frame 68. Top inserts 100 of door frame 92 are inserted into open end 26b of top frame 26 and open end 42b of top frame 42, and bottom inserts 102 of the door frame are inserted into open end 66b of side floor frame 66 and open end 68b of side floor frame 68. Front end frame 76 and door frame 92 are then hydraulically compressed onto top frames 26 and 42 of side connection members 24 and 40, and side floor frames 66 and 68 of floor frame 64, thus forming container framework 22. Container shell 2 is thereby maintained encapsulated within container framework 22 by means of its compressed position within the framework, assisted by the positioning of connecting members 24 and 40 within inset recesses 15 and cross frames 84 and 86 of front frame 76 within inset recesses 14.

FIG. 11 shows a perspective view illustrating the assembly method of exoskeletal container framework 22, connected through a series of retaining strips 112 and mechanical rivets 114.

FIG. 12 illustrates the covert installation of a commercially licensed or third party supplied enclosed electronic sensor package. The package optionally consists of a combination of an internally mounted ego-location detection system, date transmission communication devices, inner environmental sensors, and a data storage system, all enclosed within a watertight plastic enclosure casing 120 located in monocular floor system 12, below the plywood deck 20. Internal antennae 122 is installed in the upper roof section and connected with associated electrical wiring.

Container 1 is designed for use as an intermodal shipping container specifically adapted to be transported by ship, rail, or truck. It has ISO standard lengths, as previously noted, of between twenty to forty-eight, heights of between eight feet and nine and a half feet, and an eight foot width.

Certain novel features and components of this invention are disclosed in detail in order to make the invention clear in at least one form thereof. However, it is to be clearly understood that the invention as disclosed is not necessarily limited to the exact form and details as disclosed, since it is apparent that various modifications and changes may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

Claims

1. A transportation shipping container comprising:

a substantially enclosed, molded, thermoplastic polymer shipping container shell having a top, a front end, an open end, sides, and a floor;

door means located over the open end and secured to the container frame for providing access to the container;

a load-bearing container framework substantially encapsulating the container shell, said framework comprising a plurality of frame components; and

recess means inset within the container shell to assist in maintaining the encapsulation of the container shell within the container framework by the positioning of frame components within the recess means.

2. The shipping container as in claim 1 wherein the plurality of frame components of the container framework comprises side connecting members having side and top frames, a bottom floor frame having side floor frames, a door frame and a front end frame.

3. The shipping container as in claim 2 further comprising connection means on the door frame and front end frame for interconnecting the door frame and front end frame to the top frames of the side connecting members and the side floor frames of the bottom floor frame, whereby the interconnections between the door frame and the front end frame with the side connecting members and the bottom floor frame form the framework which encapsulates the container shell.

4. The shipping container as in claim 3 wherein the connection means comprises inserts extending from the door frame, front end frame, and the side floor frames.

5. The shipping container as in claim 4 wherein the side and top frames of the connecting members comprise openings for receiving the door frame, end frame, and side floor frame inserts, whereby the insertion of the inserts within the openings forms the container framework which encapsulates the container shell.

6. The shipping container as in claim 1 wherein the recess means comprises a plurality of recesses inset within the front end and sides of the container shell.

7. The shipping container as in claim 1 further comprising an electronic sensor package located within the container shell.

8. The shipping container as in claim 7 wherein the sensor package is located within the floor of the container shell.

9. The shipping container as in claim 7 wherein the sensor package comprises geo-location detection system, date transmission communication devices, inner environmental sensors, and data storage system.

10. A transportation shipping container comprising:

a substantially enclosed, molded, thermoplastic polymer shipping container shell having a top, a front end, an open end, sides, and a floor;

door means located over the open end and secured to the container frame for providing access to the container;

a load-bearing container framework substantially encapsulating the container shell; and

means within the container shell to assist in maintaining the encapsulation of the container shell within the container framework.

11. The shipping container as in claim 10 wherein the container framework comprises a plurality of frame components.

12. The shipping container as in claim 11 wherein the plurality of frame components of the container framework comprises side connecting members having side and top frames, a bottom floor frame having side floor frames, a door frame and a front end frame.

13. The shipping container as in claim 12 further comprising connection means on the door frame and front end frame for interconnecting the door frame and front end frame to the top frames of the side connecting members and the side floor frames of the bottom floor frame, whereby the interconnections between the door frame and the front end frame with the side connecting members and the bottom floor frame form the framework which encapsulates the container shell.

14. The shipping container as in claim 13 wherein the connection means comprises inserts extending from the door frame, front end frame, and the side floor frames.

15. The shipping container as in claim 14 wherein the side and top frames of the connecting members comprise openings for receiving the door frame, end frame, and side floor frame inserts, whereby the insertion of the inserts within the openings forms the container framework which encapsulates the container shell.

16. The shipping container as in claim 10 wherein the means to assist in maintaining the encapsulation of the container shell comprises a plurality of recesses inset within the front end and sides of the container shell.

17. The shipping container as in claim 10 further comprising an electronic sensor package located within the container shell.

18. The shipping container as in claim 17 wherein the sensor package is located within the floor of the container shell.

19. The shipping container as in claim 17 wherein the sensor package comprises geo-location detection system, date transmission communication devices, inner environmental sensors, and data storage system.