Freight Containers Patents (Class 220/1.5)
  • Patent number: 9849921
    Abstract: A trailer for transporting bulk material has a container mounted on a chassis and wheeled suspension. The container has opposing sidewalls, a floor, a front wall, and a rear opening. The trailer further has an unloading system comprising a plow and a plow motor system. The plow is disposed in the container and shaped and sized to span substantially a transverse cross-section of the container. The plow motor system is operable to move the plow longitudinally in the container to urge or push the bulk material in the container toward and out of the rear opening of the container. At least one of the sidewalls comprises a removable panel installed longitudinally along a bottom of the sidewall, wherein an inward-facing surface of the removable panel and an inward-facing surface of the sidewall are substantially co-planar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Titan Trailers Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Joseph Maertens, Michael Kloepfer
  • Patent number: 9840368
    Abstract: A dual purpose waste collection device comprising a first container, a second container, a first pair of lifting sleeves coupled to first and second opposing sides surfaces of the first container, a second pair of lifting sleeves coupled to first and second opposing sides of the second container, and a third pair of lifting sleeves attached to the first pair of lifting sleeves and coupled to the second pair of lifting sleeves with an interlocking geometry. A method of collection of waste comprising identifying a waste collection device comprising a first pairs of lifting sleeves and a second pairs of lifting sleeves, positioning forks of a waste collection vehicle within lifting sleeves, and raising the forks of the waste collection vehicle to lift the waste collection device and to empty a content of the waste collection device into the waste collection vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: Hybrid Containers, LLC
    Inventors: David Bennett, James A. Spahn, Steven D. Veatch
  • Patent number: 9828164
    Abstract: An intermodal container includes a supporting frame having a rectangular base; a first pair of upright posts extending upwardly from the rectangular base; and a first cross-beam coupling the first pair of upright posts. A second pair of upright posts extends upwardly from the rectangular base proximate an opposite end thereof, and a second cross-beam couples the second pair of upright posts. A longitudinally extending connector beam has a first end coupled to the first cross-beam, and a second end coupled to the second cross-beam. The intermodal container further includes a plurality of panels, and each panel is made of fiber reinforced plastic and insulation foam that have been integrally molded together. The panels are coupled to the supporting frame and serve as side walls, end wall, roof, and floor of the container. A method for constructing an intermodal container is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: Fontaine Engineered Products, Inc.
    Inventor: John Clifford Denson
  • Patent number: 9802754
    Abstract: The object of this invention refers to a new foldable container in a parallelepiped shape with all sides being rigid and flat, fitted with an articulation and guiding system that permits folding of the sides over the base in an opposing manner through the turning of one end and sliding of the other towards the inside of the container, only through vertical movement of the roof. It permits the use of conventional doors half the width of the container. The improvements account for an innovative system that permits the folding/unfolding movement without substantially modifying certain characteristics of conventional ISO containers. The design caters for container versions where the doors are higher than the width of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Inventor: Miguel Antonio Navalon Simon
  • Patent number: 9751688
    Abstract: A foldable shipping container adjustable between an unfolded condition in which said container is suitable for use as a cargo container, and a folded condition for when said container is not being used to store or ship cargo. The foldable shipping container comprises a roof panel, a base panel, a door panel, a front panel, a right side panel, and a left side panel where the door panel and front panel are hingedly connected to the roof panel while the right side panel and left side panel are hingedly connected to the base panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: Compact Container Systems LLC
    Inventors: Thomas K. Churbuck, Robert J. Kraft, Richard Rosmarin, David H. Rowe, James K. Williams, Joshua J. Kraft
  • Patent number: 9738447
    Abstract: A transportation rack includes a base frame configured for resting on a surface and including an upper open side and an open front side. The transportation rack further includes an extension frame defining an open front side and being slideably received through the open upper side of the base frame. An actuator is coupled between the base frame and the extension frame and is operable to move the extension frame in an extending direction outwardly from the base frame through the open upper side and a collapsing direction inwardly to the base frame through the open upper side. The transportation rack further includes a compartment unit supported by the extension frame and having a collapsing portion therealong that accommodates the extending and collapsing of the extension frame with respect to the base frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Diverse Global Industrial Solutions
    Inventor: Robert Schaftenaar
  • Patent number: 9718611
    Abstract: Collapsible container for use in marine and overland consolidated-load transportation, which can be collapsed and deployed using simple means external thereto, and stacked in the collapsed state. The container comprises, as basic elements: a floor; a ceiling; a rear panel; a front panel formed by an external structural pre-frame and a pair of doors secured to the pre-frame with hinges; side walls formed by an upper collapsible lateral panel, a lower collapsible lateral panel and a central element as a connected by means of hinges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignees: CLAUDIO DE LOS SAGRADOS CORAZONES ARTEAGA REYES, EDUARDO ARAYA POBLETE
    Inventors: Claudio De Los Corazones Arteaga Reyes, Eduardo Araya Poblete
  • Patent number: 9643775
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a novel apparatus and way for folding a shipping container in order to improve space utilization when in a folded condition. As a result of the container design, less vertical space is occupied in the folded condition thereby allowing an additional folded container to be stacked in an assembly of folded containers when compared to the prior art designs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Compact Container Systems LLC
    Inventor: Joshua J. Kraft
  • Patent number: 9637306
    Abstract: The object of the invention is an air cargo container (1) comprising a rectangular, planar bottom side (2) for accommodating a transported product (8), a rectangular, planar top side (6), at least four connecting profiles (10) and an least triangular, planar intermediate element (12) made of a flexible material, wherein the connecting profiles (10) each connect one corner (11) of the bottom side (2) and one corner (11) of the top side (6) with one another in order to form sides (3) of the air cargo container (1), a guide device (19) is disposed on each of at least three connecting profiles (10) and/or a guide device (19) is disposed on each of two opposing edges (21) of the bottom side (2) and on at least one edge (21) of the top side (6) or on each of two opposing edges (21) of the top side (6) and on at least one edge (21) of the bottom side (2) such that the guide devices (19) define a plane, and the intermediate element (12) comprises a snap-fitting means (20) at each corner (14), wherein said snap-fittin
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Deutsche Post AG
    Inventors: Frank Steinert, Mark Veasey
  • Patent number: 9603344
    Abstract: A colony basket and method of using the same for handling poultry from DOC through the growing process and on to a production facility comprising a harvesting system, a loading system, a transport system, an unloading and storing system, hanging system and cleaning system. The system and method performs the steps of harvesting and colonizing live poultry into a singly stackable and transportable colony basket, stacking and loading the trays on a transport, unloading and temporarily storing the poultry for subsequent processing. The system and method further includes the use of a modular colony basket for interchangeable use with the described system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Tyson Foods, Inc.
    Inventors: Doug Foreman, Stephen Brannan, James A. Ruff, David Lee Mantooth, Kevin W. Guernsey, Timothy J. DeRoche, Brian R. Lee
  • Patent number: 9580237
    Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention provides a collapsible hopper bin having a dispensing portion and a storage portion. The dispensing portion includes first and second opposing side walls and first and second opposing end walls. The storage portion includes first and second opposing side walls and first and second opposing end walls. The storage portion first and second side walls are hingedly attached to the dispensing portion first and second side walls. The storage portion first and second end walls are hingedly attached to the dispensing portion first and second end walls. The collapsible hopper bin has a collapsed position and a filled position. The storage portion first and second end walls and first and second side walls are substantially horizontally flat along the top of the dispensing portion in the collapsed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: ORBIS Corporation
    Inventors: Roger Nolan, Link Jay Greiveldinger, Leslie Allen Wagner, Joachim Banik
  • Patent number: 9555961
    Abstract: A container for transporting cargo includes: a corner member that is disposed at a lower corner of the container and includes an inner space and a bottom hole that is formed in a lower end portion of the corner member to communicate with the inner space; and a locking unit that is used to fasten two adjacent containers when a plurality of the containers are stacked in multiple stages, is movable between a storage position at which the locking unit is stored in the inner space of the corner member and a use position at which the locking unit protrudes to the outside through the bottom hole of the corner member, and fastens the two adjacent containers at the use position. The locking unit may be housed and easily stored in the inner space of the corner member to reduce the risk of being lost during storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignees: VANPLUS CORPORATION, KOREA PALLET POOL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Se In Hwang, Byong Yoon Suh
  • Patent number: 9539623
    Abstract: A method of decontaminating a freight container comprising the steps of: a) placing a freight container on a support; b) using an enclosure to substantially enclose the container on the support; and c) applying heat so that hot air moves within the enclosure around at least upright ends, sides and a roof of the container to kill or substantially weaken undesired life forms on or immediately adjacent to the exterior of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Inventors: Lance Allen Dear, Richard John Newson
  • Patent number: 9497936
    Abstract: A colony basket and method of using the same for handling poultry from DOC through the growing process and on to a production facility comprising a harvesting system, a loading system, a transport system, an unloading and storing system, hanging system and cleaning system. The system and method performs the steps of harvesting and colonizing live poultry into a singly stackable and transportable colony basket, stacking and loading the trays on a transport, unloading and temporarily storing the poultry for subsequent processing. The system and method further includes the use of a modular colony basket for interchangeable use with the described system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: Tyson Foods, Inc.
    Inventors: Doug Foreman, Stephen Brannan, James A. Ruff, David Lee Mantooth, Kevin W. Guernsey, Timothy J. DeRoche, Brian R. Lee
  • Patent number: 9493270
    Abstract: A large load carrier having a rectangular, pallet-like floor part and lengthwise and crosswise side walls that rise from the floor part. Either the lengthwise side walls or the crosswise side walls have contact points for several frames disposed one above the other, in the region against the other side walls, as carriers for the inserts (layers) that carry the goods to be transported. The side walls can be folded on top of one another towards the inside, and the frames are releasably mounted in the contact points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: George Utz Holding AG
    Inventors: Jean-Marc Dubois, Christian Mathews, Juergen Straub
  • Patent number: 9487352
    Abstract: A container is provided with a frame including one or more support structures each having a stacking post with a thin cross-sectional shape. Multiple support structures having such stacking posts can be provided along the length of the container to enable the container to be used in a stacked configuration. The container can provide an expanded interior loadable width for increased loading flexibility and capacity, and can have recessed upper and lower handling fitting joints in order to provide stronger and space-saving connections between a header and an upper handling fitting, between the upper handling fitting and a stacking post, between the stacking post and a lower handling fitting, and/or between the lower handling fitting and a floor component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: STI Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary L. Fenton
  • Patent number: 9487351
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of shipping containers. Specifically, the present invention provides for an apparatus for enabling two non-standard shipping containers to be interconnected to form a standard shipping container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Inventor: Andrew Barnes
  • Patent number: 9476235
    Abstract: A hinge fixing structure used to hold a hidden hinge on a container, and a hidden hinge and a container. The hidden hinge comprises an upper hinge base, a hinge body and a lower hinge base. The container comprises a side plate and a door, which are respectively provided with grooves formed by the internal and external sidewalls thereof and used to accommodate hinge bases. The hinge fixing structure comprises position limiting structures located in grooves and used to prevent the hinge bases from releasing from the mouth portions of grooves and positioning structures provided on the upper hinge base and the lower hinge base and engaged with the limiting structures respectively. The position limiting structures are engaged with the positioning structures respectively so that the hidden hinge is held on the container, and the hidden hinge is completely invisible from the appearance of container when the door is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Shanghai Hongyan Returnable Transit Packagings Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuanli Jian, Lunliang Mou
  • Patent number: 9469236
    Abstract: A system including a first transportable element having a first work space; and a second transportable element having a second work space, wherein the first and second work spaces each contain a portion of an equipment, wherein all of the equipment is contained in the first and second work spaces, and wherein the first and second work spaces are alignable with one another at a worksite such that the equipment can perform an assembly operation at the worksite, the assembly operation including performance of at least one step performed in the first work space and at least one step performed in the second work space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Inventors: Peter Nicholson, Sean Lynch
  • Patent number: 9464440
    Abstract: A safety rail system in some embodiments may include integrated ergonomic hand-grip projections, and structures for affixing the system for egress and ingress through an opening, such as roof or floor access holes. A self-closing gravity gate may be provided acting as additional hand-grip, support, and barrier. The safety rail system may be constructed and assembled using a unique continuous tubular structure of converging vertical and angular upright post with horizontal upper rail, forward protruding ergonomically effecting hand-grip and opposing directionally horizontal lower attachment support means reducing lateral motion and allows installation for new construction or retro fitting of existing openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: SafePro, L.P.
    Inventor: Richard J. Whiting
  • Patent number: 9434291
    Abstract: A system for transporting wind turbine blades includes a frame assembly for retaining a set one or more wind turbine blades and a plurality of inflatable devices coupled to the frame assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: BNSF Railway Company
    Inventor: Thomas P. Kelly
  • Patent number: 9422106
    Abstract: The present invention provides a water-based coating system that can be used to form a durable, abrasion resistant, tough, protective coating on a wide range of substrates, including the underbody of transport vehicles, storage units, and the like. The coating composition includes an asphaltic component and advantageously has excellent adhesion properties when coated onto metal surfaces, including the underbody of transport vehicles, storage units and the like. The coating system is particularly effective for protecting metal or metal-containing substrates forming the underbody of an intermodal cargo container. The resultant coatings are flexible and impact resistant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: Valspar Sourcing, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald Boespflug, Douglas Mueller, David Fouquette
  • Patent number: 9382035
    Abstract: A collapsible market basket apparatus includes a crate with a bottom having a bottom rectangular frame and a top rectangular frame having strap attachment features on each of four sides. A pair of lateral rotating sides are pivotally attached to opposite lateral sides of the top rectangular frame to rotate downward to a vertical position to engage the bottom rectangular frame. Each lateral rotating side is shaped to fit within a proximate half of the top rectangular frame when pivotally rotated to a horizontal position. A pair of lateral collapsible sides are attached respectively between opposite front and back sides of the top rectangular frame and the bottom rectangular frame. The lateral collapsible sides have an expanded vertical length of the lateral rotating sides. A strap has a latching feature rotatably attached at each end to latch to opposite sides of the top rectangular frame as a carrying strap when the crate is expanded and as a stowage strap when the crate is collapsed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Inventor: Linda Fritz
  • Patent number: 9371169
    Abstract: Transport of containers for biologic products in secure thermal isolation may be facilitated by a containment apparatus. The containment apparatus may include a first component and a second component. The first component may comprise one or more sidewalls that may form an enclosed volume of the first component. The enclosed volume may be fluidly sealed from an environment surrounding the first component and at least partially filled with cooling media. The first component may comprise one or more recessed wells configured to receive at least part of individual containers. At least part of individual recessed wells may come into contact with cooling media within the enclosed volume to facilitate heat transfer between the cooling media and individual containers disposed in individual recessed wells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: ANIMAL CELL THERAPIES, INC.
    Inventors: Kathryn J. Petrucci, Jiunn-chern Yeh, Amanda Reilly
  • Patent number: 9352835
    Abstract: A cargo management system is described having a slide bushing supported cargo shuttle. The cargo shuttle includes an aft bushing slide plate and a forward bushing slide plate. The cargo shuttle also includes an aft wedge positioned between the top surface and the aft bushing slide plate. The cargo shuttle also includes a forward wedge positioned between the top surface and the forward bushing slide plate. The cargo shuttle also includes a top surface configured to be displaced upward as a first force is applied to the aft wedge and a second force is applied to the forward wedge. The cargo management system also includes an aft shuttle drive belt coupled to the cargo shuttle and a forward shuttle drive belt coupled to the cargo shuttle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: Goodrich Corporation
    Inventor: Richard A. Himmelmann
  • Patent number: 9346583
    Abstract: A cargo rack includes a frame having a front, a rear, and upper and lower end portions. The lower end portion has a base with a floor providing a load holding position. A tank module that is supported with the frame during use, the lower end portion of the tank module resting upon the load holding position of the base. The frame includes a plurality of side walls that attach to and extend upwardly from the base frame. Each side wall has a pair of corner columns, a central plate, and a plurality of diagonal members, each diagonal member connected to a corner column and a central plate. The frame can include at least one horizontally extending beam connecting between each pair of corner columns. The diagonal members include an upper pair that can form an obtuse angle and a lower pair that can form an acute angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Inventor: Tom Gurtner
  • Patent number: 9327041
    Abstract: The system contains a container, comprising a plurality of sides, each side having a plurality of fluid permeable openings, wherein the plurality of sides form a substantially enclosed unit. The system contains at least one lid. The system contains at least one latch unit for movably attached to a first side of the plurality of sides at a proximate end of the latch unit. The system contains a lid restraint, formed at a distal end of the latch unit whereby the lid restraint restrains the lid when engaged with the lid. Lastly, the system contains at least one locking element formed along the latch unit for engagement with the first side, wherein engagement of the locking element limits the mobility of the latch unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: Symmetry Medical Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Jason Hawkes
  • Patent number: 9308922
    Abstract: A method of transporting containers on a rail car is described. The method includes the steps of, first, providing a frame having at least two longitudinal beams and at least two cross beams. The at least two cross beams extend substantially perpendicular to, and interconnect, the at least two longitudinal beams. The two longitudinal beams may be cambered along the length of the beams. Next, the method includes the step of attaching a first container to a first end of the frame. Then, the first container and the frame are loaded into the rail car. Finally, the method includes the step of loading a second container into the rail car and onto a second end of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: Load Distribution Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Bernard S. Sain, David N. Messer
  • Patent number: 9296555
    Abstract: This invention is directed to a non-rigid composite sheet comprising in order (i) a first component having an areal density of from 88 to 678 gsm comprising a first fabric of filamentary yarns having a tenacity of at least 11 g/dtex and a UV and weather impervious first polymeric layer. (ii) a second component having an areal density of from 30 to 237 gsm comprising a flame resistant substrate and an inorganic refractory layer and (iii) a third component having an areal density of from 88 to 678 gsm comprising a second fabric of filamentary yarns having a tenacity of at least 11 g/dtex and an impact and scratch resistant second polymeric layer, the second fabric of the third component being adjacent to the refractory layer of the second component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: E I DU PONT DE NEMOURS AND COMPANY
    Inventors: Dariusz Wlodzimierz Kawka, Karl K. Chang
  • Patent number: 9267250
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to differing embodiments of safety trailers, which have first and second platforms and a safety wall positioned therebetween. The platforms and safety wall define an area protected from vehicular incursions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: Concaten, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin K. Groeneweg
  • Patent number: 9248958
    Abstract: Composite panel for air cargo containers including a fire resistant, closed cell foam core, a skin attached to each surface of the core formed by fire resistant fibers in a matrix resin, wherein the panel will contain an internal fire with temperatures of up to 1500° F. for a period of at least 4 hours.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: Advanced Composite Structures, LLC
    Inventor: Thomas R. Pherson
  • Patent number: 9233773
    Abstract: A reinforced intermodal container has a corrugated steel wall with an outer side and an inner side. In a length direction the corrugations have alternating inboard and outboard flat panels with adjacent panels linked by web portions. A strengthening structure is welded to the container wall which provides flanges extending generally perpendicularly to the general plane of the wall. The flanges extend between plates welded to the inside faces of the outboard panels and flat strengthening plates welded to the inside faces of the inboard panels. The strengthening structure does not alter the outside width of the container in comparison with the outside width of the unreinforced container. The strengthening structure reduces the inside volume of the container by only a small amount compared with the volume of the unreinforced container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignee: Newterra Ltd.
    Inventors: Jason Downey, Ardjan Muca
  • Patent number: 9223050
    Abstract: It is an object of the present application to provide a radiation inspection system, such as an X-ray system, that can operate efficiently even in inclement weather conditions while being highly mobile. Thus the improved inspection system of the present application is capable of operating in high temperature and corrosive environments and is designed to withstand moisture, dirt and/or dust from the articles of inspection as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: Rapiscan Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian Kaval
  • Patent number: 9193523
    Abstract: An external reinforcing strap system for a bulk material cargo container liner comprises a plurality of vertically spaced, horizontally oriented reinforcing straps, or a plurality of horizontally spaced, vertically oriented reinforcing straps and a plurality of vertically spaced, horizontally oriented reinforcing straps, to have their tension levels individually adjusted in an independent manner in order to provide selected sections of the external reinforcing strapping system with requisites amount of tension. In addition, a substantially U-shaped reinforcing gusset system is also disclosed which provides the necessary reinforcement for the rear wall member of the bulk material cargo container liner but with a simplified structure effectively eliminating the aforenoted strapping system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: SIGNODE INDUSTRIAL GROUP
    Inventors: Oswaldo Mino, Pablo Llopez-Miquel, Michael J. McMahon, Stanley Piotrowski
  • Patent number: 9180995
    Abstract: A retort cup includes a tubular barrel portion formed of a barrel portion forming blank having a paper layer and thermoplastic resin layers; and a bottom portion which seals one of the openings of the barrel portion. The bottom portion has a downwardly bent peripheral edge portion. The barrel portion has an attached barrel overlap portion where both end edges of the blank are overlapped with each other and sealed, a lower fold-back portion which is formed at a lower end of the barrel portion by folding back the blank inwardly, and an upper fold-back portion which is formed by folding back the ends of the fold-back blank inwardly. The lower end of the barrel portion, the upper fold-back portion, and the peripheral edge portion of the bottom portion are sealed together. The peripheral edge portion is inserted into the lower fold-back portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: TOPPAN PRINTING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Teruaki Iyori, Naomi Kotani, Hiroshi Umeyama
  • Patent number: 9181024
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a reversibly foldable freight container having a roof structure, a floor structure and sidewall structures. The reversibly foldable freight container further includes a front wall and a rear wall, where the front wall includes front wall corner posts, a front door hinge on at least one of the front wall corner posts and a front door joined to the front door hinge. The rear wall includes rear wall corner posts, a hinge on the rear wall corner posts and a rear wall door joined to the hinge, where the rear wall door can pivot on the hinge to extend adjacent an exterior surface of the sidewall structure or can pivot into the volume of the reversibly foldable freight container. In an unfolded state the reversibly foldable freight container has a predefined width measured at a predetermined point on each of two of the rear wall corner posts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Inventor: George E. Kochanowski
  • Patent number: 9157418
    Abstract: A sustainable power supply unit for ISO containers that includes photo voltaic solar panels that produce electric power allowing standardized mounting and attachment on top of ISO containers. The power supply unit can include ISO container corner castings that allow two or more sustainable power supply units to be stacked during transportation and storage. The power supply unit can include a maximum power point tracker, electrical batteries, data handling equipment and an inverter for supplying plug and play electric power to an ISO container or other electricity demanding equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: SOLARDRIVE CONTAINER POWER ApS
    Inventors: Kim Ahrenfeldt Petersen, Alastair Murrey Hoegh Persson, Borge Christensen
  • Patent number: 9147175
    Abstract: A dynamic inventory tracking and transfer system is provided that, when in operation, keeps track of inventory by tracking vehicle positions and inventory transfers. A transceiver on a vehicle detects and transmits a signal to the tracking system whenever a vehicle latches onto inventory and/or releases (i.e., unlatches) inventory. Whenever latch and unlatch signals are detected close in proximity to one another, the system concludes an inventory transfer has been made between the two vehicles. The inventory monitoring takes place in real time, thereby allowing inventory to be tracked from the time it is removed from a ship/train to the time it leaves a sea port, rail terminal or industrial yard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Assignee: Mi-Jack Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Harvey Edward Schmidt, Daniel Brian Zakula, Sr., Darren Cosandier
  • Patent number: 9132994
    Abstract: The invention relates to a standardized platform (1) equipped with two beams (11, 11?) which are transverse relative to its front end and its rear end. The transverse beams extend beyond the lateral edges of the platform, such that the ends of these beams can receive slings (24a-24d) which allow the assembly to be secured to hoisting and handling means of containers. It is thus possible to transport goods (21) which are both wider and longer than a standardized platform (1), on this platform (1). The goods can therefore be handled and loaded by means of hoisting and handling means for containers, i.e. for a cost which is reduced in comparison with oversized transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Inventor: Eric Ferchaud
  • Patent number: 9085391
    Abstract: A shipping container liner system for use in the shipping of bulk flowable products is described. The system comprises a specially adapted shipping container liner that is self-supporting without the need of rear-mounted rigid supportive bars to retain the liner within the shipping container during filling and discharge. The system comprises an arrangement of interior support baffles operating in conjunction with a plurality of exterior anchor straps adapted to distribute the cargo load throughout the length of the liner. A specialized hopper for unloading the bulk material is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Inventor: Arthur M. Townsend
  • Patent number: 9072201
    Abstract: A modular cooling system configured to treat IT air generated by a data center includes a frame and a plurality of cooling sub-system modules supported by the frame. The plurality of cooling sub-system modules are configured to operate in parallel to achieve total cooling effect or a lesser cooling effect with some level of redundancy within the data center. Each cooling sub-system module includes a housing configured to support cooling equipment, an air-to-air heat exchanger supported by the housing to cool IT air generated by the data center, the air-to-air heat exchanger having at least one tube configured to direct IT from one end of the air-to-air heat exchanger to an opposite end of the air-to-air heat exchanger and configured so that outdoor air circulates around the at least one tube, and a mechanical cooling system supported by the housing. The mechanical cooling system is configured to receive IT air treated by the air-to-air heat exchanger and to provide further cooling to the treated IT air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC IT CORPORATION
    Inventor: John H. Bean, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9056709
    Abstract: The side container includes one oblong under-frame; one oblong upper-frame; corner posts be installed on the four corners between under-frame and upper-frame; top surface panel, front end panel, back end panel and two side panels installed on the corner posts. The side panel has two side doors. At least one turnable locking bar should be installed on the upper area of the side door, and a latch hook should be installed on the bottom area of each locking bar. Cam keepers will be fixed on the under-frame. There is a cant hook installed between two permanent seats. When the under-frame is in a horizontal position, the cant hook is located above the latch hook. The side container can be fully open on an oblong side, while the side doors and the under-frame can still be securely locked, when the under-frame deforms downward during a full load condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: Container Providers International APS
    Inventor: Zhixiang Zhao
  • Publication number: 20150143840
    Abstract: A climate controlled cargo container includes at least one panel (50) including: an outer layer (52); an inner layer (54); a foam (58) positioned in between the inner layer (54) and the outer layer (52); and a plurality of fiber tubes (60) embedded within the foam. Another climate controlled cargo container includes at least one panel including: an outer layer; an inner layer; a foam positioned in between the inner layer and the outer layer; and a phase change material positioned between the inner layer and the outer layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2013
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Inventor: Zidu Ma
  • Patent number: 9038838
    Abstract: An intermodal container comprising: a plurality of self-centering volume maximizing posts; where the width of the container is about 38 inches to about 52 inches, the length is about 44 inches to about 110 inches, and the height is about 28 inches to about 88 inches; a plurality of side support members that act as very stiff springs that can provide shock dampening effects and reduce vibration to the interior of the container; a plurality of removable blocking and bracing members attached to support members; and where the cross-sectional area of each of the posts has more than 4 bends, where the bends are configured to provide greater strength to the posts while allowing for use of a lighter material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Inventor: Eirik Smedsrud Skeid
  • Patent number: 9038837
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to electrical panels or enclosures. More particularly, the invention encompasses a removable endwall plate for electrical panels or enclosures. The present invention is also directed to a novel electrical panel or enclosure where an endwall is removably attached to a frame. The endwall can be removed and can be cut at desired locations to create holes or openings for electrical components. The removable endwall can also have one or more knockouts which can be removed from the endwall as needed. One could also have at least one knockout within the knockout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Siemens Industry, Inc.
    Inventors: Kristopher Scott Robinson, Jeffrey K. Hudgins, Jr., Arthur Shumate, Brian J. Rusch
  • Patent number: 9033183
    Abstract: An extension frame for a transport box or a pallet includes two long sides, and two collapsible transverse sides. An angle piece is formed on one of the transverse sides or on one of the long sides, with the angle piece having a free end forming a hinge with a free end of an adjacent long side or transverse side. The hinge has in the open state and the collapsed state a locking position in which the long side and the adjacent transverse side are engageable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: GEORG UTZ HOLDING AG
    Inventor: Yves Hug
  • Publication number: 20150129588
    Abstract: The present invention provides a novel robust, reusable, modular shipping container for protecting large, fragile, odd-shaped, or high-value cargo (e.g., telecommunications cabinets, appliances and furniture) from damage during shipment. The shipping container minimizes the possibility of shipping damage due to improper handling, tip-overs, lateral collisions, or vibration. The shipping container comprises: a pallet base, a lower frame section, an upper frame section, and a top cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2014
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Inventor: JOSEPH DAVID CLINE
  • Publication number: 20150132092
    Abstract: A five-legged moving and storage container has self-leveling or self-raising ability: two wheeled legs at the second end of the device extend as the first end is pulled up a tilted tow truck bed. By extending the legs to raise the second end of the moving container at the same rate that the first end is pulled up the slope of the bed, the container is maintained level. As the tow truck bed is leveled, the legs can then be retracted to match and again the device remains level. No special infrastructure is required: it may be loaded and unloaded in any location having a normal flat-bed tow truck. It may have three additional legs at the other end: one in the middle with a wheel, two at the corners without, allowing it to raise itself or be raised and stabilized at dock height.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2013
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Inventor: Jack Rust Burrell
  • Patent number: 9016490
    Abstract: A device suitable for use with a car-hauling container such as a car-hauling rail car or shipping container that can be used to transport various goods in heretofore unutilized empty car-hauling containers and an integrated system employing the same. The device includes a base member configured to engage the vehicle supporting floor of an associated automobile car-hauling container. The device also includes a pair of opposed sidewalls pivotally mounted to the base moveable between a first orientation perpendicular to the base and a second orientation in overlapping relationship to each other and to the base member as well as a pair of opposed endwalls pivotally mounted to the base. The pair of opposed endwalls are moveable between a first orientation perpendicular to the base and a second orientation in overlying relationship to the sidewalls and in side-by-side relationship to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Inventor: Earle B. Higgins
  • Publication number: 20150108121
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a novel apparatus for improving the structural integrity of a folding shipping container in order to improve safety and durability of the shipping container. A foldable shipping container is provided having an improved lower frame assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2014
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventors: JOSHUA J. KRAFT, ROBERT J. KRAFT