Patent Grant
11794987
This application claims the benefit of the filing date of international PCT Application No. PCT/EP2019/076693, filed on Oct. 2, 2019, that in turn claims priority to Swiss Patent Application No. CH00538/19, filed on Apr. 18, 2019, and to Swiss Patent Application No. CH01200/18, filed on Oct. 2, 2018, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
The present disclosure relates to a connector assembly for a container, preferably for an aircraft container. The present disclosure further relates to a container comprising such a connector assembly and to a structural module for such a container.
WO2013/142096 A1 was published on 26 Sep. 2013 on behalf of Leading Lite Composites LLC and discloses a lightweight composite cargo container, in particular also a Unit Load Device, which includes a base panel composed of one or more composite laminate materials. It also discloses a frame including a frame first portion that extends from the base panel along a first direction and a frame second portion that extends from the frame first portion along a second direction that is perpendicular to the first direction. A frame third portion extends from the frame first and second portions along a third direction that is perpendicular to the first and second directions. According to WO2013/142096 A1, the frame comprises composite laminate, and the frame comprises the primary structure of the unit load device. According to WO2013/142096 A1, one or more side panels are attached to the frame and the one or more side panels comprise composite laminate. A top panel is attached to an opposite end of the frame as the base panel and the top panel comprises composite laminate. Such types of unit load devices comprise typically high numbers of connectors that interconnect the frame portions using a plurality of mechanical fasteners. If a frame portion fails, e.g. due to overloading, replacement of a defective portion often turns out to be laborious and time-consuming.
In order to provide a concise description of the invention, it will be described mainly for use for aircraft containers, although not limited to such types of containers.
Containers that can be used as cargo containers for aircraft have to meet a variety of requirements. One of the most prominent requirements is that they must be lightweight in order to be used in aircraft. Another requirement is that they must have a specified and standardized shape. So-called Unit Load Device (ULD) containers are a special type of container that meets special regulations published by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). ULD containers typically are made from lightweight metals (most commonly aluminum) or are hybrid structures comprising a framework made from a lightweight metal and walls made from a plastic material which is arranged at the framework's panels. However, in recent years cargo containers at least partially made from composite materials, such as fiber-reinforced plastics, have also emerged. These containers typically offer high strength and stiffness while having a significantly lower weight if compared to cargo containers made from aluminum. As well, these types of containers have other advantages, such as that they can be scanned with low-energy x-ray systems.
During fast-paced daily operations at airports, containers may be physically damaged when being loaded or unloaded, during transport on the apron or even when being loaded to or unloaded from an aircraft. In general, an aircraft container on the ground is always at risk of damage, either by being hit by ground support equipment (GSE) or when loading or unloading a dolly. Due to their lightweight design aircraft containers are relatively susceptible to mechanical damage if compared e.g. to containers made from steel. While certain types of mechanical damage (e.g. minor local deformations, like dents) may be uncritical, as they do not affect neither the structural competence of the container nor the maximum outer contour of the container (as defined by official regulations), other types of mechanical damage make a container unfit for flight. There is a general need for fast and easy repair of defective containers. One reason for this is that most airport cargo facilities have limited storage capacity and hence only limited space for storing spare containers or defective containers. However, it has been found that in some cases repair of containers turns out to be complicated and time-consuming. A reason for this is that even relatively minor mechanical impacts on a container may result in substantial deformation or other type of damage to a large portion of its structure (e.g. framework). This holds true for many types of conventional ULD containers and in particular for containers comprising composite materials. Such composite types of ULD containers in many cases cannot readily be repaired on site and hence need to be sent to special repair facilities. The present disclosure makes it possible to obtain containers that are significantly less susceptible to major mechanical damage but still have a high mechanical competence, hence fulfill the requirements given in the official regulations. In particular, containers based on the present disclosure typically stay within a maximum outer contour as defined in official regulations, which is important in order not to cause damage to the fuselage of an aircraft. At the same time, the disclosure allows containers that can be repaired fast and easily—even if composite structures, such as structures made from fiber-reinforced plastics. Connector assembly according to the present disclosure is highly advantageous when being used for interconnecting structural entities (e.g. beams or plates) that are at least partially made from composite materials, such as fiber-reinforced plastics. A reason for this being that components made from such materials in many cases cannot be repaired on-site and hence have to be replaced by a spare part. As well, force introduction in structures made from fiber-reinforced plastics often turns out to be complicated if compared to e.g. aluminum. For example, the creation of tapped holes directly in these materials is typically not possible and therefore usually a kind of adapter (such as an insert or onsert made from a metal) has to be used for force introduction. However, most types of adapters either have to be applied already during production of a composite structure (such as inserts) or are fastened to the composite structure using an adhesive, hence needs some time for curing. As well, in the systems known from the prior art, overloading of a frame-work comprising multiple structural entities (e.g. beams) made from composite materials typically also leads to damage of the connectors that interconnect the structural entities. It is therefore often necessary to replace parts that actually are not critically damaged from a purely structural point of view.
In order to solve at least one of the aforementioned problems, a connector assembly for use in mechanically interconnecting a first and a second structural entity of an aircraft container typically comprises a first connector, which is configured to be fastened to a first structural entity of an aircraft container. A structural entity may e.g. be a base structure, like a base plate, or a shell structure or a beam structure, as will be shown in more detail below. Good results may be obtained if the structural entity is at least partially made from a composite material, such as a fiber-reinforced plastic, in particular a fiber-reinforced plastic with reinforcing fibers arranged in layers. Reinforcing fibers may be e.g. fibers made from carbon, polymer (e.g. aramide), glass, stone (e.g. basalt) or metal (e.g. steel) or combinations thereof. However, for other applications, a structural entity may also at least partially be made from a metal, preferably a lightweight metal, such as an aluminum, magnesium or titanium. Within the context of the present disclosure, “aluminum”, “magnesium” and “titanium” should be understood as meaning also their alloys. Different structural entities of one aircraft container may be made from different materials, in particular hybrid designs comprising metal and non-metal materials, such as composites as described herein, may be used. A connector assembly according to the invention further comprises a second connector part, which is configured to be fastened to a second structural entity of the aircraft container. For fastening, the first and the second connector part may comprise fastening means such as e.g. a flange and/or a sleeve that can be at least partially inserted in an inner channel of a beam and/or in which sleeve at least part of a beam can be inserted. A fastening means may also comprise an opening to receive e.g. a bolt and/or a screw. Alternatively or in addition, a fastening means may also comprise a surface to establish an adhesive connection or a welding connection. According to the disclosure, when the connector assembly is in a connected state, the first and the second connector part are configured to restrict relative movement of the second connector part with respect to the first connector part in a first direction along a first axis of action. According to the disclosure, the connector assembly comprises a force-limiting arrangement that, when the connector assembly is in a connected state, limits relative movement of the second connector part with respect to the first connector part in a second direction along the first axis of action, the second direction opposite to the first direction. The force-limiting arrangement is configured such that when an external force is applied to the second connector part (respectively to a second structural entity fastened to the second connector part) and if the external force has a first force component that acts in the second direction and exceeds a specified first threshold force, the force-limiting arrangement allows the second connector part to move relatively to the first connector part. Thereby, the total force acting on a containers structure can be limited and hence damage be limited to only certain members of the containers structure. Due to the restriction in the first direction, for many load cases deformation of a container comprising such connector assemblies can be restricted to the inner volume of a given outer contour. Good results may be obtained if the relative movement in the first direction is restricted by a form fit, such as e.g. effected by a restraint. Therefore, a first stop means may be arranged at the first connector part and a corresponding second stop means may be arranged at the second connector part, the first and the second stop means preventing relative movements in the first direction when brought into contact. Particularly good results may be obtained if at least one of the first and the second stop means comprises a hook-shaped or clamp-shaped element as thus also relative movements in a third direction as well as rotational movements may be prevented as will be shown in more detail in the drawings.
For some applications, when in a connected state, the first and the second connector part may be configured to restrict relative movement of the second connector part with respect to the first connector part in a third direction along a second axis of action, which is essentially perpendicular (other alignments may be used for different types of applications) to the first axis of action. In such a variation of the disclosure, the force-limiting arrangement limits relative movement of the second connector part with respect to the first connector part in a fourth direction along the second axis of action, the fourth direction being opposite to the third direction. In such a variation of the disclosure, the force-limiting arrangement allows the second connector part to displace in the fourth direction with respect to the first connector part if a second force component of the applied external force acts in the fourth direction and exceeds a specified second threshold force. Using such a variation of a connector assembly according to the present disclosure may e.g. be used at corners of containers as will be shown in more detail below. The second threshold force may be different or equal to the first threshold force. According to a variation of the disclosure, the force-limiting arrangement may be configured such that when a first or a second threshold force is exceeded relative movement of the second connector part is only allowed in the associated direction while keeping restricted in the other direction. Alternatively, relative movement may be allowed in both directions.
According to a variation of the disclosure, the force-limiting arrangement is configured to allow relative movement of the second connector part with respect to the first connector part in a fourth direction as soon as the first force component exceeds the first threshold force. In such a case, the force-limiting arrangement allows relative movement of the second connector part with respect to the first connector part in a second direction as soon as the second force component exceeds the second threshold force.
According to a variation of the disclosure, when the connector assembly is in a connected state, the first and the second connector part are configured to restrict relative movement of the second connector part with respect to the first connector part along a third axis of action that is essentially perpendicular to the first axis of action and (if present) the second axis of action (if present). Such a third axis of action may be regarded as a main connector axis that is perpendicular to a separating/parting plane of the connector assembly, the first axis of action and (if present) the second axis of action being in parallel with the separating/parting plane.
Good results may be obtained if, when the connector assembly is in the connected state, a first rotation restriction means restricts rotations of the first and the second connector part relative to each other in at least one direction of rotation about a first axis of rotation. In such a variation of the disclosure, the first axis of rotation is typically essentially perpendicular to the first axis of action. Such a variation of a connector assembly may be advantageous particularly when being used for containers comprising frameworks in order to obtain a particularly rigid framework.
Alternatively, or in addition, at least one strut and/or at least one sheeting may be used, as will be explained in more detail below. Particularly good results may be obtained if a second rotation restriction means restricts rotations of the first and the second connector part relatively to each other in at least one direction of rotation about a second axis of rotation and wherein the second axis of rotation is essentially in parallel to the first axis of action.
According to a variation of the present disclosure, when the connector assembly is in a connected state, a third rotation restriction means may restrict relative rotations of the first and the second connector part relatively to each other in at least one direction of rotation about a third axis of rotation. In such a variation, the third axis of rotation is essentially perpendicular to the first axis and the second axis of action; this allows the connector assembly to transmit torque.
Good results may be obtained with a variation of the disclosure according to which the first rotation restriction means comprises at least one first rotation engagement surface arranged at the first connector part and at least one corresponding second rotation engagement surface arranged at the second connector part. According to such a variation, at least one first and one second engagement surfaces are arranged such that in the connected state they are in physical contact and thereby restrict rotations about the first axis of rotation in a first direction of rotation. For some applications, the first rotation restriction means may comprise at least one third rotation engagement surface arranged at the first connector part and at least one corresponding fourth rotation engagement surface arranged at the second connector part. According to such a variation, the at least one third and one fourth engagement surfaces are arranged such that in the connected state they are in physical contact and thereby restrict rotations about the first axis of rotation in a second direction of rotation that is opposite to the first direction of rotation. It is clear that according to the present disclosure, the same concept can also be applied for second and/or third rotation restriction means in an analogous manner. Particularly good results may be obtained if the first and/or the second and/or the third and/or the fourth engagement surface are arranged at a clamp/hook-like structure, as will be shown in more detail below.
In a variation of the disclosure, the force-limiting arrangement comprises at least one sacrificial member that fails under a critical force and thereby enables a relative movement of the second connector part with respect to the first connector part. Thus, the sacrificial member can be used in order to obtain the force-limiting effect and a first and/or a second threshold force can be set using different types or different numbers of sacrificial members. Different types of sacrificial members may e.g. differ from each other in the type of material they are made from. In addition, a sacrificial member may be used to indicate that a supercritical loading to a container had occurred.
According to a variation of the present disclosure, the sacrificial member comprises a shear pin (or shear bolt) that fails under the critical force. In a variation of the disclosure, the shear pin extends from the first to the second connector part. Good results may be obtained if the longitudinal axis of such a shear pin is essentially perpendicular to a first and/or second axis of action as described herein. In a variation of the disclosure, the connector assembly comprises bores that extend from the first to the second connector part and which are configured to receive a shear pin.
According to a variation of the disclosure, at least one sacrificial member is at least partially made from a plastic. Thus, mechanical damage to the first and the second connector part can efficiently be prevented. Good results may be obtained if a polyamide, e.g. a polyamide-6, is used. For certain applications, at least part of the sacrificial member is made from a material that changes its visual appearance when damaged, such as e.g. a material changing its color, or a transparent plastic be-coming opaque when being mechanically loaded, e.g. as due to the development of crazes as known from poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA). Thus, supercritical load that has occurred can be reliably detected visually. For some applications, the force-limiting arrangement may be arranged to be equipped with multiple sacrificial members. This allows setting a certain threshold force easily, depending e.g. on application and/or type of container. For some applications, a sacrificial member may be interconnected to the first and/or the second connector part by a retention means. Thus, formation of loose parts can be prevented, which is important when being used for aircraft or on an apron.
According to a variation of the disclosure, the connector assembly is arranged such that the first and the second connector part completely disconnect as soon as the force-limiting arrangement allows movements. According to another variation of the disclosure the first and the second connector part may also be mechanically interconnected by a retention means (e.g. a wire) that maintains a mechanical connection between the first and the second connector part.
A highly user-friendly variation of a connector assembly can be obtained if it comprises a centering means that assists in positioning the first and the second connector part relatively to each other when the connector assembly is in the connected state. Thus inter alia assembly of a container as well as installation of a sacrificial member can be simplified. Good results may be obtained if the centering means comprises at least one spring-thrust piece arranged at the first or at the second connector part and which engages with a recess arranged in the other connector part. Particularly precise positioning may be obtained if the spring-thrust piece comprises a sphere that can engage with a conical recess, as will be shown in more detail below. In a variation of the disclosure, the centering means is at least part of the force-limiting arrangement. Alternatively, or in addition, the first and/or the second connector part comprises at least one alignment means (e.g. a chamfer, as depicted in the drawings), which helps to align and connect the first connector part with the second connector part, as will be explained in more detail below. Good results may be obtained if the first connector part comprises at least one first alignment means that interacts with at least one second alignment means arranged at the second connector part. The alignment means may act as sliding surfaces to allow easier movement of the first connector part relative to the second connector part.
A particularly lightweight connector assembly may be obtained if the first and/or the second connector part is at least partially made from a plastic, preferably from a fiber-reinforced plastic. According to one variation of the disclosure, the first and/or the second connector part is at least partially made from a metal. Good results may be obtained if a first and/or the second connector part is made from a lightweight metal and at least partially made by die-casting. Thus, high numbers of connecting assemblies can be provided at a reasonable price. Alternatively, or in addition, the first and/or the second connector part may at least partially be machined.
The disclosure is further directed to providing a container, preferably an aircraft cargo container. Such a container typically comprises a base structure, which has at least three perimeter edges, preferably four perimeter edges, constituting a base plane. A container according to the disclosure further comprises a superstructure that is mechanically interconnected with the base structure by at least one connector assembly as described herein. The first connector part of said at least one connector assembly arranged at a perimeter edge and fastened to the base structure, such that the first axis of action is essentially in parallel with the base plane and the first direction points away from the base structure. A container that has a particularly high mechanical competence can be obtained if at least one first connector part is arranged at a corner of the base structure. A highly versatile variation of a container according to the disclosure may be obtained if the container base structure comprises four edges and four corners, wherein at each corner a connector assembly as described herein is arranged and aligned with its first direction pointing away from the base structure. A particularly lightweight variation of a container may be obtained if the base structure and/or the superstructure is at least partially made from a composite material, such as a fiber-reinforced plastic as described herein. For some applications, at least part of the base structure and/or at least part of the superstructure may be made from wood or from a metal, such as a steel or a lightweight metal as described herein. Hence, the herein described disclosure may be used to obtain metal-types as well as composite-types and hybrid-types of containers.
A particularly lightweight and at the same time mechanically competent container can be obtained if the superstructure comprises multiple beams that constitute a framework. Good results may be obtained if at least some of the beams are at least partially made from a fiber reinforced plastic.
According to a variation of the disclosure, the framework comprises at least one vertical beam that is aligned essentially perpendicular to the base plane and comprises a first beam end that is fastened to the second connector part of the at least one connector assembly. A vertical beam typically extends in vertical direction from the base structure. It may be a straight beam, but may also have at least one bend, respectively be curved, as will be shown in more detail in the drawings.
According to a variation of the disclosure which allows particularly easy repair and at the same time provides good protection against major structural damage can be obtained if the at least one vertical beam has a second beam end that is fastened to the second connector part of a second connector assembly, the second connector assembly arranged such that the first axis of action of the second connector assembly is essentially in parallel with the base plane and the first direction of the second connector assembly points to the outside of the container and the first connector part of the second connector assembly is fastened to a top structure of the superstructure. The top structure may e.g. comprise a framework and/or a shell and/or a plate.
According to a variation of the disclosure, the superstructure comprises at least one horizontal beam that has a first beam end, which is fastened to the second connector part of a first connector assembly. As well, the at least one horizontal beam comprises a second beam end that is fastened to the second connector part of a second connector assembly. According to such a variation, the first connector part of the first connector assembly is fastened to a first vertical beam and the first connector part of the second connector assembly is fastened to a second vertical beam. As well, according to such a variation the axes of action of the first and the second connector assembly are aligned such that first direction points to the outside of the container. According to a variation of the disclosure the first connector part of the first connector assembly is fastened to the first vertical beam in the region of a bend and the first connector part of the second connector assembly is fastened to the second vertical beam in the region of a bend. Such a variation of the disclosure may be advantageous in order to obtain containers that are contoured to the fuselage of an aircraft, such as e.g. a so-called contoured Unit Load Device (ULD).
In order to improve the mechanical competence of a superstructure comprising a framework that has at least one panel, at least one strut may be applied to inter-connect two diagonally opposite corners of the panel. The strut may e.g. comprise a rod-like structure that is able to be loaded under tension and compression or a wire or rope that can be loaded under tension only. Thus, the stiffness of the super-structure can be significantly increased, which makes it possible to comply with mandatory regulations concerning the stiffness of containers even if a particularly lightweight design is used.
Alternatively, or in addition, at least one panel of a framework may be at least partially covered by a sheeting. A sheeting may comprise e.g. a tarpaulin and/or a sheet metal and/or a plastic sheet and/or a fiber-reinforced plastic sheet. Good results may be obtained if the sheeting is fixedly interconnected with the beams (or other types of structural entities) delimiting the panel such that a shear panel is formed.
According to a variation of the disclosure, the container is an aircraft container, preferably a Unit Load Device type of container.
The present disclosure is also directed to providing a structural module to be used for a container. Such a structural module comprises at least one structural entity and at least one first or second connector part of a connector assembly as described herein. Thus, mechanically damaged structural entities of a container as described herein can be quickly and easily replaced, even if at least partially made from a fiber-reinforced plastic. A structural entity may e.g. be a base structure, like a base plate, or a shell structure or a beam structure, as will be shown in more detail below. The structural entity may be at least partially made from a composite material, such as a fiber-reinforced plastic, in particular a fiber-reinforced plastic with reinforcing fibers arranged in layers. However, for other applications, a structural entity may also at least partially be made from a metal, preferably a lightweight metal, such as an aluminum, magnesium or titanium.
According to a variation of the disclosure, the container may comprise various panels extending between the superstructure and/or the base structure to enclose a cargo space. If the superstructure and/or the base structure comprise beams, as explained above, the panels preferably extend (at least) between the beams of the superstructure and/or the base structure. Good results may be obtained if the panel is a sheer panel absorbing forces acting on the container, respectively the super-structure and/or the base structure. As described above, these panels may be made at least partially from materials such as lightweight metals (most commonly aluminum), plastic materials (e.g. plastic sheets or tarpaulin) or composite materials (e.g. fiber-reinforced plastics). The panels are preferably attached to the super-structure and/or the base structure via interconnection means, such as e.g. angled profiles. The angled profiles may be e.g. L- or U-shaped. If the superstructure and/or the base structure comprise beams, as explained above, the interconnection means advantageously attach the panels to the respective beams.
According to a variation of the disclosure, a rear side of the container may comprise at least one tapered surface. If two such containers are loaded into the hold of an airplane with the respective front sides (arranged opposite of the rear sides) abutting against each other, the container pair fits more neatly against the tubular cargo space walls of an aircraft, hence offering a beneficial space utilization of the hold. The rear side of the container may be covered by a single rear panel having a tapered surface or by multiple rear panels, wherein one panel covers the tapered surface. Due to structural reasons, the at least one rear panel is preferably made from sheet metal. For additional stiffness, the superstructure preferably may feature an additional beam in the area of the tapered surface and/or the at least one rear panel covering the tapered surface may feature a thicker sheet metal.
According to a variation of the disclosure, at least one removable panel may cover a cargo opening into a cargo space of the container, where the cargo is stored. The removable panel enables the cargo opening of the container to temporarily close and provides an easy access to the cargo space inside the container during loading and unloading. Preferably, the removable panel is made from plastic such as e.g. plastic tarpaulin, which is light and easy to remove and reattach. Furthermore, the cargo opening, respectively the removable panel, is preferably arranged on a side surface of the container (arranged between the front side and the rear side). The largest possible opening is achieved, if the removable panel extends over the entire side surface of the container. Preferably, the removable panel has the shape of the cross-section of the cargo space in direction parallel to the removable panel. Generally, the larger the cargo opening, the less stable and stiff is the overall structure of the container. Therefore, most cargo openings are designed smaller, such that they extend only partially over a side of the container. However, due to a combination of the connector assembly and the superstructure/base structure, a sufficiently stiff structure can be achieved, such that the cargo opening may be designed extending over the entire side surface and thereby providing a spacious cargo opening.
Depending on the design of the container, respectively the presence and the shape of the tapered surface, as explained above, the respective panels arranged on the side surfaces of the container may have five or six corners (or more). The top panel and/or the bottom panel and/or the front panel of the container can be rectangular. The panel arranged on the side surface of the container may however have the shape of an irregular hexagon or an irregular pentagon.
Alternatively, or in addition, the removable panel may further be designed as a roller blind with an open position where the cargo opening is open and a closed position where the cargo opening is closed and a roller sheet of the roller blind is extended. Preferably, the roller sheet is a plastic tarpaulin. The roller blind may further comprise a winding role, arranged at the superstructure or the base structure. Preferably, the winding role is arranged on an upper horizontal edge of the side surface (abutting against the top side). The extended roller sheet may be locked by a locking means at an opposite side of the cargo opening, e.g. on respective beams of the superstructure or the base structure. Furthermore, guiding means may be attached on the superstructure or the base structure guiding the roller sheet during opening and closing on the outer sides and further strengthening the roller blind in the closed position. The guiding means may further comprise clamping means to clamp the roller sheet on the outer sides such that the roller sheet is prevented from slipping out of the guiding means. The roller sheet may extend over an entire side surface of the container and may have a non-rectangular shape such as e.g. the shape of an irregular hexagon or an irregular pentagon.
The connector assembly as described above may comprise at least one panel made of composite material and/or metal and/or plastic. In a preferred variation of the disclosure, the at least one rear panel is made from metal meanwhile at least one removable panel is made from plastic or features a roller blind. The top side and/or the bottom side and/or the remaining side panel (opposite of the removable panel) may be made of composite material. However, other combinations of materials are also possible.
It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description present embodiments, and are intended to provide an over-view or framework for understanding the nature and character of the disclosure. The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding, and are incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate various embodiments, and together with the description serve to explain the principles and operation of the concepts disclosed.
The herein described invention will be more fully understood from the detailed description given herein below and the accompanying drawings, which should not be considered limiting to the invention described in the appended claims.
Reference will now be made in detail to certain embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all features are shown. Indeed, embodiments disclosed herein may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Whenever possible, like reference numbers will be used to refer to like components or parts.
As well, the connector assembly 1 shown in
Rather, the words used in the specification are words of description rather than limitation, and it is understood that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.
The rear side 41 of the container 10 hereby features a tapered surface 43, which extends between the two (bend) vertical beams 32, as explained before. The rear side 41 may be covered by at least one rear panel 603. Preferably, the rear panel(s) 603 are made of metal sheets. For additional stiffness, the superstructure 30 may feature an additional beam in the area of the tapered surface 43 (not shown) and/or the at least one rear panel 603 covering the tapered surface 43 may feature a thicker sheet metal.
The container 10 further comprises a cargo opening 900 extending over an entire side surface 40 of the container 10. A removable panel 602 (shown schematically), made e.g. of plastic tarpaulin, may cover and temporarily close the cargo opening. As it can be seen, the respective removable panel 602, covering the side surface 40 can have an irregular hexagonal shape. However, other shapes are also possible. Alternatively, a roller blind 608 (shown schematically) may be attached to temporally close the cargo opening 900. The side surface 40 opposite of the removable panel 602 is preferably closed by a side panel.
In the shown variation, the front panel 604, the side panel opposite of the removable panel 602 as well as the top and the bottom panel 606, 607 are made of composite material. The at least one rear panel 603 is made of metal. However, other combinations of materials are also possible.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01200/18 | Oct 2018 | CH | national |
| 00538/19 | Apr 2019 | CH | national |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/EP2019/076693 | 10/2/2019 | WO |
| Publishing Document | Publishing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| WO2020/070185 | 4/9/2020 | WO | A |
| Number | Name | Date | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8596013 | Boo | Dec 2013 | B2 |
| 9174796 | Holland | Nov 2015 | B2 |
| 20050011890 | Adler | Jan 2005 | A1 |
| 20080226386 | Yoshino | Sep 2008 | A1 |
| 20100021096 | Winkler | Jan 2010 | A1 |
| 20110248143 | Pierson | Oct 2011 | A1 |
| 20140131371 | Huber | May 2014 | A1 |
| 20150041461 | Daoud | Feb 2015 | A1 |
| 20150059259 | Hatzinikolas | Mar 2015 | A1 |
| 20150159362 | Pryor | Jun 2015 | A1 |
| Number | Date | Country |
|---|---|---|
| 4331835 | Mar 1995 | DE |
| 2010097378 | Sep 2010 | WO |
| 2012168305 | Dec 2012 | WO |
| 2013142096 | Sep 2013 | WO |
| Entry |
|---|
| PCT/EP2019/076693, International Search Report dated Dec. 12, 2019. |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20210395005 A1 | Dec 2021 | US |
