Container System and Container

Abstract

Freight container system comprising a first type of container and a second type container. The first type container comprises only corner posts and no further posts. The second type of container comprising mediate posts. Also is disclosed a freight container comprising mediate posts (8). Wherein the system allows for further possibilities of stacking than previously known freight containers. The disclosure is also related to a freight container.

Description

BACKGROUND

ISO 668:2020, 7 Ed. is the international standard that sets the classification of series 1 freight containers based on external dimensions. The standard specifies the pertaining classification and in relevant cases the minimal dimensions for internal and external door opening for certain types of containers.

ISO 1496-1:2013, 6 Ed.

Specifies the basics and test demands for ISO series 1 freight containers, both closed and open top, as well as ventilated containers, suitable for international transports on road, railroad, and sea, including change between transport types.

ISO 1161:2016, 5 Ed.

Is the international standard that sets the basic dimensions and function requirements, as well as the strength requirements for corner and middle fittings for freight containers in Series 1, that is containers that fulfil ISO 668 and 1496.

The above ISO-standards reflect the requirements for a freight container. The standards are mandatory if a container provided to the market is to be used on a ship in cooperation with other containers on the market. The use of these standards is widely spread and thus the standards set the boarders in which container manufacturing is defined by any container manufacturer.

There has been disclosed alternative container designs in order to address loading space and loading needs. One document describing such a container is U52009184112, where a container is disclosed as tiltable to the side.

SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The current ISO system and prior art have several disadvantages. In particular there are particular requirements regarding how different sizes of containers made according to the ISO-systems are stacked. If smaller containers are loaded early on a boat deck, larger containers loaded at a later stage in the loading process cannot be stacked onto the smaller containers. Therefore there is an inbuilt risk of damaging containers when loading and also the loading process cannot be adapted freely. Thus, there is a need to provide an updated freight container system comprising a group of freight containers. Each container of the system comprises a first side, a second side, a third side, and a fourth side, optionally also an over side, an underside. Each side being at an angle of 90 degrees to an adjacent side. The four corners of the containers have corner posts. The corner posts are parallel to each other. The group of freight containers comprise a first type container. The first type container has a distance from one corner post centre line to a second corner post centreline being a predetermined distance along a respective parallel side of the first type container. The group of containers comprises a second type of container comprising one or more pairs of mediate posts. The second type container comprises a distance from the centre line of at least one pair of corner posts and/or a pair of mediate posts to a centreline of next pair of mediate post and/or a further pair of corner posts being equal to or larger than the predetermined distance (Lb).

The advantage of the system is that any container of the system can be positioned on top of any other container of the system as long as the balance horizontally is not jeopardized i.e. if the container below is considerably smaller in length than the container put on top, a balancing problem may occur. This, will thus also have the advantage that loading operations will be simplified and go faster.

According to a further aspect of the disclosure there is suggested a freight container system wherein when a first type container is positioned on top or below a second type container a first pair of corner posts of the first type container positioned in line with a pair of mediate posts of the second type of container, the second pair of corner posts of the first type container will be supported on a further pair of mediate posts or a further pair of corner posts of the second type container.

The advantage with the system of the above is improved flexibility in the system in terms of arranging containers of the system together.

According to a further aspect of the disclosure there is suggested a freight container system wherein each mediate post of the second type container is arranged such that it is able to be loaded with higher load than a corner post of the said first type container and/or a corner post of the second type container, preferably the mediate post is designed to hold higher load by increased dimension of the of the mediate post with the same material as compared with a corner post.

By providing mediate posts that are able to sustain more load than the corner posts, the system becomes even more flexible, i.e. the weight of containers stacked onto each other need not be kept in a narrow range. Also it will allow for higher stacks of containers.

According to a further aspect of the disclosure there is suggested a freight container system wherein each mediate post of each second type container has an horizontal width in a first direction, that exceeds the width of a corner post of any of the containers in the container system. Wherein the first direction is the same direction as a line drawn between two corner posts and extending through at least one mediate post of the second type container.

The effect of the above feature is that several smaller containers may be positioned under or over a larger container. Thus corner posts of different containers may share support on the same mediate posts.

According to a further aspect of the disclosure there is suggested a freight container system wherein the width of any container of the system is the same.

By having the same width the containers will be fully stackable in any configuration.

According to a an aspect there is suggested a freight container, wherein the freight container comprises having a first side, a second side, a third side, and a fourth side, optionally an over side, an underside, each side being at an angle of 90 degrees to an adjacent side, wherein the four corners of the container have corner posts, wherein the corner posts are parallel to each other. The freight container) further comprises at least one pair of mediate posts. Wherein the mediate posts are positioned between the corner posts. The distance between the centreline of a pair of mediate posts to a centreline of at least one of the corner posts pairs and/or to a further pair of mediate posts is larger than a predetermined distance Lb. Further the predetermined distance Lb is not as small as a distance between the facing peripheries of two adjacent mediate posts and/or corner posts, wherein a freight container having the predetermined distance (Lb) between the corner posts of the container, may be supported by the pair of mediate posts and a further pair of mediate posts or by the mediate posts with one of the pairs of corner posts.

The container of above has essentially the same advantages as any container of the system except the first type container which lacks the mediate posts.

According to a further aspect a freight container is proposed wherein each mediate post of the container is arranged such that it is able to be loaded with higher load than a corner post of the said first type container or a corner post of the second type container. It is preferred that the mediate post is designed to hold higher load by increased dimension of the material of the mediate post compared with the material as compared with a corner post.

The advantage of the above container has been discussed with the freight container system. Also it allows for an increased flexibility of stacking and storing freight containers.

According to a further aspect of it is proposed a freight container according to the above wherein each mediate post of the container has an horizontal width in a first direction, that exceeds the width of a corner post of the container, wherein the first direction is the same direction as a line drawn between two corner posts and extending through at least one mediate post of the container.

The advantage has been discussed above regarding the system. But it is an advantage that two corner posts of different containers may be positioned on or under a mediate post. This improves the stacking possibilities considerably.

According to a further aspect of it is proposed a freight container according to the above wherein the predetermined distance (Lb) is arranged such that any ISO-container can be loaded on top of the container, as long as container has the same or longer length than the ISO-container, that is to be loaded on the container.

The advantage of the above has been discussed already above. But in particular it is an advantage if the Lb distance is set in line with the ISO defined sizes of containers, such that the corner posts of an iso container may be positioned on a container according to the above.

According to a further aspect there is proposed a freight container wherein the mediate posts are positioned between the corner posts on a respective long side, wherein the distances between the centrelines of the pair of mediate posts to the centrelines of at least one of the corner post pairs on a respective side as the respective mediate posts and/or to the further pair of mediate posts on the same long side are larger than the predetermined distance, further the predetermined distance is not as small as the distance between the facing peripheries of two adjacent mediate posts on the same long side and/or corner posts on the same long side.

LIST OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 discloses the system of the present disclosure with two freight containers seen from a long side view.

FIG. 2 discloses the system of FIG. 1 from above.

FIG. 3 discloses a group of freight containers of the system stacked on each other.

FIG. 4 discloses a different group of freight containers of the system stacked on each other.

FIG. 5 discloses a group of freight containers all of the system that are stacked on each other in a random manner.

FIG. 6 discloses a typical container of the second type seen from long side and from above.

FIG. 7 discloses the essential elements of a freight container according to the disclosure.

FIG. 8 discloses a group of freight containers as stacked, wherein there is a mixture of sizes of freight containers.

FIG. 9 discloses a stacking example according to the system.

FIG. 10 discloses a stacking example according to the system

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure is related to freight containers. These type of containers are generally used in logistic operations when material is transported both on land and at sea. In general freight containers are made up from steel, even though other materials are thinkable.

In relation to the present disclosure the freight containers of the disclosure in general are a box type container. There are thus four vertical sides and a bottom. There are normally a top side also but it is also thinkable that the container have an open top. The container of the disclosure also has doors. These doors can be present on any side of the container. There can also be doors on more than one side or even all sides of the container.

In general the present disclosure the is also related to a freight container system. The system is thus related to any size of freight container.

FIG. 1 discloses a freight container system 100. The system 100 comprises a first type container 1 and a second type container 10. Each container of the system comprises four sides, 2a, 2b, 2c, 2b. As a definition two sides 2a, 2b are end sides, and two sides are long sides 2c, 2d.

In general doors are positioned on one or both end sides 2a, 2b. There can also be doors positioned on the long sides 2c, 2d.

Each container of the system 100 comprises corner posts 4. In particular each container comprises four corner posts 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d. The same corner posts 4 are also represented in FIG. 7. The corner posts are positioned at each corner of any container of the system.

The first type container 1 is the smallest unit of the system setting the standard for the complete system 100. The first type container 1 has no further posts than four corner posts 4.

Between the centreline each corner post 4 of the first type container there is a predetermined distance Lb. The distance Lb is valid for each long side 2b, 2d. of the first type container 1.

The system 100 comprises a second type container 10. The second type container 10 comprises four corner posts 4. The second type container 10 comprises has longer long sides 2c′, 2d′ than the first type container 1. The second type container 10 has a mediate post 8 on each long side. The mediate post 8a on a first long side 2c′ is positioned at the same distance from an end side 2a as a corresponding mediate post 8b on the other long side 2d′ of the second type container 10. The mediate posts 8a, 8b constitutes a mediate post pair. With a pair is meant two mediate or corner posts that are facing each other in width direction of the container. In the second type container 10 there is also a predetermined distance Lb represented. This predetermined distance is either from a centre line 5 of a corner post 4 to the first half of a mediate post 8. I.e. the distance between the centre line of the corner post 4 to the centre line of the mediate post 8, on both long sides, are longer than the predetermined distance Lb. Half in this context is referring to the width of the mediate posts 8. Thus the centre line 6 of a mediate post 8 runs through the middle with one half on each side.

Thus if a first type container 1 is positioned below or on top of a second type container 10, as seen in FIG. 3, it is possible to position the first type container with a first corner post pair 4a, 4d in line with a corner post pair of the second type container 10. The other corner post pair 4b and 4c is then possible to be supported by the mediate post pair 8, as seen in FIG. 3.

The second type container may be defined as any container having one or more mediate post 8 pairs. For example there can be a mediate post pair 8 positioned centrally in a second type container as presented in FIG. 4. In this case there are two first type containers positioned on top of the second type container 20. For better understanding the first type containers 1 have a magnification of the gap between the two containers. The same is also applicable if the two first type containers 1 would be positioned below the second type container 10.

Thus by introducing the predetermined distance Lb the containers of the system are freely stackable. In FIG. 5 there is disclosed a stack of containers of the system 100. As can be seen in the FIG. 5 the position in the stack of the first type 1 and the second type of containers is not of importance when using the present system. The stack in FIG. 5 discloses a pile of containers with 20 levels. The aim of the system by introduction of mediate posts is that it should be possible to stack at least 20 levels of containers.

FIG. 6 discloses a second type container 30 according to the system 100. The second type container 30 of FIG. 6 has two mediate post pairs, 8a, 8b and 8c and 8d. The distances between the centre lines 6 of the mediate post pairs on each side is larger than the predetermined distances Lb, but at the same time small enough to allow for a first type 1 container to be positioned with support from both mediate posts 8 of the second type container 30 of FIG. 6. Also the distance between a corner post 4 centre line 5 to a mediate post centre line 8 is larger than the predetermined distance Lb.

Thus it should be stated that the predetermined distance Lb is applicable to all containers of the system. Either between two centre lines of two corner posts in the first type container 1. Or the predetermined distance is present from a corner post 4 centreline to a first half of a mediate post 8. Or the predetermined distance Lb is present in between mediate posts 8 without extending over any of the centre lines 5, 6 of these mediate posts 8.

Thus as can be seen in FIGS. 8, 9 and 10. The containers of the present system 100 can be positioned freely in a manner that would not be possible with ISO-containers. For example in FIGS. 8 and 9 there can be seen how the predetermined distance Lb of various container of the system provides for a very free positioning of the containers.

FIG. 10 discloses a chain of possible choices of container sizes, all being in line with the present disclosure and thus they all provides for a predetermined distance Lb.

Mediate posts 8, see FIG. 7 have a larger section area than the corner posts. As a general definition the width of the mediate posts 8 must be at least double the width of any corner post 4. In order to achieve full stackability the mediate posts 8 should be even broader, as this will allow for a gap 9 as seen for example in FIG. 8 or FIG. 4, when two adjacent containers are positioned on a larger container below. The same gap will of course occur if the smaller containers is positioned below a larger container comprising mediate posts 8. Also in order for the mediate post 8 can fulfil the intention of the system 100, the mediate posts 8 should be able to withstand a higher loading than any corner post 4. At least 50% more than a corner post 4 is in line with the disclosure of the system 100.

The present disclosure is also related to a freight container 10, 20, 30 that is provided with at least one pair of mediate posts 8. The container 10, 20, 30 is in general the container discussed above that is defined as being of the second type. The freight container may have any appropriate number of mediate posts 8 pairs. The freight container 10, 20, 30 should also between each mediate post pair have a predetermined distance of Lb between each mediate post 8 half. Thus Lb is not as long as between each mediate post 8 centre line 6, see for example FIG. 6 but also FIG. 8, neither so short that starting from the periphery of one mediate post 8a it will not reach within the next mediate post closest periphery 8c, see FIG. 6.

Any container of the system 100 each corner post may be provided with corner fittings as described in ISO 1161 standard.

The mediate posts 8 are provided with a double set up of corner fittings arranged such that they may attach to two separate corner posts 4 positioned on or from below to a respective mediate post 8.

Periphery is preferably defined the side of the mediate post or corner post that is facing another side of a corner post or mediate post, on the same side of the container 10, 20, 30. This means in general a corner post 4 or a mediate post 8 on the same long side. See for example FIG. 2 side 2c′ where a corner post 4a is positioned next to a mediate post 8a on the same long side 2c′. Thus the shortest predetermined Lb distance is between the side of post 4a that is facing mediate post 8a, as seen in FIG. 2 and the side of the mediate post 8a facing the corner post 4a. When discussing a mediate post pair 8 the pair is facing each other through the container, as can be seen in FIG. 6 with mediate posts 8a and 8b. Thus two mediate posts as for example mediate posts 8a and 8c, on the same long side in FIG. 6 are not to be defined as a pair for the present disclosure.

Thus a freight container 10, 20, 30 is disclosed, wherein the freight container 20 comprises having a first side 2a, a second side 2b, a third side 2c, and a fourth side 2d, optionally an over side 2e, an underside 2f, each side being at an angle of 90 degrees to an adjacent side. The four corners 3 of the container have corner posts 4a-4d, wherein the corner posts are parallel to each other. The freight container 10, 20, 30 further comprises at least one pair of mediate posts 8a, 8b, wherein the mediate posts 8a, 8b are positioned between the corner posts 4a-4d on a respective long side. The distances between the centrelines 6 of a pair of mediate posts 8a, 8b to the centrelines 5 of at least one of the corner posts pairs 4a, 4b on a respective side as the respective mediate posts 8a, 8b and/or to a further pair of mediate posts 8c, 8d on the same long side are larger than a predetermined distance Lb. The predetermined distance Lb is not as small as a distance between the facing peripheries of two adjacent mediate posts 8a, 8d on the same long side and/or corner posts 4 on the same long side. This means a freight container having the predetermined distance Lb between the corner posts of the container may be supported by the pair of mediate posts 8a, 8b and a further pair of mediate posts 8c, 8d, or by the mediate posts 8a, 8b with one of the pairs of corner posts 4a, 4b.

Claims

1. A freight container system, comprising a group of freight containers, each container of the system comprises a first side, a second side, a third side, and a fourth side, each side being at an angle of 90 degrees to an adjacent side, wherein the four corners of the freight containers have corner posts, wherein the corner posts are parallel to each other,wherein the group of freight containers comprise a first type container,wherein the first type container has a distance from one corner post centre line to a second corner post centreline being a predetermined distance along a respective parallel side of the first type container,wherein the group of containers comprises a second type of container comprising one or more pairs of mediate posts,wherein the second type container comprises a distance from the centre line of at least one pair of corner posts and/or a pair of mediate posts to a centreline of next pair of mediate post and/or a further pair of corner posts being equal to or larger than the predetermined distance.

2. A freight container system, wherein when a first type container is positioned on top or below a second type container a first pair of corner posts of the first type container positioned in line with a pair of mediate posts of the second type of container, the second pair of corner posts of the first type container will be supported on a further pair of mediate posts or a further pair of corner posts of the second type container.

3. The freight container system according to claim 1, wherein each mediate post of the second type container is arranged such that it is able to be loaded with higher load than a corner post of the said first type container and/or a corner post of the second type container, wherein the mediate post is configured to hold a higher load by increased dimension of the mediate post with the same material as compared with a corner post.

4. The freight container system according to claim 1, wherein each mediate post of each second type container has a horizontal width in a first direction, that exceeds the width of a corner post of any of the containers in the container system, wherein the first direction is the same direction as a line drawn between two corner posts and extending through at least one mediate post of the second type container.

5. The freight container system according to claim 1, wherein the width of any container of the system is the same.

6. A freight container, wherein the freight container comprises having a first side, a second side, a third side, and a fourth side, optionally an over side, an underside, each side being at an angle of 90 degrees to an adjacent side, wherein the four corners of the container have corner posts, wherein the corner posts are parallel to each other, the freight container further comprises at least one pair of mediate posts, wherein the mediate posts are positioned between the corner posts, wherein the distance between the centreline of a pair of mediate posts to a centreline of at least one of the corner posts pairs and/or to a further pair of mediate posts is larger than a predetermined distance, further the predetermined distance is not as small as a distance between the facing peripheries of two adjacent mediate posts and/or corner posts wherein a freight container having the predetermined distance between the corner posts of the container is configured to be supported by the pair of mediate posts and a further pair of mediate posts, or by the mediate posts, with one of the pairs of corner posts.

7. The freight container according to claim 2, wherein each mediate post of the container is arranged such that it is able to be loaded with higher load than a corner post of the said first type container or a corner post of the second type container, wherein the mediate post is configured to hold higher load by increased dimension of the material of the mediate post compared with the material as compared with a corner post.

8. The freight container according to claim 6, wherein each mediate post of the container has a horizontal width in a first direction, that exceeds the width of a corner post of the container, wherein the first direction is the same direction as a line drawn between two corner posts and extending through at least one mediate post of the container.

9. The freight container according to claim 6, wherein the predetermined distance is arranged such that any ISO-container can be loaded on top of the container, as long as the container has the same or longer length than the ISO-container that is to be loaded on the container.

10. The freight container according to claim 6, wherein the mediate posts are positioned between the corner posts on a respective long side, wherein the distances between the centrelines of the pair of mediate posts to the centrelines of at least one of the corner post pairs on a respective side as the respective mediate posts and/or to the further pair of mediate posts on the same long side are larger than the predetermined distance, further the predetermined distance is not as small as the distance between the facing peripheries of two adjacent mediate posts on the same long side and/or corner posts on the same long side.

11. The freight container according to claim 1, further including an over side and an underside.