Multi-Use Intermodal Container

Abstract

A multi-use intermodal container for transporting cargo comprises compartments, each having both a hopper for discharging particulate material from the bottom of the compartments and a floor above the hopper for supporting standard freight thereon. The floor is arranged to allow passage of particulate material therethrough so that the compartments can be used either for bulk material transport or standard cargo/freight. A door in the side wall provides access to store cargo on the floor of the compartment and a roof hatch provides access to store bulk materials in the compartment for subsequent removal through the hopper.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a first embodiment of the container.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view along the line 2-2 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an end elevational view of the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view along the line 4-4 of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view along the line 5-5 of FIG. 3 in which the floor is shown partially removed.

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the container according to FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a plan view of one of the hatch covers.

FIG. 8 is a sectional view of one of the hatch covers shown in a closed position.

FIG. 9 is a bottom plan view of the container according to FIG. 1.

FIG. 10 is an enlarged plan view of one of the hopper discharge gates.

FIG. 11 is a sectional view of one of the hopper discharge gates.

FIG. 12 is a side elevational view of a second embodiment of the container.

FIG. 13 is a sectional view along the line 13-13 of FIG. 12.

Claims

1. A multi-use intermodal container comprising: a rectangular frame suitably sized and configured for stacking with conventional intermodal containers;at least one compartment supported on the frame, said at least one compartment comprising: a top wall enclosing a top side of the compartment and locating a hatch opening therein;a hatch cover for selectively closing the hatch opening;a hopper enclosing a bottom side of the compartment, the hopper tapering downwardly and inwardly to a discharge opening;a gate for selectively closing the discharge opening;upright side walls extending between the hopper and the top wall;and a floor spanning generally horizontally between the side walls above the hopper for supporting a load thereon, the floor being arranged to allow passage of particulate material therethrough; andat least one door supported in a respective one of the side walls for access to a hollow interior of said at least one compartment.

2. A container according to claim 1 wherein the floor comprises a grate including a plurality of through openings formed therein.

3. The container according to claim 1 wherein the floor spans between a bottom of the side walls and the hopper is located immediately below the floor.

4. The container according to claim 1 wherein the side walls extend substantially vertically upward from the floor.

5. The container according to claim 1 wherein said at least one door extends upwardly from the floor.

6. The container according to claim 1 wherein said at least one door is fully contained within a volume defined by a perimeter of the frame.

7. The container according to claim 1 wherein there is provided a plurality of compartments each including a hopper at a bottom end, a floor spanning above the hopper and at least one door in a respective one of the side walls thereof.

8. The container according to claim 1 wherein said at least one compartment is rectangular in cross section.

9. The container according to claim 1 wherein said at least one door includes a door supported at each end of the frame.

10. The container according to claim 1 wherein there are provided four compartments sequentially aligned with one another in a longitudinal direction of the frame and wherein said at least one door includes doors located along sides of the container which are associated with interior ones of the compartments.

11. The container according to claim 1 wherein the frame extends along a full rectangular perimeter about the hopper of said at least one compartment.

12. The container according to claim 1 in combination with a container carrying railcar having a deck upon which the frame of the container is supported and wherein the hopper of said at least one compartment is supported above the deck of the railcar.