Receptacles – Freight containers
Patent
1997-04-25
2000-01-04
Castellano, Stephen
Receptacles
Freight containers
220 238, 220 2386, 206514, 206499, B65D 21024
Patent
active
060100214
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an assembly comprising a number of mini-containers which can be coupled to one another as well as to a part which has the base dimensions of an ISO container.
DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART
An assembly of this type is disclosed in European Patent Application 0 596 755. This publication describes mini-containers which have a length equal to the external transverse dimension of a standard ISO container. A number of mini-containers of this type can be placed transversely on a standard ISO loading platform and coupled to one another. In this way, mini-containers can be assembled to give a container block, which can be handled using conventional handling equipment for ISO containers. Mini-containers of this type can be removed from the loading platform at the place of destination.
Although a container system of this type is particularly attractive for, for example, use in large towns where customers are difficult to reach, there is the problem that the mini-containers are arranged relatively unprotected on the loading platform and, moreover, that, in any event, the end containers of a series of mini-containers must comply with the requirements laid down by ISO. Because it cannot always be guaranteed that specific mini-containers will be located at the ends of a loading platform, this implies in practice that, in particular, all corner points of all mini-containers must comply with the ISO requirements.
This implies that these mini-containers must be of relatively heavy construction, which raises the cost price.
Moreover, in European Patent Application 0 596 755 it is proposed to provide the short side of the mini-containers with doors. When assembled to produce a series of containers, this means that a large number of doors are exposed to interference by unauthorised persons.
In order to prevent adverse consequences, it is necessary to make the hinges and locking Systems of such doors of relatively heavy construction, as a result of which the costs of such mini-containers are yet further increased.
Finally, the loading platform used, on which the mini-containers are arranged, can be used only in combination with mini-containers of this type. There is no other conceivable use.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The aim of the present invention is to provide a construction with which the mini-containers are afforded greater protection and can be of more lightweight construction and with which the construction which accommodates the mini-containers is not only suitable for use in combination with mini-containers.
This aim is achieved in the case of an assembly as described above in that said part comprises a complete ISO container and in that the mini-containers are dimensioned so as to be accommodated in the interior of said ISO container.
Despite the fact that the carrying capacity of the mini-containers according to the invention is somewhat lower than the loading volume according to European Patent Application 0 596 755 as a result of the presence of the wall of the ISO container, the use of the mini-containers according to the invention is advantageous. After all, mini-containers of this type can be of relatively lightweight construction. This has an effect not only on the purchase price for such mini-containers but also on the carrying capacity of the ISO containers in which such mini-containers are arranged. Because the mini-containers are enclosed within a larger ISO container, the specifications in respect of hinges and locking systems do not have to be too stringent. Moreover, the ISO container in which the mini-containers are accommodated can also be used for other purposes.
A particularly effective use of space is obtained if two mini-containers stacked one on top of the other are accommodated in a standard ISO container.
The width of each mini-container is preferably equal to the internal width of a standard ISO container. Optimum filling of a standard ISO container can be provided in this way.
In contrast to the construction described in Europ
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Koster Rudy Hendrik Gerard
Zuidam Laurens Aart Pieter
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