DOORLESS INTERMODAL CARGO CONTAINER

• US 20070246466A1
• Filed: 04/18/2007
• Published: 10/25/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 04/20/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Cakeboxx, LLC
• Original Assignee: Cakeboxx, LLC
• Inventors: Whyte, Garry R.
• Granted Patent: US 8,002,134 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 220/200
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 88/121 ISO containers
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 88/126 by rigid element, e.g. lid
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 88/129 Transporter frames for containers
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 90/22 Safety features floating covers B65D88/34; arrangements of indicating or measuring devices B65D90/48; fire-fighting A62C
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 90/48 Arrangements of indicating or measuring devices

Abstract

In one embodiment, an intermodal cargo container includes a lid section having a rectangular box with an open bottom portion. A floor unit has a channel portion arranged around a periphery, and the channel portion received a bottom edge of the lid section. Locking mechanisms are arranged along an edge of the lid section to couple the lid section to plural rungs that extend across the channel portion. The sliding lock mechanism includes engagement tabs that engage associated rungs extending between two walls of the channel portion. Corner boxes are arranged at each corner of the floor unit. A sealing portion is provided within the channel so as to provide a fluid-tight seal when the lid section is coupled to the floor unit. An actuator mechanically assists in moving the lock mechanism. A gooseneck portion is arranged at each end of the container, and a spring assembly at a corner of the floor unit provides a spring tension to the sliding lock mechanism.

Claims

1. An intermodal cargo container, comprising:

a lid section;

a floor unit comprising a channel portion arranged around a periphery thereof, wherein the channel portion is arranged to receive a bottom edge portion of the lid section; and

a sliding lock mechanism arranged to slidingly couple the lid section to plural rungs connected to and extending across the channel portion.

2. The cargo container of claim 1, further comprising corner boxes arranged at each corner of the floor unit.

3. The cargo container of claim 1, wherein the lid section comprises a rectangular box having an open bottom portion.

4. The cargo container of claim 1, further comprising a sealing portion arranged within the channel portion, wherein the sealing portion provides a fluid-tight seal when the lid section is coupled to the floor unit.

5. The cargo container of claim 1, further comprising an actuator arranged to mechanically assist in moving the sliding lock mechanism in responsive to an operator command.

6. The cargo container of claim 1, further comprising a layer of insulation on the lid section and the floor unit.

7. The cargo container of claim 1, wherein the floor unit comprises a plurality of spaced-apart members arranged to allow air to freely flow into and out of an interior portion of the cargo container.

8. The cargo container of claim 1, further comprising a plastic liner on an interior portion of the lid section suitable for storing foodstuffs therein.

9. The cargo container of claim 1, further comprising a viewing port arranged on a section of the lid section so as to allow an interior portion of the cargo container to be viewed from outside the container.

10. The cargo container of claim 1, further comprising a sampling port arranged on the lid section, wherein the sampling port is suitable for connection to a gas analyzer.

11. The cargo container of claim 1, further comprising a gooseneck portion arranged at each end of the container.

12. The cargo container of claim 1, wherein the sliding lock mechanism comprises engagement tabs that engage associated rungs extending between two walls of the channel portion.

13. The cargo container of claim 1, comprising plural sliding locking mechanisms arranged along an open edge of the lid section.

14. The cargo container of claim 1, comprising an enclosed space extending below the latch housing and floor unit and containing an alarm system or a position indication system therein.

15. The cargo container of claim 1, comprising a spring assembly arranged at a corner of the floor unit so as to provide a spring tension to the sliding lock mechanism.

16. The cargo container of claim 15, wherein the spring assembly engages the sliding lock mechanism through a slot in the sliding lock mechanism.

17. The cargo container of claim 1, further comprising corner boxes arranged at each corner of the floor unit and at corners of an upper portion of the lid section.

18. An intermodal cargo container, comprising:

a lid section comprising a rectangular box having an open bottom portion;

a floor unit comprising a channel portion arranged around a periphery thereof, wherein the channel portion is arranged to receive a bottom edge portion of the lid section;

plural sliding locking mechanisms arranged along an open edge of the lid section to slidingly couple the lid section to plural rungs connected to and extending across the channel portion, wherein the sliding lock mechanism comprises engagement tabs that engage associated rungs extending between two walls of the channel portion;

corner boxes arranged at each corner of the floor unit and at corners of an upper portion of the lid section;

a sealing portion arranged within the channel portion, wherein the sealing portion provides a fluid-tight seal when the lid section is coupled to the floor unit;

an actuator arranged to mechanically assist in moving the sliding lock mechanism in responsive to an operator command;

a gooseneck portion arranged at each end of the container; and

a spring assembly arranged at a corner of the floor unit so as to provide a spring tension to the sliding lock mechanism.

19. A method of offloading or inspecting cargo in an intermodal shipping container, the method comprising:

decoupling a top section of the cargo container from a floor section thereof;

removing the top section from the bottom section so as to provide an unobstructed access to the cargo;

inspecting the cargo of the container by visual or by an instrument; and

removing contents of the container from any side or end of the floor section.

20. A method of loading granular material in an intermodal cargo container, the method comprising:

decoupling a top section of the cargo container from a floor section thereof;

removing the top section from the bottom section;

inverting the top section so as to provide a receptacle for the granular material;

pouring the granular cargo into the inverted top section; and

coupling the floor section to the inverted top section.