US20090145896A1

US20090145896A1 - Bottom coupling structure for containers

Info

Publication number: US20090145896A1
Application number: US11/574,105
Authority: US
Inventors: Han Sun You
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2004-08-23
Filing date: 2005-08-23
Publication date: 2009-06-11
Also published as: WO2006022506A1; KR100541940B1; CN101031487A

Abstract

Disclosed herein is a bottom coupling structure for containers. The bottom coupling structure of the present invention is constructed by assembling a plurality of elements, each of which is made by pressing a plurality of wood slices, thus enhancing durability, water resistance, antibacterial activity, heat insulation ability and sound proofness. Furthermore, because the present invention reduces the weight of a container, portability and manufacturability of the container are superior. Moreover, because all elements constituting the bottom coupling structure are assembled together through fitting processes without welding, the manufacturing process is simplified. As well, thanks to the use of relatively inexpensive wood, the present invention is economical. As such, the present invention provides a bottom coupling structure having enhanced workability, economic efficiency, portability and maintainability.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates, in general, to bottom structures for containers and, more particularly, to a bottom coupling structure for a container which may be constructed by assembling a plurality of elements, each of which is made by pressing a plurality of wood slices and by bonding the wood slices to each other but which does not comprise steel, thus reducing the weight of the container, thereby enhancing durability, water resistance, antibacterial activity, heat insulation ability and sound-proofness, and enhancing portability and manufacturability of the container, and in which all elements constituting the bottom coupling structure are assembled together through fitting processes without welding, thus simplifying the assembly and manufacturing processes.

BACKGROUND ART

Generally, containers for efficiently transporting cargo are large assembly boxes, which are widely used for efficiently and economically transporting cargo. There is an advantage in that containers, in which cargo are loaded, can be easily loaded on and unloaded from a transport means, such as an overland carrier, a marine carrier or an air carrier.
Such containers include a container main body, which is formed by a bottom, sidewalls and a ceiling. The bottom, sidewalls and ceiling of most containers are made of steel plate and are provided with interior plates. This is a typical structure for the containers.
In detail, to manufacture a container, four vertical posts are provided at pre-determined positions. L-shaped members are attached to the outer surfaces of the lower ends of the vertical posts by welding. Supports, which are made of steel and each of which has a U shape, are longitudinally provided inside the L-shaped members and are spaced apart from each other at regular intervals. The opposite ends of each support are welded to the L-shaped members.
Thereafter, a steel plate is fastened to the upper surfaces of the supports by welding or using locking units, thus forming the bottom structure of the container.
However, the conventional container bottom structure manufactured through the. above-mentioned process has the following problems.
First, because the supports, the L-shaped members and the steel plate, which is the material of the bottom plate, are coupled together by welding, the manufacturing process is complex and the manufacturing time is increased, thus being inconvenient.
Second, the supports, the L-shaped members and the bottom plate, which are made of steel, increase the weight of the container, so that there is a burden on a transport process.
Third, because the supports, the L-shaped members and the bottom plate are made of steel, material cost increases, thus the price of the container is increased. As a result, due to the increased unit cost, profitability is reduced.
Fourth, the steel plate, which is the material of the bottom plate of the container, has high thermal conductivity. Therefore, in the summer, due to high terrestrial heat, the interior temperature of the container is easily increased, so that cargo kept in the container, may be deformed and damaged. Furthermore, in the winter, due to the deteriorated heat insulation of the container, there is a problem of vapor condensation, so that cargo in the container may be damaged while being stored or during a transport process.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

Technical Problem

Accordingly, the present invention has been made keeping in mind the above problems occurring in the prior art and provides an improved bottom coupling structure for containers.
A first object of the present invention is to provide a bottom coupling structure for containers which may be constructed by assembling a plurality of elements, each of which is made by pressing a plurality of wood slices and by bonding the wood slices to each other but which does not comprise steel, thus enhancing durability, water resistance, antibacterial activity, heat insulation ability and soundproofness, thereby preventing cargo stored in a container from being damaged in any season.
A second object of the present invention is to provide a bottom coupling structure, all elements of which are made of wood, thus enhancing portability and manufacturability of the container thanks to the reduced weight of the container.
A third object of the present invention is to provide a bottom coupling structure, all elements of which are made of wood and which are assembled together through fitting processes without welding, so that the assembly and manufacturing processes are simplified, thus reducing the unit cost of the container, thereby increasing economical efficiency.

Technical Solution

In order to accomplish the above objects, in an aspect, the present invention provides a bottom coupling structure for a container, which includes posts provided on four corners of the container, steel plates provided between the posts to form sidewalls and a ceiling of the container, and interior plates attached to inner surfaces of the steel plates, wherein the bottom coupling structure includes: a plurality of lateral frames provided on front and rear ends of a bottom of the container in four brackets, provided on lower edges of the bottom of the container and coupled to lower ends of the posts, with a stepped seat formed in each of opposite ends of each of the lateral frames, and a coupling notch formed at a medial position in each of the lateral frames; a plurality of longitudinal frames coupled at opposite ends thereof to the stepped seats formed on the opposite ends of the lateral frames, with a stepped seat formed along an upper end of each of the longitudinal frames, and a plurality of coupling notches formed adjacent to the stepped seat in each of the longitudinal frames and spaced apart from each other at regular intervals; a longitudinal support rib coupled to the coupling notches, formed at the medial positions in the lateral frames, with a pair of stepped seats formed along both edges of an upper end of the longitudinal support rib, and a plurality of coupling notches formed adjacent to the stepped seat in the longitudinal support rib and spaced apart from each other at regular intervals; a plurality of lateral support ribs fitted into both the coupling notches of the longitudinal frames and the coupling notches of the longitudinal support rib; and a pair of bottom plates, with a pair of stepped seats formed along opposite lower edges of each of the bottom plates, so that the stepped seats of the bottom plates are coupled both to the stepped seats of the longitudinal frames and to the stepped seats of the longitudinal support rib.
In another aspect, the present invention provides a bottom coupling structure for a container, which includes posts provided on four corners of the container, steel plates provided between the posts to form sidewalls and a ceiling of the container, and interior plates attached to inner surfaces of the steel plates, wherein the bottom coupling structure includes: a reinforcing plate provided in four brackets, provided on lower edges of the bottom of the container and coupled to lower ends of the posts; a plurality of longitudinal members, each having a rectangular shape, fastened to an upper surface of the reinforcing plate and spaced apart from each other; and a bottom plate fastened to the longitudinal members by a locking unit.
In a further aspect, the present invention provides a bottom coupling structure for a container, which includes posts provided on four corners of the container, steel plates provided between the posts to form sidewalls and a ceiling of the container, and interior plates attached to inner surfaces of the steel plates, wherein the bottom coupling structure includes: a support plate provided in four brackets, provided on lower edges of the bottom of the container and coupled to lower ends of the posts; and a bottom plate, with stepped seats formed under opposite ends of the bottom plate so that the stepped seats are seated on a plurality of angle bars provided on opposite ends of the support plate, a reinforcing member seating groove formed at a medial position under the bottom plate, and a reinforcing member inserted into the reinforcing member seating groove, the bottom plate being fastened to the angle bars by both the support plate and a locking unit.
Each of the stepped seats, formed along both edges of an upper end of the longitudinal support rib, may be angled at an acute angle.
The frames, the support ribs, the plates and the members may be made by pressing a plurality of wood slices and by bonding the wood slices to each other.

Advantageous Effects

A bottom coupling structure for containers according to the present invention is able to solve difficulties with an assembly process of a conventional container bottom structure, in which L-shaped members made of steel are welded to brackets or posts and spaced apart from each other at regular intervals and, thereafter, a steel bottom plate is welded to or fastened to the L-shaped members, made of steel, using locking units. Furthermore, all elements constituting the bottom coupling structure are made by pressing a plurality of wood slices and by bonding the wood slices to each other, thus enhancing durability. As well, because all elements constituting the bottom coupling structure are made of wood, the present invention can enhance portability and maintainability and eliminate an inconvenient welding process from the assembly of the bottom structure of the container. In addition, because all elements constituting the bottom coupling structure are assembled together through fitting processes, convenience and simplicity of the manufacturing process are ensured. Particularly, thanks to the use of relatively inexpensive wood, the present invention is very economical. As such, the present invention provides a bottom coupling structure having enhanced workability, economic efficiency, portability and maintainability.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a bottom coupling structure for containers, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the bottom coupling structure separated from a container body according to the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along the line A-A of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along the line B-B of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a longitudinal support rib of the bottom coupling structure for containers, according to the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a bottom plate of the bottom coupling structure for containers, according to the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a longitudinal frame of the bottom coupling structure for containers, according to the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a lateral frame of the bottom coupling structure for containers, according to the present invention;

FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of a bottom coupling structure for containers, according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a sectional view showing the assembled bottom coupling structure of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of a bottom coupling structure for containers, according to a further embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 12 is a sectional view showing the assembled bottom coupling structure of FIG. 11.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Embodiment

1

Hereinafter, a bottom coupling structure for containers according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.
FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a bottom coupling structure for containers, according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the bottom coupling structure separated from a container body according to the present invention. FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along the line A-A of FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along the line B-B of FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a longitudinal support rib of the bottom coupling structure for containers according to the present invention. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a bottom plate of the container bottom coupling structure of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a longitudinal frame of the container bottom coupling structure of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a lateral frame of the container bottom coupling structure of the present invention.
A typical container (C) includes posts (F), which are provided on four corners of the container body, steel plates which are provided between the posts (F) to form sidewalls and a ceiling of the container, and interior plates which are attached to inner surfaces of the steel plates. In this embodiment, the bottom coupling structure of the container (C) having the above-mentioned structure will be explained in detail.
In the drawings, the reference numeral 1 denotes a lateral frame. Two lateral frames 1 are provided on front and rear ends of the bottom of the container (C) in four brackets (B), which are provided on lower edges of the bottom of the container (C) and are coupled to the lower ends of the posts (F).
That is, the lateral frames 1 are provided in the bottom structure of the container, after a framework of the container is formed by coupling the brackets (B) to the posts (F). Furthermore, the lateral frames 1 are fastened to the brackets (B) using locking units (not shown) at the front and rear ends of the bottom of the container (C).
Two stepped seats 10 are formed in opposite ends of each lateral frame 1, and a coupling notch 11 is formed at a medial position in each lateral frame 1. Of course, each lateral frame 1 is made by pressing a plurality of wood slices and by bonding the wood slices to each other. Therefore, the lateral frame 1 has high density and thus has strength sufficient to support the weight of cargo.
The reference number 2 denotes a longitudinal frame. The brackets (B), which are mounted to the lower ends of the posts (F), are provided on opposite longitudinal sides of the bottom of the container (C) in addition to opposite lateral ends of the bottom. Two longitudinal frames 2 are provided in the brackets (B) in the same manner as that described for the lateral frames 1.
The longitudinal frames 2 are coupled at opposite ends thereof to the stepped seats 10 formed on the opposite ends of the lateral frames 1. A stepped seat 20 is formed along an upper end of each of the longitudinal frames 2. A plurality of coupling notches 21 is formed adjacent to the stepped seat 20 in each of the longitudinal frames 2. The coupling notches 21 are spaced apart from each other at regular intervals.
In other words, lower ends of the opposite ends of the longitudinal frames 2 are coupled to the stepped seats 10 of the lateral frames 1. Furthermore, a first surface of each lateral frame 1 and a first surface of each longitudinal frame 2 face the interior of the container. A second surface of each lateral frame 1 and a second surface of each longitudinal frame 2 are in close contact with the brackets (B). The lateral frames 1 and the longitudinal frames 2 are mounted to the brackets (B) by locking units (not shown) or, alternatively, they may be mounted to the brackets (B) by various locking means.
The reference numeral 3 denotes a longitudinal support rib. The longitudinal support rib 3 is coupled to the coupling notches 11, formed at the medial positions in the lateral frames 1. Two stepped seats 30 are formed along both edges of an upper end of the longitudinal support rib 3. A plurality of coupling notches 31 is formed adjacent to the stepped seat 30 in the longitudinal support rib 3. The coupling notches 31 are spaced apart from each other at regular intervals.
The reference numeral 4 denotes a lateral support rib. A plurality of lateral support ribs 4 are fitted into both the coupling notches 21 of the longitudinal frames 2 and the coupling notches 31 of the longitudinal support rib 3.
In detail, after the lateral frames 1 and the longitudinal frames 2 are coupled together, first ends of the lateral support ribs 4 are fitted into the coupling notches 21 of one longitudinal frame 2. Thereafter, second ends of the lateral support ribs 4 are fitted into the coupling notches 21 of the other longitudinal frame 2. The longitudinal support rib 3 is thereafter coupled to the lateral support ribs 4 by insertion of the lateral support ribs 4 into the coupling notches 31 of the longitudinal support rib 3.
The reference numeral 5 denotes a bottom plate. Each of two bottom plates 5 includes a pair of stepped seats 51, which are formed along opposite lower edges of the bottom plate 5. Thus, the stepped seats 51 of the bottom plates 5 are coupled both to the stepped seats 20 of the longitudinal frames 2 and to the stepped seats 30 of the longitudinal support rib 3.
Therefore, when the bottom plates 5 are coupled to the longitudinal frames and the longitudinal support rib, the upper surface of the bottom structure is level. This is the completely assembled state of the container bottom coupling structure.
Preferably, each of the stepped seats 30, formed along both edges of an upper end of the longitudinal support rib 3, is angled at an acute angle with respect to the horizontal plane so as to prevent the bottom plates 5 from being undesirably removed.
The assembly of the container bottom coupling structure according to the first embodiment having the above-mentioned construction will be explained herein below. First, the four brackets (B) are coupled to the lower ends of the posts (F) so as to be provided on lower edges of the bottom of the container (C). Thereafter, the lateral frames 1 are fastened to the front and rear ends of the bottom of the container (C) in the brackets (B). Subsequently, a first longitudinal frame 2 is coupled to the lateral frames 1 by inserting it into the stepped seats 10 of the first ends of the lateral frames 1. The first ends of the lateral support ribs 4 are thereafter inserted into the coupling notches 21 of the first longitudinal frame 2. Subsequently, a second longitudinal frame 2 is coupled to the stepped seats 100 of the second ends of the lateral frames 1. The second ends of the lateral support ribs 4 are thereafter inserted into the coupling notches 21 of the second longitudinal frame 2.
In the above state, the longitudinal support rib 3 is inserted into the coupling notches 11, formed at the medial positions of the lateral frames 1. Then, the lateral support ribs 4 are inserted into the coupling notches 31 of the longitudinal support rib 3.
In this state, the bottom plates 5, each having the stepped seats 51 on the opposite ends thereof, are coupled both to the stepped seats 20 of the longitudinal frames 2 and to the stepped seats 30 of the longitudinal support rib 3, thus completing the assembly of the bottom structure of the container (C).
Thereafter, the bottom structure is coupled to the container body including the sidewalls and the ceiling.

Embodiment 2

Hereinafter, a bottom coupling structure for containers according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be explained in detail with reference to the attached drawings.
FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the bottom coupling structure for containers, according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a sectional view showing the assembled container bottom coupling structure of FIG. 9.
The construction of a container (C) used in this embodiment is the same as that described for the first embodiment.
In detail, the container (C) includes posts (F), which are provided on four corners of the container (C), steel plates which are provided between the posts (F) to form sidewalls and a ceiling of the container (C), and interior plates which are attached to inner surfaces of the steel plates. As such, the container (C) of the second embodiment has the same construction as that of the first embodiment.
In the drawings, the reference numeral 6 denotes a reinforcing plate, and the reference numeral 7 denotes a longitudinal member.
In detail, the reinforcing plate 6 is provided in four brackets (B), which are provided on lower edges of the bottom structure of the container (C) and are coupled to lower ends of the posts (F). The reinforcing plate 6 is made of wood and has very high strength.
Furthermore, a plurality of longitudinal members 7, each having a rectangular shape, is fastened to the upper surface of the reinforcing plate 6. The longitudinal members 7 are spaced apart from each other. A bottom plate 50 is mounted on the longitudinal members 7 using locking units (P).
The assembly of the container bottom coupling structure of this embodiment is as follows.
The construction and installation of a basic framework of the container are the same as those of the first embodiment, therefore further explanation will be omitted. The reinforcing plate 6 is coupled to the brackets (B), which are installed in the bottom structure using the above-mentioned method. Subsequently, the longitudinal members 7 are fastened to the upper surface of the reinforcing plate 6 using a plurality of locking units (P). The bottom plate 50 is thereafter mounted on the longitudinal members 7 using the locking units (P).

Embodiment 3

Hereinafter, a bottom coupling structure for containers according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be explained in detail with reference to the attached drawings.
FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of the bottom coupling structure for containers, according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a sectional view showing the assembled container bottom coupling structure of FIG. 11.
The construction of a container (C) used in this embodiment is the same as that described for the first embodiment.
In detail, the container (C) includes posts (F), which are provided on four corners of the container (C), steel plates which are provided between the posts (F) to form sidewalls and a ceiling of the container (C), and interior plates which are attached to inner surfaces of the steel plates. As such, the container (C) of the second embodiment has the same construction as that of the first embodiment.
In the drawings, the reference numeral 8 denotes a support plate. The support plate 8 is provided in four brackets (B), which are provided on lower edges of the bottom of the container (C) and are coupled to lower ends of the posts (F).
The support plate 8 is relatively thick and is made by pressing a plurality of wood slices and by bonding them to each other.
The reference numeral 9 denotes an angle bar. Two angle bars 9 are provided on opposite ends of the support plate 8.
Furthermore, a bottom plate 500 is fastened to the angle bars 8 by both the support plate 8 and locking units (P). Two stepped seats 501 are formed under opposite ends of the bottom plate 500, so that the stepped seats 501 are seated on the angle bars 8. A reinforcing member seating groove 502 is formed at a medial position under the bottom plate 500. A reinforcing member 503 is inserted into the reinforcing member seating groove 502 of the bottom plate 500.
In this embodiment, the bottom plate 500 is mounted to the upper surface of the support plate 8 by the angle bars 8 so as to form a double bottom structure, thus making the bottom structure of the container stronger.
Meanwhile, the reinforcing member 503, which is inserted into the reinforcing member seating groove 502 of the bottom plate 500, solves the problem of the high weight of the bottom plate 500.
Of course, the frames 1 and 2, the support ribs 3 and 4, the plates 5, 8, 50 and 500 and the members 6, 70 and 503, which are described in the first, second and third embodiments, are made by pressing a plurality of wood slices and by bonding the wood slices to each other, thus having superior strength and durability.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

As describe above, the present invention provides a bottom coupling structure for containers which is able to solve difficulty occurring in a process of manufacturing a conventional container bottom structure, in which L-shaped members made of steel are welded to brackets or posts while being spaced apart from each other at regular intervals and, thereafter, a steel bottom plate is welded to or fastened to the L-shaped members using locking units. Moreover, in the present invention, because all elements constituting the bottom coupling structure are assembled together through fitting processes, convenience, simplicity and promptitude of the manufacturing process are ensured.

Claims

1. A bottom coupling structure for a container (C), which comprises posts (F) provided on four corners of the container (C), steel plates provided between the posts (F) to form sidewalls and a ceiling of the container, and interior plates attached to inner surfaces of the steel plates, wherein the bottom coupling structure comprises:

a plurality of lateral frames (1) provided on front and rear ends of a bottom of the container (C) in four brackets (B), provided on lower edges of the bottom of the container (C) and coupled to lower ends of the posts (F), with a stepped seat (10) formed in each of opposite ends of each of the lateral frames (1), and a coupling notch (11) formed at a medial position in each of the lateral frames (1);

a plurality of longitudinal frames (2) coupled at opposite ends thereof to the stepped seats (10) formed on the opposite ends of the lateral frames (1), with a stepped seat (20) formed along an upper end of each of the longitudinal frames (2), and a plurality of coupling notches (21) formed adjacent to the stepped seat (20) in each of the longitudinal frames (2) and spaced apart from each other at regular intervals;

a longitudinal support rib (3) coupled to the coupling notches (11), formed at the medial positions in the lateral frames (1), with a pair of stepped seats (30) formed along both edges of an upper end of the longitudinal support rib (3), and a plurality of coupling notches (31) formed adjacent to the stepped seat (30) in the longitudinal support rib (3) and spaced apart from each other at regular intervals; a plurality of lateral support ribs (4) fitted into both the coupling notches (21) of the longitudinal frames (2) and the coupling notches (31) of the longitudinal support rib (3); and

a pair of bottom plates (5), with a pair of stepped seats (51) formed along opposite lower edges of each of the bottom plates (5), so that the stepped seats (51) of the bottom plates (5) are coupled both to the stepped seats (20) of the longitudinal frames (2) and to the stepped seats (30) of the longitudinal support rib (3).

2. A bottom coupling structure for a container (C), which comprises posts (F) provided on four corners of the container (C), steel plates provided between the posts (F) to form sidewalls and a ceiling of the container, and interior plates attached to inner surfaces of the steel plates, wherein

the bottom coupling structure comprises: a reinforcing plate (6) provided in four brackets (13), provided on lower edges of the bottom of the container (C) and coupled to lower ends of the posts (F); a plurality of longitudinal members (7), each having a rectangular shape, fastened to an upper surface of the reinforcing plate (6) and spaced apart from each other; and a bottom plate (50) fastened to the longitudinal members (7) by a locking unit (P).

3. A bottom coupling structure for a container (C), which comprises posts (F) provided on four corners of the container (C), steel plates provided between the posts (F) to form sidewalls and a ceiling of the container, and interior plates attached to inner surfaces of the steel plates, wherein the bottom coupling structure comprises:

a support plate (8) provided in four brackets (B), provided on lower edges of the bottom of the container (C) and coupled to lower ends of the posts (F); and a bottom plate (500), with stepped seats (501) formed under opposite ends of the bottom plate (500) so that the stepped seats (501) are seated on a plurality of angle bars (9) provided on opposite ends of the support plate (8), a reinforcing member seating groove (502) formed at a medial position under the bottom plate (500), and a reinforcing member (503) inserted into the reinforcing member seating groove (502), the bottom plate (500) being fastened to the angle bars (9) by both the support plate (8) and a locking unit (P).

4. The bottom coupling structure according to claim 1, wherein each of the stepped seats (30), formed along both edges of an upper end of the longitudinal support rib (3), is angled at an acute angle.

5. The bottom coupling structure according to any one of claims 1 through 3, wherein the frames (1, 2), the support ribs (3, 4), the plates (5, 8, 50, 500) and the members (6, 70, 503) are made by pressing a plurality of wood slices and by bonding the wood slices to each other.