Freight container

Abstract

The present invention relates to a freight container ( 1 ) with controlled inner environment. The container ( 1 ) has protruding wall sections ( 22 ) adjacent to edges ( 20, 21 ) and walls ( 12, 16, 18 ) that comprise said protruding wall sections ( 22 ) are formed together as one integrated part. An air-filled space is formed between adjacent containers by the protruding wall sections ( 22 ). Preferably, the integrated part comprises an inner shell ( 42 ) and an outer shell ( 40 ) with insulating material in between. The outer shell ( 40 ) preferably comprises a polymer material, which is reinforced at the protruding wall sections ( 22 ). The protruding wall sections ( 22 ) preferably have a rounded-off shape, preferably extend along the entire length of respective edge ( 20, 21 ), and preferably are provided on substantially vertical walls ( 12 ). The bottom wall ( 18 ) and top wall ( 16 ) of the container ( 1 ) preferably have complementary projections ( 50 ) and recesses ( 52 ).

1 . A container with controlled inner environment comprising: 
 a case having at least four walls interconnected by edges; and    at least one lid;    whereby wall sections of walls adjacent to at least two of said edges protrude outside main planes of adjacent walls;    and whereby walls comprising said wall sections are formed together as one integrated part.    
     
     
         2 . A container according to  claim 1 , wherein said integrated part in turn comprises: 
 an outer shell;    an inner shell fixed within said outer shell;    whereby an interspace is defined by said outer and inner shells; and    insulating material occupying a substantial part of said interspace.    
     
     
         3 . A container according to  claim 2 , wherein said outer shell comprises a polymer material, reinforced at said protruding wall sections.  
     
     
         4 . A container according to  claim 1 , wherein edges adjacent to said protruding wall sections have a generally rounded-off shape.  
     
     
         5 . A container according to  claim 2 , wherein edges adjacent to said protruding wall sections have a generally rounded-off shape.  
     
     
         6 . A container according to  claim 4 , wherein said rounded-off edges have a radius of at least 3% of the width of any adjacent wall.  
     
     
         7 . A container according to  claim 5 , wherein said rounded-off edges have a radius of at least 3% of the width of any adjacent wall.  
     
     
         8 . A container according to  claim 1 , wherein said protruding wall sections protrude at least 4 mm outside said main plane of respective wall.  
     
     
         9 . A container according to  claim 2 , wherein said protruding wall sections protrude at least 4 mm outside said main plane of respective wall.  
     
     
         10 . A container according to  claim 1 , wherein said protruding wall sections extend substantially along the entire length of respective edge.  
     
     
         11 . A container according to  claim 2 , wherein said protruding wall sections extend substantially along the entire length of respective edge.  
     
     
         12 . A container according to  claim 4 , wherein said protruding wall sections extend substantially along the entire length of respective edge.  
     
     
         13 . A container according to  claim 6 , wherein said protruding wall sections extend substantially along the entire length of respective edge.  
     
     
         14 . A container according to any of the  claims 1  to  13 , wherein protruding wall sections are provided on substantially vertical walls.  
     
     
         15 . A container according to  claim 1 , wherein a first one of said walls constitutes a bottom wall,and a second one of said walls constitutes a top wall, said bottom wall and top wall being provided with complementary projections and recesses.  
     
     
         16 . A container according to  claim 1 , wherein inner walls of said container are provided with recesses for receiving of edges of an insulating panel therein.  
     
     
         17 . A method of producing a container with controlled inner environment, comprising the steps of: 
 casting an outer shell with at least three walls interconnected by edges, said outer shell having wall sections of said walls adjacent to at least two of said edges that protrude outside main planes of both adjacent walls;    casting an inner shell;    inserting said inner shell into said outer shell; and    injecting insulating material into an interspace between said inner and outer shell, forming one integrated part.    
     
     
         18 . A method of producing a container according to  claim 17 , comprising the further step of reinforcing said protruding wall sections with polymer material.  
     
     
         19 . A method of producing a container according to  claim 16  or  17 , wherein said casting steps are performed with polymer material.  
     
     
         20 . A method of transporting containers with controlled inner environment, comprising the step of: 
 placing containers side by side;    whereby protruding wall sections of said containers are placed in contact with or in close proximity of a neighbouring container, defining air-filled space between adjacent container walls.