Shock-absorbing cargo container

Abstract

A cargo container assembly includes a cargo container for transporting goods. A plurality of support assemblies are connected to a bottom of a base of the cargo container. Each support assembly includes a foot or support pad connected to the bottom of the base by one or more compressible, or otherwise shock-absorbing, leg mechanisms. One or more of the leg mechanisms optionally include a compression spring for providing shock absorption under loading conditions. The bottom surface of each support pad is preferably flat, or substantially flat, for resting on the ground or on other relatively even surfaces, and for facilitating movement of the support pad along roller-ball conveyors, roller-mats, and other conveyor systems. Because the support assemblies position the container base above the ground, the container assembly can readily be lifted by the arms of a pallet jack.

1 . A cargo container assembly, comprising:
 a cargo container including a base, side walls attached to the base, a top attached to the side walls, and a loading opening in at least one of the side walls and the top;   a plurality of support assemblies connected to a bottom of the base, with each support assembly comprising:
 a support pad; and 
 at least one shock-absorbing leg mechanism connecting the support pad to the bottom of the base. 
   
   
   
       2 . The cargo container assembly of  claim 1  wherein each support pad has a substantially flat lower surface for facilitating movement of the support pad along a roller-ball conveyor. 
   
   
       3 . The cargo container assembly of  claim 1  wherein the base is substantially rectangular, and wherein each bottom corner region of the base includes a support assembly connected thereto. 
   
   
       4 . The cargo container assembly of  claim 3  wherein each support assembly connected to a bottom corner region of the base includes at least two compressible leg mechanisms. 
   
   
       5 . The cargo container assembly of  claim 3  wherein each support assembly connected to a bottom corner region of the base includes at least four compressible leg mechanisms. 
   
   
       6 . The cargo container assembly of  claim 1  wherein at least one of the support assemblies is connected to a substantially central region of the bottom of the base. 
   
   
       7 . The cargo container assembly of  claim 1  wherein openings are provided between the support assemblies for receiving lifting arms on a pallet jack. 
   
   
       8 . The cargo container assembly of  claim 1  wherein each leg mechanism includes a compressible rubber spring. 
   
   
       9 . The cargo container assembly of  claim 1  wherein the plurality of support assemblies are arranged in three rows on the bottom of the base, with each row including three support assemblies. 
   
   
       10 . The cargo container assembly of  claim 1  wherein each support pad includes an edge rail attached along a perimeter of the support pad. 
   
   
       11 . A cargo container assembly, comprising:
 a cargo container including a substantially rectangular base having four corner regions, wherein each corner region includes;
 a leg assembly extending downwardly from the base, with the leg assembly including a compression spring; and 
 a support pad connected to a lower region of the leg assembly. 
   
   
   
       12 . The cargo container assembly of  claim 11  wherein each corner region includes a plurality of leg assemblies extending downwardly from the base, with the support pad connected to a lower region of each of the plurality of leg assemblies. 
   
   
       13 . The cargo container assembly of  claim 12  wherein the plurality of leg assemblies at each corner region comprises four leg assemblies positioned substantially at four corners of the support pad. 
   
   
       14 . The cargo container assembly of  claim 11  wherein each support pad has a substantially flat lower surface for facilitating movement of the support pad along a roller-ball conveyor. 
   
   
       15 . The cargo container assembly of  claim 11  further comprising an interior leg assembly extending downwardly from a substantially central region of the base, and an interior support pad connected to a lower region of the interior leg assembly. 
   
   
       16 . The cargo container assembly of  claim 11  wherein openings are provided between the corner regions for receiving lifting arms on a pallet jack. 
   
   
       17 . The cargo container assembly of  claim 11  wherein each of the compression springs comprises a rubber material. 
   
   
       18 . The cargo container assembly of  claim 11  wherein each of the support pads includes an edge rail attached along a perimeter of the support pad. 
   
   
       19 . A cargo container assembly, comprising:
 a cargo container including a base; and   shock-absorbing means connected to a bottom of the base for supporting the base in a position above a surface, wherein openings are provided between the shock-absorbing means for receiving lifting arms on a pallet jack.   
   
   
       20 . The cargo container assembly of  claim 19  wherein the shock-absorbing means comprise a plurality of leg assemblies, each including a compression spring, attached to a substantially flat support means for resting on a surface.