Lower frame assembly for a collapsible container

Abstract

The present invention discloses a novel apparatus for improving the structural integrity of a folding shipping container in order to improve safety and durability of the shipping container. A foldable shipping container is provided having an improved lower frame assembly.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A supporting frame assembly for a collapsible container comprising:
 a first lower base beam extending from a front of the container to a rear of the container;   a second lower base beam generally parallel to the first lower base beam and spaced a distance from the first lower base beam, the second lower base beam extending from the front of the container to the rear of the container; and,   a plurality of cross members secured to and extending between the first lower base beam and the second lower base beam, the plurality of cross members comprising:
 a vertical member; 
 a first leg extending in a generally perpendicular direction from a first end of the vertical member; and, 
 a second leg extending from a second end of the vertical member, the second leg extending towards the first leg. 
   
     
     
         2 . The supporting frame assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the first lower base beam and the second lower base beam each have a generally c-shaped cross section. 
     
     
         3 . The supporting frame assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of cross members have a vertical height comparable to that of the first and second lower base beams. 
     
     
         4 . The supporting frame assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the cross members are located from proximate the rear of the container through at least a midpoint of the first lower base beam and the second lower base beam. 
     
     
         5 . The supporting frame assembly of  claim 4 , wherein the cross members are spaced at an equal axial distance from each other. 
     
     
         6 . The supporting frame assembly of  claim 4  further comprising a recessed portion formed in part by a first axial beam and a second axial beam extending from the front of the container a distance towards the midpoint of the first lower base beam and the second lower base beam and parallel to the first lower base beam and second lower base beam. 
     
     
         7 . The supporting frame assembly of  claim 6  further comprising a plurality of c-shaped cross members extending between the first axial beam and the first lower base beam and the second axial beam and the second lower base beam. 
     
     
         8 . The supporting frame assembly of  claim 1  further comprising a torsional spring in the first lower base beam and the second lower base beam. 
     
     
         9 . A preloaded supporting frame assembly for a collapsible shipping container comprising:
 a first lower base beam having a first length extending from a front of the container to a rear of the container, the first lower base beam having an arc-shaped profile along the first length;   a second lower base beam having a second length extending generally parallel to the first lower base beam and spaced a distance from the first lower base beam, the second lower base beam extending from the front of the container to the rear of the container and having an arc-shaped profile along the second length; and,   a plurality of cross members extending between the first lower base beam and the second lower base beam, and from the rear of the container forward a predetermined distance, the plurality of cross members comprising:   a vertical member;   a first leg extending in a generally perpendicular direction from a first end of the vertical member; and,   a second leg extending from a second end of the vertical member, the second leg extending towards the first leg;   wherein the first lower base beam and the second lower base beam are formed so as to have a maximum deflection at a midpoint along the first lower base beam and the second lower base beam.   
     
     
         10 . The preloaded supporting frame assembly of  claim 9 , wherein the deflection is formed by hydraulic pressure applied to the first lower base beam and the second lower base beam. 
     
     
         11 . The preloaded supporting frame assembly of  claim 9  further comprising a recessed portion adjacent the front of the container formed in part by a first axial beam and a second axial beam and a plurality of c-shaped cross members extending from the first axial beam to the first lower base beam and from the second axial beam to the second lower base beam. 
     
     
         12 . The supporting frame assembly of  claim 9 , wherein the first lower base beam and the second lower base beam each have a generally c-shaped cross section. 
     
     
         13 . The supporting frame assembly of  claim 12 , wherein the plurality of cross members have a vertical height comparable to that of the first and second lower base beams. 
     
     
         14 . The supporting frame assembly of  claim 9 , wherein the arc-shaped profile tapers from a front or rear of the container to the midpoint. 
     
     
         15 . The supporting frame assembly of  claim 9 , wherein upon a mechanical loading of the supporting frame assembly, the deflection of the first lower base beam and second lower base beam is reduced. 
     
     
         16 . The supporting frame assembly of  claim 9 , wherein the maximum deflection of the first lower base beam and second lower base beam is approximately 10 mm. 
     
     
         17 . A cross beam member of a frame assembly comprising:
 a vertical member;   a first leg extending in a generally perpendicular direction from a first end of the vertical member; and,   a second leg extending from a second end of the vertical member, the second leg extending towards the first leg.   
     
     
         18 . The cross beam member of  claim 17 , wherein the cross beam is positioned between and secured to a first lower base beam and a second lower base beam to form a frame assembly. 
     
     
         19 . The cross beam member of  claim 18 , wherein the cross beam is oriented perpendicular to the first lower base beam and the second lower base beam. 
     
     
         20 . The cross beam member of  claim 17 , wherein the cross beam member extending between the first lower base beam and the second lower base beam proximate a midpoint of the first lower base beam and the second lower base beam is deflected a distance of approximately 10 mm at the midpoint along the first lower base beam and the second lower base beam.