Reusable modular containment device for protecting cargo during shipment

Abstract

The present invention provides a novel robust, reusable, modular shipping container for protecting large, fragile, odd-shaped, or high-value cargo (e.g., telecommunications cabinets, appliances and furniture) from damage during shipment. The shipping container minimizes the possibility of shipping damage due to improper handling, tip-overs, lateral collisions, or vibration. The shipping container comprises: a pallet base, a lower frame section, an upper frame section, and a top cover.

1 . A sturdy, reusable, modular, shipping container for protecting large, fragile, odd-shaped, or high-value cargo from damage during shipment, comprising: a pallet base, a lower frame section, an upper frame section, and a top cover, the pallet base, lower frame section, upper frame section and top cover defining, a protective outer cage having an interior in which the cargo is disposed. 
     
     
         2 . The shipping container of  claim 1 , wherein the pallet base comprises a sub-frame and a floor overlaying the sub frame. 
     
     
         3 . The shipping container of  claim 2 , wherein the: sub-frame comprises rectangular “picture-frame” front and rear sections. 
     
     
         4 . The shipping container of  claim 3 , wherein the sub-frame front and rear sections each have one or more vertical support members for connecting with horizontal top and bottom members. 
     
     
         5 . The shipping container of  claim 2 , wherein the floor includes recessed cavities into which foam, or other vibration and shock dampening material, are placed. 
     
     
         6 . The shipping container of  claim 1 , further comprising a ramp for accommodating a wheeled material handling device for facilitating the placement of the cargo on, and removal of the cargo from, the pallet base. 
     
     
         7 . The shipping container of  claim 6 , wherein the ramp is connected to the pallet base by one or more hinges, such that it can be lowered for loading and unloading cargo, and stowed in an upright position for shipment. 
     
     
         8 . The shipping container of  claim 6 , wherein the ramp is slideable between a storage position with the pallet base and a us position exterior of the pallet base. 
     
     
         9 . The shipping container of  claim 6 , wherein the ramp is slideable between a storage position within the pallet base and a use position exterior of the pallet base. 
     
     
         10 . The shipping container of  claim 1 , wherein the lower frame section comprises at least first and second side members connected to the pallet base. 
     
     
         11 . The shipping container of  claim 1 , wherein the lower frame section comprises left and right sides attached to the pallet, and one or more bracing members connect the back portions of the two sides. 
     
     
         12 . The shipping container of  claim 11 , wherein the sides are modular sides attached to the pallet base using mating connectors. 
     
     
         13 . The shipping container of  claim 1 , wherein the lower frame section comprises rectangular “picture-frame” first and second sides with horizontal upper and lower members and vertical side members. 
     
     
         14 . The shipping container of  claim 13 , wherein the first and second sides include at least one frame member disposed in either a horizontal, vertical or diagonal orientation. 
     
     
         15 . The shipping container of  claim 13 , wherein the rectangular first and second sides comprise a flat plate filling the interior. 
     
     
         16 . The shipping container of  claim 1 , wherein the first left and second right sides having one or more mating connectors to couple with one or more mating connectors of the upper frame section, and where the top cover is attached to the lower frame section using mating connectors. 
     
     
         17 . The shipping container of  claim 1 , wherein the left and side plates have one or more mating connectors to couple with one or more mating connectors of the pallet base. 
     
     
         18 . The shipping container of  claim 1 , wherein the upper frame section comprises first, second, and third sides. 
     
     
         19 . The shipping container of  claim 1 , wherein the upper frame section comprises rectangular “picture-frame” first and second sides with horizontal upper members and horizontal lower members and vertical side members. 
     
     
         20 . The shipping container of  claim 19 , wherein the first and second sides each include at least one bracing member and of a horizontal, vertical or diagonal orientation. 
     
     
         21 . The shipping container of  claim 19 , wherein the lower the horizontal member of the front side is a strike, plate for the upper portion of the ramp. 
     
     
         22 . The shipping container of  claim 19 , wherein the top cover is attached to the upper frame section using mating connectors. 
     
     
         23 . The shipping container of  claim 1 , wherein the top comprises at least one or more bracing members. 
     
     
         24 . The shipping container of  claim 23 , wherein the rectangular top cover comprises a flat plate extending between a pair of opposed side members. 
     
     
         25 . The shipping container of  claim 1 , wherein the pallet base and top cover each have one or more points of attachment for securing straps.