Modular intermodal transport container, frame support and system of use

Abstract

The invention herein pertains to an adjustable modular intermodal container system having a size and shape that is adjustable to be adaptable to various different types of intermodal vehicles within regulatory parameters. The containers are stackable, whose shapes may be interchangeable and expandable. The containers provide multipurpose application to any variety of products contained therein.

We claim the following invention: 
     
         1 . An intermodal material transport container comprising a bottom portion, a top portion and one or more adjustable middle portion
 said bottom portion comprising a surrounding side wall with a top rim and bottom rim, said bottom rim enclosed with a base, said top rim is open,   said top portion comprising a surrounding side wall with a top rim and bottom rim, said top rim having a cover, said bottom rim is open,   said bottom rim of said top portion fittingly connectable to said top rim of said bottom portion,   said adjustable middle portion comprising a surrounding side wall, a bottom rim and top rim, said bottom and top rims are open,   said bottom rim of said adjustable middle portion fittingly connectable to said top rim of said bottom portion.   
     
     
         2 . (canceled) 
     
     
         3 . (canceled) 
     
     
         4 . Said intermodal material transport container of  claim 1  wherein total size and volume may be increased or decreased by adding or removing one or more adjustable middle portions. 
     
     
         5 . Said modular intermodal transport container of  claim 1  wherein the widest cross sectional width of said bottom portion is no greater than 102 inches. 
     
     
         6 . (canceled) 
     
     
         7 . (canceled) 
     
     
         8 . Said intermodal material transport container of  claim 1  comprising durable nonbrittle material such as plastic, metal, fiberglass, organic material including wood and bamboo, and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         9 . The maximum diameter of each said intermodal material transport container of  claim 1  being no greater than the width of the intermodal transport vehicle platform that it is seated on. 
     
     
         10 . Said intermodal transport container of  claim 1  comprising one or more top, bottom or adjustable middle portions containing a sharable channel or vent for access to common resources such as air, liquid, pressure and temperature. 
     
     
         11 . One or more intermodal material transport container of  claim 1  secured within a support frame structure and is positionable on a vehicle transport platform in vertical or horizontal manner. 
     
     
         12 . Said fixture means of  claim 11  comprising a seating element permanently and centrally connected to said support frame wherein said bottom portion of said container is securely and permanently seated over and connected to said seating element such that no lateral movement occurs during and between transport of said containers within said support frames. 
     
     
         13 . modular intermodal material transport system comprising an intermodal material transport container having a removably connectable bottom, top and adjustable middle portion such that the size and volume of said intermodal material transport container is adjustable by adding or removing said bottom, top or adjustable middle portion. 
     
     
         14 . Said modular intermodal material transport system of  claim 13  wherein said intermodal material transport container is positionable either vertically or horizontally on a transport vehicle platform. 
     
     
         15 . Said modular intermodal material transport system of  claim 13  wherein said bottom, top and adjustable middle portion comprising a plurality of shapes that are interconnectable at their matching rim. 
     
     
         16 . The cover of said top portion and bottom portion according to  claim 1  comprising any variety of shapes. 
     
     
         17 . Said top portion and bottom portion of  claim 1  each having a closeable opening. 
     
     
         18 . Said top portion, bottom portion and adjustable middle portion of  claim 1  each comprising a side wall, one or more open rim and a closeable opening.