Air cargo container.

The present invention relates to a container freight. The invention relates more particularly to a freight container for air transport, including for the transport of mail.

Air transport of mail is performed Conventionally in bags or in containers or Stacking boxes placed in containers, commonly called igloos. Such containers comprise a support base defining the floor of container and on which is mounted an armature rigid formed of aluminum profiles and defining the lateral sides and the container roof. The container includes an open side closable by a tarpaulin held by straps, the other three sides and the roof being closed by rigid panels aluminum or plastic attached to the frame. The support base is formed conventionally of a pallet plane with standardized dimensions. Furthermore, frame dimensions must comply with those the cabin of the aircraft, the height of igloos being usually of the order of 1.50 meters.

For loading and unloading the mail through the open side, in particular in the case of stackable boxes that eventually will replace bags, it is necessary that a person enters the container. Because of the size of containers, handling mail in containers is done difficult and in some ergonomic positions. Moreover, in the field of air cargo, staff has little time to load / unload containers, and size of container does not facilitate the timeliness of these operations.

The object of the present invention is to provide a container for improved conditions work of staff responsible loading / unloading of containers, allowing to particularly to perform the loading and unloading in speed and conditions acceptable ergonomics, taking into account dimensions imposed by the airline and increase the carrying tray.

To this end, the invention relates to a cargo container including a support base on which is mounted a rigid frame, characterized in that said rigid reinforcement comprises a lower frame assembled to the support base, which defines the lateral sides of the container, and a frame movably mounted upper roof on the lower frame by assembly means capable of allowing a movement of said upper roof frame between a low position and a raised position in which said frame deviates at least partially from the support base for easy loading and unloading of the container with at least one working side of the container.

According to the invention, the container comprises a lifting roof frame so that in its raised position, a person can stand in the container, at least over a portion of the base support. Such a lifting roof frame allows handling easier and faster bags or boxes, in more ergonomic positions. He has been established that the container according to the invention enables time saving of the order of 10% for its filling. Furthermore, the lifting roof frame ensures Optimal filling of the total internal volume of container, to enable those to earn not stacking in the case of boxes.

According to a feature, the roof frame is formed by a frame, said connecting means connecting two opposite sections of said frame to said chassis inferior.

In a first embodiment, the means assembly are such that said roof frame is moved translationally between its lowered position and its raised position. The assembly means are adapted to moving said frame such that the positions lowered and raised the frame are parallel, advantageously, said frame is substantially parallel to the supporting base in its two positions.

In a second embodiment, the means assembly is adapted to move between said frame its two positions by a rotational movement around an axis substantially parallel to the support base, so that, advantageously, said frame is inclined relative to the support base in its raised position.

In another feature, the support base a generally rectangular shape, the lower frame four corner posts fixed on the basis carrier, connected in pairs by at least one rod rigid, and the frame comprises two sections longitudinal end connected by two profiles side, the connecting means connecting the profiles side to said rigid bars.

In the first embodiment, each side profile can then be connected to a bar by two rigid arms pivotally mounted by a first end to said lateral section and pivotally mounted by their second end on said remote bar corner posts, at least two arms arranged on the side the same longitudinal section being pivoted on a mobile skid mounted in translation on a slide assembly on the rigid bar. According to one particular implementation, only two arms are mounted Sliding on top bar, the other two arms being pivoted on the upper bar by a fixed pivot so that, between its two positions, the roof frame is displaced in translation perpendicular and parallel to the support base, the roof frame being offset laterally above of the support base in its raised position.

In the second embodiment, each side profile can be connected to an upper bar of the lower frame by a pivotally mounted arm by a first end to the lateral section near a first longitudinal section, and is mounted pivoting by its second end mounted on the bar mobile in translation on a slide assembly on the rigid bar, at a distance from the corner posts, and by a hinge fixed near the second section longitudinal.

Advantageously freight container includes elastic means, such as pneumatic cylinders by example, adapted to elastically move the frame upper roof towards its raised position, and means locking the upper frame in its lowered position closed.

In another feature, each pair of corner posts connected by a rigid bar carries a rigid wall, said container comprising two sides opposing working defined by pairs of uprights unrelated angle of the roof frame and the two working side being coated with a flexible wall maintained by a fillet formed by a network of straps transverse and longitudinal.

In another feature, the container comprises an internal partition substantially parallel to the lateral sides working, preferably slidably mounted between the two rigid walls.

The invention will be better understood and other objects, details, features and advantages will become clearer in the description detailed explanation below of two modes currently preferred particular implementations the invention, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawing.

On this drawing :<ul><li>1 shows a perspective view an air cargo container in the closed position a first embodiment;</li><li>2 shows a perspective view of the container of Figure 1 in the open position and roof statement; </li><li>3 shows a side view of the container of Figure 2;</li><li>4 shows the container of the Figure 2, in the absence of the net and the cover, illustrating the rigid frame of the container with the roof frame in its raised position; and,</li><li>5 shows a perspective view a container according to a second embodiment, in the absence of the net and the cover.</li></ul>

Figures 1 to 4 show a container according a first embodiment of the invention for especially air transport of mail in bags and / or boxes. C1 comprises a container support base 1, a metal frame including a undercarriage 3 with two rigid walls 5 opposite, and an upper roof frame 4.

The support base 1, which defines the floor Container C1 is formed in known manner a standardized pallet plane consists of a plate rectangular aluminum provided along its edges longitudinal 11 and transverse 12 of a rail (not shown) for fixing a retaining net 10 of the sheet by means of pin system, such as described below.

As illustrated in particular in Figure 4, the frame comprises a lower chassis 3 comprising four amounts of 31-34 angle defining the sides lateral and longitudinal of the container C. The two amounts of said front corner referenced 31 and 32, define a longitudinal front side, the other two said rear corner posts referenced 33 and 34, defining a longitudinal rear side. The amounts angle are attached vertically to the four corners of the support base by means of brackets 35, 36. A first bracket 35 formed of a L-profile is fixed along each transverse edge 12 of the support base 1 by a first wing. The two uprights (31, 33) and (32, 34) of a same lateral side are fixed to the second wing of a first bracket 35. The fixing of each corner post on the support base is completed by a second L-shaped bracket 36 fixed to the base support 1 and the face of the upright opposite to the first bracket 35.

The lateral sides are closed by walls formed by rigid side panels 5 fixed between two corner uprights and along the second wing brackets 36. Each side panel includes a plate 51, for example in composite plastic material, Assembly formed by riveting to a metal armature a lower bar 52 and an upper bar 53 connected together by two central bars vertical 54. The upper and lower bars are assembled by welding the corner posts corresponding, namely a front corner and a amount rear angle, parallel to the base support.

The rigid frame further comprises a frame upper roof 4 comprises a frame 40 formed of two longitudinal sections 41 connected by two end side profile 42. The longitudinal profiles have a central portion 41a extending by 41b end portions inclined downwardly by relative to the central portion. The frame is stiffened by a central longitudinal channel 43 of the same shape that the longitudinal profiles of the frame, connecting the two side profiles 42. The longitudinal profiles of the frame are connected to the central longitudinal section to the level of their central portions by a set transverse struts 44.

The roof frame, angle the amounts and various bars of the lower frame can be made of aluminum profiles, e.g. rectangular, or aluminum tubes.

The connecting means 6 of the roof frame on the lower frame comprises four arms 61-64 pivotally mounted at one end to the four corners of the frame 40, and by their second end on the top bar 53 of the rigid panels. Arms are transversely arranged and pivoted around rotation axes arranged longitudinally, parallel to the support base.

The two arms 61, 62, said before, arranged on the side longitudinal back are each pivotally mounted on a pad 65 which is mounted movably in translation on a slide 66 linear guide assembly on the bar greater by a rigid panel. The other two arms 63, 64, said rear, rear longitudinal side, are pivotally mounted by a hinge 67 fixedly mounted on the top bar of the panels. As described below, the front and rear pivoting arms enable moving the roof frame between a position raised as illustrated in Figures 2, 3 and 4 and a low position, as illustrated in Figure 1.

A pneumatic cylinder 68 is associated with each arm for resiliently urging the roof frame to its raised position. Each piston is assembled pivotally connected to a corner post by its cylinder and the end of the piston rod is assembled pivotally on a lateral section 42 of the setting, near a corner of the frame.

Locking means 7 are provided for maintain the roof frame in its lowered position. In this embodiment, these locking means include a protruding pin 71 of each post angle adapted to be inserted in an orifice tab 72 attached at one end to the portion corresponding inclined frame. The free end of the tab is advantageously provided with a loop 73 to facilitate locking / unlocking operation.

C1 container further comprises a partition rigid intermediate 8 disposed longitudinally between the two side panels 5. The intermediate wall is preferably slidably mounted between the two side panels to be moved translationally in the transverse direction and is maintained at the desired position by positioning means appropriate. This partition, similar structure that the side panels, can be used to separating the internal volume of the container into two compartments, for example, one for bags and one for the boxes, or as a bottom wall hard to close the rear longitudinal side of container. The top edge 81 of the partition intermediate is adapted to the shape of the profiles longitudinal roof frame so as to ensure proper separation of the two compartments in lower position of said frame.

Referring to Figure 1, the roof frame 4, and the two longitudinal sides are covered a flexible coating or cover 9. The cover includes a main portion 91 covering the roof frame, that extends through the longitudinal sections 92 extending beyond the longitudinal profiles 41 close the longitudinal sides of the container bottom position of the roof frame. The tarpaulin is extended also beyond the side profiles 42 by side panels 93 that overlap the side panels to ensure sealing at the junction between the roof frame and said side panels in the lower position of the chassis roof. Peripheral rings are provided along the and longitudinal side profiles of the frame to protect the tarp. These rods are eg heat-sealed or glued on the internal face of the sheet.

The sheet is held on the roof frame by a thread 10 comprising a network of straps longitudinal and transverse 101 102 stitched on covering the ends of which can be connected to the rail the aforementioned device of the base support 1.

The transverse straps 102, the number of 5 of the embodiment of the figures, extend the along the longitudinal sections 92 and are each provided a tensioner system 103 receives the end of a Fitting strap 104 whose second end is equipped with a standard 105 pin system capable to come engage in the peripheral rail base support. Each longitudinal pan comprises at least one longitudinal strap 110 attached transversely to assembly and hook straps 104 106 provided to its ends for its assembly to corner posts at means assembly straps 107 into two parts. The Both parts of this strap assembly 107 are interconnected by a tensioning system 108, one the two parts being secured to a corner post; while the other is provided with a ring 109 from engage on a hook 106.

The longitudinal straps 101 of the part main 91 of the sheet, three in number in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, extend beyond the side panels 93 and are provided at their ends with tensioning systems 111 for them assembly to the support base or pallet 1 by means of 112 assembly straps fitted pin system 105. Fitting these straps 112 are connected by a cross-strap 113 having ends may be fitted with rings or hooks to allow its assembly to the corner posts, as described previously.

The junction of the longitudinal sides 92 and the main part 91 at the end portions inclined is ensured by means of a system Velcro type assembly as shown schematically under the reference 94.

The container may further comprise a handle assembly 14 to the corner posts of the level and the outer faces of the side panels 5 facilitate the handling of the container, as well as pockets 13 on the outer faces of the panels to receive documents.

The mode of use of the container will now be described. To open the container initially closed position, as shown in Figure 1, transverse straps 102 and longitudinal 101, 110 net are initially relaxed by releasing tensioning systems 108 and 111 of the four sides side of the container. pawn systems of 105 Fitting straps 104 of both longitudinal sides can then be disengaged from the rail and the rings 109 removed from the hooks 106. The longitudinal sections 92 of the sheet with the assembly of straps with pin systems are identified, preferably in two operators, and the assembly is placed on the frame roof, as shown schematically in Figures 2 and 3. The four tabs 72 are then désenclenchées their respective studs 71 ​​by pulling on the loops 73. Preferably, operating in a Initially the arranged tabs on the side corner posts before 31, 32, namely the side arms 61, 62 slidably mounted on the frame lower, then the other two tabs arranged on the side amounts rear corner 33, 34. The frame 4 freed roof rises automatically to its raised position under the effect of pneumatic cylinders 68. Figures 2 and 3 show the container in a whole in the open position, with the sheet raised, the roof frame in the raised position. then this deployment, the shoe 65 moves the inside to the outside along the rail 66, the roof frame carrying a motion upward translation, perpendicular to the base support 1, and forwardly parallel to the base support 1, so that the roof frame is slightly offset relative to the support base. The longitudinal straps 101 will be enough relaxed to allow full deployment of roof frame towards its raised position.

In this raised position, the roof frame is sufficiently removed from the support base P allow a person to stand as shown on Figures 2 and 3. As For example, the height of the container, defined by the distance between the longitudinal sections of the frame and the support base is about 1.50 meters in the bottom position of the roof frame, and about 1.85 meters in its raised position. Thus, the unloading / loading of the container can be carried out in more ergonomic and positions quickly. In the case of the use of the partition intermediate 8 to form two compartments, each compartment is accessible from one side longitudinal open, one of the compartments can for example be used for bags, the other for bins or boxes. As noted above, the container according to the invention provided with a roof frame lift, allows a time saving of around 10% for filling. Moreover, the trays carrying may be increased by about 7% with respect to conventional containers.

After loading and / or unloading completed, closure of the container is also carried out quickly as it opened. The roof frame is returned to its lower position by pulling down by the loops 73 of the tabs and snap the tabs on the pads 71, preferably those arranged on the side of the rear arm pivotally mounted on the top bar, but without the possibility of transverse sliding, then the other two arranged the corner posts of the front side 31, 32. The longitudinal sections 92 are lowered, the assembled main portion 91 at the inclined portions by Velcro ® system type, the pawn system strap assembly is engaged to the support base 1, the hooks 106 engaged on the rings 109 and all systems tensioner 103, 111 are actuated to soft longitudinal and transverse straps.

In the case of air transport, use a palette and a normalized net in the development of the container according to the invention enables meet the safety standards in for air freight transport. The frame metal container must have a stiffness sufficient to bring the sheet and ensure moving the roof frame between its two positions. The sheet carried by the frame allows to obtain a perfectly sealed container. By Furthermore, the container can be closed so hermetic, without its contents are visible from the outside, and therefore guarantees safe transportation.

Alternatively, only the two longitudinal sides are covered by a covering, the roof frame being covered with a rigid coating, such as panels aluminum or plastic. In an other Alternatively, the longitudinal sides are also covered with rigid panels, said panels being then movably mounted on the frame, for example on the amounts by means of hinges, to allow access to the container interior.

5 illustrates an alternative embodiment assembling the roof frame on the frame below, wherein identical elements bear the same reference numerals. In this Alternatively, the assembly means 16 will include no rear arm, these being replaced by simple hinges 163, 164 mounted on the end higher amounts rear corner 33, 34. When its movement between its two positions, chassis 4 roof top just makes a movement rotation about the axis of rotation of the two hinges arranged parallel to the support base. As before, pneumatic cylinders are 68 associated with the arms 61, 62 slidably mounted on before the side panels 5 via pad 65 on slide 66, to automatically raise the roof frame in its raised position illustrated in Figure 5. Access to the container is then carried out of preferably only the front longitudinal side, the rear longitudinal side being closed by a panel rigid longitudinal 150, of similar structure to the side panels described above, mounted between the two rear pillars. The longitudinal panel 150 comprises a plate 151 mounted on a frame formed an upper bar 152 and a lower bar 153 interconnected by three struts 154. top bar, whose shape corresponds to that of longitudinal sections 41 of the frame 40, has a central portion 152a extending through portions inclined end 152b. The sheet (not shown) then comprises a first longitudinal identical to pan that described above, to close the side longitudinal front and a second longitudinal pan sufficient length to cover the junction zone between the roof frame and the panel back.

Although the invention has been described in connection with two particular embodiments, it is of course in no way limited and it includes all the technical equivalents of the means described and their combinations if they are within the scope of the invention.