NL2012188C2

NL2012188C2 - Variable-volume container and transportation means provided with such a container.

Info

Publication number: NL2012188C2
Application number: NL2012188A
Authority: NL
Inventors: Gerard Draanen
Original assignee: 4Draan It Architectuur & Audit
Priority date: 2014-02-03
Filing date: 2014-02-03
Publication date: 2015-08-06

Description

Variable-volume container and transportation means provided with such a container

Field of the invention

The invention relates to a variable-volume container and transportation means provided with such a container. The container is suitable for use as load compartment of a lorry, for placement on a trailer or as a compartment of variable-volume on its own.

Background of the invention

It is known that a transportation vehicle like a lorry, transporter, cabin-chassis or trailer used for the transportation of goods can be embodied with a container for holding these goods during transportation in its bay. This container can either be temporarily or permanently secured to the transportation vehicle.

During a container's lifetime the amount of goods to be transported shows large variations. A known way to handle this is to use a container which is equal or larger in volume compared to the maximum volume of goods to be transported during a particular series of transportations. A disadvantage of this method is the bulky size of the container compared to the average load, which may amount to about 50-70% of the container volume.

Another known way to handle this varying amount of goods is the use of a tarpaulin and/or a flat deck trailer. US 4,842,323 teaches an apparatus for handling a tarpaulin. A tarpaulin is too heavy to be handled by one person for a long flat deck trailer. The apparatus assists the person in moving the tarpaulin. A disadvantage of applying a tarpaulin is that goods can only be loaded after removing the tarpaulin . US 2003/0047959 teaches a retractable tarpaulin. The document relates to an adjustable support frame on a flat deck trailer to provide a load area having an adjustable size. The support frame is construed from cables and adjustable beams.

In order to adjust the frame the cables need to be loosened, heavy support beams need to be adjusted and cables need to be tightened again. A disadvantage is that it is heavy for one person to change the volume of the load area. EP 1832457 A2 teaches an open top container with a tarp over the top, and relates to a spool to ease the handling of the tarp. EP 1918145 A2 teaches a container with a side-load option, which comprises a double railed side-tarp. During loading the side-tarp is slid away to provide a loading opening. The double rail enlarges this opening.

The present invention aims to provide an alternative for the prior art solutions. A further object is to overcome at least in part one or more of the above stated disadvantages of the prior art.

Summary of the invention

The variable-volume container of the invention and the transportation vehicle provided with such a variable-volume container have the features of one or more of the appended claims.

In a first aspect of the invention a variable-volume container is proposed for standalone use or use in combination with a lorry, transporter, cabin-chassis or trailer, comprising a bay for the intake of goods, wherein multiple sides enclose said bay, wherein opposite sides are spaced a distance apart, wherein at least two sides are at least partly of a rigid material, and wherein said distance is adjustable to provide a variable-volume to said bay.

This provides the advantage that the volume is small were possible and large were needed depending on the amount of goods comprised in the variable-volume container.

Another advantage of the container is that the container can be matched with the volume of the goods to be transported, and that the air drag of the container on a moving lorry or transporter is correspondingly limited to the least possible amount of drag feasible with the said volume of goods comprised in the container, while keeping the goods covered with the varying volume of the container.

Another advantage is that the volume of the container can be matched with the volume of the goods placed inside the container for minimizing storage space, in particular storage floor space, of the container during storage and/or transhipment, while keeping the goods covered.

Another advantage is that the volume of the container can be minimized if no goods are kept for minimizing storage space of the container.

In one embodiment of the variable-volume container a side of the container comprises a concertina part. The concertina part is a low-cost embodiment of an in length adjustable side of the container.

In another embodiment of the variable-volume container a side of the container comprises panels that at least partly overlap, wherein said overlap is adjustable for providing said adjustable volume. Such overlapping panels are an effective tool for providing adjustability to the length of the side of the container, provided with such overlapping panels.

In still another embodiment of the invention a side of the container comprises rollable panels.

In yet another embodiment of the variable-volume container a side of the container comprises rotatable panels.

In one embodiment of the variable-volume container a side of the container comprises foldable panels.

In a further embodiment of the variable-volume container a side of the container comprises a mesh part.

In another embodiment of the variable-volume container of the invention a side of the container comprises a rail and/or cable mechanism supporting an adjustable side. The rail and/or cable mechanism provides effective means for lowering friction between moving parts during a change in volume of the container .

In a further embodiment of the variable-volume container the cable mechanism comprises a low stretch cable, such as a synthetic cable. An embodiment with multiple cables of different length between the winch and a point of engagement have a different stretch, which can cause misalignment of sides of the container. The low stretch cable provide effective means for preventing misalignment of the sides the container .

In one embodiment of the variable-volume container the container comprises fastening means on the inside of the container. During transportation a load in the bay of the container can slide, in particular in case of the bottom side of the container being a part of the ground. The fastening means on the inside of the container provide effective means for securing the load in the bay of the container to the container to prevent sliding of the load. The fastening means on the inside of the container preferably comprise a beam, a hook, an opening, an eye nut, an eye bolt, an eye plate and/or an S hook. In one embodiment of the variable-volume container the container comprises fastening means on the outside of the container. During transportation the container can slide. The fastening means on the outside of the container provide effective means for securing the container to the transportation vehicle to prevent sliding of the container. The fastening means on the outside of the container preferably comprise a hook, an eye nut, an eye bolt, an eye plate and/or an opening, preferably an opening equivalent to an opening of a sea container .

In one embodiment of the variable-volume container the container comprises transportation means. The transportation means provide effective means for transporting the container over a distance, preferably a short distance, with less effort. The transportation means comprise preferably a wheel, like a caster wheel, and/or an opening for an insertable wheel.

It is possible to selectively combine the different embodiments of the invention to suit the purposes of the situation in which the variable-volume container of the invention is to be used. It is beneficial to have the variable-volume container adjustable with multiple sides because an extension of the volume in one direction multiplies with the extension of the volume in another direction. Prototypes show an expansion from 4 cubic meter to 16 cubic meter and even 21 cubic meter, thereby having a multiplication factor of 4 up to over 5. The invention foresees higher multiplication factors compared to the prototypes.

The invention is also embodied in a variable-volume container applied on a transportation vehicle, preferably a lorry, a transporter, a cabin-chassis or a trailer. The adjustable volume of the container makes the transportation of different volumes of goods possible, while, at the same time it is possible to prevent having an redundant volume in the container, which would cause extra drag during transportation of the container. Accordingly the variable-volume container and the transportation vehicle provided with such a container in accordance with the invention results in optimized fuel efficiency, manoeuvrability, accessibility, storage capacity.

Brief description of the drawings

The invention will hereinafter be further explained with reference to the drawing of several figures which are exemplary and explanatory of nature and are not limiting the scope of the invention. To the person skilled in the art it will be clear that many variants are conceivable falling within the scope of protection defined by the appended claims.

In the drawing:

Fig. 1A shows a variable-volume container with a large volume on a lorry in perspective view.

Fig. IB shows a variable-volume container with a small volume on a lorry in perspective view.

Fig. 2 shows a variable-volume container in perspective view.

Fig. 3A shows a multiple segmented variable-volume container in perspective view.

Fig. 3B shows a detail of a cross section of two segments of a variable-volume container of figure 3A.

Fig. 4 shows a cross section of figure 2 with concertina side parts.

Fig. 5A shows a cross section of figure 2 with rollable parts inside the container.

Fig. 5B shows a cross section of figure 2 with rollable parts outside the container.

Fig. 5C shows a cross section of figure 2 with rollable parts inside the container.

Fig. 6 shows a cross section of figure 2 with rotatable panels .

Fig. 7A shows a cross section of figure 2 with foldable panels in a transitional position.

Fig. 7B shows a cross section of figure 2 with foldable panels in a collapsed position.

Fig. 8A shows the side projection of figure 2 with a mesh part in an expanded position.

Fig. 8B shows the side projection of figure 2 with a mesh part in an intermediate position.

Fig. 8C shows the side projection of figure 2 with a mesh part in a collapsed position.

Fig. 9A shows a cross section of a variable-volume container with multiple slidable panels.

Fig. 9B shows a cross section of a variable-volume container with slidable panels with a part of a base as one side .

Fig. 10A shows a back view of a variable-volume container with height adjustable sides on a lorry in a collapsed position.

Fig. 10B shows a back view of a variable-volume container with height adjustable sides on a lorry in a expanded position.

Fig. 11 shows details of a cross section of rail-assemblies of a variable-volume container.

Fig. 12 shows a detail of a variable-volume container of figure 3B with a cable pulley mechanism.

Fig. 13 shows a detail of a variable-volume container of figure 3B with a locking mechanism.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Figure 1 shows a lorry 2 comprising a cabin 3 and a variable-volume container 1, where a loading bay 23 is the inner volume of the variable-volume container, where the variable-volume container is shown with a top side 11, bottom side 11', front side 10, back side 10', left side 12 and right side 12 ' .

Figure 1A shows the variable-volume container with a large volume. The variable-volume container with the large volume can have an overhang over the sides of the lorry.

Figure IB shows the variable-volume container with a small volume. The small volume of the variable-volume container reveals a deck 30 and/or chassis of the lorry. In case of a deck, the bottom side of the variable-volume container can be part of the deck.

Figure 2 shows a variable-volume container 1 comprising six sides 20, 20', 21, 21', 22 and 22' forming a hexahedron preferably a rectangular cuboid or bar. The hexahedron encloses a volume to form a bay 23 for the transportation of goods .

Edges 25, 26, 27 and 28 border a side 20. The length of each edge can be varied along its longitudinal axis to vary the enclosed volume of the bay 23. The above text about the edges of the side 20 applies to all sides of the hexahedron. Depending on the orientation of the container a change in volume by varying the length of an edge of a side translates to a length, width and/or height adjustment of the container.

Figure 3A shows a variable-volume container comprising multiple segments 70, 71, 72 and 73. The outer perimeter of a first segment 70 fits within the inner perimeter of a second segment 71. The volume of the bay 23 is decreased by sliding the first segment 70 in the direction of A, wherein the first segment 70 slides under the second segment 71. The volume of the bay is increased by sliding the first segment 70 from underneath the second segment 71 in the direction of B.

Other segment pairs are slid in a similar way to increase and decrease the volume of the bay as is a first segment pair 70 and 71 as described above.

The orientation of the variable-volume container is not limited to the orientation in figure 3A. The orientation is variable with the first segment 70 as top segment, bottom segment or side segment.

Figure 3B shows a cross section of a variable-volume container 1 according to II in figure 3A. The cross section is further detailed with a preferred embodiment of an adjustable side providing a variable volume to bay 23.

The variable-volume container comprises sides 20', 22 and 22'. The side 22 comprises a first part 40 and a second part 41. The second part 41 of side 22 is parallel offset from the first part 40 of side 22. The side 22' comprises a first part 42 and a second part 43. The second part 43 of side 22' is parallel offset from the first part 42 of side 22'. A first segment 70 comprises side 20', the first part 40 of side 22 and the first part 42 of side 22'. A second segment 71 comprises the second part 41 of side 22 and the second part 43 of side 22'.

The volume of the bay 23 is increased by moving the second segment 71 and all subsequent segments in the direction of A and/or simultaneously moving the first segment 70 in the direction of B. The volume of the bay 23 is decreased by moving the first segment 70 in the direction of A and/or moving the second segment 71 and all subsequent segments in the direction of B.

Figure 4 shows a cross section of a variable-volume container 1 according to I in figure 2. The cross section is further detailed with a preferred embodiment of an adjustable side for providing a variable-volume to bay 23.

The variable-volume container comprises sides 20, 20', 22 and 22'. The side 22 comprises a first part 50, a second part 52 and a concertina part 51. The first part 50, second part 52 and the concertina part 51 are arranged adjacent to each other with the concertina part in the middle on a longitudinal axis of each part. The side 22' comprises a first part 53, a second part 55 and a concertina part 54. The first part 53, second part 55 and the concertina part 54 are arranged adjacent to each other with the concertina part in the middle on a longitudinal axis of each part.

The volume of the bay 23 is increased by simultaneously moving the second part 52 of side 22 and the second part 55 of side 22' in the direction of A and/or simultaneously moving the first part 50 of side 22 and the first part 53 of side 22' in the direction of B thereby stretching concertina parts 51 and 54.

The volume of the bay 23 is decreased by simultaneously moving the first part 50 of side 22 and the first part 53 of side 22' in the direction of A and/or simultaneously moving the second part 51 of side 22 and the second part 55 of side 22' in the direction of B thereby compressing concertina parts 51 and 54.

Figure 5A shows a cross section of a variable-volume container 1 according to I in figure 2. The cross section is further detailed with a preferred embodiment of an adjustable side for providing a variable-volume to bay 23.

The variable-volume container comprises sides 20, 20', 22 and 22'.

The container also comprises a rollable part 60, which comprises an enclosing part 61 and an unutilized part 62. The side 22 comprises a first part 50, a second part 52 and the enclosing part 61. The first part 50, second part 52 and the enclosing part 61 are arranged adjacent to each other with the enclosing part in the middle on a longitudinal axis of each part.

The container further comprises a rollable part 63, which comprises an enclosing part 64 and an unutilized part 65. The side 22' comprises a first part 53, a second part 55 and an enclosing part 64. The first part 53, second part 55 and the enclosing part 64 are arranged adjacent to each other with the enclosing part in the middle on a longitudinal axis of each part.

The volume of the bay 23 is increased by simultaneously moving the second part 52 of side 22 and the second part 55 of side 22' in the direction of A and/or simultaneously moving the first part 50 of side 22 and the first part 53 of side 22' in the direction of B thereby rollable parts 60 and 63. In case of an increasing volume enclosing part 60 of side 22 and enclosing part 64 of side 22' become smaller and at the same time unutilized part 62 of rollable part 60 and unutilized part 65 of rollable part 63 become larger and move in the direction of D and C respectively.

The volume of the bay 23 is decreased by simultaneously moving the first part 50 of side 22 and the first part 53 of side 22' in the direction of A and/or simultaneously moving the second part 51 of side 22 and the second part 55 of side 22' in the direction of B thereby rollable parts 60 and 63. In case of an decreasing volume enclosing part 60 of side 22 and enclosing part 64 of side 22' become larger and at the same time unutilized part 62 of rollable part 60 and unutilized part 65 of rollable part 63 become smaller and move in the direction of C and D respectively.

Figure 5B shows a cross section of a variable-volume container 1 according to I in figure 2. The cross section is further detailed with a preferred embodiment of an adjustable side for providing a variable-volume to bay 23.

In comparison with figure 5A, the difference is that unutilized parts 62 and 63 of rollable parts 60 and 63 are arranged outside of the volume of the bay.

Figure 5C shows a cross section of a variable-volume container 1 according to I in figure 2. The cross section is further detailed with a preferred embodiment of an adjustable side for providing a variable-volume to bay 23.

In comparison with figure 5A, the difference is that instead of that unutilized parts 62 and 65 of rollable parts 60 and 63 are arranged curled up inside the volume of the bay.

Figure 6 shows a cross section of a variable-volume container 1 according to I in figure 2. The cross section is further detailed with a preferred embodiment of an adjustable side for providing a variable-volume to bay 23.

The variable-volume container comprises sides 20, 20', 22 and 22'. A first rotatable panel 80, 80' is positiona-ble in a first position 80 and a second position 80'. The side 22 comprises a rigid part 52 and the first rotatable panel if positioned in the first position 80. In case of the first position, the rigid part 52 and the first rotatable panel 80 are arranged adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction. A second rotatable panel 81, 81' is positionable in a first position 81 and a second position 81'. The side 22 comprises a rigid part 55 and the second rotatable panel if positioned in the first position 81. In case of the first position, the rigid part 52 and the second rotatable panel 81 are arranged adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction.

The volume of the bay 23 is increased by executing the following steps: - move the rigid parts 52 and 55 in the direction of A or side 21' in the direction of B over a length 1; - rotate the rotatable parts to the first positions 80 and 81.

The volume of the bay 23 is decreased by executing the following steps: - rotate the rotatable parts away from the first positions 8 0 and 81; - move the rigid parts 52 and 55 in the direction of B or side 21'in the direction of A over a length 1.

Figure 7A shows a cross section of a variable-volume container 1 according to I in figure 2. The cross section is further detailed with a preferred embodiment of an adjustable side for providing a variable-volume to bay 23.

The variable-volume container comprises sides 20, 20', 22 and 22'. The container also comprises foldable panels 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, shown in figure 7A in a transitional position. In the expanded position the foldable panels are part of the sides 20, 20', 22 and 22'. A container with a large volume is created by moving foldable panel 92 in the direction of B up until the foldable panel 92 is at the position of side 20. A container with a small volume is created by moving foldable panel 92 in the direction of A up until the foldable panel is in the collapsed position shown in Figure 7B.

Figure 8 shows the side projection of figure 2 with a mesh part at several positions. A variable-volume container 1 comprises a side 20'. The side 20' comprises a first part 50, a second part 52 and a mesh part 130, 130', 130''. The first part, second part and mesh part are arranged adjacent to each other with the mesh part in the middle on a longitudinal axis of each part. The mesh part 130, 130', 130'' comprises spaces 131, 131', 131''. The mesh part is adjustable to provide a variable-volume to loading bay 23. To increase the volume of the bay the first part 50 is moved in the direction of B or the second part 52 is moved in the direction of A. To decrease the volume of the bay the first part 50 is moved in the direction of A or the second part 52 is moved in the direction of B.

Figure 8A, 8B and 8C show the mesh part in expanded, intermediate and collapsed position respectively. The holes 131, 131', 131'' vary in size and/or shape for different posi tions of the mesh part. A flexible and/or elastic cover is placeable in and/or over the holes to separate the inside of the container from the outside.

Figure 9A shows a cross section of a variable-volume container 1. The variable-volume container comprises a right side 101, a left side 101', top side 105 and a bottom side 105'. The sides enclose a bay 23.

The right side 101 comprises a first part 102 and a second part 103. The second part 103 of the right side 101 is parallel offset from the first part 102 of the right side 101.

The left side 101' comprises a first part 102' and a second part 103'. The second part 103' of the left side 101' is parallel offset from the first part 102'' of the left side 101' .

The top side 105 comprises a first part 106, a second part 107 and a third part 108. The second part 107 of the top side 105 is parallel offset from the first part 106 of the top side 105 and the third part 108 of the top side 105.

The bottom side 105' comprises a first part 106', a second part 107' and a third part 108'. The second part 107' of the bottom side 105' is parallel offset from the first part 106' of the bottom side 105' and the third part 108' of the bottom side 105'.

The variable-volume container is adjustable in width and in height.

The volume of the bay 23 is increased by moving the second part 103 of the right side 101 and the second part 103' of the left side 101' in the direction of K or by moving the first part 102 of the right side 101 and the first part 102' of the left side 101' in the direction of L.

The volume of the bay is decreased by moving the second part 103 of the right side 101 and the second part 103' of the left side 101' in the direction of L or by moving the first part 102 of the right side 101 and the first part 102' of the left side 101' in the direction of K.

The volume of the bay 23 is increased by moving the first part 106 of the top side 105 and the first part 106' of the bottom side 105' in the direction of M. The volume of the bay is decreased by moving the first part 106 of the top side 105 and the first part 106' of the bottom side 105' in the direction of N.

The volume of the bay 23 is increased by moving the third part 108 of the top side 105 and the third part 108'of the bottom side 105' in the direction of N. The volume of the bay is decreased by moving the third part 108 of the top side 105 and the third part 108' of the bottom side 105' in the direction of M.

Figure 9B shows a cross section of a variable-volume container 1. The variable-volume container comprises a right side 101, a left side 101' and top side 105 and is placed on a base 110, wherein part 113 of the base 110 forms the bottom side. The sides and part 113 of the base enclose a bay 23.

The right side 101 comprises a first part 102 with a first end 112 and the left side 101' comprises a first part 102' with a first end 112'. Both ends 112, 112' are slidable over a surface 111 of the base 110. A decrease and increase in volume of the container mimic the decrease and increase in volume of the container of figure 9A with the difference that the bottom side 105' is replaced by part 113 of the base 110 and the first end 112 of the right side 101 and/or the first end 112' of the left side 101' slide over the surface 111 when the right side and/or the left side is moved in the direction of M and/or N. Figure 10A and 10B show a back view of a variable-volume container 1 with height adjustable sides on a lorry 2. The variable-volume container comprises back side 10', right side 12', left side 12 and top side 11. The sides enclose loading bay 23. The right side 12' comprises overlapping panels 120 and 121. The left side 12 comprises overlapping panels 122 and 123.

The variable-volume container in Figure 10A is in a collapsed position with a bay with a smaller volume. The variable-volume container in Figure 10B is in an expanded position with a bay with a larger volume.

Figure 11A through D show several embodiments of guidance and/or support means for moving parts of a side of a variable-volume container.

Figure 11A shows guidance and/or support means 200 comprising a bottom side 201 and a upright side 210. The bottom side 201 comprises a ridge 202. The upright side 210 comprises an opening 213 at a bottom side 217 of the upright side, an axle 212 arranged in this opening 213 and a wheel 211 rotatable arranged with the axle 212. The wheel 211 comprises a concave shaped contact surface 215 and 215', which fits the convex shape of the ridge 202 for collaboration between the two during the transition of the variable-volume container from a volume to a different volume.

Figure 11B shows guidance and/or support means 200 comprising a bottom side 201 and a upright side 210. The bottom side 201 comprises a groove 203. The upright side 210 comprises an opening 213 at a bottom side 217 of the upright side, an axle 212 arranged in this opening 213 and a wheel 211 rotatable arranged with the axle 212. The wheel 211 comprises a convex shaped contact surface 216 and 216', which fits the concave shape of the groove 203 for collaboration between the two during the transition of the variable-volume container from a volume to a different volume.

Figure 11C shows guidance and/or support means 200 comprising a bottom side 201 and an upright side 210. The bottom side 201 comprises a ridge 204. The upright side 210 comprises a side opening 222 at a lower side of the upright side, axles 223 and 224 arranged in this opening 222 and first and second wheels 220 and 221 rotatable arranged with the axles 223 and 224 respectively. The first wheel 220 is arranged above the bottom side 201, the second wheel 221 is arranged below the bottom side 201. Both wheels 220 and 221 comprise a linear shaped contact surface 225, 225', 225'' and 225''', which fit the flat shape of the bottom side 201 for collaboration between the two during the transition of the variable-volume container from a volume to a different volume. During transition the guidance is enhanced by the ridge 204.

Figure 11D shows guidance and/or support means 200 comprising a bottom side 201, an upright side 210 and a pin 231. The pin 231 comprises a head 232 and an elongated part 231. The head is disc shaped. The elongated part 231 is arranged in an axial direction with one end adjacent to the centre of the disc.

The bottom side 201 comprises a groove 205. The head 232 is rotatable and/or translatable arranged in the groove 205, wherein the rotation of the pin with respect to the bot tom side is around the elongated axis K of the elongated part 231.

Although the invention has been discussed in the foregoing with reference to exemplary embodiments of the variable-volume container and transportation vehicle of the invention, the invention is not restricted to these particular embodiment which can be varied in many ways without departing from the gist of the invention. The discussed exemplary embodiments shall therefore not be used to construe the appended claims strictly in accordance therewith. On the contrary the embodiments are merely intended to explain the wording of the appended claims without intent to limit the claims to these exemplary embodiments. The scope of protection of the invention shall therefore be construed in accordance with the appended claims only, wherein a possible ambiguity in the wording of the claims shall be resolved using these exemplary embodiments .

Figure 12 shows a detail of a variable-volume container 1 of figure 3B with a cable pulley mechanism 300. The container comprises a side 22, a bottom side 20' and the pulley mechanism 300. The side 22 comprises a first panel 40 and a second panel 41. The cable pulley mechanism 300 comprises a cable 301, with a first end 304 and second end 305, and a pulley 302, wherein the cable 301 runs over the top of the pulley 302. The second end 305 is attached to an end 303 of the second part 41 of the side 22.

If the first end 304 of the cable is moved in the direction of B, the first panel 40 moves in the direction of B and/or the second panel 41 moves in the direction of A.

If the first end 304 of the cable is moved in the direction of A, the first panel 40 moves in the direction of A and/or the second panel 41 moves in the direction of B.

Some or all movements can be supported by the force of gravity and/or resilience exerted on one or more parts of the variable-volume container. The influence of acceleration can be counterbalanced by the application of an attenuator like a dashpot.

Figure 13 shows a detail of a variable-volume container 1 of figure 3B with a locking mechanism 350. The con tainer comprises a side 22, a bottom side 20' and the locking mechanism 350. The side 22 comprises a first panel 40 and a second panel 41. The locking mechanism 350 comprises one or more through holes 352, 352', 352'' in the first panel 40, one or more through holes 353, 353' in the second panel, a split pin 356 and a rod 351. The rod comprises a shaft 357, a head 354 placed at one end of the shaft 357, and a through hole 355 at another end of the shaft 357.

In the locked state the shaft 357 of the rod 351 is arranged with a through hole of the first panel 40 and a through hole of the second panel 41 thereby locking the first and second panel relatively to each other. In the locked state the split pen is arranged with the through hole 355 of the rod 351. The head 354 of the rod 351 and the split pen, when placed in the locked state have a normal clearance zone larger compared to the through holes in the panels to prevent the locking mechanism 350 from unlocking at an undesirable moment in time.

Claims

A variable volume container (1) for use in combination with a truck (3), conveyor, cabin chassis, trailer or semi-trailer or a stand-alone variable-volume compartment, the container (1) providing a storage space (25) for comprises receiving goods, wherein a plurality of sides (20, 20 ', 21, 21', 22, 22 ') enclose the storage space, opposite sides being spaced apart, and wherein at least two sides are at least partially spaced from be a rigid material, characterized in that the distance is adjustable to provide a variable volume of the storage space.

Container according to claim 1, wherein at least one side comprises a harmonica part (51, 54).

A container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one side comprises panels (40, 41, 42, 43) that at least partially overlap, the overlap being adjustable to provide an adjustable volume.

Container according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 3, wherein a side comprises rollable panels (60, 63).

Container according to any of the preceding claims 1-4, wherein a side comprises rotatable panels (80, 81).

Container according to any of the preceding claims 1-5, wherein a side comprises foldable panels (90, 91, 92, 93).

A container according to any of the preceding claims 1-6, wherein a side comprises a mesh part (130).

8. Container as claimed in any of the foregoing claims 1-7, wherein the container comprises a flexible corner point.

Container according to any of the preceding claims 1-8, wherein the container comprises a rail and / or cable mechanism (200, 300, 350) that supports an adjustable side.

Container according to the preceding claim, wherein the cable mechanism comprises a cable, a pulley and / or a winch.

A container according to the preceding claim, wherein the cable is a cable with minimal elongation, such as one. plastic cable.

12. Container as claimed in any of the foregoing claims 1-11, wherein the container comprises fixing means on the inside of the container, preferably a beam and / or hook.

A container according to any one of the preceding claims 1-12, wherein the container comprises fastening means on the outside of the container, preferably a hook and / or fastening means equivalent to fastening means of a standard sea container.

Container as claimed in any of the foregoing claims 1-13, wherein the container comprises transport means, preferably a wheel, such as a swivel wheel, and / or an opening for the insertion of a wheel, the transport means preferably in the corners of the container are arranged.

A transport vehicle (3), preferably a truck, a conveyor, a cabin chassis, a trailer or a trailer, which comprises a variable volume container according to one of the preceding claims.