초록 ▼

A cargo container apparatus constructed of panels joined to a rigid framework so as to allow quick assembly and replacement of damaged panels without the use of conventional fasteners. In addition, the panels can undergo unrestricted expansion and contraction thereby allowing polycarbonate panels to

A cargo container apparatus constructed of panels joined to a rigid framework so as to allow quick assembly and replacement of damaged panels without the use of conventional fasteners. In addition, the panels can undergo unrestricted expansion and contraction thereby allowing polycarbonate panels to be affixed to a rigid aluminum framework for use in environments experiencing a wide range of temperatures. This system is especially well-suited for the construction of air cargo containers.

대표청구항 ▼

Cargo container apparatus comprising: a container frame including elongated frame members formed of material of a predetermined coefficient of thermal expansion, at least one frame member including a retaining channel formed in cross section with back, bottom and front walls cooperating to form a ca

Cargo container apparatus comprising: a container frame including elongated frame members formed of material of a predetermined coefficient of thermal expansion, at least one frame member including a retaining channel formed in cross section with back, bottom and front walls cooperating to form a cavity, said front wall projecting from the front edge of said bottom wall and turning backwardly thereover to form a retainer terminating in a free extremity spaced from said back wall to cooperate therewith in forming an elongated opening; a plurality of resilient planar wall panels for spanning between said frame members and constructed of a material having a coefficient of thermal expansion greater than said predetermined coefficient of thermal expansion, at least one of said panels being formed along a marginal extermity thereof to turn out of and back over the plane of the body of the one panel to form a proximal panel curve for inserting through said opening to be received in said cavity and hook over said retainer, said proximal panel curve being configured to, when at a predetermined intermediate temperature, hook loosely over said retainer and leave a contraction space therebetween and to then extend along the interior surface of said front wall, said marginal extermity then being turned back on itself to form a distal panel curve terminating in a clamping flange disposed in overlying relationship over said bottom wall; and at least one clamping rail sized and configured to be received through said opening to be disposed in close fitting relationship with the interior of said cavity to be trapped between said back wall and said clamping flange to clamp said flange in place, whereby cooling of said container below said intermediate temperature causes at least one of said panels to contract relative to the container frame to thereby take up the contraction space between said proximal panel curve and said retainer.