US20090242552A1 - Iso container having a load transfer plate - Google Patents
Iso container having a load transfer plate Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20090242552A1 US20090242552A1 US12/060,664 US6066408A US2009242552A1 US 20090242552 A1 US20090242552 A1 US 20090242552A1 US 6066408 A US6066408 A US 6066408A US 2009242552 A1 US2009242552 A1 US 2009242552A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- container
- nonmetallic
- fittings
- monocoque
- columns
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D88/00—Large containers
- B65D88/02—Large containers rigid
- B65D88/12—Large containers rigid specially adapted for transport
- B65D88/127—Large containers rigid specially adapted for transport open-sided container, i.e. having substantially the whole side free to provide access, with or without closures
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D88/00—Large containers
- B65D88/02—Large containers rigid
- B65D88/12—Large containers rigid specially adapted for transport
- B65D88/121—ISO containers
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D90/00—Component parts, details or accessories for large containers
- B65D90/0026—Corner fittings characterised by shape, configuration or number of openings
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D90/00—Component parts, details or accessories for large containers
- B65D90/0033—Lifting means forming part of the container
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D90/00—Component parts, details or accessories for large containers
- B65D90/02—Wall construction
- B65D90/022—Laminated structures
Definitions
- This invention relates generally to transportable shelters and containers (hereinafter “containers”) and, more particularly, to containers that satisfy international and military standards and regulations regarding stackability, including International Standards Organization (ISO), Container Safety Convention (CSC), and Coast Guard Certification (CGC) standards.
- ISO International Standards Organization
- CSC Container Safety Convention
- CGC Coast Guard Certification
- Each of the wall panels also has bottom and top edges that extend respectively between the first and second vertical ends of each of the panels.
- the container also includes a nonmetallic laminated floor panel having a plurality of edges that intersect at predefined corners. Each of the floor panel edges is integrally bonded with the bottom edge of a respective one of the wall panels and with one of the nonmetallic columns at each of the predefined corners of the floor panel.
- the container also includes a nonmetallic roof panel having a plurality of edges intersecting at predefined corners, with each of the edges being integrally bonded with the top edge of a respective one of the nonmetallic wall panels and with a respective one of the nonmetallic columns at each of the predefined corners of the roof panel.
- lightweight naturally-occurring structural materials such as balsa wood, may be used to form at least a portion of the cores 36 .
- the cores 36 are desirably formed of commonly available multiplies one inch thick foam sheets that are laminated together to provide a core of the desired thickness. Lamination between adjacent layers of the foam, and between built-up panels, is preferably carried out by placing a resin-impregnated, lightweight (e.g., 3 ⁇ 4 oz.), fiberglass fabric 60 between the mating surfaces of the foam.
- a metalized fabric may be incorporated into the laminated interior surface skin 40 , the external surface skin 38 , or even between laminated layers of the core 36 , to provide RF (radio frequency) and EMF (electric and magnetic fields) shielding of equipment and occupants within the container 20 .
- a ballistic resistant fabric such as KevlarTM (DuPont) may be incorporated into the panels of the container 20 to provide ballistic protection.
- the reinforced plastic external surface skin 38 of the container 20 may comprise a radar-nonreflective material, i.e., material that either absorbs or does not reflect radar frequency electromagnetic energy, laminated with the core 36 .
- the container 20 When stacked nine units high, the container 20 has sufficient strength to support a vertical load of eight fully laden 24000 kg (52910 lb) containers above the tested unit with a vertical acceleration of 1.8 g. In testing a minimum force of 86400 kg (190479 lb) is applied per post, as well as the transverse racking loads that are applied by the lashings and tie downs during rolling of the ship in high seas.
Abstract
A lightweight transportable container is disclosed in which the wall, roof, and floor of the container are laminated panels bonded together to form a rigid monolithic structure. The container has fittings attached thereto to provide for the attachment of lifting hooks, tie downs, and alignment and coupling pins for attachment with other units when stacked one on top of the other. Load transfer plates are secured to both the fittings and an interior surface of the container to distribute loads otherwise concentrated at the fittings. The container is particularly useful in hostile and extreme temperature environments and is designed to withstand the application of numerous forces from various directions, such as those typically applied, for example, in ISO certification testing.
Description
- This application for patent is related to, and hereby incorporates by reference, U.S. Pat. No. 7,334,697, entitled “ISO Container,” filed Oct. 20, 2005 and issued Feb. 26, 2008, by the United States Patent and Trademark Office.
- A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction of the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.
- 1. Technical Field
- This invention relates generally to transportable shelters and containers (hereinafter “containers”) and, more particularly, to containers that satisfy international and military standards and regulations regarding stackability, including International Standards Organization (ISO), Container Safety Convention (CSC), and Coast Guard Certification (CGC) standards.
- 2. History of the Related Art
- Containers suitable for transportation by truck, ship, or air must generally comply with the standards and regulations for ship freight set forth by ISO and CSC. Furthermore, containers that are transported by helicopter must be able to support the dynamic load imposed by the lifting of the containers, which is typically about three times the static load. Heretofore, such containers generally have a metal framework, i.e., a post-and-beam construction, with composition board (usually steel or aluminum sheathed) or other composite material panels attached to the framework by bolts, rivets, welding, and the like. Such containers, however, are inherently heavy. For example, a standard 20-feet long container constructed to meet ISO size requirements (typically 8 feet wide by 8 feet high) weighs on the order of 4,000 to 5,000 pounds. As a result, the maximum cargo or payload that can be transported in such a container is generally limited to two to three times the tare weight, or empty weight, of the container. Furthermore, the side, roof, and floor panels of the metal-framed container typically do not support any structural loads or provide any structural resistance to externally applied forces. The metal framework of these containers must therefore have sufficient mass and structural strength to support both the cargo load and any externally applied forces.
- Metal-framed and paneled containers also have different thermal expansion characteristics for the various materials used in the construction of the containers. Metal framework typically expands or contracts at a rate that is different than the expansion or contraction rate of the panels. This difference in thermal expansion characteristics is particularly significant in extreme temperature environments where the joints between the panels and the metal frame can become stressed or cracked, permitting the entrance of moisture and water into the joints. Also, for panels having metal surfaces, the surfaces tend to expand and contract at a rate that is different from the rate of the underlying core, resulting in delamination of the panels.
- More recently, instead of metal framework, some transportable containers that have been constructed to meet ISO size requirements have been formed of composite material panels. However, clips or other fastening means must be used to hold these composite material panels in their respective relative positions. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,285,604, issued Oct. 10, 1991 to Kevin Carlin, discloses a mobile kitchen formed of composite material walls that is assembled from modular components and then held together by rivets extending through aluminum bolsters bridging one or more of the components. However, as stated in this patent, while the aluminum rivet bolster strips are advantageous for securing the riveted connections between panels, they do not provide substantial additional rigidity, support, or structural strength for the panels. Thus, the Carlin structure is inherently incapable of supporting or resisting vertically or transversely applied forces of any significant magnitude. In other words, the structure is not stackable, i.e., it cannot support another similar unit stacked on top of it and is inherently weak in resisting transversely applied loads.
- It would be desirable to be able to overcome the problems set forth above. In particular, it would be desirable to have a transportable container constructed of lightweight materials in which the walls, roof, and floor of the container are structural load bearing members that also have similar coefficients of expansion. It would also be desirable to have such a container that has a payload capability greater than eight to nine times its tare weight. Furthermore, it would be desirable to have a container that is capable of providing a barrier to electromagnetic signals, or, alternatively, can be constructed of a material that is not reflective of radar energy. It is also desirable to have a container that is capable of being pressurized and maintained at a positive pressure atmosphere to prevent the infiltration of hazardous, toxic, or otherwise undesirable atmospheres, or for high altitude applications.
- The present invention provides a lightweight transportable container in which the wall, roof, and floor are structural load bearing members. This allows the container to be stackable and have a payload capacity more than eight times greater than the tare weight of the container. The walls, roof, and floor are composed of nonmetallic laminated panels bonded together and having the same or similar coefficients of expansion. This makes the container particularly useful, for example, as a shelter in hostile and extreme temperature environments. The container is also designed to withstand the application of numerous forces in various directions, such as those typically used, for example, in ISO certification testing. In some embodiments, the container is capable of providing a barrier to electromagnetic signals or, alternatively, may be constructed of a material that is not reflective of radar energy. In some embodiments, the container is capable of being pressurized and maintained at a positive pressure atmosphere to prevent the infiltration of hazardous, toxic, or otherwise undesirable atmospheres, or for high altitude applications.
- In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a container according to embodiments of the invention includes a plurality of nonmetallic columns having a length substantially equal to the height of the container and a plurality of nonmetallic wall panels, each of which has a first and a second vertical end that is respectively bonded to a separate one of the nonmetallic columns.
- Each of the wall panels also has bottom and top edges that extend respectively between the first and second vertical ends of each of the panels. The container also includes a nonmetallic laminated floor panel having a plurality of edges that intersect at predefined corners. Each of the floor panel edges is integrally bonded with the bottom edge of a respective one of the wall panels and with one of the nonmetallic columns at each of the predefined corners of the floor panel. The container also includes a nonmetallic roof panel having a plurality of edges intersecting at predefined corners, with each of the edges being integrally bonded with the top edge of a respective one of the nonmetallic wall panels and with a respective one of the nonmetallic columns at each of the predefined corners of the roof panel.
- In another aspect of the invention, a container for extreme weather environments has a plurality of nonmetallic columns, each of which are disposed at a predefined vertical edge corner of the container. A plurality of nonmetallic wall panels has predefined top, bottom, and end edge surfaces. Each of the end edge surfaces of the wall panels is integrally bonded with one of the nonmetallic vertical columns. A nonmetallic roof panel has edge portions that are integrally bonded to the top edge surface of each of the wall panels and with the vertical columns. A nonmetallic floor panel also has edge portions that are integrally bonded with the bottom edge surface of each of the wall panels and with the vertical columns. The nonmetallic vertical columns, the nonmetallic wall panels, the nonmetallic roof panel, and the nonmetallic floor panel, form a unitary monocoque structure in which the vertical columns, wall panels, and roof and floor panels are all structural load bearing elements and cooperate with each other to distribute forces imposed on the container.
- In another aspect of the invention, a floor brace and stiffeners may be attached to the floor panel of the container to reinforce the floor panel against twisting and/or flexing during shipping. Similarly, a roof brace may be mounted to the roof and the front wall of the container to further reinforce the container and to provide protection from routine physical contact, such as from logistics handling equipment.
- In another aspect of the invention, a container according to embodiments of the invention includes a plurality of nonmetallic columns having a length substantially equal to the height of the container and a plurality of nonmetallic wall panels. Fittings are secured to top and bottom ends of the nonmetallic columns to assist in lifting and repositioning of the container. Plates are secured between the fittings and selected wall panels to aid in distribution of loads.
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FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a container according to one embodiment of the invention in which a portion of a non-removable side wall of the container is cut away to show other details; -
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the container according to one embodiment of the invention in which a removable panel in the side wall of the container is cut away to show other details; -
FIG. 3 is an end view of the container according to one embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of one corner of the container taken along line 4-4 ofFIG. 3 ; -
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the juncture of the roof and end wall panels of the container taken along line 5-5 ofFIG. 3 ; -
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the juncture between the floor and end panels of the container taken along line 6-6 ofFIG. 3 ; -
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a column having ISO fittings attached at the top and bottom ends thereof and disposed in each of the vertical corners of the container according to one embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 8 is a side view of the nonremovable side wall arrangement of the container according to one embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the juncture of the roof and side wall panels of the container taken along line 9-9 ofFIG. 8 ; -
FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the juncture of the floor and side wall panels of the container taken along line 10-10 ofFIG. 8 ; -
FIG. 11 is a side view of the container in which the side wall includes a removable panel, a portion of which is broken away to show the underlying groove in the side wall panel according to one embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the juncture between the side and end walls of the container taken along line 12-12 ofFIG. 11 ; -
FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the fixed side wall portion of the container taken along the line 13-13 ofFIG. 11 ; -
FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the removable panel of the container taken along line 14-14 ofFIG. 11 ; -
FIG. 15 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the sealed groove arrangement for detachably mounting the removable panel to the fixed side wall of the container according to one embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 16 is an elevational view of a conventional ISO fitting having an extension attached thereto that is adapted to be fixedly attached to each of the open ends of the vertical columns in the container according to one embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the container in which a foldable entryway is shown disposed at one end of the container according to one embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 18 is bottom view showing the floor panel of the container having floor stiffeners attached thereto according to one embodiment of the invention; -
FIGS. 19A-B are cross-sectional and side views of the floor stiffeners shown inFIG. 18 ; -
FIG. 20 is a bottom view showing the floor panel of the container having a floor brace attached therein according to one embodiment of the invention; -
FIGS. 21A-B are partial perspective and side views of the container having a roof brace mounted thereon according to one embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a column having ISO fittings similar to that ofFIG. 7 , with load transfer plates attached to the ISO fittings according to one embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 23 is an interior partial perspective view of the container showing the column and the load transfer plates ofFIG. 22 attached thereto; and -
FIG. 24 is a plan view of the load transfer plate ofFIG. 22 . - A transportable container according to one embodiment of the invention is generally indicated in the drawings by the
reference numeral 20. Importantly, thecontainer 20 is a unitary structure having a monocoque construction, i.e., it is a structure in which the skin carries all or a major part of the stresses imposed on the structure. More specifically, thecontainer 20 does not have a conventional structural framework. Load and force induced stresses are distributed along three axis at right angles with respect to each other, i.e., along the side, end, roof, and floor panels of the structure. For example, a force applied to an upper corner of the container according to one embodiment of the invention is distributed along the side wall, end wall, and roof panels of thecontainer 20. The wall, roof, and floor panels are reinforced by nonmetallic columns at the vertical corner edges and cooperate with the columns to provide the sole load bearing and force distributing elements of the structure. - The
container 20 may have fixedside walls 22, as shown inFIG. 1 , or side walls with aremovable panel 24 detachably mounted in theside wall 22. In addition to theside walls 22, thecontainer 20 also has anend wall 26 disposed at each end of the container, aroof panel 28, and afloor panel 30. A nonmetallic tubular column 32 (best shown inFIG. 7 ) is disposed in each vertical corner of thecontainer 20. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, thecontainer 20 has a rectangular shape. Other multiple-sided structures, such as triangular, hexagonal, octagonal, or other shapes, may also be built in accordance with the bonded panel construction according to one embodiment of the invention. Regardless of plan shape, anaccess door 34 is conveniently disposed in at least onewall 26 of thecontainer 20 to provide an entryway into the interior of thecontainer 20. - As shown in the drawings, the load bearing panels of the
structure 20, i.e., theside wall panels 22, theend wall panels 26, theroof panel 28, and thefloor panel 30, have a laminated composite construction, preferably formed of nonmetallic materials. Each of the composite panels has alightweight foam core 36, preferably formed of a structural foam material. In the preferred embodiment, thefoam cores 36 are formed of styrene acrylonitrile (SMA) linear structural foam having a density of about 4 pounds/cubic feet. Other structural foams that may be suitable for use in the invention include foam blends of styrene and other resins that are commonly used in the formation of building panels, automotive components, and similar products, such as styrene-maleic anhydride (SMA), polystyrene, polypropylene, polyurethane (thermoset), polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene. Also, lightweight naturally-occurring structural materials, such as balsa wood, may be used to form at least a portion of thecores 36. In the invention, thecores 36 are desirably formed of commonly available multiplies one inch thick foam sheets that are laminated together to provide a core of the desired thickness. Lamination between adjacent layers of the foam, and between built-up panels, is preferably carried out by placing a resin-impregnated, lightweight (e.g., ¾ oz.),fiberglass fabric 60 between the mating surfaces of the foam. - An
external surface skin 38 is laminated to the outer surface of the core and aninterior surface skin 40 is laminated onto the inner surface of thecore 36. The surface skins 38, 40 are preferably formed of a nonmetallic material, such as fiberglass. In the preferred embodiment, the surface skins 38, 40 are formed of “high tow Grade” relatively low cost carbon prepreg having a weight of about 17 oz. Other fabrics that may be suitable for use in the surface skins 38, 40 include polyester and other organic fibers, other inorganic fibers such as carbon/graphite, metalized fabrics, and patented fiber fabrics, such as, for example, Kevlar™ polyamide fiber (DuPont). Preferably a polyester resin, or other resin system compatible with the skin fabric and core materials, is coated on, drawn into, extruded, or otherwise intimately introduced into the fabric that, upon hardening, cooperates with the fabric to form a rigid shell that is laminated, i.e., intimately bonded, with the core forming a single rigid structure. - Typically, the laminated
end wall panels 26 have a thickness of about 1.25 inches. If it is desired to only stack thecontainers 20 six units high, theside walls 22, if not equipped withremovable panels 24, may also be about 1.25 inches thick, as shown inFIG. 4 . If it is desired to stack the units seven high, or to placeremovable panels 24 in theside walls 22 of thecontainer 20, it is desirable to double the thickness of theside walls 22 and theend walls 26 to a thickness of 2.5 inches, as shown inFIG. 12 . In either arrangement, anonmetallic column 32 described below in greater detail, is integrally bonded into each vertical corner edge of the structure, as shown inFIGS. 4 and 12 . - In either arrangement, the
roof panel 28 typically has a thickness of about 2.5 inches, with an additional 1.25 inches of the core material added in a region about 1 foot wide around the outer edges of theroof panel 28, forming a roughly 3.75 inchthick perimeter region 44 adjacent each of the end wall panels 26 (best shown inFIG. 5 ) and adjacent each of the side wall panels 22 (best shown inFIG. 9 ). In either the fixed or removable side panel arrangements, thefloor panel 30 preferably is built up of three laminated layers of about 1.25 inch thick core sheets to provide a thickness of roughly 3.75 inches. The bottom surface of thefloor panel 30 desirably has a plurality ofribs 46 extending transversely across thefloor panel 30 that serve as stiffeners to better support cargo or other loads acting directly on the inner surface of thefloor panel 30. Fork pockets 48 are conveniently formed between adjacent pairs of theribs 46 for use in lifting thecontainer 20 with forklift trucks. - In the arrangement of the
container 20 havingremovable panels 24 detachably mounted to the fixedside walls 22, it is desirable to reinforce the side edge of theroof panel 28 adjacent the upper edge of theside wall 22. As shown inFIGS. 13 and 14 , a thickenedsection 70 is bonded with theroof panel 28 and the upper edge of theside wall 22 along the length of theside wall 22. The thickenedsection 70 is advantageously formed by laminating a heavy (e.g., 20 oz wt.) stitched aligned carbon fabric to the top and bottom horizontal surfaces of an elongated rectangularly-shaped core preferably formed of the same material, i.e., structural polymer foam, as used in the core of the wall, roof and floor panels. The core of the thickenedsection 70 may be a single piece as shown in the drawings, or built up of multiple laminated layers of, for example, 1.25 inch thick panels. External carbon fiber skins 40 are preferably laminated onto the vertical side surfaces of the thickenedsection 70. - The
corner columns 32 are preferably mandrel-wound or extruded carbon/graphite composite hollow tube box sections measuring roughly 4 inches by 4 inches, with wall thickness of about 0.11 inch. If desired, the hollow interior of the tube may be filled with lightweight foam. Jacking attachment inserts 88 may be installed in each of thecolumns 32, as shown in the drawings, to provide an attachment point for leveling jacks. - The
removable panels 24 are detachably mounted to theside panels 22 by a plurality ofbolts 50, each of which threadably engages anut retainer 52 embedded within theside panel 22, as shown inFIGS. 12 and 15 . Theremovable panel 24 has a fiber reinforced plastic (FRP)flange 54 extending around the periphery of thepanel 24 and mates with asimilar FRP flange 56 formed in the perimeter of the opening in theside wall 22. The mutually engaging, mating configuration of theflanges wall panel 22 to transfer stresses to theremovable wall panel 24, thereby enabling structural loads imposed on thestructure 20 to be transferred to theremovable panel 24. A resilientlycompressible seal 58 is disposed adjacent the peripheral edge of theflange 54. Thus, when theremovable panel 24 is attached to theside wall 22 and thebolts 50 are tightened into theretainers 52, theflange 54 of theremovable panel 24 is drawn toward theflange 56 of the fixedside wall 22 and theseal 58 is compressed between theflanges flanges - Advantageously, a conventional ISO fitting 64 is mounted on each of the eight corners of the
container 20 to provide for the attachment of lifting hooks, tie downs, and alignment and coupling pins for attachment with other units when stacked one on top of the other. As best shown inFIG. 16 , the ISO fitting 64 has a rectangulartubular extension 66 welded onto the base of the fitting 64. Theextension 66 is rigidly bonded, such as by an epoxy adhesive, into each end of each of thenonmetallic columns 32. - ISO fittings are conventionally formed of steel or aluminum. However, if desired for stealth, i.e., reduced radar detection purposes, the
ISO fittings 64 andextensions 66, as well as thebolts 50,retainers 52, the frame and hardware of theaccess door 34, and other hardware attachments, may be formed of polycarbonate or other high strength plastic material. - If desired, steel, aluminum, or impact-resistant
plastic impact plates 68 having a thickness ranging between approximately ⅛ and ½ inches, may be placed at each corner of theroof panel 28 adjacent each of theISO fittings 64 and, if needed, in the center of the roof, to provide protection against impact by handling equipment hooks during hoisting of thecontainer 20 by a crane or helicopter. In one preferred embodiment, theimpact plates 68 are approximately ¼ inch thick. Theimpact plates 68 are preferably bonded to an exterior of thecontainer 20. In one preferred embodiment, theimpact plates 68 are bonded to an exterior surface of theroof panel 28 and/or theside panels 22. Theimpact plates 68 are therefore useful in dissipating the force of any impact across the panels of thecontainer 20. - The
impact plates 68 may additionally be secured to theISO fittings 64. This would advantageously allow the force of any impact or other loads to be shared with and/or dissipated from theISO fittings 64 themselves. - Alternatively, or additionally,
load transfer plates 100 may be secured to both theISO fittings 64 and an interior surface of thecontainer 20, as shown inFIGS. 22 , 23, and 24. For example, in one preferred embodiment, theload transfer plates 100 are bonded to interior surfaces of theroof panel 28 andfloor panel 30. Theload transfer plates 100 are preferably formed of a material similar to that of theISO fittings 64, and are preferably welded thereto or formed integrally therewith. For example, where theISO fittings 64 are formed of steel or aluminum, theload transfer plates 100 are also preferably formed of steel or aluminum, respectively. Similarly, where theISO fittings 64 are formed of polycarbonate or other high strength plastic material, so to are theload transfer plates 100. Particularly in the case of non-metallic ISO fittings, theload transfer plates 100 may be formed integrally with theISO fittings 64 or may be rigidly bonded, such as by an epoxy adhesive, thereto. - In any case, the
load transfer plates 100 preferably have a thickness ranging between approximately ⅛ and ½ inches. In one preferred embodiment, theload transfer plates 100 are approximately ¼ inch thick. Theload transfer plates 100 also preferably have a width and length each ranging between approximately six inches and two feet. In one preferred embodiment, theload transfer plates 100 are approximately one foot wide and approximately one foot long. - While there may be more or less, there are preferably an equal number of
ISO fittings 64 andload transfer plates 100. For example, it may be desirable to have twoload plates 100, one bonded to substantially the entire interior surface of theroof panel 30, welded to the top fourISO fittings 64, and another bonded to substantially the entire interior surface of thefloor panel 30, welded to the bottom fourISO fittings 64. This would likely significantly rigidify thecontainer 20. However, this may not be desired as it would also likely significantly increase the weight of thecontainer 20, as well as present other issues. Thus, in one preferred embodiment, each ISO fitting 64 is preferable welded to a unique one of theload transfer plates 100. In any case, it should be readily apparent that suchload transfer plates 100 are useful in dissipating the loads, otherwise concentrated at theISO fittings 64, across the panels of thecontainer 20. - Where desired, the
impact plates 68 and theload transfer plates 100 may be used together. In this configuration, the plates would essentially sandwich the panels of thecontainer 20, thereby more rigidly securing theISO fittings 64 thereto and increasing the efficient distribution of forces and other loads. While the plates are preferably bonded to interior and surfaces exterior of the panels of thecontainer 20, the plates may be thru-bolted or otherwise secured to each other through the panels of thecontainer 20. - In some embodiments, instead of the
conventional ISO fittings 64,removable ISO fittings 64 may be used, such as the ISO fittings described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/610,010, entitled “ISO Fittings for Composite Structures,” filed Jun. 30, 2003, and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The removable ISO fittings may then be disengaged from thecontainer 20 as needed, for example, to maintain and repair theISO fittings 64. - Where
removable ISO fittings 64 are used, theimpact plates 68, theload transfer plates 100, or both may be removably coupled thereto. For example, theload transfer plates 100 may be coupled to theISO fittings 64 using fasteners, such as screws, bolts, and/or pins, or releasable bonding agents. - As may be seen in
FIGS. 4 , 5, 6, and 12, thecorner columns 32 project outwardly from theend wall panels 26, forming ashallow cavity 72 that is defined by the inwardly steppedend wall 26 and each of the vertical corners at each side of the end wall. Thecavity 72 advantageously provides a recess for afolding vestibule 74, shown inFIG. 17 in its extended, or deployed, position. Thefolding vestibule 74 includes a pair ofside walls 76, afloor 78 and aroof 80, all of which are mounted by hinges to theend wall 26. Anend wall 82 of the vestibule may be mounted by hinges to either thefloor 78 or theroof 80. Theend wall 82 has a door provided therein for access into the vestibule 74 and thence through theaccess door 34 into the interior of thecontainer 20. The vestibule 74 is particularly convenient for use in storing tools and equipment not immediately needed in thecontainer 20, for locating support equipment such as compressors and generators, or as a transition chamber between the interior of thecontainer 20 and the environment external to thecontainer 20. - As will be readily recognized by one skilled in the art of fabricating laminated structures, such as boat hulls and similar large reinforced plastic structures, the
container 20 according to one embodiment of the invention may be conveniently constructed by using oven-cured, vacuum bag pressure lay-up techniques in an open mold, or by conventional closed mold processes. In the oven-cured, vacuum bag pressure lay-up process, UV and impact resistant surface plies are applied to mold surfaces that are shaped to define the exterior surface of one or more of the panels comprising thecontainer 20. For example, the mold surface may define the exterior surface of theroof panel 28, one of theside panels 22, and one of theend wall panels 26. If desired, sand or a similar material may be placed in the gelcoat on the roof panel exterior surface to provide a slip-resistant surface on theroof panel 28. - An added layer of
reinforcement fabric 84, preferably similar to the aforementioned double biased reinforcement forming the laminated interior andexterior shins reinforcement fabric 84 covers around each of the eight corners of thecontainer 20 and extends over a portion of each of the side panels, inFIGS. 4 and 12 . In addition, another layer offabric 86, which can serve as a doubler, extends along each joint between adjacently disposed panels of thecontainer 20, as shown inFIGS. 4 , 5, 6, 9, 10, 12, 13 and 14. - The previously described fabric component of the
exterior surface skin 38 is then placed over the prepositioned reinforcement fabric layers 84 and 86 and coated with a suitable resin, such as an epoxy resin. Thefoam cores 36 of the panels, either previously laminated together or built up in the mold, are then placed over the resin-impregnated fabric that forms theexternal surface skin 38. Thecorner columns 32 may be conveniently placed in each of the four corner edges of the structure along with any requiredfillers 42 that are desirably formed of the same material as thecore 36 of the laminated panels or added after removal of the assembly from the mold. Also, if used, the thickenedroof sections 70 may be positioned in the mold along the top edge of each of theside panels 22. - Lastly, corner fillers and other desired
filler pieces 42 may be positioned prior to applying the fabric component of theinterior surface skin 40 of the structure. The oven-cured, vacuum bag pressure lay-up process is well known for forming laminated fiberglass-reinforced structures such as boat hulls, panels for transit cars, bathroom components, and architectural panels. Desirably, the oven-cured, vacuum bag pressure lay-up process is carried out in association with vacuum bagging whereby the entire structure is encased within a plastic bag and a vacuum is applied to produce a negative pressure within the bag to pull the columns, cores and fabric skins together in intimate contact prior to hardening of the resin. - Other techniques suitable for forming the
container 20 according to one embodiment of the invention include closed-mold molding in which a vacuum may be applied after closure of the mold to draw all of the structural foam core and fabric skin components into intimate contact with each other prior to hardening of the resin. - It is generally desirable to construct the
container 20 in at least two separate subassemblies and then bond the two subassemblies together to form the single one piece structure. For example, as described above, theroof panel 28, one of theend walls 26, and one of theside walls 22 may be constructed in one operation, and thefloor panel 30, the other one of theend walls 26, and theother side wall 22 formed in a separate operation. The two subassemblies are then bonded together to form theentire container 20. - For military applications, a metalized fabric may be incorporated into the laminated
interior surface skin 40, theexternal surface skin 38, or even between laminated layers of the core 36, to provide RF (radio frequency) and EMF (electric and magnetic fields) shielding of equipment and occupants within thecontainer 20. In a similar fashion, a ballistic resistant fabric such as Kevlar™ (DuPont) may be incorporated into the panels of thecontainer 20 to provide ballistic protection. Furthermore, the reinforced plasticexternal surface skin 38 of thecontainer 20 may comprise a radar-nonreflective material, i.e., material that either absorbs or does not reflect radar frequency electromagnetic energy, laminated with thecore 36. In that arrangement, thecontainer 20 is useful as a military command post that would be difficult to detect by radar. Because thecontainer 20 has no joints other than around an entry door or a removable panel (which are easily sealed), thecontainer 20 can be pressurized so that a positive pressure is maintained within thecontainer 20. This feature is particularly useful in applications where it is desired to prevent the infiltration of hazardous, toxic, noxious, or other undesirable atmospheres, into the interior of thecontainer 20, or for use in high altitude applications. - Importantly, it should be noted that the
container 20 does not have a conventional frame. All of the components of thecontainer 20 are laminated together to form a single rigid, unitary, monocoque structure in which the floor, roof and side panels, reinforced only by thevertical corner columns 32, carry all of the stresses imposed on thecontainer 20. When constructed according to the above-described embodiment, thecontainer 20 has an empty weight of about 3500 pounds and can be easily transported by helicopter or stacked up to nine units high for transport by container ship. As used herein, the terms “stacked” or “stackable” means being able to satisfy ISO and/or CSC standards and regulations for stacking containers. When stacked nine units high, thecontainer 20 has sufficient strength to support a vertical load of eight fully laden 24000 kg (52910 lb) containers above the tested unit with a vertical acceleration of 1.8 g. In testing a minimum force of 86400 kg (190479 lb) is applied per post, as well as the transverse racking loads that are applied by the lashings and tie downs during rolling of the ship in high seas. - The
floor 30 of eachcontainer 20 is capable of supporting a payload of roughly 17,500 pounds in the described 20-foot long, 8-foot wide, container. Thus, thecontainer 20 is capable of carrying over eight times its tare weight of 3500 pounds. In addition, when constructed according to the above-described embodiment, thecontainer 20 is able to withstand winds of up to 100 mph (miles per hour), and theroof 28 of thecontainer 20 is capable of supporting snow or sand loads of 100 psf (pounds per square foot). Thus, the container is also highly suitable for use in extreme weather conditions and hostile environments. - As can be seen from the foregoing, the
container 20 according to one embodiment of the invention has important military and commercial uses. It is also lightweight, easily transportable by truck, rail, sea or air, and has a payload capacity in excess of 8 times its tare weight. Thecontainer 20 further has important inherent thermal insulating properties to protect equipment and personnel in the container from extreme external temperature or other adverse climatic conditions. The panels forming the sides, roof and floor of thecontainer 20 can be constructed to provide a barrier to the passage of electromagnetic energy signals and be nonreflective of radar signals. Also, since thecontainer 20 has no open joints between any of the wall, roof or floor panels, it is easily pressurizeable for important military or high altitude applications. - In addition, the
container 20 can be stacked up to nine units high to facilitate transporting of same. When structures of any kind are stacked, however, there is a risk that the structures will tip or fall over, or that they will become warped or deformed, due to the forces acting on the structures during loading/unloading and shipping, especially by boats and trains. For this reason, the shipping industry has strict requirements (e.g., ISO Standards 668-1976, 1496-1, 1161-1, and the like) related to the stacking of certain industry size-compliant containers, like thecontainer 20 of the present invention. In order for a container to be certified as “stackable,” the containers must first pass a series of structural loading tests, usually administered by the U.S. Coast Guard. For example, one of the tests is a column loading test where a structural load is placed on each column of the container individually. Another test is a transverse racking test where the bottom corners of the container are anchored and a force is applied to the top corners of the container in different lateral directions. - As alluded to above, conventional containers have metal frames that bear the bulk of any structural loads. The distribution of the loads for these containers is therefore generally along the metal framework. As a result, appropriate measures (e.g., reinforcing the metal columns and beams) may be taken if needed to complete the certification of the containers. For structures like the
container 20 that have a monocoque construction, however, the structural loads are distributed along the skin of the structure instead of the frame. Thus, for nonmetallic composite material structures, such as thecontainer 20, the structural loads are distributed along theside wall 22,end wall 26,roof 28, and/orfloor panels 30. Because of this dispersed load distribution, nonmetallic composite material structures have had difficulty in the past passing some of the more demanding ISO and other industry standard stackability tests. - Referring now to
FIG. 18 , in accordance with embodiments of the invention, floor stiffeners may be attached to the bottom surface of thefloor panel 30 to help fortify thefloor panel 30 against twisting and/or flexing that may occur during certification testing (ISO, CSC, etc.). In one embodiment, the floor stiffeners may include a plurality ofedge stiffeners 90 and a plurality ofmid-floor stiffeners 92. Thesefloor edge stiffeners 90 andmid-floor stiffeners 92 may be attached to thefloor panel 30 via any suitable means, including adhesive, one or more bonded layers of composite material, and the like. - In the particular embodiment shown here, there are four edge stiffeners 90 (corresponding to the four corners of the floor panel 30) and two
mid-floor stiffeners 92. The edge stiffeners 90 extend lengthwise from the corners of thefloor panel 30 substantially parallel to the long edge of thefloor panel 30 toward theribs 46. In one implementation, theedge stiffeners 90 abut theISO fittings 64 at each corner of thefloor panel 30, although it is not absolutely necessary for them to do so. Themid-floor stiffeners 92 also extend lengthwise in the same direction as theedge stiffeners 90, but down the middle portion of thefloor panel 30 instead of along the long edge. Thus, eachmid-floor stiffener 92 is disposed between twoedge stiffeners 90, typically about halfway between the twoedge stiffeners 90. Both theedge stiffeners 90 and themid-floor stiffeners 92 may extend to theribs 46, and in the case of themid-floor stiffeners 92, may even touch theribs 46. - Note that although only four
edge stiffeners 90 and twomid-floor stiffeners 92 are shown and described inFIG. 18 , a person of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that a different number ofedge stiffeners 90 and/ormid-floor stiffeners 92 may certainly be used without departing from the scope of the invention. -
FIGS. 19A-B illustrate a cross-sectional view and a side view of theedge stiffeners 90 and themid-floor stiffeners 92, respectively, according to one embodiment. As can be seen from the cross-sectional view, both theedge stiffeners 90 and themid-floor stiffeners 92 may be made of a nonmetallic composite material, including an external fiberglass or carbon fiber skin similar to theskin 38 mentioned above laminated around a foam core similar to theform core 36 mentioned above. They may also have the same height (e.g., 4.3 inches) and width (e.g., 8.5 inches), although themid-floor stiffeners 92 may be slightly longer than the edge stiffeners 90 (e.g., 65.9 inches versus 53.9 inches). - As can be seen from the side view, in one embodiment, the
edge stiffeners 90 may be tapered at one end, namely, theend 90 a toward theribs 46. It is believed that any twisting and/or flexing along the long edge of thefloor panel 30 becomes less pronounced towards theribs 46. As such, theedge stiffeners 90 may be tapered (e.g., 4.9 degrees) toward theribs 46 to reduce the amount of composite material used, since less reinforcement is needed in that area. Themid-floor stiffeners 92 have not been tapered, however, since no lessening of the twisting and/or flexing in that area has been observed. Nevertheless, in some embodiments, even theend 92 a of themid-floor stiffeners 92 may be tapered at the point where they meet the ribs 46 (e.g., 45 degrees) to conform themid-floor stiffeners 92 to the angled shape of theribs 46. - In addition to (or instead of) the
edge stiffeners 90 andmid-floor stiffeners 92, a floor brace may also be inserted into thefloor panel 30.FIG. 20 illustrates one example of such afloor brace 94, with thestiffeners floor brace 94. Thefloor brace 94 it is disposed on the interior of the floor panel 30 (hence, the dotted lines) and serves to further reinforce thefloor panel 30 against twisting and/or flexing. In one embodiment, thefloor brace 94 may be a substantially flat piece having several constituent components, including twodiagonal members parallel members diagonal member floor panel 30, thus criss-crossing one another to form an “X” within thefloor panel 30. Theparallel members floor panel 30 along the long edges thereof. Other shapes besides a crisscrossing “X” shape may be used by those having ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope of the invention. - In one embodiment,
floor brace 94 may be formed as a unitary piece. In other embodiments, thefloor brace 94 may be made of severalseparate components floor brace 94 is preferably made of a nonmetallic composite material, for example, a fiberglass or carbon fiber material. - Although the
constituent components floor brace 94 preferably has an overall length and width that allows thefloor brace 94 to substantially extend theentire floor panel 30, reaching to all four corners thereof. For example, thefloor brace 94 may have a length of 221 inches and a width of 90 inches, which is sufficient for the floor brace to extend to all four corners. - To attach, preferably the
floor brace 94 is disposed either between the layers of foam in thefoam core 36, or between thefoam core 36 and theexternal skin 38, during fabrication of thefloor panel 30. In one embodiment, foam pads (not expressly shown) may be placed at the corners of thefloor panel 30 for receiving the four ends of thefloor brace 94. If used, the foam pads preferably have recessed sections cut out of them to receive the ends of thefloor brace 94. Then, composite material load distribution plates (not expressly shown) may be placed over and under each foam pad to sandwich the foam pads and the ends of thefloor brace 94, thereby anchoring thefloor brace 94 to thefloor panel 30. Preferably, the foam pads and the load distribution plates have a rectangular shape and are of approximately the same size. Once thefloor panel 30 is constructed, thefloor brace 94 will not be visible to the unaided view. It is possible, however, to deploy thefloor brace 94 on the outer surface of theexternal skin 38 without departing from the scope of the invention. - Furthermore, in some embodiments, a roof brace may be applied to the
container 20 to further strengthen thecontainer 20 from any twisting that may occur and also to provide protection for thecontainer 20 from routine physical contact by logistics handling equipment (e.g., a crane).FIGS. 21A-B illustrate anexemplary roof brace 96 that may be attached to theroof panel 28 and thefront wall 26 of thecontainer 20, according to one embodiment of the invention. Although not visible here, asimilar roof brace 96 may also be attached to theroof panel 28 and the rear wall, for a total of two roof braces 96. It is also possible to apply similar roof braces 96 to theroof panel 28 and theside walls 22, either alone or in conjunction with the front and rear wall braces 96. - As can be seen, the
roof brace 96 extends between the two corners common to thefront wall 26 and theroof panel 28. There are two main components: aroof component 96 a and afront wall component 96 b (the rear wall component is not visible here). Preferably, the twocomponents front wall components front wall components FIG. 21B . Exemplary dimensions include a length of approximately 94 inches for bothcomponents roof component 96 a and thefront wall component 96 b. - To attach, the
roof brace 96 is disposed so that theroof component 96 a and thefront wall component 96 b are flushed against their respective surfaces. Adhesives may then be used to secure theroof brace 96 to thefront wall 26 and theroof panel 28. In some embodiments, a rectangular section may be cut out of both theroof component 96 a and thefront wall component 96 b at the ends to thereof to accommodate the twoISO fittings 64 at the corners of thecontainer 20. Similarly, a section may be cut out of thefront wall component 96 a to accommodate the opening and closing of thedoor 34. The particular shape of the cut-out section, however, is not overly important to the practice of the invention. - While the invention has been described with reference to one or more particular embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that many changes may be made thereto without departing from the invention. For example, it should be clear that changes in the suggested nonmetallic materials and methods of construction may be made without departing from the invention. In addition, although the foregoing embodiments were discussed as being stackable up to nine units high, a number of improvements are available, including the use of unidirectional carbon fiber material to make the various wall, roof, and/or floor panels thinner, for allowing the container of the invention to be stacked up to ten units high while still meeting various container stacking standards and regulations. Indeed the inventors have successfully tested a first article in this design at an ISO 1496 test certified laboratory to ten-high stacking load level 97200 kilograms (214288 pounds). Furthermore, the panels may be made of fiberglass, such as by using a hand lay-up process. Such changes are intended to fall within the scope of the following claims.
Claims (20)
1. A monocoque shipping container, comprising:
a plurality of nonmetallic columns;
a plurality of nonmetallic wall panels, each wall panel having a top edge, a bottom edge, a first vertical edge, and a second vertical edge, each vertical edge integrally bonded to one of the nonmetallic columns;
a nonmetallic floor panel having a plurality of edges integrally bonded with one of the bottom edges of the wall panels and a plurality of corners integrally bonded with separate nonmetallic columns;
a nonmetallic roof panel having a plurality of edges integrally bonded with one of the top edges of the wall panels and a plurality of corners integrally bonded with separate nonmetallic columns;
a plurality of fittings, each fitting being secured to an end of one of the nonmetallic columns; and
at least one load plate secured to at least one of the fittings and an interior surface of one of the panels.
2. The monocoque shipping container according to claim 1 , wherein the plate and fittings are metallic.
3. The monocoque shipping container according to claim 1 , wherein the plate is integrally formed with at least one of the fittings.
4. The monocoque shipping container according to claim 1 , wherein the plate is welded to at least one of the fittings.
5. The monocoque shipping container according to claim 1 , wherein the plate is integrally bonded to an interior surface of the roof panel.
6. The monocoque shipping container according to claim 1 , wherein the plate is integrally bonded to an interior surface of the floor panel.
7. The monocoque shipping container according to claim 1 , wherein there are an equal number of fittings and load plates.
8. The monocoque shipping container according to claim 1 , wherein each load plate is welded to a different fitting.
9. The monocoque shipping container according to claim 1 , wherein each load plate is approximately one quarter inch thick.
10. The monocoque shipping container according to claim 1 , wherein each load plate is approximately one foot wide.
11. The monocoque shipping container according to claim 1 , wherein each load plate is approximately one foot long.
12. The monocoque shipping container according to claim 1 , wherein each load plate is formed of substantially the same material as the fittings.
13. The monocoque shipping container according to claim 1 , wherein each load plate is fixedly secured to the fitting.
14. A support structure for a monocoque shipping container, comprising:
a plurality of nonmetallic columns;
a plurality of metallic fittings, each fitting being secured to an end of one of the nonmetallic columns; and
a plurality of metallic load plates, each load plate being welded to a different one of the fittings, said metallic load plates being integrally bonded to an interior surface of a non-metallic panel.
15. The support structure according to claim 14 , wherein a number of the plates are integrally bonded to an interior surface of the roof panel.
16. The support structure according to claim 14 , wherein a number of the load plates are integrally bonded to an interior surface of the floor panel.
17. The support structure according to claim 14 , wherein there are an equal number of fittings and load plates.
18. The support structure according to claim 14 , wherein each load plate is approximately one quarter inch thick.
19. The support structure according to claim 14 , wherein each load plate is approximately one foot wide and approximately one foot long.
20. A monocoque shipping container, comprising:
a plurality of nonmetallic columns;
a plurality of nonmetallic wall panels, each wall panel having a top edge, a bottom edge, a first vertical edge, and a second vertical edge, each vertical edge integrally bonded to one of the nonmetallic columns;
a nonmetallic floor panel having a plurality of edges integrally bonded with one of the bottom edges of the wall panels and a plurality of corners integrally bonded with separate nonmetallic columns;
a nonmetallic roof panel having a plurality of edges integrally bonded with one of the top edges of the wall panels and a plurality of corners integrally bonded with separate nonmetallic columns;
a plurality of metallic fittings, each fitting being secured to an end of one of the nonmetallic columns;
a first plurality of metallic load plates, each plate being welded to a different one of the fittings and integrally bonded to an interior surface of the roof panel; and
a second plurality of metallic load plates, each plate being welded to a different one of the fittings and integrally bonded to an interior surface of the floor panel;
wherein there are an equal number of fittings and plates.
Priority Applications (1)
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US12/060,664 US20090242552A1 (en) | 2008-04-01 | 2008-04-01 | Iso container having a load transfer plate |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
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US12/060,664 US20090242552A1 (en) | 2008-04-01 | 2008-04-01 | Iso container having a load transfer plate |
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US20090242552A1 true US20090242552A1 (en) | 2009-10-01 |
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US12/060,664 Abandoned US20090242552A1 (en) | 2008-04-01 | 2008-04-01 | Iso container having a load transfer plate |
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