CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims priority to the following provisional applications, U.S. provisional patent application no. 63/192953, filed May 25, 2021 ; U.S. provisional patent application no. 63/363018, filed April 14, 2022; and U.S. provisional patent application no. 63/363073, filed April 15, 2022, the disclosures of each of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to container and container hauler systems, and more particularly to compactible handcarts and configurable container systems for transporting goods.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Online shopping is a form of electronic commerce which allows consumers to directly buy goods or services from a seller over the Internet using a web browser. Consumers find a product of interest by visiting the website of the retailer directly or by searching among alternative vendors using a shopping search engine, which displays the same product's availability and pricing at different e-retailers. As of 2020, customers can shop online using a range of different computers and devices, including desktop computers, laptops, tablet computers, smartphones, and smart speakers.

[0004] The popularity of online shopping continues to erode sales of conventional retailers. For example, Best Buy, the largest retailer of electronics in the U.S. in August 2014 reported its tenth consecutive quarterly dip in sales, citing an increasing shift by consumers to online shopping. Meanwhile, as of May 2018, a survey found two-thirds of Americans had bought something from Amazon (92% of those who had bought anything online), with 40% of online shoppers buying something from Amazon at least once a month. Moreover, the expansion of online shopping is a worldwide phenomenon. There were 242 million people shopping online in China in 2012. [0005] One major issue to the continued expansion of online retail is a solution to the logistics of the delivery of physical products, particularly in crowded metropolitan areas which are not well-suited to last mile shipping solutions involving large trucks and warehouse infrastructure. This can be a difficult issue to resolve with more and more items of a large variety of sizes and shapes being ordered and needing delivery in metropolitan areas. Furthermore, many current delivery systems and containers are not suitable for such areas.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] In some aspects, the apparatus and systems described herein relate to compactible and configurable containers and handcarts.

[0007] Many embodiments are directed to \configurable haulers including:

• a hauling platform defining a horizontal plane having top and bottom sides;

• a handle support pivotably defining a longitudinal axis connected to a first end of the hauling platform such that the handle support pivots about a first pivot point between a first extended position where the longitudinal axis of the handle support is disposed orthogonal to the horizontal plane of the hauling platform and a second compacted position where the longitudinal axis of the handle support is disposed parallel and adjacent to the top side of the hauling platform;

• a handle pivotably connected to the handle support about a second pivot point, the second pivot point being disposed on a portion of the handle support distal from the first pivot such that the handle pivots about the second pivot point between a first extended position where the handle is disposed orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the handle support and a second compacted position where the handle is disposed within the longitudinal axis of the handle support; and

• a plurality of wheels disposed on the bottom side of the hauling platform. [0008] In many embodiments, the hauling platform is formed of a front portion and a rear portion, wherein the front and rear portions of the hauling platform are slidably related along a sliding axis such that the area of the hauling platform may be extended or contracted along the sliding axis.

[0009] In still many embodiments, the front and rear portions further comprise compatible locking elements such that the front and rear portions may be secured in an extended or a contracted position.

[0010] In yet many embodiments, the wheels are lockable to such that rotation of the wheels may be prevented.

[0011] In still yet many embodiments the hauler further includes a plurality of locking elements disposed along or within the hauling platform such that a container disposed thereon may be secured to the hauling platform.

[0012] In yet still many embodiments, one or both of the handle support and the handle are lockable in one or both the first extended or second compacted position.

[0013] In still yet many embodiments, the hauler further includes a locking element disposed on the bottom side of the hauling platform such that the hauler may be cooperatively interconnected to a trailer.

[0014] Various embodiments are directed to a configurable container including:

• a frame having a plurality of interconnected support structures, wherein, wherein said interconnected support structures form at least a front and a rear portion moveably interconnected along a set of parallel axis that run perpendicular to the front and rear portion and separated by a distance equal to the length of at least four equal interconnected support structures such that the front and rear portions may be moved along parallel planes from an open position where the front and rear portions are separated by the distance, to a closed position where the front and rear portions are separated by a distance equal to the width of at least two of the interconnected support structures; and

• a plurality of panels disposed on the frame such that each of the panels is configured to move in conjunction with the open and closed position.

[0015] In various embodiments the container further includes at least two sets of wheels, wherein at least one set of wheels is disposed on the front portion and wherein at least one set of wheels is disposed on the rear portion, and wherein when the portions are disposed in the closed position the sets of wheels overlap.

[0016] In still various embodiments, at least one of the plurality of panels is a door panel configured to open and close such that in the open position the door exposes an interior portion of the container.

[0017] In yet various embodiments, the door comprises at least one solid panel. [0018] In still yet various embodiments, the door comprises a plurality of hinged panels.

[0019] In yet still various embodiments, the door is a flexible panel that can be rolled between the open and closed position.

[0020] In still yet various embodiments, the container further includes a holding element that holds and supports the door in the open position.

[0021] In yet still various embodiments, each of the plurality of panels are removable such that they can be replaced or repaired as needed.

[0022] In still yet various embodiments, each of the plurality of panels are insulative panels.

[0023] In yet still various embodiments, the container further includes at least one shelf structure, wherein the at least one shelf structure has a front and a rear support structure disposed within the front and rear frame portions respectively, and wherein the at least one shelf has at least one cross-structure support, wherein the at least one cross structure support and the front and rear support structures are moveably interconnected to allow for the shelf structure to move in accordance with the open and closed positions. [0024] In still yet various embodiments, the container further includes a shelf platform disposed on the shelf structure.

[0025] In yet still various embodiments, the container is divided into a plurality of discrete enclosures.

[0026] In still yet various embodiments, the discrete enclosures are separately enclosable.

[0027] Additional embodiments and features are set forth in part in the description that follows, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the specification or may be learned by the practice of the disclosed subject matter. A further understanding of the nature and advantages of the present disclosure may be realized by reference to the remaining portions of the specification and the drawings, which forms a part of this disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying data and figures, wherein:

[0029] FIG. 1 provides perspective views of a compactible handcart and cargo container in a fully unfolded and folded configuration in accordance with embodiments. [0030] FIGs. 2A and 2B provide a moveable cart that can be used in conjunction with a configurable container system in accordance with embodiments.

[0031] FIG. 3 provides a perspective view of a compactible handcart in a series of folded and unfolded configurations in accordance with embodiments.

[0032] FIG. 4 provides perspective views of a compactible cargo container in both folded and unfolded configurations in accordance with embodiments.

[0033] FIG. 5 provides a perspective view of a compactible handcart in uncompacted and in extended and retracted configurations unassociated and associated with a container and trailer in accordance with embodiments.

[0034] FIG. 6 provides perspective views of a plurality of handcarts folded and stacked configurations in accordance with embodiments.

[0035] FIGs. 7A through 7C provide various views of a configurable container system in accordance with embodiments.

[0036] FIGs. 8A and 8B provide a configurable container system for mobile delivery systems in accordance with embodiments.

[0037] FIGs. 9A and 9B provide conceptual views of an embodiment of a container system on a transportation cart in accordance with embodiments.

[0038] FIG. 10 provides a configurable container system with an adaptable opening in accordance with embodiments. [0039] FIG. 11 provides a perspective view of a compactible handcart having a second cargo container configuration in accordance with embodiments.

[0040] FIG. 12 provides a collapsed frame structure in accordance with embodiments. [0041] FIG. 13 provides a collapsed container system in accordance with embodiments.

[0042] FIG. 14 provides a process of collapsing a container in accordance with embodiments.

[0043] FIG. 15 provides a collapsible container in accordance with embodiments.

[0044] FIG. 16 provides moveable elements that can be used in conjunction with a configurable container in accordance with embodiments.

DETAILED DISCLOSURE

[0045] The embodiments of the invention described herein are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to precise forms disclosed. Rather, the embodiments selected for description have been chosen to enable one skilled in the art to practice the invention.

[0046] Turning now to the drawings, compactible and configurable container and hauler systems are illustrated. Many such embodiments incorporate compactible haulers, such as, for example, wheeled handcarts having first unfolded configurations where the longitudinal hauling platform and latitudinal handle are orthogonal to each other, and second configurations where the hauling platform and longitudinal handle are parallel and the wheels folded flat again the hauling platform such that the entire compactible wheeled handcart lies along a single planar direction. In many other embodiments, the length of the longitudinal hauler platform may be extended or retracted to extend or reduce its length. In various other embodiments, the hauler platform, handle and wheels are separately hinged elements. In still other embodiments, the compactible handcart may be configured to cooperatively engage with a trailer configured to carry one or more such compactible handcarts.

[0047] In some embodiments a separate compactible cargo container may be provided that may be deployed in unfolded or folded configurations that may be cooperatively configured to engage with the compactible handcart. Many embodiments include a configurable container system that has an internal support structure for supporting exterior wall panels. The internal support structure consists of a plurality of elongated structure support elements moveably interconnected that form the support for the exterior wall panels. The elongated structural support elements can be arranged such that at least two main walls a formed and interconnected at corner connection points by one or more cross support members. Additionally, the top and bottom walls can be supported by one or more cross supports that similarly move with respect to the wall elements to allow the container system to be configured between a collapsed configuration and an open configuration. Furthermore, many embodiments have exterior wall elements that create an enclosed container system where each of the wall exterior wall panels are fixed to at least one of the wall portions of structural support elements. Various embodiments can have wheel elements disposed on the bottom portion for ease of transportation. Other embodiments can be configured to be easily positioned on top of a hauler device such as a cart and/or trailer system.

[0048] Turning to the figures, many embodiments may include several configurations of configurable hauler and container systems and various uses for such systems. As shown in FIG. 1 , various embodiments illustrated herein include one or more hauler elements (10) that can be set up to transport or move the configurable container systems (12). Although specific embodiments of containers and hauler apparatuses are set forth in the following sections, it will be understood that more broadly these apparatuses when taken in combination according to embodiments allow for compatible configurable and compactible hauler (14) and container (16) elements to be combined in different configurations depending on the specific need.

Embodiments of Configurable Haulers

[0049] Referring now to FIGs. 2A and 2B, a detailed embodiment of a wheeled hauler (also referred to hereinafter as a cart) is illustrated. The wheeled cart 20 can have a basic framework 22 that supports a base platform 24 for supporting a container or top hat (not shown). As can be appreciated, the cart 20 and platform 24 can be adapted to accept any type of container. In other words, various embodiments of the cart 20 can have any type of top hat structure positioned on top of the platform 24. In many embodiments, the base platform 24 can have a number of different attachment points 26 that can be designed to engage with a container (not shown) that would reset on top of the platform 24. In some embodiments, the wheeled cart 20 can have a handle 28 that is attached to the frame 22 and extends upward away from the base 24. The handle can be made of multiple components such as a lower element 30 and an upper element 32. The upper element 32 can be rotatably connected to the lower element 30 such that it can be rotated such that it extends outward away from the lower element 30. In some embodiments, the upper element 32 can be positioned parallel with and between the side bars that make up a portion of the lower element 30 for storage. As can be appreciated, when extended, the upper element 32 can be positioned at any angle with respect to the lower element 30 and can be locked into position. The extension of the upper element 32 can allow for the cart to be pushed or pulled. In various embodiments, the handle 28 can be rotatably connected to the frame 22 such that it can be folded down into a position that is parallel with the platform 24.

In numerous embodiments, the wheeled platform 20 can have a number of wheels 34 disposed to the bottom of the frame 22. The wheels 34 can pivot about a central axis such that the cart 20 can be directed to move in any direction. It should be appreciated that any type of wheels, or rolling element, can be used and in some embodiments the wheels 34 can be replaced with unidirectional rollers. In effect, the cart 20 can be configured with any type of element that can allow the cart to be easily moved and directed. Additionally, in some embodiments, the wheels 34 can be lockable such that you can lock them in a single direction and/or prevent them from rolling. In accordance with some embodiments, the cart 20 can also have a locking element 36 that is configured to lock the movement of the wheels and/or a container (not shown) that rests on top of the platform 24. The locking element 36 can extend laterally across the width of the platform 24 such that it is capable of interacting with one or two wheels 34. This can be useful in preventing the unwanted movement of the cart 20 with or without a payload. In addition, the cart may have one or more interface points that interface with a separate towable trailer. Additionally, it can be appreciated that the interface points can be located at any location on the cart to allow it to interface with a trailer. The towable trailer (not shown) can be configured to engage with any vehicle suitable for towing. This can include any motorized vehicle or any other vehicle set up to tow a trailer.

[0050] As described above and further shown in FIG. 3, in many embodiments the compactible handcarts 40 are comprised of a longitudinal hauling platform 42 having a plurality of wheels 44 disposed on a lower surface thereof and a handle support 26 disposed at one end. Such compactible handcarts are extendable and compactible as shown the series of diagrams in FIG. 3. Specifically, as shown at the far left in a fully unfolded and extended configuration, the handle support is 46 extended orthogonal to the hauling platform and may have a handle portion 48 that can be extended therefrom to assist in controlling the handcart. In addition, the hauling platform 42 itself may be extended to provide a larger surface area for hauling. As further show in the diagrams, the handle 48 may be folded flat within the plane of the handle support 46 and the entire handle support 46 may be further folded flat against the hauling platform 42.

[0051] In various embodiments, as shown in FIG. 4, the system may further comprise a compatible compactible cargo container 60 comprising a series of walls 62 configured to cover the sides of a frame structure 64. Regardless of the design, the elements of the frame structure are hinged such that the cargo container maybe unfolded into a structure with an internal volume, and a folded configuration where the walls are folded flat against each other. Although the various walls may be unitary constructs, it should be understood that any of the walls may be formed of multiple portions of any desired length and height provided the walls cover the interior volume. These multiple portions may also be pivotable relative to each other such that the walls may also be moved to expose the interior volume.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 5, the hauler 66 may be further configured to cooperatively engage with the container 68, and in turn the hauler may also further be cooperative engageable with a hauling trailer 69 in the unfolded configuration for long distance moving. The cart 60 can be positioned onto a trailer such that it is secured and can subsequently be towed to any desirable location. In various embodiments, the hauler may have one or more interface points that interface with a separate towable trailer. Additionally, it can be appreciated that the interface point can be located at any location on the hauler to allow it to interface with a trailer. The towable trailer (69) can be configured to engage with any vehicle suitable for towing. This can include any motorized vehicle or any other vehicle set up to tow a trailer.

[0053] Regardless of the specific design, it will be understood that in many embodiments a cargo container and hauler may be designed to cooperatively engage in a hauling configuration. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 6, when disconnected both the cargo container 70 and hauler 72 may be folded flat such that both conform to a planar configuration and such that they may be stacked to reduce the overall volume of the compacted haulers and containers.

Embodiments of Configurable Containers

[0054] Many embodiments are also directed to various containers that may be compatible with the above described haulers that can be configured between a flat or collapsed position and an open position, where the open position allows for the container to store or hold a payload. The payload can vary depending on the desired use of the container. For example, some embodiments may be configured to house a battery charging station, cold food storage, personal storage, etc. As can be appreciated, many embodiments can be used for any number of applications. A key advantage of the container systems illustrated herein, is the ability to be collapsed to a relatively flat configuration for storage when not in use.

[0055] FIGs. 7 A through 7C illustrate an embodiment of a configurable container 100 from multiple views. The container 100 can have the appearance of a box like structure having six sides or six body panels. In many embodiments, the front and back panels (102 and 104 respectively) are wider than the two opposing side panels (106 and 108 respectively). This can allow the container 100 to be placed on a small transportation cart. Additionally, the rectangular cross section can allow for easier transportation in an urban environment; given the depth is smaller than the height. In accordance with numerous embodiments, the front and/or the back panel can have one or more door elements 110. The door elements 110 can be bi-fold elements such that they fold out and on each other. The bifold doors 110 can be hinged at the middle to allow for the bifold of the door elements to happen. As can be appreciated the doors 110 can also be connected by hinges at the corners 120 of either a frame structure support element or one of the side panels. This can allow the panels to be removed and changed depending on the desired use and configuration of the container.

[0056] In some embodiments, the doors 110 can also be equipped with locking or securing mechanisms 122 that allow the doors 110 to be locked in a closed position. This can be advantageous during transportation of goods within the container 100. Additionally, this can provide for a secure storage solution. Since storage can be one application of the container 100, it can be appreciated that the wall panels (102-108) can be made of any suitable material that can provide structural support as well as provide an adequate wall structure for the container. By adequate it is meant that the wall panels are strong enough to support any payload stored inside. Additionally, the wall panels (102- 108) can be insulative such that hot and/or cold items can be stored in the container 100. This can be advantageous for last mile delivery of food items that require a specific temperature to maintain freshness.

[0057] FIGs. 8A and 8B illustrate an embodiment of a configurable container 202 that can be positioned on a hauler’s wheeled platform 204. The wheeled platform 204 can be configured to engage with and allow the configurable container 202 to be secured to the platform 204. The configurable container 202 can have an internal frame structure 208 to provide support to the side panels 210 and/or the door panels 212. Each of the door panels can be foldable with one or more hinges 214 such that the doors 212 can be fully opened to expose an interior storage space that can be used to store any number of items. As can be appreciated the configurable container 202 can be removed from the platform 204 for storage or to replace it with a different container. In various embodiments, the container 202 can be equipped with a locking mechanism 216 that can allow one or both doors 212 to be secured to the frame 208 and locked. This can provide an added security measure for the contents of the container 202 as well as prevent the contents from accidentally falling out. [0058] Although the containers illustrated previously represent a container of a specific size, it should be appreciated that the collapsibility of the container lends itself to modularity in various other embodiments. For example. FIGs. 9A and 9B illustrate various views of a configurable container 400 that can be positioned on a cart 402 for improved movement capabilities. In such embodiments, the container 400 can be stackable. In other words, the structure of the container can be such that the top and bottom portions of two different containers cooperatively engage with each other to allow for secure stacking. In some embodiments, the contains 400 can be equipped with securing devices to allow the individual containers to be interlocked allowing for greater stability during transportation. Although the containers 400 are illustrated on top of a platform of a separate cart element, it can be appreciated that some embodiments of the containers may have integrated wheels or other components that allow for improved mobility. The wheels can be rotatable and adjustable such that they can allow for the most mobility possible of the cart. Additionally, the wheels can be lockable in some embodiments. Some embodiments may combine lockable and rotatable wheels.

[0059] As previously described the container system can be used for any number of applications and that the panels and structures could be formed of any suitable material based on the application. Accordingly, some embodiments can be used to carry and transport battery elements that need to be charged or disposed of. FIGs. 9A and 9B illustrate such an embodiment. The stackable containers 400 can house a number of different batteries 404 within the cart. The batteries 404 can be positioned in the cart and transported to a charging station. One advantage of such configuration is it will allow for the batteries to be transported and subsequently recharged without additional movement to other racks. Accordingly, the containers 400 can have a number of different connections and electrical infrastructure to allow multiple types of batteries to be supported.

[0060] As can be appreciated, management of spent batteries and the recharging of said batteries can present some potential hazards. As such, many embodiments of the containers 400 can be equipped with fire suppression systems and/or manufactured with fire resistant materials. This can allow the container 400 to be self-containing in that it can be capable of managing any potential safety hazard that could result from the batteries.

[0061] Another advantage of the the modular battery containment system is that it can help to augment underutilized infrastructure in the city and serve as a charging platform for electric vehicles. Once fully recharged the container 400 can be transported to nearly any location and provide a mobile charging station. This can be advantageous for any variety of electric vehicle that may need a recharge. Such systems can be positioned as a mobile service to a number of different customers in any number of situations.

[0062] Various other embodiments can have alternative configurations for allowing access the open storage portion of the container. For example, FIG. 10 illustrates a configurable container 502 positioned on top of a mobile cart 504 in an opened configuration. Rather than having a hinged door like opening, some embodiments of the container 502 can have a rolling door or entrance 506. The door 506 can be configured in a single piece of flexible material or multiple pieces of rigid material bound together to allow for the door 506 to be rolled from an open position 508 or a closed position 510. Additionally, some embodiments can have a holding strap 512 or holding device that holds the door 506 in the open position.

[0063] An exemplary embodiment of another such cargo hauler 514 with multiple compartments 516 and hinged cover 518 is shown in FIG. 11. As shown, in some such embodiments the wall (in this example one of the side walls 518) is formed of upper 519 and lower 519’ portions that are pivotably connected together. In embodiments the walls, whether unitary or segmented may in turn be pivotably connected to the frame 512 such the interior volume may be accessed. In some such embodiments, more than one or all of the walls may be thus segmented and/or pivotable in relation to the frame of the cart [0064] Regardless of the specific design, many embodiments of a configurable container have a moveably connected components such as a frame structure and wall panels that can allow the container to be collapsed into a nearly flat form factor. FIGs. 12 and 13 illustrate a collapsed frame structure 600 without side panels and a collapsed container with side panels 700 respectively. As can be appreciated, the movement of the structures and the panels can allow for the front and back portions to slide in opposite directions along parallel planes. The movement then folds the container into a flattened “Z” like pattern. This can be more fully appreciated by the stepped illustration shown in FIG. 14.

[0065] FIG. 14 illustrates a configurable container 800 in an open position (Step 1 ). The top panel is removed from its original position (Step 2). The movement of the top panel can take on any number of forms such as complete removal and storage to folding it such that it is parallel with the front or back panel. With the top panel repositioned, the cart can the be collapsed into the flattened “Z” pattern. (Step 4). The flattened pattern can be advantageous in a number of different applications such as warehouses or other shipment areas that need to utilize a large number of containers but may be limited on space. This can allow for a large number of containers to be stored in a smaller space rather than the typical container. FIG. 15 further illustrates a container 900 that can be configured between a closed or collapsed postion and an open position that generally follows the patterns illustrated in FIGs. 13-14.

[0066] As can be appreciated the configurability or the ability for embodiments of container systems to be collapsed into a relatively flat configuration can require a number of movement points positioned throughout the system. For example, FIG. 16 illustrates a section view of a portion of a container system in accordance with embodiments. The container 1000 can have a number of movement points 1002, 1004, and 1006 that can allow the movement of the various side panels of the container 1000. In many embodiments, the movement points can be hinges or may be any other suitable device that can allow for each of the panels 1008 and respective frame components (not shown) to move with respect to each other. Similar to other embodiments, one or more of the panels can have a locking device 1010 that allows for the respective panel and adjacent panels to be locked together to prevent unwanted movement and warping that can occur from a moveably connected frame structure.

DOCTRINE OF EQUIVALENTS

[0067] This description of the invention has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form described, and many modifications and variations are possible in light of the teaching above. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical applications. This description will enable others skilled in the art to best utilize and practice the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to a particular use. The scope of the invention is defined by the following claims.