Hinge for collapsible flatrack

Abstract

A hinge, for a collapsible flatrack container, is fabricated of multiple elements, including a hinge inner portion, with discrete opposed flanges, and an intervening web, such that relative flange and web, depth and disposition, can be configured to optimize any of, weight, strength or cost considerations.

1 . A fabricated hinge, configured for mounting a folding corner post and end wall, upon a platform base of a collapsible flatrack container, the hinge comprising an inner hinge portion, carried by a pivot pin, captive in a outer hinge portion, in turn secured to the platform base, and fabricated of multiple discrete elements, including opposed flanges, with an intervening web.  
     
     
         2 . A hinge of  claim 1 , with an inner hinge outboard flange having an outwardly flared upstand, bounding a corresponding flared upper web contour, to present a greater post mounting section.  
     
     
         3 . A hinge of  claim 1 , of laminated construction, with a plurality of juxtaposed web plates, secured together, and/or between common individual flanges.  
     
     
         4 . A hinge of  claim 1 , with flanges configured to mate with corresponding corner post flanges, by end abutment.  
     
     
         5 . A hinge of  claim 1 , with replaceable web and flanges, allowing assembly in different configurations.  
     
     
         6 . A hinge of  claim 1 , with differential inboard and outboard flange widths.  
     
     
         7 . A hinge of  claim 1 , wherein an inner hinge outboard flange is profiled locally, with a cut-out to accommodate a hinge locking detent between inner and outer hinge portions.  
     
     
         8 . A hinge of  claim 1 , wherein an inner hinge outboard flange is profiled, with corresponding web span, to achieve a waisted overall profile, with superimposed blocks secured outboard thereof, to define an intervening recess or cut-out for a travel limit abutment block between inner and outer hinge portions.  
     
     
         9 . A hinge of  claim 1 , with individual component elements of diversely fabricated, forged or cast construction.  
     
     
         10 . A hinge of  claim 1 , with differential respective profiles of inner hinge portion and folding post.  
     
     
         11 . A hinge of  claim 1 , wherein a joint between hinge and post incorporates some relative interfit or overlap.  
     
     
         12 . A hinge of  claim 1 , with a butt joint, between a hinge top flange and post end.  
     
     
         13 . A hinge of  claim 1 , combined with post sections of the group consisting of ‘I’ beam, ‘U’ or ‘C’ sections, hollow and solid rectangular tubular forms.  
     
     
         14 . A hinge of  claim 1 , including ‘I’ beam sections for inner hinge portion forms.  
     
     
         15 . A hinge of  claim 1 , with an ‘I’ section inner hinge portion, fitted within a ‘U’ or ‘C’ section outer hinge portion, upon an inboard pivot axis carried between spaced outer hinge flanges, and an outboard inner hinge portion fitting within a section throat plate between outer hinge flanges, an inboard inner hinge flange sitting inboard of the throat, an inner hinge top portion protruding beyond that throat, with a leading edge abutment profile to engage the throat to serve as an outer limit for inner hinge and surmounting post disposition.  
     
     
         16 . A collapsible flatrack container with a fabricated hinge of  claim 1  supporting folding posts and/or end walls upon a platform deck.