Combi-container

Abstract

A combi-container formed of containers which are combined in such a manner that smaller-sized containers are embraced inside larger-sized containers. Tracks are provided on an upper surface of a bottom plate of each container except for innermost container, and a wheel mechanism is provided at the bottom of each container except for outmost container. Each wheel mechanism has a wheel capable of rolling on the tracks. Each container of the combi-container can be used individually or can it be used by being embraced into other larger-sized containers. The combi-containers can also be assembled so that two combi-containers form an assembled container with dimension being in accordance with the ISO668 standard.

1 . A combi-container comprising: 
 a plurality of containers which are combined in such a manner that a smaller-sized container of the plurality of containers is embraced inside a larger-sized container of the plurality of containers;    at least two tracks on an upper surface of a bottom plate of each container except for an innermost container when the plurality of containers is combined; and    a wheel mechanism at the bottom of each container except for an outmost container when the plurality of containers is combined, each wheel mechanism including a wheel capable of rolling on at least one of said tracks.    
   
   
       2 . The combi-container according to  claim 1 , wherein each of said containers includes at least two bottom corner fittings having a bottom surface, and wherein said wheel mechanism is a turnover wheel mechanism, said wheel mechanism capable of moving from a first position in which said wheel is supported on said track to a second position in which the lowest point of said wheel is higher than the bottom surface of said bottom corner fittings of the container to which the wheel mechanism is coupled, and said wheel mechanism being capable of moving from said second position to said first position.  
   
   
       3 . The combi-container according to  claim 2 , wherein said wheel mechanism includes a wheel holding plate, said wheel mechanism being coupled to the bottom of the container with said wheel holding plate in such a manner that said wheel holding plate is able to turn said wheel between said first and second positions and said wheel is freely rotatable and supported by said wheel holding plate.  
   
   
       4 . The combi-container according to  claim 3 , wherein said wheel mechanism further includes a positioning pin on said wheel holding plate for maintaining the wheel holding plate at said second position.  
   
   
       5 . The combi-container according to  claim 3 , wherein said container having said wheel mechanism further includes a positioning member on a bottom side rail of the container for maintaining said wheel holding plate at said first position.  
   
   
       6 . The combi-container according to  claim 1 , wherein at least two connecting members are provided on the outside of the outmost container to connect the outside of the outmost container to another combi-container.  
   
   
       7 . The combi-container according to  claim 6 , wherein the connecting members connect the outside of the outmost container to the outside of the outmost container of said another combi-container in a back-to-back manner.  
   
   
       8 . The combi-container according to  claim 7 , wherein each container includes at least two corner fittings and wherein said connecting members connect adjacent corner fittings of the two connected combi-containers.  
   
   
       9 . The combi-container according to  claim 7 , wherein an assembled container formed of combi-containers connected in the back-to-back manner is in accordance with international standard on the dimension requirement of container.