TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a foldable frame and a foldable container comprising the said frame.

BACKGROUND

Containers, especially shipping containers such as Standard ISO shipping containers, high- cube containers are widely used around the world. Apart from their main function, meaning that storing goods during shipment, said containers have found usage in many areas. Containers, due to their mobility, are commonly used by institutions in a wide variety of applications. Industries such as construction, oil, defence widely uses container to accommodate their staff and also carry technical materials or laboratories from one site to another. Industrial containers area also used to accommodate or help feed the population after natural disasters thus providing relief support. Even in our daily life, containers are used in large gatherings such as festivals, meetings and other events.

As a result of rapid increase in the use of containers, storing spaces had to be built for empty containers. In the past decades, several attempts have been made to solve the problem. As a result, foldable containers have been created, the volume of which in collapsed condition significantly reduces the space requirement of the transport and thus the cost thereof. Therefore, a container that can be used in different locations with a low cost is needed.

Foldable containers have previously been proposed and examples are disclosed in WO 2006/024104 Al, WO 2014/142824 Al and US 2012/006816 Al. However, WO 2006/024104 Al, WO 2014/142824 Al and US 2012/006816 Al have a problem with folding side panels by pushing the side panels with a strong force, as the weight of the upper side panel applies to the top of the lower side panel. Therefore, a container that is suitable for repetitive installation is needed.

A prior art publication in the technical field of the present invention, US 4,848,618 discloses means for fastening the foldable side panel inside the container and thus makes it impossible unauthorized access, if the container is properly closed. One of the disadvantages of the solution is that for opening of the fastener must enter the container to be folded, which can be dangerous even proper precautionary measures are taken.

Another prior art publication in the technical field of the present invention, US2016039603A1 discloses a collapsible model of container that can be rapidly and easily collapsed and/or uncollapsed with the objective to reduce the space of storage when it is empty of cargo. However, the fixing and hinged elements of this container are inaccessible to the user of the installed container

Foldable containers with enhanced quality, long service life and rapid mobilization are thus needed in the state of the art.

SUMMARY

An objective of the present invention is to provide a foldable frame and container requiring the least amount of machinery and personnel to fold and unfold the container thus decreasing labour cost.

Another objective of the present invention is to provide a foldable frame and container of which dismantling and folding are quick, simple, economic and safe at the same time.

Another objective of the present invention is to provide a foldable frame and container in which upon being folded occupies the minimum amount of volume thus greatly reducing transportation related costs.

Another objective of the present invention is to provide a foldable frame and container, whose fixing and hinged elements are inaccessible to the user of the installed container.

Another objective of the present invention is to provide a foldable container allowing side panels to be folded with small force.

Another objective of the present invention is to provide a foldable container in which, when the front panel and the rear panel are folded toward the inside of the foldable container, allowing the front panel and the rear panel to be folded without interference with the lower panel.

Another objective of the present invention is to provide a foldable container having embedded electrical and/or sanitary installations, thus providing ease for the user. Above object(s) can be achieved by providing a foldable frame (1) for containers comprising: a polygonal base mount (2) made of lower joists (4.1, 4.2) and a polygonal upper mount (3) parallel to the base mount (2) made of upper joists (4.3, 4.4) having the same polygonal shape with the base mount (2), each joist (4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4) being connected to an adjacent joist (4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4) via a corner piece (5.1, 5.2), said mounts (2, 3) being connected to each other by means of columns (6) of equal length attached to the corner pieces (5.1, 5.2) by means of hinges (7.1, 7.2), each column (6) being formed of at least two parts being a first part (6.1) and a second part (6.2), wherein said parts (6.1, 6.2) are connected to each other by means of a hinge and lock mechanism (8), the hinge and lock mechanism (8) comprising: a hinge member (8.1) having a first bushing (8.1.1) connected to the first part (6.1), a second bushing (8.1.2) having a common axle (II) with the first bushing (8.1.1) and a hinge shaft (8.1.3) provided in the bushings (8.1.1,8.1.2). The hinge and lock mechanism (8) further comprises: a slider shaft (8.2) rotatably connected to the second bushing (8.1.2) and positioned at least partly in the second part (6.2), the slider shaft (8.2) having a locking member (8.2.1); a lock bedding (8.3) fixed in the second part (6.2); wherein the second part (6.2) is configured to move a predetermined distance (11) in the upper direction; wherein the locking member (8.2.1) and the lock bedding (8.3) are configured to engage with each other in a locked orientation in order to prevent the second part (6.2) from moving downwards and wherein the locking member (8.2.1) and the lock bedding (8.3) are configured to disengage with each other in an un-locked orientation in order to allow the second part (6.2) to move downwards, wherein the slider shaft (8.2) is configured to change the orientation to and from the locked and the un-locked upon rotation around an axis of rotation (12) by a predetermined angle (a).

Above object(s) can also be achieved by providing a kit comprising a foldable frame (1) according to the present invention, wherein the slider shaft (8.2) comprises a mouth (8.2.2) having at least a recess and/or a protrusion and a rotation apparatus (16) suitable for operating with the mouth (8.2.2). The rotation apparatus (16) comprises recesses and/or protrusions configured to engage with the mouth (8.2.2).

Above object(s) can also be achieved by providing a system comprising at least two foldable frames (1) according to the present invention wherein the said frames (1) are connected serially.

The foldable frame (1) of the present invention may be equipped for different purposes, for example with solid shells that are side panels, bottom and roof panels and doors for carriage of goods or entrance of people, or with front and rear panels provided with doors and windows or other openings in addition to the bottom and roof panels for work and residential installations, but the frame itself can also be used without side panels, roof and floor panels e.g. for transport and storage of vessels or for applications that do not require any shell on the frame.

Above object(s) can also be achieved by providing a foldable container (9) including a foldable frame (1) according to the present invention, wherein the upper mount (3) comprises an upper panel (11) positioned between the upper joists (4.3, 4.4), wherein the said upper panel (11) is heat and/or water insulating.

Above object(s) can also be achieved by providing a foldable frame (1) for containers comprising: a polygonal base mount (2) made of lower joists (4.1, 4.2) and a polygonal upper mount (3) parallel to the base mount (2) made of upper joists (4.3, 4.4) having the same polygonal shape with the base mount (2), each joist (4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4) being connected to an adjacent joist (4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4) via a corner piece (5.1, 5.2), said mounts (2, 3) being connected to each other by means of columns (6) of equal length attached to the corner pieces (5.1, 5.2) by means of hinges (7.1, 7.2), each column (6) being formed of at least two parts being a first part (6.1) and a second part (6.2), wherein said parts (6.1, 6.2) are connected to each other by means of a hinge and lock mechanism (8), the hinge and lock mechanism (8) comprising: a hinge member (8.1) having a first bushing (8.1.1) connected to the first part (6.1), a second bushing (8.1.2) having a common axle (II) with the first bushing (8.1.1) and a hinge shaft (8.1.3) provided in the bushings (8.1.1,8.1.2). The hinge and lock mechanism (8) further comprises: a stopper (8.1.4) provided in between the bushings (8.1.1, 8.1.2); a slider shaft (8.2) rotatably connected to the second bushing (8.1.2) and positioned at least partly in the second part (6.2), the slider shaft (8.2) having a locking member (8.2.1); a lock bedding (8.3) fixed in the second part (6.2), the lock bedding (8.3) comprising a hole (8.3.1) into which the slider shaft (8.2) is slidably inserted; wherein the second part (6.2) is configured to move a predetermined distance (11) in the upper direction; a limiter (8.4) provided on the slider shaft (8.2) in order to limit the upward movement of the second part (6.2) with a certain distance (12), wherein the certain distance (12) is equal to or higher than the predetermined distance (11); a guide (8.5) fixed in the second part (6.2) between the lock bedding (8.3) and the limiter (8.3.4) for restricting the movement of the second part (6.2) in the transverse direction to an axis of rotation (12); the guide (8.5) comprising a hole (8.5.1) into which the slider shaft (8.2) is slidably inserted; wherein the locking member (8.2.1) and the lock bedding (8.3) are configured to engage with each other in a locked orientation in order to prevent the second part (6.2) from moving downwards and wherein the locking member (8.2.1) and the lock bedding (8.3) are configured to disengage with each other in an un-locked orientation in order to allow the second part (6.2) to move downwards, wherein the slider shaft (8.2) is configured to change the orientation to and from the locked and the un-locked upon rotation around the axis of rotation (12) by a predetermined angle (a).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings are not meant to delimit the scope of protection as identified in the claims nor should they be referred to alone in an effort to interpret the scope identified in the claims without recourse to the technical disclosure in the description of the present invention.

Figure 1 - is a perspective view of the foldable frame according to the present invention.

Figure 2 - is a perspective view of a container comprising the frame according to the present invention.

Figure 3 - is an exploded view of a hinge attached to the upper mount.

Figure 4 - is an exploded view of a hinge attached to the base mount.

Figure 5 - is a perspective view of a column of the frame according to the present invention.

Figure 6 - is an exploded view of a hinge and lock mechanism of the frame according to the present invention.

Figure 7 - is an exploded view of a hinge member of the frame according to the present invention.

Figure 8 - is an exploded view of a hinge and lock mechanism of the frame according to the present invention.

Figure 9a to 9d - are side views of the column of the frame according to the present invention.

Figure 10a to lOd - are the hinge and lock mechanism changing from a folding position to a closed position.

Figure I la to l lh - are time-lapse front/rear views of the frame/container according to the present invention as it is folded.

REFERENCE NUMBERS

The following numerals are assigned to different parts illustrated in the drawings and referred in the description of the present invention. 1 Frame 8.3 Lock bedding

2 Base mount 8.3.1 Hole

3 Upper mount 8.3.2 Recess

4.1 - 4.2 Lowerjoists 8.3.4 Guiding member

4.3 - 4.4 Upper joists 8.4 Limiter

5.1 Lower corner pieces 8.5 Guide

5.2 Upper corner pieces 8.5.1 Hole

6 Column 9 Container

6.1 First part 10 Lower panel

6.1.1 An end edge 11 Upper panel

6.1.2 Fixing plate 12 Side panel

6.2 Second part 12.1 First side panel

6.2.1 An end edge 12.2 Second side panel

6.2.2 Lower fixing plate 13 Front panel

6.2.3 Upper fixing plate 14.1 Water inlet

7.1-7.2 Hinges 14.2 Water outlet

7.3 - 7.4 Mounting ears 15.1 Power inlet

8 Hinge and lock mechanism 15.2 Power outlet

8.1 Hinge member 16 Rotation apparatus

8.1.1 First bushing 11 Predetermined distance

8.1.2 Second bushing 12 Certain distance

8.1.3 Hinge shaft 51 First snap-fit area

8.1.4 Stopper 52 Second snap-fit area

8.2 Slider shaft 11 : Common axle

8.2.1 Locking member 12: Axis of rotation

8.2.2 Mouth a Predetermined angle

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that the present disclosure may be readily implemented by those skilled in the art. However, it is to be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments but can be embodied in various other ways. The present invention relates to a foldable frame (1) for containers and a container (9) comprising the frame (1) according to the present invention.

The foldable frame (1) of the present invention comprises a base mount (2) and an upper mount (3), both being polygonal in shape and being arranged in a plane parallel to each other at a distance.

In FIG. l, a preferred embodiment of a foldable frame (1) according to the present invention can be seen in perspective view. The frame (1) generally has a rectangular base mount (2) as well as a rectangular upper mount (3) arranged in a plane parallel to the base mount (2). It is also possible that mounts (2, 3) are square or multi-angular shaped polygons or a circle, but the shape of the base mount (2) and the upper mount (3) is always the same. In other words, the base mount (2) and the upper mount (3) have a number of angles equal to each other. The base mount (2) and the upper mount (3) are formed by lower joists (4.1, 4.2) and the upper joists (4.3, 4.4) respectively. The lower and the upper joists (4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4) are connected to neighbouring/adjacent upper and lower joists (4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4) by means of lower and upper corner pieces (5.1, 5.2) respectively thereby forming the corners of the frame (1). The mounts (2, 3) may have additional joists for example, crossing joists between the opposing lower and upper joists (4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4) of the polygon shape of the base mount (2) as illustrated. By means of the upper corner pieces (5.2) the frame (1) can be lifted or fixed to the loading platform of a vehicle. The lower corner pieces (5.1) and the upper corner pieces (5.2) are connected with the lower joists (4.1, 4.2) in the base mount (2) and with the upper joists (4.3, 4.4) in the upper mount (3) respectively, along the edges of the respective mounts (2, 3). Preferably, the joists (4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4) are welded to the corner blocks (5.1, 5.2). The mounts (2, 3) are connected to each other by columns (6) at the corner pieces (5). The length of the columns (6) is the same, thus a three-dimensional skeleton of a frame (1) is achieved.

In FIG.3 and FIG.4, each of the columns (6) is connected to the base mount (2) with a lower hinge (7.1) at a lower end thereof, and with an upper hinge (7.2) to the upper mount (3) at an upper end thereof. Preferably, the lower and the upper hinges (7.1, 7.2) are mounted to lower and upper mounting ears (7.3, 7.4) respectively provided on the corner pieces (5.1, 5.2). The axles of the hinges (7.1, 7.2) are mutually parallel with each other in the embodiment, and with the plane of the mounts (2, 3) in all embodiments. The hinges (7) provide pivot movement of each column (6) with respect to the connected mount (2, 3) toward the inside of the foldable frame (1) according to the present invention. The columns (6) are formed by two parts (6.1, 6.2). In between the said two parts (6.1, 6.2), a hinge and lock mechanism (8) is provided to fold the columns (6) into two. By means of the hinge and lock mechanism (8), all columns (6) get folded toward the inside of the frame (1) by decreasing the distance between the mounts (2, 3). An advantageous effect provided by means of the present invention is that the frame (1) thus the container (9) comprising the frame (1) according to the present invention can be folded and occupy less volume. This is greatly beneficial for storage and transportation as it decreases related costs.

In Figure 5, for the sake of simplicity, only one of the columns (6) having the same features is shown in an erected (i.e. fully unfolded) position of the frame (1) according to the present invention. The column (6) is formed by a first part (6.1) and a second part (6.2), dividing the column (6) into two parts (6.1, 6.2). The two parts (6.1, 6,2) are preferably in the form of at least partially hollow sections. The parts (6.1, 6.2) are connected to each other by means of a hinge and lock mechanism (8) which enables folding the said parts 6.1,6.2) onto each other and unfolding the said parts 6.1,6.2) into the erected position of the column (6). The hinge and lock mechanism (8) is generally inserted in between the two parts (6.1, 6, 2). An advantageous effect provided by means of this is that the elements of the hinge and lock mechanism (8) cannot be accessed and dismantled from the outside or inside the container by unauthorized persons.

The length of the second part (6.2) is less than the length of the first part (6.1) to align the parts (6.1, 6.2) outside the frame (1) in the folded position of the columns (6). This also requires that a second side panel (12.2) has a length less than a first side panel (12.1) of the container (9) comprising the frame (1) of the present invention.

In FIG.6 and FIG.7, the hinge and lock mechanism (8) comprises a hinge member (8.1) provided with a first bushing (8.1.1). The first bushing (8.1.1) is secured in the first part (6.1) of the column (6). The first bushing (8.1.1) is fixed to a fixing plate (6.1.2) by means of a bolt wherein the fixing plate (6.1.2) is welded to the first part (6.1) as shown in the embodiment. The hinge member (8.1) is also provided with a second bushing (8.2) having a common axle (II) with the first bushing (8.1.1). A hinge shaft (8.1.3) provided in bores of the bushings (8.1.1, 8.1.2). The hinge shaft (8.1.3) is surrounded by the second bushing (8.1.2) between the bores of the first bushing (8.1.1) in the embodiment shown. Accordingly, the bushings (8.1.1, 8.1.2) can pivot about the common axle (II). Furthermore, the hinge member (8) is provided with a stopper (8.1.4) fixed in-between the bushings (8.1.1, 8.1.2) in order to prevent a space in- between the bushings (8.1.1, 8.1.2) when the column (6) is in the erected position. A bolt may be used to fix the stopper (8.1.4) to the bushings (8.1.1, 8.1.2).

The hinge and lock mechanism (8) includes a slider shaft (8.2). The slider shaft (8.2) preferably has an elongated cylindrical form but it is to be understood that any shape allowing the features to be discussed can be used instead. The slider shaft (8.2) is rotatably connected to the second bushing (8.1.2). As a result of this, the slider shaft (8.2) can both be pivoted with respect to the common axle (II) and be rotated with respect to the second bushing (8.1.2) about an axis of rotation (12). The slider shaft (8.2) is positioned at least partly in the second part (6.2) such that it can engage with the elements in the second part (6.2) and an end edge (6.1.1) of the first part (6.1) and an end edge (6.2.1) of the second part (6.2) can lean against each other when the column (6) is unfolded. Therebythe column (6) becomes in a closed position as illustrated in FIG9a so that the fixing and hinged elements are inaccessible to the user of the installed frame

(I) in this position. In an embodiment of the present invention, the whole of the second bushing (8.1.2) is positioned in the first part (6.1).

In the present invention, the second part (6.2) is configured to move a predetermined distance

(II) in the direction of the axis of rotation (12) upwards with respect to the first part (6.1), i.e. the upper direction to a folding position before the column (6) is folded. The predetermined distance (11) is optional and at least the minimum distance between the first and second parts (6.1, 6.2) required for folding thereof without interference. In this position, the movement of the second part (6.2) which was previously moved to the folding position in the lower direction can be allowed and prevented based on the orientation (i.e. the angular position) of the slider shaft (6.2). To this end, the hinge and lock mechanism (8) further includes a lock bedding (8.3) fixed in the second part (6.2) of the column (6) and the slider shaft (8.2) has at least one locking member (8.2.1). The locking member (8.2.1) and the lock bedding (8.3) are configured to engage with each other in a locked orientation of the slider shaft (8.2) to prevent the second part (6.2) from moving downwards. Thus, the column (6) can be easily folded as the parts (6.1, 6.2) can easily pivot with respect to the common axle (II) in the folding position. The locking member (8.2.1) and the lock bedding (8.3) are further configured to disengage with each other in an un-locked orientation of the slider shaft (8.2) to allow the second part (6.2) to move downwards. Thus the second part (6.2) can move downwards to the closed position in the unlocked orientation. In this closed position the first and second parts (6.1, 6.2) cannot pivot with respect to the common axle (II) thus the column (6) cannot be folded toward the inside of the frame (1). The second part (6.2) is preferably configured to move a certain distance (12) in the upper direction to a lifted position, wherein the certain distance (12) is higher than the predetermined distance (11). The certain distance (12) is optional and preferably just a bit higher than the predetermined distance (11). The movement of the second part (6.2) in the upper direction more than the required distance, i.e. the certain distance (12) contributes to the mobility of folding elements of the container (9) without interference, such as the mobility of front, rear (13, not shown) and upper panels (11) of the container (9). In an embodiment of the present invention while the predetermined distance (11) is 50 mm, the certain distance (12) is at least 15 mm, preferably 20 mm higher than the predetermined distance (11). The second part (6.2) in the lifted position can be lowered back to the folding position, i.e. to the predetermined distance (11) from the closed position.

FIG. 9a to 9d illustrate the positions of the second part (6.2) and the orientations of the slider shaft (8.2) as the column (6) is folded. The column (6) or the second part (6.2) is in the closed position and the slider shaft (8.2) is in the unlocked orientation in Fig.9a. The second part (6.2) is moved the certain distance (12) in the upper direction so the second part (6.2) is in the lifted position while the slider shaft (8.2) is still in the unlocked orientation in Fig.9b. The orientation of the slider shaft (8.2) is changed so the slider shaft (8.2) is in the locked orientation while the second part (6.2) is still in the lifted position in Fig.9c. The second part (6.2) is moved downwards until the lock bedding (8.3) seats on the locking member (8.2.1) (i.e. to the predetermined distance (11) to the first part (6.1)) so the second part (6.2) is in the folding position while the slider shaft (8.2) is in the locked orientation in FIG.9d. In this position the column (6) can be folded.

The slider shaft (8.2) is configured to change the orientation to and from the locked and the unlocked upon rotation about the axis of rotation (12) by a predetermined angle (a). Due to the rotatable connection between the slider shaft (8.2) and the second bushing (8.1.2) the slider shaft (8.3.1) can be easily rotated about the axis of rotation (12) clockwise and counter clockwise. Thereby the orientation of the slider shaft (8.2) is changed from the locked to the un-locked and vice versa. The predetermined angle (a) is preferably 90 degrees. In order to prevent erroneous or accidential rotations by an operator the slider shaft (8.2) is configured to rotate no more than 90 degrees clockwise and counterclockwise. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, in order to change the orientation, the slider shaft (8.3.1) can be rotated by a rotation apparatus (16) such as a lever, rod or a key as illustrated in FIG.10. The slider shaft (8.2) may have a mouth (8.2.2) to engage with the rotation apparatus (16) as illustrated in FIG.8. The mouth (8.2.2) may have a channel, a notch or patterned area having at least one recess and/or protrusion. More preferably, the mouth (8.2.2) is configured to have a special patterned area such that in order to fold or unfold the frame (1), a simple yet unique tool is required. Therefore, changing the orientation of the slider shaft (8.2) by unauthorized personal is prevented.

In FIG.6 and FIG.8, the lock bedding (8.3) is configured to slide along at least a part of the slider shaft (8.2). To this end, the lock bedding (8.3) preferably has a hole (8.3.1) into which the slider shaft (8.2) is slidably inserted as illustrated in FIG.8. The slider shaft (8.2) can rotate about the axis of the rotation (12) in the hole (8.3.1) and the lock bedding (8.3) together with the second part (6.2) can move upwards and downwards in the direction of the axis of rotation (12). The lock bedding (8.3) may be in the form of a plate and fixed to a lower fixing plate

(6.2.2) by means of a bolt wherein the lower fixing plate (6.2.2) is welded to the second part

(6.2) and the hole (8.3.1) may be formed in the middle of the lock bedding (8.3) as shown in the embodiments. In these embodiments, the locking member (8.2.1) of the slider shaft (8.2) is preferably in the form of a lug radially projecting from the surface of the slider shaft (8.2) as a protrusion. The locking bed (8.3) is configured to abut on or seat on the lock bedding (8.3) in the locked orientation of the slider shaft (8.2). Thus the engagement between the locking member (8.2.1) and the lock bedding (8.3) occurs when the lock bedding (8.3) abuts on the locking member (8.2.1) from the above such that the second part (6.2) is prevented from moving downwards. In this embodiment, the lock bedding (8.3) comprises at least one recess

(8.3.2) formed around the hole (8.3.1) and configured to correspond to the locking member

(8.2.1) of the slider shaft (8.2). Thereby the locking member (8.2.1) can pass through the recess

(8.3.2) in the un-locked orientation. Thus the disengagement between the locking member (8.2) and the lock bedding (8.3) occurs when the recess (8.3.2) is aligned with the locking member

(8.2) such that the second part (6.2) is allowed to move downwards. Therefore, the rotation of the slider shaft (8.2) changes the orientation from the locked to the un-locked by aligning the locking member (8.2.1) in the form of a lug with the recess (8.3.2) and changes the orientation from the un-locked to the locked by not aligning the locking member (8.2.1) in the form of a lug with the recess (8.3.2). This embodiment of the present invention is easily producible and therefore helps reducing the manufacturing related costs. The slider shaft (8.2) preferably has two locking members (8.2.1) radially projecting from the surface of the slider shaft (8.2) opposite to each other and the lock bedding (8.3) preferably has two recesses located around the hole (8.3.1) opposite to each other as shown in the embodiment. Thus, the prevention of the downward movement of the second part (6.2) is stable and durable. The lock bedding (8.3) further has a guiding member (8.3.4) projecting upwards as a protrusion around the hole (8.3.1) in order to prevent the movement of the slider shaft (8.2) in the transverse direction to the axis of rotation (12) and contribute to the stability of the upward and downward movements of the second part (6.2). The lock bedding (8.3) preferably has two guiding members (8.3.4) opposite to each other as shown in the embodiments.

In FIG. 6 and FIG.8, the hinge and lock mechanism (8) further comprises a limiter (8.4) fixed on the slider shaft (8.2) for example by means of a bolt and configured to limit the movement of the second part (6.2) upwards in the direction of the axis of rotation (12). The limiter (8.4) may be in the form of a circular plate having a larger diameter than the diameter of the hole (8.3.1) of the lock bedding (8.3). The limiter (8.4) helps the second part (6.2) of the column (6) not to move upwards more than the certain distance (12) when the second part (6.2) is moved for example by means of a hoisting machine.

In FIG.6 and FIG.8, the hinge and lock mechanism (8) further comprises a guide (8.5) fixed in the second part (6.2) of the column (6) between the lock bedding (8.3) and the limiter (8.4). The guide (8.5) is configured for preventing the movement of the second part (6.2) in the transverse direction to the axis of rotation (12). Thus the guide (8.5) contributes to the stability of the upward and downward movements of the second part (6.2). The guide (8.5) is further configured to slide along at least a part of the slider shaft (8.2). To this end, the guide (8.5) preferably includes a hole (8.5.1) into which the slider shaft (8.2) is slidably inserted. The slider shaft (8.2) can rotate about the axis of rotation (12) in the hole (8.5.1) and the guide (8.5) together with the second part (6.2) can move upwards and downwards in the direction of the axis of rotation (12). The guide (8.5) may be in the form of a plate and fixed to an upper fixing plate (6.2.3) by means of a bolt wherein the upper fixing plate (6.2.3) is welded to the second part (6.2) and the hole (8.5.1) may be formed in the middle of the guide (8.5) as shown in the embodiment. As a result, the slider shaft (8.2) connected to the second bushing (8.1.2) and positioned to pass through the hole (8.3.1) of the lock bedding (8.3) and the hole (8.5.1) of the guide (8.5) respectively. In this embodiment the limiter (8.3.4) has a larger diameter than the diameter of the hole (8.5.1) of the guide (8.5) and the second part (6.2) can move upwards until the guide (8.5) abuts on the limiter (8.4). The distance between the guide (8.5) and the limiter (8.4) defines the certain distance (12) that the second part (6.2) can move upwards. FIG.10a to lOd illustrate the hinge and lock mechanism (8) positioned interior of a column (6) changing from the folding position to the closed position as the column (6) is being unfolded. The lock bedding (8.3) is in the folding position and slider shaft (8.2) is in the locked orientation in FIG.9a and FIG.9b.. The slider shaft (8.2) is rotated about the axis of rotation (12) clockwise by 90 degrees in this example and the orientation is changed so the slider shaft (8.2) is in the un-locked orientation in FIG.9c. As a result, the lock bedding (8.3) is moved downwards until the first and second parts (6.1, 6.2) lean against each other so the column (6) or the second part (6.2) is in the closed position in FIG.9d.

The frame (1) of the present invention may be provided with side panels/walls and/or roof and/or floor panels/walls covering or filling the mounts (2, 3) and/or front and/or rear panels/walls, if needed. On the side panels or on the front/rear panels window(s) and door openings can be formed. The frames (1) of the present invention can be placed side by side (e.g. serially connected) or can be stacked depending on the type of use.

In FIG.2, a preferred embodiment of the foldable container (9) including the foldable frame (1) according to the present invention can be seen in perspective view. The container (9) comprises a lower panel (10) positioned between the lower joists (4.1, 4.2) in the base mount (2). The lower panel (10) may be fixed to the lower joists (4.1, 4.2) in the base mount (2). The lower panel (10) is configured to match the shape of the polygonal shape of the base mount (2). The container (9) comprises an upper panel (11) provided in parallel to the lower panel (10). The upper panel (11) is positioned between the upper joists (4.3, 4.4) in the upper mount (3). The upper panel (11) may be fixed to the upper joists (4.3, 4.4). The upper panel (11) is configured to match the shape of the polygonal shape of the upper mount (3). The container (9) further includes side panels (12) on the lateral sides of the container (9). The side panels (12) are formed of a first and second side panels (12.1, 12.2). The first side panel (12.1) and the second side panel (12.2) are positioned on lateral sides, respectively, between the lower panel (10) and the upper panel (11).

In an embodiment, the first side panel (12.1) may be hinge-connected to the base mount (2) to be rotatable along a longitudinal direction of the base mount (2) such that the first side panel (12.1) can be folded by being rotated toward the inside of the container (9). The second side panel (12.2) is positioned above the first side panel (12.1) may be hinge-connected to the upper mount (3) to be rotatable along a longitudinal direction of the upper mount (2) such that the second side panel (12.2) can be folded by being rotated toward the inside of the container (9). In another embodiment, the first and side panels (12.1, 12.2) are respectively fixed for example by means of a bolt to the first and second parts (6.1, 6.2) of the column (6). Thereby, the vertical and the rotational movement of the first and second parts (6.1, 6.2) of the column (6) are transmitted to the first and side panels (12.1, 12.2) respectively. Thus as the second part (6.1,

6.2) of the column (6) is moved upwards the predetermined distance (11), i.e. to the folding position or certain distance (12), i.e. to the lifted position and the second side panel (12.2) is moved upwards the same distance (11, 12). For the same reason, as the first and second parts (6.1, 6.2) are folded and the first and second side panels (16.1, 16.2) are folded toward the inside of the container (9). In this embodiment, the first and second side panels (12.1, 12.2) are not fixed to the base and upper mounts (3.1, 3.2). An advantageous effect provided by means of this is that there is no additional hinge element for folding the first and second side panels (12.1, 12.2) of the container (9). In an embodiment of the present invention, side panels (12.1,

12.2) are configured to engage with the base mount (2) and the upper mount (3) along a first snap-fit area (SI) in the closed position of the columns (6). The engagement forms an interlocking structure, insulating inner volume of the container (9) from outside in a heat insulated and/or water-proof manner. In both embodiments, an advantageous effect provided by the present invention is that a foldable container (9) comprising the frame (1) according to the present invention allows (6) the first and second side panels (12.1, 12.2) of the container (9) to be folded with a small force together with the first and second parts (6.1, 6.2) of the columns (6) as the second parts (6.2) and the second side panels (12.2) are moved to the folding position before folding.

The container (9) also includes a front panel (13) and a rear panel (not shown in the figures) connected to the upper mount (3) to be rotatable along a transverse direction of the upper mount (3). The container (9) may also include an interior panel (not shown in the figures) dividing the interior space of the container (9) into two and being rotatable along a transverse direction of the base mount (2). The longitudinal direction may refer to the 4 o’clock direction and the 10 o’clock direction and the transverse direction may refer to the 2 o’clock direction and the 8 o’clock direction in FIG 2. Another advantageous effect provided by the present invention is that the front and the rear panels (13, not shown) can be folded without interference with the surface of the lower panel (10) due to the fact that they can be folded when the columns (69 are in the folding or lifting position.

In order to install the frame (l)/container (9), the folded frame (l)/container (9) is delivered to the construction site. In the delivery position, the columns (6) and thus the container (9) are in fully folded position. The frame (l)/container (9) may be slung to a hoisting machine, e.g. a crane or forklift, by means of a rope fastened to the upper corner pieces (5.2) or from forklift pockets located on sides of the base mount (2). After placing the frame (l)/container (9) on site, the upper mount (3) and the upper panel (11) is lifted by means of the rope fastened to the upper corner pieces (5.2) and then the parts (6.1, 6.2) and the side panels (12.1, 12.2) rotate around the hinges (7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4) and starts getting aligned along the axis of rotation (12) while the parts (6.1, 6.2) rotate around the common axle (II) of the hinge shaft (8.1.3) relative to each other. The lifting is continued until the parts (6.1, 6.2) and the first and side panels (12.1, 12.2) become fully aligned. Operators may unfold the front and rear panels (13, not shown) of the container (9) and secure the same to the upper mount (3). If there is any interior panel it may also be unfolded and secured to the lower panel (10). Then, the operators rotate the slider shaft (8.2) about the axis of rotation (12) e.g. counter clockwise by the predetermined angle (a) e.g. 90 degrees and the orientation changes to the un-locked. Then the upper mount (3) and the upper panel (11) are lowered so that the second parts (6.2) and the second side panels (12.2) are moved downwards until the parts (6.1, 6.2) become in contact with each other so that the columns (6) are in closed position. In this position, the first and second side panels (12.1, 12.2) seat on the base and upper mounts (2, 3) respectively, along their respective edges. Preferably, there have been formed seating channels on the base and upper mounts (2,3) for the engagement of the edges of the first and second side panels (12.1, 12.2) so that the container (9) is fixed more.

FIG.1 la to 1 Ih show time-lapse front/rear views of the frame (l)/container (9) as it is folded. In order to fold the installed frame (l)/container (9) according to the present invention, the frame (10)/container (9) may be slung to a hoisting machine, e.g. a crane or forklift, by means of a rope fastened to the upper corner pieces (5.2). The upper mount (3) and the upper panel (11) are lifted and the second parts (6.2) and the side panels (12) are moved upwards in FIG. I la. The upward movement continues until the guides (8.5) abuts on the limiters (8.4) so that the second parts (6.2) and the second side panels (12.2) are moved upwards the certain distance (12). In this lifted position, the operators may fold the front and rear panels (13, not shown) and lock them onto the upper panel (11) from the beneath. Then the operators rotate the slider shaft (8.2) about the axis of rotation (12) e.g. clockwise by the predetermined angle (a) e.g. 90 degrees and the orientation changes to the locked. The upper mount (3) and the upper panel (11) are lowered a bit so that the second parts (6.2) and the second side panels (12.2) are moved downwards to the folding position (i.e. to the predetermined distance (11) to the first part (6.1)). If there is any interior panel (not shown) it may also be folded onto the lower panel (10). Then, the operators may apply a small force on around the middle of the columns (6) and/or the middle of the side panels (12) in this folding position. This starts the folding of the columns (6) and the side panels (12) as shown in FIG. 1 lb. The upper mount (3) and the upper panel (11) are lowered which in turn forces the hinge member (8.1) to rotate underweight. The folding continues as illustrated in FIG.11c to FIG.11g as the upper mount (3) and the upper panel (11) are lowered until the parts (6.1, 6.2) and the side panels (12) are folded completely on each other as shown in FIG.1 Ih.

In an embodiment of the invention, the frame (1) comprises a water inlet (14.1) and an outlet (14.2). Said inlet and outlet (14.1, 14.2) are dimensioned so as to fit the commonly used piping models. Said water inlet (14.1) and the outlet (14.2) provides ease of use, making the frame (1) and the container (9) ready to be plugged in water mains and sewage drainages. This helps greatly in the fields wherein the frame (1) is to be used.

In an embodiment of the invention, the frame (1) comprises a power inlet (15.1) and a power outlet (15.2). By means of embedded power lines inside the frame (1), ease of use is provided for the user.

An embodiment of the invention comprises a kit comprising the foldable frame and rotation apparatus (16) such as a lever suitable for operating with the with the mouth (8.2.2), wherein the rotation apparatus (16) comprises recesses and/or protrusions configured to engage with the mouth (8.2.2).

In an application of the invention a system is disclosed. This system comprises at least two foldable frames (1), wherein the said frames (1) are connected serially. By means of this, multiple frames (1) can be electrically and serially connected. This helps in providing electricity to multiple frames (1) in a convenient manner.

In an application of the invention a container (9) is disclosed. The container (9) comprises a foldable frame (1) according to the present invention. Furthermore, the upper mount (3) comprises an upper panel (11) positioned between the upper joists (4.3, 4.4), wherein the said upper panel (11) is heat and/or water insulating. The upper panel (11) may be fixed to the upper joists (4.3, 4.4). It is important to provide a water proof upper panel (11) in order to improve service life of the frame (1) and the container (9). In order to save up energy on the long run, it is beneficial to provide an upper panel (11) with heat insulating properties. Additionally, using metals resistant to corrosion such as aluminium and stainless steel will help improve service life of the frame (1) and the container (9).

In an embodiment of the invention, the upper panel (10) is configured to match the shape of the polygonal shape of the upper mount (3). In an embodiment, the upper panel (10) has a monolithic structure configured to fit the shape of the upper mount (3). In another embodiment, the upper panel (10) can be manufactured from multiple, modular and smaller parts. In such a case, smaller parts are to be snap fitted to each other, forming the upper panel (11). In both cases, the parts should be waterproof and/or heat insulating.

In an embodiment of the invention, the base mount (2) comprises a lower panel (10) positioned between the joists (4.1, 4.2), wherein the said lower panel (10) is heat and/or water insulating. The lower panel (10) may be fixed to the lower joists (4.1, 4.2). In order to save up energy on the long run, it is beneficial to provide a lower panel (10) with heat insulating properties. Additionally, using metals resistant to corrosion such as aluminium and stainless steel will help improve service life of the frame (1) and the container (9). The lower water panel (10) may also be water proof in order to improve service life of the frame (1) and the container (9).

In an embodiment of the invention, the lower panel (10) is configured to match the shape of the polygonal shape of the base mount (2). In an embodiment, the lower panel (10) has a monolithic structure configured to fit the shape of the base mount (2). In another embodiment, the lower panel (10) can be manufactured from multiple, modular and smaller parts. In such a case, smaller parts are to be snap fitted to each other, forming the lower panel (10). In both cases, the parts should be waterproof and/or heat insulating.

In an embodiment of the invention, the container (9) comprises a first side panel (12.1) and a second side panel (12.2) positioned between the first part (6.1) and the second part (6.2) of neighbouring columns (6). Said side panels (12.1, 12.2) are preferably water-proof and heat insulating. Additionally, the heights along the vertical axis of the first and second side panels (12.1,12.2) are configured to match the height of the first and second parts (6.1, 6.2) respectively. In a preferred embodiment the height of the second side panel (12.2) is less than the first side panel (12.1).

In an embodiment of the invention, the side panels (12.1,12.2) are configured to engage with each other along a second snap-fit area (S2) in the closed position of the columns (6). In a folded position of the container (9), the angle between the side panels (12.1, 12.2) is an acute angle. As the container (9) unfolds, said angle starts to increase and reaches 180 degrees in the erected position. In containers’ (9) fully operational and erected position, the side panels (12.1, 12.2) engage each other along the side length of the container (9). The engagement forms an interlocking structure, insulating inner volume of the container (9) from outside in a waterproof and/or heat insulating manner. The filling of side panels (12.1, 12.2) is made of a heat insulating material to reduce heating and cooling related costs. An advantageous effect of the invention is that the frame (1) can be folded and unfolded thus requiring minimum volume during storage and transport. Another advantageous effect of the invention is that the frame (1) can be folded and unfolded easily thus requiring a minimum amount of labour. Another advantageous effect provided by means of the present invention is that the electrical and sanitary installations are embedded into the frame (1), thus providing ease of use. A further advantageous effect of the invention is that the frame (1) can be locked and unlocked, thereby improving security over common applications.