Cargo container

Claim 2

In a container having a top wall and a bottom wall and a pair of opposed side walls all cooperating to define a door-receiving opeNing, a door structure comprising a door bracket pivotally mounted on the container adjacent to the door-receiving opening, and a door panel shaped complementary to the opening and slidably mounted on said door bracket and movable between an extended condition and a retracted condition thereon, said door bracket being movable between a closed position wherein said door panel is disposed within the door-receiving opening and substantially normal to an adjacent wall of the container and an open position wherein said door panel is disposed outside of the container and substantially parallel to the adjacent wall thereof, said door structure having a closed position wherein said door bracket is in the closed position thereof and said door panel is in the extended condition thereof whereby said door structure completely closes the door-receiving opening, said door structure having a stowed position wherein said door bracket is in the open position thereof and said door panel is in the retracted condition thereof whereby said door structure is completely removed from the doorreceiving opening and said door panel is stowed alongside the adjacent one of the container walls substantially parallel thereto.

Claim 3

The door structure set forth in claim 1, wherein said door structure includes a pair of said door brackets pivotable about a common axis and respectively disposed adjacent to opposite edges of said door panel.

Claim 4

The door structure set forth in claim 1, wherein said door bracket is mounted on the top wall of the container, whereby said door panel is stowed above the top wall of the container when said door structure is in the stowed configuration thereof.

Claim 5

The door structure set forth in claim 1, wherein said door panel is spaced only a short distance from the adjacent wall of the container when said door structure is in the stowed position thereof, whereby the clearance required alongside the adjacent wall for stowing said door structure is only slightly greater than the thickness of said door panel.

Claim 6

The door structure set forth in claim 1, wherein said door panel includes a pair of spaced-apart substantially parallel walls and a body of rigid cellular construction disposed therebetween and spacer structure extending therearound for providing a strong yet lightweight construction for said door panel.

Claim 7

The door structure set forth in claim 1, wherein one of said side walls has an upper portion extending generally parallel to the other of said side walls and a lower portion extending inwardly from said first portion toward the other of said side walls and said bottom wall.

Claim 8

In a container having a top wall and a bottom wall and a pair of opposed side walls all cooperating to define a door-receiving opening, a door structure comprising a door bracket pivotally mounted on the container adjacent to the door-receiving opening and having a first track member thereon, and a door panel shaped complementary to the door-receiving opening and having a second track member thereon cooperating with said first track member for slidably mounting said door panel on said door bracket for sliding movement between an extended condition and a retracted condition, said door bracket being movable between a closed position wherein said door panel is disposed within the door-receiving opening and substantially normal to an adjacent wall of the container and an open position wherein said door panel is disposed outside of the container and substantially parallel to the adjacent wall thereof, said door structure having a closed position wherein said door bracket is in the closed position thereof and said door panel is in the extended condition thereof whereby said door structure completely closes the door-receiving opening, said door structure having a stowed position wherein said door bracket is in the open position thereof and said door panel is in the retracted condition thereof whereby said door structure is completely removed from the door-receiving opening and said door panel is stOwed alongside the adjacent one of the container walls substantially parallel thereto.

Claim 9

In a container having a top wall and a bottom wall and a pair of opposed side walls all cooperating to define a door-receiving opening, a door structure comprising a door bracket pivotally mounted on the container adjacent to the door-receiving opening and having a first track member thereon, and a door panel shaped complementary to the door-receiving opening and having a second track member thereon cooperating with said first track member for slidably mounting said door panel on said door bracket for sliding movement between an extended condition and a retracted condition, said door bracket being movable between a closed position wherein said door panel is disposed within the door-receiving opening and substantially normal to an adjacent wall of the container and an open position wherein said door panel is disposed outside of the container and substantially parallel to the adjacent wall thereof, said door structure having a closed position wherein said door bracket is in the closed position thereof and said door panel is in the extended condition thereof whereby said door structure completely closes the door-receiving opening, said door structure having a stowed position wherein said door bracket is in the open position thereof and said door panel is in the retracted condition thereof whereby said door structure is completely removed from the door-receiving opening and said door panel is stOwed alongside the adjacent one of the container walls substantially parallel thereto.

Claim 10

The door structure set forth in claim 7, wherein said first track member is substantially T-shaped in cross section, and said second track member comprises a channel shaped member complementary to said first track member, said first track member being disposed within said second track member for slidably mounting said door panel on said door bracket.

Claim 11

The door structure set forth in claim 7, wherein said door structure includes a pair of said door brackets pivotable about a common axis and respectively disposed adjacent to opposite edges of said door panel, and a pair of second track members on said door panel respectively disposed along the opposite edges thereof for cooperation with said pair of door brackets.

Claim 12

In a container having a top wall and a bottom wall and a pair of opposed side walls all cooperating to define a door-receiving opening, a door structure comprising a door bracket pivotally mounted on the container adjacent to the door-receiving opening and having a first track member thereon, a door panel shaped complementary to the door-receiving opening and having a second track member thereon cooperating with said first track member for slidably mounting said door panel on said door bracket for sliding movement between an extended condition and a retracted condition, said door bracket being movable between a closed position wherein said door panel is disposed within the door-receiving opening and substantially normal to an adjacent wall of the container and an open position wherein said door panel is disposed outside of the container and substantially parallel to the adjacent wall thereof, and an abutment flange carried by the adjacent one of the container walls and disposed adjacent to the opening and contacting said door bracket in the open position thereof for limiting the pivotal movement thereof in the opening direction, said door structure having a closed position wherein said door bracket is in the closed position thereof and said door panel is in the extended condition thereof whereby said door structure completely closes the door-receiving opening, said door structure having a stowed position wherein said door bracket is in the open position thereof and said door panel is in the retracted condition thereof whereby said door structure is completely removed from the door-receiving opening and said door panel is stowed alongside the adjacent one of the container walls substantially parallel thereto.

Claim 13

In a container having a top wall and a bottom wall and a pair of opposed side walls all cooperating to define a door-receiving opening, a door structure comprising a door bracket pivotally mounted on the container adjacent to the door-receiving opening and having a first track member thereon, a door panel shaped complementary to the door-receiving opening and having a second track member thereon cooperating with said first track member for slidably mounting said door panel on said door bracket for sliding movement between an extended condition and a retracted condition, said door bracket being movable between a closed position wherein said door panel is disposed within the door-receiving opening and substantially normal to an adjacent wall of the container and an open position wherein said door panel is disposed outside of the container and substantially parallel to the adjacent wall thereof, and an abutment flange carried by the adjacent one of the container walls and disposed adjacent to the opening and contacting said door bracket in the open position thereof for limiting the pivotal movement thereof in the opening direction, said door structure having a closed position wherein said door bracket is in the closed position thereof and said door panel is in the extended condition thereof whereby said door structure completely closes the door-receiving opening, said door structure having a stowed position wherein said door bracket is in the open position thereof and said door panel is in the retracted condition thereof whereby said door structure is completely removed from the door-receiving opening and said door panel is stowed alongside the adjacent one of the container walls substantially parallel thereto.

Claim 14

The door structure set forth in claim 10, wherein said door bracket includes a pivot member shaped complementary to said abutment flange and pivotally mounted adjacent thereto, said flange nesting within said pivot member when said door bracket is in the open position thereof.

Claim 15

The door structure set forth in claim 10, wherein said door bracket is mounted on the top wall of the container.

Claim 16

In a container having a top wall and a bottom wall and a pair of opposed side walls all cooperating to define a door-receiving opening, a door structure comprising a door bracket pivotally mounted on the container adjacent to the door-receiving opening and having a first track member thereon, a door panel shaped complementary to the door-receiving opening and having a second track member thereon cooperating with said first track member for slidably mounting said door panel on said door bracket for sliding movement between an extended condition and a retracted condition, said door bracket being movable between a closed position wherein said door panel is disposed within the door-receiving opening and substantially normal to the top wall of the container and an open position wherein said door panel is disposed above the top wall of the container substantially parallel thereto, an abutment flange substantially U-shaped in cross section and carried by the top wall adjacent to the opening and contacting said door bracket in the open position thereof For limiting the pivotal movement thereof in the opening direction, and a hook member carried by said door panel adjacent to said top wall and engageable in said abutment flange when said door bracket is in the closed position thereof and said door panel is in the extended condition thereof for supporting said door panel and limiting the sliding movement thereof in the extending direction, said door structure having a closed position wherein said door bracket is in the closed position thereof and said door panel is in the extended condition thereof whereby said door structure is supported by said abutment flange and completely closes the door-receiving opening, said door structure having a stowed position wherein said door bracket is in the open position thereof and said door panel is in the retracted condition thereof whereby said door structure is completely removed from the door-receiving opening and said door panel is stowed above the top wall of the container substantially parallel thereto.

Claim 17

In a container having a top wall and a bottom wall and a pair of opposed side walls all cooperating to define a door-receiving opening, a door structure comprising a door bracket pivotally mounted on the container adjacent to the door-receiving opening and having a first track member thereon, a door panel shaped complementary to the door-receiving opening and having a second track member thereon cooperating with said first track member for slidably mounting said door panel on said door bracket for sliding movement between an extended condition and a retracted condition, said door bracket being movable between a closed position wherein said door panel is disposed within the door-receiving opening and substantially normal to the top wall of the container and an open position wherein said door panel is disposed above the top wall of the container substantially parallel thereto, an abutment flange substantially U-shaped in cross section and carried by the top wall adjacent to the opening and contacting said door bracket in the open position thereof For limiting the pivotal movement thereof in the opening direction, and a hook member carried by said door panel adjacent to said top wall and engageable in said abutment flange when said door bracket is in the closed position thereof and said door panel is in the extended condition thereof for supporting said door panel and limiting the sliding movement thereof in the extending direction, said door structure having a closed position wherein said door bracket is in the closed position thereof and said door panel is in the extended condition thereof whereby said door structure is supported by said abutment flange and completely closes the door-receiving opening, said door structure having a stowed position wherein said door bracket is in the open position thereof and said door panel is in the retracted condition thereof whereby said door structure is completely removed from the door-receiving opening and said door panel is stowed above the top wall of the container substantially parallel thereto.

Claim 18

The door structure set forth in claim 13, wherein said hook member is mounted along the upper edge of said door panel.

Claim 19

The door structure set forth in claim 13, wherein said hook member is attached to the upper edge of said door panel and extends inwardly therefrom toward the container, whereby said hook member overlaps said abutment flange for engagement therein when said door structure is in the closed position thereof.

Claim 20

The door structure set forth in claim 13, and further including a stop member carried by said second track member adjacent to the lower end thereof, said stop member engaging said first track member when said door panel is in the retracted condition thereof for limiting the sliding movement thereof in the retracting direction.

Claim 21

The door structure set forth in claim 13, wherein said hook member abuts against said door bracket when said door panel is in the extended condition thereof and said door bracket is out of the closed position thereof for limiting the sliding movement of said door panel in the extending direction.

Claim 22

In a container having a top wall and a bottom wall and a pair of opposed side walls all cooperating to define a door-receiving opening, a door structure comprising a door bracket pivotally mounted on the container adjacent to the door-receiving opening, a door panel shaped complementary to the opening and slidably mounted on said door bracket and movable between an extended condition and a retracted condition thereon, said door bracket being movable between a closed position wherein said door panel is disposed within the door-receiving opening and substantially normal to an adjacent wall of the container and an open position wherein said door panel is disposed outside of the container and substantially parallel to the adjacent wall thereof, said door structure having a closed position wherein said door bracket is in the closed position thereof and said door panel is in the extended condition thereof whereby said door structure completely closes the door-receiving opening, said door structure having a stowed position wherein said door bracket is in the open position thereof and said door panel is in the retracted condition thereof whereby said door structure is completely removed from the door-receiving opening and said door panel is stowed alongside the adjacent one of the container walls substantially parallel thereto, a retaining member carried by said door panel and engageable with the container when said door structure is in the closed position thereof for preventing pivotal movement thereof, and resilient latch structure carried by said door panel and engageable with said container for holding said door panel in the extended condition thereof to hold said retaining member in engagement with the container, whereby said retaining member cooperates with said latch structure to hold said door structure in the closed position thereof.

Claim 23

In a container having a top wall and a bottom wall and a pair of opposed side walls all cooperating to define a door-receiving opening, a door structure comprising a door bracket pivotally mounted on the container adjacent to the door-receiving opening, a door panel shaped complementary to the opening and slidably mounted on said door bracket and movable between an extended condition and a retracted condition thereon, said door bracket being movable between a closed position wherein said door panel is disposed within the door-receiving opening and substantially normal to an adjacent wall of the container and an open position wherein said door panel is disposed outside of the container and substantially parallel to the adjacent wall thereof, said door structure having a closed position wherein said door bracket is in the closed position thereof and said door panel is in the extended condition thereof whereby said door structure completely closes the door-receiving opening, said door structure having a stowed position wherein said door bracket is in the open position thereof and said door panel is in the retracted condition thereof whereby said door structure is completely removed from the door-receiving opening and said door panel is stowed alongside the adjacent one of the container walls substantially parallel thereto, a retaining member carried by said door panel and engageable with the container when said door structure is in the closed position thereof for preventing pivotal movement thereof, and resilient latch structure carried by said door panel and engageable with said container for holding said door panel in the extended condition thereof to hold said retaining member in engagement with the container, whereby said retaining member cooperates with said latch structure to hold said door structure in the closed position thereof.

Claim 24

The door structure set forth in claim 18, wherein said door structure includes a plurality of said retaining members carried by said door panel.

Claim 25

The door structure set forth in claim 18, wherein said door bracket is mounted on the top wall of the container, and said retaining member is disposed adjacent to the bottom edge of said door panel and is engageable with a complementary opening in the bottom wall of the container.

Claim 26

In a container having a top wall and a bottom wall and a pair of opposed side walls all cooperating to define a door-receiving opening, a door structure comprising a door bracket pivotally mounted on the container adjacent to the door-receiving opening, a door panel shaped complementary to the opening and slidably mounted on said door bracket and movable between an extended condition and a retracted condition thereon, said door bracket being movable between a closed position wherein said door panel is disposed within the door-receiving opening and substantially normal to an adjacent wall of the container and an open position wherein said door panel is disposed outside of the container and substantially parallel to the adjacent wall thereof, said door structure having a closed position wherein said door bracket is in the closed position thereof and said door panel is in the extended condition thereof whereby said door structure completely closes the door-receiving opening, said door structure having a stowed position wherein said door bracket is in the open position thereof and said door panel is in the retracted condition thereof whereby said door structure is completely removed from the door-receiving opening and said door panel is stowed alongside the adjacent one of the container walls substantially parallel thereto, a retaining member carried by said door panel and engageable with the container when said door structure is in the closed position thereof for preventing pivotal movement thereof, keeper structure mounted on the container and extending through a complementary opening in said door panel when said door structure is in the closed position thereof to maintain said door panel in the extended condition thereof, and a latch mechanism resiliently mounted on the outer surface of said door panel and movable into and out of engagement with said keeper structure when said door structure is in the closed position thereof, whereby said retaining member cooperates with said keeper structure and said latch mechanism to lock said door structure in the closed position thereof, and whereby said door structure may be quickly and easily latched and unlatched by appropriate tensioning and untensioning of said resilient latch mounting means.

Claim 27

In a container having a top wall and a bottom wall and a pair of opposed side walls all cooperating to define a door-receiving opening, a door structure comprising a door bracket pivotally mounted on the container adjacent to the door-receiving opening, a door panel shaped complementary to the opening and slidably mounted on said door bracket and movable between an extended condition and a retracted condition thereon, said door bracket being movable between a closed position wherein said door panel is disposed within the door-receiving opening and substantially normal to an adjacent wall of the container and an open position wherein said door panel is disposed outside of the container and substantially parallel to the adjacent wall thereof, said door structure having a closed position wherein said door bracket is in the closed position thereof and said door panel is in the extended condition thereof whereby said door structure completely closes the door-receiving opening, said door structure having a stowed position wherein said door bracket is in the open position thereof and said door panel is in the retracted condition thereof whereby said door structure is completely removed from the door-receiving opening and said door panel is stowed alongside the adjacent one of the container walls substantially parallel thereto, a retaining member carried by said door panel and engageable with the container when said door structure is in the closed position thereof for preventing pivotal movement thereof, keeper structure mounted on the container and extending through a complementary opening in said door panel when said door structure is in the closed position thereof to maintain said door panel in the extended condition thereof, and a latch mechanism resiliently mounted on the outer surface of said door panel and movable into and out of engagement with said keeper structure when said door structure is in the closed position thereof, whereby said retaining member cooperates with said keeper structure and said latch mechanism to lock said door structure in the closed position thereof, and whereby said door structure may be quickly and easily latched and unlatched by appropriate tensioning and untensioning of said resilient latch mounting means.

Claim 28

The door structure set forth in claim 21, wherein said keeper structure comprises a stud mounted on the container and extending outwardly therefrom.

Claim 29

The door structure set forth in claim 21, wherein said latch mechanism includes, an elastic mounting strap attached at one end thereof to said door panel, and a latch member attached to the other end of said mounting strap.

Claim 30

The door structure set forth in claim 21, wherein said keeper structure comprises a stud having an enlarged head at one end thereof and mounted at the other end thereof on said container, said latch mechanism including a latch member having a keyhole-shaped opening therein for receiving the head portion of said stud therethrough.

Claim 31

The door structure set forth in claim 21, wherein said door structure includes two keeper structures mounted on the container, and two latch mechanisms respectively cooperating with said keeper structures for locking said door panel in the extended condition thereof.

Claim 32

In a container having a top wall and a bottom wall and a pair of opposed side walls all cooperating to define a door-receiving opening, a door structure comprising a door bracket pivotally mounted on the container adjacent to the door-receiving opening, a first door panel shaped complementary to a portion of the door-receiving opening and slidably mounted on said door bracket and movable betWeen an extended condition and retracted condition thereon, said door bracket being movable between a closed position wherein said first door panel is disposed within the door-receiving opening and substantially normal to an adjacent wall of the container and an open position wherein said first door panel is disposed outside of the container and substantially parallel to the adjacent wall thereof, and a second door panel shaped complementary to the remaining portion of the door-receiving opening and hingedly connected to said first door panel and being pivotally movable between a first position substantially in alignment with said first door panel and a second position overlying said first door panel and substantially parallel thereto, said door structure having a closed position wherein said door bracket is in the closed position thereof and said first door panel is in the extended condition thereof and said second door panel is in the first position thereof whereby said door structure completely closes the door-receiving opening, said door structure having a folded stowed position wherein said door bracket is in the open position thereof and said first door panel is in the retracted condition thereof and said second door panel is in the second position thereof whereby said door structure is completely removed from the door-receiving opening and said door panels are stowed alongside the adjacent one of the container walls substantially parallel thereto.

Claim 33

In a container having a top wall and a bottom wall and a pair of opposed side walls all cooperating to define a door-receiving opening, a door structure comprising a door bracket pivotally mounted on the container adjacent to the door-receiving opening, a first door panel shaped complementary to a portion of the door-receiving opening and slidably mounted on said door bracket and movable betWeen an extended condition and retracted condition thereon, said door bracket being movable between a closed position wherein said first door panel is disposed within the door-receiving opening and substantially normal to an adjacent wall of the container and an open position wherein said first door panel is disposed outside of the container and substantially parallel to the adjacent wall thereof, and a second door panel shaped complementary to the remaining portion of the door-receiving opening and hingedly connected to said first door panel and being pivotally movable between a first position substantially in alignment with said first door panel and a second position overlying said first door panel and substantially parallel thereto, said door structure having a closed position wherein said door bracket is in the closed position thereof and said first door panel is in the extended condition thereof and said second door panel is in the first position thereof whereby said door structure completely closes the door-receiving opening, said door structure having a folded stowed position wherein said door bracket is in the open position thereof and said first door panel is in the retracted condition thereof and said second door panel is in the second position thereof whereby said door structure is completely removed from the door-receiving opening and said door panels are stowed alongside the adjacent one of the container walls substantially parallel thereto.

Claim 34

The door structure set forth in claim 26, wherein said door structure includes a pair of said door brackets pivotable about a common axis and respectively disposed adjacent to opposite edges of said first door panel.

Claim 35

The door structure set forth in claim 26, wherein said door bracket is mounted on the top wall of the container and said first door panel is disposed in the upper portion of the door-receiving opening and said second door panel is disposed in the lower portion of the door-receiving opening when said door structure is in the closed position thereof.

Claim 36

The door structure set forth in claim 26, wherein said door bracket is mounted on the top wall of the container, said first door panel being disposed in the upper portion of said door-receiving opening when said door structure is in the closed position thereof, and said first door panel being hingedly connected along the lower margin thereof to said second door panel.

Claim 37

The door structure set forth in claim 26, wherein said first door panel is disposed only a slight distance from the adjacent one of said container walls when said door structure is in the stowed position thereof, whereby the clearance required alongside the adjacent wall for stowing said folded door structure is slightly greater than the combined thicknesses of said panel.

Claim 38

In a container having a top wall and a bottom wall and a pair of opposed side walls all cooperating to define a door-receiving opening, a door structure comprising a door bracket pivotally mounted on the container adjacent to the door-receiving opening and having a first track member thereon, a first door panel shaped complementary to a portion of the door-receiving opening and having a second track member thereon cooperating with said first track member for slidably mounting said first door panel on said door bracket for sliding movement between an extended condition and a retracted condition, said door bracket being movable between a closed position wherein said first door panel is disposed within the door-receiving opening and substantially normal to the top wall of the container and an open position wherein said first door panel is disposed above the top wall of the container substantially parallel thereto, a flange substantially U-shaped in cross section and carried by the top wall adjacent to the opening and contacting said door bracket in the open position thereof for limiting the pivotal movement thereof in the opening direction, a hook member carried by said first door panel adjacent to the top wall and engageable in said flange when said door bracket is in the closed position thereof and said first door panel is in the extended condition thereof for supporting said first door panel and limiting the sliding movement thereof in the extending direction, and a second door panel shaped complementary to the remaining portion of the door-receiving opening and hingedly connected to said first door panel and being pivotally movable between a first position substantially in alignment with said first door panel and a second position overlying said first door panel and substantially parallel thereto, said door structure having a closed position wherein said door bracket is in the closed position thereof and said first door panel is in the extended condition thereof and said second door panel is in the first position thereof whereby said door structure completely closes the door-receiving opening, said door structure having a folded stowed position wherein said door bracket is in the open position thereof and said first door panel is in the retracted condition thereof and said second door panel is in the second position thereof whereby said door structure is completely removed from the door-receiving opening and said door panels are stowed above the top wall of the container substantially parallel thereto and to each other.

Claim 39

In a container having a top wall and a bottom wall and a pair of opposed side walls all cooperating to define a door-receiving opening, a door structure comprising a door bracket pivotally mounted on the container adjacent to the door-receiving opening and having a first track member thereon, a first door panel shaped complementary to a portion of the door-receiving opening and having a second track member thereon cooperating with said first track member for slidably mounting said first door panel on said door bracket for sliding movement between an extended condition and a retracted condition, said door bracket being movable between a closed position wherein said first door panel is disposed within the door-receiving opening and substantially normal to the top wall of the container and an open position wherein said first door panel is disposed above the top wall of the container substantially parallel thereto, a flange substantially U-shaped in cross section and carried by the top wall adjacent to the opening and contacting said door bracket in the open position thereof for limiting the pivotal movement thereof in the opening direction, a hook member carried by said first door panel adjacent to the top wall and engageable in said flange when said door bracket is in the closed position thereof and said first door panel is in the extended condition thereof for supporting said first door panel and limiting the sliding movement thereof in the extending direction, and a second door panel shaped complementary to the remaining portion of the door-receiving opening and hingedly connected to said first door panel and being pivotally movable between a first position substantially in alignment with said first door panel and a second position overlying said first door panel and substantially parallel thereto, said door structure having a closed position wherein said door bracket is in the closed position thereof and said first door panel is in the extended condition thereof and said second door panel is in the first position thereof whereby said door structure completely closes the door-receiving opening, said door structure having a folded stowed position wherein said door bracket is in the open position thereof and said first door panel is in the retracted condition thereof and said second door panel is in the second position thereof whereby said door structure is completely removed from the door-receiving opening and said door panels are stowed above the top wall of the container substantially parallel thereto and to each other.

Claim 40

In a container having a top wall and a bottom wall and a pair of opposed side walls all cooperating to define a door-receiving opening, a door structure comprising a door bracket pivotally mounted on the container adjacent to the door-receiving opening, a first door panel shaped complementary to a portion of the door-receiving opening and slidably mounted on said door bracket and movable between an extended condition and retracted condition thereon, said door bracket being movable between a closed position wherein said first door panel is disposed within the door-receiving opening and substantially normal to an adjacent wall of the container and an open position wherein said first door panel is disposed outside of the container and substantially parallel to the adjacent wall thereof, a second door panel shaped complementary to the remaining portion of the door-receiving opening and hingedly connected to said first door panel and being pivotally movable between a first position substantially in alignment with said first door panel and a second position overlying said first door panel and substantially parallel thereto, said door structure having a closed position wherein said door bracket is in the closed position thereof and said first door panel is in the extended condition thereof and said second door panel is in the first position thereof whereby said door structure completely closes the door-receiving opening, said door structure having a folded stowed position wherein said door bracket is in the open position thereof and said first door panel is in the retracted condition thereof and said second door panel is in the second position thereof whereby said door structure is completely removed from the door-receiving opening and said panels are stowed alongside the adjacent one of the container walls substantially parallel thereto, a retaining member carried by said second door panel and engageable with the container when said door structure is in the closed position thereof for preventing pivotal movement thereof, keeper structure mounted on the container and extending through a complementary opening in the hinged connection between said first and second door panels when said door structure is in the closed position thereof for preventing sliding movement of said first door panel, and a latch mechanism resiliently mounted on the outer surface of one of said door panels and movable into and out of engagement with said keeper structure when said door structure is in the closed position thereof for holding said door structure in engagement with said keeper structure, whereby said retaining member cooperates with said keeper structure and said latcH mechanism to hold said door structure in the closed position thereof.

Claim 41

In a container having a top wall and a bottom wall and a pair of opposed side walls all cooperating to define a door-receiving opening, a door structure comprising a door bracket pivotally mounted on the container adjacent to the door-receiving opening, a first door panel shaped complementary to a portion of the door-receiving opening and slidably mounted on said door bracket and movable between an extended condition and retracted condition thereon, said door bracket being movable between a closed position wherein said first door panel is disposed within the door-receiving opening and substantially normal to an adjacent wall of the container and an open position wherein said first door panel is disposed outside of the container and substantially parallel to the adjacent wall thereof, a second door panel shaped complementary to the remaining portion of the door-receiving opening and hingedly connected to said first door panel and being pivotally movable between a first position substantially in alignment with said first door panel and a second position overlying said first door panel and substantially parallel thereto, said door structure having a closed position wherein said door bracket is in the closed position thereof and said first door panel is in the extended condition thereof and said second door panel is in the first position thereof whereby said door structure completely closes the door-receiving opening, said door structure having a folded stowed position wherein said door bracket is in the open position thereof and said first door panel is in the retracted condition thereof and said second door panel is in the second position thereof whereby said door structure is completely removed from the door-receiving opening and said panels are stowed alongside the adjacent one of the container walls substantially parallel thereto, a retaining member carried by said second door panel and engageable with the container when said door structure is in the closed position thereof for preventing pivotal movement thereof, keeper structure mounted on the container and extending through a complementary opening in the hinged connection between said first and second door panels when said door structure is in the closed position thereof for preventing sliding movement of said first door panel, and a latch mechanism resiliently mounted on the outer surface of one of said door panels and movable into and out of engagement with said keeper structure when said door structure is in the closed position thereof for holding said door structure in engagement with said keeper structure, whereby said retaining member cooperates with said keeper structure and said latcH mechanism to hold said door structure in the closed position thereof.

Claim 42

The door structure set forth in claim 32, wherein said door bracket is mounted on the top wall of the container, said first door panel being disposed in the upper portion of the door-receiving opening and said second door panel being disposed in the lower portion of the door-receiving opening when said door structure is in the closed position thereof, said retaining member being disposed adjacent to the lower edge of said second door panel and engageable with a complementary opening in the bottom wall of the container.

Claim 43

The door structure set forth in claim 32, wherein said latch mechanism is mounted on said first door panel.

Claim 44

A container comprising a top wall and a bottom wall and a pair of opposed side walls all cooperating to define a pair of door-receiving openings at the opposite ends of the container, two door structures for respectively closing the door-receiving openings, each of said door structures including a door bracket pivotally mounted on the container adjacent to the door-receiving opening, and a door panel shaped complementary to the opening and slidably mounted on said door bracket and movable between an extended condition and a retracted condition thereon, each of said door brackets being movable between a closed position wherein the associated door panel is disposed within the adjacent door-receiving opening and substantially normal to an adjacent wall of the container and an open position wherein the associated door panel is disposed outside of the container and substantially parallel to the adjacent wall thereof, each of said door structures having a closed position wherein the associated door bracket is in the closed position thereof and the associated door panel is in the extended condition thereof whereby said door structure completely closes the adjacent door-receiving opening, each of said door structures having a stowed position wherein the associated door bracket is in the open position thereof and the associated door panel is in the retracted condition thereof whereby said door structure is completely removed from the adjacent door-receiving opening and said associated door panel is stowed alongside the adjacent one of the container walls substantially parallel thereto.

Claim 45

A container comprising a top wall and a bottom wall and a pair of opposed side walls all cooperating to define a pair of door-receiving openings at the opposite ends of the container, two door structures for respectively closing the door-receiving openings, each of said door structures including a door bracket pivotally mounted on the container adjacent to the door-receiving opening, and a door panel shaped complementary to the opening and slidably mounted on said door bracket and movable between an extended condition and a retracted condition thereon, each of said door brackets being movable between a closed position wherein the associated door panel is disposed within the adjacent door-receiving opening and substantially normal to an adjacent wall of the container and an open position wherein the associated door panel is disposed outside of the container and substantially parallel to the adjacent wall thereof, each of said door structures having a closed position wherein the associated door bracket is in the closed position thereof and the associated door panel is in the extended condition thereof whereby said door structure completely closes the adjacent door-receiving opening, each of said door structures having a stowed position wherein the associated door bracket is in the open position thereof and the associated door panel is in the retracted condition thereof whereby said door structure is completely removed from the adjacent door-receiving opening and said associated door panel is stowed alongside the adjacent one of the container walls substantially parallel thereto.

Claim 46

A container comprising a generally rectangular base panel including a generally rectangular body of lightweight material having a rigid frame extending substantially around the periphery thereof and secured thereto, two elongated base-connecting frame members each respectively disposed adjacent to opposed sides of said base panel and secured to said base panel frame, two side panels of lightweight material, the margins of said side panels disposed toward said base panel being spaced therefrom and respectively secured to said base-connecting frame members, four elongated corner-connecting frame members respectively disposed adjacent to the generally upstanding margins of said side panels and secured thereto, a generally rectangular top panel of lightweight material, opposed margins of said top panel being disposed toward the adjacent margins of said side panels and spaced therefrom, two elongated side-top connecting frame members respectively disposed between the adjacent margins of said side panels and said top panel and respectively secured thereto, two elongated end-top connecting frame members respectively disposed along the front and rear margins of said top panel and secured thereto, the front and rear portions of said base panel frame and the associated ones of said corner connecting frame members, said end-top connecting frame members cooperating to provide openings into said container at the two ends thereof, and a door structure mounted on one of said panels and pivotable and slidable with respect thereto between a closed position wherein said door completely closes one of said openings and an open position wherein said door structure is removed from said opening and Stowed parallel to the exterior surface of one of said panels by pivoting and sliding said door structure with respect to the one of said panels.

Claim 47

A container comprising a generally rectangular base panel including a generally rectangular body of lightweight material having a rigid frame extending substantially around the periphery thereof and secured thereto, two elongated base-connecting frame members each respectively disposed adjacent to opposed sides of said base panel and secured to said base panel frame, two side panels of lightweight material, the margins of said side panels disposed toward said base panel being spaced therefrom and respectively secured to said base-connecting frame members, four elongated corner-connecting frame members respectively disposed adjacent to the generally upstanding margins of said side panels and secured thereto, a generally rectangular top panel of lightweight material, opposed margins of said top panel being disposed toward the adjacent margins of said side panels and spaced therefrom, two elongated side-top connecting frame members respectively disposed between the adjacent margins of said side panels and said top panel and respectively secured thereto, two elongated end-top connecting frame members respectively disposed along the front and rear margins of said top panel and secured thereto, the front and rear portions of said base panel frame and the associated ones of said corner connecting frame members, said end-top connecting frame members cooperating to provide openings into said container at the two ends thereof, and a door structure mounted on one of said panels and pivotable and slidable with respect thereto between a closed position wherein said door completely closes one of said openings and an open position wherein said door structure is removed from said opening and Stowed parallel to the exterior surface of one of said panels by pivoting and sliding said door structure with respect to the one of said panels.

Claim 48

The container set forth in claim 36, and further comprising a second door structure pivotally mounted on the container and respectively disposed in the other of said openings and shaped complementary thereto and being movable between a closed position completely closing the associated opening and a stowed position completely removed from the associated opening and disposed adjacent to one of said walls substantially parallel thereto.

Claim 49

The container set forth in claim 36, wherein one of said side panels includes an upper portion extending generally parallel to the other of said side panels and a lower portion extending from the lower end of said upper portion toward said other side panel and toward said base panel.