Convertible multiple compartment hopper-tank car

Claim 2

A convertible freight container for accommodating in one configuration thereof pulverulent dry lading and in another configuration thereof liquid lading, said container comprising an encompassing sidewall and two end walls closing the opposed ends of said sidewall, a collapsible and flexible and fluidtight envelope disposed within said container and having a predetermined folded condition and a predetermined extended condition, the space between said walls and said envelope in the folded condition thereof providing a compartment for dry lading and defining the one configuration of said container, an inlet for dry lading in the upper portion of said container for introducing dry lading into said dry lading compartment, discharge structure in the lower portion of said container for discharging dry lading from said dry lading compartment, said envelope in the folded condition thereof accommodating ready passage of dry lading from said dry lading compartment through said discharge structure, said envelope in the extended condition thereof providing within said envelope a compartment for liquid lading and defining another configuration of said container, and a closeable connection for said envelope and providing communication between the interior of said envelope and the exterior of said container for introducing liquid lading into and emptying liquid lading from said liquid lading compartment.

Claim 3

The convertible freight container set forth in claim 1, wherein said discharge structure comprises at least one hopper depending from the lower portion of said container and communicating with said dry lading compartment, and a discharge gate at the lower end of said hopper.

Claim 4

The convertible freight container set forth in claim 1, wherein said closeable connection includes a hollow T-shaped fixture having three interconnected arms, one of said arms communicating with the interior of said envelope and extending vertically downwardly from the lower portion thereof, the other of said arms being integral with and disposed substantially normal to said one arm adjacent to the lower end thereof and extending substantially horizontally outwardly therefrom.

Claim 5

A convertible freight container for accommodating in one configuration thereof pulverulent dry lading and in another configuration thereof liquid lading, said container comprising an encompassing sidewall and two end walls closing the opposed ends of said sidewall, a collapsible and flexible and fluidtight envelope disposed within said container, a foldable framework attached to said envelope and mounted in said container and movable between a folded position holding said envelope in a predetermined folded condition and an erected position Holding said envelope in a predetermined extended condition, means for moving said framework between the folded and erected positions thereof, the space between said walls and said envelope in the folded condition thereof providing a compartment for dry lading and defining the one configuration of said container, an inlet for dry lading in the upper portion of said container for introducing dry lading into said dry lading compartment, discharge structure in the lower portion of said container for emptying dry lading from said dry lading compartment, said envelope in the extended condition thereof providing within said envelope a compartment for liquid lading and defining another configuration of said container, and a closeable connection for said envelope and providing communication between the interior of said envelope and the exterior of said container for introducing liquid lading into and emptying liquid lading from said liquid lading compartment.

Claim 6

A convertible freight container for accommodating in one configuration thereof pulverulent dry lading and in another configuration thereof liquid lading, said container comprising an encompassing sidewall and two end walls closing the opposed ends of said sidewall, a collapsible and flexible and fluidtight envelope disposed within said container, a foldable framework attached to said envelope and mounted in said container and movable between a folded position holding said envelope in a predetermined folded condition and an erected position Holding said envelope in a predetermined extended condition, means for moving said framework between the folded and erected positions thereof, the space between said walls and said envelope in the folded condition thereof providing a compartment for dry lading and defining the one configuration of said container, an inlet for dry lading in the upper portion of said container for introducing dry lading into said dry lading compartment, discharge structure in the lower portion of said container for emptying dry lading from said dry lading compartment, said envelope in the extended condition thereof providing within said envelope a compartment for liquid lading and defining another configuration of said container, and a closeable connection for said envelope and providing communication between the interior of said envelope and the exterior of said container for introducing liquid lading into and emptying liquid lading from said liquid lading compartment.

Claim 7

The convertible freight container set forth in claim 4, wherein said foldable framework is disposed externally of said envelope and is attached to the outer surface thereof.

Claim 8

The convertible freight container set forth in claim 4, wherein said foldable framework in the erected position thereof substantially conforms in shape and dimensions to the internal surface of said side wall.

Claim 9

A convertible freight container for accommodating in one configuration thereof pulverulent dry lading and in another configuration thereof liquid lading, said container comprising an encompassing sidewall and two end walls closing the opposed ends of said sidewall, a collapsible and flexible and fluidtight envelope disposed within said container, a foldable framework disposed in said container and connected to the external surface of said envelope and movable between a folded position holding said envelope in a predetermined folded condition and an erected position holding said envelope in a predetermined extended condition, said framework comprising an even number of links pivotally interconnected end-to-end at a plurality of interlink connection points to form a foldable chain, said chain being pivotally mounted at the ends thereof in said container adjacent the lower portion thereof and cooperating therewith in the erected position of said framework to form a closed foldable loop, said framework being so arranged that in moving from the erected position thereof to the folded position thereof alternate interlink connection points undergo an initial motion inward with respect to said loop, means for moving said framework between the folded and erected positions thereof, the space between said walls and said envelope in the folded condition thereof providing a compartment for dry lading and defining the one configuration of said container, an inlet for dry lading in the upper portion of said container for introducing dry lading into said dry lading compartment, discharge structure in the lower portion of said container for emptying dry lading from said dry lading compartment, said envelope in the extended condition thereof providing within said envelope a compartment for liquid lading and defining another configuration of said container, and a closeable connection for said envelope and providing communication between the interior of said envelope and the exterior of said container for introducing liquid lading into and emptying liquid lading from said liquid lading compartment.

Claim 10

A convertible freight container for accommodating in one configuration thereof pulverulent dry lading and in another configuration thereof liquid lading, said container comprising an encompassing sidewall and two end walls closing the opposed ends of said sidewall, a collapsible and flexible and fluidtight envelope disposed within said container, a foldable framework disposed in said container and connected to the external surface of said envelope and movable between a folded position holding said envelope in a predetermined folded condition and an erected position holding said envelope in a predetermined extended condition, said framework comprising an even number of links pivotally interconnected end-to-end at a plurality of interlink connection points to form a foldable chain, said chain being pivotally mounted at the ends thereof in said container adjacent the lower portion thereof and cooperating therewith in the erected position of said framework to form a closed foldable loop, said framework being so arranged that in moving from the erected position thereof to the folded position thereof alternate interlink connection points undergo an initial motion inward with respect to said loop, means for moving said framework between the folded and erected positions thereof, the space between said walls and said envelope in the folded condition thereof providing a compartment for dry lading and defining the one configuration of said container, an inlet for dry lading in the upper portion of said container for introducing dry lading into said dry lading compartment, discharge structure in the lower portion of said container for emptying dry lading from said dry lading compartment, said envelope in the extended condition thereof providing within said envelope a compartment for liquid lading and defining another configuration of said container, and a closeable connection for said envelope and providing communication between the interior of said envelope and the exterior of said container for introducing liquid lading into and emptying liquid lading from said liquid lading compartment.

Claim 11

A convertible freight container for accommodating in one configuration thereof pulverulent dry lading and in another configuration thereof liquid lading, said container comprising an encompassing sidewall and two end walls closing the opposed ends of said sidewall, a collapsible and flexible and fluidtight envelope disposed within said container, two linkage assemblies respectively disposed within said container adjacent the end walls thereof and connected to said envelope and each having a predetermined folded position and a predetermined erected positiOn, each of said assemblies comprising an even number of links pivotally interconnected end-to-end at a plurality of interlink connection points to form a folded chain, each of said chains being pivotally mounted at the ends thereof in said container adjacent to the lower portion thereof and cooperating therewith in the erected position of said assemblies to form a closed foldable loop, each of said assemblies being so arranged that in moving from the erected position thereof to the folded position thereof alternate interlink connection points undergo an initial motion inward with respect to said container, said linkage assemblies cooperating to form a foldable framework for said envelope movable between a folded position holding said envelope in a predetermined folded condition and an erected position holding said envelope in a predetermined extended condition, means for moving said assemblies between the folded and erected positions thereof, the space between said walls and said envelope in the folded condition thereof providing a compartment for dry lading and defining the one configuration of said container, an inlet for dry lading in the upper portion of said container for introducing dry lading into said dry lading compartment, discharge structure in the lower portion of said container for emptying dry lading from said dry lading compartment, said envelope in the extended condition thereof providing within said envelope a compartment for liquid lading and defining another configuration of said container, and a closeable connection for said envelope and providing communication between the interior of said envelope and the exterior of said container for introducing liquid lading into and emptying liquid lading from said liquid lading compartment.

Claim 12

A convertible freight container for accommodating in one configuration thereof pulverulent dry lading and in another configuration thereof liquid lading, said container comprising an encompassing sidewall and two end walls closing the opposed ends of said sidewall, a collapsible and flexible and fluidtight envelope disposed within said container, two linkage assemblies respectively disposed within said container adjacent the end walls thereof and connected to said envelope and each having a predetermined folded position and a predetermined erected positiOn, each of said assemblies comprising an even number of links pivotally interconnected end-to-end at a plurality of interlink connection points to form a folded chain, each of said chains being pivotally mounted at the ends thereof in said container adjacent to the lower portion thereof and cooperating therewith in the erected position of said assemblies to form a closed foldable loop, each of said assemblies being so arranged that in moving from the erected position thereof to the folded position thereof alternate interlink connection points undergo an initial motion inward with respect to said container, said linkage assemblies cooperating to form a foldable framework for said envelope movable between a folded position holding said envelope in a predetermined folded condition and an erected position holding said envelope in a predetermined extended condition, means for moving said assemblies between the folded and erected positions thereof, the space between said walls and said envelope in the folded condition thereof providing a compartment for dry lading and defining the one configuration of said container, an inlet for dry lading in the upper portion of said container for introducing dry lading into said dry lading compartment, discharge structure in the lower portion of said container for emptying dry lading from said dry lading compartment, said envelope in the extended condition thereof providing within said envelope a compartment for liquid lading and defining another configuration of said container, and a closeable connection for said envelope and providing communication between the interior of said envelope and the exterior of said container for introducing liquid lading into and emptying liquid lading from said liquid lading compartment.

Claim 13

The convertible freight container set forth in claim 8, wherein each of said linkage assemblies comprises ten links interconnected at nine interlink connection points, and wherein the even-numbered interlink connection points counting from one end of said assembly to the other undergo an initial motion inwardly with respect to said container when the assembly moves from the erected position thereof to the folded position thereof.

Claim 14

The convertible freight container set forth in claim 9, wherein when said assemblies are in the folded positions thereof said even-numbered interlink connection points are disposed adjacent said assembly mounting point and the odd-numbered interlink connection points are disposed a predetermined distance above said mounting point substantially in vertical alignment therewith.

Claim 15

A convertible freight container for accommodating in one configuration thereof pulverulent dry lading and in another configuration thereof liquid lading, said container comprising an encompassing sidewall and two end walls closing the opposed ends of said sidewall, a collapsible and flexible and fluidtight envelope disposed within said container, two linkage assemblies respectively disposed within said container adjacent the end walls thereof and each having a predetermined folded position and a predetermined erected position, each of said assemblies comprising an even number of links pivotally interconnected end-to-end at a plurality of interlink connection points to form a foldable chain, each of said chains being pivotally mounted at the ends thereof in said container adjacent to the lower portion thereof and cooperating therewith in the erected position of said assemblies to form a closed foldable loop, each of said assemblies being so arranged that in moving from the erected position thereof to the folded position thereof alternate interlink connection points undergo an initial motion inward with respect to said container, a plurality of connecting rods extending longitudinally of said container and attached to the outer surface of said envelope and respectively interconnecting corresponding interlink connection points of said two assemblies, said rods and said linkage assemblies cooperating to form a foldable fraMework for said envelope movable between a folded position holding said envelope in a predetermined folded condition and an erected position holding said envelope in a predetermined extended condition, means for moving said assemblies between the folded and erected positions thereof, the space between said walls and said envelope in the folded condition thereof providing a compartment for dry lading and defining the one configuration of said container, an inlet for dry lading in the upper portion of said container for introducing dry lading into said dry lading compartment, discharge structure in the lower portion of said container for emptying dry lading from said dry lading compartment, said envelope in the extended condition thereof providing within said envelope a compartment for liquid lading and defining another configuration of said container, and a closeable connection for said envelope and providing communication between the interior of said envelope and the exterior of said container for introducing liquid lading into and emptying liquid lading from said liquid lading compartment.

Claim 16

A convertible freight container for accommodating in one configuration thereof pulverulent dry lading and in another configuration thereof liquid lading, said container comprising an encompassing sidewall and two end walls closing the opposed ends of said sidewall, a collapsible and flexible and fluidtight envelope disposed within said container, two linkage assemblies respectively disposed within said container adjacent the end walls thereof and each having a predetermined folded position and a predetermined erected position, each of said assemblies comprising an even number of links pivotally interconnected end-to-end at a plurality of interlink connection points to form a foldable chain, each of said chains being pivotally mounted at the ends thereof in said container adjacent to the lower portion thereof and cooperating therewith in the erected position of said assemblies to form a closed foldable loop, each of said assemblies being so arranged that in moving from the erected position thereof to the folded position thereof alternate interlink connection points undergo an initial motion inward with respect to said container, a plurality of connecting rods extending longitudinally of said container and attached to the outer surface of said envelope and respectively interconnecting corresponding interlink connection points of said two assemblies, said rods and said linkage assemblies cooperating to form a foldable fraMework for said envelope movable between a folded position holding said envelope in a predetermined folded condition and an erected position holding said envelope in a predetermined extended condition, means for moving said assemblies between the folded and erected positions thereof, the space between said walls and said envelope in the folded condition thereof providing a compartment for dry lading and defining the one configuration of said container, an inlet for dry lading in the upper portion of said container for introducing dry lading into said dry lading compartment, discharge structure in the lower portion of said container for emptying dry lading from said dry lading compartment, said envelope in the extended condition thereof providing within said envelope a compartment for liquid lading and defining another configuration of said container, and a closeable connection for said envelope and providing communication between the interior of said envelope and the exterior of said container for introducing liquid lading into and emptying liquid lading from said liquid lading compartment.

Claim 17

The convertible freight container set forth in claim 11, and further including a plurality of attachment sleeves equal in number to said connecting rods and attached to the outer surface of said envelope and extending longitudinally thereof, said connecting rods being respectively disposed through said attachment sleeves for supporting said envelope and guiding the folding thereof.

Claim 18

A convertible freight container for accommodating in one configuration thereof pulverulent dry lading and in another configuration thereof liquid lading, said container comprising an encompassing sidewall and two end walls closing the opposed ends of said sidewall, a collapsible and flexible and fluidtight envelope disposed within said container, a foldable framework attached to said envelope and mounted in said container and movable between a folded position holding said envelope in a predetermined folded condition and an erected position holding said envelope in a predetermined extended condition, means for moving said framework between the folded and erected positions thereof, a pair of inwardly biased arms respectively mounted in said container adjacent to the end walls thereof and externally of said envelope, said arms pushing the ends of said envelope inwardly to insure proper folding thereof, the space between said walls and said envelope in the folded condition thereof providing a compartment for dry lading and defining the one configuration of said container, an inlet for dry lading in the upper portion of said container for introducing dry lading into said dry lading compartment, discharge structure in the lower portion of said container for emptying dry lading from said dry lading compartment, said envelope in the extended condition thereof providing within said envelope a compartment for liquid lading and defining another configuration of said container, and a closeable connection for said envelope and providing communication between the interior of said envelope and the exterior of said container for introducing liquid lading into and emptying liquid lading from said liquid lading compartment.

Claim 19

A convertible freight container for accommodating in one configuration thereof pulverulent dry lading and in another configuration thereof liquid lading, said container comprising an encompassing sidewall and two end walls closing the opposed ends of said sidewall, a collapsible and flexible and fluidtight envelope disposed within said container, a foldable framework attached to said envelope and mounted in said container and movable between a folded position holding said envelope in a predetermined folded condition and an erected position holding said envelope in a predetermined extended condition, means for moving said framework between the folded and erected positions thereof, a pair of inwardly biased arms respectively mounted in said container adjacent to the end walls thereof and externally of said envelope, said arms pushing the ends of said envelope inwardly to insure proper folding thereof, the space between said walls and said envelope in the folded condition thereof providing a compartment for dry lading and defining the one configuration of said container, an inlet for dry lading in the upper portion of said container for introducing dry lading into said dry lading compartment, discharge structure in the lower portion of said container for emptying dry lading from said dry lading compartment, said envelope in the extended condition thereof providing within said envelope a compartment for liquid lading and defining another configuration of said container, and a closeable connection for said envelope and providing communication between the interior of said envelope and the exterior of said container for introducing liquid lading into and emptying liquid lading from said liquid lading compartment.

Claim 20

The convertible freight container set forth in claim 13, wherein each of said inwardly biased arms is substantially U-shaped having a pair of parallel legs connected at one end thereof by an integral bight and mounted at the other end thereof on said support structure.

Claim 21

The convertible freight container set forth in claim 14, wherein each of said arms is spring-biased into an inwardly directed substantially horizontal position, said envelope in the extended condition thereof moving each of said arms pivotally about its mounting point to a substantially vertical operated position, said arms upon the emptying of said envelope depressing the ends thereof to prevent pinching thereof by a folded framework and to assure proper folding of said envelope.

Claim 22

A convertible freight contaIner for accommodating in one configuration thereof pulverulent dry lading and in another configuration thereof liquid lading, said container comprising an encompassing sidewall and two end walls closing the opposed ends of said sidewall, a collapsible and flexible and fluidtight envelope disposed within said container and having a predetermined folded condition and a predetermined extended condition, cover structure mounted in said container and movable between a closed position covering said envelope in the folded condition thereof and an open position exposing said envelope, means for moving said cover structure between the closed and open positions thereof, the space between said walls and said cover structure in the closed position thereof providing a compartment for dry lading and defining the one configuration of said container, an inlet for dry lading in the upper portion of said container for introducing dry lading into said dry lading compartment, said envelope in the folded condition thereof with said cover structure in the closed position thereof accommodating ready passage of dry lading from said dry lading compartment through said discharge structure, said envelope in the extended condition thereof with said cover structure in the open position thereof providing within said envelope a compartment for liquid lading and defining another configuration of said container, and a closeable connection for said envelope and providing communication between the interior of said envelope and the exterior of said container for introducing liquid lading into and emptying liquid lading from said liquid lading compartment.

Claim 23

A convertible freight contaIner for accommodating in one configuration thereof pulverulent dry lading and in another configuration thereof liquid lading, said container comprising an encompassing sidewall and two end walls closing the opposed ends of said sidewall, a collapsible and flexible and fluidtight envelope disposed within said container and having a predetermined folded condition and a predetermined extended condition, cover structure mounted in said container and movable between a closed position covering said envelope in the folded condition thereof and an open position exposing said envelope, means for moving said cover structure between the closed and open positions thereof, the space between said walls and said cover structure in the closed position thereof providing a compartment for dry lading and defining the one configuration of said container, an inlet for dry lading in the upper portion of said container for introducing dry lading into said dry lading compartment, said envelope in the folded condition thereof with said cover structure in the closed position thereof accommodating ready passage of dry lading from said dry lading compartment through said discharge structure, said envelope in the extended condition thereof with said cover structure in the open position thereof providing within said envelope a compartment for liquid lading and defining another configuration of said container, and a closeable connection for said envelope and providing communication between the interior of said envelope and the exterior of said container for introducing liquid lading into and emptying liquid lading from said liquid lading compartment.

Claim 24

The convertible freight container set forth in claim 16, wherein said cover structure comprises a pair of platelike members extending longitudinally of said container and respectively disposed on opposite sides of said support structure, each of said platelike members being pivotally mounted adjacent the inner end thereof on said support structure and being thereby pivotally movable between a substantially horizontal open position and a substantially vertical closed position, the outer ends of each of said platelike members being so dimensioned as to abut one another in the closed positions thereof thereby completely enclosing said envelope and abutting the sidewalls of said container in the open position to hold said framework in its erected position.

Claim 25

The convertible freight container set forth in claim 16, wherein said means for moving said cover structure includes a geared control apparatus for gradually moving said cover structure from one position thereof to another.

Claim 26

The convertible freight container set forth in claim 16, wherein said cover structure in the closed position thereof cooperates with the adjacent portions of said container to completely enclose said envelope thereby preventing the pulverulent dry lading from coming into contact with said envelope.

Claim 27

A convertible freight container for accommodating in one configuration thereof pulverulent dry lading and in another configuration thereof liquid lading, said container comprising an encompassing sidewall and two end walls closing the opposed ends of said sidewall, a collapsible and flexible and fluidtight envelope disposed within said container, a foldable framework attached to said envelope and mounted in said container and movable between a folded position holding said envelope in a predetermined folded condition and an erected position holding said envelope in a predetermined extended condition, means for moving said framework between the folded and erected positions thereof, cover structure mounted in said container and movable between a closed position covering said envelope and said framework in the folded position thereof and an open position exposing said envelope and said framework, means for moving said cover structure between the closed and open positions thereof, the space between said walls and said cover structure in the closed position thereof providing a compartment for dry lading and defining the one configuration of said container, an inlet for dry lading in the upper portion of said container for introducing dry lading into said dry lading compartment, discharge structure in the lower portion of said container for emptying dry lading from said dry lading compartment, said envelope in the extended condition thereof with said cover structure in the open position thereof providing within said envelope a compartment for liquid lading and defining another configuration of said container, and a closeable connection for said envelope and providing communication between the interior of said envelope and the exterior of said container for introducing liquid lading into and emptying liquid lading from said liquid lading compartment.

Claim 28

A convertible freight container for accommodating in one configuration thereof pulverulent dry lading and in another configuration thereof liquid lading, said container comprising an encompassing sidewall and two end walls closing the opposed ends of said sidewall, a collapsible and flexible and fluidtight envelope disposed within said container, a foldable framework attached to said envelope and mounted in said container and movable between a folded position holding said envelope in a predetermined folded condition and an erected position holding said envelope in a predetermined extended condition, means for moving said framework between the folded and erected positions thereof, cover structure mounted in said container and movable between a closed position covering said envelope and said framework in the folded position thereof and an open position exposing said envelope and said framework, means for moving said cover structure between the closed and open positions thereof, the space between said walls and said cover structure in the closed position thereof providing a compartment for dry lading and defining the one configuration of said container, an inlet for dry lading in the upper portion of said container for introducing dry lading into said dry lading compartment, discharge structure in the lower portion of said container for emptying dry lading from said dry lading compartment, said envelope in the extended condition thereof with said cover structure in the open position thereof providing within said envelope a compartment for liquid lading and defining another configuration of said container, and a closeable connection for said envelope and providing communication between the interior of said envelope and the exterior of said container for introducing liquid lading into and emptying liquid lading from said liquid lading compartment.

Claim 29

A convertible freight container for accommodating in one configuration thereof pulverulent dry lading and in another configuration thereof liquid lading, said container comprising an encompassing sidewall and two end walls closing the opposed ends of said sidewall, a collapsible and flexible and fluidtight envelope disposed within said container, a foldable framework attached to said envelope and mounted in said container and movable between a folded position holding said envelope in a predetermined folded condition and an erected position holding said envelope in a predetermined extended condition, cover structure mounted in said container and connected to said framework and movable between a closed position covering said envelope and said framework and an open position holding said framework in the erected position thereof, means for moving said cover structure between the closed and open positions thereof, the space between said walls and said cover structure in the closed position thereof providing a compartment for dry lading and defining the one configuration of said container, an inlet for dry lading in the upper portion of said container for introducing dry lading into said dry lading compartment, discharge structure in the lower portion of said container for emptying dry lading from said dry lading compartment, said envelope in the extended condition thereof with said cover structure in the open position thereof providing within said envelope a compartment for liquid lading and defining another configuration of said container, and a closeable connection for said envelope and providing communication between the interior of said envelope and the exterior of said container for introducing liquid lading into and emptying liquid lading from said liquid lading compartment.

Claim 30

A convertible freight container for accommodating in one configuration thereof pulverulent dry lading and in another configuration thereof liquid lading, said container comprising an encompassing sidewall and two end walls closing the opposed ends of said sidewall, a collapsible and flexible and fluidtight envelope disposed within said container, a foldable framework attached to said envelope and mounted in said container and movable between a folded position holding said envelope in a predetermined folded condition and an erected position holding said envelope in a predetermined extended condition, cover structure mounted in said container and connected to said framework and movable between a closed position covering said envelope and said framework and an open position holding said framework in the erected position thereof, means for moving said cover structure between the closed and open positions thereof, the space between said walls and said cover structure in the closed position thereof providing a compartment for dry lading and defining the one configuration of said container, an inlet for dry lading in the upper portion of said container for introducing dry lading into said dry lading compartment, discharge structure in the lower portion of said container for emptying dry lading from said dry lading compartment, said envelope in the extended condition thereof with said cover structure in the open position thereof providing within said envelope a compartment for liquid lading and defining another configuration of said container, and a closeable connection for said envelope and providing communication between the interior of said envelope and the exterior of said container for introducing liquid lading into and emptying liquid lading from said liquid lading compartment.

Claim 31

A convertible freight container for accommodating in one configuration thereof pulverulent dry lading and in another configuration thereof liquid lading, said container comprising an encompassing sidewall and two end walls closing the opposed ends of said sidewall, a collapsible and flexible and fluidtight envelope disposed within said container, cover structure including a pair of cover plates each extending longitudinally of said container and pivotally mounted therein adjacent to the lower portion thereof and movable between a closed position and an open position, two linkage assemblies respectively disposed within said container adjacent the end walls thereof and each connected to said cover structure and each having a predetermined folded position and a predetermined erected position, each of said assemblies comprising an even number of links pivotally interconnected end-to-end at a plurality of interlink connection points and cooperating with said container and said cover structure in the erected position of said assemblies to form a closed foldable loop, each of said assemblies being so arranged that in moving from the erected position thereof to the folded position thereof alternate interlink connection points undergo an initial motion inward with respect to said container, a plurality of connecting rods extending longitudinally of said container and attached to the outer surface of said envelope and respectively Interconnecting corresponding interlink connection points of said two assemblies, said rods and said linkage assemblies cooperating to form a foldable framework for said envelope movable between a folded position holding said envelope in a predetermined folded condition and an erected position holding said envelope in a predetermined extended condition, said cover structure in the closed position thereof covering said framework and said envelope and in the open position thereof holding said framework in the erected position thereof, means for moving said cover structure between the closed and open positions thereof, the space between said walls and said cover plates in the closed position thereof providing a compartment for dry lading and defining the one configuration of said container, an inlet for dry lading in the upper portion of said container for introducing dry lading into said dry lading compartment, discharge structure in the lower portion of said container for emptying dry lading from said dry lading compartment, said envelope in the extended condition thereof providing within said envelope a compartment for liquid lading and defining another configuration of said container, and a closeable connection for said envelope and providing communication between the interior of said envelope and the exterior of said container for introducing liquid lading into and emptying liquid lading from said liquid lading compartment.

Claim 32

A convertible freight container for accommodating in one configuration thereof pulverulent dry lading and in another configuration thereof liquid lading, said container comprising an encompassing sidewall and two end walls closing the opposed ends of said sidewall, a collapsible and flexible and fluidtight envelope disposed within said container, cover structure including a pair of cover plates each extending longitudinally of said container and pivotally mounted therein adjacent to the lower portion thereof and movable between a closed position and an open position, two linkage assemblies respectively disposed within said container adjacent the end walls thereof and each connected to said cover structure and each having a predetermined folded position and a predetermined erected position, each of said assemblies comprising an even number of links pivotally interconnected end-to-end at a plurality of interlink connection points and cooperating with said container and said cover structure in the erected position of said assemblies to form a closed foldable loop, each of said assemblies being so arranged that in moving from the erected position thereof to the folded position thereof alternate interlink connection points undergo an initial motion inward with respect to said container, a plurality of connecting rods extending longitudinally of said container and attached to the outer surface of said envelope and respectively Interconnecting corresponding interlink connection points of said two assemblies, said rods and said linkage assemblies cooperating to form a foldable framework for said envelope movable between a folded position holding said envelope in a predetermined folded condition and an erected position holding said envelope in a predetermined extended condition, said cover structure in the closed position thereof covering said framework and said envelope and in the open position thereof holding said framework in the erected position thereof, means for moving said cover structure between the closed and open positions thereof, the space between said walls and said cover plates in the closed position thereof providing a compartment for dry lading and defining the one configuration of said container, an inlet for dry lading in the upper portion of said container for introducing dry lading into said dry lading compartment, discharge structure in the lower portion of said container for emptying dry lading from said dry lading compartment, said envelope in the extended condition thereof providing within said envelope a compartment for liquid lading and defining another configuration of said container, and a closeable connection for said envelope and providing communication between the interior of said envelope and the exterior of said container for introducing liquid lading into and emptying liquid lading from said liquid lading compartment.

Claim 33

The convertible freight container set forth in claim 22, wherein each of said cover plates has a substantially flat base portion and a foot portion integral with said base portion and disposed at an angle thereto, said base portions in the open position of said cover structure extending across the lower portion of said container and said foot portions resting against the adjacent portions of said sidewall whereby said cover plates form a floor beneath said envelope.

Claim 34

The convertible freight container set forth in claim 23, wherein each of said linkage assemblies is connected between said cover plates, one end of each of said assemblies being connected to the foot portion of one of said cover plates and the other end of each of said assemblies being connected to the foot portion of the other of said cover plates, the cover plates thereby forming a pair of end links in each of said assemblies and cooperating with said assemblies and said container to define two closed loops adjacent to the opposite ends of said container.

Claim 35

A convertible freight container for accommodating in one configuration thereof pulverulent dry lading and in another configuration thereof liquid lading, said container comprising an encompassing sidewall and two end walls closing the opposed ends of said sidewall, a collapsible and flexible and fluidtight envelope disposed within said container, a foldable framework attached to said envelope and mounted in said container and movable between a folded position holding said envelope in a predetermined folded condition and an erected position holding said envelope in a predetermined extended condition, a pair of inwardly biased arms respectively mounted in said container adjacent the end walls thereof and externally of said envelope, said arms pushing the ends of said envelope inwardly to insure proper folding thereof, cover structure mounted in said container and connected to said framework and movable between a closed position covering said envelope and said framework and an open position holding said framework in the erected position thereof, means for moving said cover structure between the closed and open positions thereof, the space between said walls and said cover in the closed position thereof providing a compartment for dry lading and defining the one configuration of said container, an inlet for dry lading in the upper portion of said container for introducing dry lading into said dry lading compartment, discharge structure in the lower portion of said container for emptying dry lading from said dry lading comPartment, said envelope in the extended condition thereof with said cover structure in the open position thereof providing within said envelope a compartment for liquid lading and defining another configuration of said container, and a closeable connection for said envelope and providing communication between the interior of said envelope and the exterior of said container for introducing liquid lading into and emptying liquid lading from said liquid lading compartment.

Claim 36

A convertible freight container for accommodating in one configuration thereof pulverulent dry lading and in another configuration thereof liquid lading, said container comprising an encompassing sidewall and two end walls closing the opposed ends of said sidewall, a collapsible and flexible and fluidtight envelope disposed within said container, a foldable framework attached to said envelope and mounted in said container and movable between a folded position holding said envelope in a predetermined folded condition and an erected position holding said envelope in a predetermined extended condition, a pair of inwardly biased arms respectively mounted in said container adjacent the end walls thereof and externally of said envelope, said arms pushing the ends of said envelope inwardly to insure proper folding thereof, cover structure mounted in said container and connected to said framework and movable between a closed position covering said envelope and said framework and an open position holding said framework in the erected position thereof, means for moving said cover structure between the closed and open positions thereof, the space between said walls and said cover in the closed position thereof providing a compartment for dry lading and defining the one configuration of said container, an inlet for dry lading in the upper portion of said container for introducing dry lading into said dry lading compartment, discharge structure in the lower portion of said container for emptying dry lading from said dry lading comPartment, said envelope in the extended condition thereof with said cover structure in the open position thereof providing within said envelope a compartment for liquid lading and defining another configuration of said container, and a closeable connection for said envelope and providing communication between the interior of said envelope and the exterior of said container for introducing liquid lading into and emptying liquid lading from said liquid lading compartment.

Claim 37

A convertible freight container for accommodating in one configuration thereof pulverulent dry lading and in another configuration thereof liquid lading, said container comprising an encompassing sidewall and two end walls closing the opposed ends of said sidewall, two spaced-apart partitions disposed within said sidewall intermediate the ends thereof and dividing said container into a central chamber and two end chambers, each of said partitions having an opening therethrough adjacent to the lower end thereof and providing communication between the central chamber and the adjacent end chamber, a collapsible and flexible and fluidtight envelope disposed within said container between said partitions and having a predetermined folded condition and a predetermined extended condition, the end chambers and that portion of the central chamber between said sidewall and said envelope in the folded condition thereof combining to provide a compartment for dry lading and defining the one configuration of said container, a plurality of inlets for dry lading in the upper portion of said container respectively communicating with said end chambers and said central chamber for introducing dry lading into said dry lading compartment, discharge structure in the lower portion of said container between said partitions for emptying dry lading from said dry lading compartment, said envelope in the folded condition thereof accommodating ready passage of dry lading from said dry lading compartment through said discharge structure, said envelope in the extended condition thereof providing within said envelope a compartment for liquid lading and defining another configuration of said container, a closeable connection for said envelope and providing communication between the interior of said envelope and the exterior of said container for introducing liquid lading into and emptying liquid lading from said liquid lading compartment, two closure members respectively mounted in said container adjacent the openings in said partitions and movable between an open position and a closed position, said closure members in the open position thereof allowing passage of pulverulent dry lading through said openings from said end chambers to said central chamber and to said discharge structure when said container is in the dry lading configuration thereof, said closure members in the closed position thereof covering the openings in said partitions to prevent said envelope in the extended condition thereof from protruding through the openings when said container is in the liquid lading configuration thereof, and means for moving said closure members between the open and closed positions thereof.

Claim 38

A convertible freight container for accommodating in one configuration thereof pulverulent dry lading and in another configuration thereof liquid lading, said container comprising an encompassing sidewall and two end walls closing the opposed ends of said sidewall, two spaced-apart partitions disposed within said sidewall intermediate the ends thereof and dividing said container into a central chamber and two end chambers, each of said partitions having an opening therethrough adjacent to the lower end thereof and providing communication between the central chamber and the adjacent end chamber, a collapsible and flexible and fluidtight envelope disposed within said container between said partitions and having a predetermined folded condition and a predetermined extended condition, the end chambers and that portion of the central chamber between said sidewall and said envelope in the folded condition thereof combining to provide a compartment for dry lading and defining the one configuration of said container, a plurality of inlets for dry lading in the upper portion of said container respectively communicating with said end chambers and said central chamber for introducing dry lading into said dry lading compartment, discharge structure in the lower portion of said container between said partitions for emptying dry lading from said dry lading compartment, said envelope in the folded condition thereof accommodating ready passage of dry lading from said dry lading compartment through said discharge structure, said envelope in the extended condition thereof providing within said envelope a compartment for liquid lading and defining another configuration of said container, a closeable connection for said envelope and providing communication between the interior of said envelope and the exterior of said container for introducing liquid lading into and emptying liquid lading from said liquid lading compartment, two closure members respectively mounted in said container adjacent the openings in said partitions and movable between an open position and a closed position, said closure members in the open position thereof allowing passage of pulverulent dry lading through said openings from said end chambers to said central chamber and to said discharge structure when said container is in the dry lading configuration thereof, said closure members in the closed position thereof covering the openings in said partitions to prevent said envelope in the extended condition thereof from protruding through the openings when said container is in the liquid lading configuration thereof, and means for moving said closure members between the open and closed positions thereof.

Claim 39

The convertible freight container set forth in claim 26, wherein said discharge structure comprises a hopper depending from the lower portion of said container and communicating with said central space, and each of said end walls slant downwardly and inwardly toward the adjacent partition to facilitate the emptying of dry lading from said end chambers through the openings in said partitions and into said discharge structure.

Claim 40

The convertible freight container set forth in claim 26, wherein each of said closure members comprises a plate substantially the same shape as the adjacent opening and is pivotally mounted at one end thereof in the central lower portion of said container.

Claim 41

The convertible freight container set forth in claim 26, wherein each of said partitions has a pair of openings therethrough, and wherein each of said closure memberS comprises a pair of pivotally mounted plates respectively disposed in the closed position thereof opposite the adjacent pair of openings.

Claim 42

A convertible vehicle for transporting freight and accommodating in one configuration thereof pulverulent dry lading in another configuration thereof liquid lading, said vehicle comprising a wheeled chassis, a freight container mounted on said wheeled chassis, said container including an encompassing sidewall and two end walls closing the opposed ends of said sidewall, a collapsible and flexible and fluidtight envelope disposed within said container and having a predetermined folded condition and a predetermined extended condition, the space between said walls and said envelope in the folded condition thereof providing a compartment for dry lading and defining the one configuration of said container, an inlet for dry lading in the upper portion of said container for introducing dry lading into said dry lading compartment, discharge structure in the lower portion of said container for discharging dry lading from said dry lading compartment, said envelope in the folded condition thereof accommodating ready passage of dry lading from said dry lading compartment through said discharge structure, said envelope a compartment for liquid lading and defining another configuration of said container, a closeable connection for said envelope and providing communication between the interior of said envelope and the exterior of said container for introducing liquid lading into and emptying liquid lading from said liquid lading compartment.

Claim 43

A convertible vehicle for transporting freight and accommodating in one configuration thereof pulverulent dry lading in another configuration thereof liquid lading, said vehicle comprising a wheeled chassis, a freight container mounted on said wheeled chassis, said container including an encompassing sidewall and two end walls closing the opposed ends of said sidewall, a collapsible and flexible and fluidtight envelope disposed within said container and having a predetermined folded condition and a predetermined extended condition, the space between said walls and said envelope in the folded condition thereof providing a compartment for dry lading and defining the one configuration of said container, an inlet for dry lading in the upper portion of said container for introducing dry lading into said dry lading compartment, discharge structure in the lower portion of said container for discharging dry lading from said dry lading compartment, said envelope in the folded condition thereof accommodating ready passage of dry lading from said dry lading compartment through said discharge structure, said envelope a compartment for liquid lading and defining another configuration of said container, a closeable connection for said envelope and providing communication between the interior of said envelope and the exterior of said container for introducing liquid lading into and emptying liquid lading from said liquid lading compartment.

Claim 44

The convertible vehicle set forth in claim 30, wherein said vehicle comprises a railway car.