Patent Publication Number: US-11040825-B2

Title: Cargo container

Description:
INTRODUCTION 
     Aspects of the present disclosure relate to cargo containers, such as those used in commercial vehicles. 
     Pallets are widely used for shipments of products around the world by means of a variety of vehicles, such as aircraft, watercraft, tractor trailers, trains, and others. Because of their ubiquity, parties in the supply chain, from shipper, to shipping company, to receiver are generally accustomed to dealing with pallets and thus have tools and procedures for utilizing pallets. 
     Unfortunately, pallets are not flight worthy and cannot be used in aircraft absent additional accommodations. Consequently, shippers are generally required to offload cargo from pallets prior to transport by aircraft so that the cargo may be properly stowed in a flightworthy manner. For example, the cargo may be transferred to aircraft-specific packing pallets or unit load devices (ULDs) that lock into place and include suitable containment elements. However, the aircraft-specific packing trays stay with the aircraft, so the cargo must be unloaded from the aircraft and often packed back onto pallets for delivery to a final destinations. This procedure requires significant additional time and manpower expense, and also subjects the cargo to potential damage from the unpacking and repacking, which exposes the shipping company to damage liability. 
     Further, in some cases it is not practical to unload cargo from a pallet for shipment in another manner. In such cases, a general purpose container may be used to contain the pallet, but various compromises may arise by such use. For example, existing containers, such as ISO containers, may not match the geometry of pallets and thus space may be wasted in the container. Moreover, the wasted space creates a pallet containment problem that must be remedied by manually introducing additional containment means, such as space fillers, tie downs, netting, and the like. Thus, packing pallets in another general-purpose container generally leads to lost shipping capacity and lost revenue opportunity for this shipping company. 
     Accordingly, what is needed are improved cargo containers for shipping pallets in an airworthy fashion. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     Certain embodiments provide a container, including: a floor; a plurality of vertical walls coupled to the floor; a ceiling coupled to the plurality of vertical walls; a first horizontal gate coupled to a first vertical wall of the plurality of vertical walls and comprising a first plurality of foldable portions; a second horizontal gate coupled to a second vertical wall of the plurality of vertical walls and comprising a second plurality of foldable portions; a third horizontal gate coupled to a third vertical wall of the plurality of vertical walls and comprising a third plurality of foldable portions; and a first vertical gate coupled to the ceiling and comprising a fourth plurality of foldable portions, wherein, when extended, the first horizontal gate, the second horizontal gate, the third horizontal gate, and the first vertical gate form a plurality of separate cargo volumes. 
     The following description and the related drawings set forth in detail certain illustrative features of one or more embodiments. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The appended figures depict certain aspects of the one or more embodiments and are therefore not to be considered limiting of the scope of this disclosure. 
         FIG. 1  depicts an examples of a general purpose container packed with pallets. 
         FIGS. 2A-2C  depict examples of an improved container configured to retain pallets. 
         FIG. 3A  depicts an example of container deformation under load. 
         FIG. 3B  depicts an example of structural features of an improved container. 
         FIGS. 4A-4M  depict example configurations of an improved container. 
         FIG. 5A-5B  depicts additional features of an improved container. 
     
    
    
     To facilitate understanding, identical reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate identical elements that are common to the drawings. It is contemplated that elements and features of one embodiment may be beneficially incorporated in other embodiments without further recitation. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Aspects of the present disclosure provide improved cargo containers for shipping pallets in an airworthy fashion. 
     Shipping pallets are a widely used method for shipping products around the world. Though the size of pallets used worldwide does vary, the size of shipping pallets used within various regions tends to be more consistent, which contributes to their widespread use. For example, North America generally uses 40 inch by 48 inch or 42 inch by 42 inch pallets. Europe generally uses 1000 mm by 1200 mm pallets, which are very nearly the same size as the 40 inch by 48 inch pallets common in North America, as well as 1067 mm by 1067 mm pallets (42 inch by 42 inch) and 800 mm by 1200 mm pallets. Asia uses 1000 mm by 1200 mm pallets, 1067 mm by 1067 mm pallets (42 inch by 42 inch), and 1100 mm by 1100 mm pallets. Australia generally uses 1165 mm by 1165 mm pallets. These are just some examples. 
     While various regions and countries use various sizes of pallets regularly, the shipment containers in which the pallets are often packaged for transport on transport vehicles, such as aircraft, watercraft, trains, tractor trailers, and others, are more standardized. For example, 9 foot 6 inch tall by 8 foot wide by 20 foot long or 40 foot long “ISO” containers, which may also be referred to as “high-cubes”, as well as 8 foot tall by 8 foot wide by 40 foot containers are standard for use with transport vehicles (though other lengths are also in use, such as 24, 28, 44, 45, 46, 53, and 56 foot). This ensures that the containers may be used internationally more easily. 
     Unfortunately, relatively more standardized ISO containers and the relatively more variable pallets lead to varying levels of wasted floor space when such ISO containers are packed with pallets. For example, in a 40 foot ISO container, 40 inch by 40 inch containers will waste approximately 3.7% of the floor space; 1000 mm by 1200 mm pallets will waste approximately 6.7% of the floor space; 1165 mm by 1165 mm pallets will waste approximately 8.1% of the floor space; 1067 mm by 1067 mm (42 inch by 42 inch) pallets will waste approximately 11.5% of the floor space; 1100 mm by 1100 mm pallets will waste approximately 14% of the floor space; and 800 mm by 1200 mm pallets will waste approximately 15.2% of the floor space. Thus, in many cases, there is significant waste when transporting regionally standardized pallets in internationally standardized containers. 
     Moreover, as described above, if an ISO container is shipped by air, the wasted space in them also creates airworthiness issues because it is unsafe for the cargo in the ISO containers to move about in the unused space while in the air. For example, such movement can create shifts in center of gravity that affect the handling of the aircraft. To a lesser extent, the same condition can create issues for other vehicles carrying ISO containers, such as land and water-based crafts. 
     Described herein are improved cargo containers that allow for loading standard pallets in a secured fashion so that the cargo containers are airworthy. In particular, the improved cargo containers described herein include movable gates that improve structural qualities of the containers (e.g., structural rigidity) while also constraining the movement of the pallet cargo loaded therein. Further, the movability of the gates allows the cargo containers to be quickly and easily loaded using conventional equipment, such as pallet jacks. Further yet, the movable gates provide an easy means for segregating cargo loads and creating separated cargo volumes. In some implementations, such as described in more detail below, the improved cargo containers include additional features to assist with loading and unloading of pallet cargo, such as integral floor channels for directing pallets to specific locations and orientations. 
     Critically, the improved cargo containers described herein allow standardized pallets to be used in aircraft without unloading and loading the cargo or using aircraft-specific cargo containers, as in conventional methods. Thus, the improved cargo containers described herein may improve the efficiency and therefore profitability of shipping operations as well as the safety of the shipping operation itself (e.g., the flying of a transport aircraft carrying the cargo). 
     Example ISO Containers Loaded with Pallets 
       FIG. 1  depicts an example of an arrangement of 48 inch by 40 inch pallets (e.g.,  104 ) in a 20 foot (external dimension) cargo container  102 . A similar pattern might be applied to a 40 foot container. 
     As is clear in this example, the dimensions of the pallets are such that they cannot be fit two-wide on their long sides  106  (48 inches in this example) in container  102 , and they also cannot be fit five-long on their long side  106  either. Thus, a staggered arrangement of pallets is necessary, which leaves a significant amount of free space  108  available. The free space leaves the pallets unconstrained, and therefore container  102  would not be considered flightworthy and could not be loaded into a transport aircraft in this arrangement without special arrangements being made to restrain the cargo. 
     Conventionally, in cases such as depicted in  FIG. 1 , the cargo on the pallets loaded into container  102  would have to be offloaded from the pallets and stowed in a flightworthy manner in an aircraft instead of loaded into the aircraft in container  102 . As above, these additional procedures require significant time and cost, and expose a shipper to the possibility of damage during the unpacking and loading onto the aircraft and then the unloading and repacking after coming off the aircraft. 
     Example Improved Cargo Containers 
       FIG. 2A  depicts an isometric view of a container design configured to resolve the issues described above with respect to  FIG. 1 . 
     In this example, container  200  comprises three fixed vertical walls (e.g.,  208 ), which are coupled between base  206  and roof  202 . Floor  204  may be integral with, or may reside upon base  206 . The fixed vertical walls, which may be referred to as external walls, may be made of a suitably strong material for shipment containers. For example, the outer walls may be made of a metal or metal alloy. In some examples, the outer walls may be made of a composite material for weight savings. In some examples, the outer walls may be constructed as sandwich panels, which is generally a structure made of three layers: a low-density core, and a thin skin-layer bonded to each side. Sandwich panels are useful in applications where a combination of high structural rigidity and low weight is required. 
     The fixed vertical outer walls may be coupled to floor  204  and base  206  (which in some implementations are one and the same), as well as to roof  202 , which comprises an interior ceiling portion. Container  200  may also include loading doors, which are not shown in  FIG. 2A , but which are shown in other figures described herein. 
     In this example, container  200  includes four “gates”, which are movable, load-bearing partitions that allow the space of floor  204  to be partitioned into particular areas that correspond to the sizes of standard pallets, such as the 48 inch by 40 inch pallets discussed above. 
     Of the four total gates, container  200  includes three horizontal gates,  212 ,  214 , and  216 , which are gates that are coupled to inner walls, or structural components coupled to inner walls, and which articulate out from those inner walls. Though not depicted in  FIG. 2A , as described further below, horizontal gates  212 ,  214 , and  216  may comprises foldable portions or elements that allow the horizontal gates to fold compactly against the interior surface of the outer walls (e.g.,  208 ). 
     In this example, container  200  also includes a vertical gate  210 , which is coupled to roof  202 , or to a structural member coupled to roof  202 . Vertical gate  210  is configured to articulate out from an inner surface of roof  202 . For example, as shown in more detail below, vertical gate  210  may be coupled to the roof instead of an inner wall on the side of container  200  where no fixed wall exists because there is instead a set of loading doors. 
     As depicted in  FIG. 2A , when the four gates are extended, they form four separate cargo volumes, each protected from the other, and each configured to constrain cargo within the volume. The gates also form multiple structural members that distribute load throughout container  200  and increase its structural rigidity. 
       FIG. 2B  depicts aspects of the same container  200 , but with certain features removed to reveal additional details. 
     In particular, when horizontal gates  212 ,  214 , and  216  are extended, as well as vertical gate  210 , a support column  218  is formed between the floor  204  and the ceiling of container  200 . Support column  218  provides additional strength to container  200  to prevent deformation under heavy loads. Further, horizontal gates  212 ,  214 , and  216  and vertical gate  210  may be latched to floor  204  and an inner surface (ceiling) of roof  202  of container  200  to provide even more rigidity and load carrying capacity for container  200 . For example, each of the horizontal and vertical gates may act as sheer walls when latched or otherwise affixed to floor  204  and the inner surface (ceiling) of roof  202 . 
       FIG. 2C  depicts container  200  loaded with pallets in each of the cargo volumes created by the horizontal and vertical gates described above with respect to  FIGS. 2A and 2B . As depicted, pallets  203 ,  205 ,  207 , and  209  each fit within a floor space and volume that matches or closely approximates the length and width of the pallets. In this way, the pallets are safely constrained within container  300  despite the floor space issues described above with respect to  FIG. 1 . 
     With pallets  203 ,  205 ,  207 , and  209  loaded in the configuration depicted in  FIG. 2C , container  200  is flightworthy because cargo attached to the pallets (not shown) is constrained from lateral movement by the horizontal and vertical gates. Further, while not shown in  FIG. 2C , additional structures may be used to constrain cargo in the vertical direction, such as tie-downs and the like. Thus, unlike conventional containers, container  200  may be loaded with conventional pallets and carry that cargo from origin to destination without needing unloading and reloading along the way. 
     In some implementations, container  200  may have a length of approximately 8 feet, a width of approximately 8 feet, and a height of approximately 8 feet. In this example, approximately means within plus or minus 2 inches. In other implementations, container  200  may have different dimensions. For example, in another implementation, container  200  may have a length of approximately 8 feet, a width of approximately 8 feet, and a height of approximately 5 feet and 4 inches (i.e., 64 inches). In some implementations, the height may be varied based on vehicle-specific considerations while keeping the same floorplan. 
     Load Bearing Structures in Improved Cargo Containers 
       FIG. 3A  depicts an example of a container  300  without the horizontal or vertical gates. Notably, when a sufficient load is placed on the floor (e.g., applied load  304 ), then the exterior shape of container  300  will significantly deflect under the load. 
       FIG. 3B  depicts a side view of an example improved cargo container  350 , such as described above with respect to  FIGS. 2A-2C . 
     In  FIG. 3B , a single horizontal gate  352  is shown in an extended position. The hinges  356  of the unfolded horizontal gate are indicated in dashed lines. Though not depicted in  FIG. 3B , horizontal gate  352  may be latched to both the floor  362  and the ceiling  364  of container  350 , which increases the structural rigidity of container  350 . 
     In this implementation, horizontal gate  352  is coupled to a vertical post  360  by hinges allowing for articulation of horizontal gate  352 . Vertical post  360  helps to carry the compression load created by horizontal gate&#39;s  352  configuration as a load bearing structure. 
     Vertical post  360  may be mounted to or otherwise integral with the fixed vertical wall (or sidewall) of container  350 . Beneficially, vertical post  360  allows for a strong structural member to support horizontal gate  352  without having to increase the weight of the entire sidewall of container  350 . Thus, container  350  may be very strong, but still maintain a relatively low tare (or unladen) weight so that net weight (i.e., cargo) is maximized. 
     In this implementation, horizontal gate  352  also includes a truss structure  354  in one of its foldable portions. Truss structure  354  helps to resist buckling from the compression created by area load  358  pushing on floor  362 , which pulls on horizontal gate  352 , which in-turn pulls on ceiling  364 , which in-turn compresses the fixed vertical wall of container  350 . Truss structure  354  may be coupled to a portion of horizontal gate  352 , or it may be integral with horizontal gate  352 , such as within a frame forming one of the foldable portions of horizontal gate  352 . 
     In this implementation, horizontal gate  352  also includes diagonal support members  366  within the folding portions of horizontal gate  352 . These diagonal support members may help resist the tension created by load  358  pushing on floor  362  and pulling against the attachment points (e.g., hinges) of horizontal gate  352  to vertical post  360 . In some implementations, diagonal support members  366  may comprise tension cables, which are lightweight and strong, while in others diagonal support members  366  may comprise solid structures. 
     Notably, container  350  is depicted with a single horizontal gate  352  extended, but similar structural features as described above may be found in one or more of the horizontal gates to maximize structural rigidity and load capacity of container  350 . Similar structural features may also be implemented in vertical gates. 
     Further, while several structural enhancement features are shown, such as truss structure  354 , diagonal support members  366 , and vertical post  360 , these are optional features that may be implemented based on use case. For example, one or more of these features may be selectively implemented based on the expected load capacity of container  350 . 
     Extending Gates and Loading Improved Cargo Containers 
       FIG. 4A  depicts a plan view of an improved cargo container  400 . 
     Cargo container  400  includes cargo areas  402 ,  404 ,  406 , and  408 , which are demarcated by the dashed lines because in this view, each of the horizontal and vertical gates are stowed away. 
     In particular, horizontal gates  412 ,  414 , and  416  are each folded in multiple foldable portions (or foldable sections) and stowed against a fixed vertical wall. Cutout  418  shows an example configuration of horizontal gate  414  in a folded configuration. Horizontal gate  414  includes an attachment hinge  413 , which may attach directly to the fixed vertical wall, or to a vertical post such as described above with respect to  FIG. 3B . 
     Horizontal gate  414  also includes folding hinges  415 , which allow horizontal gate  414  to be folded into a more compact dimension. When in a folded position, horizontal gate  414  may be stowed compactly against the fixed vertical wall. Notably, whereas a single panel gate mounted along a wall can only be as long as the distance between the mounting point (e.g., the wall hinge) and the perpendicular wall in the direction of the stowage direction, a foldable, multiple-portion wall can be folded into a shorter length for stowage and extended to a longer length for restraining cargo and providing the structural benefits discussed above in  FIG. 3B . 
     In some implementations, horizontal folded gates  412 ,  414 , and  416  fit into recesses within the fixed vertical walls of container  400  so as to be primarily flush when stowed. In this way, the maximum cargo area is available for container  400  when the folding gates are not being used. This gives container  400  multiple use cases. 
     Vertical gate  410  is also folded into multiple foldable portions and stowed against the ceiling in this embodiment. For example, vertical gate  410  may be latched to the ceiling once folded to retain it from swinging down. 
       FIG. 4B  shows the same features as  FIG. 4A , but with loading doors  420  and  422  opened.  FIG. 4B  may represent an initial loading configuration of container  400 . 
       FIG. 4C  depicts a pallet  403  loaded into cargo area  402 . Once pallet  403  has been loaded, horizontal gate  414  may be unfolded and extended.  FIG. 4C  depicts horizontal gate partially unfolded and coupled to a fixed vertical wall of container  400  by wall hinge  413 . Though not depicted, horizontal gate  414  may be coupled to a structural vertical post in the fixed vertical wall 
       FIG. 4D  depicts horizontal gate  414  fully extended. 
     Once fully extended, horizontal gate  414  may be latched to the floor and/or ceiling by a variety of latches  430 . In some implementations, there may be at least one latch per foldable portion of a horizontal gate on each of the floor side of the horizontal gate and the ceiling side of the horizontal gate. In other implementations, there may be more latches than the number of foldable portions of the horizontal gate. 
     Cutout  432  shows one example of a latch that fits into a cutout in the floor and can be turned into a locked position. In this example, the cutout in the floor is a type of latch catch, which in general is a structure meant to catch a latching mechanism of the latch (such as a bolt, or bar, or hook, or other structure configured to retain the latching mechanism to the latch catch). The same arrangement could be used to latch the gate to the ceiling. Alternative implementations may have latches in the floor and/or ceiling that latch onto features in the gates, such as latch catches. Many types of latches can be used in either configuration, such as sliding bolt latches, spring-loaded bolt latches, and others. Latching horizontal gate  414  to the floor and/or ceiling allows for horizontal gate  414  to be rigidly affixed to those structures and to thereby provide increased structural rigidity for container  400 . 
       FIG. 4E  depicts a pallet  405  loaded into cargo area  404 . Notably, pallet  405  is in a different orientation in cargo area  404  as compared to pallet  403  in cargo area  402 . 
     Further, horizontal gate  412  is depicted partially extended. In particular, horizontal gate  412  is coupled to a fixed vertical wall of container  400  by a gate hinge and partially unfolded by folding hinges  415 . 
       FIG. 4F  depicts horizontal gate  412  fully extended and latched to the floor and ceiling via latches  430 . As depicted, horizontal gate  412  has a length sufficient for it to interface with horizontal gate  414 . In this implementation, horizontal gate  412  is latched to horizontal gate  414  via gate-to-gate latches  440 . By latching horizontal gate  412  to horizontal gate  414 , the load on the gates may be shared through their physical interface, therefore giving the gated enclosures (e.g., around cargo area  404 ) more structural strength and rigidity. 
     Cutout  478  depicts one example of a gate-to-gate latch  440 , which in this example latches horizontal gate  412  to horizontal gate  414 . In this example, latch  440  includes a plurality of fittings  472  and  474  which interlock with each other. Each of fittings  472  and  474  includes a hole that allows pin  470  to slide into place and couple gates  412  and  414  together. In this example, the tight fit of interlocking fittings  472  and  474  enables vertical shear load transfer between gates  412  and  414 . Further, each of fittings  472  and  474  include chamfered portions  476 , which allows fittings  472  and  474  to interlock more easily, especially when cargo loads are already acting on the structure of container  400 . 
     Cutout  478  depicts just one example of a gate-to-gate latching mechanism  440 . Other arrangements of numbers of fittings may be used in a similar manner to accomplish a similar result. Further, though a single gate-to-gate latch is depicted in cutout  478 , a plurality of such latches may be used to latch gates together. 
     In other implementation, the gate-to-gate latches may comprise an extendable pin in one gate that slides into a slot in another gate. For example, the pin may be spring-loaded in order to automatically engage once in a correct position. In yet other implementations, gate-to-gate latches  440  may be the same types of latches as described above with respect to the floor and ceiling latches. Notably, these are just some examples, and other latching mechanisms capable of rigidly coupling gates together may be used. 
       FIG. 4G  depicts container  400  with pallet  407  positioned within cargo area  406 . Further, a horizontal gate extension  450 , which is coupled to horizontal gate  412  by an extension hinge  452 , is depicted as partially extended; in other words, partially rotated around the axis of rotation of extension hinge  452 . 
       FIG. 4H  depicts horizontal gate extension  450  fully extended and latched to the floor and/or ceiling via latches, as described above. In this implementation, horizontal gate extension  450  is used to form the third wall of the support column because the width of vertical gate  410  does not reach to horizontal gate  412 . This ensures that the extension of vertical gate  410  is uninhibited by cargo within cargo area  402 . 
       FIG. 4I  depicts horizontal gate  416  partially extended. As with horizontal gates  412  and  414 , horizontal gate  416  is coupled to a wall of container  400  via wall hinge  413 . Further, foldable portions of horizontal gate  416  are partially unfolded via folding hinges  415 . 
       FIG. 4J  depicts horizontal gate  416  fully extended and latched to the floor and/or ceiling by gate latches  430 . Further, in this example horizontal gate  416  is latched to horizontal gate extension  450  via gate-to-gate latches as well as to horizontal gate  414  via gate-to-gate latches. 
       FIG. 4K  depicts a partially extended vertical gate  410 . In this implementation, vertical gate  410  may include several foldable portions, much like the horizontal gates, except configured to fold down from the ceiling of container  400  rather than out from a sidewall of container  400 . However, in other implementation, vertical gate  410  may be a roll-down gate or another type of compactly stowable and extendable gate. 
       FIG. 4L  depicts vertical gate  410  fully extended and latched to the floor via gate latches  430 . Note that vertical gate  410  may not need to be latched to the ceiling in this case because vertical gate hinges already affix vertical gate  410  to the ceiling (or to a structural member coupled to or integral with the ceiling) 
       FIG. 4M  depicts an overhead view of container  400  with pallets  303 ,  305 ,  307 , and  309  loaded (in the same configuration as in  FIG. 2C ). 
     Notably, horizontal gates  412 ,  414 , and  416  and vertical gate  410  are located in the free space between pallets when extended, and the gates act to provide lateral constraint to the loaded pallets. 
       FIG. 4M  also depicts horizontal gate hinges  411 ,  413 , and  414  for horizontal gates  412 ,  414 , and  416 , respectively. In this example, the horizontal gates are fully extended and supported by their hinges, which are coupled to the fixed vertical walls (or to structural members coupled to or integral with the fixed vertical walls). Similarly, vertical gate  410  is hung from vertical gate hinges  466 , which are coupled to the ceiling of the container (not depicted). 
       FIG. 4M  further depicts loading doors  420  and  422  latched closed so as to act as a fourth wall for container  400 . 
     Notably, in this implementation, loading door  420  and loading door  422  are asymmetric in length. In particular, loading door  420  has a length matching the long-edge of pallet  409 , which allows full loading to the floor space for pallet  409  when opened. Similarly, loading door  422  has a length matching the short side of pallet  407 , which allows full loading to the floor space for pallet  407  when opened. The asymmetric lengths of loading doors  420  and  422  also allows each door to be latched to vertical gate  410 , thus providing a shear path that maintains structural integrity and stiffness. 
     Additional Loading and Cargo Security Enhancements in Improved Cargo Containers 
       FIG. 5A  depicts additional enhancements to a cargo container such as those described in  FIGS. 2A-2C and 4A-4M . 
     Conventionally, pallets such as those described herein may be loaded into a cargo container using a pallet moving tool, such as a pallet jack. A pallet jack normally has two forks configured to fit between three lower deck boards and recesses in the stringer boards. The two forks of a pallet jack normally have wheels or casters to enable movement of the pallet jack. 
     In  FIG. 5A , the floor of container  500  includes pallet jack guide channels  504 ,  508 ,  512 , and  516 , each of which acts as a guide for a pallet jack&#39;s fork wheels. In other words, as a pallet jack&#39;s fork wheels roll into the pallet jack guide channels, the guide channels force the pallet jack to follow a track that will position the pallet in exactly the right location within the various cargo areas described above. Thus, pallet jack guide channels  504 ,  508 ,  512 , and  516  may improve the loading speed of container  500  and reduce any cargo placement errors that may interfere with extension of gates, as described above in  FIGS. 4A-4M . 
     Note that in  FIG. 5A , the gates are depicted as a reference for the various cargo areas to which the pallet jack guide channels are directed. 
     Further depicted in  FIG. 5A  are pallet recesses configured to match the dimension and placement of lower deck boards on conventional pallets. When placed in these recesses, a pallet is further prevented from lateral movement, which contributes to the stability of palleted cargo in container  500  and thus to its airworthiness. 
     In the example implementation of  FIG. 5A , pallet recesses  502  (top left) and  510  (bottom right) are in a first pallet orientation direction, and pallet recesses  506  and  514  are in a second pallet orientation direction, consistent with how the pallets are laid out in  FIG. 4M . 
       FIG. 5B  depicts a cross-section of part of the floor area of  FIG. 5A  at line A-A. The cross-section depicts a container wall  552 , such as wall  208  in  FIG. 2A , a container floor  554 , such as floor  204  in  FIG. 2A , a pallet recess  556 , such as pallet recesses  502 ,  506 ,  510 , and  514  in  FIG. 5B , and a pallet jack guide channel  558 , such as pallet jack guide channels  504 ,  508 ,  512 , and  516  in  FIG. 5B . 
     Note that the dimensions in  FIG. 5B  are just one example, and others can be used. 
     EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS 
     The following are example embodiments. Notably, the reference numerals in the examples below are merely examples. Further, even if single claim dependencies are indicated in the following examples, or in the claims below, all claim dependencies, including multiple claim dependencies, are included within the scope of the present disclosure. 
     Embodiment 1 
     A container, comprising: a floor ( 362 ); a plurality of vertical walls ( 460 ,  462 ,  464 ) coupled to the floor; a ceiling ( 364 ) coupled to the plurality of vertical walls; a first horizontal gate ( 414 ) coupled to a first vertical wall ( 460 ) of the plurality of vertical walls and comprising a first plurality of foldable portions; a second horizontal gate ( 412 ) coupled to a second vertical wall ( 462 ) of the plurality of vertical walls and comprising a second plurality of foldable portions; a third horizontal gate ( 416 ) coupled to a third vertical wall ( 464 ) of the plurality of vertical walls and comprising a third plurality of foldable portions; and a first vertical gate ( 410 ) coupled to the ceiling and comprising a fourth plurality of foldable portions, wherein, when extended, the first horizontal gate ( 414 ), the second horizontal gate ( 412 ), the third horizontal gate ( 416 ), and the first vertical gate ( 410 ) form a plurality of separate cargo volumes ( 402 ,  404 ,  406 ,  408 ). 
     Embodiment 2 
     The container of Embodiment 1, wherein: the first horizontal gate ( 414 ) is configured to latch ( 430 ) to the floor, the second horizontal ( 412 ) gate is configured to latch ( 430 ) to the floor, the third horizontal gate ( 416 ) is configured to latch ( 430 ) to the floor, and the first vertical gate ( 410 ) is configured to latch ( 430 ) to the floor. 
     Embodiment 3 
     The container of Embodiment 2, wherein: the first horizontal gate ( 414 ) is configured to latch ( 430 ) to the ceiling, the second horizontal ( 412 ) gate is configured to latch ( 430 ) to the ceiling, and the third horizontal gate ( 416 ) is configured to latch ( 430 ) to the ceiling. 
     Embodiment 4 
     The container of Embodiment 3, wherein the second horizontal gate ( 412 ) is configured to latch ( 440 ) to the first horizontal gate ( 414 ). 
     Embodiment 5 
     The container of Embodiment 4, wherein: the second horizontal gate ( 412 ) comprises a horizontal gate extension ( 450 ) coupled to the second horizontal gate ( 412 ) by one or more horizontal extension hinges ( 452 ), the horizontal gate extension ( 450 ) is configured to latch ( 430 ) to the floor, and the horizontal gate extension ( 450 ) is configured to latch ( 430 ) to the ceiling. 
     Embodiment 6 
     The container of Embodiment 5, wherein: the third horizontal gate ( 416 ) is configured to latch ( 440 ) to the first horizontal gate ( 414 ), and the third horizontal gate ( 416 ) is configured to latch ( 440 ) to the horizontal gate extension ( 450 ). 
     Embodiment 7 
     The container of Embodiment 6, wherein, when latched together, the first horizontal gate ( 414 ), the second horizontal gate ( 412 ), and the third horizontal gate ( 416 ) form a support column ( 218 ) in the container. 
     Embodiment 8 
     The container of Embodiment 7, wherein the first vertical gate ( 410 ) is configured to latch ( 440 ) to the third horizontal gate ( 416 ). 
     Embodiment 9 
     The container of Embodiment 1, wherein the floor ( 362 ) comprises a plurality of pallet jack guide channels ( 504 ,  508 ,  512 ,  516 ). 
     Embodiment 10 
     The container of Embodiment 9, wherein: a first pair of pallet jack guide channels ( 504 ) of the plurality of pallet jack guide channels is configured to guide a pallet jack to a first cargo area ( 402 ), a second pair ( 516 ) of pallet jack guide channels of the plurality of pallet jack guide channels ( 516 ) is configured to guide the pallet jack to a second cargo area ( 408 ), a third pair of pallet jack guide channels ( 512 ) of the plurality of pallet jack guide channels is configured to guide the pallet jack to a third cargo area ( 406 ); and a fourth pair of pallet jack guide channels ( 508 ) of the plurality of pallet jack guide channels is configured to guide the pallet jack to a fourth cargo area ( 404 ). 
     Embodiment 11 
     The container of Embodiment 1, wherein the floor comprises a plurality of pallet recesses ( 502 ,  506 ,  510 ,  514 ). 
     Embodiment 12 
     The container of Embodiment 11, wherein: a first set of pallet recesses ( 502 ) of the plurality of pallet recesses reside in a first cargo area ( 402 ) in a first pallet orientation direction, a second set of pallet recesses ( 506 ) of the plurality of pallet recesses reside in a second cargo area ( 404 ) in a second pallet orientation direction, a third set of pallet recesses ( 510 ) of the plurality of pallet recesses reside in a third cargo area ( 406 ) in the first pallet orientation direction, and a fourth set of pallet recesses ( 514 ) of the plurality of pallet recesses reside in a fourth cargo area ( 408 ) in the second pallet orientation direction. 
     Embodiment 13 
     The container of Embodiment 1, wherein: the first horizontal gate ( 414 ) is coupled to the first vertical wall ( 460 ) of the plurality of vertical walls by a first hinge ( 413 ) coupled to a first vertical post ( 360 ) coupled to the first vertical wall ( 460 ), the second horizontal gate ( 412 ) is coupled to the second vertical wall ( 462 ) of the plurality of vertical walls by a second hinge ( 411 ) coupled to a second vertical post ( 360 ) coupled to the second vertical wall ( 462 ), and the third horizontal gate ( 416 ) is coupled to the third vertical wall ( 464 ) of the plurality of vertical walls by a third hinge ( 413 ) coupled to a third vertical post ( 360 ) coupled to the third vertical wall ( 464 ). 
     Embodiment 14 
     The container of Embodiment 1, wherein: at least one of the first plurality of foldable portions in the first horizontal gate ( 414 ) comprises a first truss structure ( 354 ), at least one of the second plurality of foldable portions in the second horizontal gate ( 412 ) comprises a second truss structure ( 354 ), and at least one of the third plurality of foldable portions in the third horizontal gate ( 416 ) comprises a third truss structure ( 354 ). 
     Embodiment 15 
     The container of Embodiment 1, wherein: at least one of the first plurality of foldable portions in the first horizontal gate ( 414 ) comprises a first diagonal support structure ( 366 ), at least one of the second plurality of foldable portions in the second horizontal gate ( 412 ) comprises a second diagonal support structure ( 366 ), and at least one of the third plurality of foldable portions in the third horizontal gate ( 416 ) comprises a third diagonal support structure ( 366 ). 
     Embodiment 16 
     The container of Embodiment 2, wherein: the first horizontal gate ( 414 ) is configured to latch to the floor by one or more floor latch catches configured to enable latching by one or more of a plurality of floor latches coupled to the floor ( 362 ), the second horizontal gate ( 412 ) is configured to latch to the floor by one or more floor latch catches configured to enable latching by one or more of the plurality of floor latches coupled to the floor, the third horizontal gate ( 416 ) is configured to latch to the floor by one or more floor latch catches configured to enable latching by one or more of the plurality of floor latches coupled to the floor ( 362 ), and the first vertical gate ( 410 ) is configured to latch to the floor by one or more floor latch catches configured to enable latching by one or more of a plurality of floor latches coupled to the floor ( 362 ). 
     Embodiment 17 
     The container of Embodiment 2, wherein: the first horizontal gate ( 414 ) is configured to latch to the ceiling ( 364 ) by one or more ceiling latch catches configured to enable latching by one or more of a plurality of ceiling latches coupled to the ceiling ( 364 ), the second horizontal gate ( 412 ) is configured to latch to the ceiling by one or more ceiling latch catches configured to enable latching by one or more of the plurality of ceiling latches coupled to the ceiling ( 364 ), and the third horizontal gate ( 416 ) is configured to latch to the ceiling by one or more ceiling latch catches configured to enable latching by one or more of the plurality of ceiling latches coupled to the ceiling ( 364 ). 
     Embodiment 18 
     The container of Embodiment 1, further comprising: a first loading ( 420 ) door having a first length; and a second loading door ( 422 ) having a second length, different from the first length. 
     Embodiment 19 
     The container of Embodiment 1, wherein: the first plurality of foldable portions ( 414 ) comprises three foldable portions, the second plurality of foldable portions ( 412 ) comprises three foldable portions, and the third plurality of foldable portions ( 416 ) comprises three foldable portions. 
     Embodiment 20 
     The container of Embodiment 1, wherein: the container has a length of approximately 8 feet, the container has a width of approximately 8 feet, and the container has a height of approximately 8 feet. 
     Embodiment 21 
     The container of Embodiment 1, wherein: each of the first plurality of foldable portions is coupled to another foldable portion of the first plurality of foldable portions by one or more first horizontal gate hinges ( 415 ), each of the second plurality of foldable portions is coupled to another foldable portion of the second plurality of foldable portions by one or more second horizontal gate hinges ( 415 ), each of the third plurality of foldable portions is coupled to another foldable portion of the third plurality of foldable portions by one or more third horizontal gate hinges ( 415 ), and each of the fourth plurality of foldable portions is coupled to another foldable portion of the fourth plurality of foldable portions by one or more first vertical gate hinges ( 466 ). 
     Embodiment 22 
     A method of configuring a container, comprising: extending a first horizontal gate ( 414 ) coupled to a first vertical wall ( 460 ) of a plurality of vertical walls and comprising a first plurality of foldable portions; extending a second horizontal gate ( 412 ) coupled to a second vertical wall ( 462 ) of the plurality of vertical walls and comprising a second plurality of foldable portions; extending a third horizontal gate ( 416 ) coupled to a third vertical wall ( 464 ) of the plurality of vertical walls and comprising a third plurality of foldable portions; and extending a first vertical gate ( 410 ) coupled to the ceiling ( 364 ) and comprising a fourth plurality of foldable portions. 
     Embodiment 23 
     The method of Embodiment 22, further comprising: latching the first horizontal gate ( 414 ) to the floor; latching the second horizontal ( 412 ) gate to the floor; latching the third horizontal gate ( 416 ) to the floor; and latching the first vertical gate ( 410 ) to the floor. 
     Embodiment 24 
     The method of Embodiment 23, further comprising: latching the first horizontal gate ( 414 ) to the ceiling; latching the second horizontal ( 412 ) gate to the ceiling; and latching the third horizontal gate ( 416 ) to the ceiling. 
     Embodiment 25 
     The method of Embodiment 24, further comprising: latching the second horizontal gate ( 412 ) to the first horizontal gate ( 414 ). 
     Embodiment 26 
     The method of Embodiment 25, further comprising: extending a horizontal gate extension ( 450 ) coupled to the second horizontal gate ( 412 ) by one or more horizontal extension hinges ( 452 ); latching the horizontal gate extension ( 450 ) to the floor ( 430 ); and latching the horizontal gate extension ( 450 ) to the ceiling. 
     Embodiment 27 
     The method of Embodiment 26, further comprising: latching the third horizontal gate ( 416 ) to the first horizontal gate ( 414 ); and latching the third horizontal gate ( 416 ) to the horizontal gate extension ( 450 ). 
     Embodiment 28 
     The method of Embodiment 27, wherein, when latched together, the first horizontal gate ( 414 ), the second horizontal gate ( 412 ), and the third horizontal gate ( 416 ) form a support column ( 218 ) in the container. 
     Embodiment 29 
     The method of Embodiment 28, further comprising: latching the first vertical gate ( 410 ) to the third horizontal gate ( 416 ). 
     Embodiment 30 
     The method of Embodiment 22, wherein the floor ( 362 ) comprises a plurality of pallet jack guide channels ( 504 ,  508 ,  512 ,  516 ). 
     Embodiment 31 
     The method of Embodiment 30, further comprising: guiding a pallet jack to a first cargo area ( 402 ) via a first pair of pallet jack guide channels ( 504 ) of the plurality of pallet jack guide channels; stowing first cargo in the first cargo area ( 402 ) using the pallet jack; guiding the pallet jack to a second cargo area ( 408 ) via a second pair of pallet jack guide channels ( 516 ) of the plurality of pallet jack guide channels; stowing second cargo in the second cargo area ( 408 ) using the pallet jack; guiding the pallet jack to a third cargo area ( 406 ) via a third pair of pallet jack guide channels ( 512 ) of the plurality of pallet jack guide channels; stowing third cargo in the third cargo area ( 406 ) using the pallet jack; guiding the pallet jack to a fourth cargo area ( 404 ) via a fourth pair of pallet jack guide channels ( 508 ) of the plurality of pallet jack guide channels; and stowing fourth cargo in the fourth cargo area ( 402 ) using the pallet jack. 
     Embodiment 32 
     The method of Embodiment 30, wherein the floor comprises a plurality of pallet recesses ( 502 ,  506 ,  510 ,  514 ). 
     Embodiment 33 
     The method of Embodiment 32, wherein: a first set of pallet recesses ( 502 ) of the plurality of pallet recesses reside in a first cargo area ( 402 ) in a first pallet orientation direction, a second set of pallet recesses ( 506 ) of the plurality of pallet recesses reside in a second cargo area ( 404 ) in a second pallet orientation direction, a third set of pallet recesses ( 510 ) of the plurality of pallet recesses reside in a third cargo area ( 406 ) in the first pallet orientation direction, and a fourth set of pallet recesses ( 514 ) of the plurality of pallet recesses reside in a fourth cargo area ( 408 ) in the second pallet orientation direction. 
     Embodiment 34 
     The method of Embodiment 22, wherein: the first horizontal gate ( 414 ) is coupled to the first vertical wall ( 460 ) of the plurality of vertical walls by a first hinge ( 413 ) coupled to a first vertical post ( 360 ) coupled to the first vertical wall ( 460 ), the second horizontal gate ( 412 ) is coupled to the second vertical wall ( 462 ) of the plurality of vertical walls by a second hinge ( 411 ) coupled to a second vertical post ( 360 ) coupled to the second vertical wall ( 462 ), and the third horizontal gate ( 416 ) is coupled to the third vertical wall ( 464 ) of the plurality of vertical walls by a third hinge ( 413 ) coupled to a third vertical post ( 360 ) coupled to the third vertical wall ( 464 ). 
     Embodiment 35 
     The method of Embodiment 22, wherein: at least one of the first plurality of foldable portions in the first horizontal gate ( 414 ) comprises a first truss structure ( 354 ), at least one of the second plurality of foldable portions in the second horizontal gate ( 412 ) comprises a second truss structure ( 354 ), and at least one of the third plurality of foldable portions in the third horizontal gate ( 416 ) comprises a third truss structure ( 354 ). 
     Embodiment 36 
     The method of Embodiment 22, wherein: at least one of the first plurality of foldable portions in the first horizontal gate ( 414 ) comprises a first diagonal support structure ( 366 ), at least one of the second plurality of foldable portions in the second horizontal gate ( 412 ) comprises a second diagonal support structure ( 366 ), and at least one of the third plurality of foldable portions in the third horizontal gate ( 416 ) comprises a third diagonal support structure ( 366 ). 
     Embodiment 37 
     The method of Embodiment 36, wherein: the first horizontal gate ( 414 ) is configured to latch to the floor by one or more floor latch catches configured to enable latching by one or more of a plurality of floor latches coupled to the floor ( 362 ), the second horizontal gate ( 412 ) is configured to latch to the floor by one or more floor latch catches configured to enable latching by one or more of the plurality of floor latches coupled to the floor, the third horizontal gate ( 416 ) is configured to latch to the floor by one or more floor latch catches configured to enable latching by one or more of the plurality of floor latches coupled to the floor ( 362 ), and the first vertical gate ( 410 ) is configured to latch to the floor by one or more floor latch catches configured to enable latching by one or more of a plurality of floor latches coupled to the floor ( 362 ). 
     Embodiment 38 
     The method of Embodiment 37, wherein: the first horizontal gate ( 414 ) is configured to latch to the ceiling ( 364 ) by one or more ceiling latch catches configured to enable latching by one or more of a plurality of ceiling latches coupled to the ceiling ( 364 ), the second horizontal gate ( 412 ) is configured to latch to the ceiling by one or more ceiling latch catches configured to enable latching by one or more of the plurality of ceiling latches coupled to the ceiling ( 364 ), and the third horizontal gate ( 416 ) is configured to latch to the ceiling by one or more ceiling latch catches configured to enable latching by one or more of the plurality of ceiling latches coupled to the ceiling ( 364 ). 
     Embodiment 39 
     The method of Embodiment 38, further comprising: closing a first loading ( 420 ) door having a first length; and closing a second loading door ( 422 ) having a second length, different from the first length. 
     Embodiment 40 
     The method of Embodiment 22, wherein: the first plurality of foldable portions ( 414 ) comprises three foldable portions, the second plurality of foldable portions ( 412 ) comprises three foldable portions, and the third plurality of foldable portions ( 416 ) comprises three foldable portions. 
     Embodiment 41 
     The method of Embodiment 22, wherein: the container has a length of approximately 8 feet, the container has a width of approximately 8 feet, and the container has a height of approximately 8 feet. 
     Embodiment 42 
     The method of Embodiment 22, wherein: each of the first plurality of foldable portions is coupled to another foldable portion of the first plurality of foldable portions by one or more first horizontal gate hinges ( 415 ), each of the second plurality of foldable portions is coupled to another foldable portion of the second plurality of foldable portions by one or more second horizontal gate hinges ( 415 ), each of the third plurality of foldable portions is coupled to another foldable portion of the third plurality of foldable portions by one or more third horizontal gate hinges ( 415 ), and each of the fourth plurality of foldable portions is coupled to another foldable portion of the fourth plurality of foldable portions by one or more first vertical gate hinges ( 466 ). 
     Embodiment 43 
     A container, comprising: a floor ( 362 ) comprising: a plurality of pallet jack guide channels ( 504 ,  508 ,  512 ,  516 ); and a plurality of pallet recesses ( 502 ,  506 ,  510 ,  514 ); a plurality of vertical walls ( 460 ,  462 ,  464 ) coupled to the floor; a ceiling ( 364 ) coupled to the plurality of vertical walls; a first horizontal gate ( 414 ) coupled to a first vertical wall ( 460 ) of the plurality of vertical walls and comprising a first plurality of foldable portions; a second horizontal gate ( 412 ) coupled to a second vertical wall ( 462 ) of the plurality of vertical walls and comprising a second plurality of foldable portions; a third horizontal gate ( 416 ) coupled to a third vertical wall ( 464 ) of the plurality of vertical walls and comprising a third plurality of foldable portions; and a first vertical gate ( 410 ) coupled to the ceiling and comprising a fourth plurality of foldable portions, wherein, when extended, the first horizontal gate ( 414 ), the second horizontal gate ( 412 ), the third horizontal gate ( 416 ), and the first vertical gate ( 410 ) form a plurality of separate cargo volumes ( 402 ,  404 ,  406 ,  408 ). 
     Embodiment 44 
     A container, comprising: a floor ( 362 ), comprising: a plurality of vertical walls ( 460 ,  462 ,  464 ) coupled to the floor; a ceiling ( 364 ) coupled to the plurality of vertical walls; a first horizontal gate ( 414 ) coupled to a first vertical wall ( 460 ) of the plurality of vertical walls and comprising a first plurality of foldable portions; a second horizontal gate ( 412 ) coupled to a second vertical wall ( 462 ) of the plurality of vertical walls and comprising a second plurality of foldable portions; a third horizontal gate ( 416 ) coupled to a third vertical wall ( 464 ) of the plurality of vertical walls and comprising a third plurality of foldable portions; and a first vertical gate ( 410 ) coupled to the ceiling and comprising a fourth plurality of foldable portions, wherein: when extended, the first horizontal gate ( 414 ), the second horizontal gate ( 412 ), the third horizontal gate ( 416 ), and the first vertical gate ( 410 ) form a plurality of separate cargo volumes ( 402 ,  404 ,  406 ,  408 ), and when latched together, the first horizontal gate ( 414 ), the second horizontal gate ( 412 ), and the third horizontal gate ( 416 ) form a support column ( 218 ) in the container. 
     The preceding description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various embodiments described herein. The embodiments and examples discussed herein are not limiting of the scope, applicability, or embodiments set forth in the claims. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments. For example, changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements discussed without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Various examples may omit, substitute, or add various procedures or components as appropriate. For instance, the methods described may be performed in an order different from that described, and various steps may be added, omitted, or combined. Also, features described with respect to some examples may be combined in some other examples. For example, an apparatus may be implemented or a method may be practiced using any number of the aspects set forth herein. In addition, the scope of the disclosure is intended to cover such an apparatus or method that is practiced using other structure, functionality, or structure and functionality in addition to, or other than, the various aspects of the disclosure set forth herein. It should be understood that any aspect of the disclosure disclosed herein may be embodied by one or more elements of a claim. 
     As used herein, the word “exemplary” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any aspect described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects. 
     As used herein, the word “coupled” and variants thereof mean to join, fasten, connect, or link things together, either directly or indirectly. 
     As used herein, a phrase referring to “at least one of” a list of items refers to any combination of those items, including single members. As an example, “at least one of: a, b, or c” is intended to cover a, b, c, a-b, a-c, b-c, and a-b-c, as well as any combination with multiples of the same element (e.g., a-a, a-a-a, a-a-b, a-a-c, a-b-b, a-c-c, b-b, b-b-b, b-b-c, c-c, and c-c-c or any other ordering of a, b, and c). 
     The following claims are not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but are to be accorded the full scope consistent with the language of the claims. Within a claim, reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless specifically so stated, but rather “one or more.” Unless specifically stated otherwise, the term “some” refers to one or more. No claim element is to be construed under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase “means for” or, in the case of a method claim, the element is recited using the phrase “step for.” All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various aspects described throughout this disclosure that are known or later come to be known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the claims. Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited in the claims.