Patent Publication Number: US-2023145428-A1

Title: Hybrid Cargo Container Systems

Description:
FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates generally to cargo containers, and more particularly, to hybrid cargo container systems for use with both ground transportation vehicles and air transportation vehicles. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Existing cargo containers used for intermodal transport are typically cuboid-shaped. Although such containers can be easily stacked, they are not ideal for use on aircraft, which typically have rounded cross-sections. As such, some existing cargo containers are designed with a chamfered corner in their cross-sections to better utilize the available space in aircrafts. 
     However, existing chamfered cargo containers are typically unable to be stacked on each other, due to corners being necessary for providing the required support. In addition, stacking and storage of such chamfered containers typically requires specialized racks. Furthermore, such chamfered containers are typically only used for the airborne leg of a journey, which can incur undesired costs and inefficiencies in the packing and unpacking of goods to and from such containers, as opposed to keeping goods in the same container for multiple legs of a journey. 
     Thus, what is needed is a cargo container that is less costly and more efficient for use with intermodal travel involving an aircraft. 
     SUMMARY 
     In an example, a hybrid cargo container system for use with ground transportation vehicles and air transportation vehicles is disclosed. The hybrid cargo container system includes a chamfered container body comprising a plurality of sidewalls defining a storage chamber, the plurality of sidewalls comprising a first sidewall, a second sidewall, and a chamfer sidewall attached to the first sidewall and the second sidewall. The hybrid cargo container system also includes a corner support assembly operably coupled to the chamfered container body, where the corner support assembly is operable between a stowed position and a deployed position, where based on the corner support assembly being in the deployed position, the corner support assembly is configured to at least partially support another container stacked thereon for ground transportation, and where based on the corner support assembly being in the stowed position, the hybrid cargo container system is configured to be stored in a fuselage of an aircraft for air transportation. 
     In another example, another hybrid cargo container system for use with ground transportation vehicles and air transportation vehicles is disclosed. The hybrid cargo container system includes a chamfered container body comprising a plurality of sidewalls defining a storage chamber, the plurality of sidewalls comprising a first sidewall that defines a first plane, a second sidewall that defines a second plane transverse to the first plane, and a chamfer sidewall that defines a chamfer plane that is non-orthogonal relative to the first plane and the second plane. The hybrid cargo container system also includes a corner support assembly removably coupled to the chamfered container body, where based on the corner support assembly being coupled to the chamfered container body, the hybrid cargo container system defines a first planar support region and is configured to at least partially support another container stacked thereon for ground transportation, and where based on the corner support assembly being removed from the chamfered container body, the hybrid cargo container system defines a second planar support region, smaller than the first planar support region, and is configured to be stored in a fuselage of an aircraft for air transportation. 
     In yet another example, a method is disclosed. The method includes moving a corner support assembly of a hybrid cargo container system from a deployed position to a stowed position, where based on the corner support assembly being in the deployed position, the corner support assembly is configured to at least partially support another container stacked thereon. The method also includes loading the hybrid cargo container system into a fuselage of an aircraft based on the corner support assembly being in the stowed position. 
     In yet another example, a hybrid cargo container system is disclosed. The hybrid cargo container system includes a chamfered container body comprising a plurality of sidewalls defining a storage chamber, the plurality of sidewalls comprising a pair of lateral sidewalls, a pair of longitudinal sidewalls longer than the pair of lateral sidewalls, an upper sidewall, a lower sidewall, and a chamfer sidewall that is attached to, and extends transverse between, the upper sidewall and one longitudinal sidewall of the pair of longitudinal sidewalls. The hybrid cargo container system also includes a pair of supports pivotably coupled to opposite ends of the one longitudinal sidewall or to the pair of lateral sidewalls, where the pair of supports are rotatable between a stowed position and a deployed position, where based on the pair of supports being in the deployed position, the hybrid cargo container system defines a first volume and is configured to at least partially support another container stacked thereon, and where based on the pair of supports being in the stowed position, the hybrid cargo container system defines a second volume that is less than the first volume 
     The features, functions, and advantages that have been discussed can be achieved independently in various examples or may be combined in yet other examples. Further details of the examples can be seen with reference to the following description and drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
       The novel features believed characteristic of the illustrative examples are set forth in the appended claims. The illustrative examples, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and descriptions thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative example of the present disclosure when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG.  1    depicts a hybrid cargo container system, according to an example implementation. 
         FIG.  2    depicts a perspective view of a chamfered container body, according to an example implementation. 
         FIG.  3    depicts the hybrid cargo container system with the corner support assembly in the deployed position, according to an example implementation. 
         FIG.  4    depicts the hybrid cargo container system of  FIG.  3    supporting another container stacked thereon, according to an example implementation. 
         FIG.  5    depicts the hybrid cargo container system of  FIG.  3    with the corner support assembly in the stowed position, according to an example implementation. 
         FIG.  6    depicts a perspective view of the hybrid cargo container system of  FIG.  3    stored in a fuselage of an aircraft, according to an example implementation. 
         FIG.  7    depicts a front view of two hybrid cargo container systems stored next to each other in a fuselage of an aircraft, according to an example implementation. 
         FIG.  8    depicts a front view of four hybrid cargo container systems stored on a ground transportation vehicle, according to an example implementation. 
         FIG.  9    depicts another hybrid cargo container system with the corner support assembly in the deployed position, according to an example implementation. 
         FIG.  10    depicts the hybrid cargo container system of  FIG.  9    with the corner support assembly in the stowed position, according to an example implementation. 
         FIG.  11    depicts another hybrid cargo container system, according to an example implementation. 
         FIG.  12    depicts a front view of the hybrid cargo container system of  FIG.  11   , according to an example implementation. 
         FIG.  13    depicts another hybrid cargo container system, according to an example implementation. 
         FIG.  14    depicts another hybrid cargo container system with the corner support assembly in the deployed position, according to an example implementation. 
         FIG.  15    depicts the hybrid cargo container system of  FIG.  14    with the corner support assembly in an intermediate position between the deployed position and the stowed position, according to an example implementation. 
         FIG.  16    depicts the hybrid cargo container system of  FIG.  14    with the corner support assembly in the stowed position, according to an example implementation. 
         FIG.  17    depicts another hybrid cargo container system, according to an example implementation. 
         FIG.  18    depicts another hybrid cargo container system, according to an example implementation. 
         FIG.  19    depicts another hybrid cargo container system, according to an example implementation. 
         FIG.  20    depicts a lever arm arrangement with a linkage, according to an example implementation. 
         FIG.  21    depicts the lever arm arrangement of  FIG.  20   , according to an example implementation. 
         FIG.  22    depicts a lever arm arrangement with a gear, according to an example implementation. 
         FIG.  23    depicts the lever arm arrangement of  FIG.  22   , according to an example implementation. 
         FIG.  24    shows a flowchart of a method, according to an example implementation. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Disclosed examples will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all of the disclosed examples are shown. Indeed, several different examples may be described and should not be construed as limited to the examples set forth herein. Rather, these examples are described so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. 
     Unless otherwise specifically noted, elements depicted in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. 
     Within examples, described herein are hybrid cargo container systems and a corresponding method for use with ground transportation vehicles and air transportation vehicles. 
     The disclosed hybrid cargo container system includes a chamfered container body having a plurality of sidewalls defining a storage chamber for cargo, the plurality of sidewalls including a first sidewall, a second sidewall, and a chamfer sidewall attached to the first sidewall and the second sidewall. Within examples, the chamfered container body is prism-shaped with a pentagonal cross section. The chamfer in the container body can allow for the hybrid cargo container system to be stored in an aircraft or other location having a curved sidewall that would otherwise be incompatible with typical container corners. 
     The disclosed hybrid cargo container system also includes a corner support assembly operably coupled to the chamfered container body. The corner support assembly is operable between a stowed position and a deployed position, such that, with the corner support assembly in the deployed position, the corner support assembly is configured to at least partially support another container stacked thereon for ground transportation, and with the corner support assembly being in the stowed position, the hybrid cargo container system is configured to be stored in a fuselage of an aircraft for air transportation. 
     Accordingly, the hybrid cargo container system can be efficiently transferred between ground and air transportation by transitioning the corner support assembly between the stowed and deployed positions. 
     These and other improvements are described in more detail below. Implementations described below are for purposes of example. The implementations described below, as well as other implementations, may provide other improvements as well. 
     Although the disclosed method is described primarily in the context of aircrafts, it should be understood that the disclosed method can be used in various other contexts, such as installing decoration panels in other types of vehicles, or in or in environments other than vehicles. 
     Referring now to the figures,  FIG.  1    depicts a hybrid cargo container system  100 , according to an example implementation. The various elements of the hybrid cargo container system  100  could be formed from one or more materials such as aluminum, steel, plastic, and/or another material. Furthermore, it will be understood that, in addition to the parts of the elements shown in  FIG.  1   , any of such elements can include parts that are not explicitly shown in  FIG.  1   . 
     The hybrid cargo container system  100  includes a chamfered container body  102  and a corner support assembly  104 . The chamfered container body  102  has a plurality of sidewalls  106 , which includes a first sidewall  108 , a second sidewall  110 , and a chamfer sidewall  112  attached to the first sidewall  108  and the second sidewall  110 . The plurality of sidewalls  106  define a storage chamber within which cargo can be disposed. 
     As discussed in more detail below, the corner support assembly  104  is operably coupled to the chamfered container body  102  and used to facilitate storage of the hybrid cargo container system  100  in both aircraft and ground transportation vehicles, representative examples of which are depicted in  FIG.  1    as aircraft  114  and ground transportation vehicle  116 . 
     As noted above, for example, the corner support assembly  104  is operable between a stowed position and a deployed position. Based on the corner support assembly  104  being in the deployed position, the corner support assembly  104  is configured to at least partially support another container (not shown) stacked thereon for ground transportation, such as when the hybrid cargo container system  100  is storage on or in the ground transportation vehicle  116  (e.g., on a truck bed). And based on the corner support assembly  104  being in the stowed position, the hybrid cargo container system  100  is configured to be stored in the aircraft  114  (e.g., a fuselage of the aircraft  114 ) for air transportation. 
     In some cases, the hybrid cargo container system  100  can be positioned upside-down such that the chamfer sidewall  112  is facing a ground surface. When the hybrid cargo container system  100  is positioned in this way and the corner support assembly  104  is in the deployed position, the hybrid cargo container system  100  can be stacked on another container in this way as well, and can also support another container stacked thereon. 
     The aircraft  114  can take the form of various types of aircraft, such as commercial or non-commercial aircraft. The ground transportation vehicle  116  can take various forms as well, such as a truck. 
     The corner support assembly  104  can be operably coupled to the chamfered container body  102  in various ways. For example, the corner support assembly  104  is rotatably coupled by way of a pivot or other mechanism. As another example the corner support assembly  104  is removably fastened to one or more of the plurality of sidewalls  106  of the chamfered container body  102 , such as by way of one or more bolts, screws, etc. As yet another example, the corner support assembly  104  is manufactured to be integral with one or more of the plurality of sidewalls  106 . Other examples are possible as well. 
       FIG.  2    depicts a perspective view of the chamfered container body  102 , according to an example implementation. The example of the chamfered container body  102  shown in  FIG.  2    is prism-shaped with a pentagonal cross section. 
     As shown, the plurality of sidewalls  106  (not explicitly designated in  FIG.  2   ) includes an upper sidewall  118  (i.e., the first sidewall  108 ) and a lower sidewall  120 , opposite the upper sidewall  118 . In addition, the plurality of sidewalls  106  includes a pair of lateral sidewalls  122 , a pair of longitudinal sidewalls  124 , and the chamfer sidewall  112 . The chamfer sidewall  112  is attached to, and extends transverse between, the upper sidewall  118  and one longitudinal sidewall of the pair of longitudinal sidewalls  124  — namely, the second sidewall  110 . 
     Within examples, the pair of longitudinal sidewalls  124  can be longer than, approximately the same length as, or shorter than, the pair of lateral sidewalls  122 . 
     As further shown, the first sidewall  108  (i.e., the upper sidewall  118 ) defines a first plane  126 , the second sidewall  110  defines a second plane  128  transverse to the first plane  126 , and the chamfer sidewall  112  defines a chamfer plane  130  that is non-orthogonal relative to the first plane  126  and the second plane  128 . 
     Also shown in  FIG.  2    is a corner space  132  that is exterior to and adjacent to the chamfer sidewall  112 . Although the corner space  132  is depicted as a volume of space bound by the first plane  126 , the second plane  128 , and the chamfer plane  130 , the corner space  132  can be larger in other embodiments, and can be considered to extend beyond the bounds of the first plane  126  and the second plane  128 . 
       FIGS.  3 - 10    depict example embodiments in which the corner support assembly  104  has a plurality of posts that are rotatably coupled to the chamfered container body  102  and rotatable between the deployed position and the stowed position. 
     In particular,  FIGS.  3 ,  4 ,  5 ,  6 ,  7 , and  8    depict an example of the corner support assembly  104  in which the corner support assembly  104  includes a pair of supports  134  that are pivotably coupled to the pair of lateral sidewalls  122 . 
       FIG.  3    depicts the hybrid cargo container system  100  with the corner support assembly  104  in the deployed position, according to an example implementation. 
     As shown, the pair of supports  134  are rotatable between the stowed position and the deployed position. In some cases, a human operator can manually rotate each of the pair of supports  134  individually. In other cases, the pair of supports  134  can be rotatable via an electromechanical, pneumatic, or hydraulic mechanism. For reference,  FIG.  3    includes an arrow depicting the direction in which the pair of supports  134  can rotate from the deployed position to the stowed position. 
     Although not explicitly shown in  FIG.  3   , one or both of the supports of the pair of supports  134  can be integral with, or be coupled to, one or more mechanisms that can be used to rotate the pair of supports  134 , such as detachable levers. Additionally, such mechanisms can include springs to reduce actuation loads. Further, in some cases, the corner support assembly  104  can include a torsion member (not shown), such as a tube or rod, that can be used to substantially simultaneously rotate the pair of supports  134  between the deployed position and the stowed position. Such a torsion member can be located exterior to the chamfered container body  102  or integrated within the chamfered container body  102  (e.g., integrated as part of the second sidewall  110 ) and can extend longitudinally (i.e., parallel to the x-axis) between the pair of supports  134 , by way of example. 
     As further shown, the pair of supports include corner fittings  135 . The corner fittings  135  can be made of steel, carbon, or another material, and can be configured to (i) connect the hybrid cargo container system  100  to another container, such as another such system or another type of container (e.g., an un-chamfered, cuboid-shaped container) and (ii) connect the hybrid cargo container system  100  to a transport vehicle such as the aircraft  114 , the ground transportation vehicle  116 , or another type of vehicle (e.g., a watercraft). Further, although not explicitly shown in  FIG.  3   , other corner fittings, the same as or different from the type of corner fittings of corner fittings  135 , can be coupled to each of the other six corners of the chamfered container body  102  and used for the same purpose as corner fittings  135 . 
     Based on the pair of supports  134  being in the deployed position, the hybrid cargo container system  100  defines a first volume  136  and is configured to at least partially support another container stacked thereon (not shown). Phrased another way, with the corner support assembly  104  in the deployed position, the hybrid cargo container system  100 —namely, the upper sidewall  118  and the pair of supports  134 —define(s) a first planar support region  138  configured to at least partially support another container stacked thereon for ground transportation. For illustrative purposes, the first volume  136  is shown to be larger than the actual volume that the hybrid cargo container system  100  occupies in space when in the deployed position. 
     As further shown, based on the corner support assembly  104  being in the deployed position, the corner support assembly  104  extends into the corner space  132  that is exterior to and adjacent to the chamfer sidewall  112 . 
     In embodiments where the corner support assembly  104  is removably coupled to the chamfered container body  102  and based on the corner support assembly  104  being coupled to the chamfered container body  102 , the corner support assembly  104  can occupy at least a portion of the corner space  132  and the hybrid cargo container system defines the first planar support region  138  and is configured to at least partially support another container stacked thereon for ground transportation. Whereas, based on the corner support assembly  104  being decoupled and removed from the chamfered container body  102 , the corner support assembly  104  will not occupy any portion of the corner space  132 , or will occupy less of the corner space  132  than when the corner support assembly  104  is attached to the chamfered container body  102 , and the hybrid cargo container system  100  defines a second planar support region (not shown in  FIG.  3   , but shown in  FIG.  4   ), smaller than the first planar support region  138 , and is configured to be stored in a fuselage of an aircraft for air transportation. 
       FIG.  3    also shows a plurality of securing mechanisms  137 , which are represented as black dots. In practice, the plurality of securing mechanisms  137  can be or include latches, detents, plungers, or other devices that can be coupled to or integral with the corner support assembly  104  and/or the chamfered container body  102  and used as a means for securing the corner support assembly  104  in the stowed position and in the deployed positions. 
       FIG.  4    next depicts the hybrid cargo container system  100  with the corner support assembly  104  in the deployed position and supporting another container  140  stacked thereon, according to an example implementation. As shown, the pair of supports  134  are supporting the bottom right of the other container  140 . Although not explicitly shown, the hybrid cargo container system  100  could be connected to the other container  140  by way of the corner fittings  135 . 
       FIG.  5    depicts the hybrid cargo container system  100  with the corner support assembly  104  in the stowed position, according to an example implementation. As shown, based on the pair of supports  134  being in the stowed position, the hybrid cargo container system  100  defines a second volume  142  (which is less than the first volume  136  shown in  FIG.  3   ). Phrased another way, with the corner support assembly  104  in the stowed position, the hybrid cargo container system  100  — namely, the upper sidewall  118  — defines a second planar support region  144 , smaller than the first planar support region  138  shown in  FIG.  3   , and is configured to be stored in a fuselage of an aircraft for air transportation. For illustrative purposes, the second volume  142  is shown to be larger than the actual volume that the hybrid cargo container system  100  occupies in space when in the stowed position. 
     As further shown, based on the corner support assembly  104  being in the stowed position, the corner support assembly  104  is retracted toward the chamfer sidewall  112  and occupies less of the corner space  132  than when in the deployed position. 
       FIG.  6    next depicts a perspective view of the hybrid cargo container system  100  stored in a fuselage  146  of the aircraft  114 , according to an example implementation. As shown, the pair of supports  134  are in the stowed position, thus allowing the hybrid cargo container system  100  to be stored in the fuselage  146 . 
       FIG.  7    depicts a front view of two of the hybrid cargo container system  100  stored next to each other in the fuselage  146  of the aircraft  114 , according to an example implementation. As shown for each such system, the pair of supports  134  are in the stowed position and, with the pair of supports  134  in the stowed position, the hybrid cargo container system  100  can be stored proximate to a respective side of the fuselage  146 , particularly such that a curved sidewall  148  of the fuselage  146  occupies at least a portion of the corner space  132  exterior to and adjacent to the chamfer sidewall  112 . 
       FIG.  8    depicts a front view of four of the hybrid cargo container system  100  stored in two stacks of two on a truck bed  150  of ground transportation vehicle  116  (not shown), according to an example implementation. As shown with each of the bottom two systems, the pair of supports  134  are in the deployed position, thus allowing the hybrid cargo container system  100  to support another such system stacked thereon. 
       FIGS.  9  and  10    depict an example of the corner support assembly  104  in which the pair of supports  134  are pivotably coupled to opposite ends of one of the pair of longitudinal sidewalls  124  — namely, the second sidewall  110 , according to an example implementation. In particular,  FIG.  9    depicts the pair of supports  134  in the deployed position.  FIG.  10    then depicts the pair of supports  134  in the stowed position. For reference,  FIG.  9    includes arrows depicting the direction in which the pair of supports  134  can rotate from the deployed position to the stowed position. 
     Although not explicitly shown, in some examples the corner support assembly  104  can include a plurality of posts having more than two posts, such as a pair of posts coupled to the pair of lateral sidewalls  122  and a third post coupled to the second sidewall  110 . 
       FIG.  11    depicts another example embodiment of the hybrid cargo container system  100 . In particular, the corner support assembly  104  includes a pair of posts  152  in the deployed position, which can be the same as or different from the pair of supports  134  depicted in the aforementioned Figures. The corner support assembly  104  also includes a pair of hinged members  154 , each of which comprises a respective inner side brace link  156  pivotably coupled to a respective outer side brace link  158 . The pair of posts  152  have proximal ends  160  coupled at opposite longitudinal ends  162  of the second sidewall  110  and distal ends  164  coupled to opposite longitudinal ends  166  of the first sidewall  108  via the pair of hinged members  154 . 
     The corner support assembly  104  also includes a pair of additional members  168  that can slide back and forth parallel to the x-axis (e.g., along a track (not shown) disposed on an exterior surface of the chamfer sidewall  112 ) and are configured to provide additional support and help reduce or prevent bending of the pair of posts  152  in the y-direction. In alternative examples, the pair of additional members  168  are not included. 
     In addition, the corner support assembly  104  also includes (i) a first torsion member  170  extending longitudinally between the proximal ends  160  and (ii) a second torsion member  172  extending longitudinally between the pair of hinged members  154 , each torsion member being configured to cause substantially simultaneous actuation of the pair of posts  152  between the deployed position and the stowed position. In alternative examples, the first torsion member  170  and/or the second torsion member  172  is/are not included. 
     Still further, the corner support assembly  104  includes a side brace actuation lever  174  and a corner post actuation lever  176  for actuating the pair of posts  152  between the deployed position and the stowed position.  FIG.  11    includes representative arrows showing a direction of movement of the pair of posts  152  and the pair of hinged members  154  when the corner support assembly  104  moves from the deployed position to the stowed position. 
     To further illustrate movement of the pair of posts  152  between the deployed and stowed positions,  FIG.  12    depicts a front view of the hybrid cargo container system  100  of  FIG.  11   , according to an example implementation. The dashed line represents the corner support assembly  104  in the deployed position, the dotted line represents the corner support assembly  104  in an intermediate position between the deployed and stowed positions, and the dashed line represents the corner support assembly  104  in the stowed position. 
     More particularly, to move the pair of posts  152  from the deployed position to the stowed position, the side brace actuation lever  174  and the corner post actuation lever  176  are detached/decoupled from a first pair of securing mechanisms  178  (e.g., latches, detents, plungers, etc.) and rotated to the intermediate position in the direction shown by the arrows. This causes the pair of hinged members  154  to bend as shown, after which the side brace actuation lever  174  and the corner post actuation lever  176  can be moved from the intermediate position to the stowed position in the direction shown by the arrows. The side brace actuation lever  174  and the corner post actuation lever  176  are then attached/coupled to a second pair of securing mechanisms  180  (e.g., latches, detents, plungers, etc.), thus securing the pair of posts  152  in the stowed position. 
       FIG.  13    depicts yet another example embodiment of the hybrid cargo container system  100 , according to an example implementation. In particular, the corner support assembly  104  includes a pair of supports  182  having threaded proximal ends  184 , and also includes a pair of threaded screw jack sleeves  186  configured to receive the threaded proximal ends  184  of the pair of supports  182 .  FIG.  13    includes arrows depicting the direction of movement of the pair of supports  182  between the deployed position and the stowed position. 
     The pair of threaded screw jack sleeves  186  can be disposed in and attached to existing cavities present in the chamfered container body  102 , or can be integral with the chamfered container body  102 , while conforming with typical standards for intermodal containers, for instance. Within examples in which a high-friction system is used (e.g., not a ball screw) for the pair of threaded screw jack sleeves  186 , the screw jack mechanism for actuating the pair of supports  182  cannot be driven under load and/or high vibration, thus helping to increase safety and reliability in both the stowed and deployed positions. 
     In some cases, the corner support assembly  104  also includes a drive shaft  188  extending longitudinally between the pair of threaded screw jack sleeves  186  and configured to cause substantially simultaneous actuation of the pair of supports  182  between the deployed position and the stowed position. The drive shaft  188  can be driven from either end by hand, with a power hand tool (e.g. cordless electric screwdriver), or by internal power and actuators, for example. 
       FIGS.  14 ,  15 , and  16    depict yet another example embodiment of the hybrid cargo container system  100 , according to an example implementation. 
     In particular,  FIG.  14    depicts the hybrid cargo container system  100  in the deployed position. As shown, the corner support assembly  104  includes a plurality of hinged panels. The plurality of hinged panels include a first panel  190  having a proximal end  192  connected to the first sidewall  108 , a second panel  194  having a proximal end  196  connected to the second sidewall  110 , and a third panel  198  hinged between a distal end  200  of the first panel  190  and a distal end  202  of the second panel  194 . The corner support assembly  104  also includes a pair of levers  204  and a plurality of securing mechanisms  206 , which can facilitate movement of the corner support assembly  104  between the deployed and stowed positions in much the same way as described above with respect to the embodiment of  FIGS.  11  and  12   . 
     Accordingly,  FIG.  15    next depicts the hybrid cargo container system  100  with the corner support assembly  104  in an intermediate position between the deployed and stowed positions. 
       FIG.  16    then depicts the hybrid cargo container system  100  with the corner support assembly  104  in the stowed position, such that the plurality of panels are substantially parallel to the chamfer sidewall  112 . 
       FIG.  17    depicts yet another example embodiment of the hybrid cargo container system  100 , according to an example implementation. In particular, the corner support assembly  104  includes a first panel  208  having a proximal end  210  connected to the first sidewall  108 , a pair of supports  214  having proximal ends  216  rotatably coupled to the chamfered container body  102 , and a second panel  218  hinged between a distal end  220  of the first panel  208  and corner fittings  222  attached to the pair of supports  214 . 
       FIGS.  18  and  19    depict an example embodiment in which the corner support assembly is removably coupled to the chamfered container body  102 . 
     In particular,  FIG.  18    depicts yet another example embodiment of the hybrid cargo container system  100 , according to an example implementation. As shown, the corner support assembly  104  includes a frame  224  that is removably fastened the second sidewall  110 . In practice, the frame  224  can be made of metal (e.g., welded steel) or other material(s), and can be fastened to the second sidewall  110  by way of one or more fasteners (not shown) such as truss or corrugated fasteners (e.g., bolts). The frame  224  is relatively flat, which can make it easier to store the frame  224  at airports after removing the frame  224 . 
     In addition, corner fittings  226 , such as those configured as described above with respect to aforementioned Figures, can be coupled to each corner of the hybrid cargo container system  100 . 
     As further shown, the hybrid cargo container system  100  defines a first planar support region  228  based on the frame  224  being coupled to the chamfered container body  102 , and would define a second planar support region  230  based on the frame  224  being removed from the chamfered container body  102 . 
       FIG.  19    depicts the hybrid cargo container system  100  of  FIG.  18   , but oriented upside-down, according to an example implementation. In some cases, the hybrid cargo container system  100  can be oriented in this way and stacked on a floor surface (e.g., of a truck bed or aircraft) or on another container. 
     Embodiments such as those in  FIGS.  18 - 19    where the corner support assembly  104  is removably coupled to the chamfered container body  102  can be advantageous because the corner support assembly  104  is removed in order to load the container on an aircraft and does not need to fly with the aircraft, and thus the corner support assembly  104  can be designed to be heavier and more robust compared to the chamfered container body  102 . 
       FIGS.  20 ,  21 ,  22 , and  23    depict arrangements in which the hybrid cargo container system  100  (not explicitly shown in  FIGS.  20 - 23   ) includes a lever arm  232  coupled to one sidewall of the chamfered container body  102  (not designated in  FIGS.  20 - 23   )—namely, the second sidewall  110 —and rotatable about an axis  234  that is transverse to the second sidewall  110 . In particular, the lever arm  232  is shown to be used for actuating a representative example of a support  236  of the corner support assembly  104 . For illustrative purposes, only a portion of the support  236  is shown. 
       FIGS.  20  and  21    depict a lever arm arrangement in which the hybrid cargo container system  100  also includes a link  238  that couples the lever arm  232  to the support  236 . As such, rotation of the lever arm  232  causes rotation of the link  238 , thereby causing movement of the support  236  between the deployed position and the stowed position.  FIG.  20    depicts the support  236  in the deployed position, and  FIG.  21    depicts the support  236  in an intermediate position between the deployed position and the stowed position. 
       FIGS.  22  and  23    next depict a lever arm arrangement in which the support  236  includes first gear teeth  240  and a proximal end of the lever arm  232  includes second gear teeth  242  configured to engage with the first gear teeth  240  such that rotation of the lever arm  232  causes movement of the support  236  between the deployed position and the stowed position.  FIG.  22    depicts the support  236  in the deployed position, and  FIG.  23    depicts the support  236  in an intermediate position between the deployed position and the stowed position. 
       FIG.  24    shows a flowchart of an example of a method  300 . Method  300  could be used with the hybrid cargo container system  100  and components thereof shown in  FIGS.  1 - 23   . Method  300  may include one or more operations, functions, or actions as illustrated by one or more of blocks  302 - 304 . 
     At block  302 , the method  300  includes moving a corner support assembly of a hybrid cargo container system from a deployed position to a stowed position, where based on the corner support assembly being in the deployed position, the corner support assembly is configured to at least partially support another container stacked thereon. 
     At block  304 , the method  300  includes loading the hybrid cargo container system into a fuselage of an aircraft based on the corner support assembly being in the stowed position. 
     In some embodiments, moving the corner support assembly from the deployed position to the stowed position involves moving the corner support assembly from the deployed position to the stowed position to cause the hybrid cargo container system to define less of a volume in the stowed position than when in the deployed position. 
     In some embodiments, moving the corner support assembly of the hybrid cargo container system from the deployed position to the stowed position involves moving a corner support assembly that is coupled to at least one sidewall of a plurality of sidewalls of a chamfered container body of the hybrid cargo container system, the plurality of sidewalls define a storage chamber for storing and transporting items therein, and the plurality of sidewalls comprises a first sidewall, a second sidewall, and a chamfer sidewall that is attached to, and extends transverse to, the first sidewall and the second sidewall. Further, in such embodiments, moving the corner support assembly from the deployed position to the stowed position involves moving the corner support assembly from the deployed position to the stowed position to cause the corner support assembly to occupy less of a corner space exterior to and adjacent to the chamfer sidewall than when in the deployed position. Additionally, in such embodiments, loading the hybrid cargo container system into the fuselage of the aircraft based on the corner support assembly being in the stowed position comprises loading the hybrid cargo container system into the fuselage of the aircraft such that a curved sidewall of the fuselage occupies at least a portion of the corner space. 
     In some embodiments, the method  300  also includes unloading the hybrid cargo container system from the fuselage of the aircraft based on the corner support assembly being in the stowed position, and moving the corner support assembly from the stowed position to the deployed position. Further, in such embodiments, the method  300  also includes loading the hybrid cargo container system directly from the aircraft and onto a ground transportation vehicle, and stacking another container on the hybrid cargo container system based on the corner support assembly being in the deployed position. 
     Different examples of the system(s), device(s), and method(s) disclosed herein include a variety of components, features, and functionalities. It should be understood that the various examples of the system(s), device(s), and method(s) disclosed herein may include any of the components, features, and functionalities of any of the other examples of the system(s), device(s), and method(s) disclosed herein in any combination or any sub-combination, and all of such possibilities are intended to be within the scope of the disclosure. 
     The description of the different advantageous arrangements has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, and is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the examples in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Further, different advantageous examples may describe different advantages as compared to other advantageous examples. The example or examples selected are chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the examples, the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the disclosure for various examples with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.