AU2002230573A1 - Latch device for securing cargo containers together and/or to vehicle decks - Google Patents

Description

LATCHDEVICE FORSECURING CARGO CONTAINERS TOGETHERAND/ORTO VEHICLEDECKS

Claim of Priority

This is a non-provisional application claiming priority based on App. No. 60/245,965, filed November 3, 2000 and entitled "Latch Device for Securing Cargo Containers Together And/or to Vehicle Decks," and also claiming priority based on App. No. 60/292,505, filed May 21 , 2001 also entitled "Latch Device for Securing Cargo Containers Together And/or to Vehicle Decks."

Background of the Invention

The invention relates to container securement devices, and more particularly, to

improvements in cargo container securement devices of the type that provides automatic

securement and release of a cargo container. The device is mountable and demountable on a

deck or frame of a vehicle so that the device can be adapted to different load conditions including

a different mix of containers of different length and the like while having unused devices not

interfere with the flush mounting of long containers.

Description of Related Art

U.S. Patent 3,365,229 teaches a top coupler means for interlocking a pair of opposed

container corner brackets to provide for a tandem coupling of said containers, said top coupling

means including a pair of first and second.severable top coupler elements, each element having

a clamp portion for engagement with respective corner bracket and a spacer portion engageable

with the spacer portion of the other element attendant to space separation of one corner bracket

from the other, said first top coupler element being provided with one coupler element interlock

portion and said second top coupler element being provided with another coupler interlock

portion for intercoupling with the one interlock portion, and means for pivotally interlocking one

element with the other, and bottom coupling means for coupling the bottoms of the containers together, and hoisting means therefore. The disclosure in this patent is incorporated by reference in the instant application as if fully set forth herein.

U.S. Patent 3,603,267 teaches a supporting and securement structure adapted to use on

carrier vehicles, including railway flatcars, for the transportation of varied sizes and numbers of box-type containers in which merchandise is shipped; said structure having guide tracks secured

to the carrier vehicle structure and one-piece pedestal type supports with integral support portions

retained within the guide tracks for movement therealong to predetermined positions of

securement and swingable around said support portions between upright and collapsed positions,

the support pedestals being constructed and propelled for relative stability in their upright

positions and collapsible into relatively small openings in the guide tracks themselves to close

said openings when not in use. The disclosure in this patent is incorporated by reference in the

instant application as if fully set forth herein.

U.S. Patent 3,604,363 teaches spring-biased latches on a transport carrier for

automatically engaging and disengaging bottom corner container fittings are bodily movable to

maintain the same latching engagement within limits for various clearances between the

container fittings and the housings secured to the transport carrier on which the latches are

mounted. The disclosure in this patent is incorporated by reference in the instant application as

if fully set forth herein.

U.S. Patent 3,604,364 teaches fittings at the corners of a container that are automatically

latched to a railway car when it is lowered thereon and unlatched therefrom when the container

is lifted from transport position. Each fitting is received in a housing on the car on which a

bellcrank latch is mounted to pivot about a pair of spaced axes under the biasing action of a coil

compression spring reacting between the housing and the distal end of one arm of the latch. The distal end of the other arm of the latch has latching engagement with the respective container fitting. The housings are slidable along slots extending lengthwise along opposite sides of the

car and can be swung to retracted positions on trunnions extending below the floor or deck of the car. The trunnions are located in spaced relation to the latches to cause them to maintain latching engagement with the container on upward movement of it during transport. The retracted

housings are arranged to be bypassed by other housings slidable along the slots. The disclosure

in this patent is incorporated by reference in the instant application as if fully set forth herein.

U.S. Patent 3,628,222 teaches a latching mechanism having two pivotally mounted and

interacting members. This mechanism provides for automatic locking when moved to the latched

position with provisions for unlocking when unlatching is desired. The latching mechanism is

particularly adaptable for use in latching shipping containers to the bed of transporting vehicles.

The disclosure in this patent is incorporated by reference in the instant application as if fully set forth herein.

U.S. Patent 3,630,155 teaches a railroad car container bracket mounted on transverse

sideplate means attached periodically to the sides of the railroad car deck. The bracket is pivoted

on an axis transverse to the longitudinal centerline of the car and constructed in such a manner

as to prevent longitudinal, transverse, and vertical movement of a container. When the brackets

are in position supporting the four bottom corners of a container, the bracket will transmit impact

forces to the deck of the railway car in a unique manner which shields the bracket pivot pin from

damaging shearing forces. The bracket also contains a spring-loaded pivot latch which prevents

dislodgment of the container in a vertical direction, especially when the container is empty and

subjected to high wind loading which tends to tip an empty container from the deck of the

container car. The disclosure in this patent is incorporated by reference in the instant application

as if fully set forth herein. U.S. Patent 3,774,551 teaches a spring biased latch lever is variably pivoted on the housing of container securing means on a transport carrier to accommodate minimum and

maximum clearances between the container securing means and the bottom container fitting mounted thereon. The disclosure in this patent is incorporated by reference in the instant

application as if folly set forth herein.

U.S. Patent 4,236,853 teaches a coating of cadmium applied to a container pedestal latch

protuberance which lowers the maximum exit force sufficiently as to be within the 2200 pound

maximum in the AAR specification while the minimum exit force of 1600 pounds and the

maximum container entry force of 800 pounds were also within the specification. The disclosure

in this patent is incorporated by reference in the instant application as if fully set forth herein.

U.S. Patent 4,277,212 teaches a connector for use in the securement of a first member,

such as a cargo container, to a base support includes a base member, a post member extending

from the base member in one direction and an attaching means for attaching the connector to the

base support extending from the base member in the other direction. Restraining means provides

vertical restraint to the container when the post member is positioned to extend into the opening

of the web of the corner casting thereof and the container is restrained from movement in at least

one horizontal direction. In one form, a restraining surface for the container is located on a cam

pivotally mounted by the post member and in a second form, a restraining surface for the

container is on the post member itself. The cam of the first form is pivotally mounted so that in

response to lifting movement, the cam is rotated about its axis to act upon the web portion to impact a force horizontally whereby the container, in loading, follows a path similar to that in

loading. In the second form, a plunger, under a force of compression of a spring, acts on the web

portion to provide a similar function. The disclosure in this patent is incorporated by reference

in the instant application as if fully set forth herein. U.S. Patent 4,372,715 teaches a punch type release lock intended for use primarily in retaining load supports such as pallets in locked position in an aircraft. The lock comprises a detent mechanism which is inserted into a recess preferably at the side of the load support. A preferred form of detent mechanism comprises a pair of relatively movable elements, at least one of which is pivoted. The elements include abutments which are movable apart as the elements are inserted into the recess. When a load is applied to the pivoted detent, as for example, by a parachute extracting system, movement of the element in a direction to withdraw the element to release the load support is prevented by a load cell comprising a fuse plate and punch, in which the punch is prevented from movement by the fuse plate until attainment of a predetermined load on the pivoted detent element. At the pre determined load, the punch penetrates the fuse plate and upon penetration of the fuse plate, the punch is relatively freely movable to effectively permit the load support to move the pivoted detent element to completely release the load support. The disclosure in this patent is incorporated by reference in the instant application as if fully set forth herein.

U.S. Patent 4,382,734 teaches a container pedestal for supporting and securing a cargo container having a catch opening on a vehicle such as a rail car. The pedestal includes a base defining a platform for supporting the container. A pivotal latch lever is biased by a spring into a latched position wherein a latching nose on the lever registers with a latch recess in the container. The latch nose is contacted for pivoting the latch lever from the latched to a released position when the container is raised or lowered. The latch lever can be manually locked, yet

self-entry automatic loading can be carried out in the locked condition. A line contact between the latch lever and the spring provides reliable and consistent latch operation due to a uniform spring lever arm length. The disclosure in this patent is incorporated by reference in the instant application as if fully set forth herein. U.S. Patent 4,382,735 teaches a container pedestal for supporting and securing a cargo

container having a catch opening on a vehicle such as a rail car. The pedestal includes a base

defining a platform for supporting the container. A pivotal latch lever is biased by a spring into a latched position wherein a latching nose on the lever registers with a latch recess in the container. The latch nose is contacted by the container for pivoting the latch lever from the

latched to a released position when the container is raised or lowered. The latch lever can be

manually locked, yet self-entry automatic loading can be carried out in the locked condition. A

line contact between the latch lever and the spring provides reliable and consistent latch

operation due to a uniform spring lever arm length. The disclosure in this patent is incorporated

by reference in the instant application as if fully set forth herein.

U.S. Patent 4,430,032 teaches a latch for locking a container to a pedestal on the flat deck

of a flat car and particularly containers containing flammable materials. The container is

supported on a pedestal at each corner thereof and the pedestals are adjustably mounted in guideways for movement along the deck of the flat car in accordance with the length of the

container, to support containers at selected intervals along the car. A spring biased latch is

provided to lock the container to the pedestal and a lock is provided for the latch is provided

which reacts against the pedestal and includes a biasing spring for the lock to positively hold the

latch in a locked position even though the car should be derailed. The disclosure in this patent

is incorporated by reference in the instant application as if fully set forth herein.

U.S. Patent 4,626,155 teaches a device for automatically securing a cargo container to a

support such as a deck of a vehicle or a second container with the first container is to be stacked.

The device includes a base having a proj ecting shear block received in the locking opening of the

container. A head rotates between an unlocked or loading position in which the head moves

through the locking opening and a locked position in which the container is secured. Automatic entry and release are provided by a spring within the biasing the head to the locked position but

permitting movement to the unlocked position when torque is applied by engagement of the container with a cam surface on the head. Visible indication of the locked position and positive locking of the head in the locked position may be provided. For stacked containers, two aligned

shear blocks and two angularly offset heads are provided and the spring may be released for

manual locking of the device to one container followed by automatic locking to the second

container. The disclosure in this patent is incorporated by reference in the instant application as

if fully set forth herein.

U.S. Patent 5,090,638 teaches a locking mechanism for tying down a piece of freight on

a loading floor in an aircraft has a housing recessed in the loading floor. A latch opening

member and a latching member are journalled in the housing to tilt toward each other or away

from each other. Follower cams of the latching member ride in respective cam guide tracks of

the latch operating member. A tension spring tends to bias the latching member and the latch

operating member in opposite directions in a freight latching position or into a recessed beyond

dead center position. Stop members are so positioned on the latch operating member and on the

latching member that the latter cannot be tilted without activating the latch operating member

which can be rolled over by a piece of freight in one direction when projecting from the housing

and in the other direction when recessed into the housing. The disclosure in this patent is

incorporated by reference in the instant application as if fully set forth herein.

U.S. Patent 5,106,247 teaches an automatic hold down and locking as well as automatic

load configuration change capability device system, which can be used to hold down and lock

either one long container or several shorter containers within the same loading space, regardless

of the outside width or width of bottom side rail flange on the container. The locking device

system has four fixed non-retractable folly automatic locking devices positioned on the load carrier at the four outer standard locking points of each long container, and at least two retractable folly automatic locking devices positioned at the long side of the load carrier between and in line with the outer locking points. The disclosure in this patent is incorporated by

reference in the instant application as if folly set forth herein.

U.S. Patent 5,560,088 teaches a coupling piece includes an abutment and locking member which is shiftable relative to the abutment to allow for an automatic and reliable locking of the

containers. The coupling pieces do not jam when the connection is released by means of slightly

tilting the upper container. The coupling piece is particularly suitable for automatically locking

and releasing tightly stowed containers, especially 20' containers. In an alternate embodiment,

a coupling piece is shaped such that the entire coupling piece is shifted to a locking position

when containers are placed on top of one another. The disclosure in this patent is incorporated

by reference in the instant application as if folly set forth herein.

U.S. Patent 5,570,981 teaches a cargo container hold down device that includes a shear

block defining a base and a housing therefore that is shaped so that the base forms a planar

surfacing thereabout on which the cargo container fitting rests in the applied relation of the

container relative to the supporting platform involved; the shear block housing pivotally mounts

a latch device comprising a latch member that includes a nose portion having an upper cam

surfacing for engagement by a correspondingly located container mounted corner fitting, and an

under cam surfacing disposed for engagement by such correspondingly located container

mounted corner fitting on removal of such container therefrom, the latch member being biased

outwardly of the shear block housing to dispose the nose thereof over the container corner fitting

supporting surface of the shear block housing, and including an element for withdrawing such

latch member within the shear block housing about one pivot axis when the container is applied

to the device, and an element for withdrawing such latch member within the shear block housing about a separate axis that is spaced from and parallels the first indicated pivot axis when the container is removed from such device, so as to achieve a smooth and easier loading of the container, and provide for increased force for cam positioning of the device latch member for container removal purposes. The disclosure in this patent is incorporated by reference in the instant application as if folly set forth herein.

U.S. Patent 5,797,169 teaches a coupling piece for the detachable connection of corner fittings of adjacent containers, especially of containers stacked one above the other on board ships. In order to reduce the manual effort involved in coupling together containers, semiautomatic coupling pieces are known which only need to be manually attached to one container and pre-locked. A foil locking after the containers have been placed one on top of the other is effected automatically. Coupling pieces of this type require however, in many respects, a

complex automatic actuating mechanism. In order to simplify the automatic actuating mechanism, a plurality of stop faces are provided, which are offset to one another on the locking bolt and which can be brought alternately into a corresponding position to a stop face on a spring- loaded ram. The contact of a stop face of the locking bolt against the stop face of the spring- loaded ram enables the locking bolt to be fixed simply and reliably in the respectively intended position of its crossbolts. The disclosure in this patent is incorporated by reference in the instant application as if fully set forth herein.

Canadian Patent No. 589031, issued December, 1959, in Class/Subclass 410/80 is

believed to generally relate to the subject matter of this invention.

A company known as Peck & Hale has offered for sale a model F665 Safe-T-Loc Stacker container lock, believed to be more than one year prior to the filing date of this application.

It will be seen that the forgoing prior art teaches certain parameters for container locks and use various complex solutions to meet the needs taught. The instant invention departs from the complex mechanisms and mechanisms of limited fonctionality in its use of the housing with

several camming surfaces, a latch with specific geometry to engage the surfaces in the housing,

the corner casting of the container and the spring, moving through the required motion and imparting the required loads and resistance to forces, yet further providing a simple, strong and

efficient structure with a minimum of parts, notably without a latch pivot. Additionally, the prior

art typically uses either complex spring mounting and seating arrangements or spring mounting

and/or seating arrangements that are difficult to work with, particularly when changing broken

springs or replacing springs with appropriately calibrated springs. The instant invention utilizes

simple, yet high performance spring mounting and seating.

Brief Description of the Preferred Embodiment

A device for securing cargo containers to a vehicle deck and/or two cargo containers

together comprising a housing containing a latch mechanism that extends outwardly from the

housing to engage a cargo container corner casting. The other side of the housing has two flanges

projecting therefrom in a generally "T" shaped plan form.

In the case where two cargo containers are to be secured together, the flanges are inserted

into the aperture of a cargo containers corner fitting manually and oriented in such a manner as

to prevent its removal. The appropriate corner fitting of the other cargo container is brought into

contact with the exposed end of the device's latch mechanism that extends outwardly from the

housing to engage the cargo container corner casting and secure the two cargo containers

together. When appropriate force is exerted to pull the two cargo containers apart, the devices

latch mechanism that extends outwardly from the housing will automatically retract into the

devices housing allowing the two cargo containers to be separated.

In the case where a cargo container is to be secured to a deck or frame of a vehicle, the

flanges are inserted into the aperture of a deck or frame of a vehicle manually and oriented in such a manner as to prevent its removal. The appropriate corner fitting of the cargo container is brought into contact with the exposed end of the device latch mechanism that extends outwardly from the housing to engage the cargo container corner casting and secure it to the deck

or frame of a vehicle. When appropriate force is exerted to pull the cargo container off of the

deck, the devices latch mechanism that extends outwardly from the housing will automatically retract into the devices housing allowing the cargo container to be removed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Fig.l is a largely schematic perspective view of a support surface to which the indicated

pairs of container support or hold down devices have been applied, and a cargo container is to

be supported thereon, which support surface may be, for instance, the deck of a railroad car.

Fig.2 is an exploded perspective view of one of the cargo container lock or securement

devices arranged in accordance with the invention.

Fig.3 is a diagrammatic perspective view showing the container lock or securement

device of Fig.2 assembled and disposed to receive the conventional lower corner fitting of a

cargo container that is being lowered onto same; the securement device of Fig.3 is shown

deliberately separated from, for instance, a railroad car deck, that normally supports same, to

expose the underside of same for disclosure purposes.

Fig.4 is a side elevational view of the latch device for cargo containers.

Fig.5 is a frontal elevational view of the latch device for cargo containers.

Fig.6 is a back elevational view of the latch device for cargo containers.

FigJ is a top plan view of the latch device for cargo containers.

Fig.8 is a bottom plan view of the latch device for cargo containers.

Fig.9 is a side elevational view of the latch device for cargo containers, same as Fig.4.

Fig.10 is an alternate frontal elevational view other than Fig.5 of the latch device for cargo containers showing a frontal cavity which is utilized during assembly of the alternate latch that contains two stub protrusions on the end of the leg of the latch.

Fig.l 1 is an alternate bottom plan view other than Fig.8 of the latch device for cargo

containers showing a bottom cavity which is utilized during assembly of the alternate latch that

contains two stub protrusions on the end of the leg of the latch.

Fig.12 is an alternate bottom plan view other than Figs. 8 and 11 of the latch device for

cargo containers showing an alternate bottom housing shape which maybe utilized when the said

latch device is being applied to a support surface that does not require the housings bottom

flanges, such as in the case of welding the housing to a support surface.

Fig.13 is a sectional side elevational view of the housing for the latch device.

Fig.14 is a sectional side elevational view of the latch for the latch device.

Fig.15 is a sectional side elevational view of the housing for the latch device which

utilizes an alternate latch that contains two stub protrusions on the end of the leg of the latch..

Fig.16 is a side elevational view of the alternate latch for the latch device which contains

two stub protrusions on the end of the leg of the latch..

Fig.17 is a sectional side elevational view of the housing for the latch device showing the

initial insertion technique utilized for assembling the said alternate latch that contains two stub

protrusions on the end of the leg.

Fig.18 is a sectional side elevational view of the housing for the latch device showing the

secondary assembly path utilized for assembling the said alternate latch that contains two stub

protrusions on the end of the leg, the two stub protrusions on the end of the leg are being inserted

through the frontal cavity shown in Fig.10.

Fig.19 is a sectional side elevational view of the housing for the latch device showing the

final assembly path utilized for assembling the said alternate latch that contains two stub protrusions on the end of the leg, the two stub protrusions on the end of the leg are being inserted

through the bottom cavity shown in Fig.l 1.

Fig.20 is a bottom plan view of the latch device showing the end of a spring in the housings slot cavity and a view of the appropriate retainer.

Fig.21 is a bottom plan view of the latch device showing the end of a spring in the

housings slot cavity and the retainer placed on top of the spring appropriately.

Fig.22 is a bottom plan view of the latch device showing the end of a spring in the

housings slot cavity and the retainer turned and secured to captivate the internal spring and latch

appropriately.

Fig.23 is a sectional side elevational view showing the positions of the latch devices

internal components just prior to the cargo containers corner fitting being removed from the device.

Fig.24 is a sectional side elevational view showing the positions of the latch devices

internal components during partial removal of the cargo containers corner fitting from the device.

Fig.25 is a sectional side elevational view showing the positions of the latch devices

internal components retracted into the devices housing just after the cargo containers corner

fitting has been removed from the device.

Fig.26 is a sectional side elevational view showing the positions of the latch devices

internal components just prior to the cargo containers corner fitting engaging with the device.

Fig.27 is a sectional side elevational view showing the positions of the latch devices

internal components folly retracted into the devices housing just after the cargo containers corner

fitting has been engaged onto the device.

Fig.28 is a sectional side elevational view showing the positions of the latch devices

internal components that include the alternate latch that contains two stub protrusions on the end of the leg, just prior to the cargo containers corner fitting being removed from the device.

Fig.29 is a sectional side elevational view showing the positions of the latch devices internal components that include the alternate latch that contains two stub protrusions on the end of the leg, during partial removal of the cargo containers corner fitting from the device.

Fig.30 is a sectional side elevational view showing the positions of the latch devices

internal components that include the alternate latch that contains two stub protrusions on the end

of the leg, retracted into the devices housing just after the cargo containers corner fitting has been

removed from the device.

Fig.31 is a sectional side elevational view showing the positions of the latch devices

internal components that include the alternate latch that contains two stub protrusions on the end

of the leg, just prior to the cargo containers corner fitting engaging with the device.

Fig.32 is a sectional side elevational view showing the positions of the latch devices

internal components that include the alternate latch that contains two stub protrusions on the end

of the leg, folly retracted into the devices housing just after the cargo containers corner fitting has

been engaged onto the device.

Fig.33 is a lateral side elevational view of the latch device appropriately rotated so its

bottom flanges are orientated with a cargo container corner casting aperture.

Fig.34 is a lateral side elevational view of the latch device appropriately rotated so its

bottom flanges are orientated with a cargo container corner casting aperture and raised up into

the aperture.

Fig.35 is a lateral side elevational view of the latch device appropriately rotated so its

bottom flanges are orientated to retain the latch device in a cargo container corner casting

aperture.

Fig.36 is a lateral side elevational view of the latch device appropriately retained in a cargo containers bottom corner casting aligned and ready to be lowered down onto another cargo containers top corner casting.

Fig.37 is a longitudinal side elevational view of the latch device appropriately retained

in a cargo containers bottom corner casting aligned and ready to be lowered down onto another

cargo containers top corner casting.

Fig.38 is a sectional horizontal view of the cargo containers bottom corner casting shown

in Fig.20. The captivated flanged end of the latch device is clarified.

Fig.39 is a lateral side elevational view of the latch device appropriately retained between

two cargo containers.

Fig.40 is a longitudinal side elevational view of the latch device appropriately retained

between two cargo containers.

Fig.41 is a lateral side elevational view of the latch device appropriately retained between

a cargo container on the top and an appropriate vehicle deck on the bottom.

Fig.42 is a longitudinal side elevational view of the latch device appropriately retained

between a cargo container on the top and an appropriate vehicle deck on the bottom.

Fig.43 is a lateral side elevational view of the latch device appropriately retained between

a cargo container on the top and an appropriate vehicle deck on the bottom, said device

represents being welded to the vehicle deck.

Fig.44 is a longitudinal side elevational view of the latch device appropriately retained

between a cargo container on the top and an appropriate vehicle deck on the bottom, said device

represents being welded to the vehicle deck.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment

Referring now to Fig.l, there is illustrated in somewhat of a diagrammatic manner a

support 22 upon which a cargo container 20 is to be secured by Applicant's improved securement devices 10 that, in this regard, are arranged in accordance with FIGS. 2 through 44 of this application, and in accordance with the principles of the present invention herein disclosed. The support 22 may, for instance, be a deck or floor of a railroad flat car or other rail transport vehicle, or support 22 may be another type of vehicle to which the device 10 is applied in multiples of four for the usual application thereof to cargo container corner fittings 21 or the like.

The principles of the present invention are applicable to devices for securing various types of containers to various types of supports. In the illustrated embodiment of the invention,

the cargo containers 20 are identical and are of the usual parallelepiped configuration that is involved in standard and modular forms of containers of this type as illustrated, each of the four lower corners of each container 20 includes a corner fitting 21 in the nature of a corner casting that may be of the type specified by the standards of the Association of American Railroads. The corner fitting 21 defines an upwardly or downwardly facing horizontal wall 51 (see Fig. 3) that defines an opening 24 that is of the familiar quadrilateral configuration. In accordance with the present invention, the securement devices 10 are intended to protrude through the locking

opening 24 of the individual container corner fittings to achieve securement and automatic entry and release of the respective containers as hereinafter disclosed.

The lock or securement device 10 of the present invention is illustrated in detail in Figs. 2 through 44, which will be described in detail hereinafter.

The latch device 10 is comprised of housing 11 , a latch 12, a retainer 13 and a spring 14.

An exploded perspective view is shown in Fig.2. An assembled side lateral view of device 10 is shown in Fig.4. The housing has flanges 15 and 16 which extend outwardly from the housing which engage a cargo containers corner casting aperture opening 24 or a vehicle decks comparable aperture opening 23. The housing 11 has a base 18 which is spaced between two

cargo containers corner fittings 21 or a cargo containers corner fittings 21 and a vehicle decks appropriate structure and surface 25.

The illustrations within this document shows that the vehicle decks appropriate structure

and surface 25 is identical to the same aperture shape, size, and structure thiclαiess of a standard cargo container corner casting. This is desirable so that the latch device 10 maybe utilized for

orientating with latch 12 upwards as shown in Fig.41 or downwards as shown in Fig.39. It is to

be noted that the scope of the design of latch device 10 is not to be limited to an appropriate

structure and surface 25 being identical to a cargo containers corner fittings 21. Housing 11 and

flanges 15 and 16 are allowed to be varied so as to engage an appropriate deck aperture that is

defined by the user.

The illustration in Fig.12 shows an example of the tailorability of housing 11 where

instead of flanges 15 and 16, the bottom end of housing 11 may be formed into a round cylinder

shape 52 which is capable of containing retainer 13 and spring 14. Figs. 43 and 44 show a side

and frontal view respectively of Device 10 securing a cargo container 20 to the vehicle decks

appropriate structure 22. An appropriate surface 54 is to allow device 10 to be supported with

proper provisions 53 for shape 52 of housing 11. Figs. 43 and 44 show the example of how

housing 11, if made of appropriate materials maybe fastened to surface 54 by welds 55.

There are two typical application uses for Latch Device 10. One application of latch

device 10 is for securing standard cargo containers20 (partial side sectional views shown)

together by latching their corner castings 21, see Figs. 39 and 40. The other typical application

of latch device 10 is for securing a standard cargo container 20 onto a vehicle deck or frame 22

such as shown in Figs. 41, 42, 43 and 44.

One unique feature of the latch device 10 is how the device is assembled and its

components housing 11, latch 12, retainer 13 and spring 14 are held together in relation to each

other. To assemble latch device 10, refer to Fig.26. Leg 29 oflatchl2 is first inserted into cavity opening 27 of housing 11 and then positioned into the internal pocket 28 as shown in Fig.26. Secondly, spring 14 which is a typical metal compression or die spring is inserted through cavity opening 26 of housing 11 with one end on the spring being positioned onto the protrusion 30 of

latch 12. Fig.20 is a bottom plan view of latch device 10 showing the end of a spring 12 in the

housing cavity opening 26 and a view of the appropriate retainer 13. Retainer 13 is orientated

and placed into housing cavity-opening 26 on top of the end of spring 12 as shown in Fig.21. An

appropriate assembly force is applied to retainer 13 compressing spring 12 so as to push retainer

13 into housing cavity opening 26 past tabs 31 and 32 and four internal nubs 33. Retainer 13 is

then rotated appropriately as shown in Fig.22 and become aligned with tabs 31 and 32 and the

four internal nubs. The assembly force that has been applied to retainer 13 is removed and this

results in retainer 13 backing out of the housing cavity 26 and bearing against tabs 31 and 32

which prevents complete- removal of retainer 13. The four internal nubs 33 traps the retainer 13

into the desired position holding the parts together and prevents retainer 13 from rotating and

inadvertently aligning itself with housing cavity 26 which would allow the parts to come loose.

To disassemble latch device 10, the order of these steps are reversed.

Another unique feature of the latch device 10 is that it has an integral attachment feature

19. This feature allows an appropriate tether, such as a chain or cable, to be attached to housing

11 which in turn secures latch device 10 to a deck 22 or frame of a vehicle. Attachment feature

19 is typically a through hole and is not unique by itself, but the uniqueness is that this feature

is integral with this type of devices housing 11 and has not been represented by any known prior

art. The reason for this type of integral attachment feature is to deter theft of latch device 10

when it is desired for it to be removed from an appropriate structure and surface 25 from a

vehicle deck 22 but yet remain with the vehicle. Latch device 10 is to be capable of being

removed from the appropriate structure and surface 25 and stowed in an appropriate area on the vehicle so the latch device 10 will not be in the way for other types of lading when cargo containers are not being transported.

Another unique and novel feature of latch device 10 is that there is no pin, bolt or fastener retaining latch 12 to housing 11. All prior art that utilizes a pivoting latch uses some type of

latch/pin arrangement. Latch device 10 utilizes a latch 12 that is contoured and functionally

matched to fit within the internal contours of housing Hand be restrained by the resulting

geometry. Figs. 23 through 27 show sectional views of latch device 10 at various operational

stages of engaging and disengaging with a corner casting 21 of a standard cargo container 20.

Figs. 28 through 32 show sectional views of latch device 10 at various operational stages of

engaging and disengaging with a corner casting 21 of a standard cargo container 20, this device

10 utilizes an alternate latch 12 shape that has stub protrusions 45 and 46 on the end of leg 29

(see Fig.2).

Fig.23 represents the earliest operational stage of when a corner casting 21 of a standard

cargo container 20 is being removed off of the latch device 10 and is starting to make contact

with the concave underside 40 of latch 12. It is to be observed that latch 12 is secured in the

internal pocket 28 of housing 11 by its leg 29. Latch surfaces 34 and 36 contact internal housing

pocket 28 at surfaces 37 and 39 respectively. Spring 14 being positioned onto the protrusion 30

of latch 12 assures that latch 12 is secured into proper position. As corner casting 21 of a

standard cargo container 20 is being removed off of the latch device 10 and is in contact with the

concave underside 40 of latch 12. It is to be observed that latch 12 is pivoting in the internal

pocket 28 of housing 11 by its Leg 29. Latch surface 34 is contacting and pivoting about internal

housing pocket 28 at surface 37. Spring 14 being positioned onto the protrusion 30 of latch 12

assures that latch 12 translates and pivots through the desired motion. The actual location and

shape of latch surface 34 and internal housing surface 37 is allowed to be tailored as desired to obtain the desired release action of the latch device 10.

Fig.24 represents the operational stage of when a corner casting 21 of a standard cargo container 20 is being removed off of the latch device 10 and is making contact with the concave underside 40 of latch 12. It is to be observed that latch 12 has pivoted and rotated in the internal pocket 28 of housing 11 by its Leg 29. Fig.24 shows that latch surface 35 is now coming into contact and pivoting about internal housing pocket 28 at surface 39. Spring 14 being positioned onto the protrusion 30 of latch 12 assures that latch 12 translates and pivots through the desired motion. The actual location and shape of latch surfaces 34 and 35 and internal housing surfaces 37 and 38 is allowed to be tailored as desired to obtain the desired release action of the latch device 10.

It is to be observed that this two or more surface pivot and contact areas of latch 12 during the release action of latch device 10 is similar but unique from prior art Brewster U. S. Patent 5,570,981. Latch 12 of latch device 10 is not guided and restrained by a pin. Line action 43 defines the travel line which the contact surfaces of corner casting 21 of a standard cargo container 20 travels while it is being removed off of or being placed onto the latch device 10. Typically it is desired that latch surface 34 contacting and pivoting about internal housing pocket

28 at surface 37 is near or to the right of line action 43 which results in minimizing the mechanical force advantage of spring 14. Minimizing the mechanical force advantage of spring 14 during initial release motion of corner casting 21 aids in obtaining low applied forces and smooth startup motion of latch 12. After startup motion of latch 12, it is desired to increase the mechanical force advantage of spring 14 so as to minimize the required size of spring 14. This is accomplished by creating new pivot areas other than surface 34 of latch 12 farther away and to the left of line action 43 as illustrated in Fig.24 and previously described.

Fig.25 represents the operational stage further along when a corner casting 21 of a standard cargo container 20 is being removed off of the latch device 10 and clears contact with

the concave underside 40 of latch 12. It is to be observed that latch 12 is pivoting in the internal

pocket 28 of housing 11 by its leg 29. Fig.25 shows latch surface 35 is contacting and pivoting about internal housing pocket 28 at surface 38. It is allowed for latch surface 42 to be contoured

and to contact and pivot about internal housing pocket 28 at surface 38 to obtain the desired

release effect of latch device 10. Spring 14 being positioned onto the protrusion 30 of latch 12

assures that latch 12 translates and pivots through the desired motion. The actual location and

shape of latch surfaces 34, 35 and 42 and internal housing surfaces 37 and 38 are allowed to be

tailored as desired to obtain the desired release action of the latch device 10.

Fig.26 represents the earliest operational stage of when a corner casting 21 of a standard

cargo container 20 is engaging with latch device 10 and is starting to make contact with the

convex upper-side 41 of latch 12. It is to be observed that latch 12 is secured in the internal

pocket 28 of housing 11 by its Leg 29. Latch surfaces 34 and 36 contact internal housing pocket

28 at surfaces 37 and 39 respectively. Spring 14 being positioned onto the protrusion 30 of latch

12 assures that latch 12 is secured into proper position. As corner casting 21 of a standard cargo

container 20 is engaging the latch device 10 and is in contact with the convex upper-side 41 of

latch 12. It is to be observed that latch 12 is pivoting in the internal pocket 28 of housing 11 by

its Leg 29. Latch surface 36 is contacting and pivoting about internal housing pocket 28 at

surface 39. Spring 14 being positioned onto the protrusion 30 of latch 12 assures that latch 12

translates and pivots through the desired motion. The actual location and shape of latch surface

36 and internal housing surface 39 is allowed to be tailored as desired to obtain the desired engagement action of the latch device 10.

It is to be observed that this pivot and contact area 36 of latch 12 during the engagement

action of latch device 10 is similar but unique from prior art Brewster U. S. Patent 5,570,981. Latch 12 of latch device 10 is not guided and restrained by a pin. Line action 43 defines the

travel line which the contact surfaces of corner casting 21 of a standard cargo container 20 travels

while it is engaging and being placed onto the latch device 10. Typically it is desired that latch

surface 36 contacting and pivoting about internal housing pocket 28 at surface 39 be as far away

and to the left of line action 43 which results in minimizing the mechanical force advantage of

spring 14 as illustrated in Fig.24. Minimizing the mechanical force advantage of spring 14

during the engagement motion of corner casting 21 aids in obtaining low applied forces and

smooth engagement motion of latch 12.

Fig.27 represents the operational stage further along when a corner casting 21 of a

standard cargo container 20 is being engaged onto latch device 10 and clears contact with the

convex upper-side 41 of latch 12. It is to be observed that latch 12 is pivoting in the internal

pocket 28 of housing 11 by its leg 29. Fig.27 shows latch surface 36 is contacting and pivoting

about internal housing pocket 28 at surface 39. Spring 14 being positioned onto the protrusion

30 of latch 12 assures that latch 12 translates and pivots through the desired motion. The actual

location and shape of latch surface 36 and internal housing surface 39 is allowed to be tailored

as desired to obtain the desired release action of the latch device 10.

An optional unique feature of the latch device 10 is that for double cargo container

stacking it may be desirable to include the integral retractable plunger feature 44. Fig.33 is a side

elevational view of latch device 10 appropriately rotated so its bottom flanges 15 and 16 are

orientated with a cargo container corner casting aperture 24. The integral retractable plunger

feature 44 points out from base 18 of housing 11. As latch device 10 is raised into cargo

container corner casting aperture 24 as shown in Fig.34 the plunger feature 44 automatically

retracts out of the way into the base 18 of housing 11. The latch device 10 is then rotated while

in the cargo container corner casting aperture 24 as shown in Fig.35 so flanges 15 and 16 prevent removal of latch device 10 from comer casting 21 of a standard cargo container 20. When latch

device 10 has been rotated into the desired position the plunger feature 44 automatically raises

out of base 18 of housing 11 into the open area of the cargo container corner casting aperture 24. A horizontal sectional view of corner casting 21 of a standard cargo container 20 in Fig.38 shows

a planar view of plunger feature 44 in corner casting aperture 24. Latch device 10 is prevented

from inadvertently coming loose and falling out of corner casting 21 while the standard cargo

container 20 is being positioned during loading or unloading operations because the plunger

feature 44 has been raised out of base 18 and into the open clear area in comer casting aperture

24. To remove latch device 10 from corner casting 21 one has to grasp the extending part of

housing 11 of latch device 10 and manually rotate the latch device 10 about it's axis in such a

manner to realign flanges 15 and 16 with corner casting aperture 24 as shown in Fig.34. This

rotation action results in plunger feature 44 to bear up against the cargo container comer casting

aperture 24 cast surfaces and automatically retract back into base 18 of housing 11 no longer

acting as a deterrent to removal of latch device 10. Latch device 10 may then be lowered down

out of comer casting aperture 24 as shown in Fig.33.

Latch device 10 plunger feature 44 performs a similar task as the prior art of the Safe-T-

Loc manually operated feature described in the Peck & Hale - F665 Safe-T-Loc Stacker flyer.

Plunger feature 44 is unique in that it performs its function automatically and is of an obviously

different design.

Although the invention is described with respect to a preferred embodiment,

modifications thereto will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims (15)

What is claimed is:

1. A cargo container hold down arrangement for cargo containers of generally parallelepiped configuration, the four corners of the underside of which are each equipped with a corner fitting

for purposes of securing the container to a support that is horizontally disposed, and with such container fittings being disposed in co-planar relation and respectively each defining a similar

locking opening and a planar bearing surfacing that are respectively disposed adjacent such

openings of the respective fittings, with a container securement device for each of the respective

comer fittings for securing the cargo container to a platform, said securement devices each

comprising:

a shear block defining a front side, a top side, and a back side, with said shear block

forming a base portion defining a planar force transmitting surfacing portion that extends

to eitherside of the same, and a projecting portion that is generally normal to the planar

bearing surfacing;

said shear block further defining an internal chamber that in the projecting portion of said

shear block is open at said front side of the same;

said shear block base portion also defining a second force transmitting surfacing portion

for engagement with such support, and including a latch member pivotally mounted in

said chamber, for movement therein in a plane that is normally disposed relative to said

front and rear sides of said shear block, and that is about a pivot axis that is normal of such plane;

said latch member including a nose portion having an upper cam surfacing means for

engagement by the bearing surfacing of a correspondingly located container mounted

fitting, and an under cam surfacing means for engagement by the bearing surfacing of

such correspondingly located container mounting fitting for removal of such container from such platform;

resilient means for biasing said latch member to dispose said nose portion thereof exteriorly of said shear block opening in said front side thereof when said member cam

surfacing means are not in use, said resilient means having,

a resilient member interposed between said latch member and said base portion

opposite the latch member tail portion;

means for effecting deflection of said latch member about said pivot axis to

within a housing on engagement of a container being lowered with said latch

member nose upper cam surfacing means, and

means for effecting deflection of said latch member within the housing on

engagement of a correspondingly located container corner fitting of a container

being removed from such platform and about a separate axis spaced frontwise

from and parallel to said pivot axis of said latch member, said separate axis is

disposed adjacent the level of said second force transmitting surfacing portion.

2. The securement device set forth in claim 1 , wherein the top and back sides of said shear

block are imperforate.

3. A container securement device for each respective corner fitting of a lower side of a cargo

container of parallelepiped configuration for securing the cargo container to a platform, said

securement device comprising:

a shear block defining a front side, a top side, and a back side;

said shear block forming a base portion defining a planar force transmitting surfacing

portion that extends to either side of the same, and a projecting portion that is generally normal to the planar bearing surfacing;

said shear block further defining an internal chamber that in the projecting portion of said shear block is open at said front side of the same;

said shear block base portion also defining a second force transmitting surfacing portion

for engagement with such support, and including a latch member pivotally, but unpinned,

mounted in said chamber, for movement therein in a plane that is normally disposed

relative to said front and rear sides of said shear block, and that is about a pivot axis that

is normal of such plane; said latch member including a nose portion having an upper cam surface;

said upper cam surface engaging a first bearing surfacing of a correspondingly located

container mounted fitting,

said latch member also including an under cam surface;

said under cam surface engaging a second bearing surfacing of such correspondingly

located container mounting fitting for removal of such container from such platform;

a resilient member biasing said latch member to dispose said nose portion thereof

exteriorly of said shear block opening in said front side thereof when said member cam

surfaces are not in use; said resilient member being interposed between said latch member and said base portion

opposite the latch member tail portion;

a first deflector associated with said resilient member;

said first deflector moving said latch member about said pivot axis to within a housing

on engagement of a container being lowered with said latch member nose upper cam

surface;

a second deflector associated with said resilient member; said second deflector moving said latch member within the housing on engagement of

a correspondingly located container corner fitting of a container being removed from such

platform and about a separate axis spaced from and parallel to said pivot axis of said latch member.

A latch device for securing cargo containers comprising:

a housing having a cavity opening and an internal pocket,

a latch movably earned in the housing;

a retainer holding a spring in place so as to urge said latch into a locked position;

said latch is pivotally mounted in said chamber in an unpinned manner, for movement

about a pivot axis,

said latch has a projecting leg having a latch surface such that said latch pivots about said

axis through motion within said internal housing pocket imparted through the contacting

between latch first and second surfaces and an internal housing pocket at an under

surfaces and over surface, respectively.

The latch device of claim 4 further comprising:

said latch member including a nose portion having an upper cam surface;

said upper cam surface adapted for engaging a bearing surfacing of a correspondingly

located container mounted fitting, and an under cam surface;

said under cam surface adapted for engaging a surface of a container mounting fitting for

removal of such container from a platform.

The latch device of claim 5 further comprising: said housing, latch, retainer and spring being held together in relation to one another so

that said latch is first inserted into a cavity opening of said housing and then positioned into said internal pocket.

7. The latch device of claim 6 further comprising:

said spring is mounted in said cavity opening of said housing with a first end of the spring

being positioned on a protrasion of said latch and the opposite end of said spring abutting said

retainer in said cavity opening.

8. The latch device of claim 7 further comprising:

said latch device is assembled with an appropriate assembly force is applied to said

retainer compressing said spring so as to push retainer into cavity opening past first and second

tabs and and four internal nubs;

said retainer is then rotated to become aligned with said first and second tabs and said four internal nubs wherein the assembly force that has been applied to said retainer is removed

thereby resulting in said retainer backing out of said housing cavity and bearing against said tabs

which prevents complete removal of said retainer.

9. The latch device of claim 8 further comprising:

said four internal nubs trap said retainer in a desired position holding the parts together

and preventing said retainer from rotating and inadvertently aligning itself with said

housing cavity thereby allowing the parts to come loose.

10. The latch device of claim 4 further comprising: an integral attachment adapted to receive a tether to be attached to said housing to secure said latch device to a deck of a vehicle to deter theft or loss of said latch device when it

is desired for it to be removed from an appropriate structure and surface from a vehicle deck but yet remain with the vehicle.

11. The latch device of claim 4 further comprising:

said latch device operates in absence of any pin, bolt or fastener retaining said latch in

said housing.

12. The latch device of claim 11 further comprising:

said latch has a substantially vertical line of action corresponding to the line of clearance

of the container corner casting with said nose of said latch;

said latch is contoured and functionally matched to fit within the internal contours of said

housing and is be restrained therein by the resulting geometry, such that latch surface

contacts and pivots in internal housing pocket at said undersurface and said undersurface

is displaced as far away and to the left of said line of action thereby minimizing the

mechanical force advantage of said spring during the engagement motion of the comer

casting, thereby aiding in obtaining low applied forces and smooth engagement motion of latch.

13. The latch device of claim 12 further comprising:

said device is a deck mountable device.

14. The latch device of claim 12 forther comprising:

said device has a twist lock container engagement.

15. The latch device of claim 12 forther comprising:

said device is one of a class of deck mounted or twist lock devices.