AU2013201792B2 - A lock apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

A lock apparatus to lock a building component to a foundation, the lock apparatus comprising a lock bolt movable between a locking position to lock the building component to the foundation, and a free position, and a cam assembly comprising a first part containing at least one ramped surface, and a second part containing at least one ramp engageable portion, the first part and the second part being moveably relative to each other between a camming position where the lock bolt, when in the locked position, is urged against the building component and a free position. b 79

Description

2013201792 27 Feb 2017 AUSTRALIA PATENTS ACT 1990

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION

A LOCK APPARATUS

The following statement is a description of the invention: 1 2013201792 27 Feb 2017

A LOCK APPARATUS

TECHNICAL FIELD

[001] The present invention is directed to a lock apparatus for use in securing a building component to a footing. The apparatus is particularly suited for securing a modular building such as a modified shipping container to a post like footing. The invention is also directed to a container housing design system whereby multiple modular buildings can be anchored to a, or several, footings using one or more lock apparatus.

BACKGROUND

[002] Any references to methods, apparatus or documents of the prior art are not to be taken as constituting any evidence or admission that they formed, or form part of the common general knowledge.

[003] There is an advantage, particularly in mining communities, to provide modular building structures. These can be in the form of shipping containers which are modified into habitable areas. Of course, other types of modular buildings also exist including portable site offices, transportable buildings and the like. These modular structures typically comprise a strong steel frame or structural rails.

[004] There is a requirement that these buildings are properly fixed in place such that they do not move or blow over particularly during cyclones. Thus, there is a requirement that these buildings are properly anchored or tied down.

[005] There are several existing ways by which these buildings can be anchored. However these suffer from disadvantages. One existing techniques requires foundation posts to be welded or bolted to the steel frame of the modular structures. This can be a time-consuming and relatively tricky 2 2013201792 27 Feb 2017 operation and does not lend itself to enabling a number of modular buildings to be anchored in a convenient manner. It is also known to bolt adjacent modular buildings to each other but this also suffers from disadvantages including the time-consuming activity of such a bolting process. Generally, there is a disadvantage in any type of anchoring system that requires holes to be drilled into the strong steel frame of the building or that requires a welding process. Another disadvantage with the existing anchoring systems is that the modular buildings need to be very accurately positioned, which can be difficult. Another disadvantage is the damage that can be caused to the modular buildings by any drilling or welding operation. Another disadvantage is the difficulty in removal of such an anchored modular building.

[006] A main reason for the requirement for welding, cutting or drilling is the need to properly "anchor" the modular building to the footing/foundation etc. to comply with the building code. That is, it is not permissible to have any form of anchoring system that is "loose". This proper locking is often termed “tie down” which historically meant using cables etc. to lash cargo in place, but now includes any system that complies with the building code (tie down cables are not often used anymore).

[007] Another type of anchoring system which is used to hold shipping containers on a truck is the "twist lock" arrangement. The shipping container contains corner castings and the twist lock is attached to the truck bed and can pass into the corner castings to attach the container to the truck. However, this arrangement is not a "tie down" system in that although the shipping container is attached to the truck, it is not tightly anchored down against the truck. Thus, this arrangement would not comply with the building code which requires a building to be properly tied down to a foundation.

[008] There would be an advantage if it were possible to provide a lock apparatus to enable a modular building (such as a modified shipping container), or other suitable structure, to be tightly anchored to a foundation (such as a foundation post) and which does not require any cutting, drilling or welding of the modular building. 3 2013201792 27 Feb 2017 [009] There would be an advantage if it were possible to provide a system whereby multiple modular buildings could be anchored to a foundation or to foundations in a manner where the buildings can be positively positioned before being anchored to reduce the risk of knocking one building out of place during placement of an adjacent building.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a lock apparatus to lock a building component to a foundation, the lock apparatus comprising a lock bolt movable between a locking position to lock to the building component, and a free position; and a cam assembly comprising a first part containing at least one ramped surface, and a second part containing at least one ramp engageable portion, the first part and the second part being moveably relative to each other between a camming position where the lock bolt is urged against the building component, and a free position.

[0011] In this manner the lock apparatus can provide both functions which is to initially lock the building component to the foundation (typically a post concreted into or screwed into the ground), and then to tie down the building by urging (or pulling) the lock bolt into hard engagement with the building.

[0012] One embodiment of the invention can have the lock bolt initially turned to the locked position and then cammed or otherwise pulled or urged into hard engagement. Figures 10-12 illustrate this non-limiting embodiment.

[0013] Another embodiment of the invention can have the lock bolt cammed as it turns from the unlocked to locked position. Figures 23-26 illustrate this non-limiting embodiment. In this embodiment the camming action is not a separate action from the locking action. 4 2013201792 27 Feb 2017 [0014] In a broader form the invention comprises a lock apparatus to lock a building component to a foundation, the lock apparatus comprising a lock bolt movable between a locking position to lock to the building component, and a free position, and urging means to urge the lock bolt, when in the locked position, against the building component.

[0015] In another form the invention comprises a lock apparatus to lock a lock a first component to a second component, the lock apparatus comprising a lock bolt movable between a locking position and a free position, a threaded shaft attached to the lock bolt, a nut in frictional threading engagement with the shaft for rotation with the shaft until the friction engagement is overcome after which the nut rotates relative to the shaft, and an actuator to rotate the nut, whereby the nut comprises an urging means to urge the lock bolt, when in the locked position, against one of said components, wherein the actuator comprises a rotary actuator which includes a gear, the gear being formed with an opening adapted to locate the nut such that the nut rotates upon rotation of the gear but is also able to slide relative to the gear [0016] The lock apparatus according to the invention can be used to connect and to securely lock (tie down) one part to another part. Thus, the invention may have a broad application and need not be limited merely to securing a portable or modular building to a foundation. However, the invention will be described with reference to a portable or modular building.

[0017] The portable or modular building may be of any suitable size or shape. As an example, the modular building may comprise a converted shipping container and it is known to convert a shipping container into a modular building structure. An advantage of a shipping container is that it already has the corner castings which are used to attach the container to a support- which may be a truck trailer or the deck of a ship-or to enable an upper container to be attached to a lower container. Typically, the container will have four corner castings and the corner castings may be of known design. 5 2013201792 27 Feb 2017 [0018] However, it is also envisaged that the building may comprise a portable office or a transportable building of the type which is supported by skids or rails and with this type of building the lock apparatus may be attached to the building or building component through an arrangement other than that of a corner castings. An example (nonlimiting) of this arrangement is illustrated at least in figure 16 and figure 17.

[0019] It is also envisaged that the building may be built on site and may therefore not comprise a fully portable or modular building. For instance, the building may comprise a floor platform to which the lock apparatus can be locked to enable the floor platform to be securely anchored to foundations.

[0020] The building may comprise any suitable shape and size. It is envisaged that the building will have a length of between 3-12 m, a width of between 3-9 m and a height of between 2-6 m. Of course this can vary. The building may comprise a single room building, a structure having multiple rooms, and the like. The building may be a single story building, or a multiple story building. For a multiple story building, it is envisaged that two or more converted shipping containers may be attached to each other. The building may be used for any purpose. For instance, the building may be used as a habitation and therefore may comprise sleeping accommodation, living accommodation, kitchen facilities, ablution facilities and the like. Alternatively, the building may be used as a storage area.

[0021] The building may be made of any suitable material. The suitable material may comprise steel, other types of metal, wood, plastic, fibreglass, composite materials, prefabricated structures, insulated structures, laminate or sandwich structures and the like.

[0022] The lock apparatus can function to lock or anchor a building to a foundation in a manner which will comply with building regulations. The foundation may vary. It is envisaged that the foundation will comprise a post or something similar concreted, screwed, or otherwise secured into the ground and on which the building can be supported. Typically, a plurality of 6 2013201792 27 Feb 2017 foundation posts will be provided on which the building can be supported. These posts will typically comprise steel box section although there may be circumstances where the post may be made of concrete or wood.

[0023] It is envisaged that the lock apparatus can be attached to a foundation other than a post. For instance, the foundation may comprise a concrete footing and the lock apparatus can be fastened to (or be partially embedded into) the concrete footing to enable the structure (e.g. converted shipping container or something else) to be tied down to the concrete footing via the lock apparatus.

[0024] It is envisaged that the lock apparatus may be attached to a steel beam (for instance bolted or welded to the steel beam), the steel beam being secured to the ground and a building being attached to the steel beam via the lock apparatus.

[0025] It is envisaged that the lock apparatus may be used to attach an upper container to a lower container. For instance, an upper part of a lower container may be provided with, for instance, four lock apparatus which can lock into the corner castings on the lower part of an upper container.

[0026] Thus, it can be seen that the lock apparatus is quite versatile and can be used to attach a number of different types of structures to foundations or to supports.

[0027] As another example, the lock apparatus can be used to secure different types of structures to a solid foundation where such an anchoring system is required or advantageous. For instance, the lock apparatus could be used to secure a water tank or fuel storage tank to a foundation (especially in cyclone prone areas) or to secure larger containers to a foundation where there is an advantage in being able to remove the larger container from the foundation at some future stage. 7 2013201792 27 Feb 2017 [0028] The lock apparatus comprises a lock bolt which is movable between a locking position and a free position. In the locking position, the lock bolt can engage with a corner casting of a modified shipping container or some other part of a building component (the part of the structure that the lock bolt overlies or connects to in the locked position can be called a keeper or strike). In the free position, the building component can be removed or separated from the lock apparatus. There may be circumstances where it is desirable to provide more than one lock bolt on a single lock apparatus although for the purposes of the present invention, the invention will be described with reference to a single lock bolt.

[0029] The lock bolt may be made of any suitable material and it is envisaged that the lock bolt will be made from steel or other strong material especially if the lock apparatus is to function to properly anchor a portable building to a foundation.

[0030] The shape and size of the lock bolt can vary to suit. If the lock bolt is to lock into a corner casting of a modified shipping container, the shape and size of the lock bolt will be determined by the shape and size of the casting. It is envisaged that the lock bolt will be substantially elongate and rectangular when viewed in plan. However, there may be circumstances where it is advantageous for the lock bolt to be oval, triangular or have different shapes.

[0031] The size of the lock bolt can vary depending on the structure that is to be locked to the apparatus. It is envisaged that the lock bolt will have a length of between 5-20 cm, a width of between 1-10 cm and a thickness of between 5-30 mm although it should be appreciated that no unnecessary limitation should be placed of the invention merely by the exemplification of certain sizes.

[0032] The lock bolt can move between the locking position and the free position preferably by a rotation movement. However, the may be circumstances where the movement may be linear as opposed to rotational. 8 2013201792 27 Feb 2017 [0033] The lock bolt may be attached to a shaft. The shaft may be rotatable about its longitudinal axis and therefore the shaft may be substantially cylindrical in cross section. The shaft may have a length of between 5-20 cm and a diameter of between 1-5 cm although this can vary to suit. The lock bolt may be formed integrally with the shaft or separately formed and attached to the shaft in a robust manner preferably by welding. The lock bolt is preferably attached to the shaft intermediate the ends of the lock bolt such that the shaft and lock bolt are substantially T-shaped, an example of this being illustrated at least in figure 6.

[0034] The lock apparatus may include a housing or body to support the various working parts of the apparatus. The housing may comprise an upper casing and a lower casing. These may be formed integrally or separately and joined together. The housing is preferably formed from strong material such as steel. The upper casing may be somewhat U-shaped and therefore including a pair of upstanding portions. The lock bolt may be supported by the upstanding portions when the lock bolt is in the unlocked position and a nonlimiting example of this is illustrated at least in figure 4.

[0035] The lower casing may comprise an enclosed but open ended housing to house and protect some of the components of the lock apparatus.

[0036] The shaft containing the lock bolt may extend through the upper casing and a passageway may be provided through the upper casing through which the shaft can pass in such a manner that the shaft is able to rotate relative to the upper casing.

[0037] A cam assembly can be provided as part of the lock apparatus. The cam assembly typically comprises a first part and a second part which are separate but which are operatively associated with each other. The second part may be fixed to the shaft in such a manner that the second part and the shaft rotate together. The second part may be substantially disc shaped when viewed in plan and may comprise at least one and preferably two ramp engageable portion is in the form of upstanding lugs. 9 2013201792 27 Feb 2017 [0038] The first part of the cam assembly may comprise a body member which may be substantially cylindrical and which may be designed to be gripped by a person's hand. The body member may have a passageway extending therethrough through which the shaft can pass in a manner such that the shaft and the body member can rotate relative to each other and are not fixed directly to each other.

[0039] The body member may have an open lower end and may be substantially hollow and may be provided with at least one and preferably two ramped surfaces inside the body member.

[0040] The first part and the second part can be moved (preferably rotated) relative to each other such that the lugs on the second part ride along the ramped portions on the first part to cause a camming action which can function to pull the lock bolt tightly against the corner casting of the shipping container or other type of support.

[0041 ] A spring may be provided between the first part and the second part.

[0042] The lock apparatus may be attached to a support plate. The support plate may be positioned in a substantially horizontal manner on an upper part of a foundation post. If desired, two or more lock apparatus may be attached to the support plate.

[0043] It is preferred that some degree of adjustment may be provided between the lock apparatus and the foundation post. In one form, this can be achieved by providing a bottom plate and a top plate on the foundation post, the lock apparatus being attached to the top plate, the bottom plate being attached to the foundation post, and the top plate being adjustably attachable to the bottom plate to provide a degree of adjustment. Other forms of adjustment are also envisaged. ίο 2013201792 27 Feb 2017 [0044] It is also envisaged that the lock apparatus can be operated using an external tool as opposed to being hand operated. Thus, the cam assembly may be operable using a gear or other type of arrangement which can be rotated externally using a power tool or a manual crank arm. A nonlimiting example of this is illustrated at least in figure 18.

[0045] A simple version of the lock apparatus is illustrated at least in figure 22 and may comprise a lock bolt attached to a shaft which has a lower threaded end to which a nut can be attached whereby tightening or loosening of the nut will cause the lock bolt to be tightly anchored to the corner casting or other type of support to provide the necessary "tiedown" to comply with building regulations.

[0046] The invention may further comprise a modular building assembly comprising a plurality of modular buildings, at least some of which are locked to a foundation post using at least one lock apparatus as described herein.

[0047] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0048] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows:

Figure 1. Illustrates a prior art placement of a modified shipping container on foundation post.

Figure 2. Is a close-up view of figure 1.

Figure 3. Is a close-up view of the prior art system where a container is placed on the top plate of a foundation post.

Figure 4. Illustrates a lock apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention in the unlocked position.

Figure 5. Illustrates a pair of lock apparatus according to figure 4 attached to a support plate. 11 2013201792 27 Feb 2017

Figure 6. Illustrates an exploded view of components of the lock apparatus.

Figure 7. Illustrates the lock bolt, shaft and the second part of the lock apparatus attached together.

Figure 8 and figure 9. Illustrate the first part of the cam assembly.

Figure 10. Illustrates the lock apparatus in the unlocked position.

Figure 11. Illustrates the lock apparatus in the locked but not cam locked position.

Figure 12. Illustrates operation of the cam assembly.

Figure 13 and figure 14. Illustrate the lock apparatus and particularly illustrating rotation of the lock bolt.

Figure 15. Illustrates the steel body of the lock apparatus.

Figure 16 and figure 17. Illustrate a lock apparatus attached to a different type of portable building.

Figure 18. Illustrates a lock apparatus which can be operated externally using a tool.

Figures 19-21. Illustrate different plate designs for the foundation post. Figure 22. Illustrates a simple lock apparatus.

[0049] Figures 23 and 24. Illustrate a further embodiment of a lock apparatus in the unlocked position.

Figures 25 and 26. Illustrate the lock apparatus of figures 23,24 in the locked position.

Figure 27 and 27A. Illustrate simple worm drive arrangements similar to that located in the sealed housing of the lock apparatus of figures 23-26.

Figure 28. Illustrates a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0050] Referring to the drawings there is illustrated a lock apparatus 10 to lock a building component (corner casting 11) to a foundation ( a post 12), the lock apparatus ( see figure 6) comprising a lock bolt 13 movable between a locking position to lock the building component to the foundation, and a free position, and a cam assembly comprising a first part 15 containing at least one ramped surface 16 (see figures 8 and 9), and a second part 17 containing 12 2013201792 27 Feb 2017 at least one ramp engageable portion (lugs 18), the first part and the second part being moveably relative to each other between a camming position where the lock bolt, when in the locked position, is urged against the building component ( see figures 10-12), and a free position.

[0051] In this manner, the lock apparatus can perform the twin functions which is to initially lock the building to the foundation post, and then to "tie down" the building to the foundation post by using the cam action to tightly pull the lock bolt 18 against the corner casting 11 of the modular building.

[0052] Referring now to figures 1-3 there is illustrated a conventional system. In this system, a modular building (in this case a converted shipping container 20) is lowered onto foundation posts 21 which are concreted into the ground or screwed into the ground or otherwise anchored in place. Shipping container 20 is provided with corner castings 11 which are of universal design. Referring to figure 3 the shipping container is placed on top plate 22 of post 21. Top plate 22 contains large circular openings which, theoretically, could accommodate a conventional twist lock. The twist lock could, theoretically, then locked into the corner casting 11 as is well known in the art. However, this arrangement will not pass the building code which requires more than a "loose" type of twist lock arrangement. Thus, it is known to weld the container to the post to provide the "tie down" requirement, or to provide a connecting rod between the post and the container.

[0053] Figures 4-15 illustrate a lock apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. Referring initially to figure 4, there is illustrated a fully assembled lock apparatus which comprises a strong steel body 24 formed into a lower casting 25 and an upper casting 26. Steel body 24 is better illustrated in figure 15. The steel body 24 houses and supports the remaining parts of the lock apparatus which are best illustrated in figure 6. Referring to figure 6, the lock apparatus comprises a lock bolt 13 which is attached to a steel shaft 27 and is typically welded thereto. Lock bolt 13 is designed for rotation about the longitudinal axis of shaft 27 by at least 90°. 13 2013201792 27 Feb 2017 [0054] Upper casting 26 is generally U-shaped and has a passageway 28 through which the shaft 27 can pass. The upstanding portions 29 of casting 26 support bolt 13 when the lock assembly in the unlocked position this being illustrated at least in figure 4.

[0055] The lower end of shaft 27 is attached to the second part 17 which has a substantially disklike configuration and is provided with a pair of ramp engaging portions in the form of lugs 18. These form part of the cam assembly which will be described in greater detail below. Shaft 27 and second part 17 are locked together such that rotation of the lock bolt causes rotation of shaft 27 and therefore rotation of the second part 17.

[0056] The cam assembly further comprises a first part 15 which is substantially cylindrical in configuration and contains a passageway 33 which shaft 27 can pass. Importantly, the first part 15 can rotate relative to shaft 27 and is therefore not locked to the shaft as is the case with the second part 17.

[0057] Referring to figure 8 and figure 9, it can be seen that first part 15 is substantially hollow and contains a pair of arcuate ramped surfaces 16 which can also be seen as cam surfaces. These surfaces 16 do not connect and instead, spacings 31 are provided between the surfaces.

[0058] The shape and configuration of spacings 31 is such that a lug 18 of the second part 17 can locate in a respective spacing 31.

[0059] A compression spring 32 extends about shaft 27 and locates between the first part 15 and the second part 17. The function of spring 32 is to pull down bolt 13 when the bolt rotates to no longer be aligned with (and therefore supported by) the upstanding portions 29 on the upper casting 26.

[0060] The operation of the lock apparatus will now be described with reference to figures 10-12. Briefly, figure 10 illustrates the apparatus in the "unlocked" position. Figure 11 illustrates the initially locked position where the bolt 13 has been rotated to engage in the corner casting 11 (not illustrated) 14 2013201792 27 Feb 2017 but where the cam operation has not yet been initiated. Finally, figure 12 illustrates the fully locked and "tied down" position where the cam is operated to tightly engage the lock bolt with the corner casting 11.

[0061] Referring now to figure 10, in this unlocked position, bolt 13 is supported by the upper casting 26. Lugs 18 are located within the spacings 31 of the first part 15. A corner casting 11 (see figure 13) of a shipping container can now be lowered on top of the lock apparatus such that lock bolt 13 passes into the corner casting 11.

[0062] First part 15 (see figure 4) is located within the lower casting 25 and the casting is large enough to enable a person's hand to grip the outside of the first part 15 and to rotate first part 15. Grip enhancing profiles (see figure 4) can be provided to assist.

[0063] The weight of the shipping container sits on top of the strong steel body 24 and therefore it is quite easy to rotate first part 15 as no parts of the operating components of the lock apparatus 12 are under load.

[0064] As disclosed previously, first part 15 is not fixed to shaft 27, but because lugs 18 are located within the spacing 31 (see for instance figure 10), rotation of the first part 15 in the direction of arrows 42 will cause rotation of shaft 27 and therefore rotation of bolt 13 from the "unlocked" position illustrated in figure 10 to the locking position illustrated in figure 11. As soon as bolt 13 is free from the support of upper casting 26, spring 32 will push the second part 17 (and therefore bolt 13) downwardly which will cause lugs 18 to move out of the confines of spacings 31. Lugs 18 are now positioned below the ramped surfaces 16 this being best illustrated in figure 11 and figure 12.

[0065] Further rotation of the second part 17 will cause the ramped surfaces 16 on the second part to ride over the upper edges of lugs 18 and this will cause the bolt 13 to be pulled downwardly into tight engagement with the corner casting (see figure 14). A stop 40 prevents the lugs from reentering the spacings during rotation. 15 2013201792 27 Feb 2017 [0066] To release the lock apparatus from the corner casting, a person will need to grip the second part 17 and rotate in the opposite direction until the lugs no longer ride along the ramped surfaces and are again aligned with spacings 31. The second part is then pushed upwardly against the force of spring 32 such that lock bolt 13 is pushed upwardly above the upper casting 26. The second part 17 can then be further rotated in the other direction until lock bolt 13 is again supported by upper casting 26.

[0067] The lock apparatus does not need to be limited to use with a corner casting of a shipping container. Figure 16 and figure 17 illustrates a modular building formed with a support plate 34 to which the lock apparatus can be fixed and which contains a slot to enable the lock bolt 13 to lock against the support plate 34.

[0068] Figure 18 illustrates a lock apparatus which is fully enclosed and where the second part 17, rather than being manually rotated, is rotated by a gear which can be externally operated.

[0069] Figures 19-21 illustrate various designs which can form part of the foundation post and to which the lock apparatus 10 can be fixed. The post 12 is provided with an attached support plate 36 which can be called a bottom nesting plate. A second top plate 37 can be attached to bottom plate 36 in an adjustable manner. One or more lock apparatus 10 (see figure 5) can be connected to the top plate 37. The advantage of this arrangement is that allows some adjustability in the positioning of the lock apparatus 10 by enabling the top plate 37 can be adjustably mounted relative to the bottom plate 36.

[0070] Figure 22 illustrates a simple lock apparatus which comprises a lock bolt 13 attached to a shaft 27. Lock bolt is again supported by an upper casting 26. However, instead of a cam arrangement, a simple threaded bolt and nut arrangement is provided 38 whereby once lock bolt 13 has been 16 2013201792 27 Feb 2017 rotated by 90°, the nut can be tightened to tightly lock bolt 13 against the casting (or other support). There are some disadvantages with this simple lock apparatus including: • The apparatus has no positive way of reversing the t-bolt back to open position. Disengaging requires disassembly ending up with a number of loose parts. • Due to the use of the closed RHS section for the body, fabrication was not able to use CNC laser cut technology, impacting on the cost of fabrication. • The threaded section of the bolt was left exposed and could easily become inoperable in harsh environments.

[0071] Referring to figure 5, the system can comprise a pair of lock apparatus 10 attached to the top plate of a foundation post. In this manner, two building modules can be placed side by side and easily attached to secure manner to the foundation.

[0072] Once a building module is placed on a lock apparatus 10 it is self-locating and cannot fall off. There is no requirement to drill, cut, and weld any part of the container. The container is fully removable. No other fixings are required between containers.

[0073] Referring now to figures 23-26 there is illustrated a further embodiment of the invention. This embodiment has the lock bolt 50 pulled down as it turns as opposed to the previous embodiments where the lock bolt is initially turned into a "loose" position and is then pulled down in a separate cam action.

[0074] Figures 23-24 illustrate the lock apparatus in the unlocked position while figures 25-26 illustrate the lock apparatus in the locked position.

[0075] Referring initially to figures 23 and 24, the lock bolt 50 is in the form of a round locking bar having a flat top and a curved bottom. The lock bolt 50 is attached to or is integral with a shaft 58 which is splined on the outside for 17 2013201792 27 Feb 2017 reasons which will be described in greater detail below. The lock bolt together with the shaft 58 form a T type configuration. Lock bolt 50 when in the unlocked position is supported by a pair of spaced apart positioning lugs 51 which are ramped. When the bolt 50 has been rotated to be locked position (see particularly figure 26), the lock bolt is no longer supported by lugs 51 and has been rotated typically by 90°.

[0076] The splined shaft has a lower end which locates within a sealed unit rotary actuator 55. Inside the rotary actuator is a worm gear arrangement a genuine example being illustrated in figure 27. The lower end of the splined shaft locates within a central correspondingly splined opening (not illustrated) in gear 60. Rotation of the worm gear 61 courses corresponding rotation of gear 60 and therefore rotation of the splined shaft 58 and the lock bolt 50. Worm gear 61 can be rotated via an actuator screw 56 which is provided with a self locking sleeve. In a particular embodiment, the worm drive action can be provided using a truck brake slack adjuster mounted within a housing. The action is fully reversible which means that engagement and release of the lock bolt can be done from outside the housing with a cordless drill and socket.

[0077] The sealed actuator 55 is located within a strong steel housing 54. Housing 54 has a top wall 62 and on the underside of top wall 62 is provided a rotary ramp section 52 which is fixed to the underside of housing 54 this being particularly illustrated in figure 23 and figure 25. A ramp engageable portion 53 is provided in the form of a 20 mm hardened steel retainer pin. The ramp engageable portion 53 extends through an opening in shaft 58 and rotates with the shaft.

[0078] In use, the lock apparatus can be in the unlocked position illustrated in figure 23 and figure 24. To lock the apparatus, a cordless drill and socket can be attached to the actuator screw 56. Operation of the drill causes rotation of screw 56 which in turn causes rotation of worm gear 61 and therefore rotation of gear 60 and therefore rotation of shaft 58 which rotates bolt) to the unlocked position and away from the positioning lugs 51. As shaft 58 rotates, the retainer 1053 Wood also rotate and will ride along the rotary 18 2013201792 27 Feb 2017 ramped section 52. As this occurs, the shaft 58 (and therefore bolt 50) will be pulled down, this linear motion being accommodated by the splined shaft 58 engaging with the splines (not illustrated) in gear 60. Thus, the lock apparatus can move from the unlocked position (figures 23 - 24) to the locked and "pulled down" position illustrated in figures 25 and 26. Some disadvantages with this embodiment are: • The housing was becoming bulky, particularly in height. • Fabrication of the t-pin and ramp would be expensive. • Still required substantial force to engage tightly due to friction from retainer pin on ramp and t-pin on housing. • Limited to use on containers (28mm thick base on container corner castings) not really practical to need to have 28mm thick fixing plate on fabricated steel floor framing on modular housing. • Still susceptible to ceasing from corrosion and contaminant build up in harsh environments.

[0079] Figure 28. Illustrates a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention. This preferred embodiment while keeping the salient parts of the present invention includes further improvements and modifications which can at least partially and preferably substantially fully overcome some of the minor disadvantages with the previous embodiments.

[0080] Briefly, the apparatus as illustrated in figure 28 comprises a lock bolt 70 in the form of a specially designed steel plate having locating portions 82 which will be described in greater detail below. Lock bolt 70 is welded or otherwise attached to shaft 71 which is threaded. The lower end of shaft 71 contains a 4 mm hardened roll pin 72 which functions to limit upward travel of the lock bolt 70. Shaft 71 passes through an existing opening in the top wall of a U shaped top housing 74 which, in the particular embodiment comprises 5 mm steel plate. Extending above the top wall of housing 74 are a pair of spaced apart profiled locator blocks 73 which are welded to housing 74. Blocks 73 have a top surface provided with small upstanding abutments 81. The shaft 71 of lock bolt 17 extends between locator blocks 73 and the lock bolt itself (70) rests on top of the locator blocks 73 when in the unlocked 19 2013201792 27 Feb 2017 position and is rotated by approximately 90° to locate between blocks 73 when in the locked position.

[0081] A splined nut 75 is threaded onto shaft 71 and is positioned above pin 72. Nut 75 is of a particular design. The outside of nut 75 is splined as illustrated in figure 28. The inside of nut 78 is threaded to threadingly engage with shaft 71. Additionally, the inside of nut 78 contains a nylon friction ring (not illustrated) but of conventional design and such nylon friction rings are known in the art.

[0082] The splined nut 75 locates within a correspondingly splined opening of gear 60 which forms part of the sealed unit rotary actuator 77. The actuator 77 is similar to that described above and contains an internal worm gear (see for instance figures 27 and 27A) which can be rotated by rotation of an external actuator screw 78 on actuator 77. Rotation of the worm gear (in either direction) causes corresponding rotation of gear 60 (in either direction).

[0083] As splined nut 75 engages with gear 60 (by meshing with the internal splines of gear 60), the splined nut 75 also rotates (in either direction) upon operation of the actuator screw 78. As nut 75 contains the friction ring (not illustrated) the friction ring functions to frictionally engage with the threads of shaft 71. Thus, rotation of nut 75 clauses initial rotation of shaft 71 and therefore lock bolt 70. Once lock bolt has rotated approximately 90° to the locking position, the lock bolt 70 is now positioned between locator blocks 73. Further rotation of lock bolt 70 is now prevented because of locator blocks 73.

[0084] At this stage, further operation of the rotary actuator 77 will cause the splined nut 75 to rotate relative to shaft 71 (until this time, the splined nut was rotating with the shaft because of the action of the friction ring in nut 75). Because the shaft cannot rotate any further (because the lock bolt 70 is now trapped between locator bolts 73) further rotation of nut 75 will now cause the threaded shaft 71 to be pulled downwardly or pushed upwardly (depending on the direction of rotation). This, in turn, causes the lock bolt 70 to be pulled down tightly against the item which is to be locked. Conversely, if the shaft is 20 2013201792 27 Feb 2017 rotated in the opposite direction, this will cause the lock bolt 70 to be pushed up and therefore released from tight engagement with the item which is to be locked.

[0085] To explain the unlocking arrangement in more detail, when the lock bolt is in the locked and pulled down position and it is desired to release the lock bolt, the rotary actuator 77 is now operated in the other direction. This can be achieved by coupling a drill to the actuator screw 78 and reversing the direction of rotation of the drill. During counter rotation of the rotary actuator 77 the gear 60 will counter rotate and will therefore will cause nut 75 to counter rotate. Because the lock bolt 70 is trapped between locator blocks 73 in the locked position, the counter rotation will cause nut 75 to "unwind" or lift the threaded shaft 71 upwardly which will cause the lock bolt to also be lifted upwardly. At some stage the lock bolt 70 will have been lifted such that it is no longer trapped between locator blocks 73. When this happens, further rotation of nut 75 will now cause rotation of shaft 71 (as opposed to lifting) and therefore lock bolt 70 will now be rotated to the unlocked position. The rotation of lock bolt will continue until the lock bolt strikes abutments 81 at which stage further rotation of the lock bolt cannot occur. Continued operation of actuator 77 (for instance by a drill) will be prevented as shaft 71 cannot rotate any further and pin 72 prevents the shaft from lifting any further.

[0086] The actuator 77 is positioned and protected by top housing 74 and a housing base plate is 80. Actuator 77 includes a shoulder portion 83 which locates between a pair of anti-rotation means 79 which prevents the entire actuator body from being rotated.

[0087] By applying the primary rotary action to a nut component, once the pin is rotated into position, the (pull down) clamping action can act over a wider range. Typically starting at 30+mm (to work with containers) and clamping down to as little as 6mm for fabricated floor framing applications. The only component requiring a detailed manufacturing process is the splined nut. The splined nut is effectively a M24 nut with the outer hex section replaced with a spline to suit the brake adjuster unit. The inside threaded 21 2013201792 27 Feb 2017 section will incorporate a “nyloc” type nylon/polyurethane collar to apply friction to the t-pin. The t-pin is a clearance fit in the housing, so the first rotary action on the splined nut will, in-turn rotate the t-pin into engaged position. At this point the t-pin is stopped against the sides of the locator lugs on the housing. With the pin unable to move, the friction imposed by the “nyloc” collar is overcome, and the pin is pulled down until it is clamped tight onto the container casting, or flooring plate. Reversing the action to disengage utilises the same principles.

[0088] By reversing the worm drive, the pin will rise up between the locator lugs until it reaches the height of the lower top face of the locator lugs, where the pin is free to rotate back into the parked/open position. A strategically positioned hardened steel roll pin placed through the bottom of the threaded section of the t-pin will prevent the t-pin from coming out entirely. This also addresses the issue of exposed mechanical components.

[0089] The worm-drive unit is a fully sealed unit with grease nipple. These are proven to perform in harsh environments. The splined nut and threaded t-pin are protected within the centre of the worm-drive unit.

[0090] To address the issues regarding the housing, size, dimensions, fabrication issues the housing is made using a single piece of cold rolled channel combined with components of profile cut flat plate. Housing dimensions are now 200mm long x 180mm wide. This marries favourably with the dimensions of container corner blocks. Align the outside faces of the housing with the outside of the container and the pin is in the correct position to work with the modular dimensions of the container anchoring system. The use of the cold rolled channel allows for CNC laser cutting of holes etc. thus reducing fabrication costs. The finished height of the housing is 75mm, being about the minimum achievable to fit the worm drive brake adjuster unit at 50mm deep.

[0091] All the major components can be made durable with galvanising or selected paint coating suitable for the environment. The worm-drive unit is a 22 2013201792 27 Feb 2017 fully sealed unit. The splined nut and threaded t-pin are protected within the centre of the worm-drive unit.

[0092] The lock apparatus is easy to operate to engage and disengage. Preferably with a single action. . It has the ability to secure tightly to eliminate rattle and movement and achieve positive permanent tight fixing. The apparatus is lockable (must not be able to come loose once engaged) and is reversible, preferably without full disassembly and loose parts.

[0093] The finished unit can be operated to engage and disengage with an appropriately sized socket on a ratchet drive, or even a cordless drill. The worm drive unit has a built-in self locking mechanism on the actuator screw.

[0094] The (pull down) clamping action can act over a wide range. Typically starting at 30+mm (to work with containers) and clamping down to as little as 6mm for fabricated floor framing applications.

[0095] The lock apparatus has many of the following advantages, and the embodiment of figure 28 includes all these advantages: • Clean flat base for fixing to post-top or direct to concrete floor slab. • Low profile and compact design • Durable for use in harsh environments. Mechanical processes need to be sealed to exclude dust and water. • Easy to operate to engage and disengage. Preferably with a single action. • Ability to secure tightly to eliminate rattle and movement and achieve positive permanent tight fixing • Lockable (must not be able to come loose once engaged) • Reversible, preferably without full disassembly and loose parts. • Adaptable to a range of applications in one product. • Cost effective to fabricate. 2013201792 27 Feb 2017 23 [0096] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. The term “comprises” and its variations, such as “comprising” and “comprised of” is used throughout in an inclusive sense and not to the exclusion of any additional features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

[0097] Throughout the specification and claims (if present), unless the context requires otherwise, the term "substantially" or "about" will be understood to not be limited to the value for the range qualified by the terms. 5 [0098] Any embodiment of the invention is meant to be illustrative only and is not meant to be limiting to the invention. Therefore, it should be appreciated that various other changes and modifications can be made to any embodiment described without departing from the spirit and scope of the 10 invention.

Claims (20)

1. The claims defining the invention are as follows:

   1. A lock apparatus to lock a first component to a second component, the lock apparatus comprising a lock bolt movable between a locking position and a free position, a threaded shaft attached to the lock bolt, a nut in frictional threading engagement with the shaft for rotation with the shaft until the friction engagement is overcome after which the nut rotates relative to the shaft, and an actuator to rotate the nut, whereby the nut comprises an urging means to urge the lock bolt, when in the locked position, against one of said components, wherein the actuator comprises a rotary actuator which includes a gear, the gear being formed with an opening adapted to locate the nut such that the nut rotates upon rotation of the gear but is also able to slide relative to the gear
2. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the lock bolt locates on a pair of spaced apart locator blocks when in the unlocked position and locates between the said locator blocks when in the locked position, the locator blocks preventing further rotation of the lock bolt when the lock bolt is in the locked position.
3. 3. The apparatus of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the opening in the gear and the nut comprise inter-engageable splines.
4. 4. The apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the locator blocks includes an abutment to prevent rotation of the lock bolt in one direction when the lock bolt is in the unlocked position.
5. 5. The apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims including locking means to prevent the lock bolt when in the locked position from moving to the unlocked position.
6. 6. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the locking means comprises a selflocking sleeve in an actuator that operated the nut.
7. 7. A lock apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6 to lock a building component to a foundation, wherein the lock bolt is movable between a locking position to lock to the building component and a free position; further including a cam assembly comprising a first part containing at least one ramp surface, and a second part containing at least one ramp engageable portion, the first part and the second part being moveably relative to each other between a camming position where the lock bolt is urged against the building component and a free position.
8. 8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the second part of the cam assembly is fixed to the lock bolt to move with the lock bolt, and the first part of the cam assembly is rotatable relative to the second part.
9. 9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the lock bolt is attached to a shaft and the second part is attached to the shaft and spaced from the lock bolt, and the first part is rotatably mounted to the shaft between the lock bolt and the second part.
10. 10. The apparatus of any one of the preceding claims wherein the lock bolt and the shaft form a T section.
11. 11. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the second part of the cam assembly is fixed to the lock bolt to rotate with the lock bolt, and the first part of the cam assembly is fixed to a housing part of the apparatus.
12. 12. The assembly of claim 11, wherein the lock bolt is attached to a shaft, the second part is attached to the shaft and spaced from the lock bolt, the first part is fixed to a housing, whereby rotation of the shaft in one direction causes the first part and the second part to move relative to each other between a camming position where the lock bolt is urged against the building component, and rotation of the shaft in the other direction causes the lock bolt to adopt a free position.
13. 13. The apparatus of any one of claims 11-12, including an actuator to rotate the lock bolt.
14. 14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the lock bolt is attached to a shaft, and the actuator rotates the shaft.
15. 15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the actuator includes a fixment to enable a tool to operate the actuator.
16. 16. The apparatus of any one of the preceding claims comprising a housing to contain parts of the apparatus.
17. 17. A lock apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims in combination with a building component for locking the building component to a foundation.
18. 18. An assembly comprising at least one nesting plate and at least one lock apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims.
19. 19. The assembly of claim 18, comprising a top nesting plate and a bottom nesting plate adjustably attachable to each other, the at least one lock apparatus being attached to the top nesting plate.
20. 20. A modular building assembly comprising a plurality of modular buildings, at least some of which are locked to a foundation post using at least one lock apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims.