AU2016324352B2

AU2016324352B2 - Intermodal container corner fitting connector

Info

Publication number: AU2016324352B2
Application number: AU2016324352A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Colin Mckenzie; Matthew MCKENZIE
Original assignee: C & J Rigging Pty Ltd
Current assignee: C & J Rigging Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2015-09-16
Filing date: 2016-09-16
Publication date: 2021-09-09
Anticipated expiration: 2036-09-16
Also published as: AU2017100634A4; AU2016324352A1; WO2017045037A1

Abstract

A demountable connector assembly (10') for engaging an intermodal container corner fitting (4') including an elongate slot. The assembly includes a threaded shaft (12') having an attachment (14') for attaching a lifting line to lifting machinery; a lug (16') for conventionally engaging in the slot of the fitting; and a locking member (24'). The lug and locking member include respective alignment formations (20', 32') configured to impede relative rotation. The connector configured for rigid clamping engagement of the corner fitting between the lug and the locking member, by means of the shaft and threaded connections.

Description

INTERMODAL CONTAINER CORNER FITTING CONNECTOR TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001 ] This invention relates to a demountable connector for an intermodal container corner fitting, as well as an associated method for lifting an item having an intermodal container corner fitting.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] The following discussion of the background art is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention only. The discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to is or was part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of the application.

[0003] Intermodal containers are well known in the art as a means for intermodal freight transport, whereby the containers can be used across different modes of transport - from sea to road and rail. These containers generally include standardized shipping containers, cargo or freight containers, ISO containers, so-called shipping, sea or ocean containers, a container van or box, a Conex box, or the like. Accordingly, it is to be appreciated that reference herein to a 'container' generally refers to any manner of such intermodal container.

[0004] The manner of securing an intermodal container for transport has also been standardised over the years. Typically, an intermodal container has a corner casting or fitting at each of the eight corners which are engageable with so-called conventional twist-lock assemblies. These twist-lock assemblies and corner fittings together form a standardised rotating connector for securing such intermodal containers. Primary uses include locking a container into place on a container ship, a semi-trailer truck or a railway container train, and for lifting of the containers by container cranes and side-lifters. This standardised rotating connector was developed in the 1950s by transport engineer Keith Tantlinger and is well- known in the art.

[0005] Given their commonality and compatibility with existing transport systems, it is well known to use intermodal containers for purposes other than freight shipping and storage. One growing use of intermodal containers, is in modular construction of buildings whereby multiple modules, such as represented by an intermodal container, are manufactured in a factory before being transported to site for installation. These modules can be fully furnished internally, complete with kitchen appliances, built-in wardrobes and carpets.

[0006] One significant advantage of intermodal container modular construction is that it allows for utilisation of existing intermodal arrangements for transportation, securing and lifting modules via corner fittings and twist-lock assemblies. However due to their convenience, modular construction techniques have seen the increasing use of non-standard sized construction modules having standardised corner fittings. One shortcoming of non-standard sized modules is that they are not readily accommodated by the standard lifting and moving equipment used for standard intermodal containers.

[0007] For instance, container lifting apparatus often utilise a specialised lifting frame, jig or spreader bars to accurately position twist-lock assemblies directly over mounting points on the top face of each of the corner fittings in a known "pattern". In this way the lifting frame may easily be engaged with the upper face of the container to provide rapid, safe and often automated alignment and connection for lifting which is important when handling large volumes of containers efficiently. However, the standard twist-lock arrangement has limitations to how lifting forces may be applied safely. In particular, because the frame places a twist-lock assembly directly over a respective corner casting in a known pattern, standard twist-lock interfaces are designed to contend only with vertical lifting forces and generally, are not able to withstand significant side-loading such as might be encountered using triangulated rigging.

[0008] This shortcoming often requires the need for special rigging and moving techniques that add complexity and delays to modular construction projects using non-standard intermodal containers. One solution is to provide specialist lifting equipment such as custom lifting frames for each non-standard container corner fitting "pattern". However lifting frames are heavy and therefore can substantially reduce the available lifting capacity of lifting apparatus which is a particular issue where the lifting equipment must be mobile, say to lift and locate modules onsite. Furthermore such lifting equipment is expensive and bulky thereby limiting viability for uncommon sized containers and modules where used infrequently.

[0009] Another connection solution allows lifting of containers/modules by means of loose mounting twist connectors often referred to as "pig-ears" which engage side or vertical face mounting points of the corner fittings. However while this solution allows for the lifting load to include a substantial side load component, this solution requires access to the sides of the container and as such cannot be used when access to the side fittings is restricted, such as for example, when containers must be stacked side by side with minimal separation.

[0010] The following invention seeks to propose possible solutions, at least in part, in amelioration of some of the above shortcomings in the art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[001 1 ] According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a demountable connector assembly for engaging an intermodal container corner fitting, said fitting including an elongate slot and a receiving cavity underlying and in communicating with the slot, said connector assembly comprising:

a threaded shaft including an attachment at or adjacent a first end and a thrust collar disposed on said shaft adjacent said attachment;

an elongate lug configured for insertion through the elongate slot in a parallel orientation of respective elongate axes, and upon rotation within the cavity to a perpendicular orientation of respective elongate axes, engagement with the corner fitting from within said cavity so as to anchor the lug and prevent extraction from the slot, said lug including a generally centrally located, transversely disposed threaded aperture for receiving and threaded engagement with the threaded shaft portion such that when the elongate lug is anchored within the cavity, the shaft extends from the cavity through and generally orthogonal to the slot,

a locking member including a passage configured for receiving the threaded shaft enabling rotatable and slidable movement therebetween, said slidable movement limited by thrust abutment of the locking member against the thrust collar;

whereby with the lug anchored within the cavity, the shaft extending through the respective slot to threadedly engage in the threaded aperture of the lug, and the locking member disposed on the shaft between the corner fitting and the thrust collar, the connector assembly is configured for rigid clamping engagement of the corner fitting between the lug and the locking member,

wherein the locking member further includes a locking member alignment formation configured to engage the corner fitting and impede relative rotation of the locking member; and wherein the lug further includes a lug alignment formation configured to impede rotation of the lug within the corner fitting.

[0012] Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words "comprise", "comprising", and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of

"including, but not limited to".

[0013] According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a demountable connector assembly for engaging an intermodal container corner fitting having an elongate slot, said connector assembly comprising:

a threaded shaft including an attachment at or adjacent a first end, a thrust collar disposed on said shaft adjacent said attachment and a thread shaft portion adjacent a second end;

an elongate lug having a threaded aperture for threadedly receiving the threaded shaft, said lug configured for fitment through the slot and into the corner fitting so that rotation of the lug causes the lug to conventionally engage within the corner fitting; and

whereby with the lug conventionally engaged within the corner fitting, the shaft extending through the slot to threadedly engage in the threaded aperture of the lug, and the locking member disposed on the shaft between the corner fitting and the thrust collar, the connector assembly is configured for rigid clamping engagement of the corner fitting between the lug and the locking member,

wherein the locking member further includes a locking member alignment formation configured to engage the fitting and impede relative rotation of the locking member; and

wherein the lug further includes a lug alignment formation configured to impede rotation of the lug within the corner fitting.

[0014] Preferably, the lug alignment formation directly engages the corner fitting.

[0015] Preferably, the lug alignment formation is configured to engage the locking member alignment formation in a complementary manner.

[0016] Preferably, the lug includes a boss about at least a portion of the threaded aperture, said boss including the lug alignment formation and disposed to be insertable into said slot.

[0017] Preferably, the locking member alignment formation includes at least one protrusion configured to engage the boss in a complementary manner so that the lug is impeded from rotating within the corner casting independent of rotation of the shaft. [0018] Preferably, the at least one protrusion is configured to be insertable into said slot in a predetermined aligned orientation.

[0019] Preferably, the protrusion may be configured to engage the boss in a complementary manner by said boss defining at least one first engaging surface and the protrusion defining at least one second engaging surface for complementarily engaging with the first engaging surface.

[0020] Preferably, the first engagement surface is disposed substantially parallel to an axis of elongation of the lug.

[0021 ] Similarly, the second engagement surface may be substantially parallel to an axis of elongation of the lug.

[0022] Preferably, the engagement surfaces are be complementarily shaped for operative engagement with each other.

[0023] Preferably, rigid clamping engagement of the corner fitting between the lug and the locking member is provided by threaded connection of the shaft and lug and thrust abutment of the locking member and thrust collar.

[0024] Preferably, the locking member includes a plate which lies over an upper surface of the corner fitting, when in use.

[0025] According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a demountable connector assembly for engaging an intermodal container corner fitting, said connector assembly comprising:

a threaded shaft defining an attachment at or adjacent a first end;

an elongate lug having a threaded aperture for operatively receiving the threaded shaft, said lug configured for operative fitment into the corner fitting so that rotation of the lug causes the lug to conventionally engage the corner fitting, the lug having a boss about at least a portion of the threaded aperture; and

a locking member defining a passage for the threaded shaft to pass through so that in use, the locking member is between the attachment and the lug, the locking member having at least one protrusion operatively configured to engage the boss in a complementary manner so that the lug is impeded from rotating within the corner fitting independent of rotation of the shaft. [0026] In one example, the attachment may be selected from a non-exhaustive group consisting of a hook-type attachment, a rotating attachment, a loop-type attachment, a ring- type attachment, a swivel attachment, a pivot-type attachment and/or a threaded attachment. It is to be appreciated that the attachment generally facilitates attachment of any member suited to resist longitudinal compression or expansion, i.e. ropes, slings, cables, struts, trusses, etc.

[0027] Typically, the lug may be configured for operative fitment into the corner fitting by being sized, shaped and dimensioned according to a conventional twist-lock arrangement typically used for intermodal container corner fittings.

[0028] Typically, the protrusion may be configured to engage the boss in a complementary manner by the protrusion operatively extending into the corner fitting for engaging the boss.

[0029] Preferably, the protrusion may be configured to engage the boss in a complementary manner by said boss defining at least one first engaging surface and the protrusion defining at least one second engaging surface for complementarily engaging with the first engaging surface.

[0030] In one example, the connector assembly may include biasing means fast with the lug for operatively biasing the boss of the lug out of the corner fitting.

[0031 ] Typically, the biasing means may be fast with a bottom surface of the lug.

[0032] In one example, the connector may include biasing means fast with the shaft for operatively biasing the shaft out of the corner fitting.

[0033] Typically, the biasing means may be fast with a bottom surface of the shaft.

[0034] According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a method of lifting an item having an intermodal container corner fitting, said method comprising the steps of:

providing a connector in accordance with the first aspect of the invention for each corner fitting;

fixing the connectors to the respective corner fittings;

attaching at least one line to a connector; and

exerting tension on the at least one line in order to lift the item. [0035] Preferably, as is known in the art, the elongate slot is generally rectangular having perpendicularly disposed elongate and transverse axes defining respectively an elongate slot length and transverse slot width. The receiving cavity underlying and in communicating with the slot together form a pair of opposed overhanging attachment flanges along elongate sides of the slot.

[0036] In one example, the line may comprise a rope, a sling, a cable, a lifting cradle, a lifting framework, and/or the like.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] Further features of the present invention are more fully described in the following description of several non-limiting embodiments thereof. This description is included solely for the purposes of exemplifying the present invention. It should not be understood as a restriction on the broad summary, disclosure or description of the invention as set out above. The description will be made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 A is a diagrammatic perspective representation of a conventional ISO intermodal container corner fitting;

Figure 1 Bis a diagrammatic perspective representation of an intermodal container mounted on a transport trailer showing the conventional corner fittings of Figure 1 a in situ;

Figure 2 is a diagrammatic side-sectional exploded view showing parts comprising one example of a connector, in accordance with an aspect of the invention;

Figure 3 is diagrammatic top-view of an example of an elongate lug of the connector of Figure 2 inserted in the cavity of a corner fitting and cross aligned with the elongate slot;

Figure 4 is a diagrammatic bottom-view of an example of a locking member of the connector of Figure 2;

Figure 5A is a diagrammatic side-view of the connector of Figure 2 engaging the corner fitting, with a locking member not yet locking the lug in place, prior to torquing down the threaded shaft;

Figure 5B is a diagrammatic side-view of the connector of Figure 2 operatively assembled; Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view showing parts comprising another example of a connector, in accordance with the invention;

Figure 7 is an side-sectional exploded view of the connector shown in Figure 6;

Figure 8 is diagrammatic top-view of an example of an elongate lug of the connector of Figure 6 inserted in the cavity of a corner fitting and cross aligned with the elongate slot;

Figure 9 is a bottom section-view of an example of a locking member and lug of the connector of Figure 6, along the section plane 9 shown in Figure 8;

Figure 10A is a diagrammatic sectional side-view of the connector of Figure 6 engaging the corner fitting, with a locking member not yet locking the lug in place, along the section plane 10B shown in Figure 8;

Figure 10B is a diagrammatic sectional side-view of the connector of Figure 6 operatively assembled, along the section plane 10B shown in Figure 8;

Figure 1 1 A is a diagrammatic perspective representation of the lug of the connector of Figure 6; and

Figure 1 1 B is a diagrammatic perspective representation of the locking member of the connector of Figure 6.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0038] The following modes, given by way of example only, are described in order to provide a more precise understanding of the subject matter of a preferred embodiment or embodiments.

[0039] In the figures, incorporated to illustrate features of an example embodiment, like reference numerals are used to identify like parts throughout the figures.

[0040] By way of background, Figures 1 A & 1 B show an example of a conventional intermodal container 2 with ISO corner fittings 4 typically forming part of such containers. As seen in Figure 1 A, each corner fitting 4 commonly is formed as a standardized hollow cubic structure having an elongate slot 5 though each of the three outer faces or walls of the fitting. These slots provide access to the underlying internal cavity which together form respective pairs of opposed attachment flanges 6 on each side of a slot. [0041 ] It will be appreciated that when such a corner fitting is located at each of the eight corners of a standard box container, each container face is provided with four attachment slots spaced at each corner as shown in Figure 1 B. It is also to be noted that the slots and flanges of the top horizontal surface of each fitting differs from those of the vertical side faces. That is to say, typically the horizontal face located slots are longer and have a thicker flange than the slots and flanges in the vertical faces of the fitting. This is generally to provide the horizontal face located slots an increased capacity to bear loads orthogonal to the horizontal face such as are encountered when supporting the container from the top horizontal slots.

[0042] It is to be noted however, that while the invention herein is described with reference to a "corner fitting" which are well known in the art, and commonly disposed on the corners of an object, the invention is not limited to use with fittings of the specific type shown in the figures. That is to say, the invention is more generally designed to fit an attachment point of an object, wherein the attachment point includes a slot 5 through a sidewall and into a cavity for receiving a twist-lock fastener. The slot may be located virtually anywhere on the object, and not specifically disposed on the corner or as part of a "corner fitting" or "corner casting". In addition it is to be appreciated that in order for the connector system to universally function, the dimensions of the corner fittings and more specifically the slots 5 are largely standardised. While the connector assembly 10 as described herein is designed to be compatible with corner fittings of standardised dimensions, it will be appreciated that the same concepts and approach may be used with corner fittings and/or slots of alternative dimensions or standard.

[0043] Referring to Figure 1 a, each attachment slot 5 is of generally rectangular shape with straight elongate sides and curved ends. The slot 5 includes perpendicularly disposed elongate and transverse axes (S_AE & S_AT) defining an elongate slot length and transverse slot width (S|_ & S_w) respectively. A cavity is disposed underlying and communicating with slot 5, the cavity having at least a corresponding width dimension larger than that of the slot width thereby providing the corner fitting with a pair of opposed overhanging flanges 6 of a thickness SWD_, on elongate sides of the slot 5. The cavity is thus configured to receive a conventional twist-lock fastener which as the name implies, is typically rotated roughly 90^e within the cavity once passed through the respective slot so as to locate under respective opposed flanges and conventionally engage the corner fitting 4, as is well known in the art.

[0044] Referring now to Figures 2 to 5, there is shown one example of a demountable connector assembly 10 for an intermodal container corner fitting 4 in accordance with the invention. In this example, the connector assembly 10 comprises a threaded shaft 12 having a shaft axis S_HA- The shaft includes an attachment 14 for securing a load line, at or adjacent one end thereof, as shown, and a threaded portion at the other end extending wholly or partly along the length of said shaft. The shaft 12 is typically sized and dimensioned according to a desired load rating for the connector assembly 10, as is well known in the art of mechanical engineering. In this embodiment, a collar 30 is provided proximal the attachment providing a thrust stop as will be explained below. In other embodiments the collar may be a fastener head, stop nut or the like.

[0045] In the exemplified embodiment, the connector assembly 10 further comprises an elongate lug 16 configured for operative fitment into the corner fitting 4 according to a conventional twist-lock arrangement typically used for intermodal container corner fittings 4 so that rotation of the lug 16, once inserted through the slot and into the corner fitting cavity, causes the lug 16 to conventionally engage the flanges 6 of the corner fitting 4 to prevent extraction.

[0046] In this respect the elongate lug is sized, shaped and dimensioned to be inserted through the elongate slot in a parallel orientation whereby the lug is aligned with the slot on respective elongate axes, and rotated within the cavity to a perpendicular orientation whereby the elongate slot and lug are cross aligned, such that opposing ends of the lug are engaged under respective opposed flanges 6 thereby capturing the lug in the cavity and preventing extraction of the lug.

[0047] With reference to Figure 3, the elongate lug includes perpendicularly disposed elongate and transverse axes (L_E & L_T) defining respectively an elongate lug length L_L and a transverse lug width L_w The lug width L_w is less than the slot width S_w to facilitate insertion of the lug when aligned in elongate parallel orientation with the slot 5; and the lug length L_L is greater than the slot width S_w to prevent extraction (or insertion) when cross aligned. Preferably, so as to increase load bearing capability, the lug width L_w is maximised while allowing close fitting clearance within the slot width S_w for insertion. Similarly, to increase the lugs load bearing capability the lug height (thickness) L_H and is maximised while remaining receivable in the cavity. Preferably, the lug also has a length dimension L_L less than the slot length S_L.

[0048] The elongate lug 16 further includes a centrally located threaded aperture 18 in an upper surface of the lug for receiving the threaded shaft 12. Preferably the aperture 18 extends wholly through the lug. The lug further includes a pair of abutment shoulders 19 located on the upper surface, at opposite distal ends of the lug, for engaging the flanges 6 of the fitting.

[0049] In use, when the lug 16 is threadedly engaged on the threaded shaft 12 by means of the threaded aperture 18, the lug 16 and shaft are perpendicularly arranged. So engaged, the shaft 12 may be used as a handle to align the lug with the slot in the parallel orientation, insert the lug 16 into the slot 5 in a direction generally orthogonal to the slot 5. The shaft 12 may then be rotated around its axis SH_A to rotate the lug into the perpendicular orientation so that the lug shoulders 19 locate under the corner fitting 4 flanges 6. Alternatively, the lug 16 may be inserted into the slot, then rotated through roughly 90^e within the corner fitting 4 prior to the shaft 12 being threaded into the slot to engage threaded aperture 18 of the lug. Either way, with the lug shoulders 19 locate under the corner fitting 4 flanges 6, the shaft extends through and generally orthogonal to the slot 5.

[0050] In addition, the lug 16 includes a lug alignment formation in the form of boss 20 or similar projecting about at least a portion of the threaded aperture 18 on an upper surface of the lug 16, between the abutment shoulders 19. This boss 20 may be sized and dimensioned for insertion into the slot when the lug 16 engages the corner fitting 4 in the perpendicular orientation. Preferably, the boss 20 extends from the shoulders 19 by a dimension less than the thickness of the flanges (S_WD) such that the boss lies lower than an upper surface 28 of the corner fitting 4 when engaged in the slot. The boss 20 also serves to provide mechanical strength around the aperture 18. Importantly, however in this example, the boss 20 is sized and dimensioned to serve as part of an engagement mechanism for preventing inadvertent rotation of the lug, as described in more detail below.

[0051 ] Accordingly, the connector assembly 10 further includes locking member 24 which defines a passage 26 for the threaded shaft 12 to pass through, when in use. The passage is sized to allow for sliding travel of the threaded shaft through the locking member and thrust abutment against the thrust collar. A preferred example of the locking member 24 is plate shaped and configured to be operatively disposed between the thrust collar 30 and the lug 16, as shown in Figure 5, so that a lower surface of the locking member 24 abuts an outer surface 28 of the corner fitting flanges 6. However, it is to be appreciated that other examples may have different configurations.

[0052] The locking member 24 includes a locking member alignment formation in the form of at least one protrusion 32 which extends from a bottom surface 27 of the locking member 24. In use, with the bottom surface 27 of the locking member 24 resting on the upper surface 28 of the corner fitting, the at least one protrusion 32 is configured to extend at least partially past upper surface 28 of the corner fitting 4 and into the slot 5. In the current example, shown in Figure 4, the at least one protrusion 32 comprises a pair of symmetrically spaced ribs disposed on opposing sides of the passage 26. These ribs 32, as part of the locking member 24, are each configured to engage both a respective peripheral edge of the flanges 6 of slot 5 and the boss 20 of the lug 16 in a complementary manner so that the lug 16 is impeded from rotating within the corner fitting 4, generally independent of rotation of the shaft 12.

[0053] In addition the locking member plays another significant role in the connector assembly by providing a clamping surface enabling clamping forces to be passed from the shaft 12, and particularly abutment collar 30, to the fitting.

[0054] In use, with the lug conventionally located in the slot 5 as described above, and the threaded shaft engaged in the lug, the shaft 12 may be rotated, by means of attachment 14 to draw the lug along the shaft by threaded engagement, until collar 30 abuts the top surface 28 of the locking member 24 and the locking member is engaged in the slot and with the boss of the lug, as can be seen in Figure 5B. In this configuration, torque applied to the shaft 12, clamps the flanges 6 of corner fitting 4 between the lug shoulders 19 and the locking member 24. In this way the connector assembly 10 may be rigidly fixed to the corner fitting 4 and the shaft 12 preloaded in tension.

[0055] With reference to Figure 5B, it will be appreciated that a lifting load applied to the attachment 14 of shaft 12, along the shaft axis SH_A (orthogonal to the surface of the fitting carrying the slot), will be distributed generally evenly to the lug shoulders 19 and transferred generally evenly between flanges 6 on either side of the slot 5. However should the lifting load applied to the attachment 14 be off-set from or not parallel to the shaft axis, the connector assembly 10 will be subjected to a component side load (as well as the principal orthogonal load) tending to rotate the connector assembly around the slot. Such relative rotation, if unchecked may unevenly or "point" load the lug/flange interface. However, by preloading the shaft to provide a rigid attachment, particularly in view of the interlocking engagement of the lug and locking member, the connector assembly 10 may resist relative rotation and point loading so that the lifting load is transferred through the shaft to both shoulders of the lug and both flanges of the corner fitting. [0056] As a result, in contrast to conventional twist-lock arrangements, the connector assembly 10 is designed for vertical lifting from the top horizontal slots of standardised corner fittings of an intermodal container or module (of standard or non-standard pattern) and to withstand lifting loads applied to the attachment 14 which include a side component as indicated in Figure 5B. This provides a significant advantage because the connector assembly of the invention provides rigging options for lifting a container or module having standardised corner fittings not available when using conventional twist-lock arrangements. In particular, the connector assembly 10 enables rigging options such as triangulated rigging whereby a connector assembly is affixed to each slot on the upper horizontal face on of the container and connected by means of a lift-line to a shared lifting point of lifting machinery such as, for example, a central lifting point provided by a crane hook or the like.

[0057] Furthermore, under the current arrangement, even where an external force on the attachment 14 results in the shaft 12 rotating or turning, the locking member 24 ensures that the lug 16 is impeded from rotating, which otherwise could lead to the lug 16 disengaging the corner fitting 4. It is to be appreciated that such disengagement under load could lead to serious consequences, such as damage to the item being lifted via the corner fitting 4, injury or even death to personnel involved in the lifting process.

[0058] Accordingly, depending on the lifting requirements of an item with corner fitting 4, the attachment 14 may be any suitable type of attachment, such as a rotating-type attachment, a hook-type attachment, a loop-type attachment, a ring-type attachment, a swivel attachment, a pivot-type attachment and/or a threaded attachment. It is to be appreciated that the attachment 14 may be used to facilitate the attachment of any member suited to resist longitudinal compression or expansion, i.e. ropes, slings, cables, struts, trusses, etc.

[0059] In a preferred example, the protrusions 32 of the locking member 24 are configured to engage the boss 20 in a complementary manner by the boss 20 defining at least one first engaging surface 22 and the protrusion 32 defining at least one second engaging surface 34 for complementarily engaging with the first engaging surface 22. In the example shown, both the boss 20 and the ribs 32 define two pairs of first and second engagement surfaces 22 and 34, respectively, for such respective engagement with each other.

[0060] It is to be appreciated that the first and second engagement surfaces 22 and 34 may be complementarily shaped to fit together, i.e. to tessellate. For example, the first engagement surface 22 may have a sinusoidal shape with the second engagement surface 34 having an exact inverse sinusoidal shape for engaging therewith. Various such shapes are possible as will be understood by the skilled addressee.

[0061 ] Typically, the protrusions 32 operatively extend into the slot of the corner fitting 4 when the locking member is in place, in order for the protrusions 32 to complementarily engage the boss 20. For example, in the example shown in Figure 5, because the corner fitting 4 has elongate slots 5, and the lug width L_w is smaller than the slot width S_w, there are typically gaps between the boss 20 and elongate sides of the slot when the lug engages the corner fitting. Accordingly, the ribs 32 are sized and dimensioned to fit into these gaps between the boss 20 and the elongate sides of the slot 9 of the corner fitting 4, parallel to the elongate slot axis S_AE- This facilitates in locking the locking member in the elongate slot and inter-engagement of the lug 16 in place.

[0062] In other examples, the protrusions and engagement surfaces may take different orientations or forms to facilitate engagement. For instance the ribs may be orientated to engage transversely in the slot.

[0063] In this respect, a further example of the connector assembly is shown in Figures 6 to 10, where like components are numbered with corresponding reference numerals with the addition of " ' ". As with the previous example shown in Figures 2 to 5, the connector assembly 10' is configured for convention fitment and engagement with an ISO corner fitting 4'. In this example, the connector assembly 10' also comprises a threaded shaft 12' which defines an attachment 14' at or adjacent one end, as shown. However in this embodiment, the attachment 14' is a swivel lifter as is known in the art.

[0064] The swivel lifter as shown includes an attachment loop or hoist ring 14a' and bail 14b' rotatably mounted to shaft 12'. A head in the form of fastener head 30', is provided at the attachment end of the shaft and forms both a shaft thrust collar and torque drive fastener formation to enable engagement of a suitable torquing tool, such as a wrench or torque gun, for tightening the threaded connection of shaft 12'. In this case the fastener head 30' is a hexagonal fastener however in will be appreciated that other types of fastener drive formation may be used in place of hex formation.

[0065] The bail 14b' is pivotally attached to the shaft between lower and upper washers, 31 a' and 31 b' thereby providing 360° rotation around the shaft axis. The hoist ring 14a' is hingedly attached to the bail providing approximately 180° rotation in an upward or downward direction.

[0066] As noted above the attachment 14' may take other forms, including other forms of swivel lifters. In particular however, swivel lifters provide good freedom of movement for lifting members, or the like and most significantly, as is known in the art, substantially prevent torque loads being transferred to the shaft from the attachment loop.

[0067] As with the example shown in figure 2 the connector assembly 10' displayed in Figure 6 also comprises an elongate lug 16' sized, shaped and dimensioned to be inserted into the elongate slot of a corner fitting in a parallel orientation whereby the lug is aligned with the slot on respective elongate axes, and rotated, typically through roughly 90^e, to an perpendicular orientation whereby the elongate slot and lug are cross aligned, thereby capturing the lug behind the flanges and preventing extraction of the lug.

[0068] The elongate lug includes perpendicularly disposed elongate and transverse axes (Ι_ΑΕ' & LAT ) defining respectively an elongate lug length L_L' and a transverse lug width L_W'. The lug width L_w' is less than the slot width S_w to facilitate insertion of the lug when aligned in elongate parallel orientation with the slot 5'; and the lug length L_L' is greater than the slot width Sw to prevent extraction (or insertion) when cross aligned. Preferably, so as to increase load bearing capability, the lug width L_w' is maximised while allowing close fitting clearance within the slot width S_w' for insertion. Similarly, to increase the lugs load bearing capability the lug height (thickness) L_H and is maximised while remaining receivable in the cavity. Preferably, the lug also has a length dimension L_L' less than the slot length S_L'.

[0069] Furthermore, elongate lug 16' also includes a centrally located, threaded aperture 18' extending through the lug from an upper surface to a lower surface, for receiving the threaded shaft 12'; a pair of abutment shoulders 19' located on the upper surface, at each lateral end of the lug adjacent aperture 18', and a lug alignment formation in the form of projecting boss 20' or similar formation about at least a portion of the threaded aperture 18' on an upper side of the lug 16' between the abutment shoulders 19'. In these respects the lug 16' is similar in form and function to lug 16.

[0070] However, in contrast to the boss 20 shown in Figure 2, the boss 20' of the lug shown in Figure 6 is sized and dimensioned for close fitting insertion into the slot and anti rotation engagement with the elongate sides of the elongate slot when the lug 16' engages the corner fitting 4' in the perpendicular orientation as described. That is to say in contrast to the boss 20 of the lug shown in Figure 5, the lug shown in Figures 6 - 10 fits into the slot with only minimal spacing and without a gap to receive projections from the locking member.

[0071 ] In this respect boss 20' includes first engaging surfaces 22' disposed on elongate ends to directly engage the elongate sides of the slot of the corner fitting 4' to prevent rotation of the lug when so engaged. For instance, the boss is dimensioned so as to have a length B_L' only marginally less than the slot width S_w' to allow for close fitting insertion of the boss into the slot when the lug is in the perpendicular orientation as described, and anti rotation engagement therewith. One advantage of this embodiment is that due to the direct boss / slot engagement, with the lug fitted in perpendicular orientation with the slot, the lug is prevented from rotating without the need for a locking member. The boss 20' also serves to provide mechanical strength around the aperture 18'.

[0072] Nevertheless, in the current example, shown in Figures 6 to 10, the connector assembly 10' further includes locking member 24' configured to be disposed between the attachment 14' and the lug 16', as shown so that in use, a lower surface of the locking member 24' abuts an outer surface 28 of the corner fitting sidewall 5'. The locking member is preferably plate shaped and includes a passage 26' for the threaded shaft 12' to pass through. The passage is sized to allow for free sliding travel of the locking member along threaded shaft and thrust abutment of the locking member against the thrust collar, a locking member including a passage sized for

[0073] The locking member 24' includes a locking member alignment formation in the form of at least one protrusion which extends from a bottom surface 27' of the locking member 24'. In use with the bottom surface 27' of the locking member 24' resting on the upper surface 28' of the fitting, the at least one protrusion is configured to extend at least partially into the slot 6'. The protrusions are preferably configured to orientate the locking member with the slot by only submitting to insertion in slot when aligned therewith. Preferably, the protrusions are also configured to engage the lug in a particular orientation.

[0074] The protrusions in addition to the alignment, engagement and locking functions as herein described additionally serve to provide enhanced mechanical strength and stiffness to the locking member particularly in the vicinity of the slot where the locking member is otherwise unsupported. [0075] In the current example, shown in Figures 6 to 10, the at least one protrusion comprises a central boss 31 ' disposed around the passage 26' flanked by two outer ribs 32'. At least one of the protrusions 31 ', 32', as part of the locking member 24', as noted is configured to extend at least partially into the slot 6' and engage the peripheral edge of the corner fitting 4' slot 5' to prevent rotation of the locking member. In this configuration the ribs 31 ', together present an elongate profile which has a length dimension greater that the slot width thereby requiring elongate alignment with the slot for insertion.

[0076] In addition, the ribs 32' extend from the locking member beyond the boss protrusion 31 ' to engage the boss 20' of the lug 16' in a complementary manner thereby inter-engaging the locking member with the lug. As such the ribs are spaced apart by a distance to allow for close fitting insertion of the boss therebetween. It is to be appreciated that in view of the square shape of the boss, the boss can only be inserted between the ribs in orthogonal orientations.

[0077] In this example, the ribs 32' of the locking member 24' define at least one second engaging surface 34' for complementarily engagement at least one third engaging surface 23' disposed on the boss 20'. As illustrated in Figures 6 to 10, each rib 32' of the locking member 24' provides a second engaging surface 34' disposed on respective opposing inner face while respective complementary third engaging surfaces 23' are disposed on each lateral faces of the boss 20'.

[0078] As previously noted the first engagement surfaces 22' are disposed on elongate ends of the boss 20' so as to be substantially perpendicular to the axis of elongation of the lug 16', as shown. However the third engagement surfaces 23' of the boss 20' are generally substantially parallel to the axis of elongation of the lug 16' on lateral faces of the boss 20', as shown. Similarly, the second engagement surfaces 34' of the ribs 32' are configured in use to be substantially parallel to the axis of elongation of the lug 16' when the lug and the locking member 24' are lockingly engaged.

[0079] It will be appreciated that, both the protrusions 31 ', 32' of the locking operatively extend into the slot of the corner fitting 4' when the locking member 24' is in place, in order for the ribs 32' to complementarily engage the boss 20'. Furthermore it will be appreciated, that in contrast to the example of the invention shown in Figures 2 to 5, in this example, the third engaging surfaces 23' on the boss 21 ' are disposed on the lateral faces of the lug and as such, in use the ribs 32' are disposed to laterally straddle the boss of the lug rather than fit in gaps between the boss 20' and elongate sides of the slot when the lug engages the corner fitting. As previously noted, other configurations of complementary interlocking formations on the locking member and lug may be contemplated without departing from the scope of the current invention.

[0080] In use, with the lug conventionally secured to the corner fitting 4' as described above, and the threaded shaft engaged in the lug, the attachment 14' is torqued to draw the lug 20' along the shaft so that the lower washer 31 a' abuts the top surface 28' of the locking plate 24'. Compressive clamping force may be passed from the fastener head 30' via both washers 31 a', 31 b' and the bail 14b' swivel attachment to the locking member thereby clamping the corner fitting 4' flanges 6' between the lug 16' shoulders 19' and the lower surface of the locking member 24' and rigidly fixing the connector assembly 10' to the corner fitting 4'. As described previously, this ensures that when a side load is applied to the shaft 12', the connector assembly 10' remains vertical (normal to the corner fitting 4') so that the lifting load is transferred through the shaft to both shoulders of the lug and both flange of the slot of the corner fitting.

[0081 ] It will be appreciated that in order to clamp the corner fitting the stack height or combined height of the boss 20' and the central boss protrusion 31 ' as they extend from the shoulders of the lug and bottom surface 27' of the of the locking member 24' respectively, must be less than the thickness of the corner fitting. This can clearly be seen in Figure 10b whereby the combined thickness of the boss 20' of the lug above the shoulders 19 and the central boss protrusion 31 ' from bottom surface 27' of the locking member 24' is less that the thickness of the slot flanges S_WD.

[0082] With reference to Figure 6, in this embodiment side faces of the lug and locking member are provided with markings to indicate that the lug and locking member are in locking alignment. This enables the user a convenient and clear visual indication that the connector assembly is locking engaged in the corner fitting. Preferably, as indicated by shading in Figure 6, corresponding parallel side faces of the lug and locking member are colour matched to indicate that the lug and locking member and in alignment for engagement.

[0083] Turning to Figure 1 1 a and 1 1 b, a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention is shown dimensioned to be compatible with the dimensions of a standards ISO fitting as shown in Figure 1 a. In the case of an standardised corner fitting, indicative dimensions, plus or minus appropriate tolerances, are transverse slot width, S_w of 63.5 mm, an elongate slot length, S_L of 124 mm and a slot flange thickness S_WD of 28.5 mm. As previously noted, in the case of standardised corner fittings, commonly the slots on the vertical faces are of similar width but of reduced length (for instance 80mm), and the thickness of the slot flanges on vertical sidewalls may somewhat less than that of the horizontal sidewalls in recognition of the different forces which may be applied to the vertical slots (for instance 21 mm).

[0084] The corresponding dimensions of a compatible lug and locking member are provided in the table below with reference to Figures 1 1 a and 1 1 b respectively.

[0085] It is specifically noted that the noted that the lug length and width (L_L x L_w) is 100mm x 60mm thereby providing adequate insertion clearance give the corresponding slot dimensions (S_w x S_L) 63.5 mm x 124 mm respectively. In addition the boss length and width (B_W x B|_) of 60mm x 60mm allow insertion of the boss into the slot in either the lug parallel orientation (for insertion) or the lug perpendicular orientation for operative engagement. Furthermore the combined height of the boss 20' and the central boss protrusion 31 ' as they extend from the shoulders of the lug and bottom surface 27' of the of the locking member 24' respectively, (10mm + 17.5mm = 27.5mm) is less than the thickness of the slot flanges (28.5mm) thereby allowing for clamping engagement.

[0086] The shaft, attachment, lug and locking member may be fabricated of any material noted for suitable load bearing characteristics. Preferably the material is chosen to have adequate strength, toughness and suitable impact resistance. One suitable material is high tensile steel. In particular the lug and locking member may be fabricated from 4140 grade steel and 250 MPa grade steel plate respectively.

[0087] The lug and locking member embodiment, shown in Figures 1 1 a and 1 1 b, are designed to be compatible with a high tensile steel (10.9 grade) M42 threaded shaft having a commercially available swivel attachment. The swivel attachment includes a hoist ring providing 360° swivel with a 180^e pivot function and is manufactured from quenched and tempered, forged alloy steel. In this embodiment the shaft and swivel are rated at between 10,000 kg and 15,000 kg and a tightening torque of between 1000Nm and 1500Nm. However the shaft and swivel attachment long with the material and configuration of the lug and locking member are selected according to the loading requirement in accordance with well established engineering principles.

[0088] Furthermore, in the exemplified embodiments, the locking member 24 comprises a plate which lies over an upper surface of the corner fitting 4, when in use. However, it is to be appreciated that the locking member 24 may have any suitable size, shape or configuration depending on requirements. To further assist with the function of the locking member, said locking member 24 may also be configured to engage with the corner fitting 4 itself, e.g. the locking member is a plate which fits over and engages with edges of the corner fitting 4, or the like. Various configurations are possible and will be appreciated by the skilled addressee.

[0089] In one example, the connector assembly 10 may also include biasing means (not shown) which is fast with the lug 16 and/or the shaft 12 for operatively biasing the boss 20 of the lug 16 out of the corner fitting. Typically, such biasing means is a spring which is fast with a bottom surface of the lug 16 or the shaft 12. Effectively, such biasing means is helpful in attaching the connector assembly 10 to the corner fitting, as it urges the lug 16, once engaged to the corner fitting 4 as described, into position so that the locking member 24 and shaft 12 can be put in place. The biasing means may also facilitate in removing the lug 16 from the corner fitting 4, as it would urge the lug 16 out of the corner fitting 4 when disengaged.

[0090] It is also to be appreciated that the invention further provides for an associated method of lifting an item which has such an intermodal container corner fitting 4. In general, such a method comprises providing connector assemblies 10, 10' for each corner fitting 4 of the item, and fixing these connector assemblies 10 to the respective corner fittings 4, as described above. Further general steps would involve attaching at least one line to a connector assembly 10, and exerting tension on this line in order to lift the item. [0091 ] The line can be anything useable for attaching to the connector assemblies 10 in order to exert a force thereon, such as a rope, a sling, a cable, a lifting cradle, a lifting framework, and/or the like.

[0092] Once the item has been moved or displaced to a desired location, the connectors 10 can be removed by unscrewing the shaft 12 from the lug 16 so that the locking member 24 can be raised to disengage the boss 20. Once the locking member 24 has been released, the lug 16 can now be rotated to disengage the corner fitting 4, so that the connector is removable therefrom.

[0093] The Applicants believe it particularly advantageous that the connector assembly 10 enables lug 16 to be rigidly locked in place to the corner fitting 4 by means of the clamping effect provided by the threaded shaft 12. In addition, the inter-engageability of the lug and locking member interface further enhances the rigidity of the connector assembly under clamping forces and resistance to side-load components of orthogonal-to-the-slot lifting loads.

[0094] That is to say the ability of the connector to bear a side load component when subjected to lifting forces substantially orthogonal to the slot allows for a wider range of lifting strategies than with traditional twist lock connectors. In particular, the connector assembly of the present invention provides a means for the safe attachment of lifting lines to the top face slots of ISO corner fittings when using triangulated rigging without the need to resort to corner fitting slots positioned on the sides or vertical faces. The ability to lift containers using triangulated rigging applied directly and only to the top face slots of a standardised corner fitting provides a significant increase in flexibility when lifting non-standard modules and container thereby substantially reducing the need for special rigging and moving techniques that otherwise add complexity and delays. Furthermore, clearly, access to the sides of the container is not required.

[0095] The connector assembly of the invention is low cost, low weight, highly mobile and manageable. It may equally be used for any sized container/module comprising standardised corner fitting whether a standard on non-standard size.

[0096] Furthermore, the alignment features incorporated into to the connector assembly directed at correct alignment between the component parts as well as correct alignment of the component parts with the corner fitting slot, greatly enhance the safety of the connector in use by promoting correct fitment. As a result, the Applicants believe it advantageous that the connector 10 allows safer, easier and more productive handling of large modular construction modules having conventional corner fittings. It is to be appreciated that the connector assembly 10 described below finds application with any item making use of the corner fitting 4, such as skids, lifting frameworks, heavy machinery, etc.

[0097] Optional embodiments of the present invention may also be said to broadly consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated herein, individually or collectively, in any or all combinations of two or more of the parts, elements or features, and wherein specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which the invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth.

[0098] It is to be appreciated that reference to "one example" or "an example" of the invention is not made in an exclusive sense. Accordingly, one example may exemplify certain aspects of the invention, whilst other aspects are exemplified in a different example. These examples are intended to assist the skilled person in performing the invention and are not intended to limit the overall scope of the invention in any way unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0099] It is to be understood that the terminology employed above is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The described embodiment is intended to be illustrative of the invention, without limiting the scope thereof. The invention is capable of being practised with various modifications and additions as will readily occur to those skilled in the art.

[0100] Various substantially and specifically practical and useful exemplary embodiments of the claimed subject matter are described herein, textually and/or graphically, including the best mode, if any, known to the inventors for carrying out the claimed subject matter. Variations (e.g. modifications and/or enhancements) of one or more embodiments described herein might become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading this application.

[0101 ] The inventor(s) expects skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventor(s) intends for the claimed subject matter to be practiced other than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, as permitted by law, the claimed subject matter includes and covers all equivalents of the claimed subject matter and all improvements to the claimed subject matter. Moreover, every combination of the above described elements, activities, and all possible variations thereof are encompassed by the claimed subject matter unless otherwise clearly indicated herein, clearly and specifically disclaimed, or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

[0102] The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., "such as") provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate one or more embodiments and does not pose a limitation on the scope of any claimed subject matter unless otherwise stated. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed subject matter as essential to the practice of the claimed subject matter.

[0103] The use of words that indicate orientation or direction of travel is not to be considered limiting. Thus, words such as "front", "back", "rear", "side", "up", down", "upper", "lower", "top", "bottom", "forwards", "backwards", "towards", "distal", "proximal", "in", "out" and synonyms, antonyms and derivatives thereof have been selected for convenience only, unless the context indicates otherwise. The inventor(s) envisage that various exemplary embodiments of the claimed subject matter can be supplied in any particular orientation and the claimed subject matter is intended to include such orientations.

[0104] The use of the terms "a", "an", "said", "the", and/or similar referents in the context of describing various embodiments (especially in the context of the claimed subject matter) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms "comprising," "having," "including," and "containing" are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning "including, but not limited to,") unless otherwise noted.

[0105] Moreover, when any number or range is described herein, unless clearly stated otherwise, that number or range is approximate. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value and each separate sub-range defined by such separate values is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. For example, if a range of 1 to 10 is described, that range includes all values there between, such as for example, 1 .1 , 2.5, 3.335, 5, 6.179, 8.9999, etc., and includes all sub-ranges there between, such as for example, 1 to 3.65, 2.8 to 8.14, 1 .93 to 9, etc. [0106] Accordingly, every portion (e.g., title, field, background, summary, description, abstract, drawing figure, etc.) of this application, other than the claims themselves, is to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive; and the scope of subject matter protected by any patent that issues based on this application is defined only by the claims of that patent.

Claims

Claims:

1 . A demountable connector assembly for engaging an intermodal container corner fitting, said fitting including an elongate slot and a receiving cavity underlying and in communicating with the slot, said connector assembly comprising:

2. A demountable connector assembly according to claim 2 or 3 wherein the lug alignment formation directly engages the corner fitting.

3. A demountable connector assembly according to claim 2 or 3 wherein the lug alignment formation is configured to engage the locking member alignment formation in a complementary manner.

4. A demountable connector assembly according to claim 3 or 4 wherein the lug includes a boss about at least a portion of the threaded aperture, said boss including the lug alignment formation and disposed to be insertable into said slot.

5. A demountable connector assembly according to claim 4 wherein the locking member alignment formation includes at least one protrusion configured to engage the boss in a complementary manner so that the lug is impeded from rotating within the corner casting independent of rotation of the shaft.

6. A demountable connector assembly according to claim 5 wherein the at least one protrusion is configured to be insertable into said slot in a predetermined aligned orientation.

7. A demountable connector assembly according to claim 6 wherein the protrusion is configured to engage the boss in a complementary manner by said boss defining at least one first engaging surface and the protrusion defining at least one second engaging surface for complementarily engaging with the first engaging surface.

8. A demountable connector assembly according to claim 7 wherein, the first engagement surface is disposed substantially parallel to an axis of elongation of the lug.

9. A demountable connector assembly according to claim 7 or 8 wherein, the second engagement surface are substantially parallel to an axis of elongation of the lug.

10. A demountable connector assembly according to claim 7 wherein, the engagement surfaces are complementarily shaped for operative engagement with each other.

1 1 . A demountable connector assembly according to any one of the preceding claims whereby rigid clamping engagement of the corner fitting between the lug and the locking member is provided by threaded connection of the shaft and lug and thrust abutment of the locking member and thrust collar.

12. A demountable connector assembly according to any one of the preceding claims wherein, the locking member includes a plate which lies over an upper surface of the corner fitting, when in use.

13. A demountable connector assembly according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the attachment is selected from the group consisting of a hook-type attachment, a rotating attachment, a loop-type attachment, a ring-type attachment, a swivel attachment, a pivot-type attachment and/or a threaded attachment.

14. A demountable connector assembly according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the attachment generally facilitates attachment of a load line.

15. A demountable connector assembly for engaging an intermodal container corner fitting having an elongate slot, said connector assembly comprising:

16. A demountable connector assembly for engaging an intermodal container corner fitting, said connector assembly comprising:

a threaded shaft defining an attachment at or adjacent a first end;

a locking member defining a passage for the threaded shaft to pass through so that in use, the locking member is between the attachment and the lug, the locking member having at least one protrusion operatively configured to engage the boss in a complementary manner so that the lug is impeded from rotating within the corner fitting independent of rotation of the shaft.