BR122015002094B1 - OPEN TOP CONTAINER TO CARRY BULK MATERIAL - Google Patents

Abstract

OPEN TOP CONTAINER FOR CARRYING MATERIAL, CORNER STRENGTHENING ARRANGEMENT FOR AN OPEN TOP CONTAINER, OPEN TOP CONTAINER, CONTAINER HAVING FOUR CORNERS, AND, METHOD FOR STRENGTHENING A CORNER FITTING AND A POST OF AN OPEN CONTAINER. The present invention provides a lid (400) for an open container (100, 13.10), a lid lifting system (13,100), an overhead bin (13,200) with the improved lid lifting system (13,100) and a method for hoist a container. The lifting and lid arrangement includes an apertured receiving formation (401) in an upper side of a lid (100) for receiving a lifting member (13.40). The hoisting member (13.40) can do one or more of the following: engaging the formation (401) will unlock a locking mechanism (13.42, 458) that secures the lid (400) to a container (100); or allowing the hoisting member (13.40) to be rotated to thereby unlock the locking mechanism (13.42, 458) which locks the lid (400) to the container (100), while simultaneously locking the hoisting member (13.40, 458) to the lid (400). A lifting device that is capable of performing such actions is also disclosed, and a method for operating the lifting device.

Description

field of invention

[0001] The present invention relates generally to containers and container constructions having ISO fittings for lifting and handling, more particularly to containers for bulk materials, especially containers having reinforced side walls, in which the contents are discharged by the transport vehicle. tipping or turning the container.

[0002] Additionally, the present invention also relates to open top type containers for handling and transporting bulk materials. These containers can be of full height or medium height, and in particular to lids, lid systems and lifting systems for the engagement of those lids, lid lifting systems which can be mounted on the tipper or container swivels, or mounted on the lifting devices adapted to lift the containers and/or lids.

Fundamentals of the Invention Fundamentals of the Invention

[0003] Containers for materials such as liquids, ores, minerals, sand, powders, residue, or grains such as wheat are available. These can be manipulated by machines called tippers, while containers can be pivoted or pointed to discharge their contents. A problem with containers for bulk ore or liquid materials is that the container contents create a load on the side walls of the container, and can cause deflections in the side walls. To reduce deflections or clogging during rotation caused by loading, the vessel walls have been reinforced by cross braces as in PCT/GB2010/000122 or by top braces as in W09513233.

[0004] Open containers are manually closed by lids which have fork tine receivers in the lid, to allow a fork lift to position a lid or move a lid from a container. Covers are used during the transport phase to protect the bulk material from the weather and to prevent the wind from forming dust from the bulk material during transport.

[0005] Once the container arrives at its destination such as a transfer location, via the fork tine receivers a fork lift will move the lid off the container and then the container will be distributed to a tipping device or tip which will engage the container and lift and rotate the container to discharge the contents of the container to a desired location. This state-of-the-art process may require the container to be rotated 80 degrees to discharge the bulk product through the tipper.

[0006] Such tippers are generally attached to ship cranes or shore ship cranes or shore cranes or mobile harbor cranes, and the container can be turned and unloaded directly into the bulk container hull of vessels going to the ocean .

[0007] Current practice is that these covers are manually locked in place by ground personnel and removed using a fork lift. The container is then lifted and emptied into the vessel.

[0008] Any reference herein to known prior art does not, unless otherwise indicated, constitute an admission that such prior art is commonly known to those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains, as of the priority date of this application.

Summary of the Invention

[0009] The present invention also provides a container for transporting material, the container having ISO corner fittings, distinguished by the fact that the corner assembly or fittings are formed from an overall box-like structure as a main body, and at least one angle formation extending therefrom. A plurality of gusset formations may be included.

[00010] The present invention also provides a corner reinforcement arrangement formed from a body such as an ISO corner fitting and a post, and at least one angle formation extending therefrom, or a multiple number of angle formations extending from it.

[00011] The gusset formation may include one or both of the following: a face angled to the horizontal plane; a face angled to the vertical plane.

[00012] The corner reinforcement arrangement may be such that the at least one gusset formation has a three-dimensional shape.

[00013] The corner reinforcement arrangement may be such that the gusset formation of a generally triangular configuration.

[00014] The corner reinforcement arrangement may be such that a part of the periphery of the angle formation is welded to the corner or post, with another part being welded to the longitudinal or lateral beam of the container.

[00015] The corner reinforcement arrangement may be such that the gusset formation extends inwardly from the corner or post and laterally from a longitudinal axis of the container or parallel thereto.

[00016] The gusset formation may be formed from a triangular outboard plate and an inboard plate having a triangular or trapezoidal shape, the outboard and inboard plates being connected by a rectangular plate.

[00017] The present invention also provides a container having corner gusset arrangement as described in the preceding paragraphs.

[00018] The container may have four upper corners being formed by such corner gusset arrangement.

[00019] The lower corners of the container may include generally triangular shaped angle formations between lower corners and beams or rails of the container.

[00020] The front and rear ends of the container may include an upper beam which extends between respective corner posts and/or corners, the upper beam having an onboard or lateral edge which is offset internally from the posts and/or or corners.

[00021] The front and rear ends of the container may include a bottom beam, which extends between respective corner posts and/or corners, the bottom beam having an edge or side edge which is offset internally from the posts and /or corners.

[00022] The onboard edge or side bottom beam may be internally offset by a greater distance than the onboard edge or side of the top beam.

[00023] The present invention provides a lid having a lid portion which is sized and shaped to be received in the open container so as to cover, at least substantially, an opening in the top of the container, the lid portion including in at least at least one location thereof, at least one opening formation in which a lifting member can be received, which is located at the end of a lifting cable or lifting frame, for releasably locking the cable or frame to the cover .

[00024] A plurality of opening formations can be located on the lid, the opening formations can be one of the following: separately formed and attached to the lid; integrally formed in the lid; or are openings formed in the lid. locking mechanism, the locking mechanism that locks the lid to the container. Opening can also be for hoisting only, and locking and unlocking is maintained as a manual process.

[00025] Aperture formations can be ISO inserts or inserts which meet ISO standards.

[00026] The cover can be manufactured from sheet metal, steel, plastic or composite material.

[00027] The opening formation(s) can cooperate with a locking mechanism, the locking mechanism that locks the lid to the container. Opening can also be for hoisting only, and locking and unlocking is maintained as a manual process.

[00028] The opening formation(s) can receive the hoisting member or rotate or twist the locking member which causes the lid to be unlocked from the container.

[00029] The opening formation may be associated with a lever means which will, when turned, cause a latch which engages the container to be released.

[00030] The lid may include reception formations with openings located centrally or peripherally.

[00031] There may be one or more locking bars which extend from the receiving formations to lock the lid in relation to the container.

[00032] The action of the hoisting member entering the opening formation(s) may cause a locking mechanism lever to move the locking mechanism from a locked to an unlocked condition.

[00033] The action of the hoist member entering the opening formation(s) allows a portion of the lock mechanism to be rotated from a locked to an unlocked condition.

[00034] The lever means can rotate around a generally vertical axis.

[00035] The means of leverage can rotate around a generally horizontal axis

[00036] The lever means can be biased to a latch condition by means of one or a combination of two or more of the following: gravity, a spring bias, a portion spring, tension spring, a compression spring.

[00037] The action of lifting members on a lid lifting device that engages the receiving formation on the lid causes the latches to move to unlocked conditions.

[00038] The lifting member on a lid lifting device, moving to disengage from the receiving formations on the lid, can cause the latches to move into a locked condition so that once the lifting members are able to separate from the receiving formations the lid is latched to a container or the latches are in a latched condition.

[00039] Receiving or opening formations receive a respective hoisting member in a vertical direction.

[00040] The engagement of a respective lid lifting member to the formation(s) with opening(s) will operate by one of the following: (a) simultaneously locks the lid lifting member to the respective formation with opening and unlocks the lid from the container; (b) sequentially unlocking the lid from the container and then locking the lid lifting member to the respective apertured formation; (c) in sequence locks the lid lifting member to the respective apertured formation then unlocks the lid from the container.

[00041] The present invention also provides a lifting device for lifting a container, the device including means for engaging snaps in the corners of a container to be lifted, the device including a second engaging means which operates to releasably engage a lid associated with the container. container rotation.

[00042] The lifting device may be associated with or formed as part of a lifting vehicle such as a crane or may be connected to a crane or material handling equipment.

[00043] The device can also be adapted to rotate the container to discharge its contents.

[00044] The second lifting means can lift the lid out of the way of container rotation.

[00045] The second lifting means can be operable independently of lifting the container, so that the lid can be lifted from the container while the container is being moved, or before the container is being moved, or to allow the container is deposited after being transported with the lid remaining on the device.

[00046] The second lifting device may include a lifting member which has a twisting or rotary locking member for engaging an aperture formation in the lid, so as to lock the second lifting means to the lid.

[00047] The lifting member or twisting or rotary locking member also releases a latch which locks the lid to the container

[00048] The second lifting means may have a multiple of the lifting members or rotate or twist locking members to engage a similar multiple of the aperture formations in the lid.

[00049] The present invention further provides a method of handling an open container which has a lid to cover an opening of the container, the method including the steps of providing a lifting device as described above, in which the lifting device is controlled to lift the container and lid or lift the container and lift the lid from the container; or to lift just the lid from the container.

[00050] The lifting of the container and the lid, or lifting the container and lifting the lid from the container can be performed in sequence or simultaneously. with respect to the container, by engaging the lifting device with at least one opening formation in the lid.

[00051] The method may include the step of rotating the container to discharge the contents of the container.

[00052] Prior to rotating the container, the lid is lifted from the container and transported to a location relative to the container without a container rotation envelope.

[00053] A step of unlocking the lid in relation to the container may be included, through engagement of the lifting device to at least one opening formation in the lid.

[00054] Cover may include centrally located twist lock receiving formations.

[00055] One or more locking bars radiate from the receiving formations to lock the lid to the container.

[00056] The twist lock action on a cover lifting device that engages the receiving formation as on the cover can cause the locks to move to unlocked conditions.

[00057] The action of the twist lock on a cover lifting device, moving to disengage from the receiving formations on the cover, will cause the locks to move into a locked condition so that once the locks are capable of separating forming receiving formations, the lid is latched to a container or the latches are in a latched condition.

[00058] The present invention provides a container for transporting bulk materials, the container having ISO fittings at spaced locations therein for lifting and/or handling the container, the container including a support structure that interconnects a first wall and another wall or surface, the structure having a first apex or corner which connects with the first wall, a second apex or corner which connects with a floor of the container, and a third apex or corner.

[00059] The third corner or vertex can connect with the opposite wall, the first and third corners or vertices being located at almost the same distance from the floor.

[00060] The second corner or vertex can also connect with the first wall, and the third corner or vertex can connect with the floor of the container.

[00061] The container may include a second support structure having a first corner or apex may connect with the opposite wall, a second corner or apex may connect with the floor of the container, and a third corner or apex may also connect with the floor of the container.

[00062] The second corner or apex of the first support structure and the second corner or apex of the second support structure may overlap each other and may be located close to a midpoint of the container floor.

[00063] The second corner or apex of the first triangular structure and the second corner or apex of the second triangular structure may be located on opposite sides of a longitudinal centerline of the floor of the container.

[00064] Between the first and third corners or vertices, a top edge of the support structure can be defined, with a clearance or space between a top edge of the container and at least a portion of the top edge of the support structure.

[00065] Clearance or space is provided along a central portion of the top edge of the support structure.

[00066] The support structure may include a plate having first, second and third corners or vertices.

[00067] The board can have at least one empty outside section.

[00068] The three corners or vertices can be formed by the three members of the support structure, with a first member extending at least between the first and second corners or vertices, a second member extending at least between the second and third corners or vertices, and a third member extending at least between the first and third corners or vertices. opposite wall.

[00069] The member extending between the first and third corners is a top member, the member extending between the first and second corners, and the member extending between the second and third corners are side members.

[00070] The top member may be located between intermediate portions of the side members.

[00071] The top member can extend between the first wall and the opposite wall.

[00072] Each member may be formed from a tensile member such as a cable or chain, which may also include a tensioning means such as a turnbuckle.

[00073] The support structure may also include an angle bracket located between any two of the three members.

[00074] The support structure can be attached directly to the container.

[00075] The support structure can be attached to the mounting plates which are joined to the container.

[00076] The support structure can be welded, fixed or screwed to the container.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[00077] An embodiment or embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a sectional view of a container middle section with an internal clamp; Figure 1A is a partial perspective view showing a container and an inner clamp for the container; Figure 2 is a sectional view of a midsection of a container within another inner clamp; Figure 3 is a sectional view of a midsection of a container within an additional inner clamp; Figure 4 is a sectional view of a midsection of a container within an additional inner clamp; Figure 5 is a sectional view of a midsection of a container within an additional inner clamp; Figure 6 is a sectional view of a midsection of a container within an additional inner clamp; Figure 7 is a sectional view of a midsection of a container within an additional inner clamp; Figure 8 is a sectional view of a midsection of a container within an additional inner clamp; Figure 9 is a sectional view of a midsection of a container within an additional inner clamp; Figure 10 is a sectional view of a midsection of a container within an additional inner clamp; Figure 11 is a sectional view of a midsection of a container within an additional inner clamp; Figure 12 is a sectional view of a midsection of a container within an additional inner clamp; Figure 13 illustrates a perspective view of the ISO corner fitting gusset; Figure 14 illustrates a plan view of a container having gussets as in Figure 13, and side wall gussets near the centrally located support; and Figure 15 is a front view of the container of Figure 14; Figure 16 is an upper front side perspective view of another container; Figure 17 is a perspective view of the container of Figure 16; Figure 18 is an underside perspective view of a lid for use with the container of Figure 16; Figure 19 illustrates a top perspective view of the lid of Figure 18; Figure 22 illustrates a plan view of an angle formation as used with the container of Figures 16 and 17; Figure 23 illustrates a side, exterior view of the gusset formation of Figure 22 in the direction of the view marked with arrow A; Figure 24 illustrates a side, interior view of the gusset formation of Figure 22 in the direction of the view marked with arrow B; Figure 25 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the gusset formation of Figure 22; Figure 26 is a side perspective view of an angle formation for use with the container of Figures 16 and 17; Figure 27 is a rear front side view of the gusset formation of Figure 30; and Figure 28 is a rear front view of the lower gusset formations of Figures 16 to 29, Figure 29 is a side view of the gusset formation of Figure 13; Figure 30 is a top side perspective view of the gusset formation of Figures 22 to 25; Figure 31 illustrates a front view of the container of Figures 16 and 17 in an upside down condition in a tilting apparatus; Figure 32 illustrates a detailed perspective view of a bottom corner of the container of Figures 16 and 17; Figure 33 illustrates a detailed perspective view of the lid locking and unlocking mechanism of Figures 18 to 21; Figure 34 is a front elevation of an open container with a lid; Figure 37 illustrates the cross section of Figure 36 which shows in greater detail a mechanism for releasing a lock which locks the lid to the container through the insertion of a twist lock; Figure 38 illustrates a side portion of Figure 37 in greater detail; Figure 39 illustrates a plan view of the features of Figure 38; Figure 39A is similar to Figure 39 with the striker plate and the mold rotated so that the striker plate is not in engagement with a latch; Figure 40 illustrates a schematic cross-section through a cover and latch means as an alternative to the latches of Figures 37 to 39; Figure 41 illustrates a front elevation of a container and lid in a combined lid and tipper lifter showing a lid lifting stage; Figure 42 is similar to that of Figure 41 with the lid lifter outside the container rotation envelope with the container having been rotated through 90 degrees; Figure 43 is similar to Figure 42 with the container rotated 180 degrees; Figures 44 to 47 are side views of the stages of Figures 41 to 43; Figures 48 to 51 show the stages of the lid lifter which engage aperture formations in the lid and then lift the lid; Figure 56 illustrates the mechanism of Figures 54 and 55 where the cover is lifted while the latch is open.

Detailed Description of the Modality or Modalities

[00078] Figures 1 and 1A represent a container 100 with internal support, in this view, two opposing walls 102, 104, and bottom 106 are visible, in addition to generally parallel spaced and opposite end walls (102.1, 104.1), each one extending from the floor to an upper end thereof, each wall having an upper beam at the upper end thereof. The support structure or inner brace 110 made from integrally formed members 110.1, 110.2, and 110.3 reinforces the sidewalls 102 and 104 to help them resist deformation when a bulk material is weighting on a single sidewall during an operation. of inflection. The clamp 110 forms a triangular shape, having a first apex or corner 112 which is connected to the sidewall 102 through an apertured mounting plate 102.1 which is welded to the sidewall 102 at the square hollow section top rail thereof. , which is illustrated in cross-section in Figure 1; a second apex or corner 116 which is connected to the container floor 106 through an apertured mounting plate 106.1 which is welded to the floor 106; and a third apex or corner 114 which is connected to the opposite wall 104 through an apertured mounting plate 104.1 which is welded to the side wall 104 at the square hollow section top rail thereof, which is illustrated in cross section in Figure 1.

[00079] ISO 100.1 fittings are provided in the four top corners of the container 100.2, allowing maneuvering and manipulation, such as lifting, of the container 100, for example, by a crane. Container 100, therefore, is within ISO specifications.

[00080] Figure 1A shows a container with see-through sides to illustrate the location and arrangement of the clamp 110 which is provided to support the longitudinal walls 102 and 104. The container being pivotable or rotatable about the longitudinal axis for discharging bulk material from the container through the open top and when the container 100 is rotated to dispense the contents, the load created by the weight of the contents rests on the longitudinal walls 102 or 104 (depending on the direction of rotation, and the clamp 110 reinforces the respective longitudinal wall against this load during rotation).

[00081] The container having corners 100.2 in the junction regions between the adjacent side walls and the end walls, wherein the upper ends of the side walls being configured without angle formations along them.

[00082] The inner bracket 110 can be attached by screws or pins to the mounting plates 102.1, 106.1 and 104.1, or can alternatively be welded to them or welded directly to the side walls 102, 104 and the floor 106. Alternatively, the bracket 10 can be attached to angle plates which are themselves attached by pins or screws to the container 100.

[00083] The clamp 110 can be one piece as illustrated in Figure 1, or it can be made from a multiple of members joined together through methods such as welding or bolting. This can be done as the clamp members 110.1, 110.2, and 110.3 predominantly act in tension, particularly during tipper rotation processes.

[00084] As shown in Figure 2, the internal clamp can be a triangular plate 210 connected approximately by the three apexes 212, 214, and 216.

[00085] With reference to Figure 3, the inner clamp 310 may have a hollowed outer section 320, to reduce weight. The rim area 322 around the hollowed out outer section 320 provides for the transmission and support of forces. container (for example, see Figure 8). Corners 412 and 414 of clamp 410 in this embodiment are located at approximately the same level as the top of container 400.

[00086] With reference to Figure 4, the top portion of the inner clamp 410 can be recessed, for example, it can be cut out, so that the clamp 410 has a recessed top 425. The recessed top 425 is partially recessed recessed with respect to the top of the container 400. However, alternatively it may be completely recessed with respect to the top of the container (for example, see Figure 8). Corners 412 and 414 of clamp 410 in this embodiment are located at approximately the same level as the top of container 400.

[00087] With reference to Figure 5, the inner clamp 510 can comprise three separate members 505, 515, and 525. The side member 505 connects between a side wall 502 to the floor 506, opposite side member 515 connects to the opposite side wall 504 to the floor 506, and the top member 525 connects to opposing side members 505 and 515. Each of the individual members 505, 515, and 525 may extend substantially between two of the three clamp corners 512, 514, and 516. For example, mounting plates with openings could be provided at each of the three apexes 512, 514, and 516, and each member could have end openings which align with the openings. Screws, nuts, pins, or rivets can be used to fasten them together. Members 505, 515, and 525 alternatively can be welded together at each of the three apex locations 512, 514, and 516.

[00088] In this embodiment, the inner clamp 510 forms a triangle, and provides more stability to the container 500 than a V-shaped clamp having only opposite side members 505 and 515. The top member 525 helps to stabilize the side members 505 and 515. 515 by limiting their movement relative to each other. In the orientation shown in Figure 5, horizontal movement of side members 505, 515 is limited.

[00089] With reference to Figure 6, an inner clamp 610 with three members 605, 615, 625 as described above may also be recessed in its upper location. For example, the top member 625 may extend from an intermediate portion 630 along the side member 605 to a corresponding intermediate portion 635 along the opposing side member 615. The side members may have mounting plates 625.1 and 625.2 on them. intermediate portions 630 and 635, and the top member 625 can be attached between these mounting plates. The bottom height of top member 625 provides extra clearance between the top of the container 600 and the top of the inner brace 610 to assist in providing greater clearance for front end loaders.

[00090] Alternatively, as shown in Figure 7, the top member 725 can be welded or bolted directly to the side members 705 and 715 at an intermediate height along the side members 705 and 715. Each of the side members 705 and 715, therefore extends from floor mounting plate 716 and beyond top corners 712 and 714 to connect with side walls 702 and 704. Additionally there may be angle brackets 730, 735, and 740 provided between brace members 705 , 715, and 725 to provide extra strength and stability.

[00091] The union between the inner clamp and the container, or the union between individual clamp members in embodiments where the inner clamp is not one piece, can be permanent or temporary. Temporary joining can be achieved using screws, nuts or removable pins. Angles or attachment plates may be provided at connection points and mounting plates for the purpose of attaching the inner brace to the container side walls or floor. These angles can be joined to the container by permanent or temporary joining techniques of bolting, welding, and the like.

[00092] With reference to Figure 8, the horizontal top member 825 passes horizontally through the top corners 812 and 814, and provides connection between the side walls 802 and 804. Each of the side members 805 and 815 of the inner bracket 810 is extend from container floor mounting plate 816 to spaced intermediate portions of top member 825. Inner brace 810 has a substantially triangular configuration.

[00093] In a similar embodiment shown in Figure 9, each of the side members 905 and 915 of the inner clamp 910 connect between the container floor attachment 916 to one end of the horizontal top member 925 of the inner clamp 910.

[00094] In each of the embodiments described with reference to Figures 5 to 9, the inner clamp can be formed from a single piece such as a solid plate or a plate with one or more hollowed out outer sections. The plate or the individual members which form the inner brace additionally can be made from separate elements which improve the structural rigidity of the inner brace. The inner brace may also be made up of individual tension sections such as cables or chains, which may include a means for adjustment such as a turnbuckle, or the brace struts may be wide turnbuckles, which will allow prompt and simple replacement if damaged. . Each section can be replaced or adjusted as appropriate.

[00095] In each of the examples shown in Figures 10 to 12, the internal clamp includes more than one triangular structure. In Figure 10, the inner bracket 1010 includes a first frame 1020 and a second frame 1030. The first portion 1020 has a side edge 1022 located against or adjacent to the side wall 1002. The side edge 1022 extends between two corners 1024 and 1026 of the first frame 1020. First part 1020 is joined to corner mounting plates 1024 and 1026, and the mounting plates are in turn attached to side wall 1002.

[00096] The second part 1030 has a side edge 1032 located against or adjacent to the side wall 1004, and which extends between two corners 1034 and 1036 of the first frame 1030. The second part 1030 is joined to the mounting plates at these corners, and the mounting plates in turn are attached to the sidewall 1004. The mounting plates can be welded to the sidewalls 1002, 1004. The first and second parts 1020 and 1030 respectively have a bottom edge 1028 and 1038 which are in general closed to and/or parallel to container floor 1006. Bottom edges 1028 and 1038 may overlap such that their inner ends overlap and are joined to a single floor mounting plate 1016. The floor mounting plate 1016 can be welded to the floor 1006. The first and second parts 1020 and 1030 each have a hollowed out outer section to reduce weight.

[00097] As seen in Figure 11, the first and second parts 1120 and 1130 do not overlap. Instead, their bottom edges 1128 and 1138 extend from corresponding outer corners 1126 and 1136 to inner corners 1129 and 1139. Endpoints 1129 and 1139 are located on either side of centerline 1150 through the floor of container 1106. The first and second parts 1120 and 1130 may be solid plates with or without hollowed out outer sections. Alternatively, instead of being hollowed out or solid outer plates the parts in inner clamp 1010 or 1110 can be welded together or individual members.

[00098] Figure 12 represents another support method. The inner clamp 1210 has two triangular portions 1220 and 1230 which are completely welded to the container 1200. The side edge 1222 of the triangular portion 1220 is welded to the side wall 1202, and the side edge 1232 of the triangular portion 1230 is welded to the opposite side wall 1204. The bottom edges 1228 and 1238 of the parts are both welded to the container floor 1206. The bottom edges can be terminated without overlapping, similar to the embodiment shown in Figure 11. If desired, the clamp 1210, in particular the parts 1220 and 1230, may additionally or alternatively be positioned at locations other than the middle of the container and internal to the container. That is, they can be located externally adjacent to the end walls or internally adjacent to the end walls.

[00099] As illustrated in Figures 14 and 15, the container can be such that the necessary sidewall mounting plates such as plate 102.1 and 104.1 of Figure 1 (or those that connect to corners 1036 and 1026 in Figures 10 and 11 ) are located on sidewall reinforcement posts 133 welded to sidewalls 102 and 104. These provide extra reinforcement. Additional reinforcement can be provided by welding additional posts such as 133.1 to sidewalls 102 and 104 on either side of post 133, as also illustrated in Figures 14 and 15. Posts 133 and 133.1 are preferably rectangular hollow section members (RHS ) soldiers in place. However, other forms of reinforcing members such as profile plates (for example triangular plates welded to the outside of the container) or I-beam, C-beam or H-beam can be used.

[000100] The clamps 110 as described above help to also reinforce and strengthen the floor of the container, because of the location of a clamp connection with the floor in an intermediate region or close to it. If desired, under the floor in the region of the mounting plate for the bracket, reinforcement can be provided, similar to the RHS post in Figures 14 and 15, in order to provide even greater resistance to deflection.

[000101] In some of the Figures above mounting plates with openings are indicated by the numerals X02.1, X06.1 and X04.1 where the X represents the figure number. In some Figures such as Figures 3, 5, 6 and 8 to 12, mounting plates, whether with openings or different, are indicated at one or more vertices of the support structure.

[000102] As illustrated in Figures 16, 17 and 21 are several views of a container 1100 that have long tapered side walls 104 and 102 as well as tapered end walls 104.1 and 102.1. The tapering of these walls is best seen in Figure 16 where a funnel of approximately 1 to 5 degrees to the vertical, and more preferably 2 degrees, is visible from the vertical in these four walls. This funnel will assist this container, when being rotated through 180 degrees as illustrated in Figure 31, to return all of its contents more readily than if such walls were not tapered. These funnels also serve another function as will be described in more detail below.

[000103] To reinforce the ISO 100.2 corner fittings of a container, as illustrated in Figures 13 to 15, each of the corners 100.2 is reinforced by angled corner gussets 100.31. The angled corner gusset formations 100.31 of Figure 13 are shown in rear view in Figure 24, where the rear face of the gusset formation is illustrated, that face which will engage the post or corner of the container. It can be seen that the gusset formation 100.31 has three sides, two generally triangular sides comprising a triangular outboard wide side 100,315 and a triangular small outboard side 100,316, and a joining side 100,317 which is angled to both the horizontal and vertical planes. This gusset formation can be formed by fabricating and welding three suitably shaped sides or by cutting at appropriate angles a rectangular or square hollow section and bending the sides to the proper shape or alternatively they can be formed from one piece of flat bladed metal, and bent into the desired shape.

[000104] The exterior of the corner construction can have reinforcement in the form of welded flat plates 100.32 and 100.33 which are welded to the outside of the container on the top rail of the side 102 as illustrated in Figure 13, and also along the top rail on the shorter side of the container. Plate 100.33 is a generally square plate and is welded to the corner post below the ISO 100.2 corner fitting, while plate 100.32 is a generally rectangular plate which is welded to the top side rail.

[000105] These ISO corner fitting reinforcements can assist in fittings that support the rotating loads which may be applied to them during unloading and tipping operations. While the ISO corner fitting gussets described above are welded structures, it is also possible to mold the ISO corner fittings together with these gussets so that an integrally formed corner and gusset are provided.

[000106] As is best illustrated in Figures 16, 17 and 25 the upper corners 100.2 of the container have ISO fittings. Extending from the corner 100.2 at the end of the bowl in a direction that extends laterally and downwards (relative to the longitudinal axis of the bowl) towards the corner post at the opposite end is a gusset formation 100.31. The gusset formation 100.31 may be formed by one of several methods and may be similar to that illustrated in greater detail in Figures 26 and 27, or Figures 22 to 25 and 30. In these Figures it can be seen that the gusset formation 100.31 can be having a generally triangular shape, with a long sloping edge 100.311 on a triangular side off board 100.313 and a short sloping edge 100.312 on a side on board 100.314. In the case of Figures 16, 17, 22 to 25 and 30, the small draft edge 100,312 is on a trapezoidal shaped component, while in the case of Figures 26 and 27, the small draft edge 100,312 is on a triangular shaped component . Edge 100,312, and the surface of the gusset formation associated therewith, terminate at the top surface of end beam 104.3. Meanwhile, long edge 100.311, and the gusset formation surfaces associated therewith, terminate along front face 104.31 of beam 104.3 and extend downward to the base of face 104.31. The generally triangular shape of gusset formation 100.31 is welded where the shape of this gusset formation intersects beam 104.3 and corner 100.2 and post 200.

[000107] As can be seen from Figure 27, the gusset formation 100.31 has on its back side a U-shaped configuration, where the leg of the U-shape which corresponds to the triangular side 100.313 is greater in length than next to triangular 100,314.

[000108] The inwardly extending gusset formations 100.31 of Figures 16 to 31 are located at each of the four upper corners 100.2 and it will be noted that these extend inwardly along the line of the upper rim of the sides 104.1 and 102.1. Gutter formation 100.31 can generally be described as having a generally triangular shape with a portion being truncated therefrom to form minor edge 100.312 to accommodate beam 104.3. The gusset formation 100.31 is preferably formed from sections of bent or formed steel which has been suitably cut so as to be capable of providing a weld location.

[000109] As will be noted in Figures 16, 17 and 32, each of the lower corners 100.21 and 100.22 has two regular triangular or prism-like gusset formations 100.40, 100.41. The gusset formation 100.40 extends laterally (relative to the longitudinal axis of the container) along the end face and is welded to the bottom beam 104.32. Whereas the gusset formations 100.41 extend longitudinally from the lower corners 100.21 towards the opposite end of the container along the longitudinal side. Gutter formations 100.40 and 100.41 are illustrated in a rear perspective view in Figure 28 and they have a U shaped configuration from the rear where the legs of the U are of approximately equal length. Like the gusset formation 100.31 of other Figures, the gusset formations 100.40, 100.41 are formed of two triangular sides and a rectangular joint piece. These may be formed by fabricating, or cutting at appropriate angles, a rectangular or square hollow section or alternatively they may be formed from a flat sheet metal piece and bent to the required shape.

[000110] Illustrated in Figures 22 to 25 and 30, is an example of a gusset formation as used in the corners of the container 1100 of Figures 16 and 17. The gusset formation 100.31 is formed from a lateral outside triangular edge 100.313 , which is cut from steel plate having a thickness of approximately 20 mm, and is welded to the side on edge of the corner 100.2 and post 200, also to the front surface of the beam 104.3, and to the crosspiece 100.111. The side plate on board 100.314 is also made from steel plate approximately 20 mm thick and has a general trapezoid shape and is welded to the top of the beam 104.3, cross pieces 100.111 and the sides of the corner 100.2 and post 200 Said gusset formation extends laterally outward to overlap said corner fitting and said post and is welded thereto and to said upper end beam 104.3 and an outer portion of said gusset formation terminates along the outer face of said upper end beam and extends downwards towards the base of the outer face and is welded to the outer face of said upper end beam.

[000111] As is best seen in Figures 22, 25 and 16, it can be seen that the location of the beams 104.3 and 104.4 is that they do not rest within the dimensions or width of the post 200 and the corners 100.2. This makes the edge or side of the beams 104.3 provide an upper rim and the front and rear ends of the container 1100, which is inserted from the posts 200 and corners 100.2. This insert provides the container 1100 with the ability to be engaged by a tilting apparatus 31,330 as illustrated in Figure 31, so that when the container 1100 is inverted, i.e. rotated through 180 degrees, the tilting frame 31,333 which engages the corners 100.2 to the container 1100, as illustrated in Figure 31, will not be contacted by the contents of the container as these contents fall out of the container. Additionally, as the gussets extend laterally along the end rails of the longitudinal axis, contents which spill over the longitudinal rails will not fall into the corner molds, gussets or socket, thus ensuring that all contents are distributed and not become inadvertently caught or lodged in the bucket or tipping frame. The tilting apparatus is described in greater detail here.

[000112] The onboard edge or surface of the lower beam 104.4 is located an additional distance from the corner 100.2 or post 200 by a greater distance than is the onboard edge or surface of the upper beam 104.3. This difference in span distance at the confines of the container provides for the 2 degrees of taper in the end walls 104.1 and 102.1, as evidenced by the tapered structure of the vertical ribs at the front end 102.1 in Figure 16, as described below. The formations 401 include a housing 401.1 in which a plate 407 is rotatably located which will receive in a rounded opening 408 the twist lock members of a lid lifter. As illustrated in Figure 33, three locations on the rotary plate 407 have a pin connection 409 to respective pivot links 409.1 which in turn are pivotally connected to locking rods 402 by pins 409.2. The rods 402 radiate out of the formations 401 to engage locking plates with openings 403 in the side and end rims of the container at the respective ends of the container as illustrated in Figures 16 and 21. Through the action of twist locks locking in the formations 401 and engaging the openings 408, the lid lifting device will rotate the twist lock in a first direction thereby moving the locking rods 402 to an unlocked condition, and as the twist lock has engaged formation 401, the lid is unlocked and can be lifted from the container. Whilst rotation in one direction to disengage the twist lock from the formations 401 will cause the lock rods to move into a locked condition on the canister while the lid is locked onto the canister and the canister lifting device lid can move to the next container.

[000113] Illustrated in Figures 18 to 21 are several views of a lid 400 for use with the container 1100 of Figures 16 and 17. The lid 400 includes two locked formations located in the center 401, in which lifting members can be received, such as lifting hooks or the twist lock mechanisms, associated with a cover lifting means on an overhead door, as described below. The formations 401 include a housing 401.1 in which a plate 407 is rotatably located which will receive in a rounded opening 408 the twist lock members of a lid lifter. As illustrated in Figure 33, three locations on the rotary plate 407 have a pin connection 409 to respective pivot links 409.1 which in turn are pivotally connected to locking rods 402 by pins 409.2. The rods 402 radiate out of the formations 401 to engage locking plates with openings 403 in the side and end rims of the container at the respective ends of the container as illustrated in Figures 16 and 21. Through the action of twist locks locking in the formations 401 and engaging the openings 408, the lid lifting device will rotate the twist lock in a first direction thereby moving the locking rods 402 to an unlocked condition, and as the twist lock has engaged formation 401, the lid is unlocked and can be lifted from the container. Whilst rotation in one direction to disengage the twist lock from the formations 401 will cause the lock rods to move into a locked condition on the canister while the lid is locked onto the canister and the canister lifting device lid can move to the next container.

[000114] As is visible in Figures 18 and 21, the cover 400 includes side beams 405 through which the longitudinally oriented locking rods 402 pass in the forward and backward directions. The side beams 405 help support the metal sheet (removed for the purpose of illustration in Figure 21) of the lid 400. Additional locking latches 406 can also be provided so that after the container is filled, the lid 400 can be secured by padlocks or the like, to prevent unauthorized access to the container or unlocking of the lid 400 from the container. Additionally, such interlock latches 406 also provide a manually operated lid gripping system if necessary. As well the interlock latches 406 are operated from the side of the container which does not require operators to climb on top of the lid.

[000115] As shown in Figures 16 and 17, the upper corners 100.2 can have directly below them, on the long sides of the containers, a flat L-shaped reinforcement plate (similar to plate 100.32 in Figure 13) with the reinforcement plate shaped in L 100.321 helping to support, through a relatively small profile of the upper beam to the post and the corner of the container.

[000116] Illustrated in Figures 34 to 36 is an open container 13.12 having four ISO fittings in its upper corners allowing the container to be lifted by a crane which will have similarly located torsion locks in order to lock in the container 13.10.

[000117] Covering the opening of the container 13.10 is a lid 13.20 which has two lifting systems in it. The first are two side channels 13.24 in which the tines of a fork lift can be received in order to lift or position the cover 13.20, if necessary.

[000118] The second system is four spaced opening formations 13.26 attached to the lid 13.20. The opening formations are located next to the 13.24 yoke tine channels. The opening formations 13.26 are generally shaped like an ISO fitting-like box and have a rounded opening 13.27 in them as illustrated in Figure 35. The lid 13.20 substantially covers the opening of the container 13.10, as can be seen at the corners a small opening is exposed and this opening allows for ventilation as well as an observation hole through which handlers can check the contents of the closed container 13.10.

[000119] The side section views of Figures 37 and 38, and the plan views of Figures 39 and 39A illustrate in greater detail the locking arrangement. The latch arrangement has a rotatable striker plate 13.36 which is attached to or integrally formed with a mold 13.30 located in the opening formation 13.24. A twist lock 13.40 mounted on a lifting means can enter through the rounded opening 13.27. With the mold 13.30, which has a longitudinal axis like the twist lock 13.40 and the rounded hole 13.27, all the longitudinal axes being oriented in the same orientation, which is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the container, then the twist lock 13.40 can be inserted through hole 13.27 and into mold 13.30. At this time, striker plate 13.36 may be in the locked conditions of Figure 39 and Figure 38. With twist lock 13.40 being rotated 90 degrees, in a clockwise direction relative to Figure 39, as seen in Figure 39A, the Striker plate 13.36 will rotate by 90 degrees much like mold 13.30. The twist lock can be rotated 90 degrees by hydraulic or other means, or it can be rotated by semi-automatic twist lock mechanisms which rotate by themselves when forced to engage rounded openings in the ISO fittings.

[000120] In Figures 38, 39 and 39A it can be seen that the container has a polarized lock 13.42, which pivots around a pivoting assembly 13.44. The end of the striker plate 13.36 is captured in a projection of the latch 13.42. If manual release is desired, the operator can simply rotate the lower section of latch lever 13.42 towards bowl 13.10, and this will allow the end of striker plate 13.36 to be released for upward movement past the projection of latch 13.42.

[000121] The rotation of the twist lock 13.40 towards the direction shown in the middle of Figures 39 and 39A, can mean that the striker plate 13.36 is disengaged from the lock 13.42, and at the same time that the twist lock 13.40 will be locked in opening formation 13.26, allowing the twist lock 13.40 to retract thereby lifting the lid from the container.

[000122] Due to the vibrations encountered during transport, the mold 13.30 can be provided, as illustrated in Figures 38, 39 and 39A, with the polarized pin 13.32 which is mounted for movement with the mold 13.30. The biased pin 13.32 engages a laterally offset pin 13.34 which is capable of passing through a hole in a stationary latch member 13.37 which is attached to the inside of the aperture formation 13.26. Thus, with the mold 13.30 and striker plate 13.36 in the locked condition of Figures 38 and 39, and for the twist lock 13.40 located in the mold 13.30, the upper portion of the pin 13.32 will protrude into the mold cavity 13.30. In this condition the side pin 13.34 is also located in the hole in the stationary latch member 13.37 which will prevent accidental rotation of the striker plate 13.36 during transport or due to vibration. By inserting the twist lock 13.40 into the mold 13.30, the pin 13.32 is moved against its bias, in this case a spring, and the side pin 13.34 are simultaneously moved out of engagement with the hole in the lock member 13.37. At this point pin 13.32, mold 13.30 and striker plate 13.36 are all free to rotate when twist lock 13.40 is rotated to its locked condition. In this way the connection of the twist lock 13.40, the lid 13.20 is also simultaneously unlocked from the container 13.10.

[000123] Polarizing the rotation of the mold 13.30, and if a member extended from the mold 13.30 to the yoke hoist channel or the yoke tine 13.24, the action of inserting a yoke hoist in the channel 13.24 can be performed to unlock the lid from the container. However, one member which works in one direction and a second member which works in the other direction may be required to achieve this.

[000124] Illustrated in Figure 40 is an alternative latch mechanism to that of Figures 37, 38, 39, and 39A. In the lock mechanism of Figure 40, an aperture formation 13.26 is provided in the lid 13.20, with an aperture 13.27 in the top of formation 13.26, and an aperture 13.27A in the bottom surface of formation 13.26. Additionally on the rim of the container, a semi-automatic twist lock 13.41 is positioned or welded, so that with the twist lock 13.41 and the rounded hole 13.27A have their longitudinal axes aligned, the downward movement of the lid 13.20, in relation to the container 13.10, will mean that the lid 13.20 will be automatically locked to the container 13.10 because the twist lock 13.41 will have pivoted to the locked condition. Within formation 13.26 is the double-sided mold 13.31, with the upper twistlock receiver being at approximately 90 degrees to the lower twistlock receiver. When the lid is positioned on the container, the upper mold will be forced to rotate to release the twist lock 13.40, due to the force provided by the twist lock 13.41 which rotates the lower mold portion 13.31. Thus, simultaneously as the cap is locked into position, the twist lock 13.40 is rotated to the release position. And since the twist lock 13.40 re-engages the upper mold portion 13.31, and is rotated to the locked condition the lower mold portion 13.31 will rotate the twist lock 13.41 to the unlocked condition allowing the lid 13.20 to be lifted from the container 13.10.

[000125] Illustrated in Figures 48 to 51 and 53 is the container 13.10 and the lid 13.20 described above with the twist lock 13.40 being mounted on a lid lifting mechanism which is in turn mounted on or constructed to be a part of a container lifting means 13,200. The outer ends of the bucket lifter 13.200 have twist locks 13.90 located in a downwardly extending condition to engage the rounded holes in the ISO 13.12 fittings in the upper corners of the bucket 13.10, as described above.

[000126] The twist lock 13.40 is located on a single lifting spool 13.101, which is translated in relation to the container lift frame 13.200 by means of hydraulic cylinders 13.102. Before, after or during engagement of twist lock 13.90 to ISO fittings 13.12, cylinders 13.102 may be made to independently move spool 13.101 towards or away from cover 13.20 and aperture formations 13.26.

[000127] As illustrated in Figures 48 to 51, in Figure 48 the container lifter 13,200 is moved into position with the container 13.10, such that the lid lifting spool 13,101 can be moved independently.

[000128] As in Figure 49, the container can begin to be lifted, while at the same time the lid lifting spool 13.101 is moved towards the lid 13.20, so that twist locks 13.40 can engage the opening formations 13.26, as illustrated in Figure 50. As in Figure 51 cover 13.20 can be lifted by retracting cylinders 13.102.

[000129] Figures 48 to 51 and 53 illustrate equipment that can be mounted to a crane to move containers and simultaneously cover or uncap them while the container is in motion.

[000130] Illustrated in Figures 41 to 43 and 44 to 47, is an example of the lid lifter assembly 13,100 for a container rotation lifter or tipper 13,300. The difference between the lifter 13,300 and 13,200 of the Figure as previously described is that the lifter 13,300 is capable of inverting a container 13,10 in order to discharge its contents at a desired location.

[000131] In the lifter 13.300 of Figures 41 to 47, the lid lifter 13.100 is similar to the one previously described, except that while the container 13.10 must now be rotated, the lid lifter 13.100 needs to lift the lid 13.20 so that it is free from the rotation envelope of container 13.10, as illustrated in Figure 46 and 52.

[000132] By the lifting systems 13.100, 13.200 and 13.300 it will be readily observed that a more time-effective method of handling an open container can be achieved in which the lifting device is controlled in order to lift the container and lid, or lifting the container and lifting the lid from the container; or to lift just the lid from the container.

[000133] It will also be understood that lifting the container and lid, or lifting the container and lifting the lid from the container, can be performed in sequence or in a time saving manner these can be done simultaneously.

[000134] Prior to rotating the container as discussed above, the lid is lifted from the container and transported to a location, relative to the container, outside of a container rotation envelope.

[000135] While the above has 13.40 and 13.90 twist locks on relatively rigid frames and systems for mounting in complex installations, it will be understood that the twist lock can be cable mounted and made to be part of lifting frames and the like.

[000136] While the embodiment described above has 4 twist locks 13.40 and 4 opening formations 13.26, it will be understood that the invention can be executed with 1, 2, 3 or 4 sets of twist locks and opening formations.

[000137] Illustrated in Figures 54 to 56 is an alternative cover lifting and locking arrangement to those described above.

[000138] The lid lifting and locking arrangement illustrated in Figures 54 to 56 has a lifting housing with opening 401 which is attached to an upper surface of a lid 400, and has side walls 401.1 and an upper side 408.1 in which an aperture 408 is located in the upper generally horizontal side 408.1. 18 to 21, 33, 37 to 39, or 40, the opening 408 is accessed by a downward movement of a downward twist latch 13.40 or similar device, which is mounted on a lifting cover. The downward movement is generally parallel to the lifting direction of the lid and/or container which is in the opposite direction.

[000139] The housing 401 is attached to the upper surface of the cover 400 by appropriate means such as welding and is located adjacent to a pair of flanges 456 mounted to the cover 400, or to a plate on which the housing 401 and flanges 456 can be mounted . Flanges 456 provide a yoke for a shaft or pivot 456.1 associated with latch 458 which is pivotally attached to cover 400.

[000140] The lid 400 in this embodiment includes a peripheral channel 450, which provides two spaced flanges that extend downwards to allow the lid 400 to seal in relation to the rim of upper wedge cross section 454 which is welded to the upper rail 452 of the container.

[000141] The latch 458 includes a lever portion 460 which is angled at approximately 30 degrees to the direction of extension of the horizontal portion of the latch 458 and a section that extends downwards 462 at the end of which is a latch portion or hook 464 having an upper edge 464.2 which will engage the lower edge or surface of the rail 452 when in the condition that is illustrated in Figure 54 the cover 400 is locked to the container rail 452 and cannot be removed therefrom. The hook portion 464 also has a tapered or tapered portion 464.1 and a rounded end 464.2, which if the latch were in the closed condition when a lid 400 was positioned on a container, the engagement of the end 464.3 and the surface 464.1 with the rim of upper wedge-shaped cross-section 454, will cause latch 458 to move to the open condition and travel around the outer surface of upper rail 452 until hook portion 464 releases lower surface 466 of rail 452, where by gravity will urge hook portion 464 to move under rail 452, and thereby lock to prevent upward movement of cover 400 relative to rail 452.

[000142] As the mass of latch 458 on the outboard side of the pivot is much greater than the mass of lever portion 460, latch 458 will remain in a generally latched condition. This mass is further supplemented by the mass of a generally horizontal handle 458.1 which also allows the locking system of Figures 54 to 56 to be manually opened where necessary. If additional biasing is required by means of torsion springs, compression springs, tension springs, etc. can be used with the modality of Figures 54 to 56.

[000143] When a twist lock or latch member 13.40 mounted on a lifting means is passed down and through the opening 408 by the head 13,401 being aligned with the direction of the elongated opening 408, the head 3,401 will pass through the opening 408 and the bottom thereof will engage lever portion 460. Continued movement of head 13,401 in a downward direction will pivot portion 460 in a downward direction, or towards cap 400, thereby causing latch portion to 464 of the latch is rotated out of engagement with the underside of the rail 452, as illustrated in Figure 55. When the head 13.401 is rotated through 90 degrees and thus cannot escape the housing for 401, which it maintains as it rotates the lever in its depressed condition (keep latch open) retraction of head 13,401 in a vertical direction will cause cover 400 to move with housing 401 while the top faces of head 13,401 will engage the bottom surfaces of top plate 408.1. It will be noted that while the head 13,401 is rotated through 90 degrees the lever portion 460 is maintained in a depressed condition thereby maintaining the latch portion 464 in a location which is clear of the bottom of the rail 452.

[000144] It is desired that a cover 400 can have a multiple number of the locking system of Figures 54 to 56 with the cover lifting device also having an equal number of such twist lock heads 13,401.

[000145] To replace the lid after the lid has been lifted by the lid lifting device, the lid is lowered back into the container until the channel 450 engages the upper edge 454 of the rail 452. Once in position, the latch head torque 13,401 is rotated so as to align the longitudinal axis of the head 13,401 with the longitudinal axis of the opening 408 and in this condition to then withdraw the head 13,401 through the opening 408 in an upward direction. This causes latch 458 to move from the position of Figures 55 and 56 back to the condition illustrated in Figure 54 as latch portion 464 is relocated under the lower edge of rail 452.

[000146] The lever portion 460 is illustrated in a relatively simple way in Figures 54 to 56. It may be additionally useful that it be constructed with a plate at its end which is closer in width than that of the housing 401, or made of greater thickness, so that as lock member 13,401 is rotated, there will be little or no risk that member 13,401 could become disengaged from lever 460.

[000147] The lid lifting systems described above allow the lid lifting member to engage formations with openings 401 for:

[000148] 1. Simultaneously lock the lid lifting member to a formation with openings and to unlock the lid from the container (the embodiments of Figures 37 to 40);

[000149] 2. in sequence unlock the lid from the container and then lock the lid lifting member to a formation with openings (the embodiment of Figures 54 to 56); or

[000150] 3. in sequence lock the lid lifting member to a formation with openings then unlock the lid from the container (modality of Figures 18 and 33).

[000151] Whenever it is used, the word "comprising" should be understood in its entire "open" sense, that is, in the sense of "including", and thus not limited to its "closed" sense, which is the sense of “consisting only of”. A corresponding meaning should be assigned to the corresponding words “comprises”, “understood” and “comprises” where they appear.

[000152] It will be understood that the invention disclosed and defined herein extends to all alternative combinations of two or more of the individual functionalities mentioned or evident from the text. All these different combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the invention.

[000153] While particular embodiments of this invention have been described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention can be incorporated in other specific ways without departing from the essential characteristics thereof. The present embodiments and examples, therefore, are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and all modifications which may be obvious to those skilled in the art are therefore intended to be covered here.

Claims (11)

1. Open top container for carrying bulk material, comprising: a floor (106); spaced apart generally parallel side walls (102, 104) and spaced apart generally parallel end walls (102.1, 104.1), each extending from the floor (106) to an upper end thereof, each wall having an upper beam (106) 104.3) at its upper end; an open top at the upper ends of the walls; the container having a longitudinal axis that extends in a direction from one end wall (102.1) to the other end wall (104.1) and is parallel to the side walls (102, 104), the container being pivotable or rotatable about the longitudinal axis for discharging bulk material from the container through the open top; the container having corners (100.2) at the junction regions between adjacent side walls and end walls; a corner gusset arrangement at each corner (100.2), the corner gusset arrangement including a main body comprising a post (200) and an International Organization for Standardization (ISO) fitting on the upper end of the post (200); characterized in that at least one gusset formation (100.31) is attached to the main body and the upper end beams of each end wall, each gusset formation extending from an upper region of the main body and only in one lateral direction with respect to the longitudinal axis the upper end beam (104.3) of each end wall, the upper ends of the side walls being configured without angle formations along them. 2. Container according to claim 1, characterized in that the angle formation (100.31) has a three-dimensional shape. 3. Container according to claim 1, characterized in that the angle formation (100.31) has a generally triangular configuration. 4. Container according to claim 1, characterized in that a part of the periphery of the angle formation is welded to the main body, and a second part of the periphery of the angle formation is welded to the upper end beam (104.3) of the end walls (102.1, 104.1). 5. Container according to claim 1, characterized in that the ISO fittings project above the upper end beams (104.3) of said side walls (102, 104) and said end walls (102.1, 104.1) and wherein said gusset formations (100.31) are generally triangular in shape when viewed from one side thereof and having a slanted side, said gusset formations being attached to ISO fittings and the upper end beams of said end walls, said sloping side extending downwards from the ISO fitting to said upper end beams of said end walls. 6. Container according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises one or more additional generally triangular shaped angle formations (100.40), wherein the additional generally triangular shaped angle formations are positioned between the lower ends of the corners and beams (104.4) or rails of said container. 7. Container according to claim 1, characterized in that the upper end beam of the end walls has an on-board or lateral edge which is internally offset from the posts of the corner reinforcement arrangements. 8. Container according to claim 7, characterized in that the end walls of the container include a lower beam extending between respective corners, the lower beam having an edge edge or side which is internally offset from the posts (200) of the corner reinforcement arrangements. 9. Container according to claim 8, characterized in that the on-board edge or lower side beam is displaced internally by a greater distance than the on-board edge of the upper beam. 10. Container according to claim 1, characterized in that an internal portion (100.314) of said angle formation extends laterally outwards to overlap said corner fitting (100.2) and said post and is welded thereto and to said upper end beam (104.3). 11. Container according to claim 1, characterized in that an external portion (100.313) of said angle formation ends along the external face of said upper end beam (104.3) and extends downwards towards the base of the outer face and is welded to the outer face of said upper end beam (104.3).

Images