CN113825708A

CN113825708A - Improved lid locking system and lid lifter

Info

Publication number: CN113825708A
Application number: CN202080035672.XA
Authority: CN
Inventors: M·W·查默斯
Original assignee: Load And Move Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Load And Move Pty Ltd; Intermodal Solutions Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2019-05-15
Filing date: 2020-05-15
Publication date: 2021-12-21
Also published as: WO2020227784A1; CL2021002940A1; AU2020276341A1

Abstract

A lid locking apparatus and method for an open-top multi-modal intermodal container includes a pivoting latch for securing a lid to the container, a locking mechanism operable between a locked position preventing pivoting of the latch from its locked position, and a mechanism actuated to unlock the latch to allow removal of the lid.

Description

Improved lid locking system and lid lifter

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a lid locking system for a multiple intermodal container, in particular for an open-top multiple intermodal container, such as a container for bulk material transport.

Background

Intermodal containers are widely used for the transport of bulk materials, such as the transport of ore from a mine or processing yard to a port. The container is provided with a cover which is removed before the container is dumped by a dumping machine to discharge the contents into the hold.

Removal of the lid may be accomplished by a lid lifter that is part of the container handling equipment, sometimes referred to as a tippler, or as a preparatory action.

Systems for locking lids to intermodal containers during container transport are known, such as the latch hook arrangement (also known as a locking hook) and lid lifting system described in PCT/AU 2012/00097. However, there is a need to prevent such lid latching systems from accidentally disengaging in the event that the container is flipped or inadvertently rotated or accidentally opened.

Furthermore, there is a need for a locking device that can be operated by a lid lifting system without the need for manual intervention.

Any reference herein to known prior art is not to be taken as an admission that such prior art is known to persons skilled in the art to which the invention relates at the priority date of the application, unless otherwise indicated.

Disclosure of Invention

A lid locking arrangement for a lid and an intermodal container is provided, the lid including a pivotable latch assembly for securing the lid to the container. A locking device is provided that is movable between a locked state in which a latch is held in its locked position and prevented from pivoting to its unlocked position, and an unlocked state in which the latch is rotatable to engage a portion of a container.

In one exemplary form, the present invention provides a multimodal container and lid apparatus comprising:

a multi-modal intermodal container with an open top;

a removable lid for closing the open top of the intermodal container;

at least one latch mounted on the lid, the latch pivoting between a locked position in which the lid is secured to the container and an unlocked position in which the lid is removable from the container; and

locking device, which comprises

A locking member movable between a locked position in which the locking member prevents the latch from pivoting away from the locked position and an unlocked position in which the latch is not prevented from pivoting to the disengaged position; and

an unlocking mechanism for moving the locking member from the locked position to the unlocked position.

Exemplary embodiments include a lid having a plurality of latches, such as latching hooks (also referred to in the art as locking hooks). These latches may be biased toward the closed position by gravity or a spring bias, and require an external force applied to the latch to move the latch hook to the unlocked position.

The latch and locking device may alternatively be referred to as a first locking device and a second locking device, wherein the second locking device selectively prevents or allows the first locking device to unlock.

Additional exemplary forms include a method of handling a multimodal container and cover apparatus, comprising:

there is provided a container and lid arrangement according to one or more forms of the present invention,

handling the container by the container handling device, comprising the step of actuating,

further exemplary forms of the invention include a container handling apparatus, particularly a lid lifting apparatus of a container handling apparatus, comprising an actuating member adapted to engage and actuate a locking mechanism to move to an unlocked position to allow one or more latches to pivot and release from a container.

Additional optional features of the invention are discussed below.

The actuating member may be mounted on an accessory which may be used with various types of container handling equipment. For example, the attachment may be adapted for use in a rotating or lifting spreader as described in PCT/AU 2012/000097.

The actuating member may be mounted on an accessory that may be used with various types of material handling machines, such as a forklift, wheel loader, telescopic arm forklift or overhead crane.

The actuating member may be coupled to the container handling spreader. The spreader may then be operated with various types of mobile handling equipment.

The container may be adapted for end dumping or side dumping.

The invention also provides a lid having one or more apertures capable of receiving an unlocking member which is capable of lateral or transverse rotation or movement.

The actuating member may be a twist lock on the lid lifter as described in PCT/AU 2012/000097. In this form, the lid lifter may be mounted on a spreader which is capable of lifting an entire container. The lid lifter then engages the aperture in the container lid using the twist lock. These twist locks rotate to lock the lid lifter to the lid. Rotation of the twist lock may also operate the mechanism to lock and unlock the cover latching hook. The lid lifter may also automatically open and close the container locking hook so that the lid may be removed from the container.

A cover on the container may receive the actuating member. Movement of the unlocking member may operate a simple mechanism that can move the locking component under, over or through an existing locking hook on the container to limit movement of the lock.

In another form, the actuating member may be a fixed part on the lid lifting device which is operated by movement of the lid lifting device.

Alternatively, the actuating member may be a component fixed to the lid lifting device which can be moved independently of the lifting device to actuate the unlocking.

The actuating member may engage the locking mechanism by vertical movement, horizontal movement, or rotational movement. Alternatively, it may be engaged by a combination of these movements, such as a fixed actuation member causing part of the locking mechanism to move, and then an additional engagement member operating to cause additional movement of the locking mechanism.

In one exemplary form, movement of the actuating member in the opposite direction may then remove the locking mechanism from the locking hook, which would allow the locking hook to move freely again.

The unlocking mechanism may be arranged to actuate the unlocking of a tine on a forklift or a clamping mechanism on a lid lifting attachment.

In one exemplary form, the locking mechanism is mounted on the cover to avoid the cargo interfering with or damaging the locking mechanism when dumping. Having the locking mechanism on the lid also reduces the entrapment of cargo on the container body after dumping, which could otherwise contaminate the environment.

In one form, the locking mechanism may include a locking member, such as a pin or block that moves under the lid locking member or lid locking hook.

The locking mechanism may be a lever that rotates into engagement with the lid locking hook to limit movement of the lid locking hook. The lever may be designed to be over-centered when in the locked position, thus requiring action of the engagement member to move the link from the over-center position back to the unlocked position.

The locking mechanism may be incorporated into an existing lift aperture or lift plate of the lid such that engagement of the lid lifter twist-lock becomes an engagement member of the locking system. The twist lock may cause the spring loaded member to translate and then move the locking system away from the locking hook and allow the hook to operate freely.

In another form, the locking mechanism may be directly connected to the locking hook, such that movement of the locking system also causes movement of the locking member or locking hook to unlock the lid from the container body. The system may also be spring loaded to ensure that it naturally moves to the locked state when not engaged. It may also include an over-center link so that when in the locked position, the locking hook is not free to move and any external pressure will exert a force forcing into the over-center link and not simply resist the spring force. The only way to overcome the spring and move the locking system out of the over-center position is by additional engagement members.

The mechanism may also include brackets and guides to help ensure that moving parts are protected from damage from mishandling or misaligned cover handling equipment. This protection also helps to prevent a rollover accident.

The present invention also provides a method of blocking and preventing rotation of a locking hook mounted on a cover from a locked or latched position. The blocking system may be a rod, pin, bar or any other means of blocking a hook between the container and the blocking method.

The blocking system is mounted on the container body and may be a rotating or sliding system that blocks the lid locking hook and does not allow it to rotate to lock the lid to the container. The blocking system is actuated by an external force, such as from the interaction of an engagement member in the lid lifting accessory. It may also be manually actuated by a human hand, if desired.

The locking system is spring biased to ensure that the natural state of the system is in a locked state.

The blocking system may be a vertical or horizontal rotation or translation system.

The blocking system is unlocked by an external force moving the blocking member away from the arc of rotation of the locking hook, allowing the locking hook to move to the unlocked state, and the lid can then be removed from the container.

The system is intended to automatically close and lock containers.

The system is designed to operate with a lid lifting device that can simultaneously engage the lid, unlock the blocking system, and then unlock the lid lock, allowing the lid to be lifted from the container.

The system also allows for manual override if desired, wherein each blocking system and hook can be moved to an unlocked state if desired.

The invention also allows locking pins that can be translated in a lateral or transverse direction to engage locking plates attached to the container body. The locking pin may also be mounted on the container body or on the container lid.

The locking pin may be moved longitudinally or laterally by a lid lifting device having a guide that pushes a spring biased pin, or a hydraulic or pneumatic method with a moving pin.

Further exemplary forms of the invention will become apparent from the drawings and the description, and from the claims.

It will be appreciated that features described herein may be provided in the apparatus described herein either individually or in different combinations.

Drawings

Preferred embodiments will now be described in detail, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings in which:

fig. 1 is an isometric view of a prior art intermodal container having a lid with a lid latching system.

Fig. 2 shows an isometric view of the intermodal container lid of fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a detail of a portion of the cover of fig. 2 having a lifting structure and a latch hook, wherein the latch hook is in a latched position.

Fig. 4A, 4B and 4C are schematic side views illustrating the operation of a container spreader equipped with a lid lifting attachment.

Fig. 5A and 5B are cross-sections showing the lid lifter of fig. 4A-4C engaging the lifting structure on the lid and operating the latch hook.

Fig. 6A and 6B are partial cross-sectional views of the first exemplary embodiment showing the lid lifter engaging the lift housing and operating the locking lever mechanism between a locked position and an unlocked position.

Fig. 7A-7C are plan, partial cross-sectional views of additional embodiments of a locking mechanism in a locked position, an intermediate position, and an unlocked position.

Fig. 8A-8B are plan, partial cross-sectional views of additional embodiments of a locking mechanism in a locked position and an unlocked position.

Fig. 9A-9B are plan, partial cross-sectional views of additional embodiments of a locking mechanism in a locked position and an unlocked position.

Fig. 10A-10B are plan, partial cross-sectional views of the locking mechanism similar to fig. 9A and 9B, but with the spring biased toward the locked position.

Fig. 11A and 11B are partial sectional side and plan views and a lateral elevational view of a further embodiment with a locking bar engaged with an aperture or socket on a latch assembly in an unlocked position.

Fig. 11C and 11D show the arrangement of fig. 11A and 11B in the locked position.

Fig. 12A and 12B are partial cross-sectional side and plan views of further embodiments in which a locking bar is coupled to a latch in an unlocked position.

Fig. 12C and 12D show the arrangement of fig. 12A and 12B in the locked position.

Fig. 13A and 13B are plan views, partially in section, of an embodiment of a locking mechanism in which a locking lever is formed as a member that rotates with the rotating cup. Fig. 13A shows the locked position. Fig. 13B shows the unlocked position.

Fig. 14A and 14B are plan views of a lid with lateral locking bars actuated by the tines of a forklift used to lift the lid. The locked position is shown in fig. 14A, and the unlocked position is shown in fig. 14B.

Fig. 15A and 15B are cross-sections through a container lid in an embodiment actuated by a lid gripping device. Fig. 15A shows the locked position, and fig. 15B shows the unlocked position.

Fig. 16 shows an alternative embodiment in which the locking mechanism is directly coupled to the latch and is actuated against the spring force by a downward force from the lid lifter.

Fig. 17A and 17B are partial sectional front views showing the unlocked and locked positions, respectively, of an embodiment in which the locking mechanism is located on the container side wall and actuated by an engagement lever on the lid lifter.

Fig. 18A and 18B are a detailed side view and cross-section, respectively, of the arrangement of fig. 17A and 17B in a locked position.

Fig. 19A and 19B are a detailed side view and cross-section, respectively, of the arrangement of fig. 17A and 17B in an unlocked position.

Fig. 20A and 20B are partial sectional front views showing the locked and unlocked positions, respectively, of an additional embodiment of a sliding locking bar mechanism located on a container side wall and actuated by a pair of engagement bars on a lid lifter.

Fig. 21A and 21B are front views and sectional details of the embodiment of fig. 20A and 20B in a locked position.

Fig. 21C and 21D illustrate the locking mechanism of fig. 21A and 21B actuated to unlock.

Fig. 22A and 22B are front and cross-sections, respectively, of a modified version of the locking mechanism embodiment of fig. 21A-21D, wherein a portion of the mechanism is maintained within the envelope of the container top rail rather than outside thereof. Fig. 22A and 22B show the locked state.

Fig. 22C and 22D show the embodiment of fig. 22A and 22B in an unlocked state.

Fig. 23A-23B illustrate the container and lid arrangement of fig. 21A-21D, wherein the lid has been captured by the lid lifter and removed from the container.

Fig. 24A and 24B show a modified version of the embodiment of fig. 21A-21D, which also includes a handle so that the locking assembly can be manually pulled down so that the latch on the lid can be moved to a locked or unlocked position. The locking bar on the container body can then be released and this will manually hold the lid latch in the open position. If this procedure is performed at all lid latching positions, the lid will be considered to be disengaged and can be manually removed from the container via a device such as a forklift or overhead crane.

Fig. 25A and 25B show an embodiment that also includes a handle for manual unlocking.

Fig. 26A and 26B show further exemplary embodiments.

Reference numerals used for similar components of the various embodiments are labeled with the same last two digits, where the previous digits differ between embodiments. For example, a "100 series" number is used for one embodiment, while a corresponding "200 series" number is used for another embodiment.

Detailed Description

As shown in fig. 1 to 5B, a prior art multimodal container and lid arrangement, for example of the type disclosed in PCT/AU2012/000097 (incorporated herein by reference), comprises an ISO standard container 1 having a lid 2. The container may be adapted for side dumping or end dumping.

The container 1 has a generally rectangular box-like body with upstanding corner posts 4, a floor (not shown), reinforcing side walls 6 with horizontal roof structural beams 8 extending around the roof to provide structural support.

The removable cover 2 is sized and shaped to cover the top opening of the container and is corrugated to increase rigidity. The lid 2 has lifting structures such as tine receiving slots 10 and a housing 12 which are attached by any suitable means, but are typically welded to allow the lid to be removed by a lid lifting machine or forklift before the container is dumped to discharge its contents (typically into the hold of a bulk carrier).

The housing 12 has an elongate aperture 14 in its top plate 16 to allow insertion of a correspondingly shaped twist-lock member 18 which can be inserted in one orientation through the elongate aperture into the lifting housing 12 and then rotated to catch under the lifting housing top plate 16 for lifting the lid 2.

A lid latching system is provided to secure the lid 2 to the intermodal container 1 during transport. The lid 2 includes a latch 20 having a pivot axis 22 generally adjacent and parallel to the outside edge of the lid, a generally horizontal portion 23 having an upwardly inclined lever arm 24 extending inwardly from the pivot axis 22 above the top surface of the lid, and a downwardly extending arm 26 having a hook 28 for engagement beneath the container header to lock the lid 2 to the container 1 when in the locked position.

The latch is gravity biased to its latched position when the container is in its upright orientation. Spring biasing may also be used.

The latch is pivotable about a pivot 22 to engage a lower portion of the container side roof rail 8 to lock the lid 2 to the container 1. When a vertical downward force is applied to the lever arm 24 inboard of the pivot 22, the latch pivots to release or disengage the latch 20 from engagement with the container header 8.

Fig. 4A, 4B and 4C schematically show a series of events of the lid lifter 30 of the container handling apparatus 32 in operation to remove the lid 2 from the container 1.

Referring to fig. 4A, with the container handling apparatus 32 engaged with the container 1, the lid lifters 30 are lowered onto the lids 2, for example hydraulically, pneumatically or mechanically, and the twist-lock members 18 are aligned with and enter the respective apertures 14 and rotated 90 degrees to be captured within the lifting housing (fig. 4B). The cover lifter 30 is then retracted (fig. 4C) to lift the cover 2 from the container 1 in preparation for the container to be dumped by the container handling device 32.

Fig. 5A and 5B illustrate the cooperation between the lid and the lid lifter in more detail. It can be seen that in addition to the twist-lock 18, the lid lifter may also have a latch actuation arm 34, optionally spring-loaded, which presses down on the lever arm 24 of the latch when the lid lifter is lowered into engagement with the lid and the twist-lock enters the housing 12. As a result, simultaneously or sequentially with the twist-lock entering the housing and being rotated, the lever arm of the latch is depressed and the latch pivots to release the hook from the container beam. The lid can then be lifted from the container by the lid lifter as shown in figure 4C.

Fig. 6A and 6B show a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention in which the cover is modified to include a locking mechanism to hold the latch in a locked position to prevent accidental disengagement, and which is operated by the cover lifter 130.

The housing 112 is modified from those shown in fig. 5A/5B to include a rotating cup 136 for receiving and rotating with the twist lock 118 of the lid lifter 130 to extend and retract a locking member, such as a locking lever 138 aligned with a lever arm portion of the latching arrangement. As can be seen from a comparison of fig. 6A and 6B, both the twist lock and the spin cup have long and short axis lengths such that, in addition to the previously described function of the twist lock engaging the top plate 116 of the housing 112 to lift the lid 102, the spin cup 136 also receives and rotates with the twist lock 118.

Fig. 6A shows the cover in a locked and locked state, with the latch 120 pivoted to its locked position, and the locking bar 138 positioned below the inner end of the latch 120 so as to limit the pivoting of the latch 120. The illustrated position is a locked position. With the locking bar 138 located below the inboard end of the latch 120, the container lid 102 is locked to the container body 101 regardless of the orientation of the container.

Referring to fig. 6B, the lid lifter 30 has been lowered to engage the twist-lock 118 with a rotating cup 136 that is connected via a link to a locking rod 138 such that the locking rod extends and retracts as the twist-lock and rotating cup rotate. Locking bar 138 is mounted to lid 102 by a bracket 140, which may be welded or bolted to container lid 102.

When the twist-lock 118 is rotated, the rotation cup 136 pinned to the link rod will move the locking bar 138 longitudinally and retract the locking bar 138 from the rear portion of the latch 120 and under the lever arm 124, then allow the latch to pivot freely to disengage the hook 128 of the latch from the container body. This position is the unlocked position.

When the spring-mounted actuator arm 134 applies a vertical downward force to the shackle lever arm 124, the latch shackle 120 will rotate and disengage from the container body.

When the twist lock 118 is rotated in the hole top plate 116, it is also engaged in the raised position. When the lid lifter is raised in the vertical direction, lid 102 will also be lifted. The unlocking and disengagement of the latch 120 is thus integrated into the lid lifting operation without manual operation.

As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, any suitable linkage between the rotating cup and the locking bar may be used depending on the direction of rotation of the twist-lock.

Fig. 7A-7C show a second embodiment in plan view, in which the locking bar 238 moves horizontally in a direction generally parallel to both the long sides of the container and the pivot axis of the latch as the twist-lock 218 engages the swivel cup 236 and rotates. The rotating cup 236 is connected to a link 242, which may be welded, bolted, or otherwise connected to the locking bar 238. The locking member guide bracket 240 may be welded or bolted to the container lid 202. The locking member guide bracket 240 guides the locking bar 238 and ensures that it remains operating horizontally and parallel to the longitudinal direction of the container. Link 242 has an elongated slot aperture 246 to allow pin 244 to travel radially from rotating cup 236 and, for this purpose, translate it into linear motion of lock bar 238.

Fig. 7A shows twist-lock spin cup 236 and the locking mechanism in the locked position. The latch cannot pivot and release the lid 202 from the container body 201.

Fig. 7B shows rotating cup 236 at an intermediate position between 0 and 90 degrees.

Fig. 7C shows the rotating cup 236 in an unlocked position at 90 degrees from the position shown in fig. 7A. It can be seen that the locking bar 238 is in the unlocked position, retracted from the latch. Thus, when the lever arm 224 is depressed, the latch is free to rotate to release the container lid 202 from the container body 201.

Fig. 8A-8B illustrate a further embodiment that is generally similar to the embodiment of fig. 7A-7C, except that the longitudinal locking bar 338 may be spring biased to ensure that it is forcibly held in the locked position. Fig. 8A shows the locked position. Fig. 8B shows the unlocked position.

Fig. 9A and 9B are plan views of a linkage mechanism for converting rotation of the rotating cup 436 of the lift housing 412 into linear movement of the locking bar 438 in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the container and the pivot 422 of the latch 420.

The link 442 is connected to the rotating cup 436 via a pin 444 and slot aperture 446 arrangement.

Fig. 9A shows the locked position with the locking bar 438 extending below the inboard end of the latch 420 to prevent it from pivoting as previously described. Fig. 9B shows the locking mechanism in its unlocked, retracted position.

Fig. 10A and 10B show an embodiment similar to that of fig. 9A and 9B, but the locking lever 538 is biased by a spring 548 toward the extended position to ensure that it remains forced into the locked position without an unlocking force. Fig. 10A shows the locked position. Fig. 10B shows the unlocked position.

Fig. 11A-11D illustrate the latch hook assembly 502 and a lid lifter assembly 530 having a twist lock 518 for insertion through the elongated aperture 514 of the lid housing 512 and engagement with the top plate. Inside the housing 512, the twist lock engages a rotating cup assembly 536 that actuates a locking rod 538 that may directly engage a latch assembly hole or socket 550 formed in a tab 552 of the latch 520. The twist lock 518 is driven to rotate and this in turn rotates the rotating cup assembly to extend or retract the locking bar 538 in a horizontal motion via link 542. Thus, the locking bar 538 will engage or disengage the hole or socket 550 on the latch.

Further, when the lid lifter 530 is in the lowered position, the spring-loaded actuation arm 534 exerts a vertically downward pressure on the rear side of the latch 529. When the locking bar 538 is retracted from its locking position, the latch is free to pivot and allow the container lid 502 to be removed from the container body 501.

Fig. 12A-12D illustrate a locking member arrangement connected to an inboard end of the latch 620 via a pivoting link member 654. Locking lever 638 is pinned to one end of link member 654 and the other end of the link member is pinned to the latch,

as shown in fig. 12A and 12B, horizontal extension of the locking bar 638 against the spring force from the spring 648 will cause the link 654, in conjunction with the downward force of the cover lifter actuating arm 634 on the latch lever arm 624, to cause the latch to pivot and release from its engagement with the container body header 608, and the container cover will be free to lift from the container body.

As shown in fig. 12C and 12D, in the retracted position of the locking bar 638, the link member 654 will prevent the latch from pivoting to the disengaged position.

Fig. 13A and 13B show the rotating cup assembly attached to a locking plate 756 that is shaped to rotate with the rotating cup 736 to a position below the latch assembly 720 and prevent it from pivoting to the disengaged position. When the rotary cup 636 and locking plate 656 are rotated to the unlocked position, the latch is free to pivot and disengage when vertical pressure is applied to the latch lever arm 724.

Fig. 14A and 14B are schematic plan views of a further exemplary embodiment of a container lid 802, wherein the locking lever 838 is actuated via the moving plate 858 and pivot link 860 assembly. The plate 858 is adapted to be pushed by the tines of a forklift entering the fork slots 810 of the lid in the direction of the arrow to remove the lid 802 from the container. As the tines push against plate 858, locking lever 836 retracts and allows latch 820 to disengage when vertical pressure is applied to the rear side of latch 820.

In the exemplary embodiment of fig. 15A-15B, the lock lever 938 has a plate 958 that is actuated by a clamp 962 on the lid lifter 930 to retract the lock lever against the spring bias and allow the latch 920 to be disengaged by an actuation arm 934 of the lid lifter 930, as shown in fig. 15B. Without clamp action, the locking arms 938 are spring biased to their extended locked position, preventing the latches from pivoting, as shown in fig. 15A.

Fig. 16 shows a side view of a locking system including a linkage that operates by vertical movement of the lid lifter 1030. An engagement block 1062 having an inclined bearing surface is attached (e.g., welded or bolted) to the lid lifter.

As the lid lifter moves vertically downward, the engagement block 1062 engages a slide 1064 connected to the lock bar 1038 and

linkage

1054a, 1054b, 1054c assembly. With continued downward movement of the engagement block and lid lifter, the ramped surface causes the locking lever to retract against the bias of spring 1048 and link 1054 to move to the unlocked position, allowing latch 1020 to pivot under the influence of the actuation arm 1034 of the lid lifter.

In the extended locked position shown in fig. 16, the link is positioned below the lever arm 1024 of the latch 1020. In this position, latch 1020 cannot rotate downward because it will press against the link. The spring 1048 forces the entire assembly into this position. This position is also eccentric so any downward force on the link from the latch will force the link to attempt to rotate in a counterclockwise direction as shown in the orientation of fig. 16. The linkage assembly also has a stop plate 1053 that rests against the bracket assembly and the bore mount 1051 when in the locked position, which limits any further horizontal movement of the linkage assembly. This restriction, in combination with the over-center condition of the linkage, helps to ensure that the latch is locked.

When the lid lifter 1030 and engagement block 1062 are engaged with the sled 1064, the linkage is rotated in a clockwise direction as per fig. 16A, and the latch is free to rotate to its disengaged position by the spring-loaded actuator arm.

The lid lifter may then engage the top aperture plate of the lifting structure via the twist lock to securely engage the lid. Removal from the container can now be performed by raising the lid lifter attachment.

Placing the lid on the container and locking the lid to the container are the reverse process. When the lid lifter is disengaged, the spring 1048 ensures that the linkage will move back to the locked position. The locking hook will move by gravity to the unlocked position and it may also be spring biased if desired.

The slider and link assembly may be integrally manufactured on the bracket and then welded or bolted to a new container lid or retrofitted to an existing container lid.

The slipper 1064 and the joint block 1062 may have a lubrication system to allow smooth operation. Lubrication can be achieved by having the contact surfaces of Teflon or UHMW PE material, optionally as a replaceable component, so that the system can be serviced.

Figures 17A-19B illustrate additional exemplary embodiments in which the locking mechanism is mounted to the container side wall rather than the lid and the latch is prevented from pivoting by blocking outward movement of the downward arm 1126 and the hook 1128 portion of the pivoting latch.

Fig. 17A and 17B are partial cross-sectional front views showing the unlocked and locked positions, respectively, of an embodiment in which each locking mechanism is located on a container side wall and actuated by a corresponding engagement lever on the lid lifter.

In this embodiment, locking member 1138 is connected to the container side wall via pivot connection 1166 and is pulled by spring 1148 to a locking position (fig. 17A, 18A and 18B) in which locking member 1138 presses against the lower portion of the latch to prevent it from opening. In this position, the locking member 1138 presses over the latch but behind the support bracket 1168 to provide additional protection against damage or bending that could lead to malfunction and/or accidental unlocking. These brackets ensure that when the latch applies a force to the locking member 1138, the load is transferred to the container body via the brackets and does not cause the locking member to bend.

The free end of the locking member 1138 has a raised end adapted to cooperate with a vertical engagement member 1170 of the lid lifter that extends down the outside of and generally parallel to the container side wall.

As the lid lifter 1130 moves in a downward vertical motion, the engagement member 1170 contacts the upturned end of the locking member 1138 and pushes it downward away from the latch and into an unlocked position. As the lid lifter is moved further downward in the vertical direction, the twist lock 1118 enters the housing 1112 and engages it as previously described. The spring biased actuator member also interacts with a lever arm 1124 of the latch 1120, which opens the latch and unlocks the lid from the container. The twist locks 1118 also rotate and lock the cover lifting device 1130 to the container cover 1102.

Now when the riser is raised vertically, the lid will remain attached to the riser and will be removed from the container.

The reverse occurs when locking. The latch and locking member are spring biased such that they move to a locked state when the external force of the lid lifter is removed. The latch may not require spring biasing because gravity also returns the hook to the locked position.

An advantage of mounting the locking mechanism on the container wall is that, such as in this embodiment, the container wall is generally stiffer than the lid and therefore has less room for bending and misalignment that could interfere with reliable operation of the locking mechanism.

Fig. 20A to 20B show a further exemplary embodiment, a modification of the locking mechanism of fig. 17A to 19B with a sliding action.

Fig. 20A and 20B are front views showing the arrangement in the unlocked and locked positions, respectively.

The locking mechanism comprises a horizontal locking member 1238, such as a locking bar or plate, mounted on the container wall so as to be slidable in a vertical movement. The assembly is biased upwardly by a spring 1248 to a locked position (fig. 20B) in which the locking member 1238 presses against the lower portion of the latch to prevent it from pivoting out of the latched position and is captured and restrained by the support bracket 1268.

If an attempt is made to forcibly open the cover 1202 from the container body 1204, the latch 1230 will attempt to rotate about its pivot point and apply a force to the locking member. The locking member prevents movement because it is held in place by the bracket 1268.

As lid lift 1230 is lowered, downwardly depending engagement members 1270 thereof push the locking members, pushing locking members 1238 downward out of engagement with support brackets 1268 and latches 1230 and compressing springs 1248, as shown in fig. 20A. The latch can then be pivoted to the disengaged position and the cover removed by the cover lifting device as previously described.

Fig. 21A to 21D and fig. 24A to 24B show a variation of the embodiment of fig. 20A and 20B. This exemplary embodiment shows a sliding locking mechanism that has been shaped with an extending bar or rod 1370 extending upward in order to reduce the length of the engagement member 1370 on the lid lifter required to interact with the locking mechanism.

Fig. 21A and 21B are side view details and cross-sectional views in a locked position.

Fig. 21C and 21D are side view details and cross-sectional views in an unlocked position.

Fig. 24A-24B illustrate the container and lid arrangement of fig. 21A-21D, wherein the lid has been captured by the lid lifter and removed from the container.

Operation is generally similar to the embodiment of fig. 20A and 20B, with engagement arm 1370 of the lid lifter pushing the locking mechanism downward against the spring force and out of engagement with latch and support bracket 1368.

In the exemplary embodiment of fig. 22A-22D and 23A-23B, the extension rod 1474 of the locking member passes through a hole in the top beam 1408 of the container 1401 for a more compact installation and additional protection against damage. The system is also designed to be within the ISO size range of the container while still maintaining maximum internal width and volume.

Latch member 1420 has a ledge 1476 near the hook end to assist in engagement with locking member 1438, and the locking member has a central notch portion 1478 that aligns with the latch. The purpose of this arrangement is to limit the amount of vertical movement required between the locked and unlocked positions of the locking mechanism and to allow the locking member to move as close to the latch as possible.

The lid lifter shown in fig. 22A-22D includes pneumatically or hydraulically actuated disengagement hooks 1480 to grasp the lifting bar 1482 on the latch and simultaneously move the latch to the open position and attach the lid lifter to the lid so that the lid can be lifted.

Fig. 25A and 25B show embodiments that also include a handle 1580 for manual unlocking.

Fig. 26A and 26B illustrate a further exemplary embodiment that is generally similar in operation to the embodiment of fig. 22A-22D, with the support brackets 1568 elongated to guide the locking member 1538 and provide greater support thereto against bending forces when in the locked position.

In various embodiments, the invention is shown to operate with different forms of lid lifting apparatus. Various forms of twist lock and lid lifter designs may be used to simultaneously or sequentially move the locking member to the unlocked position, attach to the lid to lift and unlock the lid latch.

Whenever used, the term "comprising" is to be understood in its "open" sense, i.e. in the sense of "comprising", and is thus not limited in its "closed" sense, i.e. in the sense of "consisting only of. The corresponding meaning shall be attributed to the respective words "comprising", "including" and "covering" appearing where they appear.

It is to be understood that the invention disclosed and defined herein extends to all alternative combinations of two or more of the individual features mentioned or evident from the text. All of these different combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the present invention.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have been described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the essential characteristics thereof. The present embodiments and examples are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and all modifications which would be apparent to persons skilled in the art are therefore intended to be included herein.

Claims

1. A multi-style intermodal container and lid arrangement, comprising:

a multi-modal intermodal container with an open top;

a removable lid for closing the open top of the intermodal container;

locking device, which comprises

2. The intermodal container and lid arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the latch is biased to the locked position and is retained in the locked position by the locking member.

3. The intermodal container and lid arrangement according to claim 2, wherein the latch includes a lever portion for pivoting the latch to the disengaged position.

4. The intermodal container and lid arrangement according to claim 3, wherein the locking member in the locked position stops movement of the lever portion to prevent pivoting of the latch.

5. The intermodal container and lid arrangement according to claim 4, wherein at least a portion of the locking member is located below the lever portion when the locking member is in the locked position to prevent depression of the lever portion.

6. The multimodal container and lid apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein the unlocking mechanism comprises twist lock engagement members adapted to engage with twist locks of the lid lifting device and wherein the unlocking mechanism is driven by rotation of the twist locks to move the locking members from the locked position to the unlocked position.

7. The multi-style intermodal container and lid arrangement according to any one of claims 6, wherein the twist-lock engagement members comprise rotational members located within a lifting structure of the lid and the unlocking mechanism comprises linkages for converting rotation of the rotational members into movement of the locking members.

8. The multi-style intermodal container and lid arrangement according to any one of claims 7, wherein the lifting structure includes structure for engaging the twist-locks to lift the lid.

9. The multi-style intermodal container and lid arrangement according to claim 7, wherein the linkage converts rotation of the rotating member into linear movement of the locking member.

10. The multimodal container and lid arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 1, wherein the unlocking mechanism comprises a lid lifter engagement member adapted to engage with an actuating structure of the lid lifting device, and wherein the unlocking mechanism is driven by downward movement of the actuating structure to move the locking member from the locked position to the unlocked position.

11. The multi-style intermodal container and lid arrangement according to claim 10, wherein the actuation mechanism converts the downward movement of the actuation structure into linear movement of the locking member.

12. The intermodal container and lid arrangement according to claim 11, wherein the locking member is biased to the locking position.

13. A multimodal container and lid arrangement as claimed in claim 11 or 12 wherein the locking member and unlocking mechanism are located on the lid.

14. A multimodal container and lid apparatus as claimed in claim 11 or 12 wherein the locking member and unlocking mechanism are located on a wall of the container.

15. A multi-modal intermodal container and lid arrangement as claimed in claim 14, wherein the latch includes a portion downwardly of a pivot axis of the latch, and wherein the locking member in its locking position prevents movement of the downwardly portion of the latch in a direction outwardly from the container wall.

16. The multi-style intermodal container and lid arrangement according to claim 15, wherein the locking member is moved downwardly to the unlocked position by the unlocking mechanism.

17. The intermodal container and lid arrangement according to claim 10, wherein pivoting of the latch from the locked position to the unlocked position is also actuated by the downward movement of the lid lifting apparatus.

18. The intermodal container and lid arrangement according to claim 17, wherein downward movement of the lid lifting device acts on a lever portion of the latch to pivot the latch to the disengaged position.

19. The multimodal container and lid apparatus of claim 1 wherein the removable lid has a configuration for removal of the lid from the container by a lid lifting device and wherein the unlocking mechanism is actuated by operation of the lid lifting device to move the locking member from the locked position to the unlocked position.

20. A multi-modal intermodal container and lid arrangement according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the lid lifter engagement members are adjacent a side wall of the container and engage with extensions of the actuating members of the lid lifting apparatus which extend beyond a top corner edge of the container.

21. A method of removing a lid from a intermodal container, comprising:

providing a multimodal container and lid arrangement according to any preceding claim, wherein the latch is held in the locked position by the locking member in its locked position,

operating a lid lifting device to engage the lid lifting device with the unlatching mechanism and actuate the unlatching mechanism to move the locking member to the unlatched position and engage the latch to pivot the latch to the disengaged position, and

lifting the lid from the container.

22. The method of claim 21, further comprising the step of rotating the container to discharge its contents.

23. A lid locking arrangement for a lid and an intermodal container, the lid comprising a first locking member which is rotatable to engage a portion of the container to lock the lid to the container, the arrangement further comprising a second locking member which is moved relative to the first locking member to a position in which the second locking member prevents rotation of the first locking member relative to the container.

24. The lid locking arrangement of claim 23, wherein the second locking member is actuated by at least one of a twist lock, a clamp, or a prong of a lid lifting device.

25. A lid lifting apparatus for removing a lid from a multi-modal intermodal container, comprising a first engagement formation which is at least one twist-lock for engaging a cooperating formation on the lid for lifting the lid; a second engagement formation adapted to actuate the pivotal latch to its disengaged position; and a third engagement formation adapted to actuate the locking member to move to the unlocked position, thereby allowing the latch to pivot to disengage the lid from the container and the lid to be lifted from the container by the twist-lock.

26. The lid locking device of claim 23, further comprising one or more protective guide members to protect the locking member from damage during operation.

27. The lid locking arrangement of claim 23 adapted to retrofit existing containers and lids.

28. The lid locking arrangement of claim 23 wherein the second locking member is spring biased to the locked position.