EP0121681B1 - Apparatus for securing on-deck containers - Google Patents

Apparatus for securing on-deck containers Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP0121681B1
EP0121681B1 EP84101351A EP84101351A EP0121681B1 EP 0121681 B1 EP0121681 B1 EP 0121681B1 EP 84101351 A EP84101351 A EP 84101351A EP 84101351 A EP84101351 A EP 84101351A EP 0121681 B1 EP0121681 B1 EP 0121681B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
container
containers
deck
tier
platforms
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired
Application number
EP84101351A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0121681A1 (en
Inventor
Eugene Martin Kelly
Robert Benton Barnett
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Sea Land Service Inc
Original Assignee
Sea Land Service Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Sea Land Service Inc filed Critical Sea Land Service Inc
Publication of EP0121681A1 publication Critical patent/EP0121681A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0121681B1 publication Critical patent/EP0121681B1/en
Expired legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING 
    • B63B25/00—Load-accommodating arrangements, e.g. stowing, trimming; Vessels characterised thereby
    • B63B25/28—Load-accommodating arrangements, e.g. stowing, trimming; Vessels characterised thereby for deck loads
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D90/00—Component parts, details or accessories for large containers
    • B65D90/0006—Coupling devices between containers, e.g. ISO-containers
    • B65D90/0013—Twist lock

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a securing structure for securing stacks of containers on the deck of a containership and especially on the hatch covers of such deck, said securing structure comprising a plurality of container-engaging means on said deck for engagement with each of the containers in the lowermost tier of containers;
  • At least two spaced tower assemblies mounted on said deck to define container stowage bays, said tower assemblies having vertical tower members connected by cross-members at levels substantially corresponding to the level of the container bottoms in each subsequent tier;
  • each of said supporting structures being capable of pivotal movement between an upright position between adjacent tower members and an extended position projecting from the respective tower assemblies into a storage bay;
  • each said support means provided on each said supporting structure and position such that a subsequent container in a stack rests thereon when said supporting structure is in said extended position with said support means resting on a lower container, each said support means having upwardly projecting means for engaging existing apertures in the bottom of a subsequent container for preventing horizontal movement thereof;
  • each of said supporting structures located adjacent the bottom of the uppermost tier of containers for engaging the existing apertures in the lower portion of the uppermost container of a stack to prevent vertical movement of the stack.
  • On-deck containers present several problems.
  • Fourth, the apparatus must be reliable and maintenance-free. In an environment where containers, hatch covers, and other equipment typically are handled by cranes, the apparatus cannot be prone to damage or downtime.
  • the original and still almost exclusively employed method for securing containers is by lashing.
  • the bottom container of a stack is placed on deck - or, more specifically on a hatch cover, as hatch covers form the most convenient deck area for storage - with its corners engaged by castings, which restrain side-to-side movement.
  • Vertical locating apertures are fitted in the corners of the container top and bottom, and horizontal locating apertures similarly are located in the corners of the ends and sides.
  • Dowels placed in the vertical locating apertures atop one container engage similar apertures in the bottom of a subsequent container, to prevent side-to-side movement.
  • the entire stack is then held in place by lashings fitted with turnbuckles and the like.
  • rigging such lashings is highly labor intensive and consumes valuable dockside time.
  • lashings require frequent inspection and maintenance during a voyage and must be replaced frequently.
  • Another system employs fixed cell guides on deck. Such guides must be located so that containers fit snugly against guide rails. Because containers usually are stacked on hatch covers, however, the cell guides must overlap onto them, resulting in considerable difficulty in removing. the hatch covers.
  • One is faced with a choice of employing fixed cell guides and accepting a high level of damage during hatch cover removal, or employing removable cell guides, which require additional time during loading and unloading to erect and dismantle the guide systems.
  • a system disclosed in US-A-3,680,548 attempts to solve these problems by providing apparatus comprising pillars located adjacent the hatch covers, carrying swinging arms with pins which engage the container locating apertures.
  • a pivot arm is provided for each container in a stack, including the top one.
  • This system possesses two major disadvantages. First, it does not overcome the problem encountered by cell guides in that the swinging arms, even in their retracted position, are vulnerable to damage during removal of a hatch cover.
  • This system inherently is prone to high downtime due to damage.
  • the necessity for a pivoting arm apparatus atop the uppermost container raises the ship's center of gravity. An effective system should avoid placing heavy apparatus at such a great distance from the deck.
  • each supporting structure comprises a beam having a height of approx. 20 cm said beams being interposed between subsequent tiers of containers and thus considerably raising the center of gravity for the ship.
  • this object according to the invention is accomplished in that said supporting structures are completely nested between adjacent tower members in their upright position, and in that said supporting structures are cantilevered platforms and in that said support means are plates carried on each said platform.
  • FIG. 1 A typical installation embodying the present invention 10 is shown in Figure 1.
  • Normally, on-deck containers are stacked on hatch covers, although they may be stacked on any open area of deck.
  • Several hatch covers mounted athwart- ships side-by-side, provide access to a hold section.
  • the typical installation shown in Figure 1 employs three hatch covers.
  • the outboard covers accommodate two container stacks each, while the center cover accommodates three stacks.
  • the resulting arrangement of containers can be visualized in two dimensions. Vertically, the containers form stacks; horizontally, they form tiers - a first tier and subsequent tiers (one or more intermediate tiers and an upper tier).
  • the example is shown with but one assembly installed, but, of course, a containership fully fitted out with the present invention would have similar installations at each container stowage area.
  • Containers 12 have locating apertures 13 in each corner of the top, bottom, sides, and ends.
  • Hatch covers 14 carry castings 17, which are L-shaped container guides, and deck-mounted dowels 16 positioned to engage the locating apertures on the underside of the lowermost container in each stack. These dowels and guides position the containers and prevent side-to-side movement.
  • dowels and guides position the containers and prevent side-to-side movement.
  • twist-lock devices for engaging container apertures. The two devices are equivalent in function.
  • the use of the term “dowel” herein encompasses twist-locks and all similar, equivalent devices.
  • Tower assemblies 18 stand immediately fore and aft of hatch coamings 15. Constructional details may be modified to suit individual circumstances, but it is preferred that each assembly be an integral unit extending the width of the hatches.
  • Each assembly includes vertical towers 21 tied together by cross-members 20, and ladders 22 may be provided for ease of access to the containers.
  • each assembly includes four towers, two located at the outer extremity of the outboard hatches and two between the ends of the center hatch and the outboard hatches.
  • Two sets of cross-members join the towers, located with their top surfaces slightly below the tops of the first and second tiers of containers, as explained below.
  • the tower assemblies thus define three storage bays corresponding to the three hatches. It is preferred to use conventional structural steel for the tower assemblies, welded to the deck.
  • Cantilevered platforms 26 are carried on the upper surfaces of cross-members 20, as best seen in Figures 1 and 2.
  • Each platform generally includes a series of pivot arms 28, joined by beams 34.
  • a plate 30, carrying one or more upwardly projecting dowels 32 is mounted at the projecting end of each pivot arm.
  • One platform is mounted on each cross-member, so that the total number of platforms depends upon the tower assembly design.
  • the installation of Figure 1 has six platforms, as shown. Mounting details are discussed hereafter, but it should be noted that platforms pivot between an extended position 26a (Fig. 1) in which the platform projects into the container stowage bay, and an upright position 26b, in which the platform is nested into the space between adjacent vertical towers, completely behind the face of the tower assembly.
  • FIG. 1 depicts a single installation of the present invention; in a complete installation for a containership, some tower assemblies will be located between two adjacent container stowage areas; -then, the tower assemblies would be dimensioned to carry cantilevered platforms extending both fore and aft into the respective stowage bays.
  • Figure 1 shows the apparatus in several stages of operation.
  • the cantilevered platforms are held in an upright position 26b.
  • the entire platform is behind the front face of the tower assembly.
  • the first tier of containers is shown stowed in the leftmost bay of Figure 1.
  • These containers are engaged by castings 17 and dowels 16 to hold them in position.
  • the adjacent cantilevered platforms are lowered to their extended positions 26a. In this position, the projecting portions of plates 30 lie atop the containers, with dowels 32 vertically aligned with hatch cover dowels 16.
  • the vertical locating apertures on the underside of each container engage dowels 32 carried on the cantilevered platforms, retaining each container in side-to-side position. It should be noted that no cantilevered platforms overlap the upper surface of the uppermost tier of containers. Rather, the cantilevered platform 26c upon which the uppermost tier rests, seen in the rightmost bay of Figure 1, includes means, discussed below, for securing the uppermost container in each stack without the necessity of an additional cantilevered platform.
  • the pivot arms 28 take several forms, based upon common constructional features, as seen, for example, in Fig. 3a.
  • the arm is built around an extension member 42, formed from a section of box beam. Two pieces of flange stock are fixed to the sides of the extension member to form a shoulder 40 extending rearward of the extension member.
  • a shaft aperture 38 is formed in that portion of the shoulder to the rear of the extension member.
  • the forward end of the extension member carries a rectangular plate 30, overlapping the upper surface of the extension and projecting forward from it.
  • One or more dowels 32 project upwardly from the upper surface of plate 30.
  • each dowel may be altered to adapt to different locating aperture designs, but it is preferred that each dowel have a lower portion of rectangular cross-section followed by a portion having the form of a truncated pyramid. Constructional details of the pivot arm may be selected to fit particular circumstances, but it is preferred to use structural steel members, welded together, with the total distance from the vertical center line of the shaft aperture to the center line of the dowel being about 28 inches.
  • pivot arms are employed, classified according to their location on the tower assembly.
  • the first distinction is whether the particular arm is used in conjunction with an intermediate tier of containers (e.g., platform 26a, Fig. 1) or the upper tier (e.g., platform 26c, Fig. 1).
  • the second distinction is whether the particular pivot arm is located at the end of or inboard on the platform (see Fig. 2).
  • Fig. 3a shows an intermediate tier outer arm 28a and Fig. 3b shows an intermediate tier inner arm 28b;
  • Fig. 4a shows an upper tier outer arm 29a, Fig. 4b shows an upper tier inner arm 29b.
  • each outer arm (28a or 29a) carries only one dowel 32, while each inner arm (28b or 29b) carries two dowels.
  • the plates 30 carried on inner arms are, of course, wider than those on outer arms, to accommodate the extra dowel. This design stems from the need for inner arms to accommodate two containers resting on each plate, as can be seen in Fig. 1.
  • the dowels 32 are identical for each type of arm; the difference appears only in the number of dowels and the width of the plate.
  • each plate 30 also carries a mounting block 50.
  • This block is mounted to the rear of the dowel and has an aperture 51 passing through it from front to rear, parallel to the long axis of the pivot arm. It is preferred that the forward face of the mounting block be sloped rearward to assist in locating a container on the vertical dowel 32.
  • the mounting block receives and carries locking dowel 44, which engages the horizontal locating aperture of a container (located at the bottom corners of the end of the container) to hold it in vertical position.
  • this dowel which engages the container, has a square cross-section; the dowel then flares outward to a rear portion of circular cross-section, adapted to be carried in the mounting block.
  • a retaining pin 46 which may be a piece of right-angled round stock, inserted into a transverse bore 47 formed in the rear portion of the dowel. (See Fig. 6).
  • the position of the bore is chosen to insure that the locking dowel projects sufficiently forward from the mounting block to perform its locating function on container 12 (shown in phantom on Fig. 6).
  • a chain 48 joining the retaining pin to the locking dowel, and a handle 49 at the rearward end of the locating dowel, may be provided.
  • Upper tier outer arms 29a carry one dowel and one mounting block each (Fig. 4a), while upper tier inner arms 29b each carry two dowels and a double mounting block 53 (Fig. 4b).
  • Each pivot arm pivots on a hinge 52 secured to a cross member 20. Best seen in Figures 2 and 5, two vertical members project upward from the hinge base to fit within the pivot arm shoulder 40.
  • a hinge shaft 55 (Fig. 2), secured by cotter pins or other suitable means, joins the pivot arm to the hinge, leaving the pivot arm free to rotate between upright and extended positions.
  • Pivotal movement of the cantilevered platform is accomplished by hydraulic rotary actuators 36.
  • One actuator is provided for each platform, mounted on an inner pivot arm (Fig. 2).
  • the arm and hinge are joined by an actuator shaft 54, elongated to carry the actuator (Fig. 5).
  • One end of a torque arm 56 is suitably attached to the face of the actuator, and its other end is fixed between the U-shaped flanges of an anchor 58 mounted on the cross-member.
  • the actuator may be keyed or otherwise suitably attached to shaft 54, and the torque arm may be bolted to the actuator and connected to anchor 58 by a pin 60.
  • both the anchor and the hinge base be welded to the cross member; the hinge base additionally may be through-bolted, as shown.
  • the rotary actuator may be, for example, a Bird Johnson Model HS-15-280 Rotary Actuator, readily available to the art.
  • Operation of the apparatus proceeds as follows. As described, the first tier of containers is loaded and is retained in place by castings 17 and on-deck dowels 16. During loading, all cantilevered platforms are held in their upright positions, preventing any possibility of damage to the platforms from impact with a container. Then, the first level of cantilevered platforms is lowered to their extended positions. As is apparent, the cross-members 20 must be located substantially equal to the level of the bottom of each subsequent tier of containers, so that when plates 30 lie atop the containers, the pivot arms are substantially level. Dowels 32 are then in vertical alignment with on-deck dowels 16, so that as the second tier of containers is loaded and engages the dowels, subsequent containers in a stack are located exactly atop one another.
  • Figure 1 shows an installation for stacking containers three tiers high, other installations could stack containers more or less high, employing the present invention.
  • locking dowels 44 are inserted through mounting blocks 50 into the horizontal locating apertures in each container. With retaining pins 46 in place, the uppermost container, and thus the entire stack, is restrained from vertical movement.
  • the present invention solves a long-felt need of the container shipping industry in a manner superior to that of the prior art.
  • the present invention permits securing to proceed as rapidly as containers can be on-loaded. Moreover, no maintenance of the apparatus is required to retain the containers in a secure condition during a voyage.
  • Third, the apparatus minimizes the.raising of the ship's center of gravity. Because no machinery is needed atop the uppermost tier of containers, the apparatus maintains stability to the greatest possible degree.
  • Fourth, the apparatus itself is durable and inherently free from problems. Because the cantilevered platforms can be retracted completely behind the face of the tower assembly, containers can be handled and hatch covers removed and replaced without fear of damaging the apparatus.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Ocean & Marine Engineering (AREA)
  • Ship Loading And Unloading (AREA)
  • Stackable Containers (AREA)
  • Warehouses Or Storage Devices (AREA)
  • Clamps And Clips (AREA)
  • Auxiliary Devices For And Details Of Packaging Control (AREA)
  • Processing And Handling Of Plastics And Other Materials For Molding In General (AREA)
EP84101351A 1983-03-14 1984-02-10 Apparatus for securing on-deck containers Expired EP0121681B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US47537383A 1983-03-14 1983-03-14
US475373 1983-03-14

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0121681A1 EP0121681A1 (en) 1984-10-17
EP0121681B1 true EP0121681B1 (en) 1987-08-19

Family

ID=23887301

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP84101351A Expired EP0121681B1 (en) 1983-03-14 1984-02-10 Apparatus for securing on-deck containers

Country Status (9)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0121681B1 (da)
JP (1) JPS59176185A (da)
KR (1) KR890004945B1 (da)
BR (1) BR8400927A (da)
DE (1) DE3465449D1 (da)
DK (1) DK159535C (da)
ES (1) ES8600140A1 (da)
NO (1) NO159915C (da)
YU (1) YU46141B (da)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
NL2000975C2 (nl) * 2007-11-01 2009-05-06 Libran Internat B V Containerschip, samenstel van een container en een tankcontainer, adapterframe, draagbalk en werkwijze voor het laden van een containerschip.

Families Citing this family (13)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2573720B1 (fr) * 1984-11-23 1987-02-27 Nord Mediterranee Chantiers Dispositifs pour transporter des conteneurs sur les panneaux de cale et navires porte-conteneurs equipes de ces dispositifs.
JPS61146489U (da) * 1985-03-05 1986-09-09
JPS61150287U (da) * 1985-03-11 1986-09-17
JPS61257387A (ja) * 1985-05-10 1986-11-14 Osaka Shosen Mitsui Senpaku Kk 船倉内コンテナ積付装置
JPS6218388A (ja) * 1985-07-17 1987-01-27 Kawasaki Heavy Ind Ltd 甲板上コンテナの集合固縛装置
FR2909080B1 (fr) * 2006-11-27 2009-01-16 Christophe Riquier Equipement facilitant la mise en place des dispositifs destines a rendre solidaires des conteneurs superposes embarques sur un navire.
CN102145799A (zh) * 2011-03-18 2011-08-10 张家港市海星集装箱制造有限公司 一种集装箱
DE202012004349U1 (de) * 2012-05-04 2013-08-05 Olb Offshore Logistics Bremerhaven Gmbh Ponton für den Transport großer und schwerer Lasten
KR200475895Y1 (ko) * 2013-07-25 2015-01-09 현대중공업 주식회사 접이식 컨테이너 스툴 레더
CN105905261B (zh) * 2016-06-27 2018-01-09 中海工业(江苏)有限公司 一种集装箱船绑扎桥立式总组胎架
KR102027209B1 (ko) * 2017-08-04 2019-10-01 삼성중공업 주식회사 구조물 설치용 선박
CN113501096B (zh) * 2021-06-28 2022-08-19 华能灌云清洁能源发电有限责任公司 海上风机设备平台及其柜体的安装方法、海上风机
WO2024025566A1 (en) * 2022-07-29 2024-02-01 Pan Trevor System for cargo transport

Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3481298A (en) * 1968-06-14 1969-12-02 American Export Isbrandt Securing system for deck container or the like

Family Cites Families (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB1247118A (en) * 1969-05-19 1971-09-22 Mitsui Shipbuilding Eng Apparatus for fixing containers in a ship
DE1939133A1 (de) * 1969-08-01 1971-02-04 Lehner Fernsprech Signal Schaltungsanordnung fuer Empfaenger in Rundsteueranlagen
US3820664A (en) * 1971-07-19 1974-06-28 R Macy Apparatus for transporting factory constructed housing units
JPS498289U (da) * 1972-04-20 1974-01-24

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3481298A (en) * 1968-06-14 1969-12-02 American Export Isbrandt Securing system for deck container or the like
DE1930133A1 (de) * 1968-06-14 1970-03-12 American Exp Isbrandtsen Lines Vorrichtung zum Befestigen aufgestapelter Frachtbehaelter

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
NL2000975C2 (nl) * 2007-11-01 2009-05-06 Libran Internat B V Containerschip, samenstel van een container en een tankcontainer, adapterframe, draagbalk en werkwijze voor het laden van een containerschip.

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
NO840958L (no) 1984-09-17
DK159535C (da) 1991-04-02
BR8400927A (pt) 1984-10-16
NO159915C (no) 1989-02-22
ES530541A0 (es) 1985-10-01
JPS59176185A (ja) 1984-10-05
DK117084A (da) 1984-09-15
DK117084D0 (da) 1984-02-28
EP0121681A1 (en) 1984-10-17
ES8600140A1 (es) 1985-10-01
NO159915B (no) 1988-11-14
YU46141B (sh) 1993-05-28
KR840008135A (ko) 1984-12-13
YU45584A (en) 1988-02-29
JPH0229559B2 (da) 1990-06-29
KR890004945B1 (ko) 1989-12-02
DK159535B (da) 1990-10-29
DE3465449D1 (en) 1987-09-24

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