EP0639127A1 - Container - Google Patents

Container

Info

Publication number
EP0639127A1
EP0639127A1 EP93909391A EP93909391A EP0639127A1 EP 0639127 A1 EP0639127 A1 EP 0639127A1 EP 93909391 A EP93909391 A EP 93909391A EP 93909391 A EP93909391 A EP 93909391A EP 0639127 A1 EP0639127 A1 EP 0639127A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
track portion
track
container according
horizontal
vertical
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.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP93909391A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Patrick Mccann
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.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
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 Individual filed Critical Individual
Publication of EP0639127A1 publication Critical patent/EP0639127A1/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60P—VEHICLES ADAPTED FOR LOAD TRANSPORTATION OR TO TRANSPORT, TO CARRY, OR TO COMPRISE SPECIAL LOADS OR OBJECTS
    • B60P7/00—Securing or covering of load on vehicles
    • B60P7/06—Securing of load
    • B60P7/135—Securing or supporting by load bracing means
    • B60P7/15—Securing or supporting by load bracing means the load bracing means comprising a movable bar

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a container and in particular to a container having restraining means to restrain a load of goods from moving within the container. It is known to locate a beam to bridge the opposite inside side walls of the goods compartment, the ends of the beam being releasably connected to vertical tracks on the opposite inside surfaces.
  • GB-A-1196052 discloses a device in which a post carrying a bearer board has means to enable the post to be snapped into longitudinal or transverse rails secured to the sides, floor or roof of a container, the bearer board being urged by spring pressure against a load carried in the container.
  • GB-A-2022524 discloses a container whose sides each carry an apertured top track and an apertured bottom track. Apertured vertical members extend between the top and bottom tracks and a cargo-retaining member can extend across the container being located at each end in a vertical member.
  • the invention provides a container having opposite side walls, track means being present on the inner surface of each side wall, the track means comprising at least one track portion extending horizontally along the length of the side wall and at least one track portion extending vertically along the height of the side wall and intersecting a horizontal track portion, beam means extending between the opposite side walls, connecting means being present at each end of the beam means to connect the beam means to a track portion on each side wall, the beam means being movable along both the horizontal and vertical track portions, wherein rotary means are present at the intersection of a horizontal track portion and vertical track portion, the rotary means being adapted to engage the beam means and being movable between one position in alignment with the vertical track portion and another position in alignment with a horizontal track portion to enable the beam means to move between a vertical track portion and a horizontal track portion.
  • complementary engaging means are present on the rotary means and each track portion.
  • a releasable catch is present to lock the rotary means in alignment with either track portion.
  • the catch comprises a spring biased plunger mounted in the rotary means and receivable in a socket therefor in the adjacent portion of each track portion.
  • the plunger may instead be present in the track and the socket therefor on the rotary means.
  • the rotary means may be arranged to rotate through about 90° only, and the end of one or each track portion adjacent to the rotary means includes stop means to limit the rotation of the rotary means.
  • Figure 1 is an elevation of a goods container in which a restraining beam bridges the opposite side walls to restrain the contained load;
  • Figure 2 is an elevation of the inside wall of the goods container, with the turntable aligned with a vertical track portion;
  • Figure 3 is an elevation as in Figure 1, but showing the turntable aligned with a horizontal track portion
  • Figure 4 is an elevation as in Figures 1 and 2 showing an intermediate condition
  • Figure 5 shows a detail of the latching mechanism of the turntable
  • Figure 6 is an elevation of the turntable as seen from view A on Figure 4.
  • Figure 7 is a detail of a connector at the end of a beam in engagement with a track portion.
  • a restraining beam member B extends between the inner side walls Vt of the container compartment of a goods vehicle, to restrain the load from movement during transport.
  • the beam B comprises telescopic lengths of metal having connector parts C at each end, the connectors being pivotally mounted on the beam member B by pivot pins 20.
  • Each connector C is releasably connected to a track portion on the inner side wall W, as explained below in relation to Figures 2 and 7.
  • Each layout comprises spaced apart vertical track portions V (only one of which is shown) which extend between the floor and ceiling and at least one horizontal track portion H extending longitudinally along the side wall W. (The length and number of the track portions will be varied according to need) .
  • Each track portion comprises a generally T shaped rail 1 having side flanges 2 which is secured, e.g. bolted to the underlying wall.
  • the connector C shown in Figures 2 and 7 comprises a socket 21 which is complementary in shape to the rail 1 so as to overlie it, and has a locking pin 22, which is receivable in any one of spaced apart slots 3 to hold the connector, and hence the beam member B, in a predetermined position.
  • One such connection is shown in ghost outline on Figure 2.
  • a gap is present in each of the vertical track portion V and the horizontal track portion H where they cross.
  • the end of each rail 1 adjacent the gap is concavely curved as shown at 4. (This curvature is not essential).
  • the end projects beyond the side flange 2 to define an overhang 5; the end of the side flanges 2 has the same curvature as that of the rail end 4.
  • a turntable T is present in the gap and is secured to the wall by a pivot pin 6.
  • the turntable T comprises a length of rail 1 (having the slots 3 but without the side flanges 2), the ends 7 of which are as shown, convexly curved to complement the curvature of the end 5 of the rail 1 and the flanges 2 of the tracks.
  • An enclosed bore 9 extends inwardly from the end wall at one end of the rail 1 of the turntable, and this bore contains a plunger 10.
  • a spring 11 biases the plunger 10 to project forward (see Figure 4).
  • the end wall of one of the rails 1 of each track adjacent the gap has a socket 12 to receive the projecting plunger 10.
  • the top of the bore 9 is open .and the plunger 10 has a shoulder 13 so that one can gain access to the plunger 10; a hole 14 is formed therein into which the blade of a tool can be inserted to retract the plunger 10 against the bias of spring 11.
  • the rail 1 of the track is extended at one side of the socket 12 to define a stop shoulder 15 which abuts against a pair of facing shoulders 16 on the rail of the turntable, to limit the rotary movement of the turntable T. Because the shoulders 15 are present on the rail of both the vertical track portion and the horizontal track portion which are at right angles to each other, the turntable T can only move between the 90° angle defined by these stops.
  • the views of Figures 2 and 3 show the turntable T in either extreme condition whereas the view of Figure 4 shows an intermediate condition. The different positions of the catch mechanism comprising the plunger 10 and the socket 12 therefor is shown in Figure 5.
  • the container may be the goods compartment of say a road delivery vehicle.
  • a load I ⁇ is placed in the container and then the beam B engaged with a vertical track V to hold the beam against the load to restrain it from movement in transit.
  • the driver can, using the turntable T on each side wall W move the beam up or down the respective vertical track portion V to the intersection, and then along the horizontal track portion H, to abut the load.
  • Adjustments can be made both horizontally and vertically using the simple technique disclosed; because the turntable is secured to the wall, parts cannot be lost or easily damaged. More than one beam member can be present and a number may be used to support a false floor.
  • the container will typically be the goods compartment of a road, rail, sea or air vehicle.
  • the wall may be made of a material appropriate to the load.
  • the components will be made of a suitable material, e.g. stainless steel, aluminium or the like.
  • Flanges may be present on the turntable, and the vertical and horizontal tracks may be of a different configuration from that shown.
  • the number of stops may be less than shown, so that the turntable can move through more than 90°.
  • the plunger may be mounted on a track and the socket therefor on the turntable.
  • the components may be made of steel.
  • the track need not reach the full distance from floor to ceiling or the full length of the wall.
  • the connector may be of a different shape to that shown.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Transportation (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Auxiliary Methods And Devices For Loading And Unloading (AREA)
  • Warehouses Or Storage Devices (AREA)

Abstract

The invention relates to a container having restraining means to restrain a load of goods from moving within the container. It aims to provide a restraining means that can be usefully employed with varying positions of the load within the container. The invention provides therefore, a container having opposite side walls (W), track means (H, V) being present on the inner surface of each side wall (W), the track means comprising at least one track portion (H) extending horizontally along the length of the side wall and at least one track portion (V) extending vertically along the height of the side wall and intersecting a horizontal track portion (H), beam means (B) extending between the opposite side walls (W), connecting means (10, 12) being present at each end of the beam means (B) to connect the beam means to a track portion on each side wall (W), the beam means (B) being movable along both the horizontal (H) and vertical (V) track portions wherein rotary means (T) are present at the intersection of a horizontal track portion (H) and vertical track portion (V), the rotary means (T) being adapted to engage the beam means (B) and being movable from one position in alignment with the vertical track portion (V) and another position in alignment with a horizontal track portion (H) to enable the beam means (B) to move between a vertical track portion (V) and a horizontal track portion (H).

Description

CONTAINER
The invention relates to a container and in particular to a container having restraining means to restrain a load of goods from moving within the container. It is known to locate a beam to bridge the opposite inside side walls of the goods compartment, the ends of the beam being releasably connected to vertical tracks on the opposite inside surfaces.
GB-A-1196052 discloses a device in which a post carrying a bearer board has means to enable the post to be snapped into longitudinal or transverse rails secured to the sides, floor or roof of a container, the bearer board being urged by spring pressure against a load carried in the container.
GB-A-2022524 discloses a container whose sides each carry an apertured top track and an apertured bottom track. Apertured vertical members extend between the top and bottom tracks and a cargo-retaining member can extend across the container being located at each end in a vertical member.
There are, nevertheless, still problems where the position of a track does not coincide with the position of the load. It is an object of this invention, therefore, to provide a container adapted to solve those problems. Accordingly the invention provides a container having opposite side walls, track means being present on the inner surface of each side wall, the track means comprising at least one track portion extending horizontally along the length of the side wall and at least one track portion extending vertically along the height of the side wall and intersecting a horizontal track portion, beam means extending between the opposite side walls, connecting means being present at each end of the beam means to connect the beam means to a track portion on each side wall, the beam means being movable along both the horizontal and vertical track portions, wherein rotary means are present at the intersection of a horizontal track portion and vertical track portion, the rotary means being adapted to engage the beam means and being movable between one position in alignment with the vertical track portion and another position in alignment with a horizontal track portion to enable the beam means to move between a vertical track portion and a horizontal track portion.
Preferably complementary engaging means are present on the rotary means and each track portion.
Advantageously a releasable catch is present to lock the rotary means in alignment with either track portion. Preferably the catch comprises a spring biased plunger mounted in the rotary means and receivable in a socket therefor in the adjacent portion of each track portion. The plunger may instead be present in the track and the socket therefor on the rotary means.
The rotary means may be arranged to rotate through about 90° only, and the end of one or each track portion adjacent to the rotary means includes stop means to limit the rotation of the rotary means.
In order that the invention may be well understood it will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is an elevation of a goods container in which a restraining beam bridges the opposite side walls to restrain the contained load;
Figure 2 is an elevation of the inside wall of the goods container, with the turntable aligned with a vertical track portion;
Figure 3 is an elevation as in Figure 1, but showing the turntable aligned with a horizontal track portion;
Figure 4 is an elevation as in Figures 1 and 2 showing an intermediate condition;
Figure 5 shows a detail of the latching mechanism of the turntable;
Figure 6 is an elevation of the turntable as seen from view A on Figure 4; and
Figure 7 is a detail of a connector at the end of a beam in engagement with a track portion.
As shown in Figures 1 to 4, a restraining beam member B extends between the inner side walls Vt of the container compartment of a goods vehicle, to restrain the load from movement during transport. The beam B comprises telescopic lengths of metal having connector parts C at each end, the connectors being pivotally mounted on the beam member B by pivot pins 20. Each connector C is releasably connected to a track portion on the inner side wall W, as explained below in relation to Figures 2 and 7.
As shown in Figures 2 to 4, there is a layout of tracks on each side wall . Each layout comprises spaced apart vertical track portions V (only one of which is shown) which extend between the floor and ceiling and at least one horizontal track portion H extending longitudinally along the side wall W. (The length and number of the track portions will be varied according to need) . Each track portion comprises a generally T shaped rail 1 having side flanges 2 which is secured, e.g. bolted to the underlying wall. The connector C shown in Figures 2 and 7 comprises a socket 21 which is complementary in shape to the rail 1 so as to overlie it, and has a locking pin 22, which is receivable in any one of spaced apart slots 3 to hold the connector, and hence the beam member B, in a predetermined position. One such connection is shown in ghost outline on Figure 2.
As shown in Figures 2 to 4, a gap is present in each of the vertical track portion V and the horizontal track portion H where they cross. The end of each rail 1 adjacent the gap is concavely curved as shown at 4. (This curvature is not essential). The end projects beyond the side flange 2 to define an overhang 5; the end of the side flanges 2 has the same curvature as that of the rail end 4. A turntable T is present in the gap and is secured to the wall by a pivot pin 6. The turntable T comprises a length of rail 1 (having the slots 3 but without the side flanges 2), the ends 7 of which are as shown, convexly curved to complement the curvature of the end 5 of the rail 1 and the flanges 2 of the tracks. At each end the head 8 of the rail 1 of the turntable T is cut back to define a shelf to underlie the overhanging end 5 of the rail 1 of the track. An enclosed bore 9 extends inwardly from the end wall at one end of the rail 1 of the turntable, and this bore contains a plunger 10. A spring 11 biases the plunger 10 to project forward (see Figure 4). The end wall of one of the rails 1 of each track adjacent the gap has a socket 12 to receive the projecting plunger 10. The top of the bore 9 is open .and the plunger 10 has a shoulder 13 so that one can gain access to the plunger 10; a hole 14 is formed therein into which the blade of a tool can be inserted to retract the plunger 10 against the bias of spring 11. The rail 1 of the track is extended at one side of the socket 12 to define a stop shoulder 15 which abuts against a pair of facing shoulders 16 on the rail of the turntable, to limit the rotary movement of the turntable T. Because the shoulders 15 are present on the rail of both the vertical track portion and the horizontal track portion which are at right angles to each other, the turntable T can only move between the 90° angle defined by these stops. The views of Figures 2 and 3 show the turntable T in either extreme condition whereas the view of Figure 4 shows an intermediate condition. The different positions of the catch mechanism comprising the plunger 10 and the socket 12 therefor is shown in Figure 5.
The container may be the goods compartment of say a road delivery vehicle. Usually there will be a number of parallel vertical track portions V and perhaps one or two horizontal track portions H, a turntable T being present at each intersection of a vertical track portion and a horizontal track portion. The turntables T will be aligned with the respective vertical track portion V. In use, a load Iι is placed in the container and then the beam B engaged with a vertical track V to hold the beam against the load to restrain it from movement in transit. When the location of the load does not coincide " ith the position of a vertical track V the driver can, using the turntable T on each side wall W move the beam up or down the respective vertical track portion V to the intersection, and then along the horizontal track portion H, to abut the load. Adjustments can be made both horizontally and vertically using the simple technique disclosed; because the turntable is secured to the wall, parts cannot be lost or easily damaged. More than one beam member can be present and a number may be used to support a false floor.
The container will typically be the goods compartment of a road, rail, sea or air vehicle. The wall may be made of a material appropriate to the load. Where the goods are foodstuffs, especially chilled foodstuffs, the components will be made of a suitable material, e.g. stainless steel, aluminium or the like.
The invention is not limited to the embodiment shown. Flanges may be present on the turntable, and the vertical and horizontal tracks may be of a different configuration from that shown. The number of stops may be less than shown, so that the turntable can move through more than 90°. The plunger may be mounted on a track and the socket therefor on the turntable. The components may be made of steel. The track need not reach the full distance from floor to ceiling or the full length of the wall. The connector may be of a different shape to that shown.

Claims

1. A container having opposite side walls (W), track means (H,V) being present on the inner surface of each side wall (W) , the track means comprising at least one track portion (H) extending horizontally along the length of the side wall and at least one track portion (V) extending vertically along the height of the side wall and intersecting a horizontal track portion (H), beam means (B) extending between the opposite side walls (W), connecting means (10,12) being present at each end of the beam means (B) to connect the beam means to a track portion on each side wall (W), the beam means (B) being movable along both the horizontal (H) and vertical (V) track portions wherein rotary means (T) are present at the intersection of a horizontal track portion (H) and vertical track portion (V), the rotary means (T) being adapted to engage the beam means (B) and being movable from one position in alignment with the vertical track portion (V) and another position in alignment with a horizontal track portion (H) to enable the beam means (B) to move between a vertical track portion (V) and a horizontal track portion (H).
2. A container according to Claim 1, wherein complementary engaging means are present on the rotary means (T) and each track portion (H,V).
3. A container according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein releasable catch means (10,12) are present to lock the rotary means (T) in alignment with either track portion.
4. A container according to Claim 3, wherein the catch comprises a spring biased plunger (10) mounted in the rotary means (T) and receivable in a socket (12) therefor in the adjacent portion of each track portion.
5. A container according to any preceding Claim, wherein the rotary means (T) is arranged to rotate through about 90° only.
6. A container according to Claim 5, wherein the end of each track portion (H,V) adjacent to the rotary means (T) includes stop means (15) to limit the rotation of the rotary means.
7. A container according to any preceding Claim, wherein a plurality of vertical track portions (V) and/or horizontal track portions (H) is present on the inside walls.
8. A container according to any preceding Claim, wherein the -, Q
connecting means (C)' are pivotally connected to the beam means (B).
9. A container according to any preceding Claim, wherein the track portions (H,V) are of rail form having a generally T section head (1) and the connecting means (C) including a socket (21) of complementary shape.
10. A container according to Claim 9, wherein releasable locking means are housed within the socket (21) to engage the connecting means (C) and the rail of a track portion.
11. A container according to any preceding Claim, wherein the components are made of stainless steel, aluminium or the like.
12. A container according to any preceding Claim, comprising the goods compartment of a vehicle.
EP93909391A 1992-05-07 1993-04-23 Container Withdrawn EP0639127A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB9209821A GB2266706B (en) 1992-05-07 1992-05-07 Container
GB9209821 1992-05-07
PCT/GB1993/000861 WO1993022159A1 (en) 1992-05-07 1993-04-23 Container

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0639127A1 true EP0639127A1 (en) 1995-02-22

Family

ID=10715121

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP93909391A Withdrawn EP0639127A1 (en) 1992-05-07 1993-04-23 Container

Country Status (4)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0639127A1 (en)
AU (1) AU4021793A (en)
GB (1) GB2266706B (en)
WO (1) WO1993022159A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE9305610U1 (en) * 1993-04-14 1993-07-01 Ancra Jungfalk GmbH, 7707 Engen Structure for the loading area of a vehicle with support tube
US6030158A (en) * 1997-04-01 2000-02-29 Portec Rail Products, Inc. Load securement system for boxcars or containers
US6062780A (en) * 1998-04-09 2000-05-16 Petelka; Brian W. Adjustable decking system
SE516549C2 (en) * 1999-11-01 2002-01-29 Sandstroems Transportprodukter Arrangements at carriers

Family Cites Families (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2973724A (en) * 1958-08-21 1961-03-07 Atchison Freight supporting and restraining system for vehicles
US3570412A (en) * 1968-12-20 1971-03-16 Robert E Holman Jr Captive brace rod and track
US3963290A (en) * 1975-03-20 1976-06-15 Johann Birkart, Internationale Spedition Hanging fitting for freight receptacles, known as containers
GB2022524B (en) * 1978-06-13 1983-03-09 Freight Bonallack Ltd Cargo control system
DE9006685U1 (en) * 1990-06-13 1990-09-20 Ancra Jungfalk GmbH, 7707 Engen Device for arranging cargo in a loading space

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
See references of WO9322159A1 *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB2266706B (en) 1995-07-05
AU4021793A (en) 1993-11-29
GB2266706A (en) 1993-11-10
WO1993022159A1 (en) 1993-11-11
GB9209821D0 (en) 1992-06-24

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