GB1282781A - Container coupling devices - Google Patents

Abstract

1282781 Releasable fastenings PULLMAN INC 1 Oct 1969 [22 May 1969] 48179/69 Heading E2B A coupling device for attaching two containers in tanden relation comprises a housing 23 adapted to be disposed between the containers and two clamps 30, 31 upstanding from the housing and each having a portion 50 adapted for a reception in a coupling recess in a respective one of the containers in a releasing and in a fastening position and a pair of keys 27, 28 slidably movable relatively to the housing, each of the keys being engageable with a respective one of said clamps for operation of the clamp between fastening and releasing positions. In the construction shown the housing is made in two sections 24, 25 which are welded together, the housing having a chamber 33 which includes a centrally disposed cylindrical portion 34 which receives a cam 35 of each of the clamps 30 and 31; on each side of the portion 34 and extending to one end of the housing are recesses 36 which receive the keys 27, 28 the keys being slidable backwards and forwards in the recesses 36 and being prevented from leaving the recesses by shoulders 59a, 60a of the keys coming into contact with internal shoulders of the housing. The keys each have a plurality of teeth 63 which can engage teeth 49 carried by the shanks 38 of the respective clamps for rotating the clamps between fastening and releasing positions upon sliding movement of the keys, in addition each key has two wedges 62 of upper and lower runners and as the key is slid into the housing the wedge adjacent the teeth 63 engages a cam surface 53 of the cam 55 of its clamp and causes axial movement of the clamp as it is rotated so that the portion 50 is moved towards the housing. The runner of the key which does not have the teeth is provided with a portion 65 which after the clamp has been rotated to fastening position engages a flat of the stem of the clamp to prevent the clamp moving out of fastening position. The keys in the fastening condition of the device are wholly contained in the housing and to allow their release the housing has notches 57a and each key has a hole 57 which can be engaged by a hook for pulling them out of the housing. To retain the keys in the housing a retainer bar means 32 is provided; this has a bar member 66 having a generally C-shaped member 67 attached to one end portion by a bolt 69 and the other end portion carries a slidable plunger 72 which is biassed by a spring 78a towards the member 67; in use the bar member rests on top of the housing with the C-shaped clamp 67 engaged in notches 58 in the keys and with the end portion of the plunger 72 engaged in an aperture 44 in the housing. The bar is provided with two lug portions 79 which can be used for prying the keys out of the housing. Two of the coupling devices are disposed between the containers at the bottom corners and spacers are used between the containers at the top corners. Each spacer consists of a block portion which the containers abut and a hook element which is engaged with the top corner fitting of one container to retain the spacer in place. When the two containers are coupled together they can be raised by a hoist line attached to each of the lower outer corner fittings of the containers.