GB2328430A - Cargo containers and flatracks - Google Patents

Abstract

A cargo shipping assembly comprises a load bearing deck, fork lift points, corner posts with ISO corner fittings and a roof panel. One end of the assembly carries a framework supporting a lifting eye or pin to facilitate handling by a DROPS vehicle. The other end of the assembly may comprise a hinged panel for forming a ramp and the sides of the assembly may be closed by rigid panels or flexible curtains.

Description

IMPROVE19ENTS TO FLAIZACK CARGO PALLET TRANSPORI SYSTEMS The following invention relates to improvements in the design of cargo handling flatracks and Standard ISO Box Containers or Customised special Expanding Containers used either to transport dry goods of all kinds in the first case, by means of regulated pallets or as loose cargo items restrained by lashings or restraint nets so that they may be lifted from ground level by use of a specialised vehicle known as DROPS vehicle or, as a Box by ISO Container handling devices currently used world wide in Marine Ports, vessels, shore based establishments for stacking, storage, stuffing, or in their static state for use as accommodation or secure containment of high cost secure equipment such as Radios, Generators, Kitchens, Office Systems, Hospitals, Medical Stores, Messing facilities or similar.

The invention has been developed primarily to service a Military type function or emergency relief refugee camp operation requiring speed of deployment, simplicity of assembly and diversity of application to suit a wide variety of need, coupled with movement by any means locally available by Plane, Train, ISO Skel-trail or flatbed vehicles including specialist DROPS vehicles, and by sea complying with regulations.

According to the present invention there is provided a means of lifting the loaded unit by Drops vehicle by an integral reinforced structure at one end only of the unit which permits the fixing of a suitably sized and configuration of lifting eye which does not protrude outside of the footprint of the stipulated dimensions that specify an ISO 20ft container, a suitably strong upright comer post is mounted at each corner forming a box 2.34m H X 6m L these are connected each to each other by roof structure so that it forms a weatherproof cover, the sides of the roof are reinforced with a castellated reinforcing top rail approx 325mm deep to maintain the structures integrity when meeting the ISO Design requirements. The alternate 8 X 8 (2.34 X 2.34M) end is a fixed castellated reinforcing panel, alternately, this may also be an open end provided that the alternate corner posts fitted are of adequate increased cross section to comply with the bending moment stresses arising to meet ISO design regulations.

The deck structure is at about 270mm from ground level and allows the fitting of fork lift pockets for movement by appropriate heavy-lift, fork lift truck, each of the eight corners are fitted with the standard ISO corner casting or Fabrication. The deck is fitted with the appropriate regulation tie-down lashing points to suit either Pallets or specific universal loads.

This general configuration allows access round 3 sides of the container and universal handling by DROPS Vehicle, Fork-lift, ISO Crane or Plane such as a Hercules.

The deck is suitably reinforced by cross members and is interposed with 2 central longitudinal bearers set at the appropriate spacing to match the roller centres of chassis space of a DROPS Prime mover. This allows the lifting from the ground by the Hydraulically driven arm to engage the lifting hook elevate the loaded assembly so that the lifted end clears the chassis end whilst the alternate end remains on the ground. As the arm is powered towards the front of the Prime mover or DROPS Cab the longitudinal ribs on the underside of the DROPCON engages with the guide rollers fitted at the rear end of the chassis, further forward movement of the loading arm changes the angular position resulting from the contact with the face of the rollers and the fixed point of the lifting eye, due to the length of the arm being equal to the height of the lifting eye from the top of the chassis supporting the container at rest.

These structures are of such a design to inhibit undue distortion of the loaded structure during transport or handling from ground to stacking 4 high.

To secure the loaded unit from both natural elements, Vandalism, NBC attack, each side is protected by a Tarpaulin Cover or Curtain secured to a curtain track located inside the upper top rail, the bottom of the curtain is securely restrained by straps and overcentre locks attached to a securing rail under the deck edge. The End of the curtains are clamped to the comer posts by end boards or tensioning tubes to ensure load security which can be increased by adding wire mesh inside the curtain or if temperature control is required by using multi wall thermal covers. These side curtains can be replaced with rigid boards of a precise length and height to match the open sides, so that they me hinged at the bottom edge with a castelled form allowing a hinge to be fitted along the overall length, these are locked into place at their top inside corner by securing dogs that engage on the inside face of the corner posts and centre of the upper reinforcing rail making an economical expanding container suitable for use as a Kitchen, Ablution Block, Toilet Block utilising Vacuum Units interconnected with on going utilities by small bore flexible pipes 50 - 75mm as against the existing 100mum - 200mm rigid sewer service pipework currently used.

Upon deployment the castellated edge of the rigid side panels engage on the underside of the deck side channels giving rigid support to the extended sides, but maintaining a level floor. The outboard corners can be supported by various means such as screw jacks, blocks to suit the terrain and ground conditions, this concept should reduce the capital costs. The flexible side curtains when fitted are equally able to be deployed as a weather screen as desired.

Claims (1)

1. A fabricated assembly complying with the International Container Dimensions in order that it may be shipped by established shipping authorities and establishments and which consists of a load carrying deck fitted at each corner with corner posts supporting a reinforced roof structure and interlocking ISO corner castings and fork lift points to allow stacking each upon the other for storage purposes. One fixed end of the structure carries a framework supporting a lifting eye or pin to allow handling manipulation by specialised DROPS Vehicle consisting of a Hydraulic Arm on a specialised chassis for ease and speed of handling by Military, Relief or similar Organisations requiring a versatile universal Container that can be used in diverse roles both as freight carriers or when fitted with Rigid Side Panels can be used as Accommodation, Ablution, Kitchen, Hospital, Administrative facilities or simply for the handling of sensitive ordnance cargoes which demand all round access to the loading deck hitherto not available and Rapid Protective cover arising from NBC or Chemical Attack.

   The remaining open sides of the Unit are protected from the elements and from unauthorised access by Rigid Panels or flexible curtains running on tracks inside the upper reinforcing structure and lashing points at the lower deck level. The flexible curtains can be reinforced with metal flexible mesh to inhibit casual vandalism and for refrigerated cargo the unit is fitted with Insulated curtain layers, turning the unit into a cold store. The alternate end of the unit can be either fixed panel or may be so as to allow it to be hinged at its base and so form a ramp for loading wheeled trailers or small vehicles having a maximum head height which allows them to fit within the overall height of the unit. The rigid panels are supported by legs in fork lift pockets.