GB2580080A

GB2580080A - Improvements in and relating to shipping container locks

Info

Publication number: GB2580080A
Application number: GB1820877.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Joseph Clark Paul; Stephen Clark Jonathan
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2018-12-20
Filing date: 2018-12-20
Publication date: 2020-07-15
Anticipated expiration: 2038-12-20
Also published as: CN212314486U; GB201820877D0; GB2580080B; CN111348343A

Abstract

A release mechanism for a lock on an ISO shipping container, wherein the lock 40 comprises locking bars moveable by a locking handle 44 which is retained within a retainer catch 46. The retainer catch 46 is mounted on the release mechanism 60 which also comprises a mounting plate 50 which is secured to the door of the container via releasable fasteners 65 66 that can be undone from inside the container (RHS of Fig 5). The releasable fasteners may comprise four bolts 65 each with a wing nut 66. The mounting panel 50 may cover an aperture 90 in the door and seals 94 maybe provided on the rear of the panel. In use if someone becomes trapped inside the container they can release the wing nuts and then using handle 68 mounted on the panel move the panel and the release catch with locking handle into the unlocked position thus releasing the door and enabling their emergency escape.

Description

Improvements in and relating to Shipping Container Locks

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a shipping container lock, a shipping container comprising a lock and a method of releasing a shipping container lock.

BACKGROUND

The invention relates to ISO style shipping containers which are also known as intermodal containers, freight containers and shipping containers. The term shipping container/container will be used throughout this specification in order to refer to these containers consistently.

The shipping containers are supplied in an empty state and are then filled with goods for transporting, generally by shipping, to a different country. In particular, the shipping containers may be manufactured and filled with goods in Asia and then shipped to Europe for the distribution of the goods. However, once in Europe, it may not be cost effective to send the empty shipping containers back to Asia in order to re-use the shipping containers. In general, more goods are transported from Asia to Europe than from Europe to Asia. This inequality means that there may be an oversupply of empty shipping containers in Europe.

Empty shipping containers may be used in a static location in order to provide a storage container. These storage containers may be used to store equipment and apparatus at a fixed site. The storage sites may therefore have rows of shipping containers arranged side by side with accessible doors at one end of the shipping container for access purposes. In order to make optimum use of the area at a storage site, it is often preferred to arrange the side walls of the shipping containers/storage containers adjacent to each other.

Conventional shipping container have a pair of doors at one or at both ends. These -2 -doors are pivotally mounted at the sides of the container and meet in the middle at the ends of the container. The doors are secured in a closed position by using rotatable locking rods which engage within keeps at the longitudinal ends thereof.

The rotation of these locking rods can be prevented through the engagement of the locking rod with a retainer/catch mounted on the door. This engagement secures the doors in a closed position but a user can freely disengage the locking rods from the outside.

A lock box may also be used to shroud a padlock which physically locks one door to the other. Again, this padlock is only accessible and usable from the outside. There is a risk that a user within a container can become inadvertently locked or trapped within a container. For example, whilst working alone, the doors of the container may swing/move to a closed position by the wind or otherwise. This movement and/or slamming of the doors may cause a part of a locking rod to become engaged with a respective catch to trap the person inside. Alternatively (or in addition), a second worker/person may not be aware of the presence of the first worker/person within the container and may deliberately close and secure the doors thereby inadvertently locking the first person/worker therein.

The present invention aims to provide an escape system to enable a trapped person to escape from a container whilst still conforming to the strict regulations.

Furthermore, for optimum storage containers, the storage containers should be ventilated in order for the goods to be stored in optimum conditions. This may require the storage containers to be spaced apart from each other to ensure that there is sufficient space surrounding any vents or ventilators on the storage containers. This may limit the number of storage containers that can be provided at a site and effectively limits the density of storage containers that can be provide at a site.

It is an aim of the present invention to overcome at least one problem associated -3 -with the prior art whether referred to herein or otherwise.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a release mechanism for a shipping container lock, the release mechanism comprising: a mounting plate; a retaining catch for engaging a locking rod of a shipping container to engage a door of the shipping container in a closed position, the retaining catch extending from a first face of the mounting plate; and releasable mounting means to releasably mount the mounting plate to a shipping container such that the retaining catch is positioned on an external surface of the shipping container and the retaining catch is engageable with the external locking rod of the shipping container to retain the door of the shipping container in a closed position; wherein the mounting means comprises an internal securement member which is manually operable such that the mounting plate is manually releasable from within the shipping container and releases the engagement of the door from the closed position.

Preferably the mounting plate is arranged, in use, to cover an access aperture within the wall of the shipping container.

Preferably the mounting plate is manually releasable from within shipping container 25 wall and uncovers the access aperture through the shipping container wall Preferably the mounting means comprises a mounting member on a second face of the mounting plate.

Preferably the mounting member extends from the second face of the mounting plate. -4 -

Preferably the mounting member is engaged with the internal securement member.

Preferably the wall of the shipping container comprises a door of the shipping container.

Preferably, the mounting means is operable to change the mounting plate from a mounted configuration to a released configuration.

Preferably, the mounting means is manually operable without the use of any tools (apparatus/instruments) to change the mounting plate from a mounted configuration to a released configuration.

Preferably the retaining catch engages the locking rod when the mounting plate is in the mounted configuration and also when the mounting plate is in the released configuration.

Preferably the retaining catch is arranged, in use, to move the locking rod from a locked position to an unlocked position when the mounting plate is in a released configuration.

Preferably the locking rod locks the door of a shipping container.

The door of the shipping container may be locked by a single locking rod.

The door of the shipping container may be locked by two (or more) locking rods. The door of the shipping container may be locked by a plurality of locking rods.

The door may be pivotally mounted to the shipping container and is pivotable between an open position and a closed position. Preferably the container lock is arranged to lock the door in a closed position.

Preferably securement of the locking rod relative to the door locks the door in a -5 -closed position. The locking rod may be unsecured from the door by either the release of the locking rod from the engagement catch up the release of the mounting plate for the door.

Preferably the retaining catch is mounted externally on the shipping container and is only accessible from outside the shipping container when the mounting plate is mounted to the shipping container and the shipping container is locked. Preferably the mounting means for the releasable mounting plate is mounted internally and is only accessible from inside the shipping container when the mounting plate is mounted to the shipping container and the shipping container is locked. Preferably the access aperture provides access to the retaining catch from inside the shipping container when the mounting plate is released.

Preferably the mounting plate comprises a handle mounted on the second face of the mounting plate. Preferably, in the mounted configuration, the handle is located internally inside the shipping container.

Preferably the release of the mounting plate from inside the shipping container enables a person trapped within the shipping container to be able to unlock and/or open the locked and/or closed door of the shipping container.

The mounting means may comprise a plurality of mounting members which extend from the second face of the mounting plate. The or each mounting member may comprise a shaft and more preferably a threaded shaft. The or each threaded shaft may comprise an associated internal securement member. The or each internal securement member may be arranged to releasably secure the mounting plate to the wall of the shipping container.

The or each internal securement member may comprise a wing nut.

The or each threaded shaft may be fixed to the mounting plate. The or each threaded shaft may be welded to the mounting plate. -6 -

The or each threaded may extend through a respective aperture within the mounting plate. A proximal end of the or each threaded shaft may comprise a head wherein a distal end comprises a threaded portion The or each head may comprise a tamper proof head. The tamper proof head may be arranged, in use, to prevent or inhibit rotation of the threaded shaft from a position adjacent to the first face of the mounting plate.

The container lock may comprise a seal member. The seal member may form a continuous seal on the second face of the mounting plate. Preferably, the sealing member is arranged, in use, to form a seal between the second face of the mounting plate and the external wall of the shipping container.

The seal member may comprise a resilient seal member.

The retaining catch may be pivotally mounted on the first face of the mounting plate. The retaining catch may be mounted by a pivot member.

The container lock may comprise a support member. The support member may be 20 arranged to provide a support surface on which a part of the lock rod may be supported in an engaged position. The support member may comprise a rest.

The support member together with the first face of the mounting plate and the retaining catch may form an encapsulating area in which a part of the lock rod (preferably a handle) is encapsulated in an engaged position. Preferably the retaining catch is movable to provide a passageway for the part of the lock rod (preferably the handle) into and/or out of the engaged position.

Preferably, in the engaged position, the retaining catch prevents axial rotation of the lock rod.

Preferably the retaining catch and the support member are located on the first face -7 -of the mounting plate The container lock may comprise an auxiliary release mechanism for releasing an auxiliary lock on the shipping container. The auxiliary lock may be arranged, in use, to lock a door of the shipping container in a closed position. Preferably the auxiliary lock may be arranged, in use, to lock a first door of the shipping container to a second door of the shipping container.

The auxiliary release mechanism may comprise a detachable locking pin.

The locking pin may be arranged to extend through a securement aperture within a wall of the shipping container. Preferably the securement aperture is provided on a second door of a shipping container such that the second door is lockable to a first door.

The locking pin may comprise a retaining aperture for engaging a part of a locking device. The retaining aperture may comprises an aperture or passageway defined through a shaft of the locking pin and preferably comprises an aperture defined through a shaft of the locking pin at or towards a proximal end thereof.

The locking device may comprise a padlock.

The detachable pin may comprises releasable mounting means to releasably mount the detachable pin to the shipping container such that the retaining aperture is positioned externally of the shipping container and a part of the external locking device is engageable with the detachable pin.

Preferably the detachable pin mounting means comprises a shaft which extends through the wall of the shipping container and is engaged with an internal pin securement member. Preferably the internal pin securement member is manually operable such that the detachable pin is manually releasable from within shipping container wall and unlocks the (first) door of the shipping container (from the second -8 -door).

The internal pin securement member may comprise a manually operable securement member. The securement member may comprise a wing nut.

The auxiliary lock may comprise a protective housing. The protective housing may shield the proximal end of the detachable pin and the locking device when the shipping container is in closed and/or locked configuration The protective housing may comprise a lock box and/or a customs catch.

The shipping container may comprise a ventilation device mounted to at least one wall. The ventilation device may be mounted on one door.

The ventilation device may have a front wall, two side walls, a top wall and a bottom wall. The ventilation device may have a rear wall with a flow aperture defined therein. Preferably the flow aperture is arranged to locate over a flow aperture defined through a wall of the shipping container. The flow aperture may have a mesh covering.

Preferably the front wall is arranged to be spaced from the rear wall to define a ventilation chamber. The ventilation chamber may have one or more baffle members located therein.

The ventilation device may have a plurality of ventilation openings defined in the front wall and/or first and/or second side wall and/or the top wall and/or the bottom wall.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a shipping container comprising a container lock and a release mechanism for the container lock, the release mechanism comprising: a mounting plate; -9 -a retaining catch for engaging a locking rod of a shipping container to engage a door of the shipping container in a closed position, the retaining catch extending from a first face of the mounting plate; and releasable mounting means to releasably mount the mounting plate to a shipping container such that the retaining catch is positioned on an external surface of the shipping container and the retaining catch is engageable with the external locking rod of the shipping container to retain the door of the shipping container in a closed position; wherein the mounting means comprises an internal securement member which is manually operable such that the mounting plate is manually releasable from within the shipping container and releases the engagement of the door from the closed position.

Preferably the container lock is releasable from inside the shipping container.

The shipping container may comprise an auxiliary lock and an auxiliary release mechanism for releasing the auxiliary lock on the shipping container.

Preferably the auxiliary lock mechanism is releasable from inside the shipping container.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provide a method of releasing a lock of a shipping container comprising operating a release mechanism from inside the shipping container, the release mechanism comprising: a mounting plate; a retaining catch for engaging a locking rod of a shipping container to engage a door of the shipping container in a closed position, the retaining catch extending from a first face of the mounting plate; and releasable mounting means to releasably mount the mounting plate to a shipping container such that the retaining catch is positioned on an external surface of the shipping container and the retaining catch is engageable with the external locking rod of the shipping container to retain the door of the shipping container in -10 -a closed position; wherein the mounting means comprises an internal securement member, the method comprising manually: manually releasing the mounting plate from within shipping container to 5 manually release the engagement of the door from the closed position, and moving the lock rod to an unlocked position and opening the door.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the drawings that follow, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a shipping container; Figure 2 is an end view of a preferred embodiment of a shipping container; Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view of a part of a locking mechanism in an engaged position and release mechanism of a preferred embodiment of a shipping container; Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view of a part of a locking mechanism in a disengaged position and release mechanism of a preferred embodiment of a shipping container; Figure 5 is a schematic cross sectional view of a part of a locking mechanism in an engaged position and release mechanism of a preferred embodiment of a shipping container; Figure 6 is a schematic rear view of a part of a locking mechanism in an engaged position and release mechanism of a preferred embodiment of a shipping container; Figure 7 is a schematic perspective view of a part of a locking mechanism and release mechanism in a released position of a preferred embodiment of a shipping container; Figure 8 is a schematic front view of a vent of a preferred embodiment of a shipping container; Figure 9 is a schematic cross sectional view of a preferred embodiment of a shipping container; Figure 10 is a schematic perspective view of a lock box of a preferred embodiment of the present invention with the doors of the shipping container in a closed position; Figure 11 is a schematic perspective view of part of a lock box of a preferred embodiment of the present invention with the doors of the shipping container in a closed positon and the wall of the lock box cut through to show the internal arrangement; and Figure 12 is a schematic cross sectional view of a lock box of a preferred embodiment of the present invention with the doors of the shipping container in a closed position.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Figure 1 shows a shipping container, and specifically a shipping container 10 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The shipping container 10 has a floor, side walls 12, 14, end walls 16, 18, and a roof 20. The walls 12, 14, 16, 18, floor and roof 20 together define an interior (internal) space of the shipping container 10.

Each corner of the container 10 has standard ISO castings 22 for securing the container 10 in position. The floor, walls 12, 14, 16, 18 and roof 20 of the container 10 are formed of corrugated sheeting. The sheeting is joined to beams 24 that form -12 -a frame of the container 10. Part of the frame forms a header bar 26 above doors 30, 32 and a cill 28 below the doors 30, 32. At least one of the end walls 18 is fitted with a pair of doors 30, 32 which are arranged to provide access to the interior of the container 10. The doors 30, 32 are also formed from corrugated sheeting. The corrugated sheeting comprises corrugated steel sheeting of the kind typically used in shipping containers.

The present invention may be used with containers having different configurations. For example, containers with one end providing doors or with both (longitudinal) ends providing doors (tunnel containers) and/or containers having one or more doors along one and/or both side walls.

The pair of doors 30, 32 comprises a first door 30 and a second door 32. In this case, the first door 30 and the second door 32 are left and right side doors respectively. The doors 30, 32 are provided with a standard locking mechanism, of a type well known in the art, for securing the doors 30, 32 in a closed position.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the locking mechanism 40 comprises locking bars or lock rods 42, locking handles 44, and retainers 46. In this embodiment, the left side door is secured by two locking rods 42, whilst the right side door is secured by at least one locking rod. A customs catch and/or lock box 48 is attached to the right side door 32 and extends over part of the left side door 30. In this arrangement, the left side door 30 cannot be opened unless the right side door 32 is open. The lock box 48 may include fittings for a lock such as a padlock (not shown) to prevent unauthorised access to the container 10.

In a conventional manner, the locking rods 42 are elongate and are mounted on the outside of the doors 30, 32. Each locking rod 42 extends along the outside of a door 30, 32 between the cill 28 and the header bar 26. Each locking rod 42 is mounted so that it can rotate axially. The ends of the locking rods 42 are arranged to engage with the header bar 26 and the cill 28, in order to secure the doors 30, 32 in a closed position. In particular, the ends of the locking rods 42 are provided with cams, which -13 -engage with keepers fixed to the header bar 26 and cill 28.

The mechanism of engagement of the cams with the keepers is well known in the art and is not described in detail here. Engagement of the cams with the keepers is actuated by axial rotation of the locking rods 42. To assist rotation of the locking rod 42, a locking handle 44 is provided on each locking rod 42. A first end of the locking handle 44 is connected to the locking rod 42. The handle 44 extends away from the locking rod 42 towards a second end. The locking handle 44 extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the length of the locking rod 42. In this first embodiment, the locking handles 44 extend horizontally from the locking rods 42 at a vertical height suitable for manual opening of the doors 30, 32. Specifically, the door locking handles 44 are normally provided at a vertical height of approximately 1 metre.

The locking handles 44 are positioned to he against, and substantially parallel to, an outer surface of the door 30, 32 when the cams are engaged with the keepers, in the arrangement shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3. When the locking rod 42 is rotated to release the cams from the keepers, the locking handles 44 extend away from the door, as shown in Figure 4.

In use, the doors 30, 32 are pushed closed, and the second ends of the locking handles 44 are pushed towards the door 30, 32 to rotate the locking rods 42. In this way, the cams engage with the keepers and the doors 30, 32 are locked. To open the doors 30, 32, the second ends of the locking handles 44 are pulled away from the doors 30, 32 to reverse the rotation of the locking rods 42, releasing the cams from the keepers.

To prevent unwanted rotation of the locking rods 42, each locking handle 44 is secured to the door 30, 32 by a retainer 46.

Each retainer 46 comprises a mounting plate 51, a rest 52 and a retainer catch 54. The retainer plate 50 comprises a flat plate mounted on the outside of the door 32 -14 -and positioned such that a part of the locking handle 44 contacts the retainer 46 when the doors 30, 32 are locked, as shown in Figures 3 and 4.

The retainer catch 54 is connected to the mounting plate 51 by a pivot 55. As shown in Figure 5, the retainer catch 54 comprises a curved plate that extends downwardly from the pivot 55 and away from the mounting plate 51. In this way, a gap between the retainer catch 54 and the mounting plate 51 is provided, through which part of the locking handle 44 can extend. The rest 52 comprises a bracket fixed to the mounting plate 51.

The rest 52 extends away from the mounting plate 50 towards the retainer catch 54, underneath the gap. In use, as the locking rod 42 is rotated to secure the door 32, the handle 44 is moved towards the mounting plate 51. The retainer catch 54 is rotated away from the rest 52 to allow access to the gap, as shown in Figure 4.

The handle 44 is then positioned to lie against the mounting plate 51 in the gap and may be supported by the rest 52. To secure the handle 44, the retainer catch 54 is then pivoted towards the rest 52, enclosing a part of the handle 44 in the gap, as shown in Figure 3. In this way, the handle 44 cannot easily be pulled away from the door 32. To release the handle 44, the retainer catch 54 is rotated away from the rest 52, so that the handle 44 can be moved away from the mounting plate 51. The handle 44 may then be pulled away from the door 32 to rotate the locking rod 42 and release the door 32 The container 10 of the present invention is configured so that it can be repurposed after initial transportation, for example as a storage unit, or a building such an office, residential or commercial space. In particular, the present invention aims to provide a conventional ISO shipping container that can be manufactured and then filled with goods in a first country (for example, a country in Asia). The shipping container is then used to transport the goods through purely conventional means (for example, a container ship and road/train haulage) to a second country (for example, a European country).

-15 -Accordingly, the container 10 is of standard dimensions and is provided with the necessary fittings and signage for compliance with international shipping standards and regulations. The container has ISO corner castings 22 and Container Safety Convention (CSC) plates. Once the goods have been distributed, the empty shipping container is then repurposed within the second country. The present invention aims to continue to exploit the cheap manufacturing costs in the first country to provide the repurposed containers in the second country whereby the delivery costs for the containers are offset since they are used to deliver freight in a conventional manner. The container 10 of the present invention is configured to be repurposed for occupation by people. Accordingly, the container 10 is provided with ventilation, and a means of opening at least one door 32 from inside the container 10 Referring to Figures 3 to 7, a main feature of the present invention is that the retainer 46 is mounted on a release mechanism 60. The release mechanism 60 comprises a releasable mounting plate 50 which covers an access aperture 90 provided in one door 32. The releasable mounting plate 50 may be of any appropriate shape (a regular shape, square, rectangular, circular etc.) and, in the preferred embodiment, the releasable mounting plate 50 is rectangular. Figure 3 shows the release mechanism 60 in the right hand door 32 as viewed from outside the container 10. The position of the access aperture 90 beneath the releasable mounting retainer plate 50 is shown by the dot-dashed line. Figure 6 shows a corresponding view of the releasable mounting plate 50 from inside the container 10, with the position of the releasable mounting plate 50 and external parts of the locking mechanism 40 indicated by the dot-dashed lines. The access aperture 90 is cut fully through the sheeting of the door 32.

The access aperture 90 is generally rectangular and is sized to accommodate a 30 user's arm. The access aperture may be of any suitable shape and in some embodiments is a regular shape, for example, rectangular, square, circular etc. A reinforcing lip 92 may extend around the periphery of the access aperture 90 on the -16 -inside of the door 32. The releasable mounting plate 50 is generally rectangular and is sized to extend beyond the edges of the access aperture 90, such that the releasable mounting plate 50 overlaps the cut sheeting of the door 32 around the circumference of the access aperture 90.

Figure 5 is a cross section on A -A of Figure 3, showing the release mechanism 60 secured to the door 32. Referring additionally to Figure 4, a mounting aperture 62 or hole is provided adjacent to each corner of the releasable mounting plate 50. In some embodiments there may be more or fewer holes and this may depend upon the shape of the releasable mounting plate 50/access aperture 90 and, in the preferred embodiment with a rectangular releasable mounting plate there are four (corner) holes. Corresponding holes 63 are provided in the door 32 adjacent to each corner of the aperture. The releasable mounting plate 50 is positioned over the aperture 90 such that the holes 62 in the plate 50 align with corresponding holes 63 around the aperture 90. The releasable mounting plate 50 is mounted and fastened to the outside of the door 32 by bolts 64 which extend through the aligned holes 62, 63 in the plate 50 and door 32.

In this embodiment, the bolts 64 are coach bolts, having a rounded head and a shaft 65. The shaft 65 extends through the aligned holes 62, 63 in the releasable mounting plate 50 and the door 32 from the outside of the container 10 into the interior, such that the head of each bolt 64 is on the outside of the door 32. Each bolt 64 is secured by a nut 66 inside the container 10, such that the releasable mounting plate 50 and the door 32 are clamped between the bolt head and the nut 66. In this embodiment, the nuts 66 are wing nuts, as can be seen in Figures 5 and 6.

In alternative embodiments, the mounting plate 50 may be slidably engaged (in a slot or slots) provided in the shipping container wall. The mounting plate 50 is still secured to the wall by releasable mounting means which is operable manually from inside the container. Following the operation of the release means, the mounting plate can then be moved (slidably moved) out of engagement with the wall such that the locking means of the container is moved from a closed/locked position to an -17 -open/unlocked position.

A handle 68 is provided on an inner side of the releasable mounting plate 50, as shown in Figures 5 to 7. The handle 68 comprises a bar extending between two arms. An arm extends away from each end of the bar and each arm is attached to the inner side of the releasable mounting plate 50. In this way, the handle 68 is arranged to extend through the aperture 90 into the container 10. To prevent water ingress through the access aperture 90 into the container 10, a seal 94 is fitted between the releasable mounting plate 50 and the door 32.

The releasable mounting plate 50 and access aperture 90 allow the doors 30, 32 to be unlocked from within the container 10. To this end, the releasable mounting plate 50 may be unfastened and detached from the door 32, as shown in Figure 7. The wing nuts 66 may be unfastened from the bolts 64 by hand from within the container 10, allowing the bolts 64 and/or shafts 65 to be pushed through at least the holes 63 in the door 32 to release the releasable mounting plate 50. This thereby unsecures the retaining mechanism from the external surface of the door 32.

The access aperture 90 allows the releasable mounting plate 50 to be pushed away from the door 32 by a user from inside the container 10. Since the retainer 46 and specifically the retaining catch 54 is mounted on the releasable mounting plate 50, unfastening of the plate 50 also separates the retainer 46 from the door 32. In this way, the locking handle 44 is allowed to move away from the door 32 and the locking rod 42 can be rotated to unlock the door 32.

In use, a user grips the handle 68 and extends their arm through the access aperture 90 in order to push the releasable mounting plate 50 away from the door 32. In this way, the retainer 46 (and specifically the retaining catch 54) and locking handle 44 are pushed away from the door 32. It will be appreciated that this mechanism allows the door 32 to be unlocked without the need to release the locking handle 44 from engagement with the retaining catch 54, because the retainer 46 itself is separated from the door 32. Once the right side door 32 has been opened, the left side door may then be opened from outside the container 10 in the conventional way.

In this embodiment, a release mechanism 60 is provided only in the right side door 32, as shown in Figure 2. Since the right side door 32 is secured by a single locking rod 42, this arrangement is sufficient to allow the container 10 to be opened from the inside. It will be appreciated that more than one such release mechanism 60 may be provided. For example, in an alternative embodiment (not shown) where each door 30, 32 is secured by two locking rods 42, a release mechanism 60 may be provided for each locking rod 42 in one of the doors 30, 32, so that one of the doors 30, 32 includes two release mechanisms 60.

It should be noted that the rounded heads of the coach bolts prevent easy removal of the bolts 64 from outside the container 10. In this way, the security of the container 10 is not substantially compromised by the access aperture 90. In other embodiments, the releasable mounting plate 50 may not have the mounting apertures/holes 62 and may instead be provided with threaded studs which are welded to the plate and arranged to extend through the holes 63 around the access aperture 90. In other alternatives, any suitable hand-operable (manual) fasteners may be used to secure the releasable retainer plate 50 to the door 32, such as sliding bolts, quick-release levers or latches.

It should also be noted that the release mechanism 60 of the present invention simultaneously releases the door locking mechanism 40 and provides access to the exterior of the container 10 without the need for an access aperture 90 large enough for a person to pass through. Such a large aperture would involve greater complexity and cost to construct. Furthermore, a large aperture would be more likely to compromise the integrity of the door 32 and increase the risk of water ingress. The solution of the present invention also has a negligible effect on the shipping space and integrity of the container.

The lock box 48 or customs catch of the container 10 is similar to the kind generally fitted to shipping containers. The lock box 48 spans between the doors and provides -19 -an additional means by which the doors 30, 32 may be secured. As shown in Figures 2 and 10, the lock box comprises a box 70 fixed to the right side door 32 and overlapping the left side door 30 when the doors 30, 32 are closed. The lock box 48 has a back plate 72 and a protective housing 74. The back plate 72 is attached to the door 32. In the preferred embodiment, the lock box 48 is a steel box 70 that is welded to the right side door 32.

Figure 11 shows the back plate 72 of the lock box 48, with shielding/protective wall 70 of the housing 74 of the lock box 48 having been cut through to show the internal arrangement. Where the lock box 48 overlaps the left side door 30, an opening 73 is cut in the back plate 72 to provide access to the left side door 30. A pin 76 attached to the left side door 30 is arranged to extend into the lock box 48 through the opening 73. A hole 77 extending through the pin 76 is arranged to receive a padlock (not shown). With a padlock secured through the hole 77, the padlock physically prevents the pin 76 from passing all the way through the opening 73. In this way, the doors 30, 32 are locked together.

As mentioned above, the container 10 of the present invention is designed such that a user can open the doors 30, 32 from inside the container 10. In the preferred embodiment therefore, the pin 76 comprises a bolt 78 secured through a hole 80 in the left side door 30. Specifically, the pin 76 is fastened by a wing nut 79 inside the container 10.

Figure 12 is a cross-section through the lock box 48 and left side door 30, showing the pin 76 secured by a wing nut 77. This arrangement allows the pin 76 to be released from inside the container 10, such that, in conjunction with the release mechanism 60 described above, the doors 30, 32 can be opened from inside, even if the container 10 is locked with a padlock (as well as with the lock rods 42).

In the preferred embodiment, the pin 76 cannot be rotated from outside the container 10, to prevent unwanted/unauthorised removal of the pin 76. For example, the pin 76 may comprise a coach bolt fitted in a square hole in the left side door 30. In other -20 -embodiments, the pin 76 may be fastened to the door 30 by any suitable hand-operable (manual) fastener, such as sliding bolts, quick-release levers or latches.

In the preferred embodiment, the pin 76 and the release mechanism 60 are illuminated to assist the user. The wing nuts 66, 79 and handle 68 have a phosphorescent coating. In other embodiments, the releasable mounting plate 50 may also have a phosphorescent coating.

Typically, shipping containers have a number of vents mounted on the side walls to provide ventilation to the interior. In one embodiment of the invention, the container also includes ventilation means, which may be additional or alternative to the standard side wall vents. The ventilation means comprises at least one vent 100 or ventilator. In this embodiment, a vent 100 is mounted on each door 30, 32 of the container, as shown in Figures 1 and 2. The container of the present invention is configured to be repurposed after shipping, and may be used for storage or occupied by people. Accordingly, the container requires adequate ventilation to prevent condensation and to maintain air quality. The purpose of the ventilation means is to provide a greater degree of ventilation than is typically provided in a standard shipping container.

As shown in Figures 8, each vent 100 has a generally rectangular front plate 102 spaced apart from a generally rectangular back plate 104. Side walls extend between long edges of the front plate 102 and long edges of the back plate. An upper wall extends between an upper edge of the front plate 102 and an upper edge of the back plate 104. A lower wall extends between a lower edge of the front plate 102 and a lower edge of the back plate 104. The plates 102, 104 and walls define a hollow interior of the vent 100, as shown in Figure 9, which is a cross-section on B -B of Figure 8. The back plate 104 of each vent 100 is mounted on the door 30, 32. The vent is mounted with the long edges oriented substantially vertically, with the upper wall at the top of the vent 100.

Each vent 100 has dimensions of 400 mm by 200 mm. Accordingly, the physical -21 -dimensions of these vents 100 of the present invention are significantly larger than those of previous know vents which are restricted to approximately 200 mm by 45 mm.

A plurality of ventilation holes 106 is provided in the lower wall and in a lower portion of the side walls. The ventilation holes 106 extend through the walls into the hollow interior of the vent 100. A vent opening 110 extends through the back plate 104 adjacent to the upper wall. The vent opening 110 is continuous with a vent aperture 112 cut through the door 30, 32, such that the interior of the container 10 is in fluid communication with the interior of the vent 100. The vent opening 110 in the back plate 104 is positioned to be above the holes 106 in the side walls when the vent 100 is mounted to the door 30, 32. This arrangement helps to prevent water ingress from rain or sea-spray whilst allowing airflow for ventilation. The vent opening 110 is covered by a mesh, to help prevent pests from entering the container 10. The distance between the front and back plates 102, 104 is such that the vent 100 does not protrude further from the container 10 than is permitted by ISO regulations.

In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the vent 100 has interior baffles which provide a convoluted airflow path to further reduce the chance of water ingress.

Where the container 10 is provided with standard side vents, the additional door vents 100 may be sealed during shipping, and subsequently opened when the container 10 is repurposed.

Several repurposed containers 10 may be placed side-by-side where additional space is required. Mounting the vents 100 on the end of the container 10 allows multiple containers 10 to be placed side by side without requiring additional space and without compromising ventilation efficiency. In other embodiments of the invention (not shown), there may be a single vent 100, mounted on either of the doors 30, 32. Additionally or alternatively, at least one vent 100 may be mounted on the other end wall, opposite the doors 30, 32.

The present invention provides a safety feature for opening a shipping container 10 -22 -from the inside, for example to avoid (inadvertent) entrapment. Briefly, a popout/releasable mounting panel 50 (provides or uncovers an access aperture 90 and simultaneously) releases the external locking rod 42. The part of the door 30, 32 on which the handle retainer 46 is mounted is releasable from inside the container 10 5 so that when panel 50 is pushed out the external handle 44 can be pushed open. Accordingly, the present invention provides an emergency exit door release for a standard shipping container 10 to enable a person located within the container to escape the container should the standard container locking mechanism become inadvertently engaged in any way, for example, due to wind action on the doors or 10 a user closing the doors when unaware of an occupant within the container.

Claims

-23 -CLAIMS1. A release mechanism for a shipping container lock, the release mechanism comprising: a mounting plate; a retaining catch for engaging a locking rod of a shipping container to engage a door of the shipping container in a closed position, the retaining catch extending from a first face of the mounting plate; and releasable mounting means to releasably mount the mounting plate to a shipping container such that the retaining catch is positioned on an external surface of the shipping container and the retaining catch is engageable with the external locking rod of the shipping container to retain the door of the shipping container in a closed position; wherein the mounting means comprises an internal securement member which is manually operable such that the mounting plate is manually releasable from within the shipping container and releases the engagement of the door from the closed position.
2. A release mechanism for a shipping container lock according to Claim 1 in which the mounting plate is arranged, in use, to cover an access aperture within the wall of the shipping container and the mounting plate is manually releasable from within the shipping container wall and uncovers the access aperture through the shipping container wall 3. A release mechanism for a shipping container lock according to Claim 1 or Claim 2 in which the mounting means comprises a mounting member on a second face of the mounting plate and the mounting member extends from the second face of the mounting plate and wherein the mounting member is engaged with the internal securement member.24. A release mechanism for a shipping container lock according to any -24 -preceding claim in which the mounting means is manually operable without the use of any tools to change the mounting plate from a mounted configuration to a released configuration.5. A release mechanism for a shipping container lock according any preceding claim in which the retaining catch engages the locking rod when the mounting plate is in the mounted configuration and also when the mounting plate is in the released configuration.6. A release mechanism for a shipping container lock according to any preceding claim in which the retaining catch is arranged, in use, to move the locking rod from a locked position to an unlocked position when the mounting plate is in a released configuration.7. A release mechanism for a shipping container lock according to any preceding claim in which the locking rod locks a door of a shipping container and the door of the shipping container is arranged to be locked by a single locking rod.B. A release mechanism for a shipping container lock according to any preceding claims in which securement of the locking rod relative to the door locks the door in a closed position. The locking rod may be unsecured from the door by either the release of the locking rod from the engagement catch up the release of the mounting plate for the door.9. A release mechanism for a shipping container lock according to any preceding claim in which the mounting plate comprises a handle mounted on the second face of the mounting plate and, in the mounted configuration, the handle is located internally inside the shipping container.10. A release mechanism for a shipping container lock according to any preceding claim in which the release of the mounting plate from inside the shipping -25 -container enables a person trapped within the shipping container to be able to unlock and/or open the locked and/or closed door of the shipping container.11. A release mechanism for a shipping container lock according to any preceding claim in which the mounting means comprises a plurality of mounting members which extend from the second face of the mounting plate and each mounting member comprises a threaded shaft and an associated internal securement member and wherein each internal securement member is arranged to releasably secure the mounting plate to the wall of the shipping container.12. A release mechanism for a shipping container lock according to any preceding claim in which the container lock comprises a seal member which forms a continuous seal on the second face of the mounting plate and wherein, the sealing member is arranged, in use, to form a seal between the second face of the mounting plate and the external wall of the shipping container.13. A release mechanism for a shipping container lock according to any preceding claim in which: the retaining catch is pivotally mounted on the first face of the mounting plate, the retaining catch being mounted by a pivot member, the container lock comprising a support member, wherein the support member may be arranged to provide a support surface on which a part of the lock rod is supported in an engaged position, and wherein the support member together with the first face of the mounting plate and the retaining catch form an encapsulating area in which a part of the lock rod is encapsulated in an engaged position.14. A release mechanism for a shipping container lock according to any preceding claim in which, in the engaged position, the retaining catch prevents axial rotation of the lock rod.15. A release mechanism for a shipping container lock according to Claim 13 or Claim 14 when dependent upon Claim 13 in which the retaining catch and the support member are located on the first face of the mounting plate.16. A release mechanism for a shipping container lock according to any preceding claim in which the container lock comprises an auxiliary release mechanism for releasing an auxiliary lock on the shipping container.17. A release mechanism for a shipping container lock according to Claim 16 in which the auxiliary lock is arranged, in use, to lock a door of the shipping container in a closed position and the auxiliary lock is arranged, in use, to lock a first door of the shipping container to a second door of the shipping container.18. A release mechanism for a shipping container lock according to Claim 16 or Claim 17 in which the auxiliary release mechanism comprises a detachable locking pin and wherein the locking pin is arranged to extend through a securement aperture within a wall of the shipping container and, in which, the securement aperture is provided on a second door of a shipping container such that the second door is lockable to a first door.19. A release mechanism for a shipping container lock according to Claim 18 in which the locking pin comprises a retaining aperture for engaging a part of a locking device and wherein the retaining aperture comprises a passageway defined through a shaft of the locking pin at or towards a proximal end thereof and in which the locking device comprises a padlock.20. A release mechanism for a shipping container lock according to any one of Claim 16 to Claim 19 in which the detachable pin comprises releasable mounting means to releasably mount the detachable pin to the shipping container such that the retaining aperture is positioned externally of the shipping container and a part of an external locking device is engageable with the detachable pin, and wherein the detachable pin mounting means comprises a shaft which extends through the wall -27 -of the shipping container and is engaged with an internal pin securement member which is manually operable such that the detachable pin is manually releasable from within shipping container wall and unlocks a first door of the shipping container from a second door of the shipping container.21. A release mechanism for a shipping container lock according to any one of Claim 16 to Claim 20 in which the auxiliary lock comprise a protective housing which shields a proximal end of the detachable pin and a locking device when the shipping container is in closed and/or locked configuration.22. A shipping container comprising a container lock and a release mechanism for the container lock, the release mechanism comprising: a mounting plate; a retaining catch for engaging a locking rod of a shipping container to engage a door of the shipping container in a closed position, the retaining catch extending from a first face of the mounting plate; and releasable mounting means to releasably mount the mounting plate to a shipping container such that the retaining catch is positioned on an external surface of the shipping container and the retaining catch is engageable with the external locking rod of the shipping container to retain the door of the shipping container in a closed position; wherein the mounting means comprises an internal securement member which is manually operable such that the mounting plate is manually releasable from within the shipping container and releases the engagement of the door from the closed position.23. A shipping container according to Claim 22 in which the container lock is releasable from inside the shipping container.24. A shipping container according to Claim 22 or Claim 23 in which the shipping container comprises an auxiliary lock and an auxiliary release mechanism for releasing the auxiliary lock on the shipping container and wherein the auxiliary lock -28 -mechanism is releasable from inside the shipping container.25. A method of releasing a lock of a shipping container comprising operating a release mechanism from inside the shipping container, the release mechanism 5 comprising: a mounting plate; a retaining catch for engaging a locking rod of a shipping container to engage a door of the shipping container in a closed position, the retaining catch extending from a first face of the mounting plate; and releasable mounting means to releasably mount the mounting plate to a shipping container such that the retaining catch is positioned on an external surface of the shipping container and the retaining catch is engageable with the external locking rod of the shipping container to retain the door of the shipping container in a closed position; wherein the mounting means comprises an internal securement member, the method comprising manually: manually releasing the mounting plate from within shipping container to manually release the engagement of the door from the closed position, and moving the lock rod to an unlocked position and opening the door.