GB2608870A

GB2608870A - Door release mechanism for a container system

Info

Publication number: GB2608870A
Application number: GB2114651.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Dale Charlie; Godfrey Stephen
Original assignee: Conquip Eng Group
Current assignee: Conquip Eng Group
Priority date: 2021-10-13
Filing date: 2021-10-13
Publication date: 2023-01-18
Also published as: AU2022365432A1; WO2023062381A1; GB202114651D0; CA3233385A1

Abstract

A door release mechanism (126, fig. 1) for a container (102) with at least one door 108a, 108b has at least one door connecting member 130a, 130b, 130c, 130d and at least one sliding member 128a, 128b moveable between a first position and a second position and retainable in the second position, preferably by a retaining member (148, fig. 7.) The connecting member connects the sliding member to the door. In the first position, the connecting member is taut so that the door is kept closed, and upon retention of the sliding member in the second position, the connecting member is substantially slack so that the door is moveable to an open position upon lifting of the container. A container system 100 comprising a container with the above door release mechanism is also claimed.

Description

DOOR RELEASE MECHANISM FOR A CONTAINER SYSTEM

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a door release mechanism for use in a container system, which is described in the present disclosure. The present invention further relates to a container system.

The container system is preferably for holding and dispensing a material, preferably a bulk material. The container system of the present invention is particularly suitable for transporting and dispensing bulk material for use on a construction site or for the removal of waste materials. However, the door release mechanism and container system of the present disclosure is also suitable for a wide variety of other applications in other industries.

BACKGROUND TO THE PRESENT INVENTION

Container systems for holding and dispensing a bulk material are known in the art. Known systems generally comprise a rectangular skip, having a pair of hinged doors forming a bottom surface of the skip which may be opened to dispense a material contained within. The skips have an arrangement of beams which project from the end walls of the skip to provide means for supporting the skip at either end.

The skip can be moved around a site using a crane and lowered onto a gantry which supports the beams extending from the ends of the skip to support the skip in a raised position and allow the doors to be opened in order to empty the contents of the skip onto the ground below.

In such known arrangements, straps coupled to the ends of the doors can be attached to vertically orientated chains that are coupled to the ends of a spreader beam assembly. The lower ends of the straps can be coupled to a mid-point of the doors.

A crane may be coupled to the spreader beam assembly to manoeuvre the skip. Tension in the chains ensures that the doors remain closed, preventing the contents from being dispensed during skip movements. When the skip is lowered onto the gantry to support the skip at both ends, the spreader beam may be lowered by the crane allowing the doors to rotate about their hinges in order to dispense the contents of the skip onto the ground below. Such an arrangement is discussed in GB 2526868 A. This system generally provides an effective way of transporting and dispensing bulk or waste material. Other known systems have attempted to improve upon the above system by reducing the size of the gantry system, and improving the manner in which the hinged doors are operated.

In particular, the framework protruding from the ends of the skip makes the skip bulky and heavy and necessitates a large, bulky, gantry in order to support the skip at both ends and provide a central void into which the contents of the skip may be dispensed. This gantry may obstruct movement of workers and equipment around the site.

Further, known container systems for holding and dispensing bulk material that do not require a gantry often require complex systems, such as complex bail arm systems to release the doors, prohibiting the use of standard container parts and requiring more effort to open the doors. Other known gantryless container systems require manual handling from an onsite worker to position the container in the correct location and to release the doors.

The inventors of the present invention have identified limitations associated with existing systems, and as such it is an object of the present invention to improved container system for handling bulk material that does not require a gantry but is compact, efficient and easy to use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the present disclosure, there is provided a door release mechanism for a container having at least one door moveable between a closed position and an open position. The door release mechanism may comprises at least one door connecting member. The door release mechanism may comprise at least one retainable member moveable between a first position and a second position. The at least one retainable member may be referred to within the present disclosure as a sliding member. In other words, the retainable member is preferably a sliding member. The at least one retainable member may be retainable in the second position. The at least one door connecting member may be configured to (or arranged to) connect the at least one retainable member to at least one door of a container. In the first position of the at least one retainable member, the at least one door connecting member may be configured to be substantially taut so that the at least one door is retained in a closed position. Upon retention of the at least one retainable member in the second position, the at least one door connecting member may be configured to be substantially slack so that the at least one door is moveable to an open position upon lifting of a container.

According to the present disclosure, there is provided a container system for holding and dispensing a bulk material. The container system may comprises a container body and the door release mechanism coupled to the container body. In other words, the container system may comprise a container body for holding a bulk material. The container body may comprise at least one opening. The container system may comprise at least one door moveable between a closed position in which the at least one door occludes the at least one opening, and an open position. The container system may comprise a door release mechanism coupled to the container body. The door release mechanism may comprise at least one retainable member moveable between a first position and a second position. The at least one retainable member may be referred to within the present disclosure as a sliding member. In other words, the retainable member is preferably a sliding member. The at least one retainable member may be retainable in the second position. The door release mechanism may comprise at least one door connecting member. The at least one door connecting member may connect the at least one retainable member to at least one door. The container system may further comprise a lifting assembly for engagement with a lifting apparatus. The lifting assembly may be coupled to the at least one retainable member. In the first position of the retainable member, the at least one door connecting member may be configured to be substantially taut such that the at least one door is retained in the closed position. Upon retention of the retainable member in the second position, the at least one door connecting member may be configured to be substantially slack so that the at least one door is moveable to an open position upon lifting of the container system.

According to the present invention, there is provided a door release mechanism for a container having at least one door moveable between a closed position and an open position. The door release mechanism comprises at least one door connecting member. The door release mechanism comprises at least one sliding member moveable between a first position and a second position. The at least one sliding member is retainable in the second position. The at least one door connecting member is configured to connect the at least one sliding member to at least one door of a container. In the first position of the at least one sliding member, the at least one door connecting member is configured to be substantially taut so that the at least one door is retained in a closed position. Upon retention of the at least one sliding member in the second position, the at least one door connecting member is configured to be substantially slack so that the at least one door is moveable to an open position upon lifting of a container.

Such a door release mechanism of the present disclosure may be retrofitted to other existing container systems, such as those comprising bulk handling containers. This advantageously enables the adapting of existing containers to provide a container system in accordance with the present disclosure. The advantages of such a container system have been described throughout

the present disclosure.

According to the present invention, there is provided a container system for holding and dispensing a bulk material. The container system comprises a container body and the door release mechanism coupled to the container body. In other words, the container system comprises a container body for holding a bulk material. The container body comprises at least one opening. The container system comprises at least one door moveable between a closed position in which the at least one door occludes the at least one opening, and an open position. The container system comprises a door release mechanism coupled to the container body. The door release mechanism comprises at least one sliding member being moveable between a first position and a second position. The at least one sliding member is retainable in the second position. The door release mechanism comprises at least one door connecting member. The at least one door connecting member connects the at least one sliding member to at least one door. The container system further comprises a lifting assembly for engagement with a lifting apparatus. The lifting assembly is coupled to the at least one sliding member. In the first position of the sliding member, the at least one door connecting member is configured to be substantially taut such that the at least one door is retained in the closed position. Upon retention of the sliding member in the second position, the at least one door connecting member is configured to be substantially slack so that the at least one door is moveable to an open position upon lifting of the container system.

In this manner, with the retention of the sliding member in the second position, the at least one door is configured to remain in an open position upon lifting of the container system. The at least one door is configured to remain in an open position until the sliding member is released from the retained, second position.

Providing a container system with such a door release mechanism together with having such a lifting assembly enables the container to be emptied without the need for unloading stations provided on the ground. The container may therefore be emptied at any appropriate location, without the need for a gantry, for example. The door release mechanism comprising at least one sliding or moveable member that is configured to be retained in the second position, allows the doors to effectively transition from a closed position to an open position. This is because when the sliding member is retained in the second position, the at least one door connecting member is initially slack. As a result, when the container system is lifted by a lifting device the at least one door is able to move to an open position. Advantageously, by providing a sliding member that can be retained in the second position, the sliding member can be substantially restricted from moving to the first position. As such, it ensures the sliding member is retained in the second position thereby allowing the at least one door to open. Without the retention of the sliding member at the second position, the sliding member would be free to move between the first position and the second position. By retaining the sliding member at a pre-determined second position, it also ensures the sliding member is in the correct position for the at least one door to be released.

The lifting assembly, the sliding member, and the at least one door connecting member may provide an effective means for supporting the load of the container system and the bulk material within the container, while providing an efficient and compact system for opening and closing the at least one door to dispense the bulk material.

Preferably, the door release mechanism is located adjacent to at least one side wall of the container body. Preferably, the door release mechanism is coupled to at least one side wall of the container body. Preferably, the door release mechanism is directly coupled to at least one side wall of the container body.

Preferably, the at least one door connecting member is coupled at a first end to the at least one sliding member and at a second end to the at least one door. Preferably, the at least one door connecting member is coupled to the at least one sliding member and is coupled to the at least one door. Preferably, the at least one door connecting member extends between the at least one sliding member and the at least one door. Preferably, the at least one door connecting member is configured to be substantially taut so that the at least one door is retained in an open position. The at least one door connecting member may be of a length such that when taut the at least one door is sufficiently open for the bulk material to be dispensed. Further, the at least one door connecting member may be of a length such that the movement or rotation of the at least one door from a closed position to an open position is restricted to no more than 90 degrees. In other words, the or each door may not pivot or move more than 90 degrees from the closed position to the open position. This restriction due to the length of the at least one door connecting member may allow for easier retraction of the doors from an open position to the closed position.

The at least one door connecting member may be in the form of a chain or a rope. Other forms of connecting members will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art. This provides door connecting members that are capable of transitioning between a slack state or configuration and a taut state or configuration.

Preferably, the door release mechanism comprises at least one retaining mechanism configured to retain a corresponding at least one sliding member in its second position. Advantageously, this can provide an effective means of retaining or locking the sliding member in its second position, such that when the container system is lifted by the lifting device the sliding member is substantially restricted from moving to the first position. This may retain the sliding member in the second position in which the door connecting member is in a substantially slack configuration, thereby allowing the at least one door to move into an open position when the container system is lifted by a lifting device. Further, the retaining mechanism may provide a load bearing function and reduce the overall load through the lifting assembly.

Preferably, when the at least one sliding member is retained in its second position by the at least one retaining mechanism, the at least one door connecting member is configured to change between being substantially slack when the at least one door is in a closed position and substantially taut when the at least one door is in an open position. This may further provide an effective means of moving the or each door to a fully open position. The fully open position corresponds to the substantially taut configuration of the at least one door connecting member.

Preferably, when the at least one door is in an open position and the at least one door connecting member is substantially taut, the at least one door is moveable to a closed position upon a disengagement of the at least one retaining mechanism from the sliding member. The at least one door may be moveable to a closed position upon lifting of the container system. This may provide an efficient means for automatically resetting the sliding member to the first position upon lifting of the container system. As a result of the movement of the sliding member from the second position to the first position, the or each door connecting member pulls on the door, thereby closing the door.

Preferably, the at least one retaining mechanism comprises a retaining member actuatable between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration. In the locked configuration, the retaining member may be configured to engage with the at least one sliding member so that the at least one sliding member is retained in its second position. In the unlocked configuration, the retaining member may be configured to disengage from the at least one sliding member so that the at least one sliding member is moveable to its first position.

This retaining mechanism comprising a retaining member actuatable between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration may advantageously provide a door release mechanism and, in particular, a retaining mechanism that may be configured to be controlled remotely. This remotely-controlled retaining member may reduce the need for onsite workers to be situated within the dispensing location of the container system in order to control the door release mechanism. Consequently, this may increase the safety of the onsite workers. Further, the retaining member may provide an efficient and convenient means for opening and closing the or each door that does not require excess parts or systems.

Preferably, the at least one retaining mechanism comprises an actuator configured to adjust a corresponding retaining member between its locked configuration and its unlocked configuration. The actuator may be, but is not limited to, an electric actuator or more specifically may be an electric linear actuator. The actuator may comprise a hydraulic actuator. In other words, the at least one retaining mechanism may comprise an actuator configured to move, or capable of moving, a corresponding retaining member between its locked configuration and its unlocked configuration.

Additionally, the container system may comprise a battery pack to provide power to the actuator or the system that moves the retaining member between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration. The battery pack may be located on the container body. The battery pack may be located on a surface of the container body.

Preferably, the actuator is a remotely-operated actuator. Advantageously, providing a remotely-operated actuator may reduce the need for onsite workers to manually control the door release mechanism or even be situated within the dispensing location to control the door release mechanism. Consequently, this may increase the safety of the onsite workers. A remote for the actuator may be situated with an operator of a lifting device, or with an operator located away from the container system. The remote may simply provide or enable a user input for locking the retaining member and unlocking the retaining member.

Additionally, the retaining mechanism may comprise a safety system configured to prevent the or each retaining member from being locked when the or each sliding member is not in the second position. This system may override an input from the operator to activate or actuate the retaining mechanism if the sliding member is not in the second position. This safety system may advantageously prevent unsuitable engagement of the retaining member of the retaining mechanism with a corresponding sliding member. Proper engagement of the retaining member with a corresponding sliding member is important for ensuring safe opening of the or each door and lifting of the container system.

Preferably, the retaining member comprises a hook pivotable between the locked configuration and the unlocked configuration. The retaining member comprising a hook may be configured to engage with the sliding member, such that the sliding member is retained in the second position. Further, the retaining member comprising a hook pivotable between the locked configuration and the unlocked configuration may provide a retaining mechanism that requires effective and simple actuation or movement to pivot between the locked position and unlocked position.

Additionally, the sliding member may comprise two body members. The or each sliding member may be formed from such two body members. Each body member may be in the form of a plate member. The sliding member may comprise two body members coupled together by a first pin and a second pin. The first pin (or pin member) extends between respective top (or first) portions of the body members. The second pin (or pin member) extends between respective bottom (or second) portions of the body members.

Preferably, the at least one sliding member comprises a retaining pin configured to engage with the at least one retaining mechanism. The first pin member may define the retaining pin.

The retaining pin may provide a surface area for the retaining member to engage with. The dimensions of the pivotable hook of the retaining member may conform to the dimensions of the retaining pin such that when the hook engages with the retaining pin they are configured to provide a secure fit.

Additionally, the hook may comprise a rolling system such that the retaining member does not scrape the retaining pin or any other part of the sliding mechanism. Further, providing a rolling system may reduce friction and consequently require less power to pivot the hook to a locked position and a locked position around the retaining pin.

Preferably, the container system comprises at least one door damper. The at least one door damper may be coupled at a first end to the container body and at a second end to a corresponding at least one door. The at least one door damper may be configured to dampen the movement of the at least one door from an open position to a closed position. The at least one door damper may reduce the speed at which the sliding member moves from the second position to the first position upon the retaining member being disengaged. Advantageously, this may prevent or reduce at least one or more of the following: a loud noise being produced; excessive shock load through the lifting assembly and lifting device; and damage to the parts of the container system, for example, the or each door from the speed of them closing or to the sliding member. The or each door damper may be a hydraulic or fluid damper, preferably a hydraulic ram having a flow restrictor.

The or each door damper may be adaptable between an extended configuration and a retracted configuration. The or each door damper may adopt an extended configuration when the or each door is in an open position. The or each door damper may adopt the retracted configuration when the or each door is in a closed position. The transition or movement from the extended configuration to the retracted configuration advantageously provides the dampened effect of the door damper.

Preferably, the door release mechanism comprises at least one casing or housing for housing a corresponding sliding member. The sliding member may be configured to be slideable within the casing between the first position and the second position. In other words, each sliding member may be slidably mounted within a respective casing or housing. Each casing or housing of the door release mechanism may be coupled to the container body. In other words, each sliding member may be slidably mounted to the container body. The or each sliding member may be coupled or mounted to the container body. The or each sliding member may be configured to slide or move relative to the container body.

Preferably, the or each retaining mechanism is housed within the at least one casing. Providing the sliding member and/or the or each retaining mechanism housed within the at least one casing may advantageously provide a means for protecting the systems from adverse weather conditions, which may cause damage to the parts such as rusting.

Preferably, the at least one casing comprises a slot extending between a first end and a second end. The at least one sliding member may be configured to slide relative to the slot. This may allow the sliding member to move between the first position and the second position while providing a means of alignment or guidance for the sliding member. There may be more than one slot, in particular there may be two slots, each slot being adjacent to the respective sliding body member. In embodiments comprising two slots, each slot may be adjacent to either side of a corresponding sliding member. The slot or slots allow the door connecting members to connect with the sliding member through the casing.

Preferably, the or each sliding member comprises a first protruding member extending from a first end of the sliding member and a second protruding member extending from a second end of the sliding member. The first and second protruding members are arranged to slide within the slot and respectively stop the sliding member at its first and second positions. The retaining pin may define the second protruding member extending from a second end, such that minimal parts are incorporated into the system. Further, a first connecting pin may connect the two sliding body members at the first end and may define the first protruding member. The first protruding member and the second protruding member may advantageously provide a convenient means of stopping the sliding member from moving beyond the predetermined first and second positions defined by the or each slot.

Preferably, the at least one door connecting member is coupled to the second protruding member. The at least one door connecting member may be coupled to the second protruding member. The or each door connecting member may be coupled to the second protruding member by means of a suitable connecting element, such as a ring or loop connector. Other means of coupling the two members will be appreciated by the person skilled in the art.

Preferably, the door release mechanism comprises two sliding members. The sliding members may be located on opposing sides of the container body. Advantageously, by providing two sliding members located on opposing sides of the container body provides a balanced and stable door release mechanism.

Preferably, the lifting assembly comprises two lifting members. The lifting assembly comprises a lifting beam for engagement with a lifting apparatus. Each lifting member is connected at a first end to a respective end portion of the lifting beam and at a second end to one of the sliding members. The lifting beam may be a bail beam for a container system. The lifting member may be in the form of a chain or a rope, however alternative members will appreciated by a skilled person. The lifting members may be connected at a first end to a ring, a shackle connector, or a master link connector coupled to a respective end portion of the lifting beam. Each lifting member may be connected at a second end to the first pin member that connects the two body members of the sliding member together at a first end of the sliding member. Each lifting member may be connected to a loop or ring, a shackle connector, or a master link connector coupled to the first protruding member of the sliding member.

Preferably, a distance between the lifting beam and the container body is configured to reduce when the sliding members move from their respective first positions to their respective second positions. In other words, the lifting beam is lowered towards the container body by the lifting device for example the crane, the sliding member moves from the first position to the second position. Additionally, the distance between the lifting beam and the container body may be configured to increase when the sliding members move from their respective second positions to their respective first positioned. Further, the distance between the lifting beam and the container body may be configured to remain constant when the sliding member is in the second position and the or each door connecting member is slack and when the sliding member is in the second position and the or each door connecting member is taut.

Preferably, the container system comprises at least two doors. The at least two doors are preferably rotatable about respective first and second hinges between a closed position, in which the at least two door collectively occlude the at least one opening of the container body, and an open position.

The or each door may comprise a seal configured to substantially prevent leakage from the container when the doors are in a closed position. The seal may be located along, either totally, or partially, along the periphery of the or each door. This may be particularly advantageous when the container system is intended for use in storing, transporting, and dispensing a liquid material.

The container system of the present invention is suitable for use in a number of different industries including the following, among others. It may, for example, be used in the construction industry to store, transport and dispense sand, gravel, rubble, stones etc. It may also be used for the removal of materials from a construction or excavation site, including soil, clay, rocks, stones, sand, wood chips, waste materials and spoils etc. It may be used in the mining industry for example to store, transport and dispense products such as coal, ores, salt, sand and other materials from a mining site. It may also be used in the haulage and shipping industry for example to enable raw materials or waste materials to be positioned on, and removed from, multi-wheeled vehicles, ships and other transport vehicles and vessels. It may also be used in the agriculture industry, for example to store, transport and dispense materials such as sugar, other food substances and food waste products. It may also be used in a variety of industries to store, transport and dispense liquid products. Other suitable uses will be apparent to the skilled person.

Any feature in one aspect of the invention may be applied to other aspects of the invention, in any appropriate combination. In particular, method aspects may be applied to apparatus aspects, and vice versa. Furthermore, any, some and/or all features in one aspect may be applied to any, some and/or all features in any other aspect, in any appropriate combination.

It should also be appreciated that particular combinations of the various features described and defined in any aspects of the invention may be implemented and/or supplied and/or used independently.

It should also be understood that when an element or component is referred to being connected to, coupled to, interconnected to or engaged with another element or component, it may be directly or indirectly, via intervening elements or components, connected to, coupled to, interconnected to or engaged with the other element or component. In contrast, an element or component referred to as being directly connected to, directly coupled to, directly interconnected to or directly engaged with another element or component, refers to fact that there are no intervening components or elements between the elements or components that are directly connected to, directly coupled to, directly interconnected to or directly engaged with each other.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Some preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a container system according to the present invention in a closed configuration; Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the container system of Figure 1 shown in an open configuration; Figure 3 shows a side view of the container system of Figure 1; Figure 4 shows an end view of the container system of Figure 1; Figure 5 shows a top view of the container system according to present invention; Figure 6 is a sectional view of the container system along line A-A shown in Figure 5; Figure 7 is a sectional view of a portion of the door release mechanism in an unlocked configuration along line B-B shown in Figure 5; Figure 8 is a sectional view of a portion of the door release mechanism in a locked configuration along line B-B shown in Figure 5; Figure 9 shows another perspective view of the container system according to the present invention in a closed configuration; and Figure 10 is a sectional view of a portion of the door release mechanism in a configuration between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration along line B-B shown in Figure 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Figure 1 shows a container system 100 for holding and dispensing a material. The container system 100 is suitable for use in a number of different industries including the following, among others. It can, for example, be used in the construction industry to store, transport and dispense sand, gravel, rubble, stones etc. It can also be used for the removal of materials from a construction or excavation site, including soil, clay, rocks, stones, sand, wood chips, waste materials and spoils etc. It can be used in the mining industry for example to store, transport and dispense products such as coal, ores, salt, sand and other materials from a mining site. It can also be used in the haulage and shipping industry for example to enable raw materials or waste materials to be positioned on, and removed from, multi-wheeled vehicles, ships and other transport vehicles and vessels. It can also be used in the agriculture industry, for example to store, transport and dispense materials such as sugar, other food substances and food waste products.

It can also be used in a variety of industries to store, transport and dispense liquid products.

The container system 100 comprises a container body 102 having a first pair of opposed side walls 104a, 104b, and a second pair of opposed end walls 106a, 106b. The container body 102 has an open mouth 103, and an open bottom 105 (as shown in Figure 2). The container body 102 is provided with a pair of hinged doors 108a and 108b. The doors 108a and 108b are hinged along their outer edges to respective lower portions of opposite side walls of the container body.

In a closed position, as shown in Figures 1, 3, 4, 6, and 9, the doors 108a and 108b occlude the open bottom of the container body 102 so that the container may be used to transport bulk materials. In an open position, as shown in Figure 2, the doors 108a and 108b may hang substantially vertically beneath and substantially in line with the opposed side walls 104a and 104b of the container body 102.

Where the container 100 is intended for storing, transporting and dispensing solid material, for example, soil, clay, sand or stones, there generally is not any need for a seal around the doors to prevent leakage from the container when the doors are in the closed position. Where the container is intended for use in storing, transporting and dispensing a liquid material, a seal (not shown) is generally provided around the doors to prevent leakage from the container when the doors are in the closed position.

The doors 108a, 108b comprise one or more stiffening members 110 orientated transversely and/or longitudinally to stiffen the doors. The side walls 104a and 104b and/or end walls 106a and 106b may also comprise one or more stiffening members.

The container system 100 further comprises a lifting assembly 112 for engagement with a lifting apparatus such as a crane. The lifting assembly 112 comprises a lifting beam 114 and a pair of lifting members 116a and 116b. Each lifting member 116a and 116b is connected at a first end to a respective end portion of the lifting beam 114. Each lifting member 116a and 116b is connected to the respective end portion of the lifting beam 114 via a first lifting plate 118a, 118b, as shown in Figure 3, comprising a connection element. In the present embodiment, the connection element is a shackle connector. Each lifting plate 118a and 118b is coupled to the bottom of the lifting beam 114 at a respective end portion, and each shackle connection 120a and 120b is coupled to a respective lifting plate 118a and 118b. As shown in the figures, each lifting member 116a and 116b comprises a chain. Each chain 116a, 116b provides a link at a first end to be coupled with the shackle connection 120a and 120b.

The lifting beam 114 further comprises a pair of second lifting plates 122a and 122b. Each second lifting plate 122a and 122b is connected to the top of the lifting beam 114 at a respective end portion of the beam 114. The second lifting plates 122a and 122b are provided with a lifting shackle for attachment (either directly or indirectly) to a lifting device, such as a crane.

The container system 100 further comprises a door release mechanism 126. The door release mechanism 126 enables the opening and closing of the doors 108a, 108b. The door release mechanism 126 comprises a pair of sliding members 128a, 128b, disposed on opposing sides 106a and 106b of the container body. Figure 6 shows one of the pair of sliding members 128a, 128b disposed on a side of the container body 106b.

The sliding members 128a, 128b are configured to move or slide between a first position and a second position. The first position is located above the second position. The sliding members 128a, 128b are configured to move substantially along a direction parallel to the outer surface of end walls 106a, 106b. In other words, the sliding members 128a, 128b are configured to move along a direction substantially perpendicular to the open bottom or top of the container body 102. Figures 6 & 7 show a sliding member 128a in a first position. Figures 8 & 10 respectively show a sliding member 128a being retained and not retained in a second position. Further details of the effects of the sliding members 128a, 128b positioning and/or retention on how it enables the door release mechanism 126 to release and close the doors 108a, 108b will be further described.

The door release mechanism 126 comprises four door connecting members 130a, 130b, 130c, 130d. As shown in the figures, there are two pairs of door connecting members; a pair 130a, 130c coupled to the first door 108a and another pair 130b, 130d coupled to the second door 108b. Each door connecting member of a first pair of door connecting members 130a,130b are coupled at their respective second ends to a first end of each of the doors 108a,108b. Similarly, each door connecting member of a second pair of door connecting members 130c, 130d is coupled at their second ends to a second end of each of the doors 108a, 108b. In particular, the second ends of the door connecting members 130a, 130b, 130c, 130d are coupled to door protruding elements 132a, 132b, 132c, 134d. As shown in Figures 1 and 2 the protruding elements are located at the centre of the respective ends of the doors. A person skilled in the art will understand that the door connecting members may be coupled to any suitable portion of the doors.

Each sliding member 128a and 128b comprises a pair of body members 166a, 166b and 166c, 166d in the form of plates, as shown in Figure 6. The plate members 166a, 166b, 166c, 166d have a first end and a second end. Each pair of plates are connected adjacent to one another at a first end by a first connecting pin 136. Each pair of plates are connected adjacent to one another at a second end by a second connecting pin or retaining pin 138. The first connecting pin 136 is located above the retaining pin 138 and closer to the lifting beam 114. The plate members 166a, 166b, 166c, 166d of each sliding member 128a, 128b are substantially parallel when joined.

Each sliding member 128a and 128b is coupled at a first end to a second end of the respective lifting member 116a and 116b. Each sliding member 128a and 128b is coupled at a second end to a first end of each respective door connecting member 130a, 130b, 130c, 130d. Specifically, a connector 168a, 168b may be coupled to the first connecting pin 136 at the first end. The second end of the lifting member 116a and 116b is connected to the connector 168a, 168b. The connector 168a, 168b may comprise a loop or ring connector, a shackle connector, or a master link connector.

It is noted that equivalent features shown on one side of the container system, as shown in Figures 4, 6, 7, 8 and 10 for example, may equally apply to, or may be present in relation to, the other side of the container system. In other words, Figures 4, 6, 7, 8 show the right side of the container system and similar and equivalent features are present on the left side of the container system, unless expressed otherwise in the present disclosure. In other words, the container system of the present disclosure may be longitudinally and/or transversely symmetrical.

Each sliding member 128a and 128b comprises a first protruding member 140 extending from the first end of each sliding member 128a, 128b and a second protruding member 142 extending from the second end of each sliding member 128a, 128b. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the first protruding member 140 is defined by the first connecting pin 136 and the second protruding member 142 is defined by protruding portions of the retaining pin 138. According to the example embodiment, each sliding member 128a and 128b comprises a corresponding pair of plate member 166a, 166b. Each plate comprises a through hole at the first end and a through hole at the second end. The pair of plate members 166a, 166b of each sliding member 128a and 128b are coupled together at a first end portion by the first connecting pin 136 and at a second end portion by the retaining pin 138. Both the first connecting pin 136 and the retaining pin 138 extend through the through holes, such that they define the protruding members 140 and 142 respectively. In alternative embodiments not shown in the figures, the protruding members and the pins may be separate parts.

A connector 170a,170b is coupled to each end of the second protruding members 142 of the sliding members 128a and 128b. Each respective door connecting member 130a, 130b, 130c, and 130d is connected at a first end to a respective connector 170a, 170b. Such connectors 170a, 170b may comprise a loop or ring connector, a shackle connector, or a master link connector.

The door release mechanism 126 further comprises a corresponding retaining mechanism 144 for each sliding member 128a and 128b. Each retaining mechanism 144 is configured to retain a corresponding sliding member 128a, 128b in a second position, as shown in Figure 8. The retaining mechanism 144 comprises a retaining member 148 and an actuator 146 to actuate the retaining member 148 between a locked configuration, as shown in Figure 8, and an unlocked configuration, as shown in Figures 6 & 9.

The retaining member 148 comprises a pivotable hook 150. The hook 150 defines a recess, as shown in Figures 7, 8, and 10, that is configured to conform to the retaining pin 138 when in a locked configuration. The retaining member 148 comprises a through hole, which a pivot pin 152 passes through. The retaining member 148 pivots about the pivot pin 152 between a locked configuration or state, as shown in Figure 8, and an unlocked configuration or state, as shown in Figures 7 & 10.

Each retaining member 148 comprises an actuator connection point 154 which the second end of the actuator 146 is coupled to. The actuator connection point 154 is positioned such that, when the actuator 146 is activated to retain a sliding member 128a, 128b in the second position, the actuator 146 retracts and the pivotable hook 150 rotates to substantially engage with the retaining pin 138 and lock a sliding member 128a, 128b in the second position. The actuator 146 is configured to extend so that the hook 150 is pivoted away from the retaining pin 138. In other words, the retaining member 148 disengages from the sliding member 128a, 128b. Figure 7 illustrates the actuator 146 in an extended configuration and Figure 8 illustrates an actuator 146 in a retracted configuration.

The actuator 146 is a remotely-operated electronic actuator. The container system 100 further comprises a power source 156 for powering the actuator 146. In the present embodiment, the power source 156 comprises a battery pack that is located on a surface of the side wall 106a, 106b of the container body 102 within the vicinity of the actuator 146. A remote operating system is configured to simultaneously control the actuator 146 of retaining member 148 disposed on the side of the container body 106a and the actuator (not shown) of the other retaining member (not shown) disposed on the opposing side of the container body 106b.

Each sliding member 128a and 128b and the corresponding retaining mechanism 144 are housed within a respective casing 158a and 158b disposed on opposing sides 106a, 106b of the container body 102. Each casing comprises two slots 160, one slot per door connecting member. The slot 160 dimensioned in such a manner that each protruding member 140 and 142 protrudes through a respective slot 160 in the casing. The slots 160 prevent the sliding members 128a and 128b from moving beyond the pre-determined first position and second position. This is because the first protruding members 140 will make contact with a first end portion of the slot at the first position of the sliding member 128a, 128b and the second protruding member 142 will make contact with a second end portion of the slot at the second position of the sliding member 128a, 128b, resulting in the sliding members 128a and 128b being stopped at each respective position.

Each casing 158a, 158b further comprises a first casing through hole that is configured to secure the pivot pin 152 in position, in turn providing positioning of the retaining member 148 within the casing 160, and a secure point of rotation for the retaining member 148. The pivot pin 152 of the retaining member 148 passes through the first casing through holes in the casing 158a and 158b and is fixed. Each casing 158a and 158b comprises a second casing through hole (not shown in the figures), configured to secure a first end of the actuator 146 in a fixed position, such that when the second end of the actuator 146 extends or retracts it results in rotation of the retaining member 148. As shown in Figure 6, a first end of the actuator 146 is secured to the casing 158a, 158b by a pin member 145. The first end of the actuator 146 is arranged to pivot about the pin member 145. Each casing 158a and 158b further comprises a third casing through hole 162a and 162b, which the lifting members 116a and 116b passes through. The third casing through holes 162a, 162b are each located at the top of their respective casing 158a, 158b.

The container system 100 further comprises four door dampers 164a, 164b, 164c, 164d. Each damper 164a, 164b, 164c, and 164d is connected at a first end to the side of the container body 106a and 106b and at a second end to an end of the respective doors 108a and 108b. Damper 164a is connected at a second end to the first end of door 108a. Damper 164b is connected at a second end to the first end of door 108b. Damper 164c is connected at a second end to the second end of door 108a, and damper 164d is connected at a second end to the second end of door 108b. Each damper 164a, 164b, 164c, 164d is connected to the container body 102 via a connecting bracket. As mentioned previously, each door 108a and 108b further comprises a door protruding member 132a, 132b, 132c, 132d, to which both the second end of each respective door damper 164a, 164b, 164c, 164d and the second end of each respective door connecting member 130a, 130b, 130c, 130d is coupled.

Some suitable materials for the various components of the system include: mild steel for the container (for any or all of the side walls, end walls, and stiffening members); mild steel for the lifting member and the door connecting member; structural steel (e.g. s355) for the lifting plate; mild steel bolts for the hinges for the doors. The structure of the container may be welded.

In one example configuration of a container embodying the present invention: the container may be between about 1.5 and about 4 metres wide; the container may be between about 2.5 and about 7 metres long; the container may be between about 1.5 and about 4 metres deep. In one particularly preferred example, a container embodying the present invention has a length of about 4.5 metres, a width of about 2 metres, and a depth of about 2 metres.

Operation of the container system 100 will now be described. The container system 100, as shown in Figures 1, 3, 4, and 5, is in the closed configuration. In this closed configuration, the door connecting members 130a, 130b, 130c, and 130d are substantially taut. In this closed configuration, the sliding members 128a and 128b are in a first position. The distance between the lifting beam and the second end of the lifting member is Y (as shown in Figure 4), and is such that the doors 108a and 108b are in the closed position. When the distance between the lifting beam and the second end of the lifting member is Y, the sliding member is configured to be in the first position. When the sliding member is at the first position the doors 108a and 108 are in closed position. This is because the respective door connecting members 130a, 130b, 130c, 130d are substantially taut.

In use, the container system 100 may be loaded with bulk material. The container body 102 is configured to receive such bulk material through its open mouth and retain such bulk material when the container system 100 is in a closed configuration. The container system 100 is attached to a lifting device (not shown), such as a crane, by the two second lifting plates 122a and 122b situated at the respective ends of the lifting beam 114. Upon the crane operator setting the container system 100 down in a location (either on the ground or above the ground, in which a support device is provided to a support location for the container system 100 to be supported above the ground) where the bulk material located within the container body 102 are to be dispensed, the lifting beam 114 is lowered, from a configuration as shown in Figure 1 to a configuration as shown in Figure 9, such that the sliding members 128a and 128b move downwards from a first position to a second position. As the sliding members 128a and 128b are moving from the first position to the second position, the door connecting members 130a, 130b, 130c, and 130d consequently transition from being substantially taut (as shown in Figure 1) to substantially slack (as shown in Figure 9). The doors 108a and 108b remain in a closed position during this transition. The retaining mechanism 144 remains in an unlocked configuration, as shown in Figure 6, during this transition. Once the sliding members 128a and 128b are stopped at the second position by the second protruding member 142, the respective actuators 146 are then activated remotely. As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the actuator 146 is coupled to the retaining member 148 and, when remotely operated, the actuator 146 retracts or extends. Due to the actuator 146 being fixed at a first end to the casing, the retraction of the actuator 146 causes the retaining member 148 to pivot about the pivot pin 152. This consequently causes the pivotable hook 150 to pivot into engagement with the retaining pin 138.

Once the retaining members 148 are in a locked configuration (in other words, the retaining members 148 are in engagement with retaining pins 138 of sliding members 128a, 128b), the sliding members 128a and 128b are retained in the second position. In this configuration, the door release mechanism 126 effectively allow the release or opening of the doors. The crane operator may then lift the container system 100. Upon the crane operator lifting the container system 100, the container system 100 transitions into an open configuration, as shown in Figure 2. In this configuration, the doors 108a and 108b move to an open position as a result of the weight of the doors 108a, 108b and the weight of any bulk material received within the container body 102 because the door connecting members are substantially slack. In the process of opening, the doors 108a and 108b rotate about their hinges and open, thus dispensing any bulk material contained within the container body 102. When the doors 108a and 108b are in an open position the dampers 164a, 164b, 164c, and 164d connected to the respective ends of the each door 108a and 108b is extended.

Upon the container 100 being lifted to a height such that the doors 108a and 108b are fully open, as shown in Figure 2, the door connecting members 130a, 130b, 130c, and 130d are placed in tension by at least a portion of the load of the doors i.e. the door connecting members 130a, 130b, 130c, and 130d are substantially taut.

Once the bulk material is dispensed, the resetting process begins to return the container system 100 to a closed configuration. The actuator 146 is remotely actuated by an operator through a wireless remote (not shown). An input from the remote operator causes the actuator 146 to extend. In turn, as shown in Figure 10, the retaining member 148 is pivoted from a locked configuration to an unlocked configuration, such that the hook 150 disengages from the retaining pin 138.

When the retaining members 148 are disengaged from the sliding members 128a, 128b, the sliding members 128a and 128b are free to move upwards from the second position to the first position. As the crane operator lifts the container system 100 away from the dispensing location, the lifting beam 114 is lifted such that the sliding members 128a and 128b move from a second position to a first position. In turn, the door connecting members 130a, 130b, 130c, and 130d remain substantially taut and the doors 108a and 108b move from an open position to a closed position. As the doors 108a 108b move from an open position to a closed position, the dampers 164a, 164b, 164c, and 164c connected to the respective ends of the door 108a and 108b retract. This retraction reduces the speed of the doors 108a and 108b moving from an open position to a closed position, as such prevents the sliding members 128a and 128b from rapidly moving from a second position to a first position. The sliding members 128a and 128b are stopped at the first position by the first protruding member 140. The container system 100 is thus automatically reset to a closed configuration, and can be re-filed with bulk material to be transported and dispensed.

In the event that the retaining mechanism 144 is accidentally activated when the sliding member 128a, 128b is not in the second position, the container or door release mechanism may be capable of detecting when the sliding member is in the second position. The container or door release mechanism may comprise a switch that may be activated when the sliding member is in the second position. The container or door release mechanism may comprise a sensing element that may detect when the sliding member is in the second position. Such arrangements may advantageously prevent the retaining mechanism from being activated unless the sliding member is in the second, bottom position.

In further alternative embodiments, the container may have only one door hinged along one side of the container or may have more than two doors, each being hinged along its outer edge, or part of its outer edge, to a respective side wall of the container. Alternatively, one or more doors may be hinged along an edge to a dividing wall dividing the container into two or more sections.

Alternatively, one or more doors may be hinged along an edge to a stiffening member extending between a pair of opposed side or end walls of the container.

In further alternative embodiments, the container need not be entirely open at the bottom but may have one or more openings or apertures in the bottom which may be occluded by a door, or by more than one door, when in the closed positioned. The dispensing mechanism is arranged to open the at least one door so as to dispense bulk material from the or each opening in the manner described in relation to any of the embodiments described above.

In further alternative embodiments, the container may not be a rectangular container but may have a different shape. The container may, for example, be multi-sided or multi-faceted container having any number of container walls. The container may, for example, be a circular or cylindrical or pyramid-shaped or conical container or bucket-type container.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A door release mechanism for a container having at least one door moveable between a closed position and an open position, the door release mechanism comprising at least one door connecting member; and at least one sliding member moveable between a first position and a second position; wherein the at least one sliding member is retainable in the second position; wherein the at least one door connecting member is configured to connect the at least one sliding member to at least one door of a container, wherein, in the first position of the at least one sliding member, the at least one door connecting member is configured to be substantially taut so that the at least one door of a container is retained in a closed position, and wherein, upon retention of the at least one sliding member in the second position, the at least one door connecting member is configured to be substantially slack so that the at least one door of a container is moveable to an open position upon lifting of the container.
2. A container system comprising: a container body for holding material, the container body comprising at least one opening; at least one door moveable between a closed position in which the at least one door occludes the at least one opening, and an open position; a door release mechanism, the door release mechanism being coupled to the container body, and comprising: at least one sliding member being moveable between a first position and a second position, wherein the at least one sliding member is retainable in the second position; and at least one door connecting member, the at least one door connecting member connecting the at least one sliding member to the at least one door; and a lifting assembly for engagement with a lifting apparatus, the lifting assembly being coupled to the at least one sliding member, wherein, in the first position of the at least one sliding member, the at least one door connecting member is configured to be substantially taut so that the at least one door is retained in the closed position, and wherein, upon retention of the at least one sliding member in the second position, the at least one door connecting member is configured to be substantially slack so that the at least one door is moveable to an open position upon lifting of the container system.
3. A door release mechanism according to claim 1 or a container system according to claim 2, wherein the at least one door connecting member is configured to be substantially taut so that the at least one door is retained in an open position.
4. A door release mechanism according to claim 1 or 3, or a container system according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the door release mechanism comprises at least one retaining mechanism for retaining a corresponding at least one sliding member in its second position.
5. A door release mechanism or a container system according to claim 4, wherein, when the at least one sliding member is retained in its second position by the at least one retaining mechanism, the at least one door connecting member changes between being substantially slack when the at least one door in a closed position and substantially taut when the at least one door is in an open position.
6. A door release mechanism or a container system according to claim 4 or 5, wherein, when the at least one door is in an open position and the at least one door connecting member is substantially taut, the at least one door is moveable to a closed position upon a disengagement of the at least one retaining mechanism from the sliding member and lifting of the container system.
7. A door release mechanism or a container system according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the at least one retaining mechanism comprises a retaining member actuatable between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration, wherein in the locked configuration the retaining member engages with the at least one sliding member so that the at least one sliding member is retained in its second position, and wherein in the unlocked configuration the retaining member disengages from the at least one sliding member so that the at least one sliding member is moveable to its first position.
8. A door release mechanism or a container system according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the at least one retaining mechanism comprises an actuator for adjusting a corresponding retaining member between its locked configuration and its unlocked configuration.
9. A door release mechanism or a container system according to claim 8, wherein the actuator is a remotely-operated actuator.
10. A door release mechanism or a container system according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the retaining member comprises a hook pivotable between said locked configuration and said unlocked configuration.
11. A door release mechanism or a container system according to any one of claims 4 to 10, wherein the at least one sliding member comprises a retaining pin for engaging with the at least one retaining mechanism.
12. A container system according to any one of claims 2 to 11, wherein the container system comprises at least one door damper, the at least one door damper being coupled at a first end to the container body and at a second end to a corresponding at least one door, wherein the at least one door damper for dampening the movement of the at least one door from an open position to a closed position.
13. A door release mechanism according to any one of claims 1, 3-11 or a container system according to any one of claims 2 to 12, wherein the door release mechanism comprises at least one casing for housing a corresponding sliding member, wherein the sliding member is slideable within the casing between the first position and the second position.
14. A door release mechanism or a container system according to claim 13, when dependent on claim 4, wherein the or each retaining mechanism is housed within said at least one casing.
15. A door release mechanism or a container system according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the at least one casing comprises a slot extending between a first end and a second end, wherein the at least one sliding member is slideable relative to the slot.
16. A door release mechanism or a container system according to claim 15, wherein the or each sliding member comprises a first protruding member extending from a first end of the sliding member and a second protruding member extending from a second end of the sliding member, wherein the first and second protruding members are arranged to slide within the slot and respectively stop the sliding member at its first and second positions.
17. A door release mechanism or a container system according to claim 16, wherein the at least one door connecting member is coupled to the second protruding member.
18. A container system according to any one of claims 2 to 17, wherein the door release mechanism comprises two sliding members, the sliding members being located on opposing sides of the container body.
19. A container system according to claim 18, wherein the lifting assembly comprises two lifting members and a lifting beam for engagement with a lifting apparatus, wherein each lifting member is connected at a first end to a respective end portion of the lifting beam and at a second end to one of the sliding members.
20. A container system according to claim 19, wherein a distance between the lifting beam and the container body reduces when the sliding members move from their respective first positions to their respective second positions.
21. A container system according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least two doors, the at least two doors being rotatable about respective first and second hinges between a closed position, in which the at least two doors collectively occlude the at least one opening of the container body, and an open position.
22. A door release mechanism according to any one of claims 1, 3-17 or a container system according to any one of claims 2 to 21, wherein the at least one door connecting member comprises a chain or a rope.