LOAD CONTAINER HINGER STRUCTURE Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to cargo containers and, more particularly, to a hinge structure for cargo container to allow a door in the container to move between open and closed positions. and including a safety apparatus to provide a visible indication that the container door has been moved from the closed position. Background of the Invention A typical intermodal type of cargo container includes a box-shaped remote with an open end and unloading and loading cargo. One or more doors opening to the outside, mounted in a rigid door frame, serve to close the open end of the cargo container. Each door is secured to the door frame along a vertical margin by a series of hinges that allow door movement between the open and closed positions. In many applications, an exterior of each door is provided with a vertical elongated safety bar assembly disposed adjacent a second vertical margin of the door opposite the hinges to secure the door in the closed position. One disadvantage of the immense volume of products shipped today that use such containers is exposure to enormous risks. One of the so-called "victimless" crimes involves theft of cargo. The losses of the global industry
of loss of cargo due to theft of 1995 were approximately $ 470 billion. Between kidnappings and internal fraud, costs for companies have reached epidemic proportions. As a result, insurance premiums and deductibles are increasing at an alarming rate. While the payments generated by insurance can replace such stolen products, the loss of business with customers who are forced to buy replacement products may never be recovered. Although most law enforcement agencies have begun to form special forces to deal with cargo theft problems, most of the responses have been reactive rather than proactive. According to this, law enforcement agencies and private industry have realized that they must work to find a solution to the problem of cargo theft. Until now, a very basic procedure to inhibit cargo theft in the transportation industry involves the use of security seals and locks to protect the contents of the cargo container. Generally, security seals can be categorized into two types. Although available in a variety of different styles, the first common type of security seal provides an indication that the loading container door has been moved from a closed position to an open position. The indicative stamps do not serve to "secure" the door. Conventional indicative seals can be removed using a pair of wire cutters or tweezers. Again, and although
Available in a variety of different styles, the second type of security seal is commonly referred to as a barrier seal. The barrier seals provide a visual indication that the cargo container door has been opened and provide a rudimentary assurance function. Generally, barrier seals are removed using a bolt cutter or special tool.
Of course, there are several ways to break into a cargo container to steal or damage the cargo within it. While there is always the brute force method of cutting on the side of the container, the most prevalent method of breaking into a container involves breaking the seals and / or locks used in combination with the securing assembly. There are some methods of handling the safety bar fasteners that allow entry into the container without breaking the safety seal. In those cases, cargo theft is often not discovered for a considerable time after the cargo has been stolen making it difficult - if not impossible - to establish when and where the cargo theft occurred. In this way, cargo theft continues unpunished. While different types of seals and locks are available to protect the contents in the container, there is a continuing need and desire to provide additional security for the cargo transported in cargo containers. Brief Description of the Invention One aspect of the present disclosure involves a structure
of container hinge with first and second hinge members. Each hinge member includes a mounting portion and a hinge portion. The mounting portion of the first hinge member is configured to facilitate attachment of the hinge member to a door. The mounting portion of the second hinge member is configured to facilitate attachment of the second hinge member to a rigid door frame in the cargo container. The hinge portions of the first and second hinge members are combined operationally to result in a hinge pin used to secure the hinge members in a predetermined relation relative to each allowing pivotal movement of the door between a closed position and a open position and relative to the frame. A safety apparatus, arranged in operational combination with the hinge members, detects and provides a visual indication that the door connected to the first hinge member has been moved from the closed position. In this way, cargo theft can be reported immediately and more accurately. In one form, the mounting portion of the first hinge member defines a mounting surface disposed on one side of the pivot shaft defined by the hinge pin so as to allow the door connected to the first hinge member to move through a hinge pin. arc greater than 200 °. Preferably, the mounting portion and the hinge portion of the first hinge member are joined by a neck portion.
In a preferred embodiment, the hinge portion of the first hinge member is positioned between vertically spaced pins defined by the second hinge member. Further, and in a preferred form, the pins defined by the second hinge member define a first pair of openings for positioning the hinge pin passing through the hinge portions of the hinge members and a second pair of openings, arranged in a radially spaced relation in relation to the first pair of openings, to place the safety apparatus. According to another aspect, a load-bearing hinge structure is provided with first and second hinge members. Each hinge member includes a mounting portion and a hinge portion. The mounting portion of the first hinge member is configured to facilitate attachment of the first hinge member to a door. The mounting portion of the second hinge member is configured to facilitate attachment of the second hinge member to a door frame. The hinge portions of the first and second hinge members are combined operationally to receive a hinge pin defining a pivot axis for the hinge structure. The hinge pin secures the hinge members in predetermined relation in mutual relation while allowing the first hinge member to move through a predetermined path by moving the door connected thereto from a closed position to an open position and in a relative manner. to the door frame. To facilitate reports
of loading theft, a safety device, arranged in operable combination with the hinge members and radially spaced from the pivot axis of the hinge structure, provides a visual indication of whether the door has been moved from the closed position and in relation to to the cargo container frame. In one form, the mounting portion of the first hinge member defines a mounting surface disposed on one side of the pivot axis of the hinge structure to allow the door connected to the first hinge member to move through an arc greater than 200. In one form, the mounting portion and the hinge portion of the first hinge member are joined by a neck portion. Preferably, the hinge portion of the first hinge member is disposed between upper and lower ears or ears defined by the second hinge member. In a modality, the pins of the second hinge member define a first pair of openings to allow passage of the hinge pin through the hinge portions of the hinge members and a second pair of openings. The second pair of apertures is preferably arranged in spaced relation radially relative to the first pair of apertures and in the predetermined path of the first hinge member as the door moves from the closed position to the open position. In one form, the neck portion, in the first hinge member defines a piercing generally disposed in
coincidence with the second stops of openings defined by the second hinge member when the door is in the closed position. In this embodiment, the safety apparatus includes a closed circuit seal passing through the bore in the neck portion of the first hinge member and the second pair of openings defined by the second hinge member when the door is in closed position. In another form, the security apparatus includes a multi-piece security bolt disposed in the path of the first hinge member as the door moves from the closed position to the open position. Thus, when the door of the cargo container is removed from the closed position, the security bolt engages with the hinge member disposed in the door and either: inhibits movement of the door from the closed position; or, it is broken indicating that the door of the cargo container has been moved from the closed position and relative to the frame of the cargo container. According to another aspect, a load-bearing hinge structure is provided with first and second hinge members. Each hinge member includes a mounting portion and a hinge portion. The mounting portion of the first hinge member facilitates the attachment of the first hinge member to a vertical margin of a door. In one form, the hinge portion of the first hinge member is positioned intermediate to the mounting portion of the second hinge member. Serving
Mounting the second hinge member facilitates its attachment to a door holder frame in the cargo container. The hinge portion of the second hinge member is operably combined with the hinge portion of the first member to accommodate a hinge pin defining a pivot axis for the hinge structure. The hinge pin secures the hinge portions of the first and second hinge members in a predetermined relative relationship with each other while allowing the first hinge member to move precisely through a predetermined path when the door connected to it of a hinge moves. closed position to an open position and relative to the door frame. A safety apparatus is arranged in operational combination with the hinge members and radially separated from the pivot axis of the hinge structure to detect and provide a visual indication of whether the door has been moved from the closed position. In one form, the mounting portion of the first hinge member defines a mounting surface disposed on one side of the pivot axis of the hinge structure to allow the door connected to the first hinge member to move through a larger arc. at 200 °. In one form, the mounting portion and hinge portion of the first hinge member are joined by a neck portion. The hinge portion of the first hinge member is disposed between upper and lower pins defined by the portion
of hinge of the second hinge member. The pins defined by the hinge portion of the second hinge member define a first pair of axially aligned openings for positioning the hinge pin and a second pair for openings. The second pair of openings is arranged in radially spaced relationship relative to the first pair of openings. In one embodiment, the neck portion of the first hinge member defines a bore generally disposed in registration with the second pair of openings defined by the second hinge member when the door is in the closed position. In this embodiment, the security apparatus includes a security seal passing through the bore in the neck portion of the first hinge member and the second pair of openings defined by a second hinge member when the door is in the closed position . In another embodiment, the security apparatus includes a security bolt disposed in the path of the first hinge member when the door is moved from the closed position. Thus, when the door is moved from the closed position, the safety bolt assembly engages with the door and either: inhibits the movement of the door from the closed position; or, it is broken indicating that the door has been moved from the closed position. Brief Description of the Figures Figure 1 is a perspective view of a cargo container with hinge structure incorporating the principles and ideas
of the present description; Fig. 2 is a top plane view of an embodiment of a hinge structure according to the present disclosure; Figure 3 is a front elevational view of the hinge structure illustrated in Figure 2; Figure 4 is a perspective view of a hinge member and a hinge pin forming part of the first embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 5 is a sectional view taken along Figure 5-5 of Figure 3; Figure 6 is a front elevational view of another hinge member forming part of the first embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 7 is a top plan view of the hinge member illustrated in Figure 6. Figure 8 is a top left perspective view of the hinge member illustrated in Figure 6. Figure 9 is a front elevational view of a second embodiment of a hinge structure according to the present description. Figure 10 is a top plan view of the hinge structure illustrated in Figure 9. Figure 11 is a front elevational view of a hinge member forming part of the second embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 12 is a top plane view of the member of
hinge illustrated in Figure 11. Figure 13 is a top left perspective view of the hinge member illustrated in Figure 11; and Figure 14 is a sectional view taken along line 14-14 of Figure 10. Detailed Description of the Invention While the present description is conceivable in various embodiments, they are shown in the drawings and will be described below. detail preferred embodiments with the understanding that the present description is intended to show an example that is not intended to limit the description of the specific illustrated modes. Referring now to the drawings, wherein similar reference numbers refer to similar parts in different views; Figure 1 is an illustration of a conventional cargo container, generally indicated with the reference numeral 10. In the form shown, the container 10 includes an elongate housing 12 with a rectangular wall configuration including a floor (not shown). As is well known in the prior art, the housing 12 includes a rigid frame 14. In one form, the cargo container 10 is supported for movement on the ground by one or more pairs of wheels that engage the ground. The loading container 10 defines an open rear end 18 for allowing the transportable products of the housing 12 with walls to be loaded and subsequently discharged. In the
illustrated, the open rear end 18 of the container 10 is closed by a pair of identical swinging doors 20, 22. Adequate equipment 24 is provided in the doors 20, 22 and in the cargo container 10 to secure the doors releasably 20, 22 in a closed position. Towards an outer vertical end or margin, each door 20, 22 is provided with a plurality or series of hinge structures 30. The hinge structures 30 serve to pivotally interconnect each door 20, 22 to the frame 14 of the cargo container door . In a preferred embodiment, the hinge structures allow each door 20, 22 to oscillate through an arc of about 270 °. After the doors 20, 22 oscillate through an arc of about 270 ° from the position illustrated in Figure 1, each door 20, 22 will generally extend parallel to and side of a respective side wall of the housing 12. At least one of the multiple hinge structures 30 serving to interconnect each door 20, 22 of the cargo container 12 comprises the ideas and principles of the present disclosure. The hinge structure comprising the principles and ideas of the present disclosure will be represented generally by the reference number 300. Figures 2 and 3 illustrate, in more detail, the specifications of a hinge structure according to the present description . As shown, the hinge structure 300 includes a first
hinge member or part 40 and a second hinge member or part 60. A hinge pin 80, which defines a pivot axis 82 for a hinge structure 300, hingedly or pivotally interconnects the hinge members 40 and 60 in default relative ratio. The hinge pin 80 limits the movements of the first hinge member 40 to a predetermined path relative to the second hinge member 60 as the door 20, 22 moves to which the hinge structure 300 is secured, from a closed position to a position open In one form, the hinge pieces 40 and 60 are preferably designed to allow the door 20, 22 to which the hinge structure 300 is connected to oscillate in an approximately 270 ° arc between the open and closed positions. As shown in Figures 2, 3 and 4, the first hinge member 40 of the load hinge structure 300 includes a body 42 preferably of a longitudinally elongated piece composed of a mounting portion 44 and a hinge portion 46 that it extends along one end of the body 42. To reduce the weight, the hinge member 40 is preferably formed of an aluminum or aluminum alloy material. It should be appreciated, however, that the hinge member 40 can be formed from other materials without diminishing or departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. The mounting portion 44 is configured to facilitate attachment of the hinge part 40 to the door 20, 22 of the container 10. In the
As shown in exemplary form in Figure 2, the hinge part mounting portion 44 has a rear mounting surface 48 and a front face 48 '. The width of the hinge piece 40 is defined between the opposite ends or margins 47 and 49. When the hinge structure 300 is secured to a door 20, 22 the rear mounting surface 48 of the member 40 is disposed in facing or facing relationship. embedded relative to an outer surface of the door 20, 22. In a preferred form, the mounting portion 44 of the hinge piece 40 further defines a series of perforations or holes 50 (figure 4) to allow suitable fasteners, in this case , threaded bolts or the like, the longitudinal passage through the mounting portion 44 thereby securing the hinge part 40 to the door 20, 22. As shown in Fig. 2, the mounting portion 40 and the hinge portion 46 of the hinge part 40 are arranged in a general displacement relation relative to one side of the pivot axis 82 of the hinge structure 300. That is, the mounting portion 44 and the mounting portion 46 of the hinge part 40 are move in generally parallel planes in a relative manner. As shown in Figure 5, an angularly arranged neck portion 52 serves to interconnect and maintain the mounting portion 44 and the hinge portion 46 in relative offset relative to each other without decreasing the strength or stiffness of the hinge part 40. In the illustrated embodiment, the hinge portion 46 of the hinge member 40 defines an elongated opening or passageway 54 that has
preferably a closed margin. The elongate passage 54 opens at its opposite ends. In the illustrated form, the elongate aperture 54 has a relatively constant diameter along its length. In the illustrated example, the hinge structure 300 further includes a bearing structure 56 accommodated within the opening 54 defined by the hinge portion 46 of the hinge part 40 to form a bearing connection between the hinge part 40 and the hinge pin 80 or pivot. In one form, and as shown in Figures 3 and 4, the bearing structure 56 includes a pair of axially aligned bearings 57 and 59 accommodated within the passage 54 of the hinge portion 46 of the hinge piece 40. The structure of bearing 56, is preferably similar to that described in U.S. Patent No. 6,173,475; whose applicable portions are appended as a reference. The second hinge member or part 60 of the hinge structure 300 is secured to the door frame 14 of the loading container 10 preferably, by welding, or alternatively by appropriate fasteners. As shown in Figures 6, 7 and 8, the second hinge member or piece 60 preferably includes an elongated one-piece body 62 comprised of a mounting portion 64 and a hinge portion 66. The hinge member 60 is formed preferably of steel but can be formed of other materials without diminishing or deviating from the spirit and spectrum of the present description.
The mounting portion 64 is configured to facilitate assembly or attachment of the hinge part 60 to the door frame 14 of the container 10. In one form, the hinge portion 66 of the second hinge member or member 60 is embed with the hinge portion 46 of the hinge piece 40. As shown, and in one form, the hinge portion 66 of the hinge piece 60 includes upper and lower ears or vertically spaced ears 68 and 70 projecting from the portion of the hinge portion. assembly 64 of the hinge member 60. In the embodiment shown as an example in Figure 3, the hinge portion 46 of the first hinge member 40 is rotatably and preferably axially adjusted between the upper and lower pins 68 and 70 of the portion of assembly 64 of the second hinge part 60. When the hinge structure 300 is assembled, the hinge portions 46 and 66 on the first and second hinge members 40 and 60, respectively, are combined in an operational manner. to allow the passage of the hinge pin 80 there. In the example illustrated in Figure 6, the upper and lower pins 68 and 70 of the hinge piece 60 define a pair of openings or holes 74, 74 'which are aligned along the axis 75. When the hinge structure 300 As shown in FIG. 3, the openings 74, 74 'in the hinge portion 66 of the hinge member 60 and the opening 54 in the hinge portion 46 of the hinge member 40 are aligned relative to each other for allow the hinge pin 80 to pass through this securing the
first and second hinge members 40 and 60, respectively, in predetermined mutual relation. Preferably, the pivot pin 80 has a conventional design. As shown in Figure 4, the pivot pin 80 includes a generally elongated cylindrical bolt portion 84 with an elongated head or cap 86 at one end. As shown in Figure 3, the bolt portion 84 of the pivot pin 80 is dimensioned to pass through the openings 74, 74 'in the separate ears 68 and 70 of the hinge part 60 and the bearing structure 56 in the hinge member 40 while the head portion 86 limits the axial insertion of the pivot pin 80 through the hinge portions 44 and 64 of the respective hinge parts 40 and 60 of the hinge structure 300. The structure Hinge 300 further includes a safety apparatus, generally identified in Figure 2 by the reference number 90. Suffice it to say, that the safety apparatus 90 is arranged in operational combination with the hinge members 40 and 60 to detect and provide visual indication of whether the door 20, 22 to which the hinge structure 300 is secured has been moved from the closed position and relative to the frame of the loading door 14. In one form, the apparatus 90 includes a seal of sec Closed circuit safety 92 arranged in operational combination with the hinge members 40 and 60 to detect and indicate whether the door 20, 22 to which the hinge structure 3000 is secured has been moved
of the closed position and relative to the frame 14. The seal 92 may be of any conventional and well-known type including a cable seal, wire seal, plastic strap seal, and other well-known variations. In the illustrated embodiment, the manner in which the seal 92 is arranged in operational combination with the hinge parts 40 and 60 further inhibits the movement of the door 20, 22 to which the hinge structure 300 is secured to move to the closed position inadvertently. In the embodiment exemplified in Figures 4 and 5, the neck portion 52 of the hinge member 40 defines an elongated hole 94 open at its opposite ends and preferably disposed in a parallel manner but in radially spaced relation to the piercing 54 of the member. 40. As shown in Figure 8, the hinge member 60 of the hinge structure 300 preferably defines a pair of openings 96., 96 'which, in one way, are defined by the upper and lower pins 68, 70 respectively, of the member 60. In this embodiment, the openings 96, 96' are disposed in a radially spaced relation to the openings 74, 74 'in the spikes 68, 70, respectively. In addition, and in one form, the apertures 96, 96 'are aligned axially in a relative manner. When the hinge structure 300 is assembled and the door 20, 22 to which the load-bearing hinge structure 300 is connected is in the closed position, the openings 96, 96 'defined by the member 60 are arranged in general agreement with the
perforation 94 in the member 40. Such a design allows one end of the security seal 92 to pass through the apertures 96, 94 and 96 'until the opposite ends of the security seal 92 can be properly attached and secured to form a closed circuit. The closed circuit security seal 92 is designed and dimensioned to allow only limited or acceptable movement of the hinge member 40 relative to the hinge member 60 and relative to the frame 14 before the security seal 92 is broken, thus indicating that the door 20, 22 to which the hinge structure 300 is secured, has been moved from the closed position. In addition, the security seal 92 and its association with the hinge members 40, 60 will inhibit inadvertent movement of the door 20, 22 to which the hinge structure is secured out of the closed position. A second embodiment of a security apparatus for the hinge structure 300 is generally identified in FIGS. 9 and 10 by the reference numeral 190. The security apparatus 190 is arranged in operable combination with the hinge members 40 and 60 of the hinge structure 300. As shown in the form of example in Figure 10, the safety apparatus 190 is disposed in the predetermined path of the hinge member 40 as the door 20, 22 moves to which the hinge structure 300 is secured. from the closed position. As with the apparatus 90, the security apparatus 190 detects and provides a visual indication of whether the door 20, 22 to which the hinge structure 300 is secured has been moved from the closed position and relative to the door frame. from carag
14. In the example shown in Figure 9, the apparatus 190 includes a multi-piece bolt assembly 192 arranged in operational combination with the hinge members 40 and 60 to detect and indicate whether the door 20, 22 to which the structure is secured hinge 300 has moved from the closed position and relative to frame 14. Since safety apparatus 190 is disposed in the path of hinge member 40 to which it is secured hinge structure 300 moves from the closed position , the security apparatus 190 further inhibits the movement of the door from the closed position. Bolt assembly 192 can have any conventional design. Suffice it to say, the bolt assembly 192 is designed as a load seal and includes separate head pieces 193, 193 'operationally joined in mutually coaxial overall relation and which then requires the pieces 193, 193' to break relative mutual to release the charge seal. An example of such a multi-piece bolt assembly suitable for use as a safety appliance 190 is sold by American Casting & Manufacturing Corporation in Plainview, New York under the BLT-1 models; IPBLT-2; PBL-W or PBLT-1. Of course, other suitable two-piece bolt assemblies can be used without diminishing or departing from the spirit and scope of the description. In the embodiment illustrated as an example in Figures 11 to 13, the hinge member 60 of the hinge structure 300 includes a
mounting portion 64 and a pair of openings 196, 196 'which, in the manner illustrated, are defined by upper and lower pins 68, 70, respectively, of member 60. Openings 196, 196' are arranged in a radially spaced relation of the apertures 74, 74 'in the spikes 68, 70, respectively. Preferably, the openings 196, 196 'are in mutual relative axial alignment and are arranged to house and position the bolt assembly 192 of the safety apparatus 190 in the predetermined path of and to one side of the front face 48' of the hinge member. 40. With this design, the seal piece 193 is inserted down through the opening 196 and the seal piece 193 'is inserted upwardly through the opening 196'; with the opposite ends of the pieces 193, 193 operatively connected between the upper and lower pegs 68, 70, respectively of the member 60. The preferred head design of each seal piece 193, 193 'limits the axial insertion and subsequent removal of the seal pieces 193, 193 'of their operational connection and association with the hinge structure 300.
As will be appreciated from the exemplary illustration of Figure 14, the bolt assembly 192 is specifically designed and positioned to allow only limited or acceptable movement of the hinge member 40 relative to the hinge member 60 and relative to the frame 14 before the bolt assembly 192 is broken, thus indicating that the door 20, 22 to which the hinge structure 300 is secured has been moved from its closed position. In addition, the bolt assembly 192 and its operational association with the hinge members 40, 60
they will inhibit inadvertent movement of the door 20, 22 to which the hinge structure 300 is secured out of the closed position.
In summary, the security apparatus of the present disclosure, in any form, serves several useful purposes. First, and since the security apparatus is disposed in the predetermined path of the loading door 20, 22 moving to an open position, the security apparatus serves to inhibit or prevent inadvertent movement of the loading door 20, 22, to which the hinge structure 300 is secured, from the closed position to a predetermined or acceptable limit. Second, and when entry to the housing 12 is desired through the doors 20, 22, proper movement of the loading door 20, 22 from its closed position towards the open position and relative to the frame 14 will result in the appliance being broken of security. Of course, the breaking of the security apparatus provides an immediate and clearly visible indicator that the loading door 20, 22 to which the hinge structure 300 is mounted has been moved from the closed position and beyond the predetermined acceptable limit and relative to the frame 14. As such, an early detection can be appreciated that the door 20, 22 has been moved. Additionally, the breaking of the security apparatus can generate a more accurate indication of the time of the theft and / or damage of the cargo. The security apparatus of the present disclosure also provides a clear indicator of the location where the damage to the cargo occurred. Of course, any of these advantageous features allows a report
early helping in the effort to reduce theft and damage of cargo. From the foregoing, it will be noted that numerous modifications and variations can be made without departing from or diminishing the true spirit and novel concept of the present disclosure. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that the present description is intended to show exemplifications which are not intended to limit the description to the specific illustrated modes. Instead, this description is intended to cover, through the appended claims, all those modifications and variations that are within the spirit and scope of the claims.