WO2016026001A1

WO2016026001A1 - Removable lid for a transport structure, transport system and associated method

Info

Publication number: WO2016026001A1
Application number: PCT/AU2015/050474
Authority: WO
Inventors: Anthony James MCMICHAEL; Adrian Patrick HOWARD
Original assignee: Ics Investment Holdings Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2014-08-22
Filing date: 2015-08-19
Publication date: 2016-02-25

Abstract

A lid (10) for a transport structure (11), the transport structure (11) being adapted to support the lid (11) and provide a space (56) in which an article (30) is receivable, the lid (10) being moveable between an attached condition in which the lid (10) is supported and coupled to the transport structure (11) and a removed condition in which the lid (10) is detached from the transport structure (11). The lid (10) includes at least one coupling (26) arranged to couple with the article (30) such that the article (30) is suspended from and carried by the lid (10) when the lid (10) is moved between the removed and the attached conditions. A shipping or transport system and associated methods of use are also disclosed.

Description

Removable Lid for a Transport Structure, Transport System and Associated

Method

Technical Field

[001] The invention relates to a removable lid for a transport structure such as a shipping container or rail wagon. The invention also relates to a transport structure such as a shipping container or rail wagon having a removable lid, a transport system and an associated method of use.

Background

[002] Open top shipping containers or rail wagons include a container body arranged to support a removable roof. Some open top shipping containers or rail wagons include four fixed walls which are arranged to define a receptacle in which goods are received and the four fixed walls are adapted to support and couple with the removable roof.

[003] In use, such open top shipping containers or rail wagons are filled at a first location and then transported to a second location where the container is emptied. In particular, in some instances, the container body is filled with a bulk or granular material at the first location. The removable lid is then fitted to the container body to contain the material therein. The container or wagon is then transported to the second location where the lid is removed and the container or wagon is emptied. The lid is then refitted to the now emptied container or wagon and the container or wagon is returned to the first location or other location.

[004] A problem with these open top shipping containers or wagons is that the container or wagon is difficult to efficiently re-load with cargo for the return or ongoing journey once the container or wagon is emptied of the bulk or granular material. There is currently no efficient method of removing cargo from the shipping container or rail wagon once the container or wagon arrives back at the mine. Another problem with cargo being re-stowed into the shipping container or rail wagon for the return journey is there is no way to safely secure the cargo inside the receptacle to stop it shifting during transportation. Accordingly, these open top shipping containers and rail wagons often are returned empty which is costly and inefficient.

[005] The invention disclosed herein seeks to overcome one or more of the above identified problems or at least provide a useful alternative.

Summary

[006] In accordance with a first main aspect there is provided, a lid for a transport structure. The transport structure may be provided in a variety of forms including a shipping container, rack style shipping container, rail wagon or other suitable structure for supporting a removable lid. The transport structure being adapted to support the lid and provide a receptacle or space in which an article, such as a cargo article, is receivable. The lid may be moveable between an attached condition in which the lid is supported and coupled to the supporting transport structure and a removed condition in which the removable lid is detached from the transport structure. The lid includes at least one coupling arranged to couple with the article such that the article is suspended from and carried by the lid when the lid is moved between the removed and the attached conditions.

[007] In one aspect, the lid includes a lid body adapted to be lifted by a machine at a lifting location and wherein the at least one coupling is attached to an underside of the lid body.

[008] In another aspect, the lid body includes a structural member arranged to stiffen the lid body between the at least one coupling and the lifting location.

[009] In yet another aspect, the underside of the lid body includes a plurality of spaced apart couplings adapted to suspend one or more articles therefrom, and wherein the lid body includes a plurality of structural members arranged to stiffen the lid body between the plurality of spaced apart couplings and the lifting location. [0010] In yet another aspect, the machine is a forklift and the lid body includes two spaced apart lifting channels adapted to be lifted by the forklift.

[0011] In yet another aspect, the plurality of spaced apart couplings include inner couplings located along an underside of the lid body beneath the two spaced apart lifting locations, and wherein two structural members are provided between the inner couplings and the lifting locations.

[0012] In yet another aspect, the plurality of spaced apart couplings include outer couplings located along the underside of the lid body remote to the two spaced apart lifting locations and toward opposing ends of the lid body, and wherein at least one structural member is arranged to extend between the outer couplings and the lifting locations.

[0013] In yet another aspect, the plurality of spaced apart couplings are provided in the form of eyelets.

[0014] In yet another aspect, the article is provided in the form of at least one of a container, vessel, tank, bag, pallet and platform.

[0015] In yet another aspect, the lid includes a releasable coupling mechanism adapted to secure the lid with the transport structure in the attached condition.

[0016] In accordance with a second main aspect there is provided, a lid assembly including a lid as defined above, a collapsible bladder suitable to contain a liquid and a tethering arrangement to couple the collapsible bladder to an underside of the lid, wherein the lid includes an aperture arranged to communicate with a conduit associated with the bladder, and wherein the bladder is moveable between a deployed condition in which liquid is containable in the bladder to stowed condition in which the bladder is at least partially collapsed and elevated relative to its deployed condition toward the underside of the lid.

[0017] In accordance with a third main aspect there is provided, a shipping container including a removable lid as described above. [0018] In accordance with a fourth main aspect there is provided, a rail wagon including a removable lid as described above.

[0019] In accordance with a fifth main aspect there is provided, a flat rack including a removable lid as described above.

[0020] In accordance with a sixth main aspect there is provided, a shipping system including a removable lid as described above and a platform arranged to be suspended from the at least one coupling of the removable lid.

[0021] In one aspect, the system further includes a stand arranged to support the removable lid in the detached condition in an elevated position above a surface so as to allow releasable attachment of the platform and the removable lid.

[0022] In another aspect, the platform includes at least one attachment point and wherein the system includes a tether arranged to connect the at least one attachment point to the at least one coupling of the removable lid.

[0023] In another aspect, the tether is arranged to have a length slightly longer than the length between the lid and a base of the container so as to allow the platform to be seated in the attached condition on the base of a container, and become taut when the lid is lifted to the removed condition suspending the article therefrom.

[0024] In accordance with a seventh main aspect there is provided, a shipping or transport system including a removable lid as defined above and a stand arranged to support the removable lid in the detached condition in an elevated position above a surface so as to allow releasable attachment of the article and the removable lid.

[0025] In one aspect, the shipping system further includes a container having supports extending from a base on which the removable lid is seated in the attached condition, and wherein the stand is arranged to support the removable lid in the detached condition in the elevated position at a height above a surface similar to a height between the base and the removable lid in the attached condition. [0026] In accordance with a eighth main aspect there is provided a method for the carriage of an article in a shipping container having a removable lid, the method including the steps of: coupling an article to an underside of a removable lid in a removed condition, and lifting the removable lid into an attached condition in which the article is carried by the lid into the shipping container and the lid is attached to the container.

[0027] In one aspect, the method includes the step of connecting a tether between the article and a coupling located on an underside of the removable lid, the tether being arranged to have a length slightly longer than the length between the lid and a base of the shipping container in the attached condition so as to allow the article to be seated in the attached condition on the base of the shipping container, and be taut when the lid in the removed condition.

[0028] In another aspect, the method further includes the steps of, in the removed condition, coupling a platform to the underside of the lid, the platform being adapted to support one or more articles thereon.

[0029] In another aspect, the method includes the step of: supporting the removable lid in the removed condition with a stand arranged to support the removable lid in an elevated position above a surface.

[0030] In accordance with a ninth main aspect there is provided shipping system including a removable lid as defined above and a plurality of cages arranged to be suspended from a plurality of couplings of the removable lid.

[0031] In an aspect, the lid is dimensioned to fit with an opening of a rail wagon and the cage includes a door moveable to load cargo within the cage.

[0032] In another aspect, the lid includes a plurality of coupling members which are arranged to be received in a fitted condition within coupling apertures of the plurality cages. [0033] In yet another aspect, the article is a collapsible bladder suitable to contain a liquid coupled to the underside of the removable lid, and wherein the method includes the step of: communicating a liquid with the bladder via a conduit accessible from a topside of the removable lid.

[0034] In yet another aspect, the method includes the step of: moving the bladder from a deployed condition in which liquid is containable in the bladder to a stowed condition in which the bladder is at least partially collapsed an elevated relative to its deployed condition toward the underside of the lid.

[0035] In accordance with a tenth main aspect there is provided a method for transportation using a transport structure having a removable lid, the method including the steps of: At a first location, loading the transport structure with a material to be transported such as a granular material and coupling the lid to the transport structure in an attached condition; Transporting the transport structure to a second receiving location; At the second receiving location, moving the lid to a removed condition and removing the material from the transport structure; Coupling a cargo article to an underside of the lid in the removed condition, and lifting the lid into the attached condition in which the cargo article is carried by the lid into the transport structure and the lid is coupled to the container. The method may include transporting transport structure back to the first location or a further location and then moving the lid back to the removed condition thereby removing the cargo article carried by the lid from the transport structure.

Brief Description of the Figures

[0036] The invention is described, by way of non-limiting example only, by reference to the accompanying figures, in which;

[0037] Figure 1 is a perspective top side view of a lid for a shipping container having coupling mechanisms to coupled the lid with the shipping container;

[0038] Figure 2 is a perspective underside view of the lid with the coupling mechanisms removed; [0039] Figure 3 is a perspective underside view of a second example of the lid with the coupling mechanisms removed;

[0040] Figure 4a is a perspective cutaway view of the lid coupled to a shipping container and having articles coupled to the underside of the lid;

[0041] Figure 4b is a perspective cutaway view of the lid de-coupled from the shipping container and having articles coupled to and suspended from the underside of the lid;

[0042] Figure 5a is a perspective cutaway view of the lid coupled to a rail wagon and having a platform coupled to the underside of the lid and articles supported on the platform;

[0043] Figure 5b is a perspective cutaway view of the lid de-coupled from the rail wagon and having the platform suspended from the underside of the lid;

[0044] Figure 6a is a perspective view of the lid having a platform suspended from the underside of the lid on which articles are supported;

[0045] Figure 6b is a perspective view of the lid having articles in the form of bulk bags suspended from couplings on the underside of the lid;

[0046] Figure 6c is a perspective view of the lid having a platform suspended from the underside of the lid on which articles in the form of barrels are supported;

[0047] Figure 6d is a perspective view of the lid having a articles in the form of cable rolls or steel coil suspended from couplings on the underside of the lid;

[0048] Figure 6e is a perspective view of the lid fitted to a flat rack style shipping container, the flat rack providing a platform on which the article in the form of an engine is supported; [0049] Figure 6f is a perspective view of the lid having an article in the form of a basket suspended from couplings on the underside of the lid;

[0050] Figure 6g is a perspective view of the lid having an article in the form of a tank suspended from couplings on the underside of the lid, this tank can be solid or collapsible;

[0051] Figure 6h is a perspective view of the lid having the tank suspended from couplings on the underside of the lid, in this example the tank is collapsible and is shown in a collapsed or stowed condition;

[0052] Figure 7a is a perspective view illustrating a stand assembly for supporting the lid;

[0053] Figure 7b is a perspective view illustrating the support assembly for the lid having the platform fitted between opposing stands of the stand assembly;

[0054] Figure 7c is a perspective view illustrating the lid supported by the stand assembly with the platform coupled to the lid;

[0055] Figure 8a is perspective view illustrating another example of lid adapted to couple with a series of cages;

[0056] Figure 8b is perspective view illustrating the lid coupled with the series of cages in a coupled condition;

[0057] Figure 8c is perspective view illustrating the lid coupled with the series of cages being fitted to a rail wagon;

[0058] Figure 8d is perspective view illustrating the lid coupled with the series of cages fitted within the rail wagon;

[0059] Figure 8d is perspective view illustrating the lid coupled with the series of cages fitted within the rail wagon; [0060] Figures 8e, 8f and 8g are perspective views illustrating the loading and transportation of the cages;

[0061] Figures 9a and 9b are perspective views illustrating a further example of lid in which a centre region of the lid is adapted to support a further articular seated thereon; and

[0062] Figure 10a is a top view illustrating still a further example of the lid having structural members and coupling mechanisms; and

[0063] Figures 10b and 10c are sectional views along section 10b- 10b and 10c- 10c respectively as indicated on Figure 10a.

Detailed Description

[0064] Referring to Figure 1 to 3, there is shown a removable lid or roof 10 for a transport structure 11. The transport structure 11 may be provided in the form of a shipping container 12 as shown in Figure 4a and 4b or other suitable structure such as an open top container, flat rack, wagon or the like.

[0065] The lid 10 includes a lid body 14 having a topside 16, and underside 18, opposing sides 20, and opposing ends 22. The lid body 14 is adapted to be lifted by a machine, in this example a forklift (not shown), and includes lifting portions or locations 24 into which the fork of the forklift is receivable to move or lift the lid 10. The lid 10 includes at least one coupling or attachment point 26 which is accessible from the underside 18 of the lid 10 and to which articles 30, such as those shown in Figures 4a and 4b, may be coupled and suspended from in use.

[0066] The lid 10 includes a skirting frame 32 that extends along the opposing sides 20 and the opposing ends 22. The lifting portions 24 are provided in the form of elongate rectangular lifting channels 34 which are located on either side of a centre of the lid 10 and extend substantially between the opposing sides 20. It is noted that in some examples the lifting portions 24 may be a set of spaced apart and aligned upside-down U-shaped couplings that provide apertures through which forks of the forklift are received when lifting the lid 10. The lid 10 includes structural supports or members 36 which extend between the opposing sides 20 to stiffen and re-enforce the lid 10. Pressed plate steel 41 provides the remainder of the lid 10 surfaces and is used to substantially seal the lid 10 around and between the structural supports 36 and the lifting channels 34.

[0067] The lid 10 may include releasable coupling mechanisms 21 arranged to engage with the transport structure 11 to secure or lock the lid 10 to the transport structure 11. In this example, the coupling mechanisms 21 include an arm 23 pivotally coupled to the lid 10 proximate the skirting frame 32. Accordingly, the coupling mechanisms 21 is movable between a locked or secured condition in which the lid 10 is secured to the transport structure 11, and disengaged condition in which the lid 10 is removable from the transport structure 11.

[0068] The arm 23 has an L shaped body 25 with a first section 19 pivotally coupled to the lid 10 and a second section 27 arranged to extend beneath the skirting frame 32. The second section 27 including a hook or engaging end 29 arranged to bear in a secured condition with an underside of a horizontal beam 13 of the transport structure 11 as shown in Figure 4b. It is noted that the coupling mechanisms 21 are not shown on all drawings. However, each of the lids 10 disclosed herein may include such coupling mechanisms 21 in various arrangements to secure the lid 10 to the transportation structure 11.

[0069] In the example, shown in Figure 2, the structural supports 36 are provided in the form of beams 40 which are arranged to extend beneath the lifting channels 34. The beams 40 connect to the skirting frame 32 on the opposing sides 20. The couplings 26 are provided in the form eyelets 42 which are coupled to and extend from the underside of the beams 40. In this example, three eyelets 42 are provided per beam 40. However, other arrangements are also possible such as only one eyelet 42 per beam or multiple eyelets 42 per beam.

[0070] In the example, shown in Figure 3, the structural supports 36 are provided in the form of inner beams 43 and outer beams 45 which are arranged to extend beneath the lifting channels 34. The outer beams 45 are provided toward the opposing ends 22 and laterally spaced apart from inner beams 43 extending beneath the lifting channels 34. The inner and outer beams 43, 45 connect to the skirting frame 32 on the opposing sides 20. This provides a lengthwise load path between the outer beams 45 and the inner beams 43 which are coupled directly or adjacent to the lifting channels 34. The lid 10 may also include a central lengthwise beam 47 such as I-beam arranged to interconnect the inner and outer beams 43, 45. The inner and outer beams 43, 45 may be configured in a similar way to one another with each beam 40 having three eyelets equally spaced along each of the beams 40. This provides multiple attachment points or coupled to which articles, such as those shown below in Figures 4 and 4a, may be coupled.

[0071] The lid 10 as shown in Figures 1 to 3, may be formed form steel including a steel frame made from steel beams including stiffening I-beams and plate steel sections located between the frame and beams to seal the lid.

[0072] Referring to Figures 4a and 4b, the shipping container 12 is an open top style container including a container body 50 having a base 52 and supporting structures in the form of walls 54 which define a receptacle or space 56 in which the articles 30 may be received. The lid 10 being moveable between an attached condition, as shown in Figure 4, in which the lid 10 is supported by and coupled to the supporting walls 54 and a removed condition, shown in Figure 4a in which the removable lid is detached from the container body 50. The container 12 may be a 20 foot (about 6.1 meters in length) or a 40 foot container (about 12 meters in length). The width of the container 12 may be about 2.4 meters and the height of the container may vary between about 1 metre and 3 metres.

[0073] The article 30 may be in the form of a platform 58, in this example a pallet 60, which is coupled via tethers 62, in this example being chains 64, to the eyelets 42. The platform 58 supports further articles 30 to be carried such as drums, blocks and parts as a further described in the examples below. The walls 54 of the container body 12 include four corner members 55. Each of the four corner members 55 includes a releasable locking mechanism 57 that is arranged to coupled with the lid 10 in the attached condition to secure or lock the lid 10 to the container body 12. [0074] The platform 58 may also include coupling points 59, and the tethers 62 extend between the attachment points 59 of the platform 58 and the respective eyelets 42. The platform 58 has a length and width to fit with and be receivable by the container body 50. In this example, the length of the tethers 62 is such that in the attached condition, the platform 58 rests on the base 52 of the container body 50, and the tethers 62 are slightly slack. Accordingly, the tethers 62 are slightly longer than the distance between the base 52 and the underside 18 of the lid 10. The tethers 62 thereby functioning to secure the platform 58 in the attached condition. In the removed condition, as shown in Figure 4a, the tethers 62 become taut and the platform 58 is lifted or carried by the lid 10.

[0075] It may be appreciated that the lid 10, platform 58, tethers 62 and the container 12 function together as a shipping system 80 and the lid 10 may be utilised with a variety of platform configurations or similar structures to carry materials such as bags, tanks, baskets, timber logs as is further detailed below.

[0076] Referring now to Figures 5a and 5b, there is shown an example of a rail car 70 including a container 12. The container 12 may be integral to the rail car 70 or loaded separately onto the rail car 70. In this example, the platform 58 has a length and width similar to the container 12 and is adapted to support a plurality of articles 30 in the form of drums 74. The platform 58 includes coupling points 59 and the tethers 62, in the form of chains 64, extend between the coupling points 59 of the platform 58 and the respective eyelets 42 on the underside 18 of the lid 10.

[0077] In this example, the platform 58 may be specially adapted to be lifted by the lid 10 and the coupling points 59 are vertically aligned in use with the respective coupling points 59. The platform 58 may include skirting walls 76 and a base 78 which are each respectively arranged to contain and support the articles 30. In this respect, it may be appreciated that the platform 58 and the lid 10 function with one another to provide shipping system 100 which enables the transport of goods supported by the platform 58 within the container 12.

[0078] Referring now to Figures 6a to 6e, there are provided further examples of the types of articles 30 that may be carried by the lid 10 such as engine blocks 110 supported by a platform 58 as shown in Figure 6a, bulk bags 120 as shown in Figure 6b directly connected to the eyelets 42 via an intermediate tether 122, drums 130 as shown in 6c supported by a platform 58, and wire rolls or steel coil 140 supported by tethers 142 as shown in Figure 6d.

[0079] Referring more specifically to Figure 6c, the platform 58 may be specifically adapted for use with the lid 10 and the attachment points 59 arranged to align with the couplings 26 provided in the form of the eyelets 42 and the chains 64 arranged to couple between the attachment points 59 and the eyelets 42. In this example, platform 58 provides a tray 132 having a base 134 and a skirting rim or wall 136 extending upwardly from the base 134. In this example, the platform 58 and lid 10 form a shipping system 138 or part of a shipping system 138. The shipping system 138 may also include the container 12 adapted to fit with the lid 10 and the tethers or chains 64.

[0080] Figure 6e shows another variation where the shipping container 12 is provided in the form of a flat rack style container 150. The flat rack container 150 includes a base 152 and four supporting corner posts or members 154. The lid 10 is then coupled and support by the members 154 in the attached condition as is shown in Figure 6e to the four members 154.

[0081] Referring to Figures 6f, there is shown an article 30 in the form of basket 160 in which further articles such as loose parts or materials may be received and contained. The basket 160 including coupling eyelets 162 which are connected via a tether 164 to the respective eyelets 42 on the underside 18 the lid 10. The basket 160 includes a base 165 having channels 166 adapted to be lifted by a forklift. In this example, the basket 160 and lid 10 form a shipping system 168 or part of a shipping system 168. The shipping system 168 may also include the container 12 adapted to fit with the lid 10 and the tethers or chains 64.

[0082] Referring to Figures 6g and 6h, there is shown a further example where the article 30 is provide in in form of a tank or vessel 170 in which fluid such as a liquid or gas is able to be contained and transported in the vessel 170. In this example, the vessel 170 may be secured by a tethering arrangement 172 include girth straps 174 and tethers 176 which extend between the girth straps 174 and the corresponding eyelets 42 on the underside 18 the lid 10.

[0083] The vessel 170 includes an opening 171 for pressure relief or filling of the tank or vessel 170 and the lid 10 includes a corresponding aperture 178. A conduit 180 is arranged to extend from the topside 16 of the lid 10 through the aperture 178 and into the opening 171. The conduit 180 may be sealed with a lid or cap 182 and may be used to fill the vessel 170.

[0084] In this example, the vessel 170 is provided in the form of a collapsible fuel bladder made from polyurethane. Accordingly, the vessel 170 is moveable between an expanded or deployed condition, as shown in Figure 6g, and a contracted or stowed condition as shown in Figure 6g. In the deployed condition, the vessel 170 may be filled with fuel and the tethering arrangement 172 is adjusted to that the vessel 170 is suspended lengthwise beneath the lid 12.

[0085] In the stowed condition, the tethering arrangement 172 is may be tightened to compress any air from the vessel 170. The conduit 180 may remain in place provide the conduit 180 is relatively short. However, in some example, the conduit 180 may be flexible, collapsible or disengaged to pass into the stowed vessel 170 to allow the stowed vessel 170 to be raised adjacent the lid 10. More specifically, in the stowed condition, the girth straps 174 are tightened or shortened to compress the vessel 170, and the tethers 176 are tightened or shortened to elevate the vessel 170 proximate the underside 18 of the lid 12. The reduced volume of the vessel 170 allows the lid 10 to still be used when the transport structure 11 is used to transport other goods such as material from a mine site.

[0086] Turning now to further methods of use, the lid 10 and the transport structure 11 in the form of the container 12 may be utilised in method for the shipping or carriage of the article 30 including the steps of: coupling the article 30 to the underside 18 of the lid 10 in a removed condition, and lifting the lid 10 into an attached or coupled condition in which the article 30 is carried by the lid 10 into the container and the lid 10 is attached or coupled to the container 12. The article 30 may be a bag, basket, vessel, pallet or platform, the step of coupling may include attaching a tether between the article 30 and the coupling 26 on the underside 18 of the lid 10. It is noted that the article 30 may be secured to more than one coupling. For example, an article 30 that may be a bag may be secured to one main eyelet 42 and also two secondary adjacent eyelets 42 to further restrict the movement of the bag that could reduce the possibility of damage during transit.

[0087] In more detail, the article 30 may be located at a first location external to the container 12. A tether 62 may then be fitted to the article 30 in anticipation of being connected to the eyelets 42 of the lid 10. Accordingly, the length of the tether 62 is sized such that the article 30 rests on the base 52 of the container 12 when the lid 10 is in the attached condition as, for example shown in Figure 4, and the tether 62 becomes tight to lift the article 30 when the lid 10 is raised to the removed condition as is, for example, shown in Figure 4a. The lid 10 may then be moved over the article 30, typically, via a forklift actuating the lifting channels 34. The tether 62 is then coupled to the eyelets 42.

[0088] The forklift then lifts the lid 10 until the tethers 62 are tight and the article 30 is lifted. The lid 10 and the lifted article 30 are then moved over the container 12 and the article 30 is lowered onto the base 52 of the container 12, and the lid 10 is aligned with and coupled to the supporting walls 54 of the container 12. In some examples, the coupling includes actuating the coupling mechanisms 21 between the disengaged condition in which the lid 10 is removable from the transport structure 11, and the locked or secured condition in which the lid 10 is secured to the transport structure 11, more specially, the beams 13 that skirt the supporting walls 54 of the container 12

[0089] The lid 10 is now in the attached condition and the tethers 62 may be slightly slack such that the article 30 bears or rests on the base 52 of the container 12 that assists to inhibit the article 30 sliding within the container 12. The article 30 now being in a received second location within the container 12.

[0090] In some examples, the method may further include the steps of, in the removed condition, coupling the platform 58 to the underside 18 of the lid 10 such that platform 58 is carried by the lid 10. The platform 58 may then be loaded with one or more further articles 30 thereon. The method may include the lid 10 being pre- coupled with the platform 58 or another lifting arrangement such as the basket 160 as shown in Figure 6f. In other examples, the method may include the steps of moving the lid 10 over the associated platform 58 or another lifting arrangement such as the basket 160.

[0091] The platform 58 or another lifting arrangement such as the basket 160 may be pre-loaded with further articles 30. For example, the basket 160 may be filled with grinding media. The tether 62 may then be secured between respective couplings of the platform 58 or basket 160 and the lid 10.

[0092] In some examples, the method may including lifting the 58 platform or basket 160 via further lifting channels provide at respective bases of the platform 58 or basket 160 such that the 58 platform or basket 160 may be moved independently of the lid 10 prior to or after being tethered to the lid 10.

[0093] In other examples, such as that shown in Figures 6f and 6h, the suspended article 30 is the vessel 170 and the method may include the step of suspending the vessel 170 below the lid 10 via the tethering arrangement 172 and then fitting the conduit 180 between an aperture 178 of the lid 10 and an opening 171 of the vessel 170. The method may then include moving the vessel 170 by lifting the lid 10 to the attached condition, and then once in the attached condition, proceeding to fill the vessel 170.

[0094] When the vessel 170 is in its collapsible form, such as being a collapsible fuel bladder, the vessel 170 enables the lid 10 to be utilised in a method of transporting materials in which materials may be transported in the transport structure 11 to which the lid 10 is coupled. For example, mined ore material may be transported from the mine site to the port when the vessel 170 in the stowed condition in which the tethering arrangement 172 is tightened or shortened to elevate the vessel 170 along an underside 18 of the lid 10.

[0095] Then, when the material is removed from the transport structure 11, the method may include the vessel 170 being moved to the deployed condition, by loosing or lengthening the tethering arrangement 172, and the vessel 170 may be filled with fuel or the like via the conduit 180. The transport structure 11 to which the lid 10 is coupled may then be transported back to the mine site with a load of fuel rather than an ordinarily empty transport structure 11.

[0096] Accordingly, the vessel 170 in its collapsible form provides transportation efficiency advantages by utilising otherwise unused transportation space. Once returned at the mine site, the method may include removing the fuel from the vessel 170 and moving the vessel 170 to the stowed condition. The lid 10 may then again be utilised with the transport structure 11 filled with material such as ore from the mine site.

[0097] Referring now to Figures 7a to 7c, there is shown a stand or support assembly 200 for supporting the lid 10 when the lid 10 is removed or detached from the shipping container 12 or other container, wagon or structure to which the lid 10 is secured in a fitted or attached condition.

[0098] The stand assembly 200 includes two opposing support stands 202 which are arranged to support or cradle the lid 10 in an elevated position above a surface, typically a ground surface, at a height similar to or slightly less than the height of the lid 12 from the floor of the base 52 of the container 12 to which the lid 10 is fitted in the fitted condition. This ensures that the tether 62, in the form of the chains 64, between the lid 10 and article 30, which in this case is the platform 58, is of a suitable length of such that when the lid 10 is fitted to the container 12 the platform 58 rest on the floor of the base 52 of the container 12 with the chains 64 being at least slightly slack. Of course, the height of the stand assembly 200 may vary depending on the type of cargo article 30. For example, in situations in which the cargo article 30 is always suspended from the lid 10, the height of the stand assembly 200 may be raised or lowered to allow ease of access to the cargo article 30 as need be.

[0099] The two opposing support stands 202 each include spaced apart legs 204 coupled together by triangulated bracing 206. The ground engaging ends 208 of the stands 202 each include a braced foot 210 arranged such that the stands 202 are each free standing and lid engaging ends 212 include pads or plates 214 arrange to support and allow the stable seating of the lid 10 on the two opposing support stands 202 in a supported condition. The braced feet 210 are arranged such that each of the two opposing support stands 202 include generally flush sides 216, between which platform 58 is fitted as shown in Figure 7b, and outward facing sides 218 which face away from the platform 58. The stand or support assembly 200 may be formed from mild steel sections which are welded together as shown in the Figures. It is noted that the stand assembly 200 may be unitary in construction and the two opposing support stands 202 may be attached to one another via a frame (not shown).

[00100] The stand or support assembly 200 may be incorporated into a system

300, shown in Figure 7c, which includes the lid 10 and the stand assembly 200. The system 300 may also include the container 12 and the platform 58. The lid 10, the stand assembly 200, the container 12 and the platform 58 may be each being sized to fit with one another so as to enable the loading and unloading of the container 12 in which the lid 10 is supported in the elevated condition when removed from the container 12.

[00101] In use, stand or support assembly 200 and any system 300 incorporating such a stand or support assembly 200 and the lid 10 is particularly advantageous during the loading and unloading of the container 12 because the lid 10 is safely supported in the elevated position in which the lid 10 is fully supported by the stand assembly enabling the articles 30 such as the platform 58 to be attached and detached from the lid 10. In particular, the height of the stand assembly 200 may be configured such that the tethers 62 may be attached and detached and also have a length suitable to rest the article 30 on the floor of the base 52 of the container 12.

[00102] A method of use may include arranging the support assembly 200 on a ground surface such that the stands 202 are positioned to support the lid 10 in an elevated position above a ground surface. The stands 202 are located at a pre-defined spaced apart distance to fit with and receive the article 30, in this example the platform 58, and also fit with and support the lid 10.

[00103] In a loading configuration, the article 30, in this example the platform

58, is fitted between the stands 202 and the lid 10 is located on the stands 202 thereby allowing the tethers 62 to couple the lid 10 and the platform 58. The lid 10 may then be lifted, also lifting the platform 58, and move to the fitted or attached condition within the container 12. In an unloading configuration, the lid 10 is lifted from the container 12 and the article 30, in this example the article 30, in this example the platform 58, is fitted between the stands 12. The lid 10 may then be lowered until the lid 10 is seated and supported on the stands 202. In this example, the platform 58 rests on a surface, which may be ground surface, between the stands 202. In this supported condition, the tethers 62 may be removed and the platform 58 may be removed, reloaded and interchanged as desired.

[00104] Referring now to Figures 8a to 8g, there is shown a further example of the removable lid or roof 10 for a transport structure shown in the form of a rail wagon 302 in Figures 8c and 8d. The lid 10 is configured in a similar manner to the lid described above in Figures 1 to 3 and like numerals denote like parts.

[00105] The lid 10 including a lid body 14 having a topside 16, and underside

18, opposing sides 20, and opposing ends 22. The lid body 14 is adapted to be lifted by a machine, in this example a forklift (not shown), and includes lifting portions or locations 24 into which the fork of the forklift is receivable to move or lift the lid 10. In this example, the lid 10 has an elongated shape to fit with an opening 309 of the rail wagon 302. The lid 10 includes structural members 36 in the form of beams 40 extending between opposing ends 22 of the lid 10 and between the lifting portions or locations 24.

[00106] The lid 10 includes a series of couplings 26 which are accessible from the underside 18 of the lid 10. In this example, the couplings are provided in the form of inward facing L-shaped members 304 extending from the underside 18. The L- shaped members 304 are arranged to couple with and support cargo articles 30 in the form of or loaded within cages or containers 306. Accordingly, the lid 10 functions to lift or suspend the cages when being loaded and unloaded from the rail wagon 302.

[00107] The cages or containers 306 include a generally square frame 308 and an opening door 311 through which articles 30 may be passed to be located within the cage 306. In this example, cages may be loaded with drums 313 or bags 315, although other cargo may be fitted or loaded with the cages 306. The cage frame 308 includes coupling points 310 located toward or at top corners 312 of the cage frame 308. Each of the coupling points 310 includes an aperture 314 or is otherwise arranged to coupled with and be supported by the L-shaped members 304 of the lid 10 in a coupled condition as is shown in Figure 8b. In this example, the coupling points 310 are provided in the form of a square structure 318 having one of the apertures 314 on each of its exposed faces 321 shown best in Figure 8e.

[00108] In the coupled condition, the cages 306 are suspended from the lid 10 and may be lowered or fitted within the rail wagon 302. The coupling points 310 are arranged to provide a space 320 between the cages 306 such that the cages 306 fit between dividers 322 within the rail wagon 302 as is best shown in 8c. In this respect, it is noted that the dimensions of the cages 306 are arranged to fit between the dividers 322.

[00109] In use, the door 111 of the cage 306 may be opened and cargo may be loaded and removed from the cage 306 as is best shown in Figures 8e and 8f. In some examples, the cage frame 308 may have an open top 324 and be tapered such that a plurality of cages 306 may be stacked and transported by, for example, a truck 326 as is shown in Figure 8g. The cages 306 be loaded and unloaded separately and may be interchanged. Accordingly, the lid 10 and cages 306 form a transport system 300 as is indicated in Figure 8a. Such a transport system 300 provides a great degree of flexibility of cargo type and loading options to utilise empty rail wagons for the transportation of cargo. In this example, the lid 10 and cage 306 may be formed from steel or other suitable material.

[00110] Referring now to Figures 9a and 9b, there is shown yet another example of the lid 10. In this example, the lid is substantially similar to the lid 10 as described in relation to Figure 1 to 3 and like numerals denote like parts that are not again described herein. However, in this example, the lid 10 is configured to support further articles 31 atop the lid 10.

[00111] In more detail, in this example, the topside 16 of the lid 10 includes a support structure 33 between the lifting portions or locations 24 on which the further article 31 may be seated. The support structure 33 includes two further beams 35 that span between and are coupled to the lifting portions or locations 24 that are provided here in the form of channels lifting channels 34. Further topside couplings 37 may also be provide in the topside 16 of the lid 10 to provide tie-down locations for further tethers 39 such as chains that may be used to secure the further articles 31 to the lid 10. Accordingly, a method of use may include coupling articles 30 to the underside 18 of the lid 10 as has been described above, and additionally include supporting and couplings further articles 31 atop the lid 10. Advantageously, in this example, both the underside 18 of the lid 10, and the associated space within the container 12 is utilised, as well as space on the topside 16 of the lid 10.

[00112] Referring now to Figure 10a to 10c, there is shown a further example of lid 10 and like numerals are used to denote like parts. It is noted that like parts are not again described here. In this example, the lid 10 has chamfered or angled corners 400 having a section 402 at an angled of about 45 degrees between the opposing ends 22 and opposing sides 20 of the lid 10. The angled corners 400 assist to locate the lid 10 relative the four-corner member 55 of the transport structure 11 in the form of the container 12.

[00113] In this example, the lid includes a downward facing channel 404 located laterally outwardly of the t skirting frame 32. The downward facing channel 404 may be seated on walls 54 of the transportation structure in the form of the container 12 so as to located the lid 10 with the container 12. An underside edge 408 of the lid 10 also includes an angled or chamfered surface 410 arranged to assist to direct the walls 54 of the transport structure 11 in the form of the container 12 outwardly to seat with and be received by the channel 404.

[00114] The four coupling mechanism 21 are located on the opposing sides 20 are arranged to engage with the transport structure 11 in the form of the container 12 in the attached condition. The lifting portions or locations 24 are provided in the form of spaced apart and aligned upside-down U-shaped couplings 406 that provide apertures through which forks of the forklift are received when lifting the lid 10.

[00115] Similar to the other example of the lid 10, the beam 40 extends along an underside 18 of the lid 10 immediately below the lifting portions or locations 24. The further couplings 37 on the topside 16 of the lid 10 are provided laterally of the lifting portions or locations 24 toward the opposing ends 22 and further structural supports 36 extend below the further coupling 37 to assist to stiffen the steel plate 41 that generally forms the topside 16 of the lid 10. In this example, the beam 40 is provided as a hollow square section beam. However, other suitable sections may be used.

[00116] In view of the above, it may be appreciated that the lid may be provided in a variety of forms having various structural arrangements, coupling mechanisms and coupling configurations that allow the lid 10 to be coupled to the transportation structure and also have sufficient strength to lift articles coupled to and carried on the underside and/or topside of the lid.

[00117] Advantageously, there has been described a lid for a transport structure such as an open top shipping container or rail wagon. The lid is adapted to carry a suspended load in the form of a cargo article. The articles may include bags, platforms, pallets, baskets and tanks. This lid arrangement allows an open top shipping container or rail wagon to be easily loaded and unloaded with a variety of cargo with the lid acting as load suspending beam between a lifting machine, in this example a forklift, and the lifted cargo article. The lid may also find use with a rack or rail carriage type of container.

[00118] It is currently common practice for open top shipping containers or rail wagons to be filled with bulk granular type materials at a first originating location and then transported to a second receiving location where the lid is removed and the granular materials are tipped or otherwise removed from the open top shipping container or rail wagon. The open top shipping containers or rail wagons are then typically returned to the first originating location or another location empty. It is possible that open top shipping containers or rail wagons could be filled with return cargo. However, this return cargo needs to be lifted via a crane into the container or wagon and then the lid fitted to the open top container or wagon. This is a two-step process (i.e lifting the cargo, and then lifting the lid) and also requires that a crane is available at the other end of the return journey to remove the return cargo. [00119] Accordingly, and most advantageously, the above described lid, container or transport systems and methods allow the cargo article to be carried by the lid such that movement of the lid between the attached condition and the removed condition also carries the suspended cargo article between a received condition inside the container or wagon and a removed condition outside the container or wagon. The tethering or coupling between the lid and the cargo article may also assist to at least partially secure the cargo article within the container during transportation. In particular, tether is slightly longer than the length between the base of the container and the couplings of the lid such that the tether is slightly slack in the attached condition and the cargo article rests on the floor of the base which inhibits movement of the cargo article and assist to secure the cargo article.

[00120] Therefore the lid may form part of an advantageous transportation method in which bulk granular type materials are received into the transport structure at the first originating location and then transported to the second receiving location where the lid is removed and the bulk granular type materials are removed from the transport structure. The lid may then be used to carry cargo items into the transport structure and secure these items within the transport structure for the return or onward journey thereby utilising the space within the transport structure.

[00121] The above-described lid may also form part of a transport or shipping system including the lid and a platform or other associated lifting arrangement such as a basket or cage. The platform, basket or cage may be filled or fitted with further cargo such as loose articles which thereby allowing the lid to carry a plurality of cargo articles. In some examples, a single lid may be used with interchangeable support platforms, for example, the platform shown in Figure 6c may be interchanged with the basket shown in Figure 6f thereby allowing a single lid the ability to carry multiple types of cargo articles. A tank or bladder such as the lid arrangement shown in Figures 6g and 6h may also be provided.

[00122] By using the lid to load/unload the cargo the materials or liquids being transported can be easily removed from the container or rail wagon at the destination as they remain secured to the lifting device while being transported. The tethers also act as a means of securing the cargo during transport which stops unwanted movement of the cargo, reducing damage to the cargo and the shipping container or rail wagons.

[00123] Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

[00124] The reference in this specification to any known matter or any prior publication is not, and should not be taken to be, an acknowledgment or admission or suggestion that the known matter or prior art publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the field to which this specification relates.

[00125] While specific examples of the invention have been described, it will be understood that the invention extends to alternative combinations of the features disclosed or evident from the disclosure provided herein.

[00126] Many and various modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention disclosed or evident from the disclosure provided herein.

Claims

The claims defining the Invention are as follows:

1. A lid for a transport structure, the transport structure being adapted to support the lid and provide a space in which an article is receivable, the lid being moveable between an attached condition in which the lid is supported and coupled to the transport structure and a removed condition in which the removable lid is detached from the transport structure; and

wherein the lid includes at least one coupling arranged to couple with the article such that the article is suspended from and carried by the lid when the lid is moved between the removed and the attached conditions.

2. The lid according to claim 1, wherein the lid includes a lid body adapted to be lifted by a machine at a lifting location and wherein the at least one coupling is attached to an underside of the lid body.

3. The lid according to claim 2, wherein the lid body includes a structural member arranged to stiffen the lid body between the at least one coupling and the lifting location.

4. The lid according to claim 3, wherein the underside of the lid body includes a plurality of spaced apart couplings adapted to suspend one or more articles therefrom, and wherein the lid body includes a plurality of structural members arranged to stiffen the lid body between the plurality of spaced apart couplings and the lifting location.

5. The lid according to claim 4, wherein the plurality of spaced apart couplings include inner couplings located along an underside of the lid body beneath the two spaced apart lifting locations, and wherein two structural members are provided between the inner couplings and the lifting locations.

6. The lid according to claim 5, wherein the plurality of spaced apart couplings include outer couplings located along the underside of the lid body remote to the two spaced apart lifting locations and toward opposing ends of the lid body, and wherein at least one structural member is arranged to extend between the outer couplings and the lifting locations.

7. The lid according to claim 6, wherein the plurality of spaced apart couplings are provided in the form of eyelets.

8. The lid according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the machine is a forklift and the lid body includes two spaced apart lifting channels adapted to be lifted by the forklift.

9. The lid according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the article is provided in the form of at least one of a container, vessel, bag, pallet and platform.

10. The lid according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the transport structure is one of a shipping container, rail wagon, rack or similar structure suitable to support the lid in the attached condition.

11. The lid according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the lid includes a releasable coupling mechanism adapted to secure the lid with the transport structure in the attached condition.

12. A lid assembly including a lid as defined in any one of claims 1 to 11, a collapsible bladder suitable to contain a liquid and a tethering arrangement to couple the collapsible bladder to an underside of the lid, wherein the lid includes an aperture arranged to communicate with a conduit associated with the bladder, and wherein the bladder is moveable between a deployed condition in which liquid is containable in the bladder to stowed condition in which the bladder is at least partially collapsed and elevated relative to its deployed condition toward the underside of the lid.

13. A shipping container including a removable lid as defined in any one of claims 1 to 11.

14. A flat rack including a removable lid as defined in any one of claims 1 to 11.

15. A rail wagon including a removable lid as defined in any one of claims 1 to 11.

16. A shipping system including a removable lid as defined in any one of claims 1 to 11 and a platform arranged to be suspended from the at least one coupling of the removable lid.

17. The shipping system according to claim 16, wherein the system further includes a stand arranged to support the removable lid in the detached condition in an elevated position above a surface so as to allow releasable attachment of the platform and the removable lid.

18. The shipping system according to claims 16 or 17, wherein the platform includes at least one attachment point and wherein the system includes a tether arranged to connect the at least one attachment point to the at least one coupling of the removable lid.

19. The shipping system according to claim 18, wherein the tether is arranged to have a length slightly longer than the length between the lid and a base of the container so as to allow the platform to be seated in the attached condition on the base of a container, and become taut when the lid is lifted to the removed condition suspending the article therefrom.

20. A shipping system including a removable lid as defined in any one of claims 1 to 11 and a stand arranged to support the removable lid in the detached condition in an elevated position above a surface so as to allow releasable attachment of the article and the removable lid.

21. The shipping system according to claim 20, wherein the shipping system further includes a container having supports extending from a base on which the removable lid is seated in the attached condition, and wherein the stand is arranged to support the removable lid in the detached condition in the elevated position at a height above a surface similar to a height between the base and the removable lid in the attached condition.

22. A shipping system including a removable lid as defined in any one of claims 1 to 11 and a plurality of cages arranged to be suspended from a plurality of couplings of the removable lid.

23. The shipping system according to claim 22, wherein the lid is dimensioned to fit with an opening of a rail wagon and the cage includes a door moveable to load cargo within the cage.

24. The shipping system according to claim 22, wherein the lid includes a plurality of coupling members which are arranged to be received in a fitted condition within coupling apertures of the plurality cages.

25. A method for the carriage of an article in a transportation structure having a removable lid, the method including the steps of:

a. coupling an article to an underside of the removable lid in a removed condition, and

b. lifting the removable lid into an attached condition in which the article is carried by the lid into the transportation structure and the lid is attached to the container.

26. The method according to claim 25 wherein the method includes the step of: connecting a tether between the article and a coupling located on an underside of the removable lid, the tether being arranged to have a length slightly longer than the length between the lid and a base of the transportation structure in the attached condition so as to allow the article to be seated in the attached condition on the base of the transportation structure , and be taut when the lid is in the removed condition.

27. The method according to claim 25 or claims 26, wherein the method further includes the steps of, in the removed condition, coupling a platform to the underside of the lid, the platform being adapted to support one or more articles thereon.

28. The method according to any one of claims 25 to 27, wherein the method includes the step of: supporting the removable lid in the removed condition with a stand arranged to support the removable lid in an elevated position above a surface.

29. The method according to any one of claims 25 to 27, wherein the article is a collapsible bladder suitable to contain a liquid coupled to the underside of the removable lid, and wherein the method includes the step of: communicating a liquid with the bladder via a conduit accessible from a topside of the removable lid.

30. The method according to claim 29, wherein the method includes the step of: moving the bladder from a deployed condition in which liquid is containable in the bladder to a stowed condition in which the bladder is at least partially collapsed an elevated relative to its deployed condition toward the underside of the lid.