Twist Lock Patents (Class 410/82)
  • Patent number: 11629005
    Abstract: The invention is a system for positioning and removably securing an intermodal container to an intermodal pallet. The system permits the container's longitudinal centerline to be offset from the longitudinal centerline of the pallet, while still providing sufficient support to the container. The invention is a removable system of adapters for positioning and securing a container to the surface of the pallet, and when the adapters are in place, define longitudinal and lateral boundaries for engagement with an intermodal container. A plurality of strap brace assemblies positioned on one side of the pallet to provide an offset anchor position for a plurality of flexible straps, which secure the container when it is positioned on the pallet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: Kalitta Air LLC
    Inventors: Conrad Kalitta, Steven Brewer
  • Patent number: 11608224
    Abstract: The present disclosure is a soft-shell cargo container that is ideal for “do-it-yourself” transport. The cargo container, which may be useful in a pickup truck bed, includes a single piece of a flexible shell material that defines a base panel, a front wall panel, back wall panel, two side wall panels, a top cover panel, and a tailgate panel. The cargo container is flexible and therefore adaptable to cover bulky or awkwardly shaped cargo. The cargo in the cargo container can be secured via interior fasteners, like loops, hooks, straps, and dividers. The cargo container can also be waterproof, fire retardant, puncture proof, and lockable. Thus, the cargo container protects belongings therein from weather damage, debris, and theft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: Seguro Products, LLC
    Inventors: Randall Fluke, Emily Fluke, Caroline Erck, John Erck, Austin Fluke
  • Patent number: 11484099
    Abstract: A fastening device includes at least one base portion and at least one fastener portion. The base portion is connected to a first object and the fastener portion is slidably assembled to the base portion. The fastener portion cooperates with the base portion to provide a locking and an unlocking function for connecting or disconnecting a second object to or from the base portion. With these arrangements, two objects can be repeatedly and quickly connected to or disconnected from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Assignee: FIVETECH TECHNOLOGY INC.
    Inventors: Ting-Jui Wang, Wei-Chen Huang, Yuan-Mu Lu
  • Patent number: 11472328
    Abstract: A container adapter for securing a container to a cargo section of a vehicle includes a frame, a plurality of brackets connected to the frame for securing the frame to the cargo section, and a plurality of locks formed on the frame configured to secure the frame to the container. The cargo section of the vehicle includes one or more attachments secured to a support surface, and at least two locks disposed on the attachments and spaced apart by a predetermined distance in a length direction. The at least two locks configured to engage the one or more containers. A trailer includes a cargo section having multiple bolsters, for use in the sand haul operation for example, the multiple bolsters including first, second and third bolsters spaced apart along a length direction, each bolster comprising two locks configured to engage a container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: Fontaine Trailer Company LLC
    Inventors: Bart Bolton, Allen Peacock, James Andrew Hendricks, Harold Painter
  • Patent number: 11167685
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to vehicle technology, and more particularly, to a vehicle for carrying a container. The vehicle includes: a vehicle body, at least one locking mechanism provided on the vehicle body and a microcontroller unit communicatively connected to each of the at least one locking mechanism and configured to control each of the at least one locking mechanism to switch between a locked state and an unlocked state. Each of the at least one locking mechanism is connected fixedly to the container when the locking mechanism is in the locked state, such that the container is fixed to the vehicle body. The vehicle is advantageous in that it is capable of locking and unlocking the container in a simple way, thereby improving the efficiency of the vehicle in transportation of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Assignee: BEIJING TUSEN WEILAI TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Xiaoping Gu, Chao Yan, Ming Wang, Jie Sun
  • Patent number: 11155404
    Abstract: A system for coupling a crab pot with another crab pot includes a first receiver mountable to a first crab pot, a second receiver mountable to a second crab pot, and a coupler operable to engage the first receiver and the second receiver to couple the first crab pot with the second crab pot. The first and second receivers, each include a hole. The coupler includes a first holding component operable to hold the first receiver when the first holding component is inserted into the hole of the first receiver, and a second holding component operable to hold the second receiver when the second holding component is inserted into the hole of the second receiver. The coupler also includes an appendage that, while the coupler couples the crab pots, allows a deckhand to grab or stand on to help him/her remain on the pots while he/she climbs on over and/or around the pots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Inventor: Eric Pedersen
  • Patent number: 10826156
    Abstract: A ballast system includes a frame having first and second sides, each having first and second openings to accept first and second outriggers extending therefrom and third and fourth openings to secure to an antenna tower base or one or more supplemental outriggers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: Maverick Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Eddy Dominguez
  • Patent number: 10611291
    Abstract: A railcar locking system includes an elongated tower having an outer rail configured to engage with a lower railcar via a restrain cone; a locking arm extending from the elongated tower; a first locking cone secured to the locking arm and configured to engage with the lower railcar; and a second locking cone secure to the locking arm and configured to engage with an upper railcar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Inventor: Thomas P. Kelly
  • Patent number: 9649971
    Abstract: A twistlock assembly includes a twistlock having a housing extending along a twistlock axis. A pin is coupled to the housing at a location lateral to the twistlock axis and extends along a pin axis. A pin supporting member is arranged coaxially with the pin, which is slideable along the pin axis with respect to the supporting member. The supporting member is coupled to a shipping unit proximate a female fitment having an aperture. By sliding the pin along the pin axis and rotating the twistlock around the pin axis, the twistlock is moved from a use position in which the twistlock axis is aligned with the aperture and the twistlock is seated on the fitment, to a stowed position in which the twistlock axis is located laterally with respect to the aperture and the twistlock is coupled to the shipping unit by way of the pin and supporting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: Fontaine Engineered Products, Inc.
    Inventor: John Clifford Denson
  • Patent number: 9527427
    Abstract: A container according the present application includes a container auto-lock system. The container auto-lock system is integrated into the outboard apertures of the lower castings of a domestic sized container. The container auto-lock system includes a locking mechanism which is configured to recess when the container is lowered onto a surface lacking an acceptable receiving aperture. The locking mechanism is also configured to automatically lock when placed on top of a domestic sized container. The container auto-lock system is configured to be compatible with international sized container by allowing the inboard apertures on each lower casting to be available for attaching the domestic container on top of an international container with a conventional locking device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: BNSF Railway Company
    Inventor: Thomas P. Kelly
  • Patent number: 9511704
    Abstract: An anchor comprises first, second and third flanges. A surface of the first flange facing the second flange defines a plane. A contour of the first flange projected onto the plane extending beyond a contour of the second flange projected onto the plane. A base connecting part includes the third flange and the second flange. An accessory connecting part operatively connected to the base connecting part includes the first flange. The third flange is movable relative to at least one of the first and second flanges between a first position and a second position. In the first position, a contour of the third flange projected onto the plane is contained within the contour of the second flange projected onto the plane. In the second position, the contour of the third flange projected onto the plane extends beyond the contour of the second flange projected onto the plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS INC.
    Inventors: Alain Massicotte, Ivan Brousseau, Francois Chenevert, Thierry Cotnoir, Vincent Tognon
  • Patent number: 9238430
    Abstract: A locking device for locking a container on a loading surface. A locking head of the mechanism protrudes through a standardized reception opening and projects above the loading surface to engage and behind a wall of a corner fitting of the container to lock the container on the loading surface. A grooved bushing is disposed below the standardized reception opening. The locking device is guided in the grooved bushing so that it can be lowered to a first position below the loading surface. The locking device is supported on the grooved bushing, protruding upwards beyond the loading surface, in a second position. A securing ring holds the locking device below the loading surface in a mounting opening in the first position. The locking device has a (semi-) automatic locking mechanism in a cylindrical housing. The cylindrical housing is guided through the grooved bushing, the mounting opening and the securing ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2016
    Assignee: Neuland Beton H. Burgis KG (GmbH & Co.)
    Inventor: Heinz-Ruediger Metternich
  • Patent number: 9067523
    Abstract: A container according the present application includes a container auto-lock system. The container auto-lock system is integrated into the outboard apertures of the lower castings of a domestic sized container. The container auto-lock system includes a locking mechanism which is configured to recess when the container is lowered onto a surface lacking an acceptable receiving aperture. The locking mechanism is also configured to automatically lock when placed on top of a domestic sized container. The container auto-lock system is configured to be compatible with international sized container by allowing the inboard apertures on each lower casting to be available for attaching the domestic container on top of an international container with a conventional locking device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: BNSF Railway Company
    Inventor: Thomas P. Kelly
  • Publication number: 20150147130
    Abstract: A locking device for locking a container on a loading surface. A locking head of the mechanism protrudes through a standardized reception opening and projects above the loading surface to engage and behind a wall of a corner fitting of the container to lock the container on the loading surface. A grooved bushing is disposed below the standardized reception opening. The locking device is guided in the grooved bushing so that it can be lowered to a first position below the loading surface. The locking device is supported on the grooved bushing, protruding upwards beyond the loading surface, in a second position. A securing ring holds the locking device below the loading surface in a mounting opening in the first position. The locking device has a (semi-) automatic locking mechanism in a cylindrical housing. The cylindrical housing is guided through the grooved bushing, the mounting opening and the securing ring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2013
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Inventor: Heinz-Ruediger Metternich
  • Patent number: 9021671
    Abstract: A slot gripper for removing twistlocks from container fittings or for inserting twistlocks into container fittings, comprising a twistlock receptacle, arranged in a receptacle plate and a tool that locks and unlocks twistlocks arranged in the twistlock receptacle by rotating, is characterized by two clamping jaws extending in the receptacle parallel to the receptacle plate and arranged opposite each other. A first pin extends from the receptacle plate at a right angle at the edge of the receptacle, a second pin is arranged on side of the first pin opposite the receptacle and extends from the receptacle plate at a right angle, and a rope guiding element extends from the receptacle plate at a right angle at the edge of the receptacle. The first pin, the second pin, and the rope guiding element are each supported against the force of a spring and can be lowered in the receptacle plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: KALP GmbH
    Inventor: Rainer Kapelski
  • Publication number: 20140314511
    Abstract: An interconnector for coupling together an adjacent pair of freight containers (100, 101) having ISO corner fittings (102). The interconnector has a rotatable shaft (405) and a pair of clamping heads (403, 404, 1100) provided at each end of the shaft (405). The shaft (405) is mounted within a housing (401) and the clamping heads (403, 404, 1100) are capable of axial rotation with the shaft (405) relative to the housing (401). One clamping head (403, 404, 1100) has a profiled guide surface to be rotatable by engaging contact with the ISO corner fitting (102). The clamping heads (403, 404, 1100) are biased to a clamping position by a bias actuator, such that the interconnector may be regarded as an automatic or semi-automatic twist lock interconnector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2012
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicant: Duraloc Limited
    Inventors: Kenneth Reynard, Stephen Reynard
  • Patent number: 8777531
    Abstract: An anchor comprises first, second and third flanges. A surface of the first flange facing the second flange defines a plane. A contour of the first flange projected onto the plane extending beyond a contour of the second flange projected onto the plane. A base connecting part includes the third flange and the second flange. An accessory connecting part operatively connected to the base connecting part includes the first flange. The third flange is movable relative to at least one of the first and second flanges between a first position and a second position. In the first position, a contour of the third flange projected onto the plane is contained within the contour of the second flange projected onto the plane. In the second position, the contour of the third flange projected onto the plane extends beyond the contour of the second flange projected onto the plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Bombardier Recreational Products Inc.
    Inventors: Alain Massicotte, Ivan Brousseau, Francois Chenevert, Thierry Cotnoir, Vincent Tognon
  • Patent number: 8562265
    Abstract: A manipulation device (5) for either securing a twist-lock to a shipping container or releasing it therefrom or both, the device (5) comprising an engagement element (20) operative to engage and rotate at least a portion of the twist-lock so as to secure the twist-lock in the shipping container or to release it therefrom; a support member (15) disposed above the an engagement element (20), the support member (15) being arranged to receive and support a mid region of the twist-lock while allowing a lower portion of the supported twist-lock to protect below the member to be engagable with the an engagement element (20), said support member (15) being in the form of a plate incorporating at least one aperture allowing the lower portion of the supported twist-lock to protect below the plate; wherein said support member (15) is selectively movable out of alignment with an axis of rotation of the twist-lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: NSL Engineering Pte Ltd
    Inventor: Cameron Hay
  • Patent number: 8490806
    Abstract: In combination: a) a chassis with a first frame and a first twist lock assembly, with an enlarged head, on the first frame; and b) a cargo carrying container mounted in an operative position upon the chassis. The cargo carrying container has a second frame and a second twist lock assembly on the second frame that cooperates with the first twist lock assembly. The second twist lock assembly has a slide plate with an aperture through which the enlarged head is passed in an axial direction with the enlarged head in an assembly/disassembly orientation. The enlarged head in the assembly/disassembly orientation, moving relative to the slide plate in the first axial direction, deflects the slide plate from a first position to allow the enlarged head to pass through the slide plate aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Hyundai Translead
    Inventor: Howard Yurgevich
  • Publication number: 20130094920
    Abstract: An anchor comprises first, second and third flanges. A surface of the first flange facing the second flange defines a plane. A contour of the first flange projected onto the plane extending beyond a contour of the second flange projected onto the plane. A base connecting part includes the third flange and the second flange. An accessory connecting part operatively connected to the base connecting part includes the first flange. The third flange is movable relative to at least one of the first and second flanges between a first position and a second position. In the first position, a contour of the third flange projected onto the plane is contained within the contour of the second flange projected onto the plane. In the second position, the contour of the third flange projected onto the plane extends beyond the contour of the second flange projected onto the plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS INC.
    Inventors: Alain Massicotte, Ivan Brousseau, Francois Chenevert, Thierry Cotnoir, Vincent Tognon
  • Patent number: 8177463
    Abstract: A system for locking and unlocking containers to transport modes and other containers comprises an actuating unit in an upper corner fitting of a container, a mechanical connecting mechanism connected to the actuating unit, and guides to route the connecting mechanism from the actuating unit to a rotatable locking leg housed in a lower corner fitting of the container. The twist lock of a lifting spreader engages the upper corner fitting of a container, urging the actuating unit. The connecting mechanism is in turn urged thereby causing the locking leg to rotate. The locking system, and apparatus to unlock a container twistlock, comprises in addition to an actuating unit, a locking mechanism in a lower corner fitting of the container, and a vertical coupler connecting the actuating unit with the locking mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Inventor: Peter J Walker
  • Patent number: 8056217
    Abstract: An apparatus (10) for either securing twist-locks (400) to shipping containers (402) or releasing them therefrom or both, comprises a cradle (11) adapted to receive at least one shipping container and at least one manipulation device (14) operative to secure a twist-lock to the shipping container or release it therefrom, the manipulation device comprising an engagement device (27) operative to engage and rotate at least a portion of the twist-lock so as to secure the twist-lock in the shipping container or to release it therefrom. The manipulation device may form part of a twist-lock handling assembly (12) which includes a storage system for twist-locks (16) and a guide assembly (15) for feeding twist-locks into and out of register with the manipulation device (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: NSL Engineering Pte Ltd.
    Inventor: Cameron Hay
  • Publication number: 20110217139
    Abstract: A system for locking and unlocking containers to transport modes and other containers comprises an actuating unit in an upper corner fitting of a container, a mechanical connecting means connected to the actuating unit, and guides to route the connecting means from the actuating unit to a rotatable locking leg housed in a lower corner fitting of the container. The twist lock of a lifting spreader engages the upper corner fitting of a container, urging the actuating unit. The connecting means is in turn urged thereby causing the locking leg to rotate. The locking system, and apparatus to unlock a container twistlock, comprises in addition to an actuating unit, a locking mechanism in a lower corner fitting of the container, and a vertical coupler connecting the actuating unit with the locking mechanism. A torsional force applied to rotate the actuating unit is converted to a tension force by the actuating unit to move the vertical coupler, thus resulting in the rotating and unlocking of the locking mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2011
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Inventor: Peter J. WALKER
  • Patent number: 8007214
    Abstract: A container securement device enables a user to secure a cargo container to a carrier deck. The device includes a base having a projecting shear block received in the lock-actuating opening of the container. A shaft-mounted head rotates between an unlocked or loading position in which the head moves through the locking opening and a locked position in which the container is secured. Automatic entry and release are provided by a selected interchangeable spring element within the base biasing the head to the locked position but permitting movement to the unlocked position when torque is applied by engagement of the container with a cam surface on the head. The spring element may be interchanged as may be required by anticipated climactic and/or temperature conditions. Each spring element is actuable by a uniquely configured shaft member having a spring-receiving end capable of cooperating with at least two types of springs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Holland, L.P.
    Inventor: John B. Brewster
  • Patent number: 7942601
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a coupling device (1) to be connected to a corner fitting of a container, the coupling device comprises a housing (2), an engaging part (3) which is at least partially insertable into and releasable from said corner fitting. The engaging part (3) has a guide part (4) for guiding the engaging part with said corner fitting, further the engaging part (3) is rotably mounted in said housing (2) by means of a shaft portion (5) extending into the housing. The guide part (4) has a translation guide path for guiding the engaging part (3) in relation to the corner fitting in a horizontal direction, which translation guide path is rotational asymmetric in relation to an axis (7) of the shaft portion (5). Also included is a method for releasing a first container from a second.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Cargotec Finland Oy
    Inventors: Hans Bohman, Lars Nyberg, Markus Nyman
  • Patent number: 7891922
    Abstract: A vibration isolator for container, and the like, and a method of using the same which are applicable to general containers, and allow the loaded articles to be protected against vibration at the time of transportation, and the like, with the cost being held to a minimum. It is a vibration isolator (10) for container (C), and the like, which provides vibration isolation for cargo protection, being interposed beneath a transport container (C), a merchandise transport pallet, or the like, wherein shock absorbing members (50) are interposed between a base frame (20) and a load carrying frame (30); and at least at the four corners of the base frame (20), a latch receiving structure (25) of a twist lock (40) is disposed, and in the corresponding place in the load carrying frame (30), a twist lock (40) is disposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Mugen Corporation
    Inventor: Akio Fukuda
  • Patent number: 7883305
    Abstract: A device for securing a container to a trailer has a base with at least one leg for bolting to the trailer and a twistlock coupled to the base. The twistlock, when actuated, engages an opening in a corner fitting of the container such that the container is securely attached to the trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Fontaine Trailer Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael H. Watson
  • Patent number: 7878742
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for gripping a unit load during handling of same, said device comprising an attachment portion for attaching the device to the unit load, a gripping portion (for engaging with a handling means) which is embodied in the form of a container corner, and a set of at least two said gripping devices adapted in a certain way to the unit load or at least to elements of the unit load. The invention also relates to a transport vehicle for the unit load, comprising a towing vehicle and a trailer that are connected to each other via the unit load during transportation thereof, and which have holding devices for the unit load on their facing ends, comprising a set of said gripping devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Inventor: Aloys Wobben
  • Patent number: 7721395
    Abstract: An automatic container coupling tool is disclosed, such coupling tool includes a coupling platform, a bottom engager and a top guiding protrusion oppositely extended from the coupling platform, the bottom engager has an engager neck, a pair of projecting lug extended from the engager neck to form a pair of holding cavity between the coupling platform and the projecting lugs, once the bottom engager is inserted into a corner fitting housing of a lower container, the bottom engager is rotated allowing the ceiling wall inserted into the holding cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Kunshan Lucky Sea Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yinqing Ding
  • Publication number: 20100124469
    Abstract: A twistlock having an increased tension load limit that is based on a physical configuration that has a massive amount of material removed from the shaft of the twistlock. Two parallel, circular cross-section rabbets are cut at the intersection of the shoulder of the truncated conical extension formed at one end of the shaft that forms the twistlock. The tensional loading limit in this configuration is greatly enhanced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2009
    Publication date: May 20, 2010
    Inventors: Dianren Zhang, Jeffrey Todd Hubbell
  • Publication number: 20100080681
    Abstract: A target indicator for visual guidance of a container into secured engagement with a support surface by mating of at least one coupling. The coupling includes a support coupling fitting located on the support surface and a container coupling fitting located on the container. The target indicator includes an attachment at least partially formed with a high visibility exterior and configured to at least partially encircle a coupling fitting in use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Inventor: Roger Ernest Bain
  • Patent number: 7674087
    Abstract: A method used for loading semi-trailer chassis into a container, wherein the container includes a base frame and four frame structures attached to corner posts of the base frame. Four semi-trailer chassis are stacked into the container from bottom to top, where the first semi-trailer chassis is placed upside down, the second semi-trailer chassis is placed right-side up and turned horizontally at a 180 degree angle, the third semi-trailer chassis is placed upside down, and the fourth semi-trailer chassis is placed right-side up and turned horizontally at a 180 degree angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: China International Marine Containers (Group) Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sidong He, Shulin Yang, Feng Wang, Xuezhong Ye
  • Patent number: 7594785
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for gripping a unit load during handling of same, said device comprising an attachment portion for attaching the device to the unit load, a gripping portion (for engaging with a handling means) which is embodied in the form of a container corner, and a set of at least two said gripping devices adapted in a certain way to the unit load or at least to elements of the unit load. The invention also relates to a transport vehicle for the unit load, comprising a towing vehicle and a trailer that are connected to each other via the unit load during transportation thereof, and which have holding devices for the unit load on their facing ends, comprising a set of said gripping devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Inventor: Aloys Wobben
  • Publication number: 20090123250
    Abstract: A container securement device enables a user to secure a cargo container to a carrier deck. The device includes a base having a projecting shear block received in the lock-actuating opening of the container. A shaft-mounted head rotates between an unlocked or loading position in which the head moves through the locking opening and a locked position in which the container is secured. Automatic entry and release are provided by a selected interchangeable spring element within the base biasing the head to the locked position but permitting movement to the unlocked position when torque is applied by engagement of the container with a cam surface on the head. The spring element may be interchanged as may be required by anticipated climactic and/or temperature conditions. Each spring element is actuable by a uniquely configured shaft member having a spring-receiving end capable of cooperating with at least two types of springs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2008
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Inventor: John B. Brewster
  • Patent number: 7510358
    Abstract: A container securement device enables a user to secure a cargo container to a carrier deck. The device includes a base having a projecting shear block received in the lock-actuating opening of the container. A shaft-mounted head rotates between an unlocked or loading position in which the head moves through the locking opening and a locked position in which the container is secured. Automatic entry and release are provided by a selected interchangeable spring element within the base biasing the head to the locked position but permitting movement to the unlocked position when torque is applied by engagement of the container with a cam surface on the head. The spring element may be interchanged as may be required by anticipated climactic and/or temperature conditions. Each spring element is actuable by a uniquely configured shaft member having a spring-receiving end capable of cooperating with at least two types of springs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Inventor: John B. Brewster
  • Patent number: 7484918
    Abstract: A container securement device enables a user to secure a cargo container to a carrier deck. The device includes a base having a projecting shear block received in the lock-actuating opening of the container. A shaft-mounted head rotates between an unlocked or loading position in which the head moves through the locking opening and a locked position in which the container is secured. Automatic entry and release are provided by a selected interchangeable spring element within the base biasing the head to the locked position but permitting movement to the unlocked position when torque is applied by engagement of the container with a cam surface on the head. The spring element may be interchanged as may be required by anticipated climactic and/or temperature conditions. Each spring element is actuable by a uniquely configured shaft member having a spring-receiving end capable of cooperating with at least two types of springs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Inventor: John Basco Brewster
  • Patent number: 7448835
    Abstract: An automatic pallet to platform locking system enables pallets of supplies or cargoes to automatically be locked down onto the top of a transportation platform, thus avoiding the use of tie down straps and allowing for automated material handling equipment (MHE) such as a forklift. The present system replaces older, difficult to reconfigure, mostly manual loading and unloading systems and methods with a mechanical interface that allows for relatively easy reconfiguration for different pallet sizes, and that can simplify the task of loading and unloading pallets. The mechanical interface between a pallet and a transportation platform or flatbed is a metal to metal interface. It eliminates the need to tie and secure a strap, which is a time consuming and manual process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Robert M. Forrester, Jr., Michael Selk, Allen Brokaw
  • Publication number: 20080229568
    Abstract: A semi-trailer is assembled by constructing a semi-trailer body at a remote location. The semi-trailer body is transported from the remote location to an originating port by highway or rail and loaded onto a vessel by lifting the semi-trailer body using a plurality of upper female ISO connection points. The semi-trailer body is arranged in a stacked configuration on the vessel using the upper female ISO connection points and vertical load carrying members. The semi-trailer body is unloaded from the vessel at a destination port and a running gear assembly, a landing gear assembly, and a rear under-ride guard are attached to form an assembled semi-trailer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2007
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Inventor: Lawrence J. Gross
  • Publication number: 20080193246
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a twist-lock (104a-d) and a method for controlling a twist-lock to be connected to a container (102) for locking two containers together. The method comprises to match the remotely controlled twist-lock (104a-d) with the container (102), wherein unique identifiers are registered for said twist-lock and said container, storing said identifier information in a database. Further the unlocking function of said twist-lock is remotely controllable by means of a remote control unit (104).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2005
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Applicant: ALL SET MARINE LASHING AB
    Inventors: Hans Bohman, Karl Bohman
  • Publication number: 20080038074
    Abstract: There is provided a device for the connection of transport apparatuses, in particular a twistlock, which has an elongate central portion and two lock members for engagement into corner fitments of the transport apparatuses. The two lock members respectively co-operate with the ends of the central portion in such a way that the two lock members are adapted to be displaceable along the longitudinal axis of the central portion. In that respect the invention is based on the realization that, with fundamentally identical mechanical requirements as on the state of the art, the range of use of the device according to the invention is substantially dependent on the length of the central portion. The length of the central portion determines the adjustment range of the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2005
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Inventor: Aloys Wobben
  • Patent number: 7231695
    Abstract: An apparatus for automatically locking ship containers. The apparatus has a housing having a pair of housing halves which are symmetrical to each other, an operating element having a pair of operating element halves which are symmetrical to each other and assembled with each other in the housing, and upper and lower lockers which are assembled with each other in the operating element. By operating the upper and lower lockers using a weight of a container, it is possible to lock and unlock containers loaded on a ship to and from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Inventor: Se-Jong Park
  • Patent number: 7210882
    Abstract: A system is used to transport wind turbines on railroad cars. The wind turbines are partially disassembled into four types of components—nacelles, blades, rotor hubs and tower sections. The blades are stored in cargo containers suitable for use in multi-mode transportation of freight by ship, rail and truck. The nacelles and rotor hubs are not stored in containers but are affixed to transport structures. Brackets are affixed to the tower sections. Then the components are mounted on railroad cars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Vestas-American Wind Technology
    Inventors: Karsten Andersen, Scott Landrum
  • Patent number: 7121777
    Abstract: In a system and method for stabilizing a first stack of upper and lower shipping containers with respect to a second stack of upper and lower shipping containers, inter-box connectors are provided for connecting the upper and lower containers of each stack. A container bridging stabilizer is provided which surrounds two of the adjacent inter-box connectors where the two lower containers are laterally adjacent each other to laterally link the inter-box connectors and their respective lower containers together. The container bridging stabilizer laterally stabilizes the first and second stacks with respect to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: Portec Rail Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard A. Tatina
  • Patent number: 7014234
    Abstract: A system for locking and unlocking containers to transport modes and other containers comprises a plate and spring housed in an upper corner fitting of a container, a cable connected to the plate, and guides to route the cable from the plate to a rotatable locking leg housed in a lower corner fitting of the container. The twist lock of a lifting spreader engages the upper corner fitting of a container, urging the plate and spring in the upper corner fitting downward. The cable is pulled downward by the depression of the plate, accordingly pulling the locking leg, causing it to rotate to an unlocked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Inventor: Peter Walker Walker
  • Patent number: 6877939
    Abstract: Frames and attachments thereto and methods of use thereof for the support and/or releasable securing of cargo and/or cargo containers upon and/or to cargo containers and/or cargo container transports and/or lifting devices. Linking frame (10) may be used upon and/or beneath containers that possess insufficient mutually corresponding mounting-points to otherwise enable them to be vertically stacked and secured together. Parallel longitudinal beams (11) are joined by shorter lateral beams (12). Attached directly or indirectly, protruding outward the outer side surfaces of said framework, are connectors (13) able to correspond upwardly and/or downwardly with various mounting-point layouts as provided upon the surfaces of cargo transport equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Inventors: Philip Tomkins, Nicholas Michael Kavanagh, Francis David Patten
  • Patent number: 6824338
    Abstract: An air cargo container assembly for rapid air shipment of emergency and other supplies, without netting, includes sub-containers attachable to a base plate via locking mechanisms on the sub-containers. The locking mechanisms pass through openings in the base and engage a downward-facing surface of the base. Each locking mechanism includes a latch having a rotatable shaft, a head connected to a bottom end of the shaft, a plate connected to a top end of the shaft. A spring biases the plate toward the bottom surface of the sub-container. A lever is attached to the shaft between the head portion and the spring. The shaft and head portion are rotatable between an unlocked position and a locked position via the lever. One or more guide members may be mounted on the base to help align the sub-containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: Satco, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Looker
  • Patent number: 6725507
    Abstract: An interconnector is disclosed for joining an adjacent pair of freight containers together with corner fittings. Each corner fitting has an outer face provided with an entry aperture which has a pair of opposed parallel, or substantially parallel edges on opposite sides of a longitudinal axis of the aperture. The interconnector has a rotatable actuator shaft, an actuator stem projecting outwardly of the shaft, a pair of clamping heads provided one on each end of the shaft, and a two part housing in which the actuator shaft is rotatably mounted. Each head has a pair of opposed substantially parallel sides that allow the head, when properly aligned, to pass through an entry aperture. The housing has a central barrel, shear blocks projecting axially outwardly of opposed ends of the barrel, and a pair of abutment surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Inventor: Kenneth Reynard
  • Patent number: 6692203
    Abstract: The object of this invention is to provide an automatic container locking apparatus for trailers. This locking apparatus is automatically operable in response to the weight of a container to lock or unlock the container on the deck of a trailer. This locking apparatus has a housing (10) vertically set in the deck (1), with a spring-biased actuator (20) movably set within the housing (10). A spring-biased locking bolt (30) having a top head (31) is movably set within the actuator (20). This locking bolt (30) has a stopper (32) and a curved guide slit (41), thus being selectively moved together with the actuator (20) while being rotated. A support shaft (50) holds the vertical position of the locking bolt (30) within the housing (10). An actuation pin (51) of the shaft (50) engages with the curved guide slit (41), thus allowing the locking bolt (30) to be rotatable when the locking bolt is vertically moved together with the actuator (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Kummyung Precision Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Young Rak Kim, Sang Rak Kim, Se Jong Park
  • Patent number: 6679660
    Abstract: A rotatable clamping device (10) which can clamp a corner fitting of a freight container to an underlying support includes: a main housing (11) which defines an upright cylindrical passage (12) in which an actuator shaft (13) is rotatably mounted; a clamping head (14) secured to an upper end of the actuator shaft (13) and rotatable with the shaft between a release position and a clamping position with respect to a corresponding corner fitting; an actuator (15) coupled with the shaft (13) and operative to rotate the clamping head (14) at least from the clamping position to the release position; and a detent arrangement (16) acting between the outer surface of the shaft (13) and the inner wall surface of the cylindrical passage and operative to define a detent position and permit location of the shaft in at least one predetermined angular setting relative to the passage which corresponds to at least one of the release and clamping positions of the head: in which the detent arrangement comprises at least one rec
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Inventor: Kenneth Reynard
  • Patent number: 6666635
    Abstract: Method of securing cargo to a deck with includes providing a beam of rectangular structural tubing or other shape having multiple D-rings or other lashing apertures along its length. The cargo is then lashed to the deck of a roll-on roll-off ship through the beam, with indexed aperture connections at each end which removabley connects the beam to the ship's deck using a pair of twist locks. With the application of the method, cargo lashing schemes with tighter packing of cargo and faster, more accurate placement, and safer stevedoring operations are effected according to shoreside prestowage plans. Top and bottom mounting points for twist locks allow easy storage, transport, and shoring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Inventors: Anthony J. Holt, Virgil S. Elkinton