Container handling system and method

Abstract

A spreader system includes: a pair of coupleable spreaders; the first lifting appliance of the pair of lifting appliances is provided with at least one bulge, and when the lifting appliances are close to each other, the bulge is arranged to selectively extend from the connecting end of the first lifting appliance into the hole at the connecting end of the second lifting appliance; wherein, upon receipt of the at least one projection into the corresponding hole, a load-transmitting coupling is formed such that the two coupleable slings are arranged to function as a single integral sling.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the engagement and movement of containers. In particular, the present invention relates to an improved spreader for engaging a wider range of shipping containers. Background Art

[0002] While the container system for shipping containers has been well standardized, there is still a variety of containers that need to be managed in the container yard every day. Considering that changing equipment (such as spreaders) during normal operations can cause significant downtime, the most common diversification is to be able to manage 40-foot and 20-foot containers with a fast turnaround time using the same equipment.

[0003] Therefore, the ability to switch between 40ft and 20ft containers using a single type of spreader is very useful. Summary of the invention

[0004] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a sling system comprising: a pair of connectable slings; a first sling of the pair of slings having at least one protrusion, which is arranged to selectively extend from a connection end of the first sling to a hole at a connection end of the second sling when the slings are close to each other; wherein, when the at least one protrusion is received into the corresponding hole, a load transfer connection is formed, so that the two connectable slings are arranged to be used as a single integral sling.

[0005] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a method for connecting a pair of connectable slings, the method comprising the steps of: bringing the connection ends of the slings close to each other; selectively extending at least one protrusion from a first one of the slings; inserting the at least one protrusion into a corresponding hole of a second one of the slings; and thereby forming a load-transferring connection so that the two connectable slings are arranged to function as a single integral sling.

[0006] Thus, the present invention provides a load transfer coupling to selectively extend from a first spreader to a next spreader. When coupled, bending and torsional loads can be transferred between the spreaders, thereby allowing the two spreaders to function as a single integral spreader.

[0007] In various embodiments, the spreaders may be coupled when both spreaders are supported, such as on a container or a custom frame. Alternatively, the spreaders may be coupled in mid-air. Thus, in the absence of a supporting structure, various clamps and alignment devices may be employed to facilitate the coupling process. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] To facilitate further description of the invention, reference will be made to the accompanying drawings which illustrate possible arrangements of the invention. Other arrangements of the invention are possible and therefore the particularity of the accompanying drawings should not be understood as superseding the generality of the preceding description of the invention.

[0009] Figures 1A to 1G is a front view of the sequential actions of two connectable spreaders according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0010] FIG. 2A to FIG. 2E are various views of a coupleable spreader having a load transferring coupling assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0011] FIG. 3A to FIG. 3D are various views of a guide clamp assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0012] Figure 4A and Figure 4B is a sequential action view of a twist-lock retraction assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0013] Figure 5A and Figure 5B is a sequential action diagram of a spreader connection process according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0014] 6A to 6H are various views of a load transferring coupling assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0015] Figure 7 is a perspective view of a connectable spreader according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0016] Figure 8 is a detailed front view of a twist-lock retraction system according to another embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] The present invention generally relates to a spreader system having two connectable spreaders that can be used as two independent spreaders to handle containers, or can be selectively connected together to form a single integral spreader. When the two spreaders are adjacent, a protrusion extends from the first spreader and enters a corresponding hole in the other spreader to achieve the connection. When the protrusion is received into the corresponding hole, a load transfer connection is formed so that the two connected spreaders are arranged to function as a single integral spreader.

[0018] In one embodiment, two 20-foot attachable spreaders can work independently on two separate cranes and each spreader can lift a 20-foot container. A gap can be maintained between the two spreaders in the longitudinal direction to allow the two spreaders / cranes to cross each other in the transverse direction without interfering. If the spreaders do not cross each other's path, such a gap may not be required.

[0019] Instead of having the two spreaders working on two separate cranes with two separate lifting systems on a common lifting system, the two spreaders can also work independently on a single crane. It is even possible to have the two spreaders work on a common crane with a single lifting system and a single lifting system, where only the spreader operations (e.g. lifting a container with a twistlock) are independent, the lifting and lifting of the two spreaders will be common since they are on the same lifting and lifting system.

[0020] Figures 1A to 1G Two connectable spreaders 5A, 5B according to the invention are shown. Each spreader is arranged to independently handle a separate container, and is particularly used to handle 20-foot containers. Each spreader 5A, 5B comprises a spreader guide 15A, 15B, which may be a fixed guide or a gather guide (e.g. a fin), and an outer twist lock 10A, 10D and an inner twist lock 10B, 10C located at the outer edge of the spreader. The two spreaders 5A, 5B are connected, for example, by Figure 7 The spreaders are shown brought together 20 by longitudinal adjustment 220 so as to be close to each other at the connection point 25 .

[0021] The spreader is lowered 35 onto the frame 30 and the spreader guides 15A, 15B engage the ends of the frame 30 to confirm to the operator that the spreader is in the proper position to begin the coupling process. In this embodiment, the coupling process begins with the telescopic projections 55 from the first spreader 5B projecting into the holes of the second spreader 5A, thereby creating the coupling 50.

[0022] The internal twist locks 10B, 10C are then retracted 60 into the respective spreaders so that for later use, the internal twist locks do not interfere with the engagement of the 40 foot container. After the coupling process is completed, the overall spreader 65 can then be used to handle 40 foot containers.

[0023] FIG. 2A to FIG. 2EOne embodiment of a load transfer coupling system is shown. Here, projections 85A, 85B protrude 90A, 90B from the connection end of a first spreader. In this embodiment, the projections 85A, 85B are legs of a U-shaped frame 95, which is actuated 100 by an actuator or plunger 105A mounted to a reaction beam 110. Thus, when actuated into place, the projections extend from the spreader 75 and engage with corresponding holes 86A, 86B at the connection end of the second spreader. In this embodiment, the projections 85A, 85B are beams having a vertically oriented main cross-sectional axis 92, and therefore have a high bending stiffness 89 about an axis 87 that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 91 of the first spreader. The projections are able to transmit torque through the connection of the spreaders, thereby forming a strong or rigid connection so that the connected spreaders act as a single integral structure. To this end, the U-shaped frame 95 can be arranged in a sliding connection in the spreader to ensure that the forces are fully transferred from one spreader to the other through the protrusions, thereby avoiding any uneven deformations, for example around the force couple.

[0024] FIG. 3A to FIG. 3D A guide clamp assembly at the connection end of a spreader is shown for aligning the spreader for subsequent coupling. The system is particularly useful where a support frame or container is not available. By clamping adjacent spreaders prior to coupling, the coupling process can be performed in mid-air.

[0025] FIG. 3A to FIG. 3D Two spreaders 115A, 115B are shown, for example, by Figure 7 The longitudinal adjustment 220 of the spreader shown is brought together 125 so as to bring the guide clamps 120A, 120B into proximity. The guide clamps are arranged at the ends which, when coupled together, form the inner ends 121A, 121B of the spreaders 115A, 115B. Figure 3C As shown, each of the two clamps 120A, 120B is positioned on a corner 127A, 127B of the respective spreader. When the spreaders approach each other, the clamps 120A, 120B engage with the opposing spreader through rotation 125A, 125B of each clamp 120A, 120B to lock the spreaders together. Each guide clamp includes a groove 124A, 124B for receiving a lug 122A, 122B when the guide clamp is rotated into place to help lock the guide clamp in place.

[0026] The guide clamps 120A, 120B are not intended for load transfer members, but are used as positioning tools when the spreaders are first brought 125 into proximity with each other. Once the guide clamps are in place, as shown in FIG. FIG. 2A to FIG. 2E or 6A to 6H The torque transfer coupling system shown can secure the connection between the spreaders. Therefore, the guide clamp can be applied to any of the torque / load transfer coupling systems.

[0027] Each spreader includes a lifting frame for engaging a container, with twist locks located at each corner thereof. As mentioned above, when the subsequent integral spreader engages a 40-foot container, the internal twist locks located at the connecting ends of the lifting frame may interfere.

[0028] to this end, FIG. 4A to FIG. 4D A twist lock retraction system is shown wherein the internal twist locks 130A, 130B are mounted to have a linear motion configuration and thus linearly retract 135A, 135B using respective actuators or hydraulic rams 132A, 132B. Thus, as part of the coupling process, the twist locks 130A, 130B can be retracted to allow for handling of a 40 foot container.

[0029] Figure 8 An optional twist lock retraction system is shown, wherein twist locks 235A, 235B located near the coupling 230 of the spreader 225 are rotated out of position 240A, 240B, or rotated back into position during decoupling. Figure 8 An example of a twist-lock retraction system is provided whereby the twist-lock is retracted rotationally about a pivot to which the twist-lock is mounted by an actuator, rather than linearly.

[0030] Figure 5A and Figure 5B An alternative process for connecting two spreaders 115A, B is shown. Here, instead of Figures 1A to 1G In the illustrated framework, the container 140 provides a base upon which two spreaders 115A, B may be placed 145 to effectuate the coupling 150 .

[0031] In a further process, the spreader can be suspended. Several alignment features can be incorporated into the spreader so that Figure 1A-1G Support frame or Figure 5A and Figure 5B A support container is not required. This alignment feature includes FIG. 3A to FIG. 3D The fixture or Figure 6G and Figure 6H In addition, Figure 8 The fine adjustment system provides a system for final processing after the two spreaders are brought together in a close position for connection.

[0032] 6A to 6F An alternative load transfer coupling system is shown for connecting the coupleable spreaders 155A, 155B to secure the spreaders as a single unitary spreader.

[0033] A projection block 182 is positioned on the first spreader, the projection block 182 having a projection assembly 184 for extending a plurality of projections, here rods 165, from the projection block 182. The rods are extended or retracted using an actuator such as a hydraulic cylinder 175. Each rod includes a slot in the front surface of the rod for engaging with the twist lock. An engagement block 186 is provided on the adjacent spreader, having holes 170A-170D for receiving the front surface of the rod. Once the two spreaders are close and aligned, the rods are extended into the holes 170A-170D.

[0034] Located within the engagement block 186 is a twist lock assembly 180A, 180B that connects a pair of twist locks 185A-185D within the apertures 170A-170D, so that when the front surface of the rod 165 enters the apertures 170A-170D, the grooves in the surface of the rod 165 selectively engage the twist locks 185A-185D to securely couple the nose block 182 and the engagement block 186 in a selectively fixed engagement. With the rod 165 engaged with the apertures and corresponding twist locks 185, its ability to flex allows the coupling system to form a load transfer coupling to transfer loads across the coupling to ensure that the spreader functions as a single integral spreader.

[0035] Figure 6G and Figure 6H An alignment system is shown with height and level optical detectors 190A to 190C such that the optical detectors operate in conjunction with reflectors 195A to 195C placed on opposing blocks 186. Thus, to ensure that the spreaders are brought close together and aligned, the alignment system including the optical detectors and reflectors provides automatic feedback to the operator to ensure that the load transfer assembly is ready to begin the coupling process.

[0036] Understandably, FIG. 3A to FIG. 3D The guide fixture can be used with FIG. 2A to FIG. 2E and 6A to 6H load transfer coupling systems or as separate systems.

[0037] Figure 7 A horizontal alignment system is shown, whereby the headframe 210 and the hoisting frame 205 of the spreader 200 are horizontally moved 220 relative to each other. Thus, to achieve alignment with the overhead tackle, sliding the components 205, 210 relative to each other allows the two spreaders to be brought close together end to end, e.g. Figure 1A The motion shown is 20 and Figure 3AThe system thus provides for fine adjustment of the final positioning prior to coupling adjacent spreaders. In this embodiment, the relative sliding 220 may be accomplished by an actuator (e.g., a hydraulic cylinder) capable of applying the appropriate load plus a load sensor feedback loop that may allow an operator to implement horizontal adjustments to bring the two spreaders together.

Claims

1. A sling system, comprising: A pair of connectable spreaders; A first sling of the pair of connectable slings has at least one protrusion arranged to selectively extend from a connection end of the first sling into a hole at a connection end of a second sling when the slings are brought close to each other; wherein upon receiving said at least one projection into a corresponding said hole, a load transferring connection is formed such that said two connectable spreaders are configured to function as a single integral spreader.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein: There are two protrusions, each having a high bending stiffness about a longitudinal axis perpendicular to the first spreader.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein: having a plurality of protrusions, each protrusion having a groove in a front surface of the protrusion, and; Each corresponding hole in the second spreader includes a twist lock; Therein, a twist lock is arranged to engage with the casting to form a load transferring connection.

4. The system according to claim 3, wherein: The protrusion is a rod.

5. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: Each spreader comprises a top frame mounted on a lifting frame arranged to engage a container; The lifting frame has a twist lock at each corner; Wherein, the twist lock located at the connection end of the lifting frame is selectively retractable.

6. The system of claim 5, further comprising a linear motion device to which the retractable twist-lock is mounted and an actuator arranged to linearly retract the retractable twist-lock.

7. The system of claim 5, further comprising a pivot to which the retractable twist-lock is mounted and an actuator for rotationally retracting the retractable twist-lock about the pivot.

8. The system of any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a guide clamp at the connection end of each spreader; The guide clamp is rotatably mounted to the spreader and is arranged to rotate about an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the spreader; in, The guide clamp is arranged to rotate and engage with another spreader when the connection ends of the spreaders approach each other.

9. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: The top frame and the lifting frame are in sliding engagement and are arranged to selectively slide relative to each other.

10. A method of connecting a pair of connectable spreaders, the method comprising the following steps: Bringing the connection ends of the spreader close to each other; selectively extending at least one protrusion from a first spreader of the pair of spreaders; inserting the at least one projection into a corresponding hole of a second one of the pair of the spreaders; And thereby a load transferring connection is formed so that the two connectable spreaders are arranged as a single integral spreader.

11. The method according to claim 10, further comprising the following steps after the inserting step: The slots in the front surfaces of the projections are engaged with the twist locks in the corresponding holes.

12. The method according to claim 10 or 11, further comprising the following steps: A twist lock is selectively retracted at each corner of the spreader's lifting frame.

13. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein: The retraction steps include: The twist lock is linearly retracted and is equipped with a retractable twist lock.

14. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein: The retraction steps include: The twist-lock is retracted rotationally about a pivot to which the retractable twist-lock is mounted.

15. The method according to claims 10 to 14, further comprising the steps of: rotating a guide clamp at the connection end of each spreader about an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the spreader; When the connection ends of the spreaders approach each other, the guide clamp is engaged with another spreader.

Images