A shipping container connector, a kit of parts comprising a shipping container connector and a locking member, and a method of attaching a shipping container connector to a shipping container corner casting

Abstract

There is provided a shipping container connector configured to attach to a shipping container corner casting. The connector comprises a locking device comprising a casing, the casing housing a pair of bolts, the bolts being movable from a retracted position wherein the bolts are contained within the casing to an extended position wherein the bolts protrude from the casing in opposing directions through apertures in the casing; and an attachment plate mounted on the locking device. The attachment plate defines a pair of horizontal slots, each slot extending through the attachment plate and the locking device, and each slot being aligned with a respective bolt to thereby provide a passage to each bolt, the slots being shaped to allow lateral movement of a locking member within each slot. Each bolt defines a hole. In use each bolt is movable between the extended position and the retracted position, by lateral movement of a locking member inserted through the corresponding slot and received in the hole of the bolt.

Description

[0001] A shipping container connector

[0002] Field

[0003] The invention relates to shipping container connectors for attaching to shipping container corner castings, for example shipping container connectors of a type suitable for connecting with shipping container attachments, for example to provide a connection interface to enable the mounting of shipping container attachments on shipping container corner castings. The invention also relates to a kit of parts including a shipping container connector and a shipping container corner casting, and methods of attaching shipping container connectors to shipping container corner castings.

[0004] Background

[0005] Shipping containers tend to be fitted with corner castings in the form of cast steel blocks arranged so that there is one corner casting at each top and bottom corner of the container.

[0006] Corner castings are typically cuboidal blocks, having a hollow interior, and a recess extending through at least one exterior facing sidewall. The interior facing sidewalls tend to be solid, but may also comprise recesses. Left hand castings are often provided as mirror images of right hand castings (and front castings as mirror images of rear castings). Top castings may be provided as mirror images of bottom castings. Corner castings may be produced to a standard design, such as ISO 1161. However, in other uses the corner castings may have unique, bespoke or differing configurations to suit the requirements of the specific application.

[0007] The recesses provided in the exterior facing sidewalls of corner castings tend to be of a size and shape to enable connection between adjacent shipping containers with suitable connectors so that the containers can be stacked, and / or to provide connection points to enable the containers to be lifted and moved. The recesses may in addition enable the securing of containers onboard ships, trains, lorries or other vehicles, or platforms / mounting blocks or other affixing stations.

[0008] It is known to provide a clamp which inserts into one of the recesses in the corner casting and is tightened using a hex key with a central bolt, which rotates a rear part of the clamp, until the clamp is secure. The clamp enables attachment of a bolt-on accessory to the shipping container, such as a CCTV kit. Drawbacks with such clamps include a lack of security, since the clamps can be detached using a standard hex key, and a lifespan which is limited by use of a central threaded bolt which can seize or rust. In addition, since the locking mechanism is comprised of two parts which rotate with respect to one another, mechanical faults and failures can be caused through repeated rotation of the rear part of the clamp between its neutral and locking positions. There is a need for an improved connector for attaching fixings and accessories to a shipping container corner casting.

[0009] The present invention seeks to mitigate the above-mentioned drawbacks. Alternatively or additionally, the present invention seeks to provide an improved shipping container connector.

[0010] Summary

[0011] A shipping container connector configured to attach to a shipping container corner casting. The connector comprises a locking device comprising a casing, the casing housing a pair of bolts, the bolts being movable from a retracted position wherein the bolts are contained within the casing to an extended position wherein the bolts protrude from the casing in opposing directions through apertures in the casing; and an attachment plate mounted on the locking device. The attachment plate defines a pair of horizontal slots, each slot extending through the attachment plate and the locking device, and each slot being aligned with a respective bolt to thereby provide a passage to each bolt, the slots being shaped to allow lateral movement of a locking member within each slot. Each bolt defines a hole. In use each bolt is movable between the extended position and the retracted position, by lateral movement of a locking member inserted through the corresponding slot and received in the hole of the bolt.

[0012] In an advantage over devices of the prior art, the present connector is more durable whilst being simple to use, since it clamps onto the corner casting without any rotating parts which can cause mechanical faults and failures. The connector of the present invention attaches securely and does not easily break.

[0013] The holes of the bolts may be aligned or partially aligned with the slots of the attachment plate. The attachment plate may have a flat rear surface, and in the extended position the bolts may protrude from the casing in a direction parallel to the flat rear surface. The attachment plate may have a flat front surface.

[0014] The casing may be shaped to fit within a recess in a side wall of the shipping container corner casting. The fit may be a close fit. The casing may have a straight-sided oval shape, to thereby fit within a recess in a side wall of the shipping container corner casting.

[0015] When the casing is within the recess, and the bolts are in the extended position, the attachment plate may contact an outer surface of the side wall, and the bolts may contact an inner surface of the side wall, to thereby attach the connector to the shipping container corner casting.

[0016] The bolts may have a square cross section. The bolts may have a cuboidal cross section.

[0017] In the extended position, a side face of the bolts is parallel with a flat rear surface of the attachment plate.

[0018] The attachment plate comprises a plurality of attachment holes, each attachment hole comprising a threaded bore. The hole of the bolt may be threaded and the locking member may comprise a threaded bolt.

[0019] Each of the slots may open into an indented region at an outermost extent of each slot. The indented region may be threaded for receiving a threaded bolt, so that in use the threaded bolt can be screwed into the hole of the bolt wherein a head of the bolt is received in the indented region.

[0020] In a second aspect of the invention there is provided a kit of parts comprising a shipping container connector and at least one locking member, the connector being configured to attach to a shipping container corner casting. The connector comprises a locking device comprising a casing, the casing housing a pair of bolts, the bolts being movable from a retracted position wherein the bolts are contained within the casing to an extended position wherein the bolts protrude from the casing in opposing directions through apertures in the casing; and an attachment plate mounted on the locking device. The attachment plate defines a pair of horizontal slots, each slot extending through the attachment plate and the locking device, and each slot being aligned with a respective bolt to thereby provide a passage to each bolt, the slots being shaped to allow lateral movement of a locking member within each slot. Each bolt defines a hole. In use, each bolt is movable between the extended position and the retracted position, by lateral movement of a locking member inserted through the corresponding slot and received in the hole of the bolt.

[0021] The kit of parts may further comprise a fixing plate comprising attachment holes to enable screw attachment of the fixing plate to the attachment plate.

[0022] In a third aspect of the invention there is provided a method of attaching a shipping container connector to a shipping container corner casting. The method comprises providing a shipping container connector comprising an attachment plate mounted on a locking device, the locking device comprising a casing, the casing housing a pair of bolts, the bolts being movable from a retracted position wherein the bolts are contained within the casing to an extended position wherein the bolts protrude from the casing in opposing directions through apertures in the casing; inserting the locking device in a recess of a side wall of the corner casting whilst the bolts are in the retracted position; inserting a locking member into a hole in each bolt, the locking members being inserted through a pair of slots in the attachment plate, the slots extending through the attachment plate and the locking device; and moving the locking members laterally in the slots to move the bolts from the retracted position to the extended position so that the side wall of the corner casting is gripped between the bolts and a rear face of the attachment plate.

[0023] The bolts may be moved simultaneously. The method may further comprise the step of attaching a fixing plate configured for interconnection with a fixing to the attachment plate.

[0024] Drawings

[0025] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings:

[0026] Figure 1 is a front perspective view of a shipping container connector according to a first example embodiment;

[0027] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a shipping container corner casting according to the first example embodiment;

[0028] Figure 3 is a rear perspective view of the shipping container connector according to the first example embodiment (bolts omitted);

[0029] Figure 4 is rear perspective view of the shipping container connector according to the first example embodiment (bolts included);

[0030] Figure 5 is a front view of the shipping container connector according to the first example embodiment;

[0031] Figure 6 is a side view of the shipping container connector according to the first example embodiment (omitting bolts);

[0032] Figure 7 is a front view of the locking device according to the first example embodiment (bolts shown separately);

[0033] Figure 8 is a perspective view of the bolts according to the first example embodiment; Figure 9 is a top view of the locking device according to the first example embodiment (bolt and locking pin shown separately);

[0034] Figure 10 is a perspective view of the locking device according to the first example embodiment (omitting bolts);

[0035] Figure 11 is a front perspective view of a shipping container connector according to a second example embodiment;

[0036] Figure 12 is a front view of the shipping container connector according to the second example embodiment;

[0037] Figure 13 is a top view of the locking device of the second example embodiment (bolt and locking screw shown separately); and

[0038] Figure 14 is a front view of a fixing plate for attaching to the shipping container connector of the second example embodiment.

[0039] Detailed description

[0040] According to the first example embodiment of the invention, there is provided a shipping container connector 1 (Figure 1). The shipping container connector 1 comprises a locking device 3 and an attachment plate 5 mounted thereon. The shipping container connector 1 is configured for attachment to a shipping container corner casting 11 , for example a shipping container top corner casting (Figure 2). The shipping container corner casting 11 has a standard size and shape, as is typical in the shipping industry. The corner casting 11 is cuboidal, with three exterior-facing sides 15a-15c facing away from a host shipping container (not shown) on which the corner casting is situated. Each exterior-facing side 15a-15c comprises a respective recess 13a-13c providing a cut-through portion enabling access to the interior of the corner casting 11 . The top recess 13c is defined by a straight edge 21 through the top exterior-facing side 15c, and the left side recess 13a and right side recess 13b recess are defined by a straight edge 23 through the left exterior-facing side 15a and right exterior-facing side 15b respectively. In another embodiment, the corner casting 11 may have a different, non-standard, size. The shipping container connector 1 of the example embodiment of the invention is configured for attachment to the left or right exterior-facing side wall 15a, 15b, of the corner casting 11. When attached to the shipping container corner casting 11 , the shipping container connector 1 facilitates the connection of a further fitting, fixture or device (not shown) to the shipping container (not shown). In another example embodiment, the shipping container corner casting may be a shipping container bottom corner casting.

[0041] The locking device 3 of the shipping container connector 1 has a size and shape which corresponds to the size and shape of each of the side recesses 13a, 13b in the shipping container corner casting 11 . Thus the locking device 3 of the shipping container connector 1 can be inserted in one of the recesses 13a, 13b, 13c until a flat rear face 8 of the attachment plate 5 abuts and rests flush against an outer face 19a, 19b, 19c of a corresponding exterior-facing side wall 15a, 15b, 15c of the shipping container corner casting 11. The shipping container connector 1 is locked into place on the corner casting 11 as described herein. Thereafter a suitable attachment (not shown) can be mounted on the attachment plate 5.

[0042] In the example embodiment, the attachment plate 5 is generally rectangular in shape but with rounded upper corners 16. In another embodiment, the attachment plate may have a different shape. A front face 7 of the attachment plate 5 includes a plurality of attachment holes 9 for enabling in use, the mounting of a suitable attachment piece, such as a solar panel (not shown), on the front of the attachment plate 5. In the example embodiment there are four attachment recesses, one located in each corner of the front face 7 of the attachment plate 5. The front face 7 also includes two front channels 12 extending through the attachment plate 5 to meet with corresponding intermediate channels 47 in the locking device 3 (described in greater detail herein). The front channels 12 are elongated (i.e. wide). They are straight-sided oval in shape (i.e. appearing as an extended circle) having two parallel long straight sides, and a semicircular connecting arc at each end. The front channels 12 are oriented laterally on the attachment plate 5 so that the straight sides are parallel the upper and lower edges of the rectangular attachment plate 5. The front channels 12 are located centrally on the attachment plate 5, being positioned one vertically above the other, and offset laterally in either direction from a notional vertical centre line of the front face 7. The front face further includes mounting bores 14 disposed above and below the front channels 12 on the front face 7 of the attachment plate 5, and being located on the notional vertical centre line. The mounting bores 14 extend through the attachment plate 5 for receiving screws for mounting the attachment plate 5 onto the locking device 3.

[0043] The locking device 3 is attached centrally on the rear face 8 of the attachment plate 5 (Figure 3). The locking device 3 comprises a front portion 23 attached directly to the rear of the attachment plate 5, and a locking portion 25 stacked behind the front portion 23. Each of the front portion 23 and locking portion 25 comprise connection bores 28 which align with the mounting bores 14 in the attachment plate 5, so that the attachment plate 5 can be mounted on the locking device via screws inserted in the bores 14, 28. The locking portion 25 comprises a casing 27 and an inner locking mechanism (the inner locking mechanism shown in Figure 4 but not in Figure 3). The casing 27 is shaped to define two lateral square ducts 29 positioned one above the other in the casing. In the example embodiment the inner locking mechanism comprises two square bolts 26 within the square ducts 29. The inner locking mechanism is configured so that the bolts 26 are movable with respect to the casing 27. In the example embodiment, the two bolts 26 extend horizontally in opposing lateral directions away from the casing. The bolts 26 are movable (as described in further detail herein) between the extended position, and a retracted position (not shown) wherein the bolts are contained within the perimeter of the casing 27. The attachment holes 9 are not shown in Figure 4.

[0044] The inclusion of a front portion 23 between the attachment plate 5 and the locking portion 25 provides a space of sufficient depth between the locking portion 25 and the attachment plate 5 so that an exterior-facing side wall 15a, 15b of the corner casting 11 can be sandwiched in a gap 30 between the bolts 26 when extended away from the casing 27, and the attachment plate 5. The square ducts 29 are oriented in the casing 27 such that when the attachment plate 5 is fixed to the locking device 3 via insertion of screws in the mounting bores 14, a flat side of each bolt 26 is parallel the flat rear face 8 of the attachment plate. This enables a secure fit of the shipping container connector 1 to the side wall 15a, 15b of the corner casting 11.

[0045] In the example embodiment, a fixing plate 6 (Figure 5) is a metal sheet. The fixing plate 6 is configured to be attached to the front of the attachment plate. Mounted on the fixing plate 6 can be any kind of fixing (not shown) to be attached to the shipping container. The fixing plate 6 comprises a plurality of attachment bores 31 (shown only in Figure 5) which enable the interconnection of a further device (not shown) to be attached to the shipping container. In the example embodiment, the particular pattern of attachment bores 31 is suitable for the attachment of a solar panel to the shipping container connector 1 . The attachment bores 31 may be drilled for specific user requirements depending on the intended application. In other words, in another embodiment, the attachment bores may have different sizes, shapes and locations on the attachment plate 5 depending on the particular use case. The fixing plate 6 further comprises attachment holes 9a sized and shaped to match the attachment holes 9 of the attachment plate. The fixing plate can thus be fixed onto the attachment plate by screws through the aligned attachment holes 9, 9a. When the fixing plate 6 is attached to the attachment plate 5, the channels are covered by the fixing plate and the connector cannot be removed from the corner casting.

[0046] The attachment plate 5 (e.g. Figure 6) in the example embodiment has a height h of approximately 110-120 mm, for example -115 mm, a width w of approximately 137-147 mm, for example -142 mm, and a depth d of approximately 5-15 mm, for example -10 mm.

[0047] In the example embodiment, the locking device (shown in e.g. Figures 6 and 7) has a height h’ of about 70 mm, a width w’ of about 60 mm, and a depth d’ of about 50 mm. The square ducts 29 each have a height and depth of about 13-21 mm, for example -17 mm, and a width of about 60 mm (each duct extending through the full width of the locking portion 25). The square bolts are sized to fit within the square ducts, being slightly smaller than the ducts so that the bolts can move within the ducts, but with a close enough tolerance to ensure that the bolts traverse longitudinally back and forth. In the example embodiment, the square bolts 26 have a width of about 60 mm to match the width of the ducts. In an alternative embodiment the ducts and bolts may have a different shape, however it will be understood that the shape of the bolts complements the shape of the ducts.

[0048] Each square bolt 26 (Figures 8 and 9) comprises a top face 34, an inner end face 35, an outer end face 36, a rear face 38, a bottom face 40 and a front face 37. In the locking device, the front faces 37 of the bolts face towards the flat rear face 8 of the attachment plate. In use, when the bolts are in the extended position, the corner casting side wall is gripped between the flat rear face 8 of the attachment plate and the front faces 37 of the bolts. Each square bolt has one chamfered edge 33 along the vertex where the inner end face 35 meets the front face 37. The chamfered edge extends along the full height of the bolt 26. Each square bolt 26 comprises a cylindrical cavity 39 in the centre of the front face 37 which extends most of the way (i.e. by about 17 mm) through the depth of the bolt.

[0049] The front portion 23 (Figure 10) comprises a front face 45 through which extend intermediate channels 47 which have a matching size and shape to the front channels 12 in the attachment plate 5. The front channels 12 of the attachment plate 5 and the intermediate channels 47 of the front portion 23 align so that a locking pin 41 may be inserted from the front of the attachment plate 5 through each of the front channels 12 and into the intermediate channels 47. The bolts 26 can be pushed into the casing 27 of the locking portion 25 to their retracted position wherein they are fully inside the casing, and in the retracted position, the cylindrical cavities 39 of the bolts 26 align with the front and intermediate channels 12, 47. Behind the front portion 23 are the bolts 26, which move in the square ducts formed partly by the front portion 23 of the locking device 3 and partly by the locking portion 25. The pin 41 in each channel 12, 47 can be inserted into the cylindrical cavities 39 of the bolts 26 and pushed left or right within the elongated channels 12, 47, to displace the bolts 26 laterally within the casing 27. The pins 41 move laterally within the front and intermediate channels 12, 47. The pins 41 foul on the sides of the channels 12, 47 as the bolts 26 move towards their respective extended positions, preventing further movement and retaining the bolts within the locking device 3.

[0050] In use, to fix the shipping container connector 1 to the corner casting 11 , in a first step the pins 41 are inserted and centralised by sliding them to the innermost extent possible within each front channel 12 so that the bolts are moved into their retracted positions. The shipping container connector 1 can then be inserted in a recess 13a, 13b of the corner casting 11. Once the locking device 3 is inserted into a recess 13a, 13b of the corner casting 11 , the pins are slid away from one another to the farthest extent possible within each front channel 12, and the bolts move to the extended positions. When the bolts are in the extended position, the exterior-facing side walls 15a, 15b of the corner casting 11 are gripped between the bolts 26 and the attachment plate 5 (more specifically between the front faces 37 of the bolts, and the rear face 8 of the attachment plate). The bolts are held in the extended position by friction against the rear face of the attachment plate. The alignment of the front 12 and intermediate 47 channels with the cylindrical cavities 39 is such that the pin 41 in the upper channels is moved centrally from a left-most position to actuate the bolt 26 towards its retracted position, whereas the pin 41 in the lower channels is moved centrally from a right-most position to actuate the bolt 26 towards its retracted position. In the example embodiment of the invention, the pins are moved manually to lock and unlock the device.

[0051] According to the second example embodiment of the invention (Figures 11-13), the connector T works in a similar way (like components indicated by like reference numerals). However, in the second example embodiment there are three attachment holes 9’ instead of four, for enabling in use, the mounting of a suitable attachment piece, on the front of the attachment plate 5’. In a further embodiment, there could be a different number or pattern of attachment holes.

[0052] In the second example embodiment of the invention, the elongated channels 12’ extend laterally into a circular indent 5T at the outermost extent of the channels. In the second example embodiment, instead of pins, the locking members comprise threaded bolts which move side to side in the channels. At the outermost extent, i.e. when the threaded bolts are in the extended position, the threaded bolts can be screwed into place using a standard hexagonal key, to hold the threaded bolts in the extended position. When screwed in, the heads of the threaded bolts are flush with the outer surface of the attachment plate 5’ as depicted in Figure 13. An attachment piece can then be mounted on the attachment plate, without being obstructed by the threaded bolts. Meanwhile, the threaded bolts hold the connector securely onto the corner casting. In Figures 11- 13 the attachment bores for mounting the attachment plate onto the locking device are not shown.

[0053] The attachment piece may be a fixing plate 6’ (Figure 14). The fixing plate 6’ can have any configuration required for attaching a suitable fixing, such as a camera, to the shipping container corner casting. The fixing plate 6’ comprises attachment holes 9a’ which align with the attachment holes 9’ of the attachment plate 5’ through which securing bolts can be screwed to fix the fixing plate onto the attachment plate. Thus the fixing plate is removable and can be used interchangeably with another attachment piece. The fixing plate further comprises a plurality of attachment bores 3T for attaching a suitable fixing to the fixing plate. The fixing plate depicted in Figure 14 is suitable for attaching to the attachment plate 5’ of the second example embodiment, but could instead be drilled with holes suitable for attaching to the attachment plate 5 of the first example embodiment.

Claims

Claims1 . A shipping container connector configured to attach to a shipping container corner casting, the connector comprising: a locking device comprising a casing, the casing housing a pair of bolts, the bolts being movable from a retracted position wherein the bolts are contained within the casing to an extended position wherein the bolts protrude from the casing in opposing directions through apertures in the casing; and an attachment plate mounted on the locking device; wherein the attachment plate defines a pair of horizontal slots, each slot extending through the attachment plate and the locking device, and each slot being aligned with a respective bolt to thereby provide a passage to each bolt, the slots being shaped to allow lateral movement of a locking member within each slot; each bolt defining a hole; wherein in use each bolt is movable between the extended position and the retracted position, by lateral movement of a locking member inserted through the corresponding slot and received in the hole of the bolt.

2. A shipping container connector according to claim 1 , wherein the attachment plate has a flat rear surface, and in the extended position the bolts protrude from the casing in a direction parallel to the flat rear surface.

3. A shipping container connector according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the casing has a straight-sided oval shape, to thereby fit within a recess in a side wall of the shipping container corner casting.

4. A shipping container connector according to claim 3, wherein in use, when the casing is within the recess, and the bolts are in the extended position, the attachment plate contacts an outer surface of the side wall, and the bolts contact an inner surface of the side wall, to thereby attach the connector to the shipping container corner casting.

5. A shipping container connector according to any preceding claim, wherein the bolts have a square or cuboidal cross section.

6. A shipping container connector according to claim 5, wherein in the extended position, a side face of the bolts is parallel with a flat rear surface of the attachment plate.

7. A shipping container connector according to any preceding claim, wherein the attachment plate comprises a plurality of attachment holes, each attachment hole comprising a threaded bore.

8. A shipping container connector according to any preceding claim, wherein the hole of the bolt is threaded and the locking member comprises a threaded bolt.

9. A shipping container connector according to claim 8, wherein each of the slots opens into an indented region at an outermost extent of each slot, the indented region being threaded for receiving a threaded bolt, so that in use the threaded bolt can be screwed into the hole of the bolt wherein a head of the bolt is received in the indented region.

10. A kit of parts comprising a shipping container connector and at least one locking member, the connector being configured to attach to a shipping container corner casting, the connector comprising: a locking device comprising a casing, the casing housing a pair of bolts, the bolts being movable from a retracted position wherein the bolts are contained within the casing to an extended position wherein the boltsprotrude from the casing in opposing directions through apertures in the casing; and an attachment plate mounted on the locking device; wherein the attachment plate defines a pair of horizontal slots, each slot extending through the attachment plate and the locking device, and each slot being aligned with a respective bolt to thereby provide a passage to each bolt, the slots being shaped to allow lateral movement of a locking member within each slot; each bolt defining a hole; wherein in use each bolt is movable between the extended position and the retracted position, by lateral movement of a locking member inserted through the corresponding slot and received in the hole of the bolt.

11. A method of attaching a shipping container connector to a shipping container corner casting, the method comprising: providing a shipping container connector comprising an attachment plate mounted on a locking device, the locking device comprising a casing, the casing housing a pair of bolts, the bolts being movable from a retracted position wherein the bolts are contained within the casing to an extended position wherein the bolts protrude from the casing in opposing directions through apertures in the casing; inserting the locking device in a recess of a side wall of the corner casting whilst the bolts are in the retracted position; inserting a locking member into a hole in each bolt, the locking members being inserted through a pair of slots in the attachment plate, the slots extending through the attachment plate and the locking device;moving the locking members laterally in the slots to move the bolts from the retracted position to the extended position so that the side wall of the corner casting is gripped between the bolts and a rear face of the attachment plate.

12. A method according to claim 11 , wherein the bolts are moved simultaneously.

13. A method according to claim 11 or 12, further comprising attaching a fixing plate configured for interconnection with a fixing to the attachment plate.

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