Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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TITLE
FRONT PIN LATCHING SYSTEM FOR AUTOMATIC
SECUREMENT OF A CONTAINER TO A CONTAINER CHASSIS
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims the benefit of Lanigan, Sr. et al.,
U.S. Patent
Application No. 14/184,166, entitled "Latching System for Automatic Securement
of a Container
to a Container Chassis" (Docket No. C0443/40686); Lanigan, Sr. et al., U.S.
Patent Application
No. 14/184,196, entitled "Front Pin Latching System for Automatic Securement
of a Container
to a Container Chassis" (Docket No. C0443/40700); and Lanigan, Sr. et al.,
U.S. Patent
Application No. 14/184,421, entitled "Latching System for Automatic Securement
of a Container
to a Container Chassis" (Docket No. C0443/40701). All of these applications
were filed on
February 19, 2014, and the entire contents of all of these applications are
incorporated herein by
reference.
REFERENCE REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED
RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not applicable.
SEQUENTIAL LISTING
[0003] Not applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
1. Field of the Disclosure
[0004] The present application relates generally to latching systems.
More particularly,
the present application relates to container latches for a container chassis.
2. Description of the Background of the Disclosure
[0005] In a conventional container chassis used for transporting a
container, the container
is secured to the container chassis by two latches spaced apart at each of the
two front corners
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and two latches spaced apart at each of the two rear corners of the container
chassis. These
latches are manually operated by the driver or other personnel. The rear
latches may have a twist
lock that is inserted into the bottom of the corner castings of a container.
The twist lock may be
operated by a lever to move the twist lock between an unlatched position and a
latched position.
The front latches of a conventional chassis that is 40 to 53 feet (13.1 to
16.2 meters) in length
may have locking pins that extend horizontally into openings of the corner
castings of the
container. The front of a conventional chassis that is 20 feet (6.1 meters) in
length may utilize a
twist lock and manual lever rather than the locking pins.
[0006] Such conventional latching devices are manually operated by the
chassis driver or
other personnel when a container is placed on a chassis. In turn, the
conventional latching
devices are manually unlocked before the container is removed from the
chassis. The driver or
other personnel may improperly or incompletely lock or unlock the latching
devices, which may
cause improper unloading of the container from the chassis or create the
potential for shifting of
or losing a container during road transport. Thus, there exists a need for an
automatic latching
system that does not require human intervention.
[0007] In the railway transportation industry, a container is typically
secured to the four
corners of a flatcar using a swing-type latch. Two swing-type latches spaced
apart at each of the
two front corners and two swing-type latches spaced apart at each of the two
rear corners of the
flatcar secure the container thereto. Similar to the twist lock latch of a
container chassis, the
swing-type latches of the flatcar enter openings along the bottom surface of
each corner casting
of the container. Unlike the twist lock latch, the swing-type latch is
continuously biased into
position by a spring. As the container is placed on the flatcar, the latch is
pushed back against a
spring until the latch clears the bottom surface of the corner casting. The
latch is designed such
that a significant force must be applied against the latch to remove the
container from the flatcar.
A container weight of approximately 700 lbs (317.5 kilograms) may be required
to load the
container onto the flatcar, and a force of approximately 2,000 lbs (907.2
kilograms), for example,
is used to remove the container from the flatcar.
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SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0008] A front pin latching system for automatic securement of a
container to a container
chassis is provided. The front pin latching system includes a shelf configured
to move vertically
on an outer surface of the container chassis. The shelf and the container
chassis have adjacent
openings. The system also includes a pin configured to move horizontally
through the adjacent
openings and a linkage mechanism disposed on an inner surface of the container
chassis. The
linkage mechanism is operably coupled to the shelf and the pin. Placement of
the container on
the container chassis moves the shelf causing the linkage mechanism to move
the pin such that
the pin automatically secures the container to the container chassis.
[0009] Further, a front pin latching arrangement for automatic securement
of a container
to a container chassis is provided. The front pin latching arrangement
includes first and second
latching systems disposed proximate to two corners of a container chassis,
wherein each of the
first and second latching systems automatically secure the container to the
container chassis.
The front pin latching arrangement also includes an interlock assembly
operably coupled to the
first and second latching systems. The interlock assembly is configured to
provide a fail-safe
operation such that the first and second latching systems maintain securement
of the container to
the container chassis.
[0010] Finally, a method for automatic securement of a container to a
container chassis is
also provided. The method includes vertically moving a shelf on an outer
surface of the
container chassis; horizontally moving a pin through adjacent openings of the
shelf and the
container chassis; placing the container on the container chassis such that
the shelf receives a
corner casting of the container, wherein the corner casting has a container
chassis opening to
receive the pin; and causing the pin to move in response to movement of the
shelf such that the
container is automatically secured to the container chassis.
[0011] Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will become
apparent upon
consideration of the following detailed description.
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is a rear isometric view of a container chassis including a
latching
arrangement and a front pin latching arrangement;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a front isometric view of the latching arrangement;
[0014] FIG. 3 is an exploded rear isometric view of the latching
arrangement;
[0015] FIG. 4 is a front isometric view of a latching system in an
unlatched position;
[0016] FIG. 5 is a front isometric view of the latching system of FIG. 4
in a latched
position;
[0017] FIG. 6 is a front isometric view of a front pin latching
arrangement;
[0018] FIG. 7 is an exploded rear isometric view of the front pin
latching arrangement;
[0019] FIG. 8 is a front side isometric view of a front pin latching
system in a first
position;
[0020] FIG. 9 is a front side isometric view of the front pin latching
system of FIG. 8
between the first position and a second position;
[0021] FIG. 10 is a front side isometric view of the front pin latching
system of FIG. 8 in
the second position;
[0022] FIG. 11 is an enlarged, fragmentary isometric side view of Detail
A of FIG. 10;
[0023] FIG. 12 is a fragmentary side view of an interlock assembly of the
front pin
latching arrangement in a first position;
[0024] FIG. 13 is a side isometric view of the interlock assembly of the
front pin latching
arrangement of FIG. 12 in a second position;
[0025] FIG. 14 is a rear isometric view of an alternative embodiment of
the latching
arrangement;
[0026] FIG. 15A is a front isometric view of an alternative embodiment of
the latching
system in an unlatched position;
[0027] FIG. 15B is a rear isometric view of the alternative embodiment of
the latching
system of FIG. 15A in an unlatched position;
[0028] FIG. 15C is a partial rear isometric view of the alternative
embodiment of the
latching system of FIG. 15A in an unlatched position;
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[0029] FIG. 16 is a front isometric view of the alternative embodiment of
the latching
system in a partially latched position;
[0030] FIG. 17A is a front isometric view of the alternative embodiment
of the latching
system in a latched position;
[0031] FIG. 17B is a rear isometric view of the alternative embodiment of
the latching
system of FIG. 17A in a latched position;
[0032] FIG. 17C is a rear isometric view of the alternative embodiment of
the latching
system of FIG. 17A in a latched position; and
[0033] FIG. 17D is a partial rear isometric view of the alternative
embodiment of the
latching system in a latched position
[0034] FIG. 18A is a rear isometric view of a second alternative
embodiment of the
latching arrangement in an unlatched position;
[0035] FIG. 18B is a rear isometric view of a second alternative
embodiment of latching
system in an unlatched position;
[0036] FIG. 19A is a rear isometric view of the second alternative
embodiment of
latching arrangement in a latched position;
[0037] FIG. 19B is a rear isometric view of the second alternative
embodiment of
latching system in a latched position; and
[0038] FIG. 19C is a rear isometric view of the second alternative
embodiment of
latching system of FIG. 19B in a latched position;
[0039] FIG. 20 is a front isometric view of an alternative embodiment of
the latching
arrangement;
[0040] FIG. 21 is an exploded rear isometric view of the alternative
embodiment of the
latching arrangement of FIG. 20;
[0041] FIG. 22 is a front isometric view of a alternative embodiment of
the latching
system in an unlatched position;
[0042] FIG. 23 is a front isometric view of the alternative embodiment of
the latching
system in partially unlatched positions;
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[0043] FIGS. 24 and 25 are front isometric views of the alternative
embodiment of the
latching system in a latched position;
[0044] FIG. 26 is a rear isometric view of an alternative embodiment of
the front pin
latching arrangement;
[0045] FIG. 27 is a front isometric view of the alternative embodiment of
the front pin
latching arrangement of FIG. 26;
[0046] FIG. 28 is an exploded front isometric view of the alternative
embodiment of the
front pin latching arrangement of FIG. 26;
[0047] FIG. 29 is a front isometric view of an alternative embodiment of
the front pin
latching system in an unlatched position;
[0048] FIGS. 30 and 31 are front isometric views of the alternative
embodiment of the
front pin latching system in partially unlatched positions;
[0049] FIG. 32 is a front isometric view of the alternative embodiment of
the front pin
latching system in a latched position; and
[0050] FIG. 33 is a front isometric view of an alternative embodiment of
the interlock
assembly of the alternative embodiment of the front pin latching arrangement.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0051] Various self-latching container latching systems for use with a
container chassis
are described herein. As seen, such systems allow for the automatic latching
and unlatching of
an empty, filled, or partially filled container to and from a container
chassis. In the drawings,
like reference numerals connote like structures throughout.
[0052] Referring to FIG. 1, a container chassis 50 features two of the
container latching
systems described herein to secure a container 52 thereto. A latching
arrangement 100 having
connectors 106a, 106b is provided on a rear portion 50a of the chassis 50.
Each bottom surface
of two rear corner castings 52a-1, 52a-2 of the container 52 has a rectangular
hole 53a (shown in
FIG. 5) to receive the connectors 106a, 106b in the unlatched position. A
front pin arrangement
150 having front pins 160 is provided on a front portion 50b of the container
chassis 50. Each
front surface of two front corner castings 52b-1, 52b-2 of the container 52
has a hole 53b (shown
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in FIG. 8) to receive the front pins 160. The latching arrangement 100 and the
front pin
arrangement 150 are described in greater detail below.
[0053] The container chassis 50 shown in the embodiment in FIG. 1 may
have a length of
40 to 53 feet (13.1 to 16.2 meters), for example. A container chassis having a
length of 20 feet
(not shown) may utilize the latching arrangement 100 or alternative latching
arrangements 200,
250, described below, in the rear and/or front portions of the container
chassis.
[0054] Latching Arrangement 100
[0055] An example latching arrangement 100 for automatic securement of a
container 52
to a container chassis 50 is provided in FIG. 2. The latching arrangement 100
includes a first
latching system 101a and a second latching system 101b disposed proximate to
two corners at a
front or rear of the container chassis 50 with an interlock assembly 108
operably coupled to the
first and second latching systems 101a, 101b. When a container 52 is loaded
onto the container
chassis 50 as shown in FIG. 1, each rear corner casting 52a depresses first
and second actuation
devices 102a, 102b of respective first and second latching systems 101a, 101b,
which causes
respective first and second connectors 106a, 106b to move from an unlatched
position as shown
in FIG. 4 to a latched position as shown in FIG. 5.
[0056] More specifically, placement of the container 52 on the container
chassis 50
actuates the actuation devices 102a, 102b, of the respective first and second
latching systems
101a, 101b, causing respective linkage mechanisms 104a, 104b to move the
respective
connectors 106a, 106b and automatically secure the container 52 to the
container chassis 50. In
the latched position, the connectors 106a, 106b prevent movement of the
container 52 apart from
the container chassis 50. The interlock assembly 108 is configured to provide
a fail-safe
operation such that the first and second latching systems 101a, 101b maintain
securement of the
container 52 to the container chassis 50.
[0057] In the example shown in FIG. 2, the connectors 106a, 106b may be
twist locks.
Other connector means, such as a bolt, a latch, or a pin, may be utilized.
Similarly, the actuation
devices 102a, 102b in the example embodiment seen in FIG. 2 may be plungers,
although other
actuation means are envisioned. Examples of possible non-powered mechanical
means include
but not limited to a plunger lever, a switch, a lever arm, a drive bar, and a
button. Automatic,
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powered mechanical means such as an air solenoid, an electric solenoid, a
pneumatic cylinder, or
a hydraulic cylinder may also be utilized.
[0058] Referring now to FIG. 3, the example latching arrangement 100 is
shown in an
exploded view. Each first and second latching system 101a, 101b of the
latching arrangement
100 includes an actuation device 102a, 102b, a linkage mechanism 104a, 104b,
and the connector
106a, 106b. Each linkage mechanism 104a, 104b, in this example, includes a
lever link 110a,
110b, a pivot 114a, 114b, a fastener 112a, 112b, a structure 115a, 115b, a
fastener 123a, 123b, a
connector link 122a, 122b, an arm 124a, 124b, a fastener 125a, 125b, a bolt
129a, 129b, a spring
116a, 116b, a spring housing 117a, 117b, and a bracket 118a-1, 118a-b. The
interlock assembly
108, in this example, includes an actuation device 134, first and second
pivots 140a, 140b, first
and second structures 141a, 141b, first and second arms 138a, 138b, a spring
133, first and
second rods 136a, 136b, first and second guides 142, first and second stop
bolts 144a, 144b, first
and second structures 146a, 146b, first and second bolts 147a, 147b, and first
and second bolts
148a, 148b. The actuation device 134 is a vertical plate 137 having first and
second protrusions
135a, 135b extending horizontally therefrom.
[0059] As shown in FIG. 4, the actuation device 102 is disposed on an
upper surface 54
of the container chassis 50. In particular, the actuation device 102 extends
from and through the
upper surface 54 of the container chassis 50 when the connector 106 is in the
unlatched position.
When the connector 106 is in the latched position, the actuation device 102 is
level with the
upper surface 54 of the container chassis 50. As noted above, the connector
106 is positioned on
a further surface 132 elevated above the upper surface 54 of the container
chassis 50. The
connector 106 includes a head 128 disposed above the further surface 132 on
the container
chassis 50 and a shaft 127 that extends through the upper surface 54 and
further surface 132 of
the container chassis 50. The linkage mechanism 104 is disposed below the
upper surface 54.
[0060] Best seen in FIG. 5, the corner casting 52a includes an opening
53a on a bottom
surface 56 thereof that receives the connector 106. The further surface 132
has a height that
corresponds to the thickness of the bottom surface 56 of the rear corner
casting 52a. The
actuation device 102 is dimensioned such that the connector 106 enters the
opening 53a before
the actuation device 102 is actuated.
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[0061] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the linkage mechanism 104 translates
the vertical
movement of the actuation device 102 into rotational movement of the connector
106 when the
actuation device 102 is actuated by placement of the container 52 on the
container chassis 50. In
the example shown in the figures, the connector 106 comprises a twist lock
that rotates
approximately 90 degrees upon actuation of the actuation device 102.
[0062] More specifically, a first end 110-1 of the lever link 110 is
coupled to the pivot
114 that is mounted on the structure 115 welded to the underside of an upper
surface 54 of the
container chassis 50. A second end 110-2 of the lever link 110 opposite the
first end 110-1 is
coupled to a first end 122-1 of the connector link 122 by means of the
fastener 123 to allow for
rotational movement.
[0063] Similarly, the fastener 125 connects a second end 122-2 of the
connector link 122
to the arm 124. The arm 124 is fixed to a cylindrical shaft 126 and extends
horizontally
therefrom. The arm 124 may be welded to or foinied in the same mold as the
shaft 126.
Referring back to FIG. 3, the shaft 126 is coupled to the shaft 127 of the
connector 106 via bolt
129 such that the shafts 126, 127 have a common axis.
[0064] Shown best in FIG. 4, the spring 116 of the linkage mechanism 104
is biased
against movement of the lever link 110. The spring 116 is disposed within the
spring housing
117 between the second end 110-2 of the lever link 110 and an outer surface
118 of the container
chassis 50. The bracket 118a may be mounted on the outer surface 118 to
receive the spring 116.
[0065] In the unlatched position shown in FIG. 4, the actuation device
102 is disposed on
an upper surface 54 of the container chassis 50, and the spring 116 biases the
lever link 110 away
from the outer surface 118 of the container chassis 50. The actuation device
102 engages with
the level link 110 by means of the fastener 112. Specifically, depression of
the actuation device
102 causes the lever link 110 to rotate about the pivot 114 toward the outer
surface 118 of the
container chassis 50 against the bias of the spring 116, thereby causing
movement of the
connector 106 from an unlatched position shown in FIG.4 into the latched
position shown in
FIG. 5.
[0066] Referring again to FIG. 2, the interlock assembly 108 may provide
a fail-safe
operation such that the first and second latching systems 101a, 101b maintain
securement of the
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container 52 to the container chassis 50. In the event of an uneven lift
caused by, for example,
rounding a corner during transport or improper removal of a container, the
interlock assembly
108 acts like a spring-loaded latch to maintain the latching systems 101a,
101b in the latched
position. Placement of the container 52 on the container chassis 50 actuates
the actuation device
134, causing the interlock mechanisms 132 to move each of the first and second
rods 136a, 136b
towards the respective first and second latching systems 101a, 101b. In the
example shown in
FIG. 2, the actuation device 134 of the interlock assembly 108 is spaced apart
from the actuation
devices 102a, 102b of the respective first and second latching systems 101a,
101b. Rods 136a,
136b may be a flat bar or plate, a circular rod, a rod having a square or
other geometrical cross
section.
[0067] FIG. 2 shows first and second latching systems 101a, 101b disposed
proximate to
two corners at a front or rear of the container chassis 50. The actuation
device 134 is disposed
on the upper surface 54 of the container chassis 50, and the interlock
mechanism 132 is disposed
below the upper surface 54 of the container chassis 50. The first and second
rods 136a, 136b
extend from the interlock mechanism 132 to the respective first and second
latching systems
101a, 101b. The first and second rods 136a, 136b rest in a first position when
the actuation
device 134 is not actuated, and the first and second rods 136a, 136b rest in a
second position
when the actuation device 134 is actuated.
[0068] The interlock mechanism 132 translates the vertical movement of
the actuation
device 134 into horizontal movement of the first and second rods 136a, 136b
when the actuation
device 134 is actuated by placement of the container 52 on the container
chassis 50. The
interlock mechanism 132 includes the spring 133, the first and second arms
138a, 138b, and the
first and second pivots 140a, 140b. The spring 133 disposed between the bottom
surface 59 of
the container chassis 50 and the actuation device 134 is biased against
movement of the actuation
device 134.
[0069] The first and second arms 138a, 138b connect the plate 137 of the
actuation
device 134 to first ends 136a-1, 136b-1 of respective first and second rods
136a, 136b as shown
in FIG. 2. The arms 138a, 138b rotate about respective first and second pivots
140a, 140b
secured to respective first and second structures 141a, 141b mounted to the
underside of the
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upper surface 54 of the container chassis 50. Further, the arms 138a, 138b are
operatively
coupled to the actuation device 134 such that downward movement of the
actuation device 134
causes each arm 138a, 138b to rotate about the respective pivot 140a, 140b.
The arms 138a,
138b also are connected to the respective first ends 136a-1, 136b-1 of the
respective first and
second rods 136a, 136b, and movement of the arms 138a, 138b about the pivots
140a, 140b
results in outward movement of the rods 136a, 136b toward the respective
latching system 101a,
101b.
[0070] In particular, the plate 137 of the actuation device 134 includes
first and second
protrusions 135a, 135b that extend horizontally therefrom and move vertically
with the actuation
device 134. In one example embodiment, first and second protrusions 135a, 135b
are pins driven
horizontally through the plate 137. First and second notches 139a, 139b along
inner surfaces of
the amis 138a, 138b receive the respective first and second protrusions 135a,
135b. The first and
second protrusions 135a, 135b are in communication with the first and second
arms 138a, 138b,
and more specifically, the first and second notches 139a, 139b, so as to
enable the vertical
movement of the actuation device 134 to rotate the first and second arms 138a,
138b about
respective first and second pivots 140a, 140b.
[0071] Shown best in FIGS. 4 and 5, the second end 136-2 of the rod 136
of the interlock
assembly 108 interacts with the latching system 101. The guide 142 having a
slot 143 is coupled
to a second end 136-2 of the rod 136. The slot 143 receives the bolt 147 that
is coupled to the
structure 146 mounted on or otherwise secured to the container chassis 50. As
the latching
system 101 moves between the unlatched (see FIG. 4) and latched positions (see
FIG. 5), the bolt
147 moves along the slot 143.
[0072] The stop bolt 144 also moves with the second end 136-2 of the rod
136 between
the unlatched (see FIG. 4) and latched positions (see FIG. 5). A plate 149
secured to the lever
link 110 is positioned adjacent the stop bolt 144. The rod 126 and the lever
link 110 move
consistently and simultaneously between the latched and unlatched positions
such that a gap 145
is maintained between the stop bolt 144 of the rod 136 and the plate 149 of
the lever link 110
during normal use. In the event that the linkage mechanism 104 is unable to
maintain the lever
link 110 in the latched position, the gap 145 is eliminated as the stop bolt
144 resists movement
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of the lever link 110 such that the lever link 110 is held in place against
the spring 116, and the
connector 106 remains in the latched position.
[0073] The second bolt 148 fastened to the structure 146 is positioned
such that the
second end 110-2 of the lever link 110 swings toward and away from the second
bolt 148 when
the latching system 101 moves between the unlatched (see FIG. 4) and latched
positions (see
FIG. 5). This second bolt 148 provides a surface against which the lever link
110 rests when the
latching system 101 is in the unlatched position.
[0074] Operation of the latching arrangement 100 will now be described.
Referring
again to FIG. 4, the latching system 101 is shown in the unlatched position.
The actuation device
102 extends from the upper surface 54 of the chassis 50. When a container 52
is placed upon the
container chassis 50 as shown in FIG. 5, the actuation device 102 is depressed
along path A.
Depression of the actuation device 102 causes the second end 110-2 of the
lever link 110 to
move along path B, which in turn causes the second end 122-2 of the connector
link 122 to move
along path C. The movement of the second end 122-2 of the connector link 122
rotates the arm
124 and connector 106 along path D into the latched position.
[0075] When the container 52 is removed from the chassis 50, the spring
116 forces the
lever link 110 toward the center of the chassis 50. This movement causes the
connector link 122
and the arm 124 to shift away from the outer surface 118 of the container
chassis 50, which
causes the connector 106 to rotate into the unlatched position.
[0076] Such placement of the container 52 on the container chassis 50
also causes the
interlock assembly 108 to move from a first position (partially shown in FIG.
4) to a second
position (partially shown in FIG. 5). Depression of the actuation device 134
causes each first
and second arm 138a, 138b to move respective first and second rod 136a, 136b
toward the
respective first and second latching system 101a, 101b. When the container 52
is removed from
the chassis 50, the spring 133 causes the actuation device 134 to rise,
thereby causing the rods
136a, 136b to move horizontally away from the outer surface 118 of the
container chassis 50.
[0077] Front Pin Latching Arrangement 150
[0078] Referring to FIG. 6, an example front pin latching arrangement 150
for automatic
securement of a container 52 to a container chassis 50 is shown. The front pin
latching
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arrangement 150 includes a first front pin latching system 151a and a second
front pin latching
system 151b disposed proximate to two front corners of a container chassis 50.
Each front pin
latching system 151a, 151b, in this example, includes a shelf 154 (shown in
FIG. 8) and a pin
160 that move between first, unlatched positions (shown in FIG. 8) and second,
latched positions
(shown in FIG. 10). When a container 52 is loaded onto the container chassis
50 as shown in
FIG. 1, the shelf 154 receives a corner casting 52b of the container 52 and
moves downwardly
such that the pin 160 extends outwardly into a corner casting opening 53b
(shown in FIG. 8) of
the corner casting 52b to secure the container 52 to the container chassis 50.
[0079] More specifically, placement of the container 52 on the container
chassis 50
moves the shelf 154, causing the linkage mechanism 162 to move the pin 160
such that the pin
160 automatically secures the container 52 to the container chassis 50. The
pin 160 restricts
movement between the corner casting 52b of the container 52 and the container
chassis 50 such
that each front pin latching system 151 automatically secures the container 52
to the container
chassis 50.
[0080] In this example, the front pin latching arrangement 150 also
includes an interlock
assembly 152 operably coupled to the first and second front pin latching
systems 151a, 151b.
The interlock assembly 152 is configured to provide a fail-safe operation to
such that the first
and second front pin latching systems 151a, 151b maintain securement of the
container 52 to the
container chassis 50.
[0081] In the example shown in FIG. 6, the front pin latching systems
151a, 151b utilize
the pins 160a, 160b to secure the container 52 to the container chassis 50.
Other connector
means such as a screw or a latch may be utilized. Similarly, the example
container chassis 50 of
FIG. 6 comprises a first insert 158a and a second insert 158b into which each
of the respective
first and second front pin latching systems 151a, 151b are mounted. A person
of skill in the art
could mount the front pin latching systems 151a, 151b directly to the
container chassis 50
without the need for an insert 158 or other separate component.
[0082] Referring now to FIG. 7, the front pin latching arrangement 150 is
shown in an
exploded view. Each of the first and second front pin latching systems 151a,
151b is mounted to
a respective first and second insert 158a, 158b, and each insert 158a, 158b is
dimensioned to fit
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within the two opposite corners of a container chassis 50. The insert 158a,
158b may be welded
or otherwise secured within the container chassis 50. The front pin latching
system 151a, 151b,
in this example embodiment, includes the shelf 154a, 154b, the pin 160a, 160b,
and the linkage
mechanism 162a, 162b. As shown in the example of FIG. 7, the linkage mechanism
162a, 162b
includes a link 166a, 166b, a spring 172a, 172b, a plate 174a, 174b, and a
spring housing 176a,
176b. The interlock assembly 152, in this example embodiment, includes a rod
182, a first tab
184a adjacent the first front pin latching system 151a, and a second tab 184b
adjacent the second
front pin latching system 151 b.
[0083] As shown in FIG. 8, the shelf 154 is configured to move vertically
on the outer
surface 156 of the insert 158. The shelf 154 and the insert 158 have adjacent
openings, 155, 159,
respectively. The pin 160 is positioned within the container chassis 50
relative to the shelf 154,
and is configured to move horizontally through the adjacent openings, 155,
159. The pin 160 is
also configured to move vertically with the shelf 154 during placement of the
container 52 on the
container chassis 50. Thus, the pin 160 enters the corner casting opening 53b
as the shelf 154
moves downward. The linkage mechanism 162 is disposed on an inner surface 157
of the
insert 158.
[0084] Referring to FIG. 8, the shelf 154 rests in the first position
when the container 52
is not loaded onto the container chassis 50. The shelf 154 rests in a second
position when the
container 52 is loaded on the container chassis 50 as shown in FIG. 10.
Movement of the shelf
154 from the first position to the second position causes the pin 160 to
extend outwardly from
the container chassis 50. Best illustrated in FIG. 9, the pin 160 moves both
vertically and
horizontally between the first and second positions.
[0085] In this embodiment, the linkage mechanism 162 is operably coupled
to the shelf
154 and the pin 160 so as to translate the vertical movement of the shelf 154
into horizontal
movement of the pin 160 during placement of the container 52 on the container
chassis 50. The
plate 174 of the linkage mechanism 162 disposed on the inner surface 157 of
the insert 158 is
configured to move vertically with the shelf 154. A bore 173 on the plate 174
maintains the
vertical position of the pin 160, as the pin 160 moves vertically with the
plate 174. The pin 160
also moves horizontally through the bore 173 between the first and second
positions. Horizontal
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movement of the pin 160 is effected by the link 166 of the linkage mechanism
162 during
movement of the shelf 154.
[0086] Most clearly shown in FIG. 11, the link 166 of the linkage
mechanism 162 rotates
about a pivot 168 mounted, welded, or otherwise secured to a portion 170 of
the insert 158. An
opposite end of the link 166 is operably coupled to the pin 160. The link 166
is dimensioned and
positioned such that downward movement of the shelf 154 causes the link 166 to
rotate about the
pivot 168 and move the pin 160 horizontally through the adjacent openings 155,
159 of the shelf
154 and the insert 158, respectively.
[0087] Seen best in FIG. 8, the linkage mechanism 162 also includes the
spring 172
biased against movement of the shelf 154. The spring 172 biases the shelf 154
into the first
position as shown in FIG. 8. The spring housing 176 is secured to the plate
174. The spring 172
is compressed between the cover 178 (see FIG. 9) of the spring housing 176 and
a bottom
surface 59 of the container chassis 50.
[0088] Referring back to FIG. 7, the interlock assembly 152 may provide a
fail-safe
operation such that the first and second front pin latching systems 151a, 151b
maintain
securement of the container 52 to the container chassis 50. The rod 182
extends between the first
and second front pin latching systems 151a, 151b. The first and second tabs
184a, 184b are
coupled to the rod 182, and are disposed proximate to the respective the
respective first and
second front pin latching systems 151a, 151b. The tabs 184a, 184b may be
bolted, pinned, or
secured to the rod 182 by any suitable method. Additionally, the rod 182 may
be a circular rod, a
flat bar or plate, or a rod having a square or other geometrical cross
section.
[0089] As seen in FIG. 12, the tab 184 has a cam surface 186 adjacent the
front pin
latching system 151 such that the cam surface 186 follows movement of the
front pin latching
system 151 during placement of the container 52 on the container chassis 50.
The tab 184 is
disposed in a first position before placement of the container 52 on the
container chassis 50.
FIG. 13 shows the tab 184 disposed in a second position after placement of the
container 52 on
the container chassis 50. The rod 182 and tabs 184a, 184b rotate between the
first and second
positions upon movement of the first and second shelves 154a, 154b of the
respective first and
second front pin latching systems 151a, 151b.
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[0090] More specifically, a hook portion 188 of the tab 184 is disposed
against the plate
174 of the front pin latching system 151 in the first position shown in FIG.
12. As the plate 174
moves downward upon placement of the container 52 on the container chassis 50,
the plate 174
contacts the cam surface 186 of the tab 184, causing the tab 184, and the rod
182 connected
thereto, to rotate. In the second position shown in FIG. 13, the hook portion
188 of the tab 184
receives an upper edge 175 of the plate 174. The first and second tabs 184a,
184b in the second
position provide a fail-safe to maintain the position of the respective first
and second pins 160a,
160b of the respective first and second front pin latching systems 151a, 151b
such that the
container 52 remains secured to the container chassis 50.
[0091] Operation of the front pin arrangement 150 will now be described.
In reference to
FIG. 8, the shelf 154 of each front pin latching system 151 rests in the first
position prior to
placement of a container 52 on the container chassis 50. The pin 160 remains
disposed within
the insert 158. As the corner casting 52b of the container 52 is placed on the
shelf 154, the shelf
154 moves downwardly into the second position. Such movement causes the link
166 to force
the pin 160 outwardly from the insert 158, as seen in FIG. 9. Once the shelf
154 reaches the
lowermost position shown in FIG. 10, the pin 160 fully extends from the shelf
154 into the
opening 53b of the corner casting 52b.
[0092] Downward movement of the shelves 154a, 154b of the respective
front pin
latching systems 151a, 151b also causes the interlock assembly 152 to move
between the first
and second positions. As the plate 174 of the front pin latching system 151
moves downwardly
upon placement of the container 52 on the container chassis 50, the plate 174
contacts the cam
surface 186 of the tab 184 such that the tab 184 rotates. The hook portion 188
of the tab 184
captures the upper edge 175 of the plate 174 to prevent the plate 174, and the
front pin latching
system 151 connected thereto, from moving upwards.
[0093] When the container 52 is removed from the container chassis 50,
the spring 172
of each front pin latching system 151 biases the plate 174 and the shelf 154
upwards, which
causes the link 166 to rotate about the pivot 168. Rotation of the link 166
causes the pin 160 to
move horizontally into the insert 158. Upward movement of the plate 174 also
causes the cam
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surface 186 of the tab 184 to rotate away from the plate 174, thereby enabling
the spring 172 to
bias the upper edge 175 of the plate 174 against hook portion 188 of the tab
184.
[0094] Latching Arrangement 200
[0095] Referring to FIG. 14, an alternative embodiment latching
arrangement 200 is
provided. In this embodiment, the latching arrangement 200 includes a first
latching system
201a and a second latching system 201b spaced apart at each of the two rear
corners of the
container chassis 50. An interlock assembly 202 is positioned between the
first and second
latching systems 201a, 201b. When a container 52 is loaded onto the container
chassis 50 (see
FIG. 17B), each rear corner casting 52a depresses an actuation device 204 (see
FIG. 15A) of
each latching system 201. Depression of the actuation device 204 causes a
latch 206 to move
between an unlatched position of FIG. 15A to a latched position of FIG. 17A
such that the
container 52 is secured to the container chassis 50. The interlock assembly
202 seen in FIG. 14
provides a fail-safe operation to ensure that the first and second latches
206a, 206b of the
respective first and second latching systems 201a, 201b remain in the latched
position.
[0096] As shown in FIG. 15A, each latching system 201 includes the
actuation device
204, the latch 206 (see FIG. 15C) positioned within a latch housing 207, and a
linkage
mechanism 208. The linkage mechanism 208, in this example, includes a
structure 210, a link
212 that rotates about a link pivot 214, a spring 216, and a plate 218. In
this example
embodiment, the interlock assembly 202 includes a rod 220, a first tab 222a
adjacent the first
latching system 201a, a second tab 222b adjacent the second latching system
201 b. FIG. 15B
shows the latching system 201 from another perspective.
[0097] In this example embodiment, the actuation device 204 is an upper
surface 224 of a
box 226 that receives the structure 210 of the linkage mechanism 208. The
structure 210 extends
through a surface 54 of the container chassis 50. Referring to FIG. 15C, an
inner face 230 of the
box 226 has an inverted U-shape that extends downwardly on either side of the
link 212 of the
linkage mechanism 208. Shown in FIG. 15A, the plate 218 is mounted or
otherwise secured to a
bottom surface 59 of the container chassis 50. A guide slot 232 within the
plate 218 receives an
extension 234 of the structure 210 to provide further control over movement of
the structure 210
between the latched and unlatched positions. Finally, the structure 210 also
includes a bottom
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surface 228 parallel to the upper surface 224 of the box 226 against which the
spring 216 is
biased.
[0098] The latch housing 207 is disposed on top of the box 226 of the
structure 210. The
latch 206 extends through the box 226 and rotates about a latch pivot 236
mounted within the
latch housing 207. Downward movement of the structure 210 due to placement of
the container
52 on the container chassis 50 results in downward movement of the latch
housing 207, the
actuation device 204, and the structure 210.
[0099] The linkage mechanism 208 translates the vertical movement of the
actuation
device 204 into rotational movement of the latch 206 about the latch pivot
236. The link 212 of
the linkage mechanism 208 is operably coupled to the link pivot 214 secured to
the container
chassis 50. At an opposite end, the link 212 is operably coupled to the latch
206. The inner face
230 of the box 226 straddles the link 212 at a midpoint of the link 212 as
seen best in FIG. 17B.
The spring 216 biases the actuation device 204 against placement of the
container 52 onto the
container chassis 50. Actuation of the actuation device 204 (i.e., downward
movement of the
box 226) causes the link 212 to rotate about the link pivot 214, which causes
the latch 206 to
rotate about the latch pivot 236 into the latched position (see FIG. 17A).
[00100] As seen in FIGS. 15A, 15B, and 15C, the actuation device 204 is
disposed above
the surface 54 of the container chassis 50 in the unlatched position.
[00101] FIG. 16 illustrates the latching system 201 moving between the
latched and
unlatched positions. The extension 234 of the structure 210 is at a midpoint
within the guide slot
232 of the plate 218, and the latch 206 has extended partially from the latch
housing 207.
[00102] Referring to FIG. 17A, the latching system 201 is shown in the
latched position.
The actuation device 204 is level with the surface 54 of the container chassis
50. The latch 206
extends fully from the latch housing 207.
[00103] Referring again to FIG. 14, the interlock assembly 202 operates
similarly to the
interlock assembly 152 of the front pin latching arrangement 150. The rod 220
of the interlock
assembly 202 has first and second tabs 222a, 222b positioned adjacent
respective first and
second latching systems 201a, 201 b. Upon movement of the first and second
actuation devices
204a, 204b of the respective first and second latching systems 201a, 201b, the
rod 220 and tabs
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222a, 222b rotate between an unlatched position shown in FIG. 15C and a
latched position
shown in FIG. 17A. In the latched position, the first and second tabs 222a,
222b maintain the
position of the extensions 234a, 234b, and the other components of the
latching systems 201a,
201b connected thereto, such that the latches 206a, 206b are held in the
latched position and the
container 52 remains secured to the container chassis 50. The rod 220 may be a
flat bar or plate,
a circular rod, or a rod having a square or other geometrical cross section.
[00104] More specifically, a hook portion 221 of the tab 222 is disposed
against the
extension 234 of the structure 210 of each latching system 201a, 201b in the
unlatched position
shown in FIG. 15C. As the structure 210 moves downward upon placement of the
container 52
on the container chassis 50, the extension 210 pushes a lower surface 223 of
the tab 222, causing
the tab 222 to rotate. In the latched position shown in FIG. 17A, the hook
portion 221 of the tab
222 receives an upper edge 235 of the extension 234. In addition, the
interlock rod 220 extends
through each tab 222a, 222b. The rod 222 and the tabs 222a, 222b may be welded
together or
made from the same mold or the tabs bolted to the rod.
[00105] Operation of the latching arrangement 200 will now be described.
FIGS. 15A,
15B, and 15C show the latching system 201 in the unlatched position. The
actuation device 204,
in this example, extends upwards from the surface of the container chassis,
and the latch 206
remains within the latch housing 207. The tab hook 221 of the tab 222 rests
against the
extension 234. In FIG. 16, the latching system 201 is shown in a partial
latched position. The
latch housing 207 enters the hole 53a (shown in FIG. 17B) of the corner
casting 52a while a
bottom surface of the corner casting 52a depresses the actuation device 204.
This depression
rotates the link 212 of the linkage mechanism 208 about the link pivot 214,
which causes the
latch 206 to rotate about the latch pivot 236 and extend from the latch
housing 207. This
depression also causes the extension 234 of the structure 210 of the latching
system 201 to move
downward and contact the lower surface 223 of the tab 222 such that the tab
222 and the rod 220
connected thereto rotates. Referring to the latched position shown in FIGS.
17A-D, the latch 206
is fully extended from the latch housing 207 and the actuation device 204 is
fully depressed. The
tab hook 221 of the tab 222 captures the upper edge 235 of the extension 234
to prevent the
extension 234, and the latching system 201 connected thereto, from moving
upwards.
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[00106] Latching Arrangement 250
[00107] Referring to FIG. 18A, another alternative embodiment latching
arrangement 250
is provided. The latching arrangement 250, in this example embodiment,
includes a first latching
system 251a and second latching system 251b spaced apart at each of the two
rear corners of the
container chassis 50, a bar 252 extending between the first and second
latching systems 251a,
251b, and an interlock assembly 254 positioned below the rod. When a container
52 is loaded
onto the container chassis 50 (see FIG. 19C), the container 52 depresses a
first actuation device
256a and a second actuation device 256b of the respective first and second
latching systems
251a, 251b. Depression of the actuation devices 256a, 256b causes first and
second latches
258a, 258b to move between an unlatched position of FIG. 18A to a latched
position of FIG. 19A
such that the container 52 is secured to the container chassis 50. In this
embodiment, the
interlock assembly 254 provides a fail-safe operation to ensure that the first
and second latches
258a, 258b of the respective first and second latching systems 251a, 251b
remain in the latched
position.
[00108] In the example shown in FIG. 18A, the bar 252 comprises a flat bar
or plate,
although other embodiments may utilize a rod having a curved, square, or any
geometrical cross
section.
[00109] Referring to FIG. 18A, each latching system 251a, 251b includes
the actuation
device 256, a linkage mechanism 260, and the latch 258 (see FIG. 19A) disposed
on a latch pivot
(not shown) within a latch housing 262. The linkage mechanism 260, in this
example, includes a
link 264, a spring 266, and a structure 268. The interlock assembly 254, in
this example,
includes first and second arms 270a, 270b, first and second plates 272a, 272b,
first and second
interlock rods 274a, 274b, and first and second guides 276a, 276b.
[00110] The first and second actuation devices 256a, 256b are positioned
along a rear
portion of the container chassis 50, spaced apart from one another as well as
from the respective
first and second latching systems 251a, 251b. In the example embodiment shown
in FIG. 18A,
the first and second actuation devices 256a, 256b are located at the
respective first and second
junctures 58a, 58b of a rear portion 60 of the container chassis 50 and
respective first and second
main beams 62a, 62b extending perpendicular from the rear portion 60.
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[00111] As seen in FIG. 18B, the linkage mechanism 260 of the latching
system 251
translates the vertical movement of the actuation device 256 into rotational
movement of the
latch 258 about the latch pivot. The first and second actuation devices 256a,
256b extend
upward from the bar 252 such that downward movement of the actuation devices
256a, 256b
causes downward movement of the bar 252. The first and second links 264a, 264b
of the
respective first and second linkage mechanisms 260a, 260b are operably coupled
to respective
first and second structures 268a, 268b at opposite ends of the bar 252. The
first and second links
264a, 264b are also operably coupled to the respective first and second
latches 258a, 258b of the
respective first and second latching systems 251a, 251b.
[00112] The spring 266 of each latching system 251a, 251b disposed between
the bar 252
and a bottom surface 56 of the container chassis 50 biases the actuation
device 256 against
placement of the container 52 onto the container chassis 50. Actuation of each
actuation device
256 (i.e., downward movement of the bar 252) causes the latch 258 to rotate
about the latch pivot
into the latched position (see FIG. 19A). The bar 252 extends through first
and second rod
guides 280a, 280b adjacent respective first and second latching systems 251a,
251b to provide
control over movement of the bar 252.
[00113] FIG. 19A illustrates the latching arrangement 251 in the latched
position. The
actuation device 256 is depressed relative to the surface 54 of the container
chassis 50, which
causes the latch 258 to extend fully from the latch housing 262. The actuation
device 256 is
depressed by movement of the bottom of the container 52 or a cross brace
between corner
castings 52a-1, 52a-2. Operation of the latching system 251 is described in
greater detail below.
[00114] Referring again to FIG. 18A, the interlock assembly 254 interacts
with the first
and second latching systems 251a, 25 lb. The first and second interlock rods
274a, 274b are
positioned adjacent one another and move horizontally in opposite directions
through the first
and second guides 276a, 276b. At a first end of the first and second interlock
rods 274a, 274b,
respective first and second arms 270a, 270b connect the respective first and
second interlock
rods 274a, 274b to the bar 252. At a second end of the first and second
interlock rods 274a,
274b, the first and second plates 272a, 272b are secured thereto adjacent
respective first and
second latching systems 251a, 251b. Each plate 272a, 272b has a notch 273
sized to receive one
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of first and second protrusions 278a, 278b that extend horizontally from the
bar 252. Downward
movement of the bar 252 causes the first and second arms 270a, 270b to move
the respective first
and second interlock rods 274a, 274b toward the respective first and second
latching systems
251a, 251 b. The first and second notches 273a, 273b of the respective first
and second plates
272a, 272b receive respective first and second protrusions 278a, 278b of the
bar 252 in the
latched position as shown in FIG. 19A. The interaction of the plates 272a,
272b with the
protrusions 278a, 278b restricts movement of the bar 252 in any direction,
thereby ensuring
securement of the container 52 to the container chassis 52.
[00115] Operation of the latch system 251 will now be described. FIGS. 18A
and 18B
show the latching system 251 in the unlatched position. In this arrangement,
the actuation
devices 256 extend upward and the latches 258 remain within the latch housing
262. The spring
266 forces the bar 252 upwards. In the latched position of FIG. 19C, the latch
housings 262
enter the holes 53a of the corner casting 52a while the bottom surface 56 of
the rear portion 52a
of the container 52 depresses the actuation devices 252. Depression of the
actuation devices 256
causes downward movement of the bar 252, actuating the linkage mechanisms 260
to extend the
latches 258 from the latch housings 262. This depression also causes the arm
270 to move
downward and force each interlock rod 274 outward toward the latching systems
251. Referring
to the latched position shown in FIGS. 19A-C, the latches 258 fully extend
from the latch
housings 262 and the actuation devices 256 are fully depressed. The engagement
of the plates
272 with the protrusions 278 prevent the bar 252 from moving upwards.
[00116] Latching Arrangement 300
[00117] Referring to FIG. 20, an alternative embodiment latching
arrangement 300 is
provided. Similar to the latching arrangement 100, the latching arrangement
300 includes a first
latching system 301a and a second latching system 301b spaced apart at each of
the two rear
corners of the container chassis 50. An interlock assembly 308 is positioned
between the first
and second latching systems 301a, 301b. When a container 52 is loaded onto the
container
chassis 50 (see FIGS. 1 and 17B), each rear corner casting 52a depresses an
actuation device 302
of each latching system 301. Depression of the actuation devices 302a, 302b
causes respective
first and second connectors 306a, 306b to move from an unlatched position as
shown in FIG. 22
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to a latched position as shown in FIG. 24. Similar to the connector 106 of the
latching system
101, the connector 306 of the latching system 301 is disposed atop the further
surface 132 above
the upper surface 54 of the container chassis 50.
[00118] More specifically, placement of the container 52 on the container
chassis 50
actuates the actuation devices 302a, 302b of the respective first and second
latching systems
301a, 301b, causing respective linkage mechanisms 304a, 304b to move the
respective
connectors 306a, 306b and automatically secure the container 52 to the
container chassis 50. In
the latched position, the connectors 306a, 306b prevent movement of the
container 52 apart from
the container chassis 50. The interlock assembly 308 is configured to provide
a fail-safe
operation such that the first and second latching systems 301a, 301b maintain
securement of the
container 52 to the container chassis 50.
[00119] In the example shown in FIG. 20, the connectors 306a, 306b may be
twist locks.
Other connector means, such as a bolt, a latch, or a pin, may be utilized.
Similarly, the actuation
devices 302a, 302b in the example embodiment may be plungers, although other
actuation means
are envisioned. Examples of possible non-powered mechanical means include but
not limited to
a plunger lever, a switch, a lever arm, a drive bar, and a button. Automatic,
powered mechanical
means such as an air solenoid, an electric solenoid, a pneumatic cylinder, or
a hydraulic cylinder
may also be utilized.
[00120] Referring now to FIG. 21, the example latching arrangement 300 is
shown in an
exploded view. Each first and second latching system 301a, 301b of the
latching arrangement
300 includes the actuation device 302a, 302b, a linkage mechanism 304a, 304b,
and the
connector 306a, 306b. Each linkage mechanism 304a, 304b, in this example,
includes a lever
link 310a, 310b that rotates about a pivot 314a, 314b, a plate 315a, 315b, a
spring 316a, 316b,
fasteners 317a, 317b, a structure 318a, 318a, a connector link 322a, 322b, a
fastener 323a, 323b,
an arm 324a, 324b connected to a bracket 338a, 338b, a fastener 325a, 325b, a
casing 326a,
326b, a bolt 329a, 329b, and a fastener 339a, 339b. The interlock assembly
308, in this example,
includes a bar 334, a bracket 336a, 336b having a C-shaped portion 337a, 337b
extending
therefrom, and a bolt 312. The plate 315a, 315b includes an upper edge 348a,
348b that engages
with the bracket 336a, 336b as described in greater detail below.
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[00121] The latching device 301 performs the same function as the latching
device 101,
but includes differently shaped components. Such variation allows for
different ways of
mounting into the container chassis 50, if desired. In the embodiment shown in
FIG. 22, for
example, the structure 318 which provides the pivot 314 is mounted onto the
bottom surface 59
of the container chassis 50 by bolts, fasteners, or other suitable means. In
contrast, as shown in
FIG. 4, the pivot 114 about which the lever link 110 of the latching system
101 rotates is
provided by the structure 115 that is welded or otherwise secured to the
underside of the upper
surface 54 of the container chassis 50.
[00122] The components of the latching device 301 also allow for different
manufacturing
methods specific to each component. For example, the bracket 338 includes two
opposing side
portions 344 having aligned through-holes that receive the casing 326.
Fasteners 339 extend
through the through-holes to securely fasten the bracket 338 to the casing
326. Further, the arm
324 extends horizontally from the bottom of the bracket 338 such that rotation
of the arm 324
translates to rotation of the connector 306.
[00123] Referring to FIG. 22, movement of the actuation device 302 causes
the lever link
310 to rotate about the pivot 314 mounted on the structure 318. Specifically,
the lever link 310
includes a pin 342 that extends horizontally therefrom and through an opening
346 on the plate
315, which is secured to the actuation device 302. The rotational movement of
the lever link 310
causes horizontal movement of the connector link 322 which causes rotational
movement of the
arm 324 and the bracket 338, and the casing 326 and the connector 306 secured
thereto, about a
central axis thereof.
[00124] FIG. 23 shows movement of the actuation device 302, the linkage
mechanism
304, and the connector 306 as the actuation device 302 is moved partially
downward.
Downward movement of the actuation device 302 causes downward movement of the
structure
315 and rotational movement of level link 310 about the pivot 314. The spring
316 is disposed
between an extension 313 in the structure 318 and an extension 311 of the
lever link 310 such
that the spring 316 is biased against movement of the lever link 310. FIG. 24
shows the latching
device 301 in the latched position.
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[00125] As shown in FIG. 25, the latching device 300 may include a limit
switch 340 that
detects whether the latching system 301 is latched or unlatched, and
communicates such status to
the driver through an indicator light (not shown). During operation, the limit
switch 340 may
monitor movement of the actuation device 302, the linkage mechanism 304, or
the connector
306.
[00126] Referring again to FIGS. 21-24, the interlock assembly 308 of the
latching
arrangement 300 operates similarly to the interlock assembly 152 of the front
pin latching
arrangement 150. The bolt 312 extending through the structure 318 provides a
pivot about which
the bracket 336 rotates. The movement of the C-shaped portion 337 is
coordinated with the
movement of plate 315 as the actuation device 302 moves downward.
Specifically, rotation of
the bar 334 about the bolt 312 causes the C-shaped portion 337 to hook the
upper edge 348 of the
plate 315 as the plate 315 moves downward. Further, in this embodiment, the
bar 334 comprises
a flat bar or plate, although other embodiments may utilize a rod having a
curved, square, or any
geometrical cross section. The cross-sectional size and dimension of the bar
may be adjusted
based on the load requirements. For example, a larger cross-sectional area
provides greater
support.
[00127] Operation of the latching arrangement 300 will now be described.
FIG. 22 shows
the latching system 301 in the unlatched position. The actuation device 302,
in this example,
extends upwards from the surface 54 of the container chassis 50. The C-shaped
portion of the
bracket 336 rests against the plate 315. In FIG. 24, the latching system 301
is shown in a partial
latched position. The connector 306 enters the hole 53a (see FIG. 17B) of the
corner casting 52a
while a bottom surface 56 of the corner casting 52a depresses the actuation
device 302. This
depression rotates the lever link 310 of the linkage mechanism 304 about the
pivot 314, which
causes the connector 306 to rotate. Referring to the latched position shown in
FIG. 25, the
connector 306 is fully rotated within the corner casting 52a and the actuation
device 302 is fully
depressed. The bracket 336 of the interlock assembly 308 captures the edge 348
of the plate 315
of the linkage mechanism 304 to prevent the plate 315 from upward movement.
[00128] Front Pin Latching Arrangement 350
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[00129] Referring to FIG. 26, an alternative embodiment of the front pin
latching
arrangement 350 for automatic securement of a container 52 to a container
chassis 50 is shown.
Similar to the previously described embodiment 150, the front pin latching
arrangement 350
includes a first front pin latching system 351a and a second front pin
latching system 351b
disposed proximate to two front corners of a container chassis 50. Each front
pin latching
system 351a, 351b, in this example, includes a shelf 354a, 354b and a pin 360
(shown in FIG.
32) that move between first, unlatched positions (shown in FIG. 29) and
second, latched
positions (shown in FIG. 32). When a container 52 is loaded onto the container
chassis 50 as
shown in FIG. 1, the shelf 354 receives a corner casting 52b of the container
52 and moves
downwardly such that the pin 360 extends outwardly into a corner casting
opening 53b (see FIG.
8) of the corner casting 52b to secure the container 52 to the container
chassis 50.
[00130] Placement of the container 52 on the container chassis 50 moves
the shelf 354,
causing the linkage mechanism 362 to move the pin 360 such that the pin 360
automatically
secures the container 52 to the container chassis 50. The pin 360 restricts
movement between the
corner casting 52b of the container 52 and the container chassis 50 such that
each front pin
latching system 351 automatically secures the container 52 to the container
chassis 50. In this
example, the front pin latching arrangement 350 also includes an interlock
assembly 352
operably coupled to the first and second front pin latching systems 351a,
351b. The interlock
assembly 352 is configured to provide a fail-safe operation to such that the
first and second front
pin latching systems 351a, 351b maintain securement of the container 52 to the
container
chassis 50.
[00131] The front pin latching arrangement 350 operates similarly to the
front pin latching
arrangement 150 described above and utilizes alternative parts to accomplish
the goals noted
above. Such variation allows for different ways of mounting into the container
chassis 50, if
desired.
[00132] Referring to FIG. 28, the front pin latching arrangement 350 is
shown in an
exploded view. Each of the first and second front pin latching systems 351a,
351b includes the
shelf 354a, 354b, the pin 360a, 360b, and the linkage mechanism 362a, 362b. As
shown in the
example of FIG. 30, the linkage mechanism 362a, 362b includes a link 366a,
366b, a pin housing
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368a, 368b, a structure 370a, 370b, a spring 372a, 372b, an interior frame
374a, 374b, and an
exterior frame 376a, 376b. The interlock assembly 352, in this example
embodiment, includes a
bar 382, brackets 384a, 384b having a C-shaped portion 373a, 373b extending
therefrom, and a
bolt 386a, 386b. The shelf 354a, 354b includes an upper edge 356a, 356b that
engages with the
bracket 384a, 384b as described in greater detail below.
[00133] As seen in FIG. 29, the shelf 354, the interior frame 374, and the
exterior frame
376 allow for a secure interfitting of the components and may be installed
directly onto a
container chassis without the need for an insert, if desired. More
specifically, the shelf 354
includes a planar portion 355 that extends through an opening 377 of the
exterior frame 376.
The interior frame 374 includes a planar portion 375 that is disposed atop the
planar portion 355
of the shelf 354. Each of the planar portions 375, 355 include respective tabs
378, 357 extending
perpendicular therefrom. A bolt 379 or other fastener extends through the tabs
378, 357 to
secure the frames 374, 376 together.
[00134] Referring to FIG. 30, downward movement of the shelf 354 causes
downward
movement of the interior frame 374, which causes the pin 360 to move
horizontally through the
pin housing 368. The shelf 354 moves downward along the exterior frame 376.
The spring 372
biases the planar portion 375 of the interior frame 374, and the planar
portion 355 of the shelf
354 connected thereto, against downward movement. FIG. 31 illustrates the
shelf 354 in a
further partial latched position, and FIG. 32 shows the shelf 354 in the
lowermost, latched
position.
[00135] As shown in FIG. 33, the structure 370 includes a notch 371
through which the
bracket 384 of the interlock assembly 352 extends. The bolt 386 extending
through the structure
370 provides a pivot about which the bracket 384 rotates. As the shelf 354
moves downward,
the bracket 384, and the bar 382 attached thereto, rotates such that the C-
shaped portion 373
hooks the upper edge 356 of the shelf 354. In the example embodiment, the bar
382 is a planar
bar having a rectangular cross section. The cross-sectional size and dimension
of the bar may be
adjusted based on the load requirements. For example, a larger cross-sectional
area provides
greater support.
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[00136] Operation of the front pin arrangement 350 will now be described.
In reference to
FIG. 29, the shelf 354 of each front pin latching system 351 rests in the
unlatched position prior
to placement of a container 52 on the container chassis 50. The pin 360
remains disposed within
the pin housing 368. As the corner casting 52b of the container 52 is placed
on the shelf 154, the
shelf 354 moves downwardly into the latched position. Such movement causes the
link 366 to
force the pin 360 outwardly from the shelf 354, as seen in FIGS. 30 and 31.
Once the shelf 354
reaches the lowermost position shown in FIG. 32, the pin 360 fully extends
from the shelf 354
into the opening 53b of the corner casting 52b.
[00137] Downward movement of the shelves 354a, 354b of the respective
front pin
latching systems 351a, 351b also causes the interlock assembly 352 to move
between the first
and second positions. As the shelves 354a, 354b of the front pin latching
systems 351a, 351b
move downwardly upon placement of the container 52 on the container chassis
50, the respective
brackets 384a, 384b rotate about the respective bolts 386a, 386b. The C-shaped
portions 372a,
372b of the respective brackets 384a, 384b receive the respective upper edges
356a, 356b of the
respective shelves 354a, 354b as such shelves 354a, 354b move downward such
that the shelves
354a, 354b are prevented from moving upwards.
[00138] When the container 52 is removed from the container chassis 50,
the springs
372a, 372b of the respective front pin latching systems 351a, 351b bias the
respective shelves
354a, 354b upwards, which causes the respective link 366a, 366b to move the
respective pin
360a, 360b to horizontally into the respective pin housing 368a, 368b. Upward
movement of the
respective shelves 354a, 354b also causes the respective brackets 384a, 384b
to rotate about the
respective bolts 386a, 386b such that the respective C-shaped portions 372a,
372b of the
respective brackets 384a, 384b release the respective upper edges 356a, 356b
of the respective
shelves 354a, 354b, thereby enabling the respective spring 372a, 372b to bias
the respective
upper edge 356a, 356b of the respective shelves 354a, 354b upwards.
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INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[00139] The disclosure has been presented in an illustrative manner in
order to enable a
person of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the disclosure, and the
terminology used is
intended to be in the nature of description rather than of limitation. It is
understood that the
disclosure may be practiced in ways other than as specifically disclosed, and
that all
modifications, equivalents, and variations of the present disclosure, which
are possible in light of
the above teachings and ascertainable to a person of ordinary skill in the
art, are specifically
included within the scope of the impending claims. All patents, patent
publications, and other
references cited herein are incorporated herein by reference.
