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Title:
CONTAINER SIDE DOOR IMPROVEMENTS
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2018/000015
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
The present disclosure relates to open sided intermodal containers, and to a door installation for the sides of these containers. In one aspect, there is provided a container comprising a container body, the container body comprising at least a base, a plurality of corner posts, at least one side rail extending between a pair of corner posts, the side rail comprising a downwardly opening channel, a door assembly comprising a door panel, and a hinge assembly connecting the door panel with respect to the container body. The hinge assembly comprises a pin, and a knuckle which is able to both slide along the pin, and pivot on the pin so that the door panel can move between an open and a closed position with respect to the container body. There is also a lifting mechanism, and an actuator for the lifting mechanism. In use, when the door panel is in or approaching its closed position with respect to the container body, the lifting mechanism effects an upward displacement of the door panel so that an upper edge of the door panel is driven into an engagement with the channel. This arrangement compensates for door misalignment issues created by deflection of the container body.

Inventors:
WALLIS ALEXANDER GUY (AU)
SCHWARTZ NICK (AU)
Application Number:
PCT/AU2017/000139
Publication Date:
January 04, 2018
Filing Date:
June 27, 2017
Export Citation:
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Assignee:
SCF GROUP PTY LTD (AU)
International Classes:
B65D90/00; B65D88/02; B65D90/02; E05D3/02
Foreign References:
GB469307A1937-07-22
US2293726A1942-08-25
US2920781A1960-01-12
US3710513A1973-01-16
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
MADDERNS PATENT AND TRADE MARK ATTORNEYS (AU)
Download PDF:
Claims:
CLAIMS

1. A container comprising a container body, the container body comprising at least a base, a plurality of corner posts, at least one side rail extending between a pair of corner posts, the side rail comprising a downwardly opening channel, a door assembly comprising a door panel, a hinge assembly connecting the door panel with respect to the container body, the hinge assembly comprising a pin, and a knuckle which is able to both slide along the pin, and pivot on the pin so that the door panel can move between an open and a closed position with respect to the container body, a lifting mechanism, and an actuator for the lifting mechanism, wherein in use, when the door panel is in or approaching its closed position with respect to the container body, the lifting mechanism effects an upward displacement of the door panel so that an upper edge of the door panel is driven into an engagement with the channel.

2. The lifting mechanism comprises a cam mechanism, wherein in use, the cam mechanism converts a rotation thereof into an upward displacement of the door panel.

3. The container of claim 2, wherein the cam mechanism comprises a cam which is rotationally secured with respect to the base of the container body to drive against a lower edge of the door panel when this is in its closed position.

4. The container of claim 3, wherein the cam mechanism is movable between a driving position in which it bears against the lower edge of the closed door to raise the door into engagement with the channel, and a neutral position in which it permits the door to drop out of this engagement.

5. The container of claim 4, wherein the cam mechanism is further movable between the driving position and an over-centre position in which it maintains the closed door in its engagement with the channel, and from which over-centre position the cam mechanism cannot depart without input from the actuator.

6. The container as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the knuckle of the hinge assembly depends from the door panel, and the pin depends from one of the comer posts.

7. The container as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the door assembly comprises a further door panel depending from the first door panel so as to form a bi-fold door arrangement.

8. The container as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the upper edge of the or each door panel comprises a chamfer or bevel.

9. The container as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the upper edge of the or each door panel comprises a seal for weather sealing the door panel with respect to the rail.

10. The container as in any one of claims 7 through 9, wherein one such bi-fold door arrangement depends from each corner post of the container body.

1 1. The container as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuator comprises a lever.

12. The container of claim 2, wherein the cam mechanism comprises a cam which is disposed over the hinge pin to drive against the knuckle of the door panel.

13. The container of claim 1 , wherein the lifting mechanism comprises a lead screw mechanism which is operatively associated with the hinge assembly.

14. The container of claim 1, wherein the lifting mechanism comprises a lead screw assembly which acts against the door panel to raise and lower it.

15. The container of claim 14, wherein the lead screw assembly comprises a collar threadably engaged with at least one screw shaft, and an actuator for driving rotation of the collar.

16. The container of claim 15, wherein the collar comprises a pair of opposing ends which are internally threaded, a first screw shaft threadably engaged with a first end of the collar, and a second screw shaft threadably engaged with a second end of the collar, where the first screw shaft and the second screw shaft, and the respective collar ends, comprise opposing threads.

17. The container as in either of claims 15 or 16, wherein the collar carries a ratchet gear, and the actuator comprises a lever carrying a reversible pawl engaging the ratchet gear so that the direction of drive of the ratchet and pawl is selectively reversible.

18. The container of claim 1, wherein the lifting mechanism comprises a scissor lift mechanism which drives against the door panel.

19. An open sided container comprising a container body, the container body comprising an open side, and a channel opening downwardly into the side opening, a door assembly comprising a door panel, a hinge assembly connecting the door panel with respect to the container body, the hinge assembly comprising a pin, and a knuckle which is able to both slide along the pin, and pivot on the pin so that the door panel can move between an open and a closed position with respect to the container body, a lifting mechanism, and an actuator for the lifting mechanism, wherein in use, when the door panel is in or approaching its closed position with respect to the side opening of the container body, the lifting mechanism effects an upward displacement of the door panel so that an upper edge of the door panel is driven into an engagement with the channel.

Description:
CONTAINER SIDE DOOR IMPROVEMENTS

PRIORITY DOCUMENTS

[0001 ] The present application claims priority from Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 201690251 1 titled "CONTAINER SIDE DOOR IMPROVEMENTS" and filed on 27 June 2016, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002 ] The present disclosure relates to open sided intermodal containers. In a particular form the present disclosure relates to a door installation for the sides of these containers.

BACKGROUND

[0003 ] Container transportation of goods provides an easy method of goods handling for transportation by road, rail and sea.

[0004 ] An important aspect of the use of containerised transportation is the means by which the containers are l oaded. The strongest fonn of container has openings at one or either end of the container body. However, this does not enable efficient loading or unloading of the container.

[0005] In order to overcome this problem, open sided containers allow access to either side of the container over the length of the container.

10006] A number of different closures for the sides of the containers are used. These include curtain sides and hinged steel doors. Each of these methods has their own advantages and disadvantages.

[0007] In the case of curtain side closures, the container is much lighter, which improves the ratio of load weight to all up weight.

10008] However, opening curtain side containers is reasonably time consuming. Moreover, the curtains used with these containers are not able to resist any side loading through movement of the goods within the container, and therefore a series of fence panels are installed along the side of the container to act as bamers for retaining the cargo. The curtain walls are then extended in front of these barriers. In order to open the container, these barriers need to be individually removed. In addition to the time taken to open the container, the barriers reduce the internal space within the container. [0009 ] Curtain side containers can be easily accessed if the curtain wall is cut. Also, if the curtain is damaged or cut, then it is difficult to repair, and its lack of durability necessitates replacement within a reasonably short period of time.

[0010] In order to overcome some of the disadvantages of the use of curtains with open sided containers, these containers are known to use hinged steel doors. The hinged steel doors overcome the problems of security and load retention, and improve the amount of floor space within the container. However, deflection of the container body can cause steel doors to be difficult to close and latch.

[001 1 ] It is against this background and the problems and difficulties associated therewith that the present invention has been developed.

[0012] Certain objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein, by way of illustration and example, an embodiment of the present invention is disclosed.

SUMMARY

[0013] According to a first aspect, there is provided a container comprising a container body, the container body comprising at least a base, a plurality of corner posts, at least one side rail extending between a pair of corner posts, the side rail comprising a downwardly opening channel, a door assembly comprising a door panel, a hinge assembly connecting the door panel with respect to the container body, the hinge assembly comprising a pin, and a knuckle which is able to both slide along the pin, and pivot on the pin so that the door panel can move between an open and a closed position with respect to the container body, a lifting mechanism, and an actuator for the lifting mechanism, wherein in use, when the door panel is in or approaching its closed position with respect to the container body, the lifting mechanism effects an upward displacement of the door panel so that an upper edge of the door panel is driven into an engagement with the channel.

[0014] In one form, the lifting mechanism comprises a cam mechanism, wherein in use, the cam mechanism converts a rotation thereof into an upward displacement of the door panel.

[0015] In one form the cam mechanism comprises a cam which is rotationally secured with respect to the base of the container body to drive against a lower edge of the door panel.

[0016] In one form, in an alternative, the cam mechanism comprises a cam which is disposed over the hinge pin to drive against the knuckl e of the door panel. [0017] In one fonn, the cam mechanism is movable between a driving position in which it bears against the lower edge of the closed door to raise it, and a neutral position in which it permits the door to drop.

[0018] In one fonn, the cam mechanism is further movable between the driving position and an over- centre position in which it maintains the closed door raised, and from which over-centre position the cam mechanism cannot leave without input from the actuator.

[0019] In one fonn, the actuator for the lifting mechanism comprises a lever.

10020] In one form, the lever swings through a vertical arc. In an alternative, the lever swings through a horizontal arc.

[0021 ] In one form, the lever is pivotable between a substantially horizontal position, and a substantially vertical position.

[0022] In one form, the substantially horizontal position of the lever corresponds with the neutral position of the cam mechanism.

[0023 ] In one form, the substantially vertical position of the lever corresponds with the driving position of the cam mechanism.

[0024] In one form, the lever is separable from the cam mechanism. In this way the lever can be stowed when this is not in use.

[0025 ] In one fonn, the knuckle of the hinge assembly depends from the door panel, and the pin depends from the container body (and more particularly a corner post thereof). In an alternative, this order is reversed.

[0026] In one form, the door assembly comprises a further door panel depending from the first door panel so as to fonn a bi-fold door arrangement.

[0027] In one form, the upper edge of the or each door panel comprises a chamfer or bevel.

[0028 ] In one fonn, the upper edge of the or each door panel comprises a seal for weather sealing the door panel with respect to the channel.

10029] In one form, one such bi-fold door arrangement depends from each corner post of the container body. [0030 ] In one form, in an alternative, the actuator for the lifting mechanism comprises a wheel.

[ 003 1 ] In one form, in an alternative, the actuator for the lifting mechanism comprises a motor.

[0032] In one form, in an alternative, the actuator for the lifting mechanism comprises a linear actuator.

[0033 ] In one form, in an alternative, the lifting mechanism comprises a lead screw mechanism which drives against the door panel.

[ 0034] In one form, the lifting mechanism comprises a lead screw assembly which acts against the door panel to raise and lower it.

[0035] In one form, the lead screw assembly comprises a collar threadably engaged with at least one screw shaft, and an actuator for driving rotation of the collar.

[0036 ] In one form, the collar comprises a pair of opposing ends which are internally threaded, a first screw shaft threadably engaged with a first end of the collar, and a second screw shaft threadably engaged with a second end of the collar, where the first screw shaft and the second screw shaft, and the respective collar ends, comprise opposing threads.

[ 0037] In one form, the collar carries a ratchet gear, and the actuator comprises a lever carrying a reversible pawl engaging the ratchet gear so that the direction of drive of the ratchet and pawl is selectively reversible.

[ 0038] In one form, in an alternative, the lifting mechanism comprises a lead screw assembly which is associated with the hinge assembly.

[0039] In one form, in an alternative, the lifting mechanism comprises a scissor lift mechanism which drives against the door panel.

[0040] In one form, in an alternative, the lifting mechanism comprises a ratchet jack arrangement. Such an arrangement would offer the advantage that it would lock in position when the handle is released.

[0041 ] According to a further aspect, there is provided an open sided container comprising a container body, the container body comprising an open side, and a channel opening downwardly into the side opening, a door assembly comprising a door panel, a hinge assembly connecting the door panel with respect to the container body, the hinge assembly comprising a pin, and a knuckle which is able to both slide along the pin, and pivot on the pin so that the door panel can move between an open and a closed position with respect to the container body, a lifting mechanism, and an actuator for the lifting mechanism, wherein in use, when the door panel is in or approaching its closed position with respect to the side opening of the container body, the lifting mechanism effects an upward displacement of the door panel so that an upper edge of the door panel is driven into an engagement with the channel.

[0042 ] According to a further aspect, there is provided a method of operation of a door assembly of the above described container, the method being substantially as described herein.

[0043 ] For ease of description, a container embodying the present invention is described below in its usual assembled position as shown in the accompanying drawings and terms such as front, rear, upper, lower, horizontal, longitudinal etc., may be used with reference to this usual position. However, the container may be manufactured, transported, sold, or used in orientations other than that described and shown here.

[0044 ] A detailed description of one or more embodiments of the invention is provided below along with accompanying figures that illustrate by way of example, the principles of the invention. While the invention is described in connection with such embodiments, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to any embodiment. On the contrary, the scope of the invention is limited only by the appended claims and the invention encompasses numerous alternatives, modifications, and equivalents. For the purpose of example, numerous specific details are set forth in the following description in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0045 ] Embodiments of the present invention will be discussed with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:

[0046] Figure 1 is an isometric view of an end of a container according to an embodiment;

[0047] Figure 2 is a detail view of a bottom corner of the container, illustrating a door assembly in a closed and raised position;

[0048 ] Figure 3 is a detail view of the bottom comer of the container, illustrating the door assembly in a closed and partially lowered position;

[0049 ] Figure 4 is a detail view of the bottom comer of the container, illustrating the door assembly in a closed and lowered position;

[0050] Figure 5 is a detail view of the bottom comer of the container, illustrating the door latches in a latched position; [0051 ] Figure 6 is a detail view of the bottom corner of the container, illustrating the door latches in an unlatched position;

[0052] Figure 7 is a detail view of the bottom corner of the container, illustrating the doors in a partially open position;

[0053] Figure 8 is a detail view of a lifting mechanism from the container, the lifting mechanism comprising a cam which is illustrated in a driving position;

10054] Figure 9 is a detail view of the cam mechanism in a neutral position;

[0055 ] Figure 10 is a detail view of the cam mechanism from the container in a driving position;

[0056] Figure 1 1 is a detail view of a hinge from the container;

[0057] Figures 12 and 13 are detail cross-sectional views of a top corner of the container;

[0058] Figure 14 is an isometric view of a container according to a further embodiment;

[0059] Figure 15 is a detail view of a bottom corner of the container of Figure 14, illustrating a door assembly in a closed and raised position;

[0060 ] Figure 16 is a detail view of the bottom corner of the container of Figure 14, illustrating the door assembly in a closed and partially lowered position;

[0061 ] Figure 17 is a detail view of the bottom corner of the container, illustrating the door assembly in a closed and lowered position;

[0062] Figure 18 is a detail view of a top corner of the container of Figure 14, illustrating the door assembly in a closed and lowered position;

[0063 ] Figure 19 is a detail cross-sectional view of the top corner of Figure 18;

[0064] Figure 20 is an isometric view of a lifting mechanism from the container of Figure 14;

[0065] Figure 21 is a front view of the lifting mechanism of Figure 20, illustrating the lifting mechanism extended to lift the container door assembly;

10066] Figure 22 is a plan view of the lifting mechanism of Figure 20; and [0067] Figure 23 is a front view of the lifting mechanism of Figure 20, illustrating the lifting mechanism retracted to lower the container door assembly.

[0068] In the following description, like reference characters designate like or corresponding parts throughout the figures.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0069] Referring now to Figure 1 , where there is shown an end portion of a container 1 of the Open sided' type, the container 1 comprising a container body 2, where the container body 2 comprises a base 4, four corner posts 6, a pair of side rails 8 and a pair of end rails 10 extending between corner posts 6, a roof panel 12 and a pair of end doors 14 (or an end wall). From each side rail 8 there depends a downwardly opening channel 16.

[0070] The container 1 further comprises a door assembly 20 comprising a door panel 22, and a plurality of hinge assemblies 30 connecting the door panel 22 with respect to the container body 2.

[ 0071 ] Each hinge assembly 30 comprises a pin 32 depending from a corner post 6 of the container body 2, and a knuckle 34 depending from the door panel 22. Each knuckle 34 is able to both slide along its respective pin 32 (with a 100mm stroke in this case), and pivot on the pin 32, so that the door panel 22 can move between an open and a closed position with respect to the container body 2.

[0072] The container 1 further comprises a lifting mechanism, which in this embodiment comprises a cam mechanism 40, and an actuator (a lever in this case) 60 for the cam mechanism 40. In use, the cam mechanism 40 converts a rotation thereof into an upward displacement of the door panel 22, when this is in its closed position.

[0073 ] With reference to Figures 8 and 10, it can be seen that the cam mechanism 40 comprises a cam 42 which is rotationally secured with respect to a distal end of a lever arm 44, which is in turn rotationally secured with respect to the base 4 of the container body 2 at a proximal end of the lever arm 44.

[0074] The cam mechanism 40 is movable between a driving position in which the cam 42 bears against a lower edge of the closed door 22 to l ift the door 22 approximately 40-50mm until its upper edge engages in the downwardly opening channel 16, and a neutral position (as illustrated in Figures 4, 5, 9 and 1 1) in which it permits the door 22 to drop out of this engagement with the downwardly opening channel 16 (as illustrated in Figure 5), so that the door assembly 20 can be opened (as illustrated in Figure 7). [0075] With reference to Figure 12, it can be seen that the upper edge of the or each door panel comprises a chamfer or bevel 26 to aid its engagement with the downwardly opening channel 16.

[0076] The cam mechanism 40 is further movable between the driving position and an over-centre position (as illustrated in Figures 1, 2, 8 and 10) in which it maintains the upper edge of the closed door 22 in its engaged relationship with the downwardly opening channel 16, and from which over-centre position the cam mechanism 40 cannot depart without input from the actuator 60.

[0077] With reference to Figure 13, it can be seen that the upper edge of the or each door panel comprises a sealing strip 28 for weather sealing the door panel 22 with respect to the downwardly opening channel 16.

[0078] In use, the lever 60 swings through a vertical arc between a substantially horizontal position (see Figures 4 and 9), and a substantially vertical position (see Figure 2), where the substantially horizontal position of the lever 60 corresponds with the neutral position of the cam mechanism 40, and the substantially vertical position of the lever 60 corresponds with the driving position of the cam mechanism 40.

[0079] The lever 60 may be pushed slightly past its horizontal position until the cam 42 meets a stop 48 (see Figure 8); where this lever 60 position corresponds with the over-centre position of the cam mechanism 40.

[0080] With reference to Figures 1 and 2, it can be seen that the lever 60 is separable from the cam mechanism 40, so that it can be stowed when it is not in use. To this end, the lever 60 comprises a pair of prongs 62 that align with a pair of hol es 46 in the cam mechanism.

[0081 ] Each door assembly 20 comprises a further door panel 24 depending from the first door panel 22 so as to form a bi-fold door arrangement. One such bi-fold door arrangement (or door assembly 20) depends from each corner post 6 of the container body 2.

[0082] Each door panel 22 and 24 comprises a latch assembly 70. When the doors 22 and 24 are closed and engaged with the channel 16, these latch assemblies 70 may be employed to provide additional securement of the door panels 22 and 24.

[0083 ] In use, the container 1 will be transported with each door assembly 20 in its closed position (as illustrated in Figure 1), the latch assemblies 70 latched, and the actuator 60 stowed. In this configuration, engagement of each of the doors 22 and 24 in the channel 16 provides an additional degree of securement above that provided by the latch assemblies 70. [0084] When the container 1 is to be opened for unloading, the lever 60 is retrieved from its stowed position, and it is engaged with the cam mechanism 40. At this stage, the cam mechanism 40 is in its over-centre position, so the lever 60 is not quite vertical. The lever 60 is then rotated through a vertical orientation and towards a horizontal one, thereby effecting movement of the cam mechanism 40 from its over-centre position, through its dr 'ing position to its neutral position, this in turn permitting the door assembly 20 to drop, so that the top edge of each of the door panels 22 and 24 is now disengaged from the channel 16. Latch assemblies 70 are released and the door assembly opened.

[0085 ] The above described method is repeated to open each door assembly 20, and reversed to close and secure each door assembly 20.

[0086] Referring now to Figures 14 through 23, where there is illustrated a container 100 according to a further embodiment. Those parts of the container 100 which are identical (or near- identical) to corresponding parts shown in the container 1 of Figures 1 through 13, will be denoted by the same reference numerals and will not be described again in detail.

[0087 ] In this embodiment, the lifting mechanism comprises a lead screw assembly 140, and an actuator (a lever in this case) 160 for the lead screw assembly 140.

[0088 ] With reference to Figures 20 through 23 in particular, it can be seen that the lead screw assembly 140 comprises a collar 142 comprising a pair of opposing ends 142a and 142b which are internally threaded, a first screw shaft 144 threadably engaged with a first end 142a of the collar 142, and a second screw shaft 146 threadably engaged with a second end 142b of the collar 142. The first screw shaft 144 and the second screw shaft 146 (and the respective collar ends) comprise opposing threads. More precisely, in this embodiment, the first screw shaft 144 comprises a left-hand thread, and the second screw shaft 146 comprises a right hand thread.

[0089 ] A distal end of the first screw shaft 144 is secured with respect to the container body 2.

[ 0090] A distal end of the second screw shaft 146 supports a lower edge of the door panel 22. More precisely, the distal end of the second screw shaft 146 carries a support 150, which bears against a lower edge of the door panel 22.

[0091 ] A gear 148 for a ratchet mechanism is so secured with respect to an outside of the collar 142 that these rotate together. The lever 160 is so mounted with respect to the collar 142 that the lever 160 can pivot relative to the collar 142 (and the gear 148). More precisely, the lever 160 is forked around the gear 148 at a proximal end, and the collar 142 passes through holes in this end of the lever 160. This lever 160 also forks around and carries a double sided pawl 162 which engages the gear 148. [0092] When the pawl 162 is set to a first position, cycling the lever 160 back and forth will drive rotation of the gear 148 and collar 142, and effect an extension of the lead screw assembly 140, and a raising of the closed door panel 22. Conversely, when the pawl 162 is set to a second position (by reversing its direction), cycling the lever 160 back and forth will drive rotation of the gear 148 and collar 142 in an opposite direction, to effect a retraction of the lead screw assembly 140, and a lowering of the closed door panel 22.

[0093 ] The support 150 comprises a clasp 152 adapted to retain a lower edge of the door panel 22. In this embodiment, the clasp 152 comprises an inwardly turned hooked portion. When the lead screw assembly 140 is retracted, this clasp 152 ensures that the door panel 22 is disengaged from the channel 16 by pulling downward on the door panel 22. With continued retraction of the lead screw assembly 140, the clasp 152 is pulled away from the door panel 22 as the clasp 152 continues past the lowered position for the door panel 22, so that the door panel 22 is free to open.

[0094] In this embodiment the lead screw assembly 140 and lever 160 are supported on a subframe 180, via which the entire lifting means sub-assembly is secured to the container 200. This way, a damaged lifting means subassembly is easily replaced if it becomes unserviceable.

[0095] The subframe 180 comprises a base 182 to which the distal end of the first screw shaft 144 is secured, and a guide 184 for the support 150, which guides travel of the support 150 atop of the lead screw assembly 140, and ensures that the support 150 cannot rotate with the second screw shaft 146.

10096] A hasp 170 is provided to secure the lever 160 is a stowed position when not required. The hasp 170 can be locked over the lever 160 to prevent the closed container 100 from being opened.

10097] The above described container and door assembly compensates for misalignment issues created by deflection of the container body 2, which is commonplace during racking (full side opening), when loaded, or when the container is unsupported on an uneven surface, such as when loaded on a trailer.

[0098] Throughout the specification and the claims that follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the words "comprise" and "include" and variations such as "comprising" and "including" will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers, but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

[0099] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement of any form of suggestion that such prior art forms part of the common general knowledge. [00100] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention is not restricted in its use to the particular application described. Neither is the present invention restricted in its preferred embodiment with regard to the particular elements and/or features described or depicted herein. It will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to the embodiment or embodiments disclosed, but is capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications and substitutions without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth and defined by the following claims.