Field of the invention

[001] The present invention relates open top containers of the type suitable for carrying and transporting and handling bulk cargo or materials such as coal and sugar.

Background of the invention

[002] Cargo containers are generally built as single purpose containers which when not being used must be stored awaiting their application. This leads to the need to having an amount of storage space, and several container types for loading, handling and transporting different bulk cargo.

[003] Further container handling facilities have tipping spreaders, also known as tipplers, which lift and rotate containers, and these are designed and or sized and powered according to the different type of bulk cargo to be handled. The tipplers are generally designed to have the centre of rotation aligned with the centre of gravity of the container when loaded with cargo. This means that port facilities need different tipplers and different cargo containers for different cargoes, and this is costly in requiring multiple ones, or even to have to change over the tippler from one type to another which is handling down time.

[004] Any reference herein to known prior art does not, unless the contrary indication appears, constitute an admission that such prior art is commonly known by those skilled in the art about which the invention relates, at the priority date of this application.

Summary of the invention

[005] The present invention provides an open top container for bulk material to carry a first cargo of a first specific gravity for use in a container handling and rotating device or a tippler which is designed for a container and second cargo of a second specific gravity where the first specific gravity is higher than the second specific gravity, wherein said open top container has an envelope and corner castings for lifting and or tipping so as to be used with said tippler for said second cargo; and wherein said container includes at least one compartment which is one or more of the following:

sized (length, width, depth, height), shaped or located within said envelope;

so that said open top container can bear and tip a load of said cargo of said first specific gravity in said tippler designed for said second mentioned container and cargo of said second specific gravity. [006] The at least one compartment can be sized (length, depth, width, height) or shaped or located in said container within said envelope so that the centre of gravity of said open top container and said first cargo is located substantially at or above the designed for centre of gravity of said second mentioned container for use in said container handling and

tipping device or tippler.

[007] The mass or payload of said cargo of a first specific gravity is not greater than the payload rating of said tippler for said second cargo.

[008] The open top container can be used for said first or said second cargo in a sequential manner.

[009] The present invention provides an open top container for bulk cargo or material the container having a base and side walls and end walls joined to the ends of the side walls and the base wherein the container between the end walls has at least two divider walls located between the end walls.

[010] The divider walls can be of a construction equivalent, in size, shape or strength, to the end walls.

[01 1] The divider walls form compartments being of a size to accommodate different cargo materials whereby one or more compartments when filled with a first cargo material will have a centre of gravity which is located within a predetermined range from the centre of gravity of a second cargo material which will be located in a different number of compartments.

[012] The container is able to be used with cargo materials of different specific gravity while maintaining the centre of gravity within a predetermined range.

[013] The divider walls are constructed with one of the following: a full height dimension; equal in height to the end walls; a height which is full height at the container sides, and of a lesser height at the central portions of the container; of a lesser height than the end walls.

[014] There can be the following number of dividers: 2 dividers making 3 compartments; 3 dividers making 4 compartments; 4 dividers making 5 compartments; compartments; 5 divider walls making 6 compartments; 6 divider walls making 7 compartments.

[015] The divider walls are arranged so that a central compartment is a larger than adjacent compartments; or smaller than adjacent compartments; or the same size as adjacent compartments.

[016] The container can be or have one or more of the following: any length as dictated by carrying transport or lifter and tippler devices for example 20 feet, 30 feet, 40 feet or 45 feet or more; having a length of 6058mm to 12129mm (20 to 40 feet); and greater than 20 feet in length; three compartments of a first size; three compartments off a first size separated by compartments of a second size which is smaller than the first size; one compartment of a first size in the middle of the container and apposed end compartments of a second size;

compartments of two different sizes, one being half the size of the other. [017] The container can be 12192mm of 40 foot in length with a first compartment at one end and a second compartment at the opposite end, and a third compartment in the middle, the first second and third compartments being of the order of 3 metres in length.

[018] The container can have a fourth compartment between the first and third compartments and a fifth compartment between the third and second compartments, whereby the fourth and fifth compartments are of equal size and approximately 1.5 metres in length.

[019] The container can be used for coal, sugar, maize, chrome ore, ferrochrome ore, manganese ore.

[020] The present invention also provides for a method of handling a container, constructed as described above, wherein the container, depending upon specific gravity of the cargo or product to be loaded will fill a number of compartments of the container so as to maintain the centre of gravity of the load at or above a height from the container base the lowest height of which is at the designed for height of a tippler or container rotating handling apparatus.

[021] The present invention also provides an open top container for receiving and handling of bulk cargo, the container being characterised by being 12192mm or 40 feet in length.

[022] The present invention also provides an open top container for bulk material, the container having a base and side walls joined to the base and end walls joined to the ends of the side walls and the base wherein the container has an upper surface of at least a part of its base at a height of between approximately 200mm and 1000mm above the iowermost periphery corner castings.

[023] The base of the container can be manufactured so that it has a thickness of between approximately 200mm and 1000mm, where the lower periphery of the base is at or near to the Iowermost periphery corner castings.

[024] The base of the container can be of a thickness of less than 200mm, but the upper surface of the base is displaced from the Iowermost periphery of the corner castings.

[025] The base can be displaced by means supports which engaged corners of the container.

[026] The base can be additionally supported by gussets extending from the comers of the container.

[027] The container can include compartments formed by one or more divider walls.

[028] The container can have more than one compartment, and one of the following: all compartments have the base at the same height; all compartments have the base at the same height of between 200mm to 1000mm; one compartment is at between 200mm to 1000mm in height above the Iowermost castings, and the other compartments are at a lower height.

[029] The container can be of approximately 20 feet or 6058mm in length; or 30 feet or 45 feet or of approximately 40 feet or 12129mm in length. [030] The containers described above can be fitted with ISO corner castings.

[031] The containers described above can have divider walls that will withstand the standard ISO container testing requirements and or such requirements for end walls, and also the forces imposed upon them during transport and normal operation. The containers described above can have one of the following: a removable lid or cover; a removable lid or cover which is the full length of the container; each compartment has a removable lid or cover which is sized to suit each compartment size. The structural support of the side walls can be greater in strength in the centre compartments compared to the outer compartments; a lid or cover which comprises a plurality of nested lids; a lid or cover which includes an openable and or securable hatch therein; a lid or cover which comprises a plurality of nested lids, with the lids including one or more openable and or securable hatches therein.

[032] The structural support in the floor can be greater in the centre compartments compared to the outer compartments.

[033] The floor members can be of increased height, location or strength to raise the centre of gravity of the load relative to the outer frame work of the container.

[034] The entire floor can be raised relative the ground and lower corner castings to raise the centre of gravity relative the outer frame work of the container.

[035] The container can have one compartment that is sized and or shaped to provide a centre of gravity for a cargo of a first specific gravity, which matches a centre of gravity location for a tippler for a cargo of a second specific gravity, said compartment having or providing height or depth or length or width dimensions, or a cross sectional shape so as to achieve said centre of gravity.

[036] An open top container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein there is more than one compartment and at least one compartment has a height or depth or length or width dimensions, or a cross sectional shape which is different to at least one other compartment so as to modify the centre of gravity location of the cargo in the narrower compartment.

[037] The present invention also provides a method of handling an open top container as described above for handling of bulk cargo by a container rotating handling device such as a tippler, the method comprising the steps of: (a) providing the container with at least one cargo compartment space with width, length and height dimensions whereby for a first cargo when loaded in the at least one compartment space, the centre of gravity of the load is at a height above a datum of the container which is in the vicinity of the axis of rotation of the container by the device; (b) handling and emptying the container by the device; (c) loading a second cargo in the at least one compartment, whereby the centre of gravity of the load is at a height above a datum of the container which is above the axis of rotation of the container by the device.

[038] The steps a. and c. can be reversed.

[039] The present invention also provides a method of operating a tippler designed to be used with a first container and first cargo of a first specific gravity, operating said tippler with a second container as described above with a second cargo of greater specific gravity than said first cargo.

[040] The present invention also provides a method of designing and or constructing an open top container for a cargo of a first specific gravity, said method comprising:

- establishing said open top container envelope or outer dimensions and location of upper corner castings so as to be able to be used with a container lifting and tipping device for a second container for a second cargo of a second specific gravity which is lower than said first specific gravity,

- providing at least one compartment within said envelope,

- said compartment being sized (length, width, depth, height), shaped or located within said envelope,

- so that said open top container can bear and tip a load of said cargo therefrom of said first specific gravity in said tippler designed for said second container and second cargo of said second specific gravity, by appropriately positioning the centre of gravity of said container and said cargo of said first specific gravity.

Brief description of the drawings

[041] An embodiment or embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[042] Figure 1 illustrates an end on perspective view of a container.

[043] Figure 2 illustrates a side view of the container of Figure 1.

[044] Figures 3A to 3F illustrate respectively a rear end view, a side view, a font end view, a plan view and section view of the container of figures 1 and 2.

[045] Figure 4 illustrates another container similar to that of figure 1 loaded in all 5 compartments, where the divider walls are not shaped like those of earlier figures.

[046] Figure 5 illustrates the container of figure 4 where three compartments are loaded with bulk cargo.

[047] Figure 6 illustrates the container of figure 4 where only a single compartment is loaded.

[048] Figure 7 illustrates an upper perspective view of another container. [049] Figure 8 illustrated a cross section through a partially assembled container of figure 6.

[050] Figure 9 illustrates a plan view of the container of figure 8.

[051] Figure 10 illustrates a perspective view of a 20 foot or 6.058 metre container with two divider walls which include notches.

[052] Figure 1 1 illustrates perspective view of another 20 foot or 6.058 metre container with two divider walls which are below the level of the top rails of the side and end walls.

[053] Figure 12 illustrates a side cut away view of a 20 Foot container.

[054] Figure 3 illustrates a container similar to that of Figure 12 with a different construction.

[055] Figure 14 illustrates a side view of 20 foot container of a further construction.

[056] Figure 15 is an end view of the container of figure 14 in tippler, with end wall cutaway.

[057] Figure 16 illustrates a cross sectional view of the container of figure 14.

[058] Figure 17 illustrates a cross sectional view through a 40 foot container of another embodiment of the invention, where the central compartment has a higher base.

[059] Figure 17A illustrates a cross sectional view through a container similar to that of Figure 17 where the central and end compartments have a base higher than the intermediate compartments.

[060] Figure 17B illustrates a cross sectional view similar to figure 17 wherein the central and intermediate compartments have a base height greater than the end compartments.

[061] Figures 18 illustrates a cross sectional view through a 40 foot container showing bucket loading of a central compartment.

[062] Figure 19 illustrates the container of figure 18, where intermediate compartments are being loaded by a bucket loader.

[063] Figure 20 illustrates a view of a container with a first material in a tippler unloading device showing an desirable centre of gravity of the load of the first material above the centre of rotation of a tippler.

[064] Figure 21 illustrates a view of the container of figure 20, with a second material and a desirable centre of gravity of the load, which is at or very near to the centre of rotation of a tippler.

[065] Figure 21 A illustrates a desirable centre of gravity of a load which has been position in a container which has a raised floor.

[066] Figure 22 illustrates a bucket loading a container which has notched divider walls. [067] Figure 23 illustrates a side view of the arrangement of figure 22.

[068] Figures 24 through to 27 illustrate a series of tippler and containers during rotation phase of the container.

[069] Figure 28 shows a side view of a container and tippler with lid lifter and axis of rotation of the container by the tippler.

[070] Figure 29 illustrates a cross section through a 40 foot container where the central compartment floor is raised relative to the floor of the other compartments.

[071] Figure 30 illustrates a plan view of a 40 foot container with 7 compartments and 6 divider walls.

[072] Figure 31 illustrates a plan view of a 40 foot container with 4 compartments and 4 divider walls.

[073] Figure 32 illustrates a plan view of a 40 foot container with 6 compartments and 5 divider walls.

[074] Figure 33 illustrates a plan view of a set of nested lids for use with the containers of the present invention.

[075] Figure 34 illustrates the lid of figure 33 with the centre lid removed.

[076] Figure 35 illustrates a side view of the lids of figure 33 showing castings having vertically opening apertures for interaction with twist locks on lid lifting device, and separate lid locks for the respective lid portions.

[077] Figure 36 illustrates a cross section through a container showing a lid in place having circular hatches.

[078] Figure 37 illustrates a plan view of the lid and container of figure 36.

[079] Figure 38 illustrates a plan view of the nested lid of figures 33 to 35, together with hatches included therein.

[080] Figure 39 illustrates a schematic view of a tapered compartment cross section so as to assist in raising the centre of gravity of a cargo.

[081] Figure 40 illustrates a schematic view of a tapered and square compartment cross section so as to assist in raising the centre of gravity of a cargo.

[082] Figure 41 illustrates a schematic view of a tapered and or stepped and square compartment cross section so as to assist in raising the centre of gravity of a cargo. Detailed description of the embodiment or embodiments

[083] As described below in respect of figures 1 to 41 , there is described and exemplified open top containers 10, 100, 1000, 1100, 1200, 1210, 1300, 1400, 1600, 1700, 1710, 1720, 2900, 3000, 3010, 3020 for bulk material to carrying a first cargo of a first specific gravity for use in a container handling and rotating device or a tippler 1 1 10 which is designed for a container and second cargo of a second specific gravity where the first specific gravity is higher than the second specific gravity, the open top container has an envelope being the overall height width and length and corner castings located at corners thereof, for lifting and or tipping the container, so as to be used with the tippler for the second cargo. The open top container 0, 100, 1000, 1100, 1200, 1210, 1300, 1400, 1600, 1700, 1710, 1720, 2900, 3000, 3010, 3020 includes at least one compartment 30, 32, 34, 36 or 38 which is one or more of the following: sized (length, width, depth, height), shaped or located within the envelope; so that the open top container can bear and tip a load of said cargo of the first specific gravity in the tippler designed for the second mentioned container and cargo of the second specific gravity.

[084] The at least one compartment can be sized (length, depth, width, height) or shaped or located in the container within said envelope so that the centre of gravity of the open top container 10, 00, 1000, 1100, 200, 1210, 1300, 1400, 600, 1700, 1710, 1720, 2900, 3000, 3010, 3020 and the first cargo is located substantially at or above the designed for centre of gravity of the second mentioned container for use in the container handling and tipping device or tippler.

[085] The mass or payload of the cargo of the first specific gravity is not to be greater than the payload rating of the tippler for the second cargo, and the open top container can be used for the first or the second cargo in a sequential manner. The following provides a more detailed description of the embodiments of the invention.

[086] Illustrated in figures 1 to 3 and 3A to 3E, is an open top shipping or material handling container 10, which has a floor or base 1 1 , oppositely located longitudinal side walls 12, oppositely located end walls 14 and between the end walls 14 are located four spaced apart divider walls 20, 22, 24 and 26, which will form a middle compartment 30, end compartments 32 and 34 and intermediate compartment 38 between compartment 32 and 30, and intermediate compartment 36 between compartments 30 and 34.

[087] From Figures 1 and 2 and figure 3E, it can be seen that the divider walls 20, 22, 24 and 26 have a scalloped or shaped upper end, which is formed by tapering top rail sections 40 and 42, which are converging downwardly and towards the centre of the container, and in the middle a generally horizontal section 44. This notch or space formed by the divider walls having the shaped top rail assists in reducing impact damage from front end loader engagement when product is dumped into the compartments during loading. [088] Generally, as illustrated in Figures 3A to 3E the container 10 has the following dimensions: width of 2438mm, which is a standard dimension for ISO containers. The length is 12 92mm or approximately 40 feet in imperial dimensions. The height of the container shown in the figure is 2050mm which is a non-standard height for ISO shipping container. The height of the container can be adjusted to suit required payloads, centre of gravity and cubic capacity. The length of the compartments thus formed with the thickness of the divider walls being 160mm. is that compartment 30 is 3000mm, while end compartments 32 and 34 are similarly dimensioned at 3014mm in length, while the intermediate compartments 36 and 38 are approximately half the length at 1500mm.

[089] Figure 3F illustrates the container floor 1 1 cross member arrangements. It will be seen from Figure 3F that under compartments 32, 34, 36 and 38 C-section beams are used, whereas under central compartment 30, RHS beams of the same height as the C-section beams are used. The C-section beams are 120mm high by 45mm wide and are 4 mm thick, whereas the RHS beams are 20mm high by 120mm wide and are 4mm thick. Thus under the centre compartment 30, the floor cross members are of a larger structural capacity compared to the outer compartments 34,36,38,32. This is because a similar total mass payload of a higher specific gravity cargo can be concentrated over a smaller floor area.

[090] This produces a container where the no spill over capacity, that is the cargo does not spill over the divider walls 20 to 26, so that compartments 38 and 36 are approximately 4.43 cubic metres each, while compartments 30, 32 and 34 are each approximately 8.86 cubic metres each, which without spill over is 35.44 cubic metres in total, but with spill over will be approximately 50.1 cubic metres.

[091] For cargo like coal or sugar which have a specific gravity of about 0.8 to 0.9 metric tonnes per cubic metre, or maize which has a specific gravity of about 0.75 metric tonnes per cubic metre, the full container length, that is all compartments and to the full height will be filled, as is illustrated in a similarly constructed container 100, as will be described below with respect to Figure 4, in all 5 compartments 30, 32, 34, 36 and 38.

[092] For a cargo like ferrochrome ore which has a specific gravity of about 4.3 metric tonnes per cubic metre then only compartment 30 is loaded as illustrated in Figure 6.

[093] For a cargo like manganese ore having a specific gravity of about 1.9 metric tonnes per cubic metre or chrome ore having a specific gravity of about 2.2 metric tonnes per cubic metre, then only compartments 30, 36 and 38 are loaded as illustrated in Figure 5.

[094] This open top container 10 having multiple compartments allows for products of different density or specific gravity to be loaded in the container. [095] Tipplers which unload containers have their power requirements and geometry arranged for different types of bulk cargo, because different bulk cargo presents a different centre of gravity of the load in respect of the longitudinal rotation axis of the container. By the arrangement described above, the centre of gravity of the combined container and cargo is at approximately the same height for the container 10 (or 100 of figures 4 to 6) having different cargo when in the loaded compartments described above. This ensures that a single tippler can be used without having to be concerned about the design criteria of the tippler.

[096] As tipplers are designed to operate with the cargo and container having a centre of gravity at a predetermined height, in order to ensure that the tippler will work with a variety of cargo types, the arrangement of compartments used, respective to the cargo's specific gravity, is such that the centre of gravity is not at a lesser height from the base of the container, than the tippler's designed for location, as the tippler has to rotate the container 10,100 when loaded through 180 degrees, and either back or forward through 180 degrees to right the container.

[097] By including dividing walls 20, 22, 24 and 26 this creates separate compartments so that the amount of product loaded in the container can be limited, depending on the specific gravity or density of the product. Further, as will be discussed below, the floor height can be modified to further modify the cargo's centre of gravity relative to the Tippler axis of rotation.

[098] As discussed above and illustrated in figures 4 to 6, the container 100 shows different loading arrangements. It will be noted that the divider walls 20, 22, 24 and 26 all have a top rail 44 which is horizontal and is at the full container height unlike the divider walls used in figures 1 to 3E. The divider walls used in figures 1 to 3E were also of a different thickness to the end walls 14. Whereas in the embodiment to figures 4 to 6, the end walls and the divider walls each have a top rail, and wall thickness of 178 mm.

[099] It will be noted from figures 5 and 6 the compartments are all lined compartments, and these are constructed in a manner similar to the lined compartments of the container 1000 which is illustrated in Figures 7 to 9.

[0100] In figures 7 to 9, the container 1000, of approximately 12192mm in length, has three compartments only, namely central compartment 30, and end compartments 34 and 32 which are approximately half the length of compartment 30. It will be noted that the top rails of the divider walls 22 and 24 are the same as the width of the top rails of the end walls 14 and side walls 12.

[0101 ] From figure 8 and 9 it can be seen that the divider wall 22 or 24, is constructed from a forward liner 50 (visible in figure 7, but removed for purposes of illustration in figures 8 and 9) and a rearward liner 52, which sandwich a series of RHS columns or supports 54.The supports 54 are welded to the underside of the top rails 56, and to the base 1 1 of the container. [0102] Figure 8 and 9 also illustrate an alternative construction for container 1 100 of the divider walls 22 and24, namely that only one side will receive a liner 50 or 52, rather than both sides, as indicated for the container 1000 in Figure 7.

[0103] Figure 8 and 9 also illustrate the vertical side posts or side columns 30.1 of the centre compartments 30 can be a greater section size than the side posts or side columns 34.1 and 32.1 of the outer compartments 34 and 32. This is because the payload is concentrated in a smaller area and the pressure bearing on the side walls will be greater in the centre compartment 30 than outer compartments 34 and 32. Typically the side posts 34.1 and 32.1 of the outer compartments 34, 32 are a 70mm deep RHS section, and the side posts 30.1 of centre compartments 30 are 100mm deep RHS. For a container with 5 compartments as illustrated in figure 3, compartments 30, 36 and 38 have side posts which are larger section sizes than compartment 34 and 32.

[0104] Figures 8 and 9 illustrates that the divider or transverse wall forming a compartment is connected to a large structural member or column 57 in the side wall 12. This structural member or column 57 is similar in size and strength to the container corner posts, which means the divider or transverse wall forms part of a rigid frame. The columns 57 have a generally L- shaped construction which allows for a transition from 100 mm side posts or columns in the central compartment side walls to 70 mm side posts or columns in the end compartment side walls. Thus from figure 9 it can be seen that the end compartments 34 and 32 have a greater width W than the width of central compartment 30 which has width W1. By this change in width the outside envelope of the container is kept straight sided, with no reduction in outside width from one compartment to the next. Further, as the width of the central compartment 30 is effectively narrowed relative to the end compartments, this can be a mechanism to modify the centre of gravity location of the cargo in the narrower compartment.

[0105] While the above embodiments of containers illustrate and describe the containers as being 12192mm or 40 feet in length, the invention is not limited to containers of this size. The invention can be applied to any containers of 6058mm or 20 feet in length or more, or any other standard or non-standard length containers such as 25 feet, 30 feet 35 feet or 45 feet etc..

[0106] An advantage of the compartments is that they can prevent a container being overloaded when different density cargo or products are loaded.

[0107] The width of the central or larger compartments 30, 32 and 34 is generally selected to be approximately the same as the width of a bucket loader 25, which is approximately 3 metres in length, while the smaller compartments 36 and 38 are roughly half this size at 1.5 metres in length in the case of the 40 foot containers having 5 compartments as figure 1 to 6, while in 3 compartment containers such as those of figure 7 to 1 1 , compartments 30, and 32 and 34 have a similar ratio, that is compartments 32 and 34 are each approximately half the compartment 30. As illustrated in figures 18, the container 100 allows a loader operator to fill say just the central compartment with the bucket 25 or just the end compartments of the previously described embodiments, or if the intermediate or smaller compartments are also to be filled by the 3 metre wide bucket 25, then the cargo can be deposited over both the small compartment and the larger compartment as illustrated in figure 19, thus allowing three compartments to be filled, by successive dumping.

[0108] The lesser height divider walls, or the walls having notches formed by upper rails 40, 42 and 44, as illustrated in Figure 1 , 2 and 3 will assist in avoiding damage when the container is loaded using a front end loader, as illustrated in figures 22 and 23. The spacing of the divider walls may also need to be aligned with the available width of the loading equipment. The central compartment should be wider than the feed of the loading equipment. For example a front end loader with a three metre wide bucket cannot load a compartment which is only 2 metres wide.

[0109] The length of each compartment is dependent on the specific gravity or density of materials that the compartment is being designed to have loaded into them. The length of compartment is also dependent on the method and width of the means which does the loading. For example if loading is by a conveyor of a metre in width then the divider wall spacing can be set to 1 metre.

[01 10] In this specification, terms denoting direction, such as vertical, up, down, left, right, etc. or rotation, should be taken to refer to the directions relative to the corresponding figure rather than to absolute directions unless the context requires otherwise.

[01 1 1 ] Compartments can be loaded in combinations. For example, for a 5 compartment container loading scenarios would be, load all 5 compartments, load centre 3 compartments or load only the centre compartment.

[01 12] Each compartment can also be designed for additional strength. Since dense cargo is intended to be loaded into the centre compartment the floor cross members and side wall stiffeners can be of a larger size or capacity compared to other compartments. This can be likewise to other compartments either side of the centre compartment.

[01 13] The containers are to be designed according to the bulk commodity or bulk commodities that are meant be loaded and discharged from the container.

[01 14] The floor height in the entire container or in each compartment can also be modified to suit the required cubic capacity and centre of gravity, as will be described in detail below. The entire floor can be raised relative to the exterior envelope or periphery of the container, or the floor support members could be increased in height to achieve the raising of the floor and decreasing the depth and thus a reduction of internal cubic capacity of a compartment.

[01 15] The container could also be fitted with a removable cover or lid 101 as illustrated in Figures 12 to 16 and later figures. The lid 101 could be full length, or separated into sizes that match each compartment size. The lids could also be nested or an assembly of lids, as is illustrated in Figure 33 to 35, so that a base lid 101.1 could cover a multiple of compartments, for example on a 20 foot container the end compartments. The lid 101 .1 has a large aperture 101 .3 in the middle of it, as illustrated in figure 34, whereby a smaller lid or hatch 101.2 nests or is incorporated inside the lid 101 .1 , so as to be located over an individual compartment, which in the case of figures 33 to 35 would be the central compartment 30 if used on the container 1210 or 1200 as described below.

[01 16] The lids of figures 33 and 34 are simplified in that corrugations on the top surfaces of the lid are not illustrated, whereas such corrugations 101.60 are shown in the side view of figure 35. The lids can have side locks 101 .41 on lid portion 101.1 which engage the container side wall, and locks 101.61 on lid portion 101.2 which also engage the container side wall to secure the lids to the container. In such a case all 8 locks 101 .41 and 101.61 would need to be unlocked before the lids 101.1 and 101.2 can be removed from the container. Alternatively, the locks 101 .61 can engage or lock to the lid 101.1 to secure the two lids together, in which case the unlocking of the 4 locks 101.41 will enable the lid 101.1 and lid 101 .2 to be lifted off together.

[01 17] The lids 101 or other lids, can include castings 101.31 with vertically opening apertures to receive and cooperate with twist locks on lid lifters or sleeves 101.30 to cooperate with fork tynes, so as to be removed manually or can be removed automatically by a lid lifting attachment fitted to the tippler, as illustrated in figure 24 to 28, or other handling equipment.

[01 18] Preferably the divider walls 20, 22, 24 and 26 as described above and other similar divider walls can withstand the ISO testing for end walls. This will help to provide strength against longitudinal G forces, while at the same time the divider walls also provide strength to the longitudinal side walls in side wall tests.

[01 19] Illustrated in figure 10 is a 20 foot or 6058mm long container 1200 similar in construction to that described above in respect of container 1000 or 1 100 and like parts have been like numbered. The divider walls 22 and 24 are notched in the same manner as in figures 1 to 3 so that a front end loader will be able to dump a load without contacting the upper edges of the walls 22 and 24. It will be noted that the walls 22 and 24 do not include a rectangular top rail, as in earlier embodiments. The top rail, as is best illustrated in figure 36, is a circular hollow section (CHS) 221 which may improve the flow of bulk cargo over the top rail. The CHS 221 can also assist to reduce wear and abrasion to the top rail caused by the flow of bulk material. [0120] Illustrated in Figure 11 is a 20 foot or 6058mm long container 1210 which is similar to that described in Figure 10 except that the divider walls 22 and 24 are below the side walls 2 top rails, but are of constant height.

[0121 ] Figure 12 illustrates a standard container having a lid 101 , and no divider walls, which shows the construction of the base 1 1 , which is of a height or thickness T1 similar in height to the size of the apertures 1 1.1 , of about 120mm, which receive fork lift tynes to lift the container. Whereas in figure 13 the container 1300 is built differently in that the base 1 1 has a thickness T2 which is approximately twice as thick as the base 1 1 of figure 12. The height or thickness T2 of the base 1 1 is of the order of 200mm, but a dimension in the order of 200mm to 1000mm is contemplated, depending upon the amount of correction of the location of the centre of gravity that will be required, based on the different cargo types that will be used with the container 1300. The embodiment of figure 13 and that of figures 14 to 16, are directed to situations where a tippler or container handling and rotating device, which is normally purpose built to handle a particular cargo of a particular specific gravity, but it is desired to use such a purpose built tippler or container handling and rotating device with other cargo types which are of greater specific gravity than that of the one the tippler or container handling and rotating device was designed for.

[0122] As seen in Figure 13, the lid 101 has castings 101.31 which have vertically opening apertures in the upper surface to engage with and cooperate with twist locks of lid lifters and tipplers which have lid lifters. The lid 101 also includes horizontal aperture loops or formations 101 .30 so that the lid 101 can be removed by a fork lift truck which will engage the formation 101 .30 by fork lift tynes.

[0123] Illustrated in figure 14 to 16 is another 20 foot container 1400, which has no divider walls, but which includes a raised floor or base 1 1 , whereby the thickness T3 is the same as the thickness T1 of figure 12, but the upper surface 11.2 is at about the same height as the upper surface of the base 1 1 of figure 13. This is achieved by supporting the base 11 by means of gusset formations 11.3 at the four corner posts of the container 1400, which are aligned with the longitudinal sides 12. These gussets 1 1.3 can assist in maintaining the longitudinal and transverse rigidity of the container 1400.

[0124] As illustrated in figure 15 this results in a container 1400, where the centre of gravity 1401 of the load represented by the centre of the black and white quadrant circle, is at or higher than the rotation axis 1 1 1 of the tippler or container rotating handling device 1 1 10, which engages the top corner castings to lift and subsequently rotate the container 1400.

[0125] The container 1600 as illustrated in the cross sectional view Figure 16, has a raised floor 11 .2, and can also have the same external appearance or envelope as the container illustrated in figures 24 through to 28. The side walls 12 and bottom side rails can extend to the lower portion of the container, while the internal floor 1 1.2 is in the raised position as illustrated in figure 6. Gussets 11.3 supporting the floor would not be required if the side structure and bottom side rails provide enough strength. Thus the gussets 1 1.3 and the height of the upper surface of the internal floor 11.2 would not be visible from the side of the container, however, what will be visible is that the tyne apertures 1600.1 will be at a higher location than that of figures 24 to 28.

[0126] Illustrated in Figure 17 is a 40 foot container 1700 which is similar to the container 100 of previous figures, except that the container 1700 has the central compartment 30 with a floor surface 1 1.2 which is higher relative to the lowermost periphery of the lower corner castings 14.1 than the floor surfaces 1 1.4 of the other compartments 34,36,38 and 32. Whereas in figure 17A the container 1710 has the compartments 34, 30 and 32 with their higher floors 1 1.2 at the same height above the lowermost periphery of the lower corner castings 14.1 , while the intermediate compartments are at the lower height of floor 1 1 .4. Whereas the container 1720 in Figure 17B while of the same basic construction has a floor 1 1.2 at the same general greater height above the lowermost periphery of the corner castings than the floor 11.4 of the end compartments 34 and 32.

[0127] Illustrated in Figures 24 to 27 is an end view of a tippler or container rotating handling device 1 1 10 which in Figure 24 has first engaged and picked up a container 100 with lid 101 , then in figure 25 the lid is lifted from the container 100, and in figure 26 the container is rotated about its centre of gravity of the load until it is upside down as in figure 27, whereby the cargo has been unloaded from the container 100. In Figure 28 is illustrated the full tippler 1 1 10 in side view showing the lid 101 and container 100 where the lid 101 has been raised off the container 100 and prior to rotation beginning, or after rotation has stopped. The rotation axis 1 1 1 of the device 1 1 10 is indicated. Figures 24 to 28 are taken from WO2012103593 published on 9 Aug 2012, the text of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0128] Illustrated in Figure 29 is a container 2900 having five compartments where the central and end compartments are approximately the same length. However the floor 1 1.2 of compartment 30 is higher above the lowermost periphery of the lower corner castings, than the floors 1 1.4 of the compartments 30 and 32. The floor 1 1.2 is secured and the container has strength integrity by means of the gussets 1 1.3 which join the floor structure to the rest of the container structure. By this means the volume of compartment 30 is reduced, and the centre of gravity of the load contained in the compartment 30, as illustrated in Figure 21 , will be located at the same height as the centre of rotation 1 1 1 , whereas when all 5 compartments are filled with a cargo which is of lesser specific gravity than the cargo illustrated in Figure 29, then the centre of gravity 1401 of the load in container 2900 as illustrated in figure 20, will be close to or higher than the centre of rotation 1 11 of the tippler 1 1 10. This will have the effect illustrated in figures 20 and 21 where the centre of gravity 1401 will be at the centre of rotation of the tippler 1 1 10, or higher which assists in the tippler's 11 10 load rotating capability. [0129] Illustrated in Figure 30 is a container 3000, of a 40 foot length which has 7 compartment and 6 divider walls. The centre compartment is the larger compartment with the other 6 compartments being generally similar in volume. Whereas in Figure 31 the 40 foot container 3010 has 3 divider wails and 4 compartments with each compartment being of approximately the same volume. Whereas in Figure 32 the 40 foot container 3020 has 5 divider walls and 6 generally equal volume compartments. Some or all or none of the compartments of figures 30 to 32, can have a floor section 1 1.2 which is higher than the rest of the floor sections as described above.

[0130] Illustrated in figures 36 to 38 are embodiments of container lids which include apertures in the lids with closable hatches to close or open those apertures as required. Thus in figure 36 and 37, the lid 01 has apertures 101.53 (only visible in figure 37) through the upper and lower surface of the lid 101 . Around the rim of the aperture 101.53 is a generally cylindrical skirt or flange 101.50 which is upwardly extending from the upper surface of the lid 101 , so as to be engaged by the under surface of a cylindrical hatch 01.51 , so as to close the aperture 101.53. Each compartment, namely centre compartment 30, and end compartments 34 and 32 have a corresponding hatch 101.51 and aperture 101.53.

[0131 ] The hatches 101.51 can be secured to the lid, and made to open or operate with the lid by any known means, such a being hinged and or captured on one side and locked down on the other; or locked down on both sides, whereby unlocking allows the hatch 101.51 to be removed completely. The hatches and lid can include provision for padlocks or other releasable locking systems. The hatches 101 .51 allow delivery tubes of container filling and or emptying systems to gain access to the covered contents of the compartments as well as a means for a person to view the contents, as well as the hatches being able to be used to provide access to take samples of the cargo, without the need to remove the entire lid.

[0132] The hatches described above can be any appropriate size or shape according to the purpose to which such hatches are to be used on the lids.

[0133] Illustrated in Figure 37, the lid 101 also includes a series of pressed corrugations 101.60 of variety of shapes and lengths so as to add strength to the those portions of the lid around the hatches 101.51 , thereby assisting the hatch and lid to maintain their shape and functionality during use.

[0134] Illustrated in figure 38 is the lid 101 from figures 33 to 35, which has nested lid portions 101 .1 and 101.2, but also, the lid portion 101.2 has a hatch 101.51 generally centrally located, while the lid portion 101.1 has two hatches 101.51 , that is one hatch 101.51 at its respective ends.

[0135] While the hatches 101 .51 are shown generally over the centre of the compartments 30, 32 and 34, it will be understood that they can be located at any appropriate location on the lid 101 for access to the respective compartments. Further, while only one hatch per compartment is illustrated, it will be readily understood that a plurality of hatches per compartment could be provided.

[0136] An embodiment also includes a method of operating a tippler 1 110 designed to be used with a first container and first cargo of a first specific gravity, wherein the method includes the step of operating the tippler with a second container as described with respect to figures 3 to 17B and a second cargo of greater specific gravity than the first cargo. For example the tippler may be designed for use with a cargo such as sugar or coal and their specific gravities, but the tippler operator wishes later to use the same tippler with manganese ore, or ferrochrome ore, or chrome ore having a greater specific gravity, then they can use such a tippler with the container of one of figures 13 to 17B.

[0137] The above descriptions of containers illustrate how mechanisms to produce an appropriate centre of gravity for a higher specific gravity cargo, such a container having an overall size or envelope which allows it to be used in a tippler which was designed for a lower specific gravity cargo. Such mechanisms employ modifying of one or more of the length, width, height and or depth of a compartment if there is one compartment, or one or more compartments if there is more than one, in order to achieve this. However the shape of the compartment can also be utilised to create such a centre of gravity for a higher specific gravity cargo than a tippler was design for.

[0138] Illustrated in figures 39 to 41 are three compartment cross sections represented in a schematic view. These cross sections contained with a container envelope which is sized to work with a tippler used for a container for a load of a lower specific gravity, and ones of a similar nature, will allow the setting of the centre of gravity to allow a tippler to be used therewith, when the cargo has a higher specific gravity than a tippler was designed for. In figure 39 the cross section can generally be described as diverging or tapering in an upward direction, by means of two inclined side walls 39.1 whereby with greater mass at the top than the bottom results in a higher centre of gravity than if the compartment had a generally rectangular cross section.

[0139] In figure 40 is another cross section where the base of the cross section is generally rectangular having generally vertical side walls 40.1 and the upper portion is diverging or tapering upwardly produced by inclined side wall 40.2, and this too has a similar effect as that of the cross section of figure 39.

[0140] Finally, in Figure 41 is another cross section which has a generally rectangular lower portions produced by generally vertical side walls 41 .1 and a stepped outwardly upper portion produced by horizontal or gently inclined side walls 41.3 and inclined upper walls 41.2 which are diverging or tapering outwardly, but could be straight sided as either shape will produce a similar effect to that of figure 39 and 40. [0141 ] Thus by means of providing a compartment with a crass sectional shape which is not exclusively rectangular, such a compartment cross section can be used to create a centre of gravity for a higher specific gravity cargo to be used in a container for use with a tippler, where a that tippler was design to be used with a cargo of a lower specific gravity.

[0142] The above description also details the method of designing and or constructing an open top container for a cargo of a first specific gravity, wherein the method includes the steps of establishing the open top container's envelope or outer dimensions and location of upper corner castings so as to be able to be used with a container lifting and tipping device for a second container for a second cargo of a second specific gravity which is lower than said first specific gravity. Other steps include providing at least one compartment within the envelope, whereby that at least one compartment is sized (length, width, depth, height) and or shaped and or located within the envelope, so that the open top container can bear and have tipped from it a load of the cargo of the first specific gravity in the tippler designed for the second container and second cargo of the second specific gravity, by appropriately positioning the centre of gravity of the container and the cargo of the first specific gravity, to be at or above the centre of gravity of the second cargo in its container for that tippler.

[0143] Where ever it is used, the word "comprising" is to be understood in its "open" sense, that is, in the sense of "including", and thus not limited to its "closed" sense, that is the sense of "consisting only of". A corresponding meaning is to be attributed to the corresponding words "comprise", "comprised" and "comprises" where they appear.

[0144] It will be understood that the invention disclosed and defined herein extends to all alternative combinations of two or more of the individual features mentioned or evident from the text. All of these different combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the invention.

[0145] While particular embodiments of this invention have been described, it will be evident to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the essential characteristics thereof. The present embodiments and examples are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and all modifications which would be obvious to those skilled in the art are therefore intended to be embraced therein.