Improved lid locking system and lid lifter

Field of the invention

[001] The present invention relates to lid locking systems for intermodal transport containers, and in particular for open top intermodal transport containers such as those used for bulk material transport .

Background of the invention

[002] Intermodal transport containers are widely used for transport of bulk materials, such as for transporting ore from the mine or processing site to the port. The containers are provided with lids, which are removed before the container is tipped by a tippler machinery to discharge the contents into the hold of the ship.

[003] The lid removal may be done by a lid lifter which is part of the container handling apparatus, sometimes known as a tippler, or as a preliminary action.

[004] Systems for latching the lids to the intermodal containers during container transport are known, such as the latching hook arrangement (also referred to as a locking hook) and lid lifting system described in PCT/AU2012/00097. However there is a need to prevent such lid latching systems from inadvertently being unlatched in the event of the container rolling over or being rotated inadvertently, or otherwise accidentally opened.

[005] Further, there is a need for a locking arrangement which may be operated by a lid lifting system without requiring manual human intervention.

[006] 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 to which the invention relates, at the priority date of this application.

Summary of the invention

[007] The present invention provides a lid locking arrangement for a lid and intermodal container, the lid including a pivotable latch assembly for securing the lid to the container. A locking apparatus is provided which is movable between a locked state in which the latch is retained in its latched position and prevented from pivoting to its unlatched position, and an unlocked state where the latch is able to be rotated so as to engage a portion of the container.

[008] In one example form, the invention provides an intermodal transport

container and lid arrangement comprising:

an intermodal transport container with an open top;

a removable lid for closing the open top of the intermodal transport container;

at least one latch mounted on the lid which pivots between a latched position in which the lid is secured to the container, and an unlatched position in which the lid may be removed from the container; and

a locking apparatus including

a locking member movable between a locking position in which the locking member prevents pivoting of the latch away from the latched position, and an unlocked position in which the latch is not prevented from pivoting to the unlatched position; and

an unlocking mechanism for moving the locking member from the locking position to the unlocked position.

[009] Example embodiments include a lid with a number of latches, for example latching hooks (also referred to in the art as locking hooks). These latches may be biased towards a closed position by gravity or spring bias, and an external force applied to the latch is required to move the latch hook to the unlocked position.

[010] The latch and the locking apparatus may alternatively be referred to as first locking and second locking apparatus, with the second locking apparatus selectively preventing or allowing unlocking of the first locking apparatus.

[011] A further example form comprises a method of handling an intermodal transport container and lid arrangement, comprising:

Providing a container and lid arrangement according to one or more form of the invention,

Handling the container by container handling apparatus including the steps of actuating the [012] Further example forms of the invention include a container handling apparatus, and in particular a lid lifting apparatus of a container handling apparatus, including an actuating member adapted to engage with and actuate the locking mechanism to move to the unlocked position to allow the latch or latches to pivot and release from the container.

[013] Yet further optional features of the invention are discussed below.

[014] The actuating member may be mounted onto an attachment that can be used with various types of container handling equipment. For example, the attachment may be suitable for use with a rotating or lifting spreader as described in PCT/AU2012/000097.

[015] The actuating member can be mounted onto an attachment that could be used with various types of material handling machine such as a fork truck, wheel loader, telehandler or overhead crane.

[016] The actuating member can be incorporated into a container handling spreader. The spreader could then be operated with various types of mobile handling equipment.

[017] The container may be adapted for end tipping, or side tipping.

[018] The present invention also provides a lid with one or more apertures on the lid that are capable of receiving an unlocking component, which can rotate or move either laterally or transversely.

[019] The actuating member may be the twist lock on the lid lifter as described in PCT/AU2012/000097. In this form, the lid lifter may be mounted onto a spreader which can pick up the entire container. The lid lifter then engages using twist locks with apertures on the container lid. These twist locks rotate to lock said lid lifter to said lid. The rotation of the twist locks may also operate the mechanism which locks and unlocks the lid latching hooks. The lid lifter may also open and close the container locking hooks automatically so that the lid can be removed from said container.

[020] The lid on the container may receive the actuating member. The movement of the unlocking member can operate a simple mechanism which can move a locking component under, over or through the existing locking hooks on the container to restrict the movement of the lock. [021] In another form, the actuating member may be a fixed component on the lid lifting device which operates by the lid lifting device movement.

[022] Alternatively, the actuating member may be a component fixed on the lid lifting device which can move independently from the lifting device to actuate the unlocking.

[023] The actuating member may engage the locking mechanism via vertical movement, horizontal movement or rotational movement. Or it could engage via a combination of such movements, such as a fixed actuating member causing partial movement of the locking mechanism, and then an additional engaging member operating to cause additional movement of the locking mechanism.

[024] In one example form, the movement of the actuating member in an opposite direction can then remove the locking mechanism from the locking hooks which would then allow the locking hooks to move freely again.

[025] The unlocking mechanism may be arranged so that tynes on a fork truck or a gripper mechanism on a lid lifting attachment actuate the unlocking.

[026] In one example form, the locking mechanisms are mounted on the lid to avoid cargo when tipping from interfering or damaging the locking mechanisms. Having the locking mechanism on the lid also reduces cargo from being trapped on the container body after tipping which could possibly contaminate the environment.

[027] In one form, the locking mechanisms may include a locking member such as a pin or a block moving under the lid locking member or lid locking hooks.

[028] The locking mechanism could be a lever that rotates into engagement with lid locking hook so as to limit the movement of the lid locking hook. This lever can be designed so that it is over centre when in the locked position, and hence requires an action for the engaging member to move the linkage from the over centre position back to the unlocked position.

[029] The locking mechanism can be incorporated into existing lifting apertures or lifting plates of the lid, so that the engagement of the lid lifter twist locks becomes an engaging member for the locking system. The twist locks may cause a spring loaded member to translate which then moves the locking systems away from the locking hooks and allows the hooks to operate freely. [030] In another form, the locking mechanism can be attached directly to the locking hook, so that the movement of the locking system, also causes movement of the locking member or locking hooks such as to unlock the lid from the container from the container body. This system can also be spring loaded so as to ensure that it naturally moves to the locked state when not engaged. It can also include over centre linkages so that when in the locked position, the locking hook cannot be moved freely, and that any outside pressure will apply force forced into the of the over centre linkages and will not simply act against the spring force. The only way to overcome the spring and move the locking system out of the over centre position is then via an additional engaging member.

[031] The mechanism may also incorporate brackets and guiding blocks to help ensure that moving components are protected from damage from mis-handling or mis-alignment form lid handling equipment. This protection can also assist in a roll over incident.

[032] The present invention also provides for a method of blocking the locking hook mounted on the lid and preventing it from being able to rotate from the locked or latched position. The blocking system can be a bar, pin , rod or any other means of blocking the hook between the container and the method of blocking.

[033] The blocking system is mounted onto the container body, and can be a rotating or sliding system which blocks the lid locking hook and does not allow it to rotate hence locking the lid to the container. The blocking system is actuated by an external force such as an interaction from an engaging member in a lid lifting attachment. It can also be manually actuated by a human hand if required.

[034] The blocking system is spring biased so as to ensure that the natural state of the system is in the locked condition.

[035] The blocking system could be a system which rotates or translates vertically or horizontally.

[036] The blocking system is unlocked using external force to move the blocking member away from the arc of rotation of the locking hook, allowing the hook to move to the unlocked state, and then the lid can be removed from the container.

[037] The system is designed to automatically close and lock the container. [038] The system is designed to be operated with a lid lifting device which can simultaneously engage the lid, unlock the blocking system and then unlock the lid lock so as to allow the lid to be lifted from the container.

[039] The system also allows for manual override if required with each blocking system and hooking being able to be moved to the unlocked condition if required.

[040] The present invention also allows for a locking pin which could be translated in a lateral ortransvers direction to engage a locking plate attached to the container body. The locking pin could also be mounted on the container body, or on the container lid.

[041] The locking pin can be moved either longitudinally or transversely by a lid lifting device that either has guides to push the spring biased pin, or has a hydraulic or pneumatic method of moving the pin.

[042] Further example forms of the invention will be apparent from the drawings and description, and from the claims.

[043] It will be appreciated that the features described herein can be provided in the device described herein either independently or in different combinations.

Brief description of the drawings

[044] A detailed description of a preferred embodiment will follow, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures of the drawings, in which:

[045] Figure 1 is an isometric view of a prior art intermodal container with lid with lid latching system

[046] Figure 2 illustrates an isometric view of the intermodal container lid of Figure 1.

[047] Figure 3 is a detail of the portion of the lid of Figure 2 with lifting formations and latching hook, with the latching hook in the latched position.

[048] Figures 4A, 4B and 4C are schematic side elevations showing operation of a container spreader that is fitted with a lid lifting attachment. [049] Figure 5A and 5B are transverse sections showing the lid lifter of Figures 4A to 4C engaging with lifting formations on the lid and operating the latching hooks.

[050] Figures 6A and 6B are part cross sectional elevations of a first example embodiment, showing a lid lifter engaging with the lifting housing and operating a locking bar mechanism between locked and unlocked positions.

[051] Figures 7A to 7C are plan views, partially in sectional view, of the locking mechanism of a further embodiment, in locked, intermediate, and unlocked positions.

[052] Figures 8A to 8B are plan views, partially in sectional view, of the locking mechanism of a further embodiment, in locked, and unlocked positions.

[053] Figures 9A to 9B are plan views, partially in sectional view, of the locking mechanism of a further embodiment, in locked, and unlocked positions.

[054] Figures 10A to 10B are plan views, partially in sectional view, of the locking mechanism similar to that of Figures 9A and 9B, but spring biased towards the locked position

[055] Figures 11 A and 11 B partial section side and plan and transverse elevation views of a further embodiment, in which the locking bar engages with a hole or spigot on the latch assembly, in unlocked position.

[056] Figures 11C and 11 D show the arrangement of Figures 11A and 11 B in the locked position.

[057] Figures 12A and 12B are partial section side and plan a views of a further embodiment, in which the locking bar has a coupling to the latch, in the unlocked position.

[058] Figures 12C and 12D show the arrangement of Figures 12A and 12B in the locked position

[059] Figure 13A and 13B are partial sectional plan views of a locking mechanism embodiment in which the locking bar is formed as a member which rotates with the rotary cup. Figure 13A shows the locked position. Figure 13B shows the unlocked position [060] Figures 14A and 14B are plan views of the lid with transverse locking bars actuated by forklift tynes used to lift the lid. The locked position is illustrated in Figure 14A, and the unlocked position in Figure 14B.

[061] Figures 15A and 15B are transverse sections through a container lid, in an embodiment actuated by a lid gripping device. Figure 15A shows the locked position, and Figure 15B shows the unlocked position

[062] Figure 16 shows an alternative embodiment where the locking mechanism is direct coupled to the latch, and actuated against a spring force by downward force from the lid lifter.

[063] Figures 17A and 17B are elevations, partially in section, showing unlocked and locked positions respectively of an embodiment in which the locking mechanism is located on the container side wall and actuated by an engagement bar on the lid lifter

[064] Figures 18A and 18B are detail side elevation and transverse sections respectively of the arrangement of Figures 17A and 17B, in the locked position.

[065] Figures 19A and 19B are detail side elevation and transverse sections respectively of the arrangement of Figures 17A and 17B, in the unlocked position

[066] Figures 20A and 20B are elevations, partially in section, showing locked and unlocked positions respectively of a further embodiment in which a sliding locking bar mechanism is located on the container side wall and actuated by a pair of engagement bars on the lid lifter.

[067] Figures 21 A and 21 B are elevation and section details of the embodiment of Figures 20A and 20B, in the locked position.

[068] Figures 21C and 21 D show the locking mechanism of Figures 21A and 21 B actuated for unlocking. .

[069] Figures 22A and 22B are respectively an elevation and transverse section of a modified version of the locking mechanism embodiment of Figures 21A to 21 D, in which part of the mechanism is retained within the envelope of the container top rail instead of outside. Figures 22A and 22B show the locked condition. [070] Figures 22C and 22D show the embodiment of Figures 22A and 22B in the unlocked condition

[071] Figures 23A to 23B show the container and lid arrangement of Figures 21 A- 21 D, with the lid having been captured by the lid lifter and being removed from the container.

[072] Figures 24A and 24B illustrate a modified version of the embodiment of Figures 21 A to 21 D, further including a handle so that the locking assembly can be manually pulled down, so the latch on the lid can be moved to the latched or unlatched position. The locking bar on the container body can then be released, and this will manually hold the lid latch in the open position. If this procedure is performed at all lid latch locations, the lid would then be considered unlatched and could be removed manually from the container via means such as fork truck or overhead crane.

[073] Figure 25A and 25B show an embodiment which further includes a handle for manual unlocking.

[074] Figures 26A and 26B show a further example embodiment.

[075] Reference numerals of analogous components for various embodiments are labelled with the same last two digits, with the preceding digits varying between embodiments. For example Ί 00-series’ numerals are used for one embodiment and corresponding‘200-series’ numerals in another embodiment.

Detailed description of the embodiments

[076] As illustrated in Figures 1 to 5B, a prior art intermodal transport container and lid arrangement, for example of the type disclosed in PCT/AU2012/000097 (incorporated herein by reference), comprises an ISO-standard container 1 with lid 2. The container may be adapted for side tipping, or end tipping.

[077] The container 1 has a generally rectangular box-like main body, with upright corner posts 4, a floor (not shown), reinforced side walls 6 with horizontal top structural rails 8 extending around the top to provide structural support.

[078] The removable lid 2 is sized and shaped to cover the top opening of the container, and is corrugated for stiffness. The lid 2 has lifting formations such as fork tyne reception pockets 10 and housings 12 attached by any suitable means, though typically welded, to allow removal of the lid by lid-lifting machinery or fork lift before the container is tipped to discharge its contents, usually into the hold of a bulk cargo ship.

[079] Housings 12 have elongated apertures 14 in their top plates 16, allowing insertion of a correspondingly-shaped twist lock member 18 which is insertable into the lifting housing 12 through the elongated aperture in one orientation, then rotated to catch under the lifting housing top plate16 for lifting of the lid 2.

[080] A lid latch system is provided for securing the lid 2 on the intermodal container 1 during transport. The lid 2 includes a latch 20 which has a pivot axis 22 generally adjacent to and parallel to the outboard edge of the lid, a generally horizontal portion 23 with an upwardly angled lever arm 24 extending inboard from the pivot 22 above the lid top surface, and a downwardly extending arm 26 with hook 28 for engaging under the container top rail to latch the lid 2 onto the container 1 when in the latched position.

[081] When the container is in its upright orientation, the latch is biased by gravity into its latched position. A spring bias may also be used.

[082] The latch is able to be pivoted about pivot 22 so as to engage an underside portion of the container top side rail 8 to thereby latch the lid 2 to the container 1. When a vertically downward force is applied to the lever arm 24 inboard of the pivot 22, the latch pivots to release or unlatch the latch 20 from engagement with the container top rail 8.

[083] Figs 4A, 4B and 4C schematically a sequence of events illustrating a lid lifter 30 of a container handling apparatus 32 in operation to remove the lid 2 from a container 1.

[084] Referring to Fig 4A, with the container handling apparatus 32 engaged with the container 1 , the lid lifter 30 is lowered for example by hydraulic, pneumatic or mechanical means onto the lid 2, and twist lock members 18 align with and enter respective ones of the apertures 14 and are rotated by 90 degrees to be captured within the lifting housing (Fig 4B). The lid lifter 30 is then retracted (Fig 4C) to lift the lid 2 from the container 1, to prepare the container for tipping by the container handling apparatus 32. [085] Figures 5A and 5B illustrate the co-operation between the lid and the lid lifter in more detail. It can be seen that, as well as twist lock 18, the lid lifter may also have a latch actuating arm 34, optionally spring-loaded, which presses down on the lever arm 24 of the latch when the lid lifter is lowered into engagement with the lid and the twist locks enter the housings 12. As a result, simultaneously or sequentially with the twist locks entering the housings and being rotated, the lever arms of the latches are depressed and the latches pivot to release the hooks from the container rails. The lid may then be lifted off the container by the lid lifter as shown in Figure 4C.

[086] Figures 6A and 6B show a first example embodiment of the invention, in which the lid is modified to include a locking mechanism to retain the latch in the latched position against inadvertent unlatching, and its operation by the lid lifter 130.

[087] The housings 112 are modified from those shown in Figures 5A/5B to include a rotary cup 136 for receiving the twist lock 118 of the lid lifter 130 and rotating with it to extend and retract a locking member such as locking bar 138 which is aligned with the lever arm portion of the latch arrangement. As seen from comparison of Figures 6A and 6B, the twist lock and rotary cup both have a major and a minor axis length, so that the rotary cup 136 receives and rotates with the twist lock 118, in addition to the previously-described function of the twist lock of engaging the housing 112 top plate 116 for lifting the lid 102.

[088] Figure 6A shows the lid in a latched and locked condition, in which the latch 120 is pivoted into its latched position, and the locking bar 138 is positioned under the inboard end of the Iatch120, such as to restrict the pivoting of the latch 120. The illustrated position is the locked position. With the locking bar 138 under the inboard end of the latch 120, the container lid 102 is locked onto container body

101 regardless of orientation of the container.

[089] Referring to Figure 6B, the lid lifter 30 has been lowered to bring the twist lock 118 into engagement with the rotary cup 136, which is connected to the locking bar 138 via a linkage, so that the locking bar extends and retracts with rotation of the twist lock and rotary cup. The locking bar 138 is mounted to the lid

102 by brackets 140 which can be welded or bolted to the container lid 102. [090] When the twist lock 118 rotates, the rotary cup 136 which is pinned to the linkage, will then move the locking bar 138 longitudinally and will retract the locking bar 138 from under the back side portion and lever arm 124 of the latch 120, which then allows the latch to be free to pivot for the hook portion 128 of the latch to disengage from the container body. This position is the unlocked position.

[091] When a vertically downward force is applied to the latching hook lever arm 124 by the spring-mounted actuating arm 134, the latching hook 120 will rotate and disengage from the container body.

[092] When the twist lock 118 is rotated in the aperture top plate 116, it is also engaged in the lifting position. When the lid lifter is raised in a vertical direction, the lid 102 will also be lifted. Both the unlocking and unlatching of the latch 120 is thereby integrated into the lid lifting operation, without need for manual operation.

[093] Any suitable linkage arrangement between the rotary cup and the locking bar can be used, depending on the direction of rotation of the twist locks, as will be appreciated by the skilled addressee.

[094] A second embodiment is illustrated in Figures 7A through to 7C, in plan view, in which the locking bar 238 is moved horizontally in a direction generally parallel to both the long side of the container and to the pivot axis of the latch, when the twist lock 218 engages the rotary cup 236 and rotates. The rotary cup 236 is connected to the linkage 242 which may be welded, bolted or otherwise connected to the locking bar 238. The locking member guide brackets 240 may be welded or bolted to the container lid 202. The locking member guide brackets 240 guide the locking bar 238 and ensure it remains operating horizontally and parallel to the longitudinal direction of the container. The linkage 242 has a slotted hole 246 to allow for the pin 244 from rotating cup 236 to travel in a radius, and for this to be converted into linear motion of the locking bar 238.

[095] Figure 7A illustrates the twist lock rotary cup 236 and the locking mechanism in a locked positon. The latch is unable to pivot and to release lid 202 from the container body 201.

[096] Figure 7B illustrates the rotary cup 236 in an intermediate position between 0 and 90 degrees. [097] Figure 7C illustrates the rotary cup 236 in the unlocked position 90 degrees from the position illustrated in figure 7A. As can be seen, the locking bar 238 is in the unlocked position, retracted from the latch. The latch is therefore free to rotate when the lever arm 224 is depressed, to release the container lid 202 from the container body 201.

[098] Figures 8A to 8B illustrate a further embodiment, generally similar to that of Figures 7A to 7C except that the longitudinal locking bar 338 can be spring biased to ensure it remains forcibly in the locked position. Figure 8A illustrates the locked position. Figure 8B illustrates the unlocked position.

[099] Figures 9A and 9B are plan views of a linkage mechanism for translating rotation of a rotary cup 436 of the lifting housing 412 into linear movement of the locking bar 438 in the direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the container and to the pivot axis 422 of the latch 420.

[0100] The linkage 442 is connected to the rotary cup 436 via a pin 444 and slotted hole 446 arrangement.

[0101] Figure 9A shows the locked position, with the locking bar 438 extended to underlie the inboard end of latch 420 to prevent its pivoting as previously described. Figure 9B shows the locking mechanism in its unlocked, retracted position.

[0102] Figure 10A and 10B illustrate a similar embodiment to that of Figures 9A and 9B, but with the locking bar 538 biased towards the extended position by spring 548 to ensure it remains forced into the locked position in absence of an unlocking force. Figure 10A illustrates the locked position. Figure 10B illustrates the unlocked position.

[0103] Figures 11A to 11 D illustrate a lid lifter assembly 530 with a twist lock 518 for insertion through the elongate aperture 514 of the lid housing 512 and engaging with top plate, and a latching hook assembly 502. Inside the housing 512, the twist lock engages with rotary cup assembly 536 which actuates a locking bar 538 which can directly engage with the latch assembly aperture or spigot 550 which is formed in tab 552 of the latch 520. The twist lock 518 is driven to rotate and this in turn rotates the rotary cup assembly to extend or retract the locking bar 538 in a horizontal motion, via linkage 542. The locking bar 538 will therefore engage or disengage from aperture or spigot 550 on the latch. [0104] Further, when the lid lifter 530 is in the lowered position the spring loaded actuating arm 534 exerts a vertically downwards pressure on the back side of the latch 529 . When the locking bar 538 is retracted from its locking position, the latch is free to pivot and allows the container lid 502 to be removed from the container body 501.

[0105] Figures 12A to 12D illustrate a locking member arrangement which is connected to the inboard end of the latch 620 via pivoting linkage member 654. Locking bar 638 is pinned to one end of linkage member 654 and the other end of the linkage member is pinned to the latch,

[0106] As shown in Figures 12A and 12B, horizontal extension of locking bar 638 against the spring force from spring 648 will cause linkage 654, in combination with downward force on the latch lever arm 624 by the actuating arm 634 of the lid lifter, to cause the latch to pivot and release from its engagement with container body top rail 608, and the container lid will be free to be lifted from the container body.

[0107] As shown in Figures 12C and 12D, in the retracted position of the locking bar 638, the linkage member 654 will prevent pivoting of the latch to the unlatched position.

[0108] Figures 13A and 13B illustrate the rotary cup assembly attached to a locking plate 756 shaped to rotate with the rotary cup 736 to a position underlying the latch assembly 720 and prevent it from pivoting to the unlatched position. When the rotary cup 636 and locking plate 656 are rotated to the unlocked position, the latch is free to pivot and unlatch when a vertical pressure is applied to the latch lever arm 724.

[0109] Figures 14A and 14B are schematic plan views of a container lid 802 of a further example embodiment, in which a locking bar 838 is actuated via moving plate 858 and pivot linkage 860 assembly. The plates 858 are adapted to be pushed in the direction of the arrows, by the fork tynes of a forklift which enter the fork pockets 810 of the lid for removing the lid 802 from the container. As the fork tynes push the plates 858, the locking bars 836 are retracted and allow the latches 820 to be unlatched when a vertical pressure is applied to the back side of the latch 820.

[0110] In the example embodiment of Figures 15A to 15B, the locking bars 938 have plates 958 actuated by grippers 962 on the lid lifter 930 to retract the locking bars against spring bias and allow unlatching of the latch 920 by the actuating arm 934 of the lid lifter 930 as shown in Figure 15B. Without the action of grippers, the locking arms 938 are spring biased to their extended, locking position, preventing pivoting of the latch, as shown in Figure 15A.

[0111] Figure 16 illustrates a side elevation of a locking system comprising a linkage that is operated by the vertical movement of the lid lifter 1030. An engaging block 1062 with an angled bearing face is attached, for example welded or bolted, to the lid lifter.

[0112] As the lid lifter moves vertically downward the engaging block 1062 engages with a sliding block 1064 connected to the locking bar 1038 and linkage 1054a, 1054b, 1054c assembly. With continued downward movement of the engagement block and lid lifter, the angled surfaces cause the locking bar to retract against the bias of the spring 1048 and linkage 1054 to move to an unlocked position allowing pivoting of the latch 1020 under influence of actuating arm 1034 of the lid lifter.

[0113] In the extended, locking position shown in Figure 16, the linkage is positioned under the lever arm 1024 of the latch 1020. In this position the latch 1020 cannot rotate downwards as it will press onto linkage. The spring 1048 is forcing the entire assembly into this position. This position is also overcentre, so any downwards force on the linkage from the latch will force the linkage to try to rotate in anticlockwise direction as seen from the direction of Figure 16. This assembly of linkages also has a stopper plate 1053, which, when in the locked position rests against a bracket assembly and aperture mounting 1051 , which restricts the linkage assembly from any further horizontal movement. This restriction when combined with the overcentre condition of linkages helps ensure that the latch is locked.

[0114] When the lid lifter 1030 and the engaging block 1062 engage with the sliding block 1064, the linkages rotate in a clockwise direction as per Figure 16A, and the latch will be free to rotate to its unlatched position by the spring loaded actuating arm.

[0115] The lid lifter can then engage the top aperture plate of the lifting formation via a twist lock to reliably engage with the lid. The can now be removed from the container by raising the lid lifter attachment. [0116] The placing of the lid on the container and the locking of the lid to the container is the reverse process. The spring 1048 ensures the linkage will be moved back to the locked position when the lid lifter disengages. The locking hook will move to the unlocked position by gravity, and it can also be spring biased if required.

[0117] The sliding block and linkage assembly can be manufactured complete on a bracket, which can then be welded or bolted to new container lids, or for retrofitting to existing container lids.

[0118] The sliding block 1064 and the engaging blocks 1062 may have a lubrication system to allow smooth operation. Lubrication could be achieved by having the touching faces manufactured from Teflon or UHMW PE materials, optionally as replaceable components so that the system can be maintained.

[0119] Figures 17A through 19B illustrate a further example embodiment, in which the locking mechanism is mounted to the container side wall rather than to the lid, and prevents pivoting of the latch by blocking outwards movement of the downward arm 1126 and hook 1128 portion of the pivoting latch.

[0120] Figures 17A and 17B are elevations, partially in section, showing unlocked and locked positions respectively of an embodiment in which each locking mechanism is located on the container side wall and actuated by a respective engagement bar on the lid lifter.

[0121] Figures 18A and 18B are detail side elevation and transverse sections respectively of the arrangement of Figures 17A and 17B, in the locked position.

[0122] Figures 19A and 19B are detail side elevation and transverse sections respectively of the arrangement of Figures 17A and 17B, in the unlocked position.

[0123] In this embodiment, the locking member 1138 is connected to the container side wall via a pivot connection 1166, and pulled by spring 1148 towards a locking position (Figures 17A, 18A and 18B) in which the locking member 1138 overlies a lower portion of the latch to block it from opening. In this position, the locking member 1138 overlies the latch but sits behind the support brackets 1168, to provide additional protection against damage or bending which may cause malfunction and/or accidental unlocking. These brackets ensure that when the latch applies force to the locking member 1138, that the load is transferred via the brackets to the container body, and not causing the locking member to bend

[0124] A free end of the locking member 1138 has an upturned end which is adapted to co-operate with a vertical engagement member 1170 of the lid lifter, which extends downwards outside of and generally parallel to the container side wall.

[0125] As the lid lifter 1130 is moved in a downwards vertical motion the engagement member 1170 contacts the upturned end of the locking member 1138 and pushes it down clear of the latch and into the unlocked position. As the lid lifter moves down further in the vertical direction the twist locks 1118 enter and engage with the housings 1112 as previously described. The spring biased actuator member also interacts with the lever arm 1124 of the latch 1120, which opens the latch and unlocks the lid from the container. The twist lock 1118 also rotates and locks the lid lifting device 1130 to the container lid 1102.

[0126] When the lid lifter is now raised vertically the lid will remain attached to the lid lifter and will be removed from the container.

[0127] When locking the reverse procedure occurs. The latch and the locking member are spring biased so that when the external force of the lid lifter is removed, they move to the locked condition. The latch may not need to be spring biased as gravity will also return the hook to the latched position.

[0128] An advantage of mounting the locking mechanism on the container wall, such as in this embodiment, is that the container wall is generally more rigid than the lid, so there is less scope for flexing and misalignment which may interfere with reliable functioning of the locking mechanism.

[0129] Figures 20A to 20B illustrate a further example embodiment, a variation on the locking mechanism of Figures 17A to 19B with a sliding action.

[0130] Figures 20A and 20B are elevations showing the arrangement in the unlocked and locked positions respectively.

[0131] The locking mechanism comprises a horizontal locking member 1238, such as a locking bar or plate, mounted on the container wall so as to be able to slide in a vertical motion. The assembly is biased upwards by springs 1248 into a locking position (Figures 20B) in which the locking member 1238 overlies the lower portion of the latch to prevent it from pivoting out of the latched position, and is captured and limited by support brackets 1268.

[0132] If lid 1202 is forcibly tried to be opened from container body 1204 the latch 1230 will try to rotate about its pivot point and apply force to the locking member. The locking member resists movement because it is held in position by brackets 1268.

[0133] As shown in Figure 20A, when lid lifter 1230 is lowered, its downwardly depending engagement members 1270 push on the locking member, pushing the locking member 1238 down out of engagement with the support brackets 1268 and the latch 1230 and compressing the springs 1248. The latch may then be pivoted to the unlatched position and the lid removed by the lid lifting apparatus, as previously described.

[0134] Figure 21 A to 21 D and 24A to 24B illustrate a variant on the embodiment of Figures 20A and 20B. This example embodiment illustrates a sliding locking mechanism, which has been shaped with upwardly extending extension rods or bars 1370 so as to reduce the length of the engagement members 1370 on the lid lifter required to interact with the locking mechanism.

[0135] Figures 21A and 21 B are side elevation detail and transverse cross-section views in the locked position.

[0136] Figures 21C and 21 D are side elevation detail and transverse cross-section views in the unlocked position.

[0137] Figures 24A to 24B show the container and lid arrangement of Figures 21A- 21 D, with the lid having been captured by the lid lifter and being removed from the container.

[0138] Operation is generally similar to the embodiment of Figures 20A and 20B, with the engagement arms 1370 of the lid lifter pushing the locking mechanism down against the spring force and out of engagement with the latch and the support brackets 1368.

[0139] In the example embodiment of Figures 22A to 22D and 23A-23B, the extension bars 1474 of the locking member pass through apertures in the top rail 1408 of the container 1401 , for a more compact installation and additional protection against damage. The system is also designed to be within the container ISO dimensions whilst still maintaining maximum internal width and volume.

[0140] The latch member 1420 has a cross-piece 1476 near the hook end to assist engagement with the locking member 1438, and the locking member has a central notched portion 1478 aligning with the latch. The purpose of this arrangement being to limit the amount of vertical movement required between the locking and unlocking positions of the locking mechanism, and allow the locking member to be moved as close as possible to the latch.

[0141] The lid lifter illustrated in Figures 22A to 22D includes a pneumatically or hydraulically actuated unlatching hook 1480, so as to grab the lifting bars 1482 on the latch, and simultaneously move the latch to the open position, and connect the lid lifter to the lid so that lid can be lifted.

[0142] Figures 25A and 25B show an embodiment which further includes a handle 1580 for manual unlocking.

[0143] Figures 26A and 26B show a further example embodiment, generally similar in operation to the embodiment of Figures 22A to 22D, with elongation of the support brackets 1568 to guide and provide greater support to the locking member 1538 against bending forces when in the locked position

[0144] In various embodiments, the invention is shown in operation with different forms of lid lifting apparatus. Various forms of twist lock and lid lifter designs can be used to simultaneously or sequentially move the locking member to the unlocked position, attach to the lid for lifting and unlock the lid latch.

[0145] 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.

[0146] 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. [0147] 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.