GB1356236A - Coupling devices - Google Patents

Abstract

1356236 Twist-locks BACKTEMANS PATENTER AB 2 Feb 1972 [12 Feb 1971] 4949/ 72 Heading E2B A manually-operable coupling device for releasably securing a freight container having an elongate opening to another such container or a loading platform comprises a separate unit provided with turnable twist locks 4, 5, extending from opposite sides, each twist-lock having a first position in which it is insertable in a respective one of the openings, the coupling device having a solid, effectively non-compressible, body 1 with a shaft 3 extending therethrough and turnably journalled therein, the shaft 3 being integral with the twist-locks 4, 5, and the solid body being provided with a recess 2 which opens towards the shaft 3, the arrangement being such that the twist-locks may be moved from the first position to an alternative position with respect to the body 1. Preferably a pin 9 or the like extends from shaft 3 outwardly through recess 2 for manual actuation of the twist-locks. The twist locks 4, 5, preferably are mutually angularly displaced, in relation to a common plane extending through the shaft axis, at an angle in the range 10‹ to 80‹, and as shown the angle is 30‹. Preferably guides 6 are integral with the solid body 1. To secure a container to the underside of one which has already been lifted, the coupling device is inverted from the position shown, pin 9 is engaged by a detachable handle 10. and shaft 3 is rotated so as to release pin 9 from spring clip 7 and turn twist lock 5 into alignment with its adjacent guide 6. Twist lock 5 and adjacent guide 6 are then inserted into the aperture in the lifted container, and shaft 3 rotated back again until pin 9 again engages clip 7. The coupling device is thus secured by twist lock 5, in its resumed oblique location, to the lifted container. The container is now lowered on to another container, whereupon twist lock 4 and its (aligned) associated guide 6 may enter the appropriate aperture in the lower container. Shaft 3 is now rotated until pin 9 engages clip 8, in which position both twist locks are oblique but at different angles, and the containers are secured together.