GB2631769A

GB2631769A - A dunnage fastening system

Info

Publication number: GB2631769A
Application number: GB2310787.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Turner Todd; Parkinson David
Original assignee: M J Solpac Ltd; T W America Inc
Current assignee: M J Solpac Ltd; T W America Inc
Priority date: 2023-07-13
Filing date: 2023-07-13
Publication date: 2025-01-15
Also published as: GB202310787D0; WO2025012616A1

Abstract

A dunnage fastening system for a transportable container having a base and four sidewalls to define a generally rectangular internal storage volume, comprising a clamp bracket 10 to clamp an elongate dunnage rail 11 relative to an internal side of a first sidewall comprising a solid body with a lower support ledge (13 fig. 3) and at least one clamp edge to abut the elongate dunnage rail and at least one elongate fastener 15 to mount the clamp bracket 10 to a second sidewall 16. A system comprising a transportable container having a base and four side walls to define a rectangular interior, at least one mounting opening formed in two of the side walls, and a clamp bracket as described above is also claimed.

Description

A DUNNAGE FASTENING SYSTEM

Technical Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to the transport containers and more particularly to a dunnage fastening system for a transportable container.

Background to the Invention

Most reusable transportable containers are designed for bulk storage (no intcrnal dunnage) and then adapted at later stage to support inner packaging or dunnage through the addition of dunnage system components.

A substantial problem with this approach is that the attachment of the dunnage system components, particularly those attached to the walls of the container to support dunnage extending across the storage volume within the container, causes damage to the walls of the container.

hi many cases, brackets are simply fastened directly to the walls of the container, usually using one or more screws or threaded Fasteners which damages the walls. Even if bolts or similar are used, this still requires that openings are drilled through the walls.

Once the brackets are removed and the fasteners are removed, the openings formed remain, and act as points of weakness in the walls.

It would therefore be an advance in the art to provide a dunnage fastening system which solves any one or more of the abovementioned problems.

Summary of the Invention

According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a dunnage fastening system for a transportable container having a base and four sidewalls mounted thereto to define a generally rectangular internal storage volume, the dunnage fastening system comprising a damp bracket to clamp an elongate dunnage rail relative to an intcrnal side of a first sidewall, the clamp bracket comprising a solid body with a lower support ledge and at least one clamp edge to abut the elongate dunnage rail and at least one elongate fastener to mount the clamp bracket to a second sidewall.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a dunnage fastening system for a transportable container, the system comprising: a. a transportable container having a base and four sidewalls mounted thereto to define a generally rectangular internal storage volume, at least one mounting opening formed into at least two of the sidewalls, and b. a clamp bracket to clamp an elongate dunnage rail relative to an internal side of a first sidewall, the clamp bracket comprising a solid body with a lower support ledge and at least one clamp edge to abut the elongate dunnage rail and at least one elongate fastener receivable within the at least one mounting opening to mount the clamp bracket to a second sidewall.

Providing a dunnage fastening system as defined removes the mounting points for the elongate dunnage rail from the sidewall relative to which the elongate dunnage rail is mounted, which also removes much of the load from this sidewall and minimises the formation of points of weakness in the sidewall relative to which the elongate dunnage rail is mounted.

This system may be moulded at least partially into the container sidewalls and allows an operator to secure any internal dunnage to the side walls, using a durable, efficient to assemble and full reversable system that does not damage the container.

The dunnage fastening system of an embodiment is preferably a removable system, allowing one or more dunnage rails to he at least temporarily mounted relative to an inside surface of a wall of the container using one or more clamping brackets. Preferably, the clamp bracket of the dunnage fastening system will clamp a dunnage rail to an internal side surface of a side wall of the container.

As described above, the clamp bracket may preferably be mounted to a second sidewall to clamp the dunnage rail relative to a first side wall. In one form, the first sidewall and second sidewall of the container are adjacent. In an embodiment, the first sidewall and second sidewall will preferably be perpendicular to one another.

The dunnage fastening system may preferably include four clamp brackets for 30 each pair of dunnage rails. The preferred four clamp brackets may preferably be used in two pairs, with the clamp brackets of each pair damping a dunnage rail relative to a side wall. One clamp bracket from each pair may preferably be attached to one of the second sidewalls and the other bracket of each pair may preferably be attached to the opposite second sidewall. In this configuration, a dunnage rail will be clamped to two opposed first sidewalls of the container.

Once the dunnage rails have been mounted within the container, one or more dunnage pouches or other dunnage supports can he mounted relative to the dunnage rails.

A container may include more than one level of dunnage rails spaced over the height of the container.

The dunnage fastening system of an embodiment may include one or more features formed into one or more of the sidewalls of the container. In particular, the dunnage fastening system may include one or more features formed into one or more of the second sidewalls. Any one or more features formed into one or more of the sidewalls of the container will preferably be moulded into the sidewalls. This may allow for example strengthening or reinforcement regions to he provided relative to any potential area of weakness such as the at least one mounting opening formed into a side wall to mount a clamping bracket for example. In this configuration, even if the at least. one mounting opening in a sidewall is not used to attach a clamp (or other) bracket, the at least one mounting opening formed into the side wall with a strengthening or reinforcement region, will not weaken the side wall.

In an embodiment, the second sidewall may include at least one mounting opening therethrough to engage with a fastener used to mount a clamp bracket relative thereto. Preferably, the at least one mounting opening will be moulded into the second sidewall. Any at least one mounting opening provided in the second sidewall will preferably have a continuous surround. The continuous surround is preferably annular in cross sectional shape and cylindrical in shape overall. The axis of the cylindrical surround will preferably be oriented transversely to the plane of the second side wall. The cylindrical surround of the at least one mounting opening may then extend through the thickness of the second sidewall.

An at least one mounting opening of this type may preferably he located in a corner region of the second sidewall, adjacent to a vertical end edge of the side wall. As mentioned above, the at least one mounting opening is preferably located in a reinforced region of the side wall.

The continuous surround of the at least one mounting opening may be provided in a hollow portion of the second sidewall.

One or more webs or struts may be provided extending between the continuous surround of the at least one mounting opening to form an open frame about the continuous surround of the at least one mounting opening to locate and hold the continuous surround of the at least one mounting opening in position relative to the sidewall. Preferably, a plurality of webs or struts will be provided in a regular array. In one form, the at least one mounting opening may be located on a central web extending substantially vertically. A transverse web may preferably extend from each side of the continuous surround of the at least one mounting opening to a solid portion of the second side wall structure.

More than one opening may he provided in each reinforced region. For example, a mounting opening may be provided to engage or receive an elongate fastener associated with a clamping bracket. One or more secondary openings may also be provided to receive or engage a locating pin. Preferably, any secondary opening will be provided with a continuous surround. Any secondary opening may he associated with one or more webs or struts. The locating pin may be provided to be at least partially received within a secondary opening and be at least partially received within a secondary locating pin opening within the clamping bracket. If one or more locating pins are provided, the locating pins may preferably act to resist any rotation of the clamping bracket about the elongate fastener used to mount the clamp bracket to the second sidewall. In a preferred form, a single mounting opening may be provided one or more secondary openings may be provided for example above and/or below the single mount ing opening.

The at least one mounting opening may therefore extend through the second sidcwall of the container by the one or more secondary openings may only extend into the second sidewall.

The continuous surround of any at least one mounting opening and/or secondary opening may be provided with a rebate or recessed entrance and/or exit. In one form, an outer end of the continuous surround of any opening and/or secondary opening may be provided with a shaped recess to receive a captive head or nut of a bolt fastener for

example.

The shaped recess may he associated with an abutment ledge extending circumferentially about an inner portion of the shaped recess. In this form, the shaped recess may receive a captive head or nut of the bolt fastener, and the abutment ledge can be used to engage a snap fit fastener. This may preferably allow the same shaped recess to be used to attach one of either a bolt fastener or a snap fit fastener.

As mentioned above, a single mounting opening may be provided. Mounting a clamp bracket to second sidewall using a single fastener can cause issues as the clamp bracket may be able to rotate about the single fastener.

hi one embodiment, a single fastener can be used with one or more locating pins in order to resist rotation of the clamp bracket.

The clamp bracket may be provided with an indented region or configuration provided on a facing surface of the clamp bracket which abuts the inner surface of the second sidewall. The indented region or configuration may preferably correspond to the configuration of the reinforced region of the side wall in which the mounting opening is provided. For example, where the mounting opening(s) are provided in a continuous surround with one or more webs or struts extending therefrom in a hollow region of the side wall, an indented region or configuration may he provided on the facing surface of the clamp bracket which matches the configuration of the mounting openings and the webs and struts, so that the indented region or configuration partially receives portions of the continuous surround and/or webs or struts in a male/female configuration.

The indented region or configuration may be provided with one or more channels matching the configuration of the webs or struts.

One or more shaped extensions may be provided matching the configuration of 30 the mounting opening and/or any one or more secondary openings. This may allow the use of a single fastener, as the engaging configurations in the indented region of the clamp bracket and the reinforced region of the second side wall, engage to resist rotation of the clamp bracket.

This configuration can he used with a simple bolt fastener or with a single snap fit or clip fit fastener. The configuration can also be used with more than one fastener if preferred to provide additional resistance to rotation.

Any snap fit or clip fastener may be formed integrally with the clamp bracket. In particular, a snap fit fastener may be moulded integrally with the clamp bracket.

Any snap fit or clip fastener may be elongate. The length of the snap fit or clip fastener will typically match the thickness of the wall from an inner surface of the side wall to an abutment ledge located within the preferably shaped recess.

Any snap fit or clip fastener, if formed separately from the clamp bracket, may preferably have an enlarged head.

Any snap fit or clip fastener will preferably include an enlarged portion at the tip of the fastener, the enlarged portion providing or defining an abutment shoulder.

The enlarged portion will preferably extend outwardly from the main shaft of the snap fit or clip fastener to define the abutment shoulder. Preferably, the abutment shoulder of the enlarged portion of a snap fit or clip fastener will preferably abut the abutment ledge provided in the preferable shaped recess on an outer side of the second sidewall to retain the clamp bracket against the inner surface of the second sidewall.

An outer end of a snap fit or clip fastener will preferably be split or divided, forming at least two parts which can be compressed toward one another during insertion of the outer end of the snap fit or clip fastener into the mounting opening. This can provide clearance between the snap fit or clip fastener and the abutment ledge to attach and detach the snap fit or clip fastener.

The snap fit or clip fastener may preferably be manufactured of a resilient material. The resilient material preferably allows deformation, particularly of the split or divided outer end during insertion and removal of the snap fit or clip fastener from the mounting opening and the resilience of the material may preferably bias the portions provided at the outer end of the fastener outwardly to engage the abutment ledge provided in the preferred shaped recess provided on an outer side of the second sidewall.

The dunnage fastening system comprises a clamp bracket to clamp an elongate dunnage rail relative to an internal side of a first sidcwall, the clamp bracket comprising a solid body with a lower support ledge and at least one clamp edge to abut the elongate dunnage rail and at least one elongate fastener to mount the clamp bracket to a second sidewall.

The clamp bracket comprises a solid body. The solid body is preferably shaped. The solid body is preferably formed in one piece. The body may preferably he moulded.

The clamp bracket is preferably generally L-shaped. A first portion of the clamp bracket is preferably a wider portion. The mounting opening is preferably provided through the first portion. The first portion will preferably extend substantially vertically when the clamp bracket is fitted to the second sidewall.

The lower support ledge may he provided on an upper side of a transversely extending second portion of the clamp bracket. The lower support edge is preferably planar. The lower support edge will preferably be positioned horizontally when the clamp bracket is properly attached to the second side wall of the container.

The clamp bracket may preferably be positioned on the second sidewall below the top edge of the side wall. In this way, the clamp bracket does not impinge on or obstruct any lid may be used on the container.

The body of the clamp bracket preferably has a pair of spaced apart main surfaces. A first main surface may preferably be oriented towards an inner surface of the second sidewall when attached and the opposite second main surface, preferably faces into the storage volume of the container. At least one, and both of the main surfaces may be planar and smooth. As mentioned above, an indent region or configuration may be provided on the first main surface of the body of the clamp bracket, facing the inside surface of the second sidewall relative to which the clamp bracket is attached or mounted.

The at least one clamp edge may he provided on an edge of the body facing the 30 dunnage rail, above the lower support ledge.

The at least one damp edge may correspond in shape and configuration to the shape and configuration of the dunnage rail. In one form, the at least one clamp edge may be a planar edge.

In an embodiment, the clamp edge may include a first substantially vertical edge to apply force to the dunnage rail laterally towards the second sidewall, and a second angled edge to apply force to the dunnage rail at an angle towards the second sidewall.

As mentioned above, the clamp bracket may include one or more openings through the clamp bracket. One or more mounting openings may be provided, to receive an elongate fastener therethrough. One or more secondary locating pin openings may be provided in order to receive a locating pin at least partially thereinto, or therethrough.

The one or more mounting openings in the clamp bracket may include a stepped profile with an outer portion of the or each mounting opening (located on an inner side of the container) being larger than an inner portion of the or each mounting opening (located on the second sidewall side of the mounting bracket. Preferably, the outer portion of the or each mounting opening may receive an enlarged head of a fastener for example. In this way, the fastener may not extend into the storage volume of the container any further than the inner surface of the clamp bracket. An inner portion of the or each mounting opening may receive the shaft of the elongate fastener therethrough.

As mentioned above, at least one elongate fastener may be used to mount the clamp bracket relative to the second sidewall. In one form, the elongate fastener may be a bolt with a corresponding nut. In another form, the fastener may he a snap fit or clip fastener. The at least one fastener may be formed separately from the clamp bracket or formed integrally with the clamp bracket. Preferably, a snap fit fastener may be integrally formed with the clamp bracket, although a snap fit fastener may be formed separately and inserted into the mounting opening.

Where formed separately, the at least one elongate fastener will preferably have an enlarged head to abut a portion of the damp bracket and hold the clamp bracket relative to the second sidewall.

The at least one elongate fastener will preferably extend through the mounting opening provided in the second sidewall. Again, a shaped recess may be provided on an outer side of the second sidewall in order to receive a captive nut of a fastening bolt, but the shaped recess may also be provided with an annular abutment ledge provided within the shaped recess in order to allow the shaped recess to also engage a snap fit fastener through the same mounting opening if preferred. In other words, the mounting opening may receive a fastening bolt or a snap fit fastener as desired.

Detailed Description of the Invention

In order that the invention may he more clearly understood one or more 10 embodiments thereof will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which: Figure 1 is an axonometric view of a dunnage fastening system according to an embodiment attached to the wall of a container.

Figure 2 is an axonometric view of a wall portion of the container shown in Figure 1 with the bracket and support of the dunnage fastening system removed.

Figure 3 is an axonometric view from the front of a bracket part of a dunnage fastening system according to all embodiment.

Figure 4 is an axonometric view from the rear of the bracket part illustrated in Figure 3.

Figure 5 is an axonometric exploded view from a first angle of a dunnage fastening system according to an embodiment.

Figure 6 is an axonometric exploded view from a reverse angle, of the configuration illustrated in Figure 5.

Figure 7 is an axonometric exploded view from a first angle, a dunnage fastening system according to another embodiment.

Figure 8 is an axonometric view of the outside of the wall of the container of the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 7.

Figure 9 is an axonometric exploded view from a first angle, a dunnage fastening system according to another embodiment.

Figure 10 is an axonometric exploded view from a reverse angle, of the configuration illustrated in Figure 9.

Figure I I is a sectional view through the configuration illustrated in Figures 9 and 10, in the engaged condition.

Two embodiments of a dunnage fastening system for a transportable container are illustrated in the accompanying Figures. In both embodiments, the system comprises a transportable container having a base and four sidewalls (only two sidewalls are shown in the Figures) mounted thereto to define a generally rectangular internal storage volume. A clamp bracket 10 is provided to clamp an elongate dunnage rail 11 relative to an internal side of a first sidewall (not shown). The clamp bracket 10 illustrated is a solid body with a lower support ledge 13 and a clamp edge 14 to abut the elongate dunnage rail 11. At least one elongate fastener 15 is provided to mount the clamp bracket 10 to a second sidewall 16.

The dunnage fastening system is preferably a removable system, allowing the dunnage rails 11 to be at least temporarily mounted relative to an inside surface of a wall of the container.

As illustrated, the clamp bracket 10 is mounted to a second sidewall 16 to clamp the dunnage rail 11 relative to a first side wall. In the illustrated embodiment, the first sidewall and second sidewall 16 would be adjacent and perpendicular to one another.

The dunnage fastening system used on a container would preferably include four clamp brackets 10 for each pair of dunnage rails 11. The preferred four clamp brackets 10 would then he used in two pairs, with the clamp brackets 10 of each pair clamping a dunnage rail 11 relative to a first side wall. One clamp bracket 10 from each pair would preferably be attached to one of the second sidcwalls 16 and the other bracket 10 of each pair would preferably be attached to the opposite second sidewall 16. In this configuration, a dunnage rail 11 will he clamped to each of two opposed first sidewalls of the container. Once the dunnage rails 11 have been mounted within the

I I

container, one or more dunnage pouches or other dunnage supports can he mounted relative to the dunnage rails 11.

The dunnage fastening system of the illustrated embodiment includes features formed into one or more of the second sidcwalls 16 in the areas in which the clamp bracket 10 is attached to the sidewall 16. These features will preferably be moulded into the sidewall 16. This allows for example strengthening or reinforcement regions 17, as shown in Figure 2 in particular, to be provided relative to any potential area of weakness such as an opening formed into the side wall 16 to mount a clamping bracket 10. In this configuration, even if the opening is not used to attach a clamp (or other) bracket 10, the opening formed into the side wall with any strengthening or reinforcement region will not weaken the side wall 16.

hi the illustrated embodiment, the second sidewall 16 includes a mounting opening 18 therethrough to engage with an elongate fastener 15 used to mount a clamp bracket 10 relative thereto. As shown, the mounting opening 18 is moulded into the second sidewall 16.

The mounting opening 18 provided in the second sidewall 16 has a continuous surround 19 which is annular in cross sectional shape and cylindrical in overall shape. The axis of the cylindrical surround 19 is oriented transversely to the plane of the second side wall 16. The cylindrical surround 19 extends through the thickness of the second sidewall 16.

As shown, the mounting opening 18 is located in a corner region of the second sidewall 16, adjacent to a vertical end edge of the side wall 16. As mentioned above, the mounting opening 18 is located in a reinforced region 17 of the side wall 16.

The mounting opening 18 is provided in a hollow portion of the second sidewall 16. An array of webs or struts is provided, extending between the continuous surround 19 of the mounting opening 18 to form an open frame about the continuous surround 19 of the mounting opening 18 which locates and holds the continuous surround 19 of the mounting opening 18 in position relative to the sidewall 16.

In the form illustrated, the mounting opening 18 is located on a central web 20 extending substantially vertically. A transverse web 21 extends from each side of the continuous surround 19 of the mounting opening 18 to a solid portion of the second side wall 16.

A pair of secondary openings 22 are provided to each receive or engage a locating pin 23. The secondary openings 22 are provided with a continuous surround 24. The continuous surround 24 of each secondary opening 22 is mounted relative to the central web 20 and a transverse web 21 extends from each side of the continuous surround 24 of the secondary opening 22 to a solid portion of the second side wall 16.

As shown in Figure 7, a locating pin 23 is provided to be at least partially received within a secondary opening 22 and be at least partially received within a secondary opening 25 within the clamping bracket 10. The locating pins 23 preferably act to resist any rotation of the clamping bracket 10 about the elongate fastener 15 used to mount the clamp bracket 10 to the second sidewall 16. In the preferred form illustrated, a single mounting opening 18 is provided and a secondary opening 22 is provided above and below the single mounting opening 18.

In the illustrated embodiment, an outer end of the continuous surround of the mounting opening 18 is provided with a shaped recess 26 to receive a captive nut 27 of a bolt fastener for example as shown in Figures 5 and 6.

The shaped recess 26 has an abutment ledge 28 extending circumferentially about inner portion of the shaped recess 26, as best shown in Figure 8. In this form, the shaped recess 26 may receive a captive nut 27 of the bolt fastener, but the abutment ledge 28 can be used to abut a snap fit fastener as shown in Figures 9 to 11. This allows the same shaped recess 28 to be used to attach one of either a bolt fastener, as shown in Figures 5 to 7 or a snap fit fastener as shown in Figures 9 to 11.

As mentioned above, a single mounting opening 18 may be provided extending through the thickness of the sidewall 16. Mounting a clamp bracket 10 to second sidewall 16 using a single elongate fastener 15 can cause issues as the clamp bracket. 10 may be able to rotate about the single fastener 15.

In the illustrated embodiments, a single fastener 15 is used in all embodiments illustrated. The clamp brackets 10 of the bolt fastener also utilise the locating pins 23 in order to resist rotation of the clamp bracket 10, as shown in Figures 5 to 7. The snap fit fastener shown in Figures 9 to 11 utilises an indented region or configuration to correspond with the inner surface of the second sidewall to resist rotation of the clamp bracket.

As shown in Figure 4, the indented region or configuration is provided on a facing surface of the clamp bracket 10 which abuts the inner surface of the second sidewall 16. As shown in Figure 4, the indented region or configuration corresponds, at least partially, to the configuration of the reinforced region of the side wall 16 in which the mounting opening 18 is provided which is shown in Figure 2. As shown in Figure 4, where the mounting opening 18 is provided in a continuous surround with webs 20, 2lextending therefrom, in a hollow region of the side wall 26, the indented region or configuration provided on the facing surface of the clamp bracket matches the configuration of the mounting opening 16 and the webs 20, 21, so that the indented region or configuration partially receives portions of the continuous surround and webs 20, 21 in a male/female configuration. As shown in Figure 4, the indented region or configuration is provided with channels matching the configuration of the webs and cylindrical extensions are provided matching the configuration of the mounting opening 18 and the secondary openings 25.

This configuration is more preferably used with a single snap fit or clip fit fastener but could be used with a bolt type fastener or more than one fastener if preferred, to provide additional resistance to rotation.

A snap fit or clip fastener may be formed integrally with the clamp bracket 10 as shown in Figures 9 to 11. In the illustrated embodiment., the snap fit fastener is moulded integrally with the clamp bracket. The length of the snap fit or clip fastener will preferably match the thickness of the sidewall 16 from an inner surface of the side wall 16 to the abutment ledge 28 located within the shaped recess 26.

As illustrated, the snap fit or clip fastener includes an enlarged portion at the tip of the fastener, the enlarged portion 32 associated with a circumferential abutment shoulder. The enlarged portion extends outwardly from the main shaft of the snap fit or clip fastener. In use, the abutment shoulder of the enlarged portion of a snap fit or clip fastener abuts the abutment ledge 28 provided in the shaped recess 26 on an outer side of the second sidewall 16 to retain the clamp bracket 10 against the inner surface of the second sidewall 16.

An outer end of a snap fit or clip fastener is split in the illustrated embodiment, forming two parts 33 separated by a slot 34 which can he compressed toward one another during insertion of the outer end of the snap fit or clip fastener into the mounting opening 18, providing clearance between the abutment shoulder of the snap fit or clip fastener and the abutment ledge 28 to attach and detach the snap fit or clip fastener.

The snap fit or clip fastener is preferably manufactured of a resilient material which allows deformation during insertion and removal of the snap fit or clip fastener from the mounting opening and the resilience of the material may then bias the split portions provided at the tip of the fastener outwardly to engage the abutment ledge 28 provided in the shaped recess 26 provided on an outer side of the second sidewall 16.

As shown, the clamp bracket 10 comprises a solid body. The solid body is shaped. The solid body is preferably formed in one piece. The body of the illustrated 15 embodiment is moulded.

The clamp bracket 10 is preferably generally L-shaped. A first upright portion of the clamp bracket 10 is a wider portion. The mounting opening 18, and any secondary openings 22 are preferably provided through the first portion.

The lower support ledge 13 is provided on an upper side of a transversely extending second portion of the clamp bracket 10. The lower support edge 13 of the illustrated embodiment is planar. The lower support edge 13 is positioned horizontally when the clamp bracket 10 is properly attached to the second side wall 16 of the container.

The clamp bracket 10 is positioned on the second sidewall below the top edge of the side wall 16. In this way, the clamp bracket does not impinge on or obstruct any lid that may be used on the container.

The body of the clamp bracket has a pair of spaced apart main surfaces, spaced by the thickness of the body. A first main surface is oriented towards an inner surface of the second sidewall 16 when attached and the opposite second main surface, faces 30 into the storage volume of the container. At least one, and both of the main surfaces may he planar and smooth, or the indent region or configuration may he provided on the first main surface of the body of the clamp bracket 10, facing the inside surface of the second sidewall 16 relative to which the clamp bracket 10 is attached or mounted.

The clamp edge is preferably provided on an edge of the body facing the dunnage rail 11, above the lower support ledge 13.

The clamp edge corresponds in shape and configuration to the shape and configuration of the dunnage rail 11. In one form, the clamp edge is a planar edge. In the illustrated embodiment, the clamp edge includes a first substantially vertical portion 29 to apply force to the dunnage rail laterally towards the second sidewall 16, and a second angled. portion 30 to apply force to the dunnage rail 11 at an angle towards the second sidewall 16.

One or more mounting openings 31 may be provided in the clamp member 10, to receive an elongate fastener 15 there/through. One or more secondary locating pin openings 25 may be provided in order to receive a locating pin 23 at least partially thereinto, or therethrough.

The mounting opening 31 includes a stepped profile with an outer portion of the mounting opening (located on an inner side of the container) being larger than an inner portion of the or each mounting opening 31 (located on the second sidewall side of the clamp bracket). Preferably, the outer portion of the or each mounting opening 31 may receive an enlarged head of a fastener for example. In this way, the fastener may not extend into the storage volume of the container any further than the inner surface of the clamp bracket. An inner portion of the or each mounting opening 31 may receive the shaft of the elongate fastener therethrough.

As mentioned above, in one form, the elongate fastener may be a bolt with a corresponding nut.

In another form, the fastener may be a snap fit or clip fastener. The at least one fastener may he formed separately from the clamp bracket or formed integrally with the clamp bracket. Preferably, a snap fit fastener may be integrally formed, although a snap fit fastener may be formed separately and inserted into the mounting opening.

Where formed separately, the at least one elongate fastener will preferably have an enlarged head to abut a portion of the clamp bracket and hold the clamp bracket relative to the second sidewall.

As shown, the at least one elongate fastener 15 preferably extends through the mounting opening 18 provided in the second sidewall 16. Again, the shaped recess 26 may he provided on an outer side of the second sidewall 16 in order to receive captive nut 27 of a fastening bolt, but the shaped recess 26 may also be provided with an annular abutment ledge 28 provided within the shaped recess 26 in order to allow the shaped recess 26 to also engage a snap lit fastener through the same mounting opening 18 if preferred. In other words, the mounting opening 28 may receive a fastening bolt or a snap fit fastener as desired.

The one or more embodiments are described above by way of example only. Many variations are possible without departing from the scope of protection afforded by the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A dunnage fastening system for a transportable container having a base and four sidewalls mounted thereto to define a generally rectangular internal storage volume, the dunnage fastening system comprising a clamp bracket to clamp an elongate dunnage rail relative to an internal side of a first sidewall, the clamp bracket comprising a solid body with a lower support ledge and at least one clamp edge to abut the elongate dunnage rail and at least one elongate fastener to mount the clamp bracket to a second sidewall.
2. A dunnage fastening system for a transportable container, the system comprising: a. a transportable container having a base and four sidewalls mounted thereto to define a generally rectangular internal storage volume, at least one mounting opening formed into at least two of the sidewalls, and h. a clamp bracket to clamp an elongate dunnage rail relative to an internal side of a first sidewall, the clamp bracket comprising a solid body with a lower support ledge and at least one clamp edge to abut the elongate dunnage rail and at least one elongate fastener receivable within the at least one mounting opening to mount the damp bracket to a second sidewall.
3. A dunnage fastening system as claimed in claim 2 wherein the at least. one mounting opening provided in the second sidcwall has a continuous surround extending through the second sidewall.
4. A dunnage fastening system as claimed in claim 3 wherein the continuous surround is annular in cross sectional shape and cylindrical in shape overall.
5. A dunnage fastening system as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 4 further comprising one or more strengthening or reinforcement regions formed into one or more of the second sidewalls of the container about the at least one mounting opening. I8
6. A dunnage fastening system as claimed in claim 5 wherein the one or more strengthening or reinforcement regions comprises the continuous surround of the at least one mounting opening is provided in a hollow portion of the second sidewall with one or more webs or struts provided extending between the continuous surround of the at least one mounting opening to form an open frame about the continuous surround of the at least one mounting opening to locate and hold the continuous surround of the at least one mounting opening in position relative to the sidewall.
7. A dunnage fastening system as claimed in claim 6 wherein a plurality of webs or struts are provided in a regular array about the at least one mounting opening.
8. A dunnage fastening system as claimed in claim 6 or claim 7 wherein the at least one mounting opening is located on a central web extending substantially vertically with a transverse web extending from each side of the continuous surround of the at least one mounting opening to a solid portion of the second sidewall.
A dunnage fastening system as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 8 further comprising one or more secondary openings defined by a continuous surround provided adjacent to the at least one mounting opening to receive or engage a locating pin.
10. A dunnage fastening system as claimed in claim 9 wherein the continuous surround of the one or more secondary openings is annular in cross sectional shape and cylindrical in shape overall and the one or more secondary openings does not extend through the second sidewall.
11. A dunnage fastening system as claimed in claim 10 wherein the continuous surround of the one or more secondary openings is provided in a hollow portion of the second sidewall with one or more webs or struts provided extending between the continuous surround of the one or more secondary openings to form an open frame about the continuous surround of the one or more secondary openings to locate and hold the continuous surround of the one or more secondary openings in position relative to the sidewall.
12. dunnage fastening system as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 11 further comprising a locating pin at least partially received in the one or more secondary openings.
13. A dunnage fastening system as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 12 further comprising a shaped recess at an outer end of the continuous surround of the at least one mounting opening to receive a captive head or nut of a bolt fastener.
14. A dunnage fastening system as claimed in claim 13 further comprising an abutment ledge extending circumferentially about an inner portion of the shaped recess.
15. A dunnage fastening system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the clamp bracket is provided with an indented region or configuration provided on a facing surface of the clamp bracket which abuts an inner surface of the second sidewall, corresponding to a configuration of the second sidewall.
16. A dunnage fastening system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the clamp bracket is associated with a snap fit or clip fit fastener.
17. A dunnage fastening system as claimed in claim 16 wherein the snap fit or clip fastener is integrally with the clamp bracket.
18. A dunnage fastening system as claimed in claim 16 or claim 17 wherein a length of the snap fit or clip fastener matches a thickness of the wall from an inner surface of the second sidewall to an abutment ledge located relative to an outer surface of the second sidewall.
19. A dunnage fastening system as claimed in any one of claims 16 to 18 wherein the snap fit or clip fastener comprises an enlarged portion at an outer end, the enlarged portion associated with an abutment shoulder.
20. A dunnage fastening system as claimed in any one of claims 16 to 19 wherein the outer end is split, forming at least two parts which can be compressed toward one another during insertion of the outer end of the snap fit or clip fastener into the at least one mounting opening.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.A dunnage fastening system as claimed in any one of claims 16 to 20 wherein the snap fit or clip fastener is manufactured of a resilient material.A dunnage fastening system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the clamp bracket is formed in one piece and is L-shaped with at least one mounting opening therethrough in a first portion to receive an elongate fastener therethrough.A dunnage fastening system as claimed in claim 22 wherein the lower support ledge provided on an upper side of a transversely extending second portion of the clamp bracket and the at least one clamp edge is provided on an edge of the body facing the dunnage rail, above the lower support ledge.A dunnage fastening system as claimed in claim 23 wherein the clamp edge comprises a first substantially vertical edge to apply force to the dunnage rail laterally towards the second sidcwall, and a second angled edge to apply force to the dunnage rail at an angle towards the second sidewall.A dunnage fastening system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the clamp bracket further comprises one or more secondary locating pin openings provided to receive a locating pin at least partially thereinto.