WO2019182984A1

WO2019182984A1 - Positioning system for secondary container

Info

Publication number: WO2019182984A1
Application number: PCT/US2019/022773
Authority: WO
Inventors: Steven PYBUS; Jonathan HOGINS; Eric M. Hediger; Douglas G. CRESAP
Original assignee: BOH Environmental LLC
Current assignee: BOH Environmental LLC
Priority date: 2018-03-19
Filing date: 2019-03-18
Publication date: 2019-09-26
Anticipated expiration: 2020-09-19

Abstract

This invention provides a system for positioning secondary containers in primary containers. The system is characterized in that the secondary container comprises two or more plunger assemblies. Each plunger assembly comprises a retractable pin, a biasing means for biasing the pin, and a pin actuating means for releasing and retracting the plunger pin, and each plunger assembly is positioned and aligned so that the pin, when released by the actuating means, extends through the floor of the secondary container into a seat track opening of the primary container. The system facilitates proper alignment of an aperture of a seat track fitting of a secondary container for insertion of a seat track fitting into a seat track of a primary container to secure the secondary container therein. Methods for positioning secondary containers in primary containers are also provided.

Description

POSITIONING SYSTEM FOR SECONDARY CONTAINER

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This invention relates to systems and methods for positioning secondary containers to be secured in primary containers, especially for shipping of freight and cargo.

BACKGROUND

[0002] In shipping, secondary containers are often secured in primary containers. In one particular design configuration, the primary container intended for use with one or more secondary containers generally forms or defines a plurality of rows of seat tracks in a surface (e.g., a floor) of the primary container. Such a seat track typically has continuous, multiple openings (seat track openings) in a channel-like configuration. An associated secondary container typically has a number of apertures for seat track fittings. The apertures for the seat track fittings are usually recessed in the secondary containers, which normally have apertures through which seat track fittings can slide for engagement with the seat track openings of the primary container. Typically, seat track fittings are separate items, and not part of the secondary container itself.

[0003] When the secondary container is properly positioned relative to the seat tracks of the primary container, the seat track fitting(s) can be engaged by moving them into seat track openings in the seat tracks of the primary container. Once the seat track fittings are in the seat tracks, each fitting can be moved into a narrower part of the seat track channel adjacent to the opening, and then the fitting can be fixed in place (e.g., bolted), securing the secondary container to the primary container.

[0004] However, when working within dark and/or confined spaces, especially under dynamic operating conditions (e.g., below deck aboard a ship while listing back and forth at sea), it may be difficult to maneuver a secondary container into the proper position over the seat tracks of the primary container so that the apertures for the seat track fittings and the seat track openings are properly aligned. Several iterative maneuvers are often needed before proper alignment is achieved, and a seat track fitting can pass through an aperture of a secondary container into a seat track opening of the primary container. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] This invention provides systems and methods for positioning and securing one or more secondary containers in a primary container. These systems and methods facilitate quicker, more accurate alignment of one or more apertures for seat track fittings with corresponding seat track openings at the desired (pre-designated) positions, which in turn permits the securing of the secondary container to the primary container, even in conditions of poor visibility (such as shade, shadows, or night-time), whether ashore or afloat. This minimizes the amount of time and maneuvering needed to properly position the secondary container in the primary container.

[0006] In typical operations to secure a secondary container to a primary container via seat track fittings, cargo or a cargo drawer or tray is removed from the secondary container to expose a floor of the secondary container to access an aperture for a seat track fitting and secure one or more seat track fittings. Because the positioning system of the invention is located in proximity to apertures for seat track fittings, no additional removal of cargo or cargo drawers or trays is needed to operate the positioning system.

[0007] An embodiment of this invention is a system for aligning a secondary container to the interior of a primary container. The primary container comprises a plurality of seat tracks which define one or more seat track openings, and the secondary container comprises an interior, a floor, and a plurality of apertures for seat track fittings. Aligning the secondary container in the primary container comprises aligning the apertures for seat track fittings of the secondary container with the seat track openings of the primary container for engagement of seat track fittings in the seat track openings via the apertures for the seat track fittings of the secondary container. The system is at least characterized in that the secondary container comprises two or more plunger assemblies. Each plunger assembly comprises a retractable pin, a biasing means for the pin, and a pin actuating means, and each plunger assembly is positioned and aligned so that the pin is releasable through the floor of secondary container into a seat track opening of the primary container. Also, each plunger assembly is positioned within the secondary container such that when the plunger assembly is aligned with a seat track opening, an aperture for a seat track fitting is aligned with a seat track opening. Each pin actuating means is configured to release and retract a plunger pin, and each pin actuating means is located in the interior of the secondary container. Each plunger pin is sized and configured to be releasable for extension into a seat track opening when aligned with a seat track opening. [0008] Another embodiment of this invention is a method for securing a secondary container to the interior of a primary container. The method comprises introducing a secondary container into a primary container, releasing the plunger pins by operating the pin actuating means on the plunger assemblies, and aligning the secondary container along the seat tracks until the plunger pins engage the seat track openings.

[0009] These and other embodiments and features of this invention will be still further apparent from the ensuing description and appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Fig. 1A is a view of a primary container with a plurality of rows of seat tracks in the primary container floor.

[0011] Fig. IB is a view of a plurality of secondary containers within a primary container.

[0012] Fig. 1C is a view of a secondary container (with its bottom drawer removed) within a primary container.

[0013] Fig. 2A is a bottom view of a portion of a primary container, showing seat tracks.

[0014] Fig. 2B is an enlargement of a portion of a seat track shown in Fig. 2A.

[0015] Fig. 2C shows a double stud fitting that is used as a seat track fitting that fits into the seat tracks shown in Figs. 2A and 2B.

[0016] Fig. 3A is a view of a portion of a floor of a secondary container showing an aperture for a seat track fitting.

[0017] Fig. 3B is a view of a plunger assembly for use in the present invention in a preferred position.

[0018] Fig. 4 shows a preferred plunger assembly for use in the present invention.

[0019] Fig. 5 is an exploded view of a preferred plunger assembly for use in the present invention.

[0020] Fig. 6A is a cross-sectional view of a plunger assembly above a seat track opening.

[0021] Fig. 6B is a cross-sectional view of a plunger assembly engaged with a seat track opening.

[0022] Fig. 7 is a bottom view of a portion of a primary container, showing seat tracks with a plunger assembly engaged.

[0023] In each of the above figures, like numerals or letters are used to refer to like parts among the several figures. [0024] The drawings illustrate preferred embodiments, and are not intended to impose limitations on the scope of this invention.

FURTHER DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] Throughout this document, the word "pin" is used interchangeably with the phrases "plunger pin" and "retractable pin" to refer to a pin of a plunger assembly. Similarly, the word "handle" is used interchangeably with the phrase "plunger handle" to refer to a handle of a plunger assembly throughout this document. Seat track fittings are sometimes referred to herein as seat track adapters.

[0026] The invention provides an alignment system and method that aligns the apertures for seat track fittings with the seat track openings prior to engaging the seat track fittings of the secondary container in the seat tracks of the primary container. These systems and methods are for properly positioning a secondary container in the interior of a primary container, and generally apply to primary containers having a plurality of seat tracks which define seat track openings, and secondary containers comprising an interior, a floor, and a plurality of seat track fittings.

[0027] The present invention is characterized in that the secondary container comprises one or more plunger assemblies. The plunger assemblies are positioned and aligned so that the plunger pin is releasable through the wall or floor of secondary container and into a seat track opening of the primary container. Since seat tracks are typically on the bottom interior surface of the primary container, the apertures for the seat track fittings and the plunger assemblies are usually located on floor of secondary container.

[0028] Each plunger assembly is located at a particular distance from one of the apertures for seat track fittings of the secondary container, the distance being defined by the seat track openings of the primary container to which the secondary container is being secured. More particularly, the plunger assemblies are configured to be located so that when a plunger assembly is over a seat track opening, an aperture for a seat track fitting is aligned over a seat track opening, preferably a different seat track opening.

[0029] There are at least two plunger assemblies in each secondary container, to prevent the secondary container from rotating out of alignment. The plunger assemblies may be configured to be positioned in the same seat track row or in different seat track rows. Preferably, the plunger assemblies are in the same seat track row. Plunger assemblies are preferably placed in a row co-linearly with one or more apertures for seat track fittings of the secondary container; plunger assemblies may be present in more than one row of apertures for seat track fittings.

[0030] The plunger assembly distance from an apertures for a seat track fitting is such that when a plunger pin is fully released into a seat track opening (in proper alignment), the corresponding aperture for a seat track fitting is properly aligned with, and capable of being engaged with, a seat track opening. In other words, the plunger assemblies are at a distance from the apertures for seat track fittings in multiples of seat track opening spacings when the seat track openings are uniformly spaced, which is the usual case.

[0031] The plunger pins are sized and configured to engage a seat track opening when aligned with the seat track opening. It is recommended and preferred that the plunger pins are sized and configured to fill the seat track openings so that the pins fit tightly in the seat track openings. The plunger pin also comprises a biasing means to bias (exert a force on) the pins to cause the pins to extend into a seat track opening into when aligned with a seat track opening. A preferred biasing means comprises a spring.

[0032] Each pin actuating means is configured to release and retract a plunger pin, and each pin actuating means is located in the interior of the secondary container. A preferred pin actuating means comprises a handle; the handles can be of any desired shape. In some embodiments, the handles are preferably sized and configured to be operated by a human hand. Preferably, the handles can be moved (e.g., rotated). Preferably, the handles are movable between an in-use position and another (not-in-use) position. More preferably, the in-use position is vertical (or perpendicular to the wall or floor of the secondary container) and the not-in-use position is horizontal (or parallel to the wall or floor of the secondary container).

[0033] Turning now to the Figures, Fig. 1A is a view of a primary container 2 with a plurality of rows of seat tracks 4 in the primary container floor. Fig. IB is a view of a plurality of secondary containers 9 positioned and secured within a primary container 2; the walls and ceiling of the of the primary container as well as the seat tracks in the floor of the primary container are not shown. In Fig. IB, the secondary containers 9 which contain the plunger assemblies 12 are shown in a primary container 2; the walls of the primary container 2 are not shown. Fig. 1C is a view of a secondary container 9 within a primary container 2, of which only one wall and the floor with seat tracks 4 are shown. In Fig. 1C, the bottom drawer has been removed from the secondary container 9 to show the plunger assemblies 12, which are engaged in seat tracks 4. [0034] Fig. 2A shows a bottom view of a portion of a floor 3 of a primary container and a seat track 4 with seat track fittings 6 engaged in the seat track openings 7. Fig. 2B is an enlargement of a portion of a seat track shown in Fig. 2A, showing a seat track fitting 6 engaged in seat track openings 7 of seat track 4. Fig. 2C shows a side view of a double stud fitting 5 that is used as a seat track fitting that fits into the seat tracks 4 shown in Fig. 2A. The apparatus shown in Figs. 1A and 2A-B are known in the art, as are the secondary containers 9 (other than the plunger assemblies 12).

[0035] Fig. 3A shows a portion of a floor 8 of a secondary container showing an aperture 10 for a seat track fitting and Fig. 3B shows a plunger assembly 12 in accord with one embodiment of the invention. In Fig. 3B, the preferred plunger assembly 12 is shown with handle 16 in a vertical position, and shows flange 18, housing 20, notched slot 22, and set screw 24; a portion of spring 26 can be seen through notched slot 22. Fig. 4 is an enlarged view of the preferred plunger assembly 12 with plunger pin 14, handle 16 in a horizontal position, flange 18, housing 20, notched slot 22, and a set screw 24 in the notched slot 22. Fig. 5 is an exploded view of preferred plunger assembly 12, showing handle 16, flange 18, housing 20, notched slot 22, set screw 24, sized to be disposed in notched slot 22, and spring 26. Fig. 6A is a cross-sectional view of a plunger assembly 12 above a seat track opening 7 with the plunger pin 14 not engaged (in the retracted position); also shown are handle 16, set screw 24, and a cutaway of spring 26. Fig. 6B is a cross-sectional view of a plunger assembly 12 according to one embodiment of the invention released and engaged with a seat track opening 7. Also shown are handle 16, notched slot 22, and a cutaway of spring 26. Fig. 7 is a bottom view of a portion of a primary container according to one embodiment of the invention, showing seat track openings 7 with the plunger pin 14 engaged in one of the seat track openings 7.

[0036] In the methods of this invention, a secondary container is introduced into a primary container, at least one plunger pin 14 is released by operating the pin actuating means (e.g., handles 16) of a plunger assembly 12, and aligning the secondary container along the seat tracks 4 until at least one plunger pin 14 engage a seat track opening.

[0037] The secondary container is introduced into the primary container, preferably with the plunger pins in their unreleased positions. When the secondary container is near the desired position along the seat tracks, at least one plunger pin is released, the secondary container is moved to the aligned position, the biasing mechanism causing the released plunger pin to engage a seat track opening when the secondary container is aligned. Then seat track fittings are inserted through the apertures for seat track fittings in the secondary container, and are engaged in the seat tracks of the primary container.

[0038] While it is possible to release one or more plunger pins before the secondary container is approximately in position, it is preferred to release the plunger pins when the secondary container is approximately aligned to minimize or avoid any possible impediment that the plunger pins might cause. Generally, such impediment by plunger pins is via engagement in a seat track opening that does not place the secondary container in the intended position in the primary container, for example, when the plunger pin engages a seat track opening in a seat track row other than the intended row.

[0039] When a plunger pin is released, it is expected that initially the plunger pin will not be aligned with a seat track opening. If there is space between the primary container and the outside of the secondary container where the plunger pin is located, the plunger pin, once released, partially extends into this space. Maneuvering the secondary container into alignment causes the biasing means to extend the plunger pin into the seat track opening.

[0040] If the plunger pin does not release fully into the primary container seat track opening, slight movement of the secondary container may be needed until at least one of the released plunger pins engages a seat track opening. When all of the released plunger pins are engaged with seat track openings, the secondary container resists further maneuvering.

[0041] The plunger pins are retractable by actuating the pin actuating means, but the plunger pins do not need to be retracted after positioning is complete. The pins do need to be retracted before moving the secondary container again (e.g., for unloading cargo).

[0042] In a preferred embodiment, the plunger pins are retracted by raising the plunger pins 14 with the handle 16, and turning handle 16 to place set screw 24 at top side of notched slot 22, and then tightening set screw 24.

[0043] Generally, the plunger handles are in the in-use position while the secondary container is being aligned, and the plunger handles are moved to the not-in-use position after the secondary container has been aligned.

[0044] The invention may comprise, consist, or consist essentially of the materials and/or procedures recited herein.

[0045] Except as may be expressly otherwise indicated, the article "a" or "an" if and as used herein is not intended to limit, and should not be construed as limiting, the description or a claim to a single element to which the article refers. Rather, the article "a" or "an" if and as used herein is intended to cover one or more such elements, unless the text expressly indicates otherwise.

[0046] This invention is susceptible to considerable variation in its practice. Therefore the foregoing description is not intended to limit, and should not be construed as limiting, the invention to the particular exemplifications presented hereinabove.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A system for aligning a secondary container in the interior of a primary container, wherein

said primary container comprises a plurality of seat tracks which define one or more seat track openings,

said secondary container comprises an interior, a floor, and a plurality of apertures for seat track fittings;

at least characterized in that the secondary container comprises two or more plunger assemblies,

each plunger assembly being i) comprising a retractable pin, a biasing means for the pin, and a pin actuating means, ii) positioned and aligned so that the pin is releasable through the floor of the secondary container into a seat track opening of the primary container, and iii) positioned within the secondary container such that when the plunger assembly is aligned with a seat track opening, an aperture for a seat track fitting is aligned with a seat track opening;

each pin actuating means being i) configured to release and retract a plunger pin and ii) located in the interior of the secondary container; and

each pin being sized and configured to be releasable for extension into a seat track opening when aligned with a seat track opening.

2. A system as in Claim 1 wherein the plunger assemblies are configured to be positioned and aligned with seat track openings in the same seat track row.

3. A system as in Claim 1 wherein the plunger assembly is positioned within the secondary container such that when the plunger assembly is aligned with a seat track opening, an aperture for a seat track fitting is aligned with a different seat track opening.

4. A system as in Claim 1 wherein the plunger assemblies are configured to be positioned and aligned in a row co-linearly with one or more apertures for seat track fittings of the secondary container.

5. A system as in Claim 1 wherein the pin actuating means comprises a handle.

6. A system as in Claim 5 wherein the handle is movable between an in-use position and a not-in-use position, and/or wherein the handle is sized and configured to be operated by a human hand.

7. A system as in Claim 6 wherein the in-use position is vertical and the not-in-use position is horizontal.

8. A system as in any of Claims 1-6 wherein said biasing means comprises a spring.

9. A system as in Claim 1 wherein the plunger assembly further comprises a flange, a housing, a notched slot, and a set screw sized to be disposed in the notched slot.

10. A method for aligning a secondary container in the interior of a primary container, wherein said primary container has a plurality of seat tracks which define seat track openings, and said secondary container comprises an interior, a floor, a plurality of apertures for seat track fittings, and two or more plunger assemblies,

each plunger assembly i) comprising a retractable pin, a biasing means for the pin, and a pin actuating means, ii) positioned and aligned so that the pin is releasable through the floor of the secondary container into a seat track opening of the primary container, and iii) positioned within the secondary container such that when the plunger assembly is aligned with a seat track opening, an aperture for a seat track fitting is aligned with a seat track opening; each pin actuating means i) configured to release and retract a plunger pin and ii) located in the interior of the secondary container; and

each pin sized and configured to be releasable into a seat track opening when aligned with a seat track opening;

which method comprises

introducing a secondary container into a primary container;

releasing at least one of the plunger pins by operating at least one of the pin actuating means on the plunger assemblies, and

aligning the secondary container along the seat tracks until the plunger pins engage the seat track openings.

11. A method as in Claim 10 further comprising retracting the plunger pins by actuating the pin actuating means.

12. A method as in Claim 10 or 11 wherein the pin actuating means comprises a handle.

13. A method as in any of Claims 10-12 wherein the plunger assembly is positioned within the secondary container such that when the plunger assembly is aligned with a seat track opening, an aperture for a seat track fitting is aligned with a different seat track opening.