Universal container locking system

Abstract

A universal container locking system for cargo containers. The system includes an actuating mechanism located in the top corner casting of the cargo container, and a locking mechanism located in the bottom corner fitting of the cargo container. The actuating mechanism is coupled to the locking mechanism such that rotation of a pick cone positioned in the top corner fitting from its initial insertion position to an orientation approximately 45° does not cause rotation of the locking cone extending from the bottom corner fitting while subsequent rotation of the pick cone from an orientation of approximately 45° to an orientation of approximately 90° causes the locking cone extending from the bottom corner fitting to rotate approximately 45° from the locked position to the unlocked positions.

1 . A universal container locking system for a cargo container, said cargo container having opposing top and bottom corner fittings, said opposing top and bottom corner fittings defining a rotation axis extending through the center thereof, said top corner casting including an opening sized to receive a pick cone of a crane, said pick cone being rotatable between a first insertion position and second rotated position, said rotated position being 90° from said insertion position, said locking system comprising:
 an actuating mechanism located in said top corner casting and rotatable about said rotation axis, said mechanism being positioned to engage said pick cone whereby rotation of said pick cone within said top fitting causes rotation of said actuating mechanism about said rotation axis; 
 a locking mechanism located in said bottom corner fitting, said locking mechanism including a locking cone extending from said bottom corner fitting and rotatable through approximately 45° of rotation between a locked position and an unlocked position; 
 and wherein said actuating mechanism is coupled to said locking mechanism such that said locking cone remains in its locked position as said pick cone is rotated approximately 45° from its insertion position, while subsequent rotation of said pick cone from an orientation of approximately 45° to an orientation of approximately 90° causes said locking cone to rotate approximately 45° between said locked and unlocked positions. 
 
     
     
         2 . The system according to  claim 1 , wherein said actuating mechanism includes a cup sized to receive said pick cone, said cup being rotatably mounted within said top corner fitting. 
     
     
         3 . The system according to  claim 2 , further comprising a cable for coupling said actuating mechanism to said locking mechanism;
 and wherein said actuating mechanism includes a base for rotatably supporting said cup, said base including an aperture therethrough, said aperture being offset from said rotation axis;   and wherein said cable extends through said aperture, the end of said cable being secured to said cup.   
     
     
         4 . The system according to  claim 3 , wherein said cup is provided with a substantially vertically-extending slot, and wherein said cable includes a ball attached to the end thereof, said slot being sized to receive said ball thereby coupling the end of said cable to said cup. 
     
     
         5 . The system according to  claim 3 , wherein said cable includes a tension/adjusting mechanism located between said actuating mechanism and said locking mechanism. 
     
     
         6 . The system according to  claim 3 , wherein said locking mechanism further includes a body and a shaft, said cone being coupled to a first end of said shaft, said shaft being rotatably supported within in said bottom corner fitting by said body;
 and wherein said cable is coupled to said shaft such that application of a predetermined level of tension to said cable causes rotation of said shaft and said cone from said locked position to said unlocked position.   
     
     
         7 . The system according to  claim 6 , wherein said locking mechanism further includes a spring for biasing said cone to said locked position. 
     
     
         8 . The system according to  claim 7 , wherein said bottom corner fitting includes an aperture therethrough;
 and wherein said locking mechanism further includes a lever arm extending from said shaft;   and wherein said cable extends through said aperture of said bottom corner fast fitting and is coupled to said lever arm.   
     
     
         9 . The system according to  claim 1 , wherein said actuating mechanism includes a bracket rotatably mounted within said top corner fitting and rotatable about said rotation axis, said actuating mechanism further including a first post extending from said bracket and positioned to engage said pick cone at an orientation of approximately 45° from said insertion position of said pick cone. 
     
     
         10 . The system according to  claim 9 , further comprising a rod for connecting said actuating mechanism to said locking mechanism, said rod being located substantially along said rotation axis. 
     
     
         11 . The system according to  claim 10 , wherein said actuating mechanism includes a second post extending from said bracket for contacting said pick cone during rotation of said pick cone from said rotated position to said insertion position. 
     
     
         12 . The system according to  claim 11 , wherein said bracket has a V-shaped configuration defining two legs, and wherein said first post is located at the end of said first leg and said second post is located at the end of said second leg. 
     
     
         13 . The system according to  claim 11 , wherein said first post has a triangular cross section to facilitate contact with said pick cone. 
     
     
         14 . The system according to  claim 11 , wherein said locking mechanism further includes a body and a shaft, said cone being coupled to a first end of said shaft, said shaft being rotatably supported within said bottom corner fitting by said body;
 and wherein said rod is coupled to said shaft such that rotation of said rod causes rotation of said shaft and said cone from said locked position to said unlocked position.   
     
     
         15 . The system according to  claim 14 , wherein said locking mechanism further includes a spring for biasing said cone to said locked position.