Adjustable post for container

Abstract

A container ( 41 ) has adjustable-span support posts ( 52 )—to accommodate load height diversity and to meet external tunnel gauge through passage constraints—upstanding from a deck ( 46 ), with extendible post elements ( 53 )—by multiple indexed, connector bar latching—carrying capture and handling fittings ( 54 ), accessed by localised extension above a load. Optional transverse post bracing is through a header beam ( 55 ), with optional arched profile, and/or coupled gate pairs upon opposed posts.

1 - 19 . Cancelled.  
   
   
       20 . A support post of adjustable length, comprising first and second post elements movable axially of each other between a plurality of predetermined indexed positions, and a detent having a flat face bearing surface for engagement with the post elements to hold the elements in the indexed positions.  
   
   
       21 . The support post of  claim 20  wherein the bearing surface of the detent corresponds in size to a substantial portion of the cross section of the post.  
   
   
       22 . The support post of  claim 20  further including a transverse rail affixed to the first post element, with the detent being connected to an operating element which is movable relative to the rail.  
   
   
       23 . The support post of  claim 20  further including a transverse rail affixed to the first post element, and a diagonal brace having a first end which is pivotally connected to the second post element and a second end which can be connected to the transverse rail at different locations along the rail when the post elements are in different ones of the indexed positions.  
   
   
       24 . The support post of  claim 20  wherein the detent comprises a pin with opposing flat faces for bearing stacking and suspension support loads.  
   
   
       25 . A detent for the support post of  claim 20  having a pair of opposing substantially flat face bearing surfaces.  
   
   
       26 . A detent for the support post of  claim 20  configured as a shallow flat plate.  
   
   
       27 . A container having support posts as in  claim 20  wherein the posts are retractable to reduce the cross section of the container to a size which can pass through an opening of limited dimension.  
   
   
       28 . A container having support posts as in  claim 20  configured as a railway wagon with a cross-sectional profile which can be adapted to fit through passages of limited dimension by adjusting the span of the support posts.  
   
   
       29 . A container having support posts as in  claim 20 , with a header of deep cross section between posts configured as a beam, barrier, wall, gate or door.  
   
   
       30 . A container having support posts as in  claim 20 , with discrete movable header portions individually mounted upon respective ones of the support posts and together spanning between the posts.  
   
   
       31 . A container having support posts as in  claim 20 , with discrete header portions mounted on the support posts cooperatively disposed as movable end gates or doors.  
   
   
       32 . A container with support posts as in  claim 20  extending from a deck, with a gate suspended from one of the posts, and bracing between the post with the gate and the deck.  
   
   
       33 . A container having support posts as in  claim 20  extending from a deck, with transverse bracing between the posts and/or the deck, and means for connecting the bracing to the posts and/or the deck in different positions depending upon the length of the posts to inhibit transverse racking loads associated with detent and post aperture interfit.  
   
   
       34 . A container having a plurality of the support posts of  claim 20  extending in an upward direction from a platform deck, with capture and handling fittings at the upper ends of the posts, a transverse header beam between posts on opposite sides of the deck, with the lengths of the posts being adjustable to present the capture and handling fittings for access above the header.  
   
   
       35 . A support post of adjustable length for a freight container, comprising a pair relatively movable post elements having index openings therein, and a flat-faced detent engagable with the openings to retain the post elements in a predetermined position.  
   
   
       36 . A support post, comprising a first section mounted in a fixed position relative to a base, a second section which is axially extensible relative to the first section, apertures in the first and second sections for indexed mutual alignment when the second section is extended or retracted to predetermined positions, and a flat-faced detent plate for insertion into the apertures to locate and retain sections in a predetermined position relative to each other.  
   
   
       37 . A support post for a freight container, having a plurality of rectangular apertures of relatively short height for receiving detent pins of complementary slender rectangular profile.  
   
   
       38 . A support post for a container, comprising an upstanding first section mounted in a fixed position, a second section which is axially extensible relative to the first section, laterally extending rectangular openings in the two sections which are aligned with each other when the second section is extended to a predetermined position, and a relatively flat detent pin of rectangular cross section which can be inserted into the aligned openings to hold the second section in the predetermined position.