Dynamic lifting framework

Abstract

A modular dynamic lifting framework for a standard ISO block shipping container is disclosed, comprising two side frames which are mounted to the sides of the shipping container, and a number of braces which secure the side frames. Each of the ISO blocks on the shipping container is contacted on at least three sides (in the X, Y, and Z axes) to ensure maximum carrying capacity with minimal effort in loading/unloading during a dynamic lifting situation. The modular construction obviates the need for the entire container to be lifted during installation of the framework, as one side can be installed at a time.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A framework for a cargo container comprising:
 at least two side frames defining a plane and comprising at least four corners; and   a plurality of braces connecting the at least four corners of one of the at least two side frames with the at least four corners of the other of the at least two side frames, wherein each of the at least four corners of the at least two side frames contacts a corner of the cargo container on at least three sides.   
     
     
         2 . The framework of  claim 1 , wherein one of the at least two side frames further comprises a plurality of apertures along the bottom for receiving a forklift. 
     
     
         3 . The framework of  claim 1 , where each brace of the plurality of braces further comprises an aperture for receiving a fastener therethrough. 
     
     
         4 . The framework of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of braces and the at least two side frames are welded. 
     
     
         5 . The framework of  claim 1 , wherein each corner of the at least four corners further comprises a vertical extrusion. 
     
     
         6 . The framework of  claim 5 , wherein at least two corners of the at least four corners further comprise a pad eye located atop the vertical extrusion. 
     
     
         7 . The framework of  claim 1 , wherein each corner of the at least four corners further comprises a support brace. 
     
     
         8 . The framework of  claim 1 , wherein the at least two side frames further comprise an outer member located outside the plane. 
     
     
         9 . A method of bracing a container block comprising a plurality of corners, wherein each of the corners comprises a corner block, the method comprising:
 lifting a first side of the container block;   mounting a first side frame to the first side of the container block, wherein the bottom of the first side of the container block rests on the first side frame;   lifting a second side of the container block;   mounting a second side frame to the second side of the container block, wherein the bottom of the container block rests on the second side frame;   aligning a plurality of braces with the first side frame and the second side frame;   fastening said plurality of braces to the first side frame and the second side frame; and   lifting the first and second side frames.   
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the step of lifting the first and second side frames further comprises attaching a lifting mechanism through a plurality of pad eyes located on the top side of the first side frame and the second side frame. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the step of mounting the first side frame further comprises aligning the container between two outer members located on the bottom of the first side frame. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the step of mounting the second side frame further comprises aligning the container between two outer members located on the bottom of the second side frame. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein each respective corner block of the plurality of corners is contacted on at least three sides by the first side frame, the second side frame, the plurality of braces, the outer members, or combinations thereof. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the step of aligning the plurality of braces with the first side frame and second side frame further comprises aligning at least a first aperture in each respective brace of the plurality of braces with a corresponding aperture in the first side frame, and aligning at least a second aperture in each respective brace of the plurality of braces with a corresponding aperture in the second side frame. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the step of fastening said plurality of braces to the first side frame and the second side frame is accomplished through a plurality of bolts and nuts located within each first aperture in each respective brace of the plurality of braces, and each second aperture in each respective brace of the plurality of braces. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the corner blocks are ISO 1161 standard.