Rig, Corner Unit

Abstract

A rig for connecting or disconnecting container couplers to or from the four lower corner fittings of a shipping container, the rig has two pairs of corner units held in the required transverse special relationship by a structure extending between the two corner units of each pair to form two operating end modules. A base member has sockets and/or other connectors to secure the operating end modules in a plurality of longitudinal special relationships to enable the corner units of the modules to simultaneously engage all the four lower corner fittings of a range of containers of different lengths or using different types of couplers. Each corner unit includes an Indexing means for engaging and manipulating an associated coupling to connect or disconnect the coupling to or from its associated container corner fitting.

1 . A rig for connecting or disconnecting container couplers to or from four lower corner fittings of a shipping container, the rig comprising:
 two pairs of corner units held in a required transverse special relationship by a structure extending between the two corner units of each pair to form two separate operating modules; and   a base member having sockets and/or other connectors to secure the separate operating modules to the base member to enable the corner units of the operating modules to simultaneously engage all the four lower corner fittings of a container lowered onto the rig;   wherein each corner unit includes an indexing means for engaging and manipulating an associated coupling to connect or disconnect the coupling to or from its associated container corner fitting.   
     
     
         2 . The rig according to  claim 1 , wherein the sockets and/or other connectors are positioned to enable the operating modules to be secured to the base member in a plurality of longitudinally spatial relationships so that containers of different lengths or using different types of couplers can have their lower corner unit engaged simultaneously. 
     
     
         3 . The rig according to  claim 1 , wherein the base member or operating modules support guide plates or posts which guide any container being lowered onto the rig so that its corner fittings register with the appropriate corner units. 
     
     
         4 . (canceled) 
     
     
         5 . The rig according to  claim 3 , wherein guide posts mounted on longitudinally extending sides or transverse ends of the base member are mounted in pockets in the sides to allow the guide posts to be adjusted or fold down to cater for containers of different widths or transverse positioning or lengths and to allow removal of the guide posts for storage, stacking or free side access. 
     
     
         6 . The rig according to  claim 44 ,
 wherein the support members include cushioning components to reduce the impact of the container on the rig.   
     
     
         7 . The rig according to  claim 1 , wherein corner units are provided with a moveable corner unit adaptor which can be moved from a lower inactive position to an active position over the top of the respective corner unit to allow stacking and top lifting of the rig using standard couplers and spreaders acting on the corner adaptors. 
     
     
         8 . The rig according to  claim 1 , wherein several pairs of operating modules are secured to the base member at different longitudinal spacings to allow containers of different length or using different couplers to be handled by the rig. 
     
     
         9 . The rig according to  claim 8 , wherein operating modules intermediate the operating modules used to locate the ends of the container being processed lie flush or lower than end operating modules so as not to foul the underside of the container. 
     
     
         10 .- 13 . (canceled) 
     
     
         14 . The rig according to  claim 1 , wherein the base member further includes retractable conveyors to raise, support and transport an operating module to a different longitudinal location. 
     
     
         15 . (canceled) 
     
     
         16 . The rig according to  claim 1 , wherein the structure extending between the corner units of a respective module supports actuating means for that can operate the indexing means in both corner units of the module;
 wherein the actuating means is connected with the two indexing units by a drive mechanism which allows adjustment of the extent of movement of the indexing means.   
     
     
         17 .- 37 . (canceled) 
     
     
         38 . The rig according to  claim 1 , wherein the rig is configured to process semi-automatic twistlocks (SATs) which includes a pair of operating modules having corner units each having a top plate for supporting a container being lowered onto the corner unit, the top plate having an aperture through which the SAT projects, the SAT being held in an indexing means below the top plate and having a socket which holds the SAT in a head open position ready to engage a lower fitting socket aperture of the container being lowered onto the pair of operating modules. 
     
     
         39 . The rig according to  claim 38 , wherein an operating toggle wire of the SAT, which moves the SAT between its various rotational positions, is supported on a guide on the top of each corner unit, the guide guiding the toggle wire clear of the toggle wire catches on the SAT during the fitting operation of the SAT by the rig. 
     
     
         40 . (canceled) 
     
     
         41 . The rig according to  claim 1 , wherein the structure extending between the corner units of a respective module supports actuators that can operate the indexing means in both corner units of the module; and
 wherein one or more of the actuators comprises a spring retained in position by a trigger releasable stop.   
     
     
         42 . A corner unit for processing FATs comprising an indexing means having a socket for receiving and holding the FAT in a defined position, a first actuating means for rotating the indexing means with the FAT about a vertical axis to engage or disengage a head of the FAT within the associated container corner fitting, and second actuating means for driving the indexing means with the FAT through a predetermined locus in a vertical plane to insert or with draw the FAT from the aperture in the associated corner fitting. 
     
     
         43 . (canceled) 
     
     
         44 . The rig according to  claim 1 , wherein support members are provided on the base member to support any container lowered onto the rig. 
     
     
         45 . The rig according to  claim 44 , wherein the support members support the container above the corner units. 
     
     
         46 . The rig according to  claim 1 , wherein the base member is a trailer having sockets and/or connectors to secure the operating modules in the required special relationship. 
     
     
         47 . The rig according to  claim 1 , wherein each operating module comprises two corner units held in the required transverse special relationship by a structure extending between the two corner units, each corner unit having on its base member sockets and/or connectors for securing the operating module to an associated base member. 
     
     
         48 . The rig according to  claim 1 , wherein the rig is configured to process fully automatic twistlocks (FATs) that includes a pair of operating modules having corner units each comprising:
 an indexing means having a socket for receiving and holding the FAT in a defined position;   a first actuating means for rotating the indexing means with the FAT about a vertical axis to engage or disengage a head of the FAT within the associated container corner fitting; and   second actuating means for driving the indexing means with the FAT through a predetermined locus in a vertical plane to insert or with draw the FAT from a lower fitting socket aperture in the associated corner fitting.