Patent ID: 8177463
Filing Date: 2012-05-15
Classification: B65D

Abstract:
1. A shipping container locking system comprising: an actuating unit housed in an interior space of an upper corner fitting of a shipping container, said actuating unit comprising a cup and a swivel, said cup having an interior surface and a bottom surface, said cup being capable of rotating in a generally horizontal direction about said swivel; a locking mechanism, said locking mechanism being partially housed in an interior space of a lower corner fitting of a shipping container and said locking mechanism comprising an internal locking leg and a collar, each having an orifice formed therethrough, said locking mechanism also comprising a locking leg shaft having a cylindrical section protruding through said orifice of said internal locking leg and collar and being connected to a locking leg having an elongated base; a vertical coupler, said vertical coupler connecting said actuating unit with said locking mechanism; a return means, said return means communicating elastically between said locking leg shaft and said internal locking leg, said return means having a force that is applied about a central axis of the cylindrical section of said locking leg shaft; wherein a torsional force can be applied to said actuating unit to cause rotation of said actuating unit about said swivel; wherein the rotation of said actuating unit pulls and imparts a tension force on said vertical coupler; wherein the tension force on said vertical coupler causes a movement of the vertical coupler; wherein the movement of said vertical coupler imparts a torsional force on the locking mechanism to rotate the locking leg; and wherein the torsional force on the locking mechanism causes rotation of the locking mechanism.