Patent Publication Number: US-2021188537-A1

Title: Apparatuses for securing containers

Description:
INTRODUCTION 
     Aspects of the present disclosure relate to apparatuses for securing containers, such as cargo containers used in intermodal shipping. 
     Cargo containers are moved about the world by various types of crafts, such as trucks, ships, trains, and aircraft. In order to facilitate shipment of goods in a global economy, standards for shipping containers have been developed to enable intermodal shipping. So-called “ISO” containers are containers with standardized outer dimensions as well as standardized connection point locations and hardware so that containers may reliably be carried from place to place by various types of crafts with complementary container connection equipment. 
     While standards have emerged for cargo containers, the connection equipment used for such cargo containers has generally gone without development. Further, conventional connection equipment may only be configured for use with certain types of containers or fittings, and not usable for other types of containers, such as sub-ISO sized containers, and containers with surface connectors. 
     Accordingly, there is a need for improved apparatuses and methods for engaging and securing cargo containers. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     Certain embodiments provide a method of securing containers, comprising: connecting a first strap end connector of a tension strap to a first strap connector fitting on a first container, wherein: the first strap end connector comprises a first hook portion configured to engage a first recess in the first strap connector fitting, and the first strap end connector comprises a first protrusion configured to engage a second recess in the first strap connector fitting; connecting a second strap end connector of the tension strap to a second strap connector fitting on a second container, wherein: the second strap end connector comprises a first hook portion configured to engage a first recess in the second strap connector fitting, and the first strap end connector comprises a first protrusion configured to engage a second recess in the second strap connector fitting; and tensioning the tension strap. 
     Further embodiments provide a method of securing containers, comprising: rotating a second portion of a connector bar relative to a first portion of the connector bar to increase an angle between the first portion of the connector bar and the second portion of the connector bar, wherein: the first portion of the connector bar comprises a first plurality of protrusions; the second portion of the connector bar comprises at least one protrusion; engaging the first plurality of protrusions in a corresponding first plurality of recesses on a first side of a container; rotating the second portion of the connector bar relative to the first portion of the connector bar to reduce the angle between the first portion of the connector bar and the second portion of the connector bar; engaging the at least one protrusion in a corresponding recess on a second side of the container; and tensioning a tension strap connected to the first portion of the connector bar. 
     Further embodiments provide a container connection strap, comprising: a tension strap; and a strap end connector connected to the tension strap and comprising: a first hook portion configured to engage a first recess in a first strap connector fitting; and a first protrusion configured to engage a second recess in the first strap connector fitting. 
     Further embodiments provide a container connection strap, comprising: a tension strap; and a connector bar connected to the tension strap and comprising: a plurality of protrusions; a first connector bar portion connected to a second connector bar portion by a hinge, wherein at least one of the plurality of protrusions is on the first connector bar portion and at least another one of the plurality of protrusions is on the second connector bar portion. 
     The following description and the related drawings set forth in detail certain illustrative features of one or more embodiments. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The appended figures depict certain aspects of the one or more embodiments and are therefore not to be considered limiting of the scope of this disclosure. 
         FIG. 1A  depicts an example of a modular container with surface connector arrangements. 
         FIG. 1B  depicts an example of a tension strap placed in a recess of the modular container of  FIG. 1A . 
       FIGS.  2 A 1 - 2 A 2  depict an example of a tension strap wrapping around an edge of a modular container  200 . 
       FIGS.  2 B 1 - 2 B 3  depict a strap end connector attached to the tension strap  202  and engaged with a strap connector fitting of the container. 
       FIGS.  3 A 1 - 3 A 2  and  3 B depict an example of another strap end connector  304  configured to interface with strap end connector fittings of a container. 
         FIG. 4A-4C  depicts examples of a tension strap with a connector bar having a plurality of protrusions attaching to a container. 
         FIG. 5A  depicts another example of a tension strap and connector bar configured to engage with recesses in a container. 
         FIG. 5B  depicts the tension strap placed under tension by a toggle latch. 
         FIG. 6  depicts an example method  600  for connecting containers. 
         FIG. 7  depicts another example method  700  for connecting containers. 
     
    
    
     To facilitate understanding, identical reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate identical elements that are common to the drawings. It is contemplated that elements and features of one embodiment may be beneficially incorporated in other embodiments without further recitation. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Aspects of the present disclosure provide apparatuses and methods for securing stacked containers, such as cargo containers that may be used in intermodal shipping. 
     While shipping containers have historically come in only a few standardized and generally very large sizes, the modern trend is to move towards smaller, more modular shipping containers. Modular shipping containers may have advanced features, such as corner fittings and/or surfaces with surface connector arrangements comprising protrusions and recesses in specific patterns, which allow the modular containers to connect to each other. In addition to allowing modular containers to be connected, surface connectors can beneficially distribute shear forces amongst the connected modular containers. Further, modular containers may have corner fittings that handle significant compression forces. 
     Described herein are methods and apparatuses for securing connected (e.g., adjacent and/or stacked) containers, including modular containers. Such methods and apparatuses beneficially provide tension between the connected containers so that they are fit for intermodal shipping. 
     Example Containers with Strap Recesses and Strap Connector Fittings 
     Containers described herein may utilize surface connector arrangements on container surfaces and/or on container corner fittings, which allow for direct interface between adjacent containers. Such containers may be referred to as modular containers. 
     Surface connector arrangements may generally include patterns of connector elements. Patterns of connector elements may comprise multiple types of interlocking connector elements. For example, a first type of connector element (e.g., a “male” connector element) may comprise a protrusion, projection, pad or the like configured to fit within a recess of a second type of connector element (e.g., a “female” connector element). Connector elements may be formed in many shapes. 
     Some arrangements of connector elements may be considered “passive” or “one-way” in that all of the connector elements are of a single type. For example, an arrangement for a face of a container may include all female type recesses. Such an arrangements may be intended to have other surface connectors attached to it. 
     Some arrangements of connector elements may be considered “two-way” in that its connector elements are of multiple types, such as a first type (e.g., protrusions) and a second type (e.g., recesses). 
     Some arrangements of connector elements may include fewer connector elements of the first type (protrusions) than of the second type (recesses). Other arrangements of connector elements could have more connector elements of the first type (protrusions) than the second type (recesses). However, in order to make sure that the arrangements can always interface correctly (e.g., where a protrusion has no matching recess with which to interface), the protrusions may be made spring-loaded. 
     Modular containers described herein further comprise strap recesses and strap connector fittings which allow for fitting straps to modular containers to hold them together without interfering with the surface connector arrangements. 
     For example,  FIG. 1A  depicts an example of a modular container  100  with surface connector arrangements on faces of the container (e.g.,  104 ) and on corner fittings of the container (e.g.,  102 ). 
     Modular container  100  also includes recessed areas (e.g.,  106 ) for tension straps, which sit inside the level of the container face (closer to the centroid of the container volume). In this example, the strap recess (or channel) is in the range of 0.075 to 0.125 inches (i.e., inside the level of the container face), but in other examples, the strap recess could be shallower or deeper depending on the wall construction of the container. 
       FIG. 1A  depicts one example in which the strap recess includes a circular recessed portion in the middle of the modular container face and generally rectangular recessed portions extending to each edge (e.g.,  108 ) of container  100 , but note that other strap recess patterns are possible. For example, the circular recessed portion in the middle could be omitted, leaving just a cross-shape of rectangular strap recesses. 
     While only a single face of modular container  100  is depicted in  FIG. 1A , similar features, including surface connectors and strap recesses, may be present on one or more other sides of modular container  100 . In some examples, each side of modular container  100  may be symmetric. 
     Further,  FIG. 1A  depicts one example size of a modular container, but similar features, including surface connectors and strap recesses, may be present on modular containers of different sizes. 
     As depicted in  FIG. 1B , the recessed portions  106  allow for tension straps (e.g.,  110 A and  110 B) to be securely connected to modular container  100 . Because the tension straps  110 A and  110 B sit within the strap recesses, they are prevented from sliding off modular container  100  once under tension. 
     Further, because the strap recesses are deeper than the thickness of the tension straps  110 A and  110 B, the tension straps do not protrude from the face of modular container  100  and thus do not interfere with any of the other surface connector features on modular container  100 . 
     Generally, the tension straps may be made of any sort of material suitable having a suitable load capacity. In some cases, further considerations for tension straps may include the amount of fiber stretch, UV resistance, water resistance, break strength, and abrasion resistance. For example, the tension straps in some embodiments may be made of polyester, nylon, or polypropylene, to name just a few examples. 
     Further, tension straps may generally be tensioned in various ways, such as via stretched during install (e.g., for tension straps having some elasticity), being tensioned by a mechanical device, such as a ratchet, or the like. 
     FIGS.  2 A 1 - 2 A 2  depicts an example of a tension strap  202  wrapping around an edge of a modular container  200  from above (FIG.  2 A 1 ) and in cross-section (FIG.  2 A 2 ). In this particular example, tension strap  202  is approximately 0.1 inches thick and approximately 1″ wide, so that it fits within the strap recess without protruding, but in other examples, strap  202  may have different dimensions. Further, in this example, tension strap  202  sits within a recess, but lays over tension strap end connector recesses  206  and  208 . 
     FIGS.  2 B 1 - 2 B 3  depict a strap end connector  210  attached to tension strap  202 , which interfaces with strap connector recesses  206  and  208  of strap connector fitting  220  so that strap  202  may be secured to modular container  200  and maintain tension. 
     In this example, strap end connector  210  includes a hooked portion  212  configured to interface with strap end connector recess  208  and a protrusion  214  configured to interface with strap end connector recess  206 . Notably, other arrangements of strap end connectors are possible. 
     In this example, strap connector fitting  220  is located along an edge of container  200 . Notably, in the depicted embodiments, the tension straps and connector fittings are generally shown as centered, but in other embodiments they may be offset from a centerline of the container  200 . 
     FIG.  2 B 3  depicts an example of the strap end connector  210  attached to tension strap  202  in an isometric view. 
     Though not shown in FIG.  2 A 1 - 2 A 2  or  2 B 1 - 2 B 3 , tension strap  202  may include a ratcheting mechanism to place tension strap  202  under sufficient tension once the strap end connectors (e.g.,  210 ) are engaged with the strap end connector fittings (e.g.,  220 ). 
     FIGS.  3 A 1 ,  3 A 2 , and  3 B depict an example of another strap end connector  304  attached to the end of strap  302  and configured to interface with strap end connector fittings  322  on two different containers, which include connector recesses (e.g.,  306  and  308 ), on two modular containers,  300 A and  300 B, at once. Strap end connector  304  may be referred to as a double-sided or dual strap end connector, whereas strap connector  210  in FIGS.  2 B 1  and  2 B 2  may be referred to as a single-sided or single strap end connector. 
     In particular, strap  302  fits within strap recesses between containers  300 A and  300 B and connects to strap end connector  304 , which includes two integrated hook portions  312  and two protrusions  314  configured to interface with strap end connector fittings  322  on each of containers  300 A and  300 B, which include recesses for the hook portions and protrusions of strap end connector  304 . Further, strap end connector  304  includes a vertical tension bar  324  that enables strap end connector  304  to prevent containers  300 A and  300 B from moving away from each other (e.g., prevent vertical relative movement of either container in the figure). 
     In this example, strap end connector  304  also includes a loop or eyelet portion  316 , which may be used for further connecting strap end connector  304  or for manipulating connected modular containers  300 A and  300 B. 
       FIG. 3B  depicts strap end connector  304  fully engaged with strap end connector fittings  322 . In this example, strap end connector  304  not only provides for restraint between containers  300 A and  300 B along direction  318 , but also tension along direction  320 . 
     Though not depicted in  FIG. 3B , strap  320  may pass between containers  300 A and  300 B and connect to an opposite side of containers  300 A and  300 B, or to another container altogether. In the latter case, tension strap  320  may pass through multiple strap recesses of multiple containers. 
     Though not shown in FIG.  3 A 1 - 3 A 2  or  3 B, tension strap  302  may include a ratcheting mechanism to place tension strap  302  under sufficient tension once the strap end connectors (e.g.,  304 ) are engaged with the strap end connector fittings (e.g.,  322 ). In some cases, the ratcheting mechanism may be attached to an opposing side of tension strap  302 , which may have a single-sided strap end connector (e.g., strap end connector  210  in FIGS.  2 B 1  and  2 B 2 ) in some embodiments. 
     Bar and Pin Strap Connectors for Modular Containers 
     Modular containers may sometimes include surface connector arrangements that do not easily allow for strap recesses and/or strap connector fittings. In such cases, recesses in the surface connector arrangements may be used for preventing strap movement (e.g., from slipping off a modular container) without a dedicated strap recess. 
     For example,  FIG. 4A  depicts a tension strap  402  connected to a connector bar  410  having a plurality of protrusions (e.g., pins)  404 . Each of the protrusions  404  from connector bar  410  are configured to fit within a recess  406  in a surface connector arrangement (e.g.  420 ). 
     Further, in this example, connector bar  410  includes a rotatable portion  408 , which allows connector bar  410  to interface with two different sides of modular container  400 . In one embodiment, rotatable portion  408  may rotate via a flexible material portion that allows for deformation of rotatable portion  408  relative to the fixed portion of connector bar  410  (the horizontal portion in  FIGS. 4A-4C ). In another embodiment, rotatable portion  408  may rotate via a hinge (e.g., a piano hinge), which in some embodiments may further include a rotational biasing spring. Such an embodiment may reduce any concern with fatigue to rotatable portion  408  over many uses. 
     In this example, forces  428  and  430  may be applied to tension strap  420  and rotatable portion  408  of connector bar  410  in opposite directions (e.g., opposing forces) to open up the angle of the rotatable portion  408  relative to the horizontal portion of connector  410  so that it may interface with container  400 . 
     Connector bar  410  also includes an eyelet  412 , which may be used for further connecting for further connections and for manipulating modular container  400  once strap  402  is under tension. 
     Notably, modular container  400  includes different surface connector arrangements (e.g.,  420 ), some of which include protrusions (e.g.,  422 ) and all of which include recesses (e.g.,  424 ). The portions of modular container  400  including only recesses allows for strap  402  and bar  410  to interface with modular container  400  without interfering with protrusion-style surface connector elements. 
       FIG. 4B  depicts connector bar  410  interfaced with surface connector arrangements on modular container  400  via protrusions  404 . 
     Here, force  430  may continue to be applied in order to maintain the open angle of the rotatable portion  408  of connector bar  410  while protrusions  404  are seated within recesses  406 . 
       FIG. 4C  also depicts connector bar  410  interfaced with surface connector arrangements on modular container  400  via protrusions  404 . Additionally, force  430  has been removed so that rotatable portion  408  rotates back towards container  400  and protrusion  426  is interfaced with a recess in an adjacent side of modular container  400 . Protrusion  426  beneficially prevents the protrusions along connector bar  410  (e.g.,  404 ) from rotating away from the container face due to, for example, any eccentricity between the protrusion bearing centroid and the centroid of the strap section. 
     As depicted by the arrows, strap  402  is now able to be placed under tension (e.g., via force  428 ) in order to hold modular container  400 . 
       FIG. 5A  depicts another example of a tension strap  502  connected to a connector bar  510  having protrusions (e.g.,  504 ) configured to engage with recesses (e.g.,  506 ) in container  500 . 
     In this embodiment, connector bar  510  uses a toggle latch to create locking tension in connector bar  510 . Toggle latch includes a catch portion  508 , which in this example is connected to connector bar  510  via a hinge  516 . Toggle latch further includes a loop  512  configured to interface with catch portion  508  and a clamp  514 . When loop  512  is engaged with catch portion  508  via clamp  514 , which includes an integral biasing spring in this example, i.e., when the toggle latch is latched, the rotatable portion  518  is effectively locked into place so that the second side of container  500  is reliably engaged by connector bar  510 , as depicted in  FIG. 5B . 
       FIG. 5B  depicts tension strap  502  placed under tension by force  520  with the toggle latch in a latched state. As described above, force  520  may be applied, for example, by a ratcheting mechanism (not depicted). 
     Notably, in this example, unlike the example depicted with respect to  FIGS. 4A-4C , no opposing forces need to be applied to tension strap  502  and rotatable portion  518  in order to install connector bar  510  to container  500 . Rather, connector bar  510  can be installed and then tensioned after clamp  514  is engaged to lock rotatable portion  518  into place. 
     Example Method for Connecting Containers 
       FIG. 6  depicts an example method  600  for connecting containers. 
     Method  600  begins at step  602  with connecting a first strap end connector of a tension strap to a first strap connector fitting on a first container, such as depicted in FIGS.  2 B 1 - 2 B 2  and  3 B. In some embodiments, the first strap end connector comprises a first hook portion configured to engage a first recess in the first strap connector fitting, and the first strap end connector comprises a first protrusion configured to engage a second recess in the first strap connector fitting. 
     Method  600  then proceeds to step  604  with connecting a second strap end connector of the tension strap to a second strap connector fitting on a second container. In some embodiments, the second strap end connector comprises a first hook portion configured to engage a first recess in the second strap connector fitting, and the first strap end connector comprises a first protrusion configured to engage a second recess in the second strap connector fitting. 
     Method  600  then proceeds to step  606  with tensioning the tension strap. In some embodiments tensioning the tension strap comprises applying tension via a ratchet connected to the tension strap. 
     Some embodiments of method  600  further include placing the tension strap within a recess of at least one of the first container or the second container, such as depicted in  FIG. 1B . 
     Some embodiments of method  600  further include connecting the first strap end connector to a third strap connector fitting of a third container, wherein: the first strap end connector further comprises a second hook portion configured to engage a first recess in the third strap connector fitting, and the first strap end connector further comprises a second protrusion configured to engage a second recess in the third strap connector fitting. 
     Some embodiments of method  600  further include placing the tension strap between the first container and the third container, such as depicted in FIGS.  3 A 2  and  3 B. 
     Some embodiments of method  600  further include wrapping the tension strap around a corner of at least one of the first container or a second container, such as depicted in  FIG. 1A . 
     In some embodiments, the first container comprises a plurality of surface connector arrangements, such as depicted in  FIGS. 1A and 1B . In some embodiments, each surface connector arrangement of the plurality of surface connector arrangements comprises one or more of: a protrusion configured to fit within a recess of another surface connector arrangement, and a recess configured to fit within a protrusion of another surface connector arrangement. 
     In some embodiments, the first container comprises a plurality of corner fittings, such as depicted in  FIGS. 1A and 1B . In some embodiments, each corner fitting of the plurality of corner fittings comprises one or more of: a protrusion configured to fit within a recess of another surface connector arrangement, and a recess configured to fit within a protrusion of another surface connector arrangement. 
       FIG. 7  depicts another method  700  for connecting containers. 
     Method  700  begins at step  702  with connecting a plurality of protrusions of a first portion of a connector bar attached to a tension strap with a plurality of recesses on a first side of a container, such as depicted in  FIGS. 4B and 5A . 
     Method  700  then proceeds to step  704  with connecting at least one protrusion of a second portion of the connector bar with at least one recess on a second side of the container, such as depicted in  FIGS. 4C and 5B . In some embodiments, connecting the at least one protrusion comprises rotating the second portion of the connector bar relative to the first portion of the connector bar to reduce or close the angle between the first portion of the connector bar and the second portion of the connector bar. 
     Method  700  then proceeds to step  706  with tensioning the tension strap. 
     In some embodiments, method  700  further includes rotating the second portion of the connector bar relative to the first portion of the connector bar to open (or increase) an angle between the first portion of the connector bar and the second portion of the connector bar, such as depicted in  FIG. 4A . 
     As described above, tension may be applied to the tension strap in a variety of ways. In a first example, the strap is relatively inextensible, and the angle between the first and second portions of the connector bar (e.g., a horizontal portion and a rotatable portion) is flexible. The first and second portions may be forced apart (e.g., as described above with respect to  FIGS. 4A-4C ) to allow at least one protrusion to interface with the at least one recess in the second side of the container such that it can then snap into place. 
     In a second example, the tension strap is relatively inextensible, and the connector bar is rigid with two portions at an angle with respect to each other, such as ninety degrees. With this arrangement, the plurality of protrusions of the first portion of the connector bar are engaged with the plurality of recesses on the first side of the container, and the at least one protrusion on the second portion of the connector bar is engaged with the at least one recess in the second side of the container. Then, tension is applied to the tension strap, such as by ratcheting. 
     In some embodiments, method  700  further includes fastening a toggle latch to apply tension to the connector bar, such as depicted in  FIG. 5B . 
     Additional Considerations 
     The preceding description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various embodiments described herein. The examples discussed herein are not limiting of the scope, applicability, or embodiments set forth in the claims. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments. For example, changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements discussed without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Various examples may omit, substitute, or add various procedures or components as appropriate. For instance, the methods described may be performed in an order different from that described, and various steps may be added, omitted, or combined. Also, features described with respect to some examples may be combined in some other examples. For example, an apparatus may be implemented or a method may be practiced using any number of the aspects set forth herein. In addition, the scope of the disclosure is intended to cover such an apparatus or method that is practiced using other structure, functionality, or structure and functionality in addition to, or other than, the various aspects of the disclosure set forth herein. It should be understood that any aspect of the disclosure disclosed herein may be embodied by one or more elements of a claim. 
     As used herein, the word “exemplary” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any aspect described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects. 
     As used herein, a phrase referring to “at least one of” a list of items refers to any combination of those items, including single members. As an example, “at least one of: a, b, or c” is intended to cover a, b, c, a-b, a-c, b-c, and a-b-c, as well as any combination with multiples of the same element (e.g., a-a, a-a-a, a-a-b, a-a-c, a-b-b, a-c-c, b-b, b-b-b, b-b-c, c-c, and c-c-c or any other ordering of a, b, and c). 
     As used herein, “approximately” with respect to a dimension means plus or minus standard manufacturing tolerances. 
     The methods disclosed herein comprise one or more steps or actions for achieving the methods. The method steps and/or actions may be interchanged with one another without departing from the scope of the claims. In other words, unless a specific order of steps or actions is specified, the order and/or use of specific steps and/or actions may be modified without departing from the scope of the claims. Further, the various operations of methods described above may be performed by any suitable means capable of performing the corresponding functions.