GB2603749A

GB2603749A - Coupling apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2603749A
Application number: GB2100991.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Popple Steven
Original assignee: Rat Race Events Ltd
Current assignee: Rat Race Events Ltd
Priority date: 2021-01-25
Filing date: 2021-01-25
Publication date: 2022-08-17
Also published as: GB202100991D0

Abstract

Apparatus for attaching an elongate object, such as a handrail, to a shipping container, includes a first clamp assembly and a second clamp assembly coupled to the first clamp assembly. The first clamp assembly comprises a first clamp surface 114, a second clamp surface 120 and a first actuator 122 to urge the second clamp surface 120 towards the first clamp surface 114 and clamp an elongate object located therebetween. The second clamp assembly comprises a third clamp surface 109 engageable in use with an outer surface of a corner casting of a shipping container and a fourth clamp surface 131 locatable through an aperture of the corner casting and engageable with an inner surface of the corner casting, and a second actuator 152 to urge the fourth clamp surface 131 towards the third clamp surface and 109 clamp the corner casting located therebetween.

Description

COUPLING APPARATUS

The present invention relates to a coupling and in particular, but not exclusively, to a coupling for securing an elongate object, such as a pipe, to a support surface, such as a shipping container.

Standard shipping containers are typically 8ft (2.43m) wide x 8.5ft (2.59m) high and available in two lengths; 20ft (2.06m) and 40ft (12.2m). Extra tall shipping containers are also available which have a height of 9.5ft (2.89m). Conventional shipping containers include a corner casting at each corner which define upper/lower, side and ends holes for connecting stacked containers together by way of an interlock coupling or on the deck of a ship or bed of a lorry by way of a similar coupling including a manually operable handle. The holes in each corner casting are typically elongate slots.

It is known to construct obstacles of an obstacle course from conventional shipping containers either standing alone or in a stacked arrangement. However, shipping containers have limited locations other than the corner castings to attach other components or assemblies, such as a hand rail, cargo net, ladder, safety barrier, or the like, to complete the obstacle/s.

It is an aim of certain embodiments of the present invention to provide a coupling for efficiently attaching an elongate object, such as a hand rail, to a conventional shipping container to construct, for example, an obstacle for an obstacle course.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided apparatus for attaching an elongate object to a shipping container, comprising: a first clamp assembly comprising a first clamp surface, a second clamp surface and a first actuator to urge the second clamp surface towards the first clamp surface and clamp an elongate object located therebetween; and a second clamp assembly coupled to the first clamp assembly and comprising a third clamp surface engageable with an outer surface of a corner casting of a shipping container and a fourth clamp surface locatable through an aperture of the corner casting and engageable with an inner surface of the corner casting, and a second actuator to urge the fourth clamp surface towards the third clamp surface and clamp the corner casting located therebetween.

Optionally, the first and second clamp surfaces are substantially concave for engaging a curved outer surface of the elongate object, and the third and fourth clamp surfaces are substantially flat for engaging the outer and inner surfaces of the corner casting respectively.

Optionally, the third and fourth clamp surfaces are substantially parallel.

Optionally, the third clamp surface is provided by the first clamp member or by a third clamp member coupled to the first clamp member.

Optionally, the third and fourth clamp surfaces are respectively provided by the third 15 clamp member and a fourth clamp member.

Optionally, the third and fourth clamp members each comprise a substantially flat plate.

Optionally, the second actuator comprises an elongate threaded member extending from the third clamp member and supporting the fourth clamp member on a distal end region thereof by a nut fixed to the fourth clamp member such that rotation of the threaded member with respect to the nut draws the fourth clamp member towards the third clamp member.

Optionally, the threaded member comprises a bolt extending through axially aligned holes in the first clamp member, the third clamp member and the fourth clamp member.

Optionally, a head portion of the bolt engages with an upper surface of the first clamp member.

Optionally, the head portion of the bolt is located in a recess of the first clamp member to be below the first clamp surface.

Optionally, the first clamp member is hingedly coupled to the second clamp member at corresponding first end regions thereof, and the first clamp assembly comprises an elongate threaded member extending from a second end region of the first clamp member and a nut engageable with the second end region of the second clamp member to urge the second clamp member towards the first clamp member when the nut is rotated on the threaded elongate member.

Optionally, the elongate threaded member is locatable in a notched recess provided 10 in the second end region of the second clamp member.

Optionally, the elongate threaded member is pivotally coupled to the first clamp member and rotatable about an axis substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of an elongate object located between the first and second clamp members in use.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a kit of parts comprising a plurality of apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention and an elongate object to be attached at each end region by a respective one of the apparatus to a shipping container.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of attaching an elongate object to a shipping container, comprising: locating a fourth clamp surface of a second clamp assembly through an aperture of a corner casting of a shipping container; engaging a third clamp surface of the second clamp assembly on an outer surface of the corner casting surrounding the aperture; urging the fourth clamp surface towards the third clamp surface to engage the fourth clamp surface on an inner surface of the corner casting and clamp the corner casting between the third and fourth clamp surfaces; locating an elongate object between a first clamp surface and a second clamp surface of a first clamp assembly coupled to the second clamp assembly; and urging the second clamp surface towards the first clamp surface to clamp the elongate object therebetween.

Optionally, clamping the elongate object between the first and second clamp surfaces comprises engaging substantially concave first and second clamp surfaces on a curved outer surface of the elongate object.

Optionally, clamping the corner casting between the third and fourth clamp surfaces comprises engaging substantially flat third and fourth clamp surfaces on the outer and inner surfaces of the corner casting respectively.

Optionally, the method comprises inserting a clamp plate providing the fourth clamp surface through the aperture of the corner casting and rotating the clamp plate by around ninety degrees to thereby engage the inner surface of the corner casting.

Optionally, urging the fourth clamp surface towards the third clamp surface comprises rotating a bolt extending from the third clamp surface with respect to a nut located thereon and fixed with respect to the fourth clamp surface.

Optionally, urging the second clamp surface towards the first clamp surface comprises rotating a nut mounted on an elongate threaded member extending from a first clamp member providing the first clamp surface to thereby engage a second clamp member providing the second clamp surface and urge the same towards the first clamp surface.

Description of the Drawings

Certain embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 illustrates an isometric top view of a coupling according to certain embodiments of the present invention; and Figure 2 illustrates a side view of the coupling of Figure 1.

Detailed Description

As illustrated in the figures, a coupling apparatus 100 includes a first clamp assembly 200 comprising a first clamp member 102 pivotally coupled at a first end region by a hinge pin 104 to the corresponding first end region of a second clamp member 106 to allow the second clamp member to rotate between open and closed positions with respect to the first clamp member. The first clamp member 102 is located on a first plate 108 providing a substantially flat under surface 109 for engagement with the outer surface of a corner casting of a shipping container, as described further below. The first plate 108 is separate and moveable with respect to the first clamp member or it may be fixed, such as by welding, to the first plate or an integral portion of the first clamp member 102. A hole extends through the centre of the first clamp member 102 and the first plate 108 for receiving a bolt 110, such as a hex bolt rotatable by a hex drive.

The first clamp member 102 includes a recessed region 112 for accommodating the head of the bolt 110 below a substantially concave clamp surface 114 for supporting a correspondingly curved elongate object, such as a scaffold tube. A first 'male' hinge region 116 extends from the first end region of the first clamp member and includes a through hole for receiving the hinge pin 104. The second clamp member 106 includes a 'female' hinge region 118 defining spaced apart lugs for receiving the 'male' hinge region 116 therebetween wherein each lug also includes a through hole for receiving and supporting respective end regions of the hinge pin 104. The second clamp member 106 also includes a substantially concave clamp surface 120 for engaging a correspondingly curved elongate object, such as a scaffold tube, located on the first clamp member 102 and oriented substantially perpendicularly with respect to a length of the clamp members.

A first actuator 122 is provided at the second end regions of the clamp members 102,106 to urge the second end regions together to thereby clamp the elongate object between the clamp surfaces of the clamp members. The first actuator 122 includes a threaded rod 124 extending upwardly from the second end region of the first clamp member 102. The threaded rod 124 may be fixed or pivotally coupled to the first clamp member. The second end region of the second clamp member 106 includes a notched region 126 for receiving the free end of the threaded rod 124 and a nut 128 (or optional washer 129) located on the threaded rod engages with the outer surface of the second end region of the second clamp member to urge the same towards the first clamp member when the nut is rotated in a first direction on the threaded rod and in turn clamp an elongate member located between the clamp members.

A second plate 130 is coupled to the first plate 108 by the bolt 110. A weld nut 132 is fixed to the underside of the second plate 130 and aligned with a through hole therein for the threaded end of the bolt 110 to engage with the weld nut 132. The bolt 110 is rotatably driven in a first direction, e.g. clockwise, by a suitable tool, such as a hex drive, to draw the second plate 130 towards the first plate 108, and vice versa in the counter direction to move the second plate away from the first plate. Alternatively, the bolt 110 may be fixed to the first clamp member 102 and the same may be rotated together with respect to the second plate and the weld nut to draw the second plate towards the first plate. The weld nut 132 and bolt 110 thereby provide a second actuator 152 for drawing the second plate towards the first plate.

The second plate 130 is aptly sized and shaped corresponding to the first plate 108, i.e. both plates are substantially rectangular and of substantially equal size.

Desirably, at least the second plate 130 has a length which is less than a length of each elongate slot in each corner casting of a conventional shipping container but greater than a width of each slot. This allows the second plate 130 to be inserted into the elongate slot of a corner casting of a shipping container and then rotated substantially 90 degrees with respect to the slot to prevent the second plate being pulled out from the slot. The first plate 108 may be identical or similar in size and shape to the second plate 130 such that it can be oriented across the slot of the corner casting without being pulled into the slot. Alternatively, the first plate 108 may have a length and/or width greater than a length or width of the slot of the corner casting. Additionally, or alternatively, the first and/or second plates may be another suitable shape, such as substantially square, oval or elliptical, rhomboid, diamond, or the like, which allows at least the second plate to be passed through the slot of a corner casting and rotated to prevent the same being pulled back through the slot. Likewise, if the first plate is to be located over the slot and not inside the corner casting, the first plate is configured to engage with the outer surface surrounding the slot whilst not being pulled through the slot.

In use, the second plate 130 is spaced apart from the first plate 108 and located in the corner casting of a conventional shipping container via the elongate slot therein.

The second plate 130 is then rotated around 90 degrees such that its longitudinal axis or maximum dimension is substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the slot. The first clamp member 102 and first plate 108 may also be rotated with respect to the corner casting to be substantially aligned with the second plate 130, if required. The bolt 110 is then rotationally driven by a suitable tool with respect to the weld nut 132 to draw the second plate 130 towards the first plate 108. The clamp surface 131 of the second plate 130 engages the inner surface of the corner casting surrounding the slot therein and the clamp surface 109 of the first plate 108 engages the outer surface of the corner casting surrounding the slot therein. Further tightening of the bolt 110 with respect to the weld nut 132 clamps the corner casting between the clamp surfaces of the two plates to securely attach the coupling 100 to the corner of the container. Alternatively, the first plate 108 may also be inserted into the slot of the corner casting and rotated to engage the inner surface thereof. The bolt 110 may then be rotated to urge the plates away from each other to thereby subject the threaded rod to a compressive load and clamp the plates inside the corner casting.

A further coupling according to certain embodiments of the present invention can be attached to the corner casting at the other end of the container in the same manner, i.e. subjecting the threaded rod to a tensile or compressive load depending on the location of the first plate (inside or outside the corner casting slot) and the direction of the clamping force. An elongate object, such as a scaffold tube, can then be located between the first and second clamp members of the couplings and securely clamped by tightening the respective nuts 128 of each clamping arrangement. The elongate object extending across or along the shipping container can then be used to secure other objects, such as a cargo net, ladder, barrier, or the like, with respect to the container. Alternatively, the elongate object itself may be used as a hand rail, ladder rung, or the like, or as a means to connect adjacent containers together wherein the couplings 100 located in and secured to side slots of corresponding corner castings of adjacent containers clamp onto the same elongate member, such as a scaffold tube.

An alternative embodiment of the coupling according to certain embodiments of the present invention may include the first clamp assembly comprising the first and second clamp members for clamping an elongate object therebetween, and a second clamp assembly comprising a third clamp member in the form of a plate or flange fixed, separate to or integral with the first clamp member for engagement with the outer surface of a corner casting of a shipping container. A fourth clamp member in the form of a plate for example is coupled to and spaced apart from the third clamp member by a bolt or the like. The fourth clamp member may be rotationally constrained with respect to the third clamp member to rotate together. The clamp surface of the fourth clamp member for engaging the inner surface of the corner casting and/or the clamp surface of the fourth clamp member for engaging the outer surface of the corner casting may comprise a cam surface such that the corner casting surrounding the slot therein is clamped between the third and fourth clamp members when the coupling is rotated with respect to the corner casting.

Each clamp plate 108,130 is around 105mm long, 60mm wide and 10mm thick. The 20 bolt 110 is around 75mm long and includes a 12mm diameter thread. The first and second clamp members 102,106 are around 100mm long and 35mm wide. Aptly, the apparatus is made from a mild steel.

Certain embodiments of the present invention therefore provide a coupling for easily and quickly securing an elongate object, such as a scaffold tube, water pipe, hand rail, barrier, or the like, to a conventional shipping container. The elongate object may be oriented substantially horizontally along the length of the container or substantially vertically along the height of the container. The elongate object/s coupled to the container by the coupling/s may then be used to secure another object/assembly with respect to the container, such as a rope ladder, cargo net or the like, or to connect two adjacent containers together. One or more containers may be used either alone, spaced apart, or in a stacked or side-by-side configuration as one or more obstacles of an obstacle course.

Claims

Claims 1. Apparatus for attaching an elongate object to a shipping container, comprising: a first clamp assembly comprising a first clamp surface, a second clamp surface and a first actuator to urge the second clamp surface towards the first clamp surface and clamp an elongate object located therebetween; and a second clamp assembly coupled to the first clamp assembly and comprising a third clamp surface engageable with an outer surface of a corner casting of a shipping container and a fourth clamp surface locatable through an aperture of the corner casting and engageable with an inner surface of the corner casting, and a second actuator to urge the fourth clamp surface towards the third clamp surface and clamp the corner casting located therebetween. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first and second clamp surfaces are substantially concave for engaging a curved outer surface of the elongate object, and the third and fourth clamp surfaces are substantially flat for engaging the outer and inner surfaces of the corner casting respectively.
The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the third and fourth clamp surfaces are substantially parallel.
The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the third clamp surface is provided by the first clamp member or by a third clamp member coupled to the first clamp member.
The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the third and fourth clamp surfaces are respectively provided by the third clamp member and a fourth clamp member.
The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the third and fourth clamp members each comprise a substantially flat plate.
The apparatus according to any of claims 4 to 6, wherein the second actuator comprises an elongate threaded member extending from the third clamp member and supporting the fourth clamp member on a distal end region thereof by a nut fixed to the fourth clamp member such that rotation of the threaded member with respect to the nut draws the fourth clamp member towards the third clamp member.
8. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the threaded member comprises a bolt extending through axially aligned holes in the first clamp member, the third clamp member and the fourth clamp member.
9. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein a head portion of the bolt engages with an upper surface of the first clamp member.
10. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the head portion of the bolt is located in a recess of the first clamp member to be below the first clamp surface.
11. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the first clamp member is hingedly coupled to the second clamp member at corresponding first end regions thereof, and the first clamp assembly comprises an elongate threaded member extending from a second end region of the first clamp member and a nut engageable with the second end region of the second clamp member to urge the second clamp member towards the first clamp member when the nut is rotated on the threaded elongate member.
12. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the elongate threaded member is locatable in a notched recess provided in the second end region of the second clamp member.
13. The apparatus according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the elongate threaded member is pivotally coupled to the first clamp member and rotatable about an axis substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of an elongate object located between the first and second clamp members in use.
14. A kit of parts comprising a plurality of apparatus according to any preceding claim and an elongate object to be attached at each end region by a respective one of the apparatus to a shipping container.
15. A method of attaching an elongate object to a shipping container, comprising: locating a fourth clamp surface of a second clamp assembly through an aperture of a corner casting of a shipping container; engaging a third clamp surface of the second clamp assembly on an outer surface of the corner casting surrounding the aperture; urging the fourth clamp surface towards the third clamp surface to engage the fourth clamp surface on an inner surface of the corner casting and clamp the corner casting between the third and fourth clamp surfaces; locating an elongate object between a first clamp surface and a second clamp surface of a first clamp assembly coupled to the second clamp assembly; and urging the second clamp surface towards the first clamp surface to clamp the elongate object therebetween.
The method according to claim 15, wherein clamping the elongate object between the first and second clamp surfaces comprises engaging substantially concave first and second clamp surfaces on a curved outer surface of the elongate object.
The method according to claim 15 or 16, wherein clamping the corner casting between the third and fourth clamp surfaces comprises engaging substantially flat third and fourth clamp surfaces on the outer and inner surfaces of the corner casting respectively.
The method according to claim 17, comprising inserting a clamp plate providing the fourth clamp surface through the aperture of the corner casting and rotating the clamp plate by around ninety degrees to thereby engage the inner surface of the corner casting.
The method according to any of claims 15 to 18, wherein urging the fourth clamp surface towards the third clamp surface comprises rotating a bolt 16. 17. 18. 19.extending from the third clamp surface with respect to a nut located thereon and fixed with respect to the fourth clamp surface.
20. The method according to any of claims 15 to 19, wherein urging the second clamp surface towards the first clamp surface comprises rotating a nut mounted on an elongate threaded member extending from a first clamp member providing the first clamp surface to thereby engage a second clamp member providing the second clamp surface and urge the same towards the first clamp surface.