Patent US3752511A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3752511A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Container coupler
Assignee: US SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION 35 PINELAWN ROAD MELVILLE NEW YORK 11747
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Filing: 1971-06-04
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Granted: 1973-08-14
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Expires: 1991-06-04
Abstract
Abstract This invention pertains to a container coupler having a housing which acts as a spacing means and in which is journalled for rotation a locking element. The locking element is provided with tapered elongated heads at each end thereof for engagement within the standard corner fitting of a freight container. The locking element is provided with offset bosses intermediate the ends thereof which are manipulatable to lock and unlock the container coupler.
Inventors
- 👤 S Racy
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 18:39
CPC Classifications
B; B65; B65D; B65D90/00; B65D90/0006; B65D90/0013; F; F16; F16B; F16B21/00; F16B21/02; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T24/00; Y10T24/28; Y10T403/00; Y10T403/55
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
175 words
A container coupler adapted to securely interconnect adjacent corner fittings of standard cargo containers, said fittings having an elongated aperture in the facing surfaces thereof, said container coupler including a housing having an intermediate outwardly extending flange portion, a shaft element rotatably mounted within said housing and being provided at each end thereof with a lock head, each said lock head being tapered for engagement in the elongated aperture in the fitting surface, a positioning boss on said shaft intermediate said lock heads and within said housing, said positioning boss operable to rotate said shaft within said housing whereby each lock head is rotated within the fitting so as to engage beneath the underside of the elongated fitting aperture securely interconnecting said fittings, said positioning boss being operable through an aperture in said coupler to be positioned in closed position whereby said coupler is contained within said facing surfaces, and wherein each lock head includes an aperture adapted to be engaged by pin means to prevent rotation of said lock head relative to said fitting.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
175 words
A container coupler adapted to securely interconnect adjacent corner fittings of standard cargo containers, said fittings having an elongated aperture in the facing surfaces thereof, said container coupler including a housing having an intermediate outwardly extending flange portion, a shaft element rotatably mounted within said housing and being provided at each end thereof with a lock head, each said lock head being tapered for engagement in the elongated aperture in the fitting surface, a positioning boss on said shaft intermediate said lock heads and within said housing, said positioning boss operable to rotate said shaft within said housing whereby each lock head is rotated within the fitting so as to engage beneath the underside of the elongated fitting aperture securely interconnecting said fittings, said positioning boss being operable through an aperture in said coupler to be positioned in closed position whereby said coupler is contained within said facing surfaces, and wherein each lock head includes an aperture adapted to be engaged by pin means to prevent rotation of said lock head relative to said fitting.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
24 words
The container coupler of claim 1, wherein the outwardly extending flange acts as a spacer to position the coupler relative to the container fittings.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
27 words
The container coupler of claim 2, wherein the housing includes an aperture through which the positioning boss positioned within said housing can be operated by external means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
31 words
The container coupler of claim 3, wherein one side of said outwardly extending flange is provided with a lash lug whereby securing means can be readily affixed to said container coupler.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
22 words
The container coupler of claim 3, wherein said housing includes stop means to limit the extent of rotation of the positioning boss.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-08-13 | 1977-02-12 | 1977-08-14 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-08-13 | 1981-02-12 | 1981-08-14 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-08-13 | 1985-02-12 | 1985-08-14 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |