Universal coupling means for container handling

Claim 2

Coupling means comprising a pair of hook members each having a shank extending lengthwise between a supported end and a free end and a toe member extending laterally in one direction from one shank and laterally in the opposite direction from the other shank, said shanks being in side-by-side relation in a generally vertical plane which extends transversely to the lateral directions of said toe members, a first coupling receptacle having a first configuration adapted to receive said hook members in a first coupling relation, a second coupling receptacle having a second configuration adapted to receive independently said hook members in a second coupling relation, and means for actuating said hook members in opposite directions such that said shanks are actuatable at least partially out of said side-by-side relation when located in either said first or second receptacle to effect said first or second coupling relation.

Claim 3

Coupling means as claimed in claim 1 wherein a third coupling receptacle having a third configuration is adapted to engage said hook members in a third coupling relation wherein one of said hook members is rendered inoperative to engage the third coupling receptacle and the other hook member is received in the third receptacle and actuated to effect a third coupling relation therewith.

Claim 4

In combination, a spreader having coupling means adapted for container corner top-lift pick-up, first and second containers having first and second coupling receptacle types adapted for successive engagement by said coupling means, said coupling means including first and second hook members receivable as a unit successively in each of said first and second receptacle types preparatory to full coupling engagement, and means for actuating said first and second hook members in opposed substantially rectilinear movement to a first position in which both hook members engage said first receptacle and to a second and different position in which both hook members engage said second receptacle.

Claim 5

In combination, a spreader having coupling means adapted for container corner top-lift pick-up, first and second containers having first and second coupling receptacle types adapted for successive engagement by said coupling means, said coupling means including first and second hook members receivable as a unit successively in each of said first and second receptacle types preparatory to full coupling engagement, and means for actuating said first and second hook members in opposed substantially rectilinear movement to a first position in which both hook members engage said first receptacle and to a second and different position in which both hook members engage said second receptacle.

Claim 6

A combination as claimed in claim 3 wherein said actuating means is operator controlled, is mounted in each corner portion of the spreader to effect opposed reciprocable straight-line movement of said first and second hook members when the latter are received in either said first or second receptacles, said hook members when in said first engaging position being spaced one from the other a greater distance than when in said second engaging position.

Claim 7

A spreader as claimed in claim 3 wherein one of said hook mEmbers is receivable in a third coupling receptacle type preparatory to coupling engagement and is actuatable by said actuating means to engage said third receptacle, said other hook member being prevented by the third receptacle from operative engagement therewith while said one hook member is received in said third receptacle.

Claim 8

A combination as claimed in claim 3 wherein said first and second hook members are located in each corner section of the spreader and are guided independently in predetermined paths of movement during actuation thereof to both said first and second positions, and means responsive to movements of each hook member for indicating to the operator the engaged or not engaged condition of the hook member in respect of each coupling receptacle.

Claim 9

A spreader as claimed in claim 3 wherein said first hook member comprises a single element and said second hook member comprises a pair of parallel spaced elements straddling the first element.

Claim 10

A spreader as claimed in claim 7 wherein said actuating means includes first and second actuators connected to said first and second hook members, and guide members connected to each hook member and slidable in guided rectilinear movement to effect said first and second said positions.

Claim 11

In combination, a spreader having coupling means adapted for container top-lift pick-up, first and second containers having first and second coupling receptacle designs for successive engagement by said coupling means, said coupling means including first and second members, said first member being receivable in each of said first and second receptacles preparatory to coupling engagement therewith and said second member being receivable with said first member in one only of said receptacles preparatory to coupling engagement therewith, and means for actuating said first and second members to a first condition where engaging said first receptacle and to a second condition when engaging said second receptacle.

Claim 12

In combination, a spreader having coupling means adapted for container top-lift pick-up, first and second containers having first and second coupling receptacle designs for successive engagement by said coupling means, said coupling means including first and second members, said first member being receivable in each of said first and second receptacles preparatory to coupling engagement therewith and said second member being receivable with said first member in one only of said receptacles preparatory to coupling engagement therewith, and means for actuating said first and second members to a first condition where engaging said first receptacle and to a second condition when engaging said second receptacle.

Claim 13

A spreader as claimed in claim 9 wheein said actuating means includes privoted link means connected to the second member such that during engagement of the first member with said second receptacle said second member is elevated to prevent coupling engagement therewith.

Claim 14

In a containerization handling system wherein containers have coupling receptacles located in the upper corner portions thereof, a spreader having coupling means adapted for container top-lift pick-up, including first and second latch members receivable in each receptacle preparatory to coupling engagement between the spreader and any such container, said latch members each including a shank extending lengthwise between a supported end and the free end and a toe member extending laterally in one direction from one shank and laterally in the opposite direction from the other shank, said latch members being in normal side-by-side relationship when not engaged, and actuating means connected to said latch members for actuating the latter in opposite directions out of side-by-side relation while located in said coupling receptacle to effect a rigid coupling relation initially upon elevation of said spreader, the support end of each latch member including means guiding each said latch member in substantially rectilinear movement during actuation thereof to either engage or disengage the coupling receptacle.

Claim 15

In a containerization handling system wherein containers have coupling receptacles located in the upper corner portions thereof, a spreader having coupling means adapted for container top-lift pick-up, including first and second latch members receivable in each receptacle preparatory to coupling engagement between the spreader and any such container, said latch members each including a shank extending lengthwise between a supported end and the free end and a toe member extending laterally in one direction from one shank and laterally in the opposite direction from the other shank, said latch members being in normal side-by-side relationship when not engaged, and actuating means connected to said latch members for actuating the latter in opposite directions out of side-by-side relation while located in said coupling receptacle to effect a rigid coupling relation initially upon elevation of said spreader, the support end of each latch member including means guiding each said latch member in substantially rectilinear movement during actuation thereof to either engage or disengage the coupling receptacle.

Claim 16

A spreader as claimed in claim 11 wherein a safety device is operable to permit actuation of one of said latch members of each pair thereof only when the spreader abuts the container and the latch members are located in the respective coupling receptacles.

Claim 17

A coupling means as claimed in claim 11 wherein the supported end of each of said latch members includes a support member secured to the shank and supported from the spreader, each said support member being actuatable with the respective latch member rectilinearly.