System and apparatus for positioning intermodal containers on pallets
AssigneeKalitta Air LLC
InventorsConrad Kalitta, Steven Brewer
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The invention is a system for positioning and removably securing an intermodal container to an intermodal pallet. The system permits the container's longitudinal centerline to be offset from the longitudinal centerline of the pallet, while still providing sufficient support to the container. The invention is a removable system of adapters for positioning and securing a container to the surface of the pallet, and when the adapters are in place, define longitudinal and lateral boundaries for engagement with an intermodal container. A plurality of strap brace assemblies positioned on one side of the pallet to provide an offset anchor position for a plurality of flexible straps, which secure the container when it is positioned on the pallet.
Claims20
An apparatus configured to secure a container, the apparatus comprising:
- a pallet for releasably supporting the container;
- first and second adapters releasably connected to the pallet and configured for releasable connection to the container, wherein the first and second adapters are mirror images of each other and each include:
- a base defining a width and a length exceeding the width;
- an engaging member extending from the base and configured for removable insertion into a socket formed in an underside of the container, the engaging member defining a width and a length exceeding the width;
- and
- a guide extending from the base and spaced from the engaging member along the length of the base such that a receiving space is defined between the engaging member and the guide, the receiving space being configured to receive a corner edge of the container, the guide defining a width and length exceeding the width, wherein the length of the engaging member, the length of the guide, and the receiving space extend in parallel relation.
A system comprising:
- a pallet;
- first and second adapters that are non-identical, mirror images of each other, wherein the first and second adapters are configured for removable connection to the pallet and each include:
- a base;
- an engaging member fixedly protruding from the base;
- and
- a guide fixedly protruding from the base, the guide being spaced axially from the engaging member along a longitudinal axis of the base;
- and
- a container including sockets configured to receive the engaging members such that the container, whereby the container is connected to the pallet via the first and second adapters.
A system comprising:
- a pallet;
- first and second adapters releasably connectable to the pallet, the first and second adapters being mirror-images of each other and non-identical in configuration;
- a container including sockets configured to receive the first and second adapters such that the container is releasably connectable to the pallet via the first and second adapters;
- strap brace assemblies releasably connectable to the pallet;
- and
- flexible straps each configured for releasable connection to the strap brace assemblies to secure the container in relation to the pallet.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.