Self-Latching Interbox Connector for Automatic Securement of a Top Container to a Bottom Container

Abstract

An interbox connector used in intermodal transportation systems is provided. The interbox connector is adapted to secure a top container to a bottom container in which the top container and bottom container each have corner castings. A plate is configured to be positioned between a corner casting of the bottom container and a corner casting of the top container prior to the top container being stacked on the bottom container. A first latch extends upwardly from the plate in which the first latch is configured to be disposed in the corner casting of the top container. A second latch extends downwardly from the plate in which the second latch is configured to be disposed in the corner castings of the bottom container. Placement of the top container on top of the bottom container causes the second latch and the first latch to automatically rotate and secure the top container to the bottom container.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.