Self-aligning twin container spreader

Abstract

An alignment mechanism for aligning a twin container spreader for simultaneous engagement with two containers positioned beneath the spreader. A frame is connected between the spreader's main beams to position two cross beams transversely across the main beams. Twist-lock devices are provided on each end of each cross beam and on each outer end of each main beam. First and second biasing mechanisms are respectively connected between the first and second cross beams and the frame, with a third biasing mechanism connected between the two cross beams. If either container is mis-aligned, the corresponding twist-locks on the cross beams will not be aligned over the corresponding corner fittings on the top inner ends of the containers. However, the biasing mechanisms compensate by permitting the cross-beams to shift in three dimensions, thus realigning the twist-locks as they penetrate the corner fittings. As long as the container mis-alignment is not so great that the twist-locks cannot begin to enter the corner fitting apertures, the biasing mechanisms compensate by allowing the cross-beams to move as aforesaid. The biasing mechanisms thus permit the cross beams' twist-locks to center themselves within the four corner fittings on the top inner ends of the containers as they penetrate those fittings. The operation is passive, requiring no operator intervention to assist in alignment of the cross beams' twist-locks.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.