Twist-lock handling system

A manipulation device for either securing a twist-lock to a shipping container or releasing the twist-lock therefrom or both, the device comprising:

• engagement means operative to engage and rotate at least a portion of the twist-lock so as to secure the twist-lock in the shipping container or to release the twist-lock therefrom;
• a support member disposed above the engagement means, the support member being arranged to receive and support a mid region of a twist-lock whilst allowing a lower portion of the supported twist-lock to project below the member to be engagable with the engagement means;
• a housing and a frame incorporating the engagement means and the support member, wherein the frame is disposed within the housing;
• said support member being in the form of a plate incorporating at least one aperture allowing the lower portion of the supported twist-lock to project below the plate;
• wherein the manipulation device further comprises a height adjustment assembly operative to move the frame relative to the housing in the direction of the axis of rotation of the engagement means such that the engagement means is movable relative to the support member in the direction of the axis of rotation of the engagement means.

A twist-lock handling assembly, comprising:

• a manipulation device for either securing a twist-lock to a shipping container or releasing the twist-lock therefrom or both, the device comprising
• engagement means operative to engage and rotate at least a portion of the twist-lock so as to secure the twist-lock in the shipping container or to release the twist-lock therefrom;
• a support member disposed above the engagement means, the support member being arranged to receive and support a mid region of a twist-lock whilst allowing a lower portion of the supported twist-lock to project below the member to be engagable with the engagement means;
• a housing and a frame incorporating the engagement means and the support member, wherein the frame is disposed within the housing;
• said support member being in the form of a plate incorporating at least one aperture allowing the lower portion of the supported twist-lock to project below the plate;
• wherein the frame is movable relative to the housing in the direction of the axis of rotation of the engagement means such that the support member is movable in the direction of the axis of rotation of the engagement means,
• and a guide assembly for guiding twist-locks into and out of engagement with the manipulation device.

An apparatus for either securing twist-locks to shipping containers or releasing them therefrom or both, the apparatus comprising:

• a cradle adapted to receive at least one shipping container and at least one manipulation device operative to secure a twist-lock to the shipping container or release it therefrom, the manipulation device comprising
• engagement means operative to engage and rotate at least a portion of the twist-lock so as to secure the twist-lock in the shipping container or to release the twist-lock therefrom;
• a support member disposed above the engagement means, the support member being arranged to receive and support a mid region of a twist-lock whilst allowing a lower portion of the supported twist-lock to project below the member to be engagable with the engagement means;
• a housing and a frame incorporating the engagement means and the support member, wherein the frame is disposed within the housing;
• said support member being in the form of a plate incorporating at least one aperture allowing the lower portion of the supported twist-lock to project below the plate;
• wherein the frame is movable relative to the housing in the direction of the axis of rotation of the engagement means such that the support member is movable in the direction of the axis of rotation of the engagement means,
• the manipulation device being registrable with at least one twist-lock mounting location on the shipping container;
• wherein the at least one manipulation device is removable from the apparatus so as to enable substitution of the device with at least one other said manipulation device to accommodate different types of twist-locks.

An apparatus for either securing twist-locks to shipping containers or releasing them therefrom or both, the apparatus comprising:

• a cradle adapted to receive at least one shipping container and at least one manipulation device operative to secure a twist-lock to the shipping container or release it therefrom, the manipulation device being registrable with at least one twist-lock mounting location on the shipping container, wherein the manipulation device comprises
• engagement means operative to engage and rotate at least a portion of the twist-lock so as to secure the twist lock in the shipping container or to release it therefrom;
• a support member disposed above the engagement means, the support member being arranged to receive and support a mid region of a twist-lock whilst allowing a lower portion of the supported twist-lock to project below the member to be engagable with the engagement means;
• a housing and a frame incorporating the engagement means and the support member, wherein the frame is disposed within the housing;
• said support member being in the form of a plate incorporating at least one aperture allowing the lower portion of the supported twist-lock to project below the plate;
• wherein the frame is movable relative to the housing in the direction of the axis of rotation of the engagement means such that the support member is movable in the direction of the axis of rotation of the engagement means.