Patent Application
20250010955
The present disclosure generally relates to a locking system. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a locking system to easily and quickly assemble a modular system.
Conventional barges are generally flat-bottomed boats built mainly for transport of bulk goods or other devices. Conventional modular barges enable the connection of a plurality of barge sections together to form a single larger barge. Some conventional modular barge systems can form building blocks for all sorts of modular pontoons and vessels. These modular barge systems enable the barges to be formed in different configurations that can enable transportation of a large range of equipment or goods.
It has been discovered that an improved locking system that can couple sections of a modular barge and/or shipping containers is desired. In particular, it has been determined that an easy, cost efficient method of coupling the modular sections of a modular barge system and/or shipping containers is desired. Moreover, it has been determined that a structure that can be more easily shipped and operated is desired.
In view of the state of the known technology, one aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a locking system, comprising a first locking mechanism, second locking mechanism and a handle. The first locking mechanism includes a base and an attachment structure movable relative to the base, the base of the first locking mechanism is configured to be removably attached to a first structure. The second locking mechanism includes an opening configured to receive the attachment structure of the first locking mechanism. The second locking mechanism is configured to be attached to the first attachment structure upon movement of the attachment structure of the first locking mechanism relative to the base of the first locking mechanism. The second locking mechanism is configured to be attached to a second structure. The handle is operable to move the attachment structure movable relative to the base to attach the first attachment structure to the second attachment structure.
In a second aspect of the locking system according to the first aspect, the first locking mechanism is a one of a plurality of first locking mechanisms on the first barge section.
In a third aspect of the locking system according to the first or second aspect, the first locking mechanism is a one of a plurality of first locking mechanisms on the first barge section.
In a fourth aspect of the locking system according to the any of the previous aspects, the locking bar is configured to simultaneously engage each of the plurality of first locking mechanisms to cause the attachment structure of each of the first plurality of locking mechanisms to move relative to a respective base of each of the first plurality of locking mechanisms.
In a fifth aspect of the locking system according to the any of the previous aspects, the plurality of first locking mechanisms are disposed in a vertical direction relative to each other.
In a sixth aspect of the locking system according to the any of the previous aspects, the handle is configured to rotate the attachment structure of the first locking mechanism relative to the base of the first locking mechanism to attach the first locking mechanism to the second locking mechanism.
In a seventh aspect of the locking system according to the any of the previous aspects, the opening in the second locking mechanism includes a chamfered edge to facilitate attachment of the first attachment structure to the second attachment structure.
In an eighth aspect of the locking system according to the any of the previous aspects, the attachment structure of the first locking mechanism is a protrusion configurated to be positioned in a locked state and an unlocked state, in the unlocked state, the protrusion is configured to pass through an opening in the second locking mechanism and in the locked state the protrusion is configured to engage a rear surface of the second locking mechanism.
In a ninth aspect of the locking system according to the any of the previous aspects, the locked position of the protrusion in the locked state is 90 degrees offset from the unlocked position of the protrusion in the unlocked state.
In a tenth aspect of the locking system according to the any of the previous aspects, the second structure is a shipping container.
In an eleventh aspect of the locking system according to the any of the previous aspects, the first structure is a floatable barge section.
In a twelfth aspect of the locking system according to the any of the previous aspects, the attachment structure is tapered to facilitate attachment of the first attachment structure to the second attachment structure.
In a thirteenth aspect of the locking system according to the any of the previous aspects, the attachment structure is a first attachment structure and the first locking mechanism includes a second attachment structure.
In a fourteenth aspect of the locking system according to the any of the previous aspects, the second attachment structure is configured to couple the first locking mechanism to the first structure and the first attachment structure is configured to couple the first locking mechanism to the second structure.
In a fifteenth aspect of the locking system according to the any of the previous aspects, the handle is configured to be moved to cause the second attachment structure to couple the first locking mechanism to the first structure and further moved to cause the first attachment structure to couple to the first locking mechanism to the second structure.
A sixteenth aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a locking system, comprising a first locking mechanism, second locking mechanism and a locking bar. The first locking mechanism includes a base and a protrusion rotatable relative to the base, the base of the first locking mechanism configured to be removably attached to a first structure, and the protrusion configurated to be positioned in a locked state and an unlocked state. The second locking mechanism includes an opening configured to receive the protrusion of the first locking mechanism, the second locking mechanism configured to be attached to the first attachment structure upon rotation of the protrusion of the first locking mechanism relative to the base of the first locking mechanism from the unlocked state to the locked state, the second locking mechanism configured to be attached to a second structure. The locking bar is operable to move the protrusion movable relative to the base to attach the first attachment structure to the second attachment structure.
In a seventeenth aspect of the locking system according to the any of the previous aspects, the protrusion is a first protrusion and the first locking mechanism includes a second protrusion, the second protrusion configured to couple the first locking mechanism to the first structure and the first protrusion is configured to couple the first locking mechanism to the second structure.
In an eighteenth aspect of the locking system according to the any of the previous aspects, the locking bar is configured to be moved to cause the second protrusion to couple the first locking mechanism to the first structure and further moved to cause the first protrusion to couple to the first locking mechanism to the second structure.
In a nineteenth aspect of the locking system according to the any of the previous aspects, the locked position of the protrusion in the locked state is 90 degrees offset from the unlocked position of the protrusion in the unlocked state.
A twentieth aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a method of operating a locking system to connect a first structure with a second structure, the method comprising attaching a base of a first locking mechanism to a first structure; attaching a second locking mechanism to a second structure, inserting a protrusion of the first locking mechanism through an opening in the second locking mechanism, and operating a handle to move the protrusion of the first locking mechanism relative to the base of the first locking mechanism from an unlocked position to a locked position
The embodiments of the present disclosure describe an improved locking system. In particular, the improved locking system described herein includes an easy and cost efficient to couple together to form a modular barge system. Moreover, the improved locking system described herein can provide a structure that can be more easily shipped and operated.
Referring now to the attached drawings which form a part of this original disclosure:
Selected embodiments will now be explained with reference to the drawings. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that the following descriptions of the embodiments are provided for illustration only and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.
Referring initially to
As shown in
As can be understood, each barge section 10A, 10B and 10C displaces water such that at least a portion of the barge section 10A, 10B and 10C will be above water when disposed in water. However, it is noted that the barge sections 10A, 10B and 10C can be formed in any manner suitable so as to be water tight when in use. In one embodiment, each barge section 10A, 10B and 10C is sealed (e.g., welded) so as to be water tight to prohibit or limit access to the interior. However, in one embodiment, there can be access panels, doors (not shown) or another manner to access or use the interior of the barge sections 10A, 10B and 10C when not being used as floating barge section.
The first and second barge sections 10A and 10B can be about 20 feet and length or about 40 feet in length. Thus, the modular barge 10 can be comprised of differing barge sections 10A, 10B and 10C lengths, if desired. Preferably, each of the barge sections 10A, 10B and 10C has a standard height and width. For example, the height can be about 4 feet and 2.5 inches and the width can be about 7 feet and 10 31/32 inches. As can be understood, in one embodiment, the width and the length of the barge sections 10A, 10B and 10C are designed so as to have the same dimensions as a standard 20 foot or 40 foot ISO shipping container. That is, a standard 20 foot ISO shipping container is 19 feet and 10 29/32 inches in length and 7 feet and 10 31/32 inches in width and a standard 40 foot ISO shipping container is 39 feet and 11⅞ inches in length and 7 feet and 10 31/32 inches in width. However, it is noted that these dimensions are exemplary and the barge sections 10A, 10B and 10C can have any suitable or desired dimensions, and/or shape and/or configuration.
The barge sections 10A, 10B and 10C can include a plurality of locking systems 24 that enable the two barge sections 10A, 10B and 10C (e.g., the first barge section 10A and the second barge section 10B) to be locked together. In one embodiment, the first barge section 10A includes a first locking mechanism 26 of the locking system 24 and the second barge section 10B includes a second locking mechanism 28 of the locking system. The second locking mechanism 28 is configured to couple to the first locking mechanism 26.
As can be understood, the barge sections 10A, 10B and 10C need to be secured properly to ensure there is no separation of the sections during use. One embodiment of the locking system 24 to secure the barge sections 10A, 10B and 10C is a twist lock. The twist lock includes the first locking mechanism 26 on the first barge and the second locking mechanism 28 on the second barge, as shown in Figures, as shown in
In this embodiment, the first locking mechanism 26 is casted steel structure that can be galvanized. The first locking mechanism 26 includes a base structure 30, a rotating structure 32 and a handle 35. The base structure 30 is preferably a casted steel housing structure that includes a through passage way for the rotating structure 32 and a slot 33 for the handle 35. The rotating structure 32 includes a first protrusion 34 on a first end 36 and a second protrusion 38 on a second end 40. As will be discussed below the protrusions 32 and 38 can have a tapered or chamfered configuration. The protrusions 32 and 38 are connected by a rotating member or bar (not shown) that passes through the base structure 30. The handle 35 is connected to the rotating structure 32 and extends outwardly from the base structure 30 through the slot 33. The handle 35 enables the rotating member to be rotated relative to the base structure 30.
The second locking mechanism 28 is preferably a container fitting. That is as is illustrated in
One example of a twist lock is the Shipping Container Manual Twist Lock (Left/Right Hand Locking). This twist lock has a hot dip galvanized surface treatment, and has a minimum breaking load tension of about 500 KN, a minimum breaking load shear of about 420 KN, and a minimum breaking load compression of about 2000 KN. This manual twist-lock can be locked and unlocked easily by hand. It doesn't require a lever or any specialized gear to use effectively. This ease of use is ideal for any quick adjustments that must be made. Moreover, the twist lock can keep the barge sections containers secure, and can be used to secure two barge sections together in order to stack them or stabilize them if the barge sections are being shipped. In one embodiment, this twist lock is cast as a single, solid unit in high-quality steel.
As illustrated in
As can be understood, the first locking mechanisms 26 can be permanently or removably attached to the first barge section 10A. That is, the first locking mechanisms 26 can be directly welded at the desired position so as to be permanent, or the first locking mechanisms 26 can attach to a container style fitting as is known in the art of twist locks.
In one embodiment, a locking bar 48 is attached the upper first locking mechanism 26A and the lower first locking mechanism 26B. In one embodiment, the locking bar 48 is attached to the handle 35 of each of the upper and lower first locking mechanisms 26A and 26B. In one embodiment, the locking bar 48 can be attached to the handle 35 of each of the upper and lower first locking mechanisms 26A and 26B in any suitable manner. As can be understood, the locking bar 48 can remain in a vertical position, as the handle 35 of each of the upper and lower first locking mechanisms 26A and 26B rotates from the unlocked to the locked position and/or vice a versa.
Thus, when the locking bar is moved in the vertical direction, the locking bar will simultaneously move or rotate the handle 35 of each of the upper and lower first locking mechanisms 26A and 26B. The locking bar 48 can be a galvanized steel bar that extends approximately the height of the barge section 10A. The locking bar 48 can have a rectangular plate 50 at one or both ends. The rectangular plate 50 encompasses an area that is larger than the cross-sectional area of the locking bar 48.
As illustrated in
To connect the first and second barge sections 10A and 10B together, the barge sections 10A, 10B and 10C are disposed in water in any manner desired. Since the first and second barge sections 10A and 10B are buoyant in water, these sections will float. As can be understood, depending on the size and configuration of the structure, various heights of the barge sections 10A, 10B and 10C above the water can be obtained. Moreover, as discussed above, the barge sections 10A, 10B and 10C can enable access into the interior of the barge sections 10A, 10B and 10C. Thus, if desired, ballast can be added and/or removed from the barge sections 10A, 10B and 10C to change the water line of the barge sections 10A, 10B and 10C.
The second barge section 10B can be moved relative to the first barge section 10A such that the first barge section 10A is adjacent the second barge section 10B. The barge sections 10A, 10B and 10C can be moved in any manner desired, and can be self-propelled or propelled by an outside device.
In one embodiment, when the first and second barge sections 10A and 10B are near each other, a rope or plurality of ropes can be used to bring the barge sections 10A and 10B immediately adjacent each other. At this time the first locking mechanism 26 on the first barge section 10A can be aligned with the second locking mechanism 28 on the second barge section 10B. preferably, the first locking mechanisms 26 are in an unlocked state. The unlocked state can be seen in
As the first barge section 10A is brought closer to the second barge section 10B, each of the plurality of protrusions 34 on the first end of the rotating structure 32 of the first locking mechanism 26 enters of the opening in the second locking mechanism 28. Since the protrusions 34 have a chamfered or tapered structure, and the opening 42 includes a chamfered edge 44, the rotating structure can easily slide into the opening 42. The locking bar 48 can then be engaged and moved in a downward direction. This downward direction of the locking bar 48 causes the handle 35 for each of the upper and lower first locking members 26A and 26B to rotate and move in a downward direction, which in turn rotated to the rotating structure 32.
In one embodiment, the first locking member 26 is fixed to the first barge section 10A such that only, the protrusion 34 on the end of the first locking mechanism 26 is rotated and the protrusion 34 about 90 degrees. Since the protrusion 34 on the end of the first locking mechanism 26 is rectangular, the protrusion is locked within the or behind the opening in the second locking mechanism 28. See
In another embodiment, as can be understood, the first locking member 26 is coupled to the first barge section 10A with the second protrusion 38. That is, the first barge section 10A includes container fittings (i.e., structures similar to second locking member 28). When the handle 35 of the first locking member 26 is moved partially along slot 33, the second protrusion 38 rotates 90 degrees, locking the first locking member 26 to the first barge section 10A. The first locking member 26 is then locked to the second locking member 28, as described herein.
In one embodiment, the locking bar 48 can be moved in the downward direction by engaging the plate 50 on the end of the locking bar 48 with a foot of a user or in any other manner to easily push the locking bar 48 downward. It is noted that the locking systems 24 are exemplary and the first and second barges 10A and 10B can be coupled together in any suitable manner.
In one embodiment, the barge sections 10A, 10B and 10C include a skid plate 52 for moving the barge sections 10A, 10B and 10C along the ground. The skid plate 52 can protect the bottom 22 of the barge sections 10A, 10B and 10C and aid in moving and/or launching the barge sections 10A, 10B and 10C.
Furthermore, as can be understood, since each of the barge sections 10A, 10B and 10C has the same general shape and size of ISO containers and can include a second locking mechanism 28 that is similar to a container fitting, the barge sections 10A, 10B and 10C can be shipped via semi-trucks or aboard cargo ships.
The embodiments of the present disclosure describe an improved locking system, used for example with a modular barge 10. In particular, the improved modular barge 10 includes modular sections that easy and cost efficient to couple together to form a modular barge 10 system. Moreover, the improved modular barge 10 described herein includes a structure that can be more easily shipped and operated.
The twist locks are conventional components that are well known in the art. Since twist locks are well known in the art, these structures will not be discussed or illustrated in detail herein. Rather, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that the components can be any type of structure and/or programming that can be used to carry out the present disclosure.
In understanding the scope of the present disclosure, the term “comprising” and its derivatives, as used herein, are intended to be open ended terms that specify the presence of the stated features, elements, components, groups, integers, and/or steps, but do not exclude the presence of other unstated features, elements, components, groups, integers and/or steps. The foregoing also applies to words having similar meanings such as the terms, “including”, “having” and their derivatives. Also, the terms “part,” “section,” “portion,” “member” or “element” when used in the singular can have the dual meaning of a single part or a plurality of parts.
The term “configured” as used herein to describe a component, section or part of a device includes hardware and/or software that is constructed and/or programmed to carry out the desired function.
The terms of degree such as “substantially”, “about” and “approximately” as used herein mean a reasonable amount of deviation of the modified term such that the end result is not significantly changed.
While only selected embodiments have been chosen to illustrate the present disclosure, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that various changes and modifications can be made herein without departing from the scope of the disclosure as defined in the appended claims. For example, the size, shape, location or orientation of the various components can be changed as needed and/or desired. Components that are shown directly connected or contacting each other can have intermediate structures disposed between them. The functions of one element can be performed by two, and vice versa. The structures and functions of one embodiment can be adopted in another embodiment. It is not necessary for all advantages to be present in a particular embodiment at the same time. Every feature which is unique from the prior art, alone or in combination with other features, also should be considered a separate description of further disclosures by the applicant, including the structural and/or functional concepts embodied by such feature(s). Thus, the foregoing descriptions of the embodiments according to the present disclosure are provided for illustration only, and not for the purpose of limiting the disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.
This Application is a continuation of the application Ser. No. 17/501,117 filed Oct. 14, 2021 and titled Modular Barge. The entire contents of application Ser. No. 17/501,117 are incorporated herein by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 17501117 | Oct 2021 | US |
| Child | 18888768 | US |
