FIELD OF INVENTION
The present disclosure relates in general to a system and method for restraining partitions inside a dry storage container, also called an intermodal shipping container, when transporting cargo. The system and method for restraining partitions inside an intermodal shipping container may be utilized with transporting diverse types of cargo, including but not limited to, grain commodities, raw materials, consumer goods, fossil fuels, industrial equipment, and perishable, chilled or frozen goods. The purpose of the disclosure is to provide a system and method for restraining partitions that prevent moisture damage to cargo in the dry storage container during transport while offering a recyclable and cost efficient means to protect the cargo.
BACKGROUND
According to a report by the International Chamber of Shipping, the international shipping industry is responsible for the carriage of around 90% of world trade. See “Shipping and World Trade: Seaborne Trade,” International Chamber of Shipping, available at https://www.ics-shipping.org/shipping-fact/shipping-and-world-trade-world-seaborne-trade/(last visited Apr. 2, 2024). For example, each year the shipping industry transports approximately 2 billion tons of crude oil, 1 billion tons of iron ore (the raw material needed to create steel), and 350 million tons of grain. See “Shipping and World Trade: Driving Prosperity,” International Chamber of Shipping, available at https://www.ics-shipping.org/shipping-fact/shipping-and-world-trade-driving-prosperity/(last visited Apr. 2, 2024). Reflecting the growing volume of goods transported by the international shipping industry, the global market for intermodal shipping containers is expected to more than double in the coming years. See “Container Shipping—Statistics & Facts,” Statista, available at https://www.statista.com/topics/1367/container-shipping/#topicOverview (last visited Apr. 2, 2024). For instance, in 2021 the intermodal shipping container market was sized at about seven billion U.S. dollars and is estimated to reach almost 16 billion U.S. dollars in 2028. Id.
In view of the incredible impact the shipping industry has on international trade, and particularly the impact of the intermodal shipping container, the risk of goods being damaged during transport is a significant concern. Indeed, according to Trade Risk Guaranty, “about 10% of all container shipments must be discarded due to moisture-related damage.” Lambert, Meredith, “Protect Your Cargo: How to Prevent Water Damage Within Container,” Trade Risk Guaranty Brokerage Services, LLC, published Aug. 5, 2016, available at https://traderiskguaranty.com/trgpeak/prevent-moisture-damage-protect-cargo/(last visited Apr. 2, 2024). Water typically seeps into intermodal shipping containers through loading doors that are improperly sealed, thus damaging cargo in proximity. Furthermore, wood beams and braces traditionally used to buttress interior partitions for protecting cargo during shipping often carry some amount of moisture vapor, which increases the risk of moisture-related damage to goods therein. This risk is particularly high for goods shipped internationally by water.
Thus, what is needed is a reliable and secure system and method to protect goods inside an intermodal shipping container during transport that effectively mitigates moisture damage. What is further needed is a system and method to protect goods inside an intermodal shipping container during transport that is recyclable, inexpensive to manufacture, not cumbersome to ship in bulk, and simple to operate.
SUMMARY
The present disclosure solves the aforementioned issues by providing a simple to operate partition restraint system and method of use. The partition restraint system includes a partition manufactured to fit the width of the shipping container and at least one attachment mechanism to hold the partition in place.
The system may comprise a shipping container. The shipping container, known in the prior art, may comprise a floor, a right side wall, a left side wall, a ceiling, an opening for loading and unloading cargo, and at least one door. Within the shipping container may be a series of lashing points. A lashing point may be integral to the shipping container and allows a means for securing loads by anchoring an attachment mechanism or other restraint to the lashing point to restrict movement of a secured object. The lashing points may be positioned at various points along the interior walls of the shipping container. The partition is optionally placed proximate to the opening of the shipping container or at any position where lashing points are available, leaving space between the loaded goods and the opening of the shipping container.
In one aspect of the present disclosure, the partition is restrained in place by at least one attachment mechanism. The attachment mechanism may be extended between at least two lashing points, looped around or through the lashing point, and the two ends brought back together. The attachment mechanism may be looped around or though the lashing point, depending on the structure of the lashing point. The attachment mechanism may also be looped around or through another attachment mechanism where lashing points are not available or anywhere additional support for the partition is needed.
The securement of the first end and second end of the attachment mechanism results in a closed loop. A few inches of one end of the attachment mechanism may be left unattached. The unattached portion allows the end of the attachment mechanism to be gripped and pulled to quickly separate the ends of the attachment mechanism after use. When securing the first end to the second end of the attachment mechanism, it may be necessary to use a tensioning tool to remove slack from the attachment mechanism. This tensioned attachment mechanism will form a brace. The brace should be positioned to support the partition at the point where the pressure created by the shipped goods is greatest. The brace may be horizontal or vertical.
In another aspect of the present disclosure, a method of use is provided. The method of use may comprise installation of the system. The partition may be placed in the shipping container prior to the installation of the attachment mechanisms or after installation of the attachment mechanisms. The one or more attachment mechanisms may be installed horizontally or vertically at any point where lashing points are available. Next, the first end and second end of each attachment mechanism may be secured, leaving a portion of one end free to act as the gripping portion for easy removal. The secured attachment mechanism may be tensioned to form a brace. The forgoing is repeated until the attachment mechanisms form braces in all areas necessary to secure loaded goods within the shipping container. One or more attachment mechanism may also be secured to one or more braces, adding additional support where a lashing point may not be available. Goods may be loaded into the container following the installation of the partition and the at least one attachment mechanism. Last, the partition and attachment mechanism may be removed by grasping the gripping portion and pulling the first end and second end apart.
OBJECTS, FEATURES, AND/OR ADVANTAGES
Therefore, it is an object, feature, and/or advantage of the present disclosure to overcome the aforementioned deficiencies in the industry and provide an effective partition restraint system and method that mitigates moisture damage to goods in the container during shipping.
Another object, feature, and/or advantage of the present disclosure is to provide an environmentally friendly partition restraint system and method that may be recycled or reused.
Another object, feature, and/or advantage of the present disclosure is to provide a cost-efficient partition restraint system and method that is inexpensive to manufacture.
Another object, feature, and/or advantage of the present disclosure is to provide a partition restraint system that allows for the system to be shipped to the installation location flat to allow for efficient and cost effective delivery.
Another object, feature, and/or advantage of the present disclosure is to provide a partition restraint system and method that is convenient to assemble to safeguard goods in the container during shipping.
Another object, feature, and/or advantage of the present disclosure is to provide a partition restraint system that is convenient to disassemble to allow for easy unloading of goods from the container after shipping.
Another object, feature, and/or advantage of the present disclosure is to provide a partition restraint system that is adaptable to various goods, shipping containers, and other variables which are utilized in the shipping industry.
Other objects, features, and/or advantages of this disclosure will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein are set forth, by way of illustration and example and without limitation, certain aspects of this disclosure. The present disclosure is not to be limited to or by these objects, features, and advantages. No single aspect need provide each and every object, feature, or advantage.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIGS. 1-6 represent examples of the system and method for restraining partitions inside an intermodal shipping container of the present disclosure.
FIG. 1 is an elevational view of a first aspect of the system for restraining partitions inside an intermodal shipping container.
FIG. 1A is a close-up view of a lashing point of the intermodal shipping container with an attachment mechanism in position.
FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of a shipping container with the partition restraint system of the first aspect,
FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the first aspect of the partition restraint system.
FIG. 4 is an elevational view of a second aspect of the system for restraining partitions inside an intermodal shipping container.
FIG. 4A is a close-up view of a lower lashing point of the intermodal shipping container of FIG. 4 with an attachment mechanism in position.
FIG. 4B is a rear perspective view of the second aspect of the partition restraint system of FIG. 4.
FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of a single side of the second aspect of the partition restraint system.
FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of a shipping container with the partition restraint system of the second aspect in place.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Illustrated in FIGS. 1-6, a system 100, 200 for restraining partitions inside a shipping container and method of use is provided. The system 100, 200 may include a shipping container 12 (prior art). The shipping container 12 may comprise a floor 14, a left side wall 16, a right side wall 18, a ceiling 20, and at least one opening 22 for loading/unloading cargo. While the shipping container 12 shown in FIGS. 1-6 is depicted as an intermodal shipping container, it is contemplated by the present disclosure that other types of containers may also be utilized with the system 100, 200 and method of use such as, e.g., open top containers, tunnel containers, open side storage containers, double door containers, refrigerated ISO containers, insulated or thermal containers, cargo storage roll containers, half-height containers, and special purpose containers.
Shown in FIGS. 1-6, the shipping container 12 may include a series of lashing points 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34 positioned adjacent the opening 22 for loading unloading cargo from the shipping container 12. Depicted in FIGS. 1-6 as horizontal rods, lashing points may also be a socket, a d-ring, an eyelet, a lug, or any other means known in the art. In some instances, a left interior wall 16 of the shipping container 12 may include a lower lashing point 24 positioned proximate to floor 14, an upper lashing point 26 positioned proximate to the ceiling 20, and a middle lashing point 28 positioned approximately equidistant between the lower and upper lashing bars 24, 26. Further, a right interior wall 18 of the shipping container 12 may include a lower lashing point 30 positioned proximate to floor 14, an upper lashing point 32 positioned proximate to the ceiling 20, and a middle lashing point 34 positioned between the lower and upper lashing bars 30, 32. In other instances, the left and right interior walls 16, 18 of the shipping container 12 may include additional lashing points (not shown) at various points between the floor 14 and the ceiling 20.
Further shown in FIGS. 1-6, the system 100, 200 may comprise a partition 102, 202 configured to prevent the shifting of cargo 130 inside the shipping container 12 during transport. The partition 102, 202 may also be designed to prevent cargo 130 from unintentionally spilling out of the opening 22 of the shipping container 12 before it reaches its final designation, such as when shipping grain commodities or dry flowable goods. The partition 102, 202 may be comprised of cardboard, fiberboard, plywood, plastics, or combinations thereof. The partition 102, 202 is designed to be lightweight yet durable, and formed of materials that are inexpensive to manufacture while being re-usable or recyclable. The partition 102, 202 may be positioned inside the shipping container 12 and proximate to opening 22. In particular, the partition 102, 202 should extend from the left wall 16 to the right wall 18, and further extend from the floor 14 towards the ceiling 20 of the shipping container 12. The restrained partition 102, 202 may be positioned to provide a separation of at least 2 inches between the goods loaded within the shipping container 12 and the opening 22 of the shipping container 12 to prevent moisture damage to goods therein if water leaks through closed doors 38 of the shipping container 12 during transport. The partition 102, 202 may optionally include a foldable left flap 104, 204 configured to rest adjacent the left wall 16 of the shipping container 12, a foldable right flap 106, 206 configured to rest adjacent a right wall 18 of the shipping container 12, and a foldable bottom flap 108, 208 that is configured to rest on the floor 14 of the shipping container 12. The left flap 104, 204 right flap 106, 206 and bottom flap 108, 208 of the partition 102, 202 should extend away from opening 22 and towards an interior of the shipping container 12. The foldable flaps 104, 106, 108, 204, 206, 208 are configured to provide additional stability during installation and aid in preventing the loaded goods 130 from moving past the partition 102, 202 by escaping around or under the partition 102, 202. The partition 102, 202 may optionally include one or more crease lines 103, 203. The crease line 103, 203 in the partition is intended to allow easy transport after manufacture or simplify installation and removal by allowing the partition 102, 202 to bend.
In a first aspect, a system 100 is provided. Shown in FIGS. 1-3, the system 100 may include at least one attachment mechanism 110 for restraining the partition 102 inside a shipping container 12. An exemplary attachment mechanism 110 for the present disclosure includes polyester strapping that may be secured to itself using, e.g., a metal closure, a friction joint weld, or heat welding. In other instances, the attachment mechanism 110 may comprise tie down straps such as lashing straps, cam buckle straps, or rachet straps to secure the partition 102. The attachment mechanism 110 may be made of a waterproof material. A waterproof material may be any material which is impervious to water or otherwise unaffected by contact with water.
FIGS. 1, 1A illustrate the first aspect of the present disclosure utilizing a single attachment mechanism 110 to restrain the partition 102 inside the shipping container 12. In particular, the system 100 and method may comprise providing an attachment mechanism 110 having a first end 112 and an opposite second end 114. The first end 112 of the attachment mechanism 110 may be looped around or through the lower lashing point 24 of the left wall 16 of the shipping container 12. For example, the attachment mechanism 110 would go around lashing points such as a horizontal rod, but through lashing points such as a D-ring. The first end 112 of the attachment mechanism 110 may then be extended horizontally across an interior width of the shipping container 12 and looped around the lower lashing point 30 of the right wall 18 of the shipping container 12. The first end 112 of the attachment mechanism 110 may be attached to the second end 114 using a tensioning tool (not shown) to tighten the attachment mechanism 110 and remove slack, thus forming a taut horizontal brace 116 extending approximately the interior width of the shipping container 12. The first end 112 of the attachment mechanism 110 may be secured to the second end 114 by, e.g., a friction joint weld or heat welding, wherein at least a few inches of one end of the attachment mechanism 110 may remain unattached to be used as a gripping portion 118 to pull and consequently separate the ends 112, 114 after use. A gripping portion 118 is a section of either the first end 112 or the second end 114 of the attachment mechanism 110 left free hanging to allow for gripping and pulling to break apart the first and second end after use to allow for removal of the attachment mechanism 110 and partition 102. While the process set forth above begins on the left wall 16 and extends to the right wall 18 of the shipping container 12, it is contemplated by the present disclosure that the process may alternatively begin on the right wall 18 and extend to the left wall 16 of the shipping container 12.
FIG. 2 further illustrates the attachment mechanism 110 utilized to restrain the partition 102 shown in FIG. 1. In particular, the attachment mechanism 110 may have two ends, a first end 112 and an opposite second end 114. The first end 112 of the attachment mechanism 110 may be looped around the lower lashing point 24 of the left wall 16 of the shipping container 12. The first end 112 of the attachment mechanism 110 may then be extended horizontally across an interior width of the shipping container 12 and looped around the lower lashing point (not shown) of the right wall (not shown) of the shipping container 12. The first end 112 of the attachment mechanism 110 may be attached to the second end 114 using a tensioning tool (not shown) to tighten the attachment mechanism 110 and remove slack, thus forming a taut horizontal brace 116 extending approximately the interior width of the shipping container 12. The first end 112 of the attachment mechanism 110 may be attached to the second end 114, wherein at least a few inches of the attachment mechanism 110 may remain unattached to be used as a gripping portion 118 to pull and consequently separate the ends 112, 114 after use.
FIG. 3 further illustrates the first aspect of the disclosure, wherein the partition 102 placed in the shipping container 12 in a manner which allows it to restrain shipped goods (not shown). The partition may include various folding flaps, for example, a left foldable flap 104, a right foldable flap 106, and bottom flap 108. The partition 102 extends the entire width of the shipping container 12, the left foldable flap 104 being adjacent to the left wall 16 of the shipping container 12, the right foldable flap 106 being adjacent to the right wall 18 of the shipping container. The partition 102 also extends from the floor 14 toward the ceiling 20 of the shipping container 12, the bottom flap 108 resting on the floor 14 of the shipping container 12. The partition 102 is shown placed proximate to the opening 22 of the shipping container 12, leaving several inches between the loaded goods (not shown) and the opening 22 of the shipping container 12. The partition 102 may also be utilized at any position along the length of the shipping container 12 where lashing points are available. The partition may further include one or more crease lines 103 to allow for easier shipping, installation, and removal.
FIGS. 1-3 further illustrate a method of using the system 100 of the first aspect as described above. The method may comprise looping the first end 112 of the attachment mechanism 110 around the lower right lashing point 30 of the right side wall 18 of a shipping container 12, extending the first end 112 of the attachment mechanism 110 to the lower left lashing point 24 of the left side wall 16. Next, the first end 112 of the attachment mechanism 110 and the second end 114 of the attachment mechanism 110 may be secured to each other by friction weld, heat weld, metal clamp, or other means known in the art. The attachment mechanism 110 may alternatively be extended first through the lower lashing point 24, 30 of the left wall 16 then the right wall 18, or through a middle lashing point 26, 32 or an upper lashing point 34, 28 and still be contemplated by this disclosure. The attachment mechanism 110 is tensioned either during the process of securing the first end 112 to the second end 114 or after. The tensioned attachment mechanism 110 forms the horizontal brace 116. The method may include positioning the partition 102 inside the shipping container 12 and abutting the horizontal brace 116 or placing the portion 102 inside the shipping container prior to installation of the attachment mechanism 110 which forms the horizontal brace 116. Goods may then be loaded into the shipping container 12 at a point interior to the partition 102. As the shipping container 12 is loaded with goods, the goods will press against partition 102 being held in position by the horizontal brace 116. After the shipping container 12 is loaded, shipping container doors 38 may be closed and sealed in preparation for transport.
FIGS. 4-6 illustrate another aspect of the present disclosure utilizing two attachment mechanisms 210, 230 to retrain the partition 202 inside the shipping container 12. In particular, the system 200 may comprise a first attachment mechanism 210 having a first end 212 and an opposite second end 214. The first end 212 may extend from the lower lashing point 24 of the left wall 16 of the shipping container 12 upwardly and loop around the middle lashing point 28 of the left wall 16 of the shipping container 12. The first end 212 may then extend downward and back around the lower lashing point 24 of the left wall 16 of the shipping container 12 to form a first vertical brace 220.
Shown in FIGS. 4, 4A, 4B the first end 212 of the first attachment mechanism 210 may further extend horizontally across an interior width of the shipping container 12 and through the lower lashing point 30 of the right wall 18 of the shipping container 12. The first end 212 may extend upwardly and loop around the middle lashing point 34 of the right wall 18 of the shipping container 12. The first end 212 may then extend downwardly and back through the lower lashing point 30 of the right wall 18 of the shipping container 12 to form a second vertical brace 222. The first end 212 of the first attachment mechanism 210 may be attached to the second end 214 using a tensioning tool (not shown) to tighten the attachment mechanism 210 and remove slack, thus forming a taut first horizontal brace 216 extending approximately the interior width of the shipping container 12. It is also contemplated that several attachment mechanisms may be used, such as one attachment mechanism for the first vertical brace 220, one attachment mechanism for the second vertical brace 222, and yet another for the first horizontal brace 216.
Further shown in FIGS. 4, 4A, 4B the system 200 may comprise a second attachment mechanism 230 having a first end 232 and an opposite second end 234. The first end 232 of the second attachment mechanism 230 may be looped around the first vertical brace 220 at a position approximately midpoint between the lower lashing point 24 and the middle lashing point 28 of the left wall 16. The first end 232 of the second attachment mechanism 230 may then be extended horizontally across the interior width of the shipping container 12 and looped around the second vertical brace 222 at a position approximately midpoint between the lower lashing point 30 and the middle lashing point 34 of the right wall 18. The first end 232 of the second attachment mechanism 230 may be attached to the second end 234 using a tensioning tool (not shown) to tighten the attachment mechanism 230 and remove slack, thus forming a taut second horizontal brace 236 extending approximately the interior width of the shipping container 12.
Still further shown in FIGS. 4, 4A, 4B the first end 212 of the first attachment mechanism 210 may be secured to the opposite second end 214 via, e.g., a friction joint weld or heat welding, wherein at least a few inches of the first attachment mechanism 210 may remain unattached to be used as a first gripping portion 218 to pull and separate the first end 212 and second end 214 of the first attachment mechanism 210 after use. The first end 214 of the second attachment mechanism 230 may be secured to the opposite second end 234 of the second attachment mechanism, wherein the last few inches of the second attachment mechanism 230 may remain unattached to be used as a second gripping portion 238 to pull and separate the first end 232 and the second end 234 after use. While the process set forth above begins on the left wall 16 and extends to the right wall 18 of the shipping container 12, it is contemplated by the present disclosure that the process may alternatively begin on the right wall 18 and extend to the left wall 16 of the shipping container 12.
Further shown in FIGS. 4, 4A, 4B the system 200 may further comprise the partition 202. The partition 202 located inside the shipping container 12 and abutting first vertical brace 220, second vertical brace 222, first horizontal brace 216, and second horizontal brace 236.
FIG. 5 illustrates a close up view of one side of the system 200 from FIG. 4, wherein the attachment mechanisms 210, 230 are used to restrain partition 202 within the shipping container 12. In particular, the first end 212 of the first attachment mechanism 210 may be further extended horizontally across an interior width of the shipping container 12 and through the lower lashing point 30 of the right wall 18 of the shipping container 12. The first end 212 may then be extended upwardly and looped around the middle lashing point 34 of the right wall 18 of the shipping container 12. The first end 212 may then be extended downwardly and back through the lower lashing point 30 of the right wall 18 of the shipping container 12 to form a second vertical brace 222. The first end 212 of the first attachment mechanism 210 may be attached to the second end 214 using a tensioning tool (not shown) to tighten the attachment mechanism 210 and remove slack, thus forming a taut first horizontal brace 216 extending approximately the interior width of the shipping container 12.
FIG. 6 illustrates the partition 202 placed in the shipping container 12 in a manner which allows it to restrain shipped goods (not shown). The partition may include various folding flaps 204, 206, 208, for example, a left foldable flap 204, a right foldable flap 206, and bottom flap 208. The partition 202 extends the entire width of the shipping container 12, the left foldable flap 204 being adjacent to the left wall 16 of the shipping container 12, the right foldable flap 206 being adjacent to the right wall 18 of the shipping container. The partition 202 also extends from the floor 14 toward the ceiling 20 of the shipping container 12, the bottom flap 208 resting on the floor 14 of the shipping container 12. The partition 202 is shown placed proximate to the opening 22 of the shipping container 12, leaving several inches between the loaded goods (not shown) and the opening 22 of the shipping container 12. The partition 202 may also be utilized at any position along the length of the shipping container 12 where lashing points are available. The partition may further include one or more crease lines 203 to allow for easier shipping, installation, and removal.
FIGS. 4-6 further illustrate a method of using the system 200 as described above. The method may comprise providing a first attachment mechanism 210 having a first end 212 and an opposite second end 214. The first end 212 may be extended through the lower lashing point 24 of the left wall 16 of the shipping container 12. The first end 212 may then be extended upwardly and looped around the middle lashing point 28 of the left wall 16 of the shipping container 12. The first end 212 may then be extended downwardly and back through the lower lashing point 24 of the left wall 16 of the shipping container 12 to form a first vertical brace 220. The first end 212 of the first attachment mechanism 210 may be further extended horizontally across an interior width of the shipping container 12 and through the lower lashing point 30 of the right wall 18 of the shipping container 12. The first end 212 may then be extended upwardly and looped around the middle lashing point 34 of the right wall 18 of the shipping container 12. The first end 212 may then be extended downwardly and back through the lower lashing point 30 of the right wall 18 of the shipping container 12 to form a second vertical brace 222. The first end 212 of the first attachment mechanism 210 may be attached to the second end 214 using a tensioning tool (not shown) to tighten the attachment mechanism 210 and remove slack, thus forming a taut first horizontal brace 216 extending approximately the interior width of the shipping container 12.
Further shown in FIGS. 4-6, the method may further comprise providing a second attachment mechanism 230 having a first end 232 and an opposite second end 234. The first end 232 of the second attachment mechanism 230 may be looped around the first vertical brace 220 at a position approximately midpoint between the lower lashing point 24 and the middle lashing point 28 of the left wall 16. The first end 232 of the second attachment mechanism 230 may then be extended horizontally across the interior width of the shipping container 12 and looped around the second vertical brace 222 at a position approximately midpoint between the lower lashing point 30 and the middle lashing point 34 of the right wall 18. The first end 232 of the second attachment mechanism 230 may be attached to the second end 234 using a tensioning tool (not shown) to tighten the attachment mechanism 230 and remove slack, thus forming a taut second horizontal brace 236 extending approximately the interior width of the shipping container 12. The first end 214 of the second attachment mechanism 230 may be secured to the opposite second end 234 of the second attachment mechanism, wherein the last few inches of the second attachment mechanism 230 may remain unattached to be used as a second gripping portion 238 to pull and separate the first end 232 and the second end 234 after use. While the process set forth above begins on the left wall 16 and extends to the right wall 18 of the shipping container 12, it is contemplated by the present disclosure that the process may alternatively begin on the right wall 18 and extend to the left wall 16 of the shipping container 12.
FIGS. 4-6 further illustrate the method may include positioning the partition 202 inside the shipping container 12 and abutting first vertical brace 220, second vertical brace 222, first horizontal brace 216, and second horizontal brace 236. Goods may then be loaded into the shipping container 12 at a point interior to the partition 202. As the shipping container 12 is loaded with goods, the goods will press against the partition 202 being held in position by first vertical brace 220, second vertical brace 222, first horizontal brace 216, and second horizontal brace 236. After the shipping container 12 is loaded, shipping container doors 38 may be closed and sealed in preparation for transport.
While the system 102, 202 and method set forth above begins on the left side wall 16 and extends to the right side wall 18, it is contemplated by the present disclosure that the process may alternatively start on the right side wall 18 and extend to the left side wall 16 of the shipping container 12. The second attachment mechanism 230 may extend around either the first vertical brace 220 or the second vertical brace 222 first.
A general description of the present disclosure as well as preferred embodiments have been set forth. Those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains will recognize and be able to practice additional variations in the partition restraint system 100, 200 and method described which fall within the teachings of this invention. It is contemplated that the partition restraint system 100, 200 and method of the present disclosure may be utilized with all manner, manufacturers, types and sizes of shipping containers 12. Furthermore, while the goods 130 are depicted in the figures as grain commodities, however, it is contemplated by the present disclosure that raw materials, consumer goods, fossil fuels, industrial equipment, and perishable, chilled or frozen goods may also be utilized with the system 100, 200 and method. Accordingly, all such modifications and additions are deemed to be within the scope of the invention which is to be limited only by the issued claims.
Patent Application
20240270482
