DOOR RELEASE MECHANISM FOR A CONTAINER SYSTEM

Abstract

There is provided a door release mechanism for use with a container having at least one door moveable between a closed position and an open position. There is also provided a container system for holding and dispensing a material. The container system comprises a container body for holding material, the container body comprising at least one opening. The container system comprises at least one door moveable between a closed position in which the at least one door occludes the at least one opening, and an open position. The container system comprises the door release mechanism, which is coupled to the container body. The door release mechanism comprises at least one sliding member being moveable between a first position and a second position, in which the sliding member can be retained, and door connecting member connecting the sliding member to the moveable door.

Claims

1. A door release mechanism for a container having at least one door moveable between a closed position and an open position, the door release mechanism comprising at least one door connecting member; and at least one sliding member moveable between a first position and a second position; wherein the at least one sliding member is retainable in the second position; wherein the at least one door connecting member is configured to connect the at least one sliding member to at least one door of a container, wherein, in the first position of the at least one sliding member, the at least one door connecting member is configured to be substantially taut so that the at least one door of a container is retained in a closed position, and wherein, upon retention of the at least one sliding member in the second position, the at least one door connecting member is configured to be substantially slack so that the at least one door of a container is moveable to an open position upon lifting of the container.

2. A container system comprising: a container body for holding material, the container body comprising at least one opening; at least one door moveable between a closed position in which the at least one door occludes the at least one opening, and an open position; a door release mechanism, the door release mechanism being coupled to the container body, and comprising: at least one sliding member being moveable between a first position and a second position, wherein the at least one sliding member is retainable in the second position; and at least one door connecting member, the at least one door connecting member connecting the at least one sliding member to the at least one door; and a lifting assembly for engagement with a lifting apparatus, the lifting assembly being coupled to the at least one sliding member, wherein, in the first position of the at least one sliding member, the at least one door connecting member is configured to be substantially taut so that the at least one door is retained in the closed position, and wherein, upon retention of the at least one sliding member in the second position, the at least one door connecting member is configured to be substantially slack so that the at least one door is moveable to an open position upon lifting of the container system.

3. The door release mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the at least one door connecting member is configured to be substantially taut so that the at least one door is retained in an open position.

4. The door release mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the door release mechanism comprises at least one retaining mechanism for retaining a corresponding at least one sliding member in its second position.

5. The door release mechanism according to claim 4, wherein, when the at least one sliding member is retained in its second position by the at least one retaining mechanism, the at least one door connecting member changes between being substantially slack when the at least one door in a closed position and substantially taut when the at least one door is in an open position.

6. The door release mechanism according to claim 4, wherein, when the at least one door is in an open position and the at least one door connecting member is substantially taut, the at least one door is moveable to a closed position upon a disengagement of the at least one retaining mechanism from the sliding member and lifting of the container system.

7. The door release mechanism according to claim 4, wherein the at least one retaining mechanism comprises a retaining member actuatable between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration, wherein in the locked configuration the retaining member engages with the at least one sliding member so that the at least one sliding member is retained in its second position, and wherein in the unlocked configuration the retaining member disengages from the at least one sliding member so that the at least one sliding member is moveable to its first position.

8. The door release mechanism according to claim 4, wherein the at least one retaining mechanism comprises an actuator for adjusting a corresponding retaining member between its locked configuration and its unlocked configuration, optionally, wherein the actuator is a remotely-operated actuator.

9. (canceled)

10. The door release mechanism according to claim 7, wherein the retaining member comprises a hook pivotable between said locked configuration and said unlocked configuration.

11. The door release mechanism according to claim 4, wherein the at least one sliding member comprises a retaining pin for engaging with the at least one retaining mechanism.

12. The container system according to claim 2, wherein the container system comprises at least one door damper, the at least one door damper being coupled at a first end to the container body and at a second end to a corresponding at least one door, wherein the at least one door damper for dampening the movement of the at least one door from an open position to a closed position.

13. The door release mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the door release mechanism comprises at least one casing for housing a corresponding sliding member, wherein the sliding member is slideable within the casing between the first position and the second position.

14. The door release mechanism according to claim 13, wherein the door release mechanism comprises at least one retaining mechanism for retaining a corresponding at least one sliding member in its second position, and wherein the or each retaining mechanism is housed within said at least one casing.

15. The door release mechanism according to claim 13, wherein the at least one casing comprises a slot extending between a first end and a second end, wherein the at least one sliding member is slideable relative to the slot.

16. The door release mechanism according to claim 15, wherein the or each sliding member comprises a first protruding member extending from a first end of the sliding member and a second protruding member extending from a second end of the sliding member, wherein the first and second protruding members are arranged to slide within the slot and respectively stop the sliding member at its first and second positions.

17. The door release mechanism according to claim 16, wherein the at least one door connecting member is coupled to the second protruding member.

18. The container system according to claim 2, wherein the door release mechanism comprises two sliding members, the sliding members being located on opposing sides of the container body.

19. The container according to claim 18, wherein the lifting assembly comprises two lifting members and a lifting beam for engagement with a lifting apparatus, wherein each lifting member is connected at a first end to a respective end portion of the lifting beam and at a second end to one of the sliding members, optionally, wherein a distance between the lifting beam and the container body reduces when the sliding members move from their respective first positions to their respective second positions.

20. (canceled)

21. The container system according to claim 2, comprising at least two doors, the at least two doors being rotatable about respective first and second hinges between a closed position, in which the at least two doors collectively occlude the at least one opening of the container body, and an open position.

22. The door release mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the at least one door connecting member comprises a chain or a rope.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0058] Some preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0059] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a container system according to the present invention in a closed configuration;

[0060] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the container system of FIG. 1 shown in an open configuration;

[0061] FIG. 3 shows a side view of the container system of FIG. 1;

[0062] FIG. 4 shows an end view of the container system of FIG. 1;

[0063] FIG. 5 shows a top view of the container system according to present invention;

[0064] FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the container system along line A-A shown in FIG. 5;

[0065] FIG. 7 is a sectional view of a portion of the door release mechanism in an unlocked configuration along line B-B shown in FIG. 5;

[0066] FIG. 8 is a sectional view of a portion of the door release mechanism in a locked configuration along line B-B shown in FIG. 5;

[0067] FIG. 9 shows another perspective view of the container system according to the present invention in a closed configuration;

[0068] FIG. 10 is a sectional view of a portion of the door release mechanism in a configuration between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration along line B-B shown in FIG. 5;

[0069] FIG. 11 shows a top view of a container system according to the present invention further comprising a railing, a power pack enclosure, a controller enclosure and indicator lights;

[0070] FIG. 12 shows a side view of the container system shown in FIG. 11; and

[0071] FIG. 13 shows an end view of the container system shown in FIG. 11.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0072] FIG. 1 shows a container system 100 for holding and dispensing a material. The container system 100 is suitable for use in a number of different industries including the following, among others. It can, for example, be used in the construction industry to store, transport and dispense sand, gravel, rubble, stones etc. It can also be used for the removal of materials from a construction or excavation site, including soil, clay, rocks, stones, sand, wood chips, waste materials and spoils etc. It can be used in the mining industry for example to store, transport and dispense products such as coal, ores, salt, sand and other materials from a mining site. It can also be used in the haulage and shipping industry for example to enable raw materials or waste materials to be positioned on, and removed from, multi-wheeled vehicles, ships and other transport vehicles and vessels. It can also be used in the agriculture industry, for example to store, transport and dispense materials such as sugar, other food substances and food waste products. It can also be used in a variety of industries to store, transport and dispense liquid products.

[0073] The container system 100 comprises a container body 102 having a first pair of opposed side walls 104a, 104b, and a second pair of opposed end walls 106a, 106b. The container body 102 has an open mouth 103, and an open bottom 105 (as shown in FIG. 2). The container body 102 is provided with a pair of hinged doors 108a and 108b. The doors 108a and 108b are hinged along their outer edges to respective lower portions of opposite side walls of the container body.

[0074] In a closed position, as shown in FIGS. 1, 3, 4, 6, and 9, the doors 108a and 108b occlude the open bottom of the container body 102 so that the container may be used to transport bulk materials. In an open position, as shown in FIG. 2, the doors 108a and 108b may hang substantially vertically beneath and substantially in line with the opposed side walls 104a and 104b of the container body 102.

[0075] Where the container 100 is intended for storing, transporting and dispensing solid material, for example, soil, clay, sand or stones, there generally is not any need for a seal around the doors to prevent leakage from the container when the doors are in the closed position. Where the container is intended for use in storing, transporting and dispensing a liquid material, a seal (not shown) is generally provided around the doors to prevent leakage from the container when the doors are in the closed position.

[0076] The doors 108a, 108b comprise one or more stiffening members 110 orientated transversely and/or longitudinally to stiffen the doors. The side walls 104a and 104b and/or end walls 106a and 106b may also comprise one or more stiffening members.

[0077] The container system 100 further comprises a lifting assembly 112 for engagement with a lifting apparatus such as a crane. The lifting assembly 112 comprises a lifting beam 114 and a pair of lifting members 116a and 116b. Each lifting member 116a and 116b is connected at a first end to a respective end portion of the lifting beam 114. Each lifting member 116a and 116b is connected to the respective end portion of the lifting beam 114 via a first lifting plate 118a, 118b, as shown in FIG. 3, comprising a connection element. In the present embodiment, the connection element is a shackle connector. Each lifting plate 118a and 118b is coupled to the bottom of the lifting beam 114 at a respective end portion, and each shackle connection 120a and 120b is coupled to a respective lifting plate 118a and 118b. As shown in the figures, each lifting member 116a and 116b comprises a chain. Each chain 116a, 116b provides a link at a first end to be coupled with the shackle connection 120a and 120b.

[0078] The lifting beam 114 further comprises a pair of second lifting plates 122a and 122b. Each second lifting plate 122a and 122b is connected to the top of the lifting beam 114 at a respective end portion of the beam 114. The second lifting plates 122a and 122b are provided with a lifting shackle for attachment (either directly or indirectly) to a lifting device, such as a crane.

[0079] The container system 100 further comprises a door release mechanism 126. The door release mechanism 126 enables the opening and closing of the doors 108a, 108b. The door release mechanism 126 comprises a pair of sliding members 128a, 128b, disposed on opposing sides 106a and 106b of the container body. FIG. 6 shows one of the pair of sliding members 128a, 128b disposed on a side of the container body 106b.

[0080] The sliding members 128a, 128b are configured to move or slide between a first position and a second position. The first position is located above the second position. The sliding members 128a, 128b are configured to move substantially along a direction parallel to the outer surface of end walls 106a, 106b. In other words, the sliding members 128a, 128b are configured to move along a direction substantially perpendicular to the open bottom or top of the container body 102. FIGS. 6 & 7 show a sliding member 128a in a first position. FIGS. 8 & 10 respectively show a sliding member 128a being retained and not retained in a second position. Further details of the effects of the sliding members 128a, 128b positioning and/or retention on how it enables the door release mechanism 126 to release and close the doors 108a, 108b will be further described.

[0081] The door release mechanism 126 comprises four door connecting members 130a, 130b, 130c, 130d. As shown in the figures, there are two pairs of door connecting members; a pair 130a, 130c coupled to the first door 108a and another pair 130b, 130d coupled to the second door 108b. Each door connecting member of a first pair of door connecting members 130a, 130b are coupled at their respective second ends to a first end of each of the doors 108a, 108b. Similarly, each door connecting member of a second pair of door connecting members 130c, 130d is coupled at their second ends to a second end of each of the doors 108a, 108b. In particular, the second ends of the door connecting members 130a, 130b, 130c, 130d are coupled to door protruding elements 132a, 132b, 132c, 134d. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 the protruding elements are located at the centre of the respective ends of the doors. A person skilled in the art will understand that the door connecting members may be coupled to any suitable portion of the doors.

[0082] Each sliding member 128a and 128b comprises a pair of body members 166a, 166b and 166c, 166d in the form of plates, as shown in FIG. 6. The plate members 166a, 166b, 166c, 166d have a first end and a second end. Each pair of plates are connected adjacent to one another at a first end by a first connecting pin 136. Each pair of plates are connected adjacent to one another at a second end by a second connecting pin or retaining pin 138. The first connecting pin 136 is located above the retaining pin 138 and closer to the lifting beam 114. The plate members 166a, 166b, 166c, 166d of each sliding member 128a, 128b are substantially parallel when joined.

[0083] Each sliding member 128a and 128b is coupled at a first end to a second end of the respective lifting member 116a and 116b. Each sliding member 128a and 128b is coupled at a second end to a first end of each respective door connecting member 130a, 130b, 130c, 130d. Specifically, a connector 168a, 168b may be coupled to the first connecting pin 136 at the first end. The second end of the lifting member 116a and 116b is connected to the connector 168a, 168b. The connector 168a, 168b may comprise a loop or ring connector, a shackle connector, or a master link connector.

[0084] It is noted that equivalent features shown on one side of the container system, as shown in FIGS. 4, 6, 7, 8 and 10 for example, may equally apply to, or may be present in relation to, the other side of the container system. In other words, FIGS. 4, 6, 7, 8 show the right side of the container system and similar and equivalent features are present on the left side of the container system, unless expressed otherwise in the present disclosure. In other words, the container system of the present disclosure may be longitudinally and/or transversely symmetrical.

[0085] Each sliding member 128a and 128b comprises a first protruding member 140 extending from the first end of each sliding member 128a, 128b and a second protruding member 142 extending from the second end of each sliding member 128a, 128b. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the first protruding member 140 is defined by the first connecting pin 136 and the second protruding member 142 is defined by protruding portions of the retaining pin 138. According to the example embodiment, each sliding member 128a and 128b comprises a corresponding pair of plate member 166a, 166b. Each plate comprises a through hole at the first end and a through hole at the second end. The pair of plate members 166a, 166b of each sliding member 128a and 128b are coupled together at a first end portion by the first connecting pin 136 and at a second end portion by the retaining pin 138. Both the first connecting pin 136 and the retaining pin 138 extend through the through holes, such that they define the protruding members 140 and 142 respectively. In alternative embodiments not shown in the figures, the protruding members and the pins may be separate parts.

[0086] A connector 170a, 170b is coupled to each end of the second protruding members 142 of the sliding members 128a and 128b. Each respective door connecting member 130a, 130b, 130c, and 130d is connected at a first end to a respective connector 170a, 170b. Such connectors 170a, 170b may comprise a loop or ring connector, a shackle connector, or a master link connector.

[0087] The door release mechanism 126 further comprises a corresponding retaining mechanism 144 for each sliding member 128a and 128b. Each retaining mechanism 144 is configured to retain a corresponding sliding member 128a, 128b in a second position, as shown in FIG. 8. The retaining mechanism 144 comprises a retaining member 148 and an actuator 146 to actuate the retaining member 148 between a locked configuration, as shown in FIG. 8, and an unlocked configuration, as shown in FIGS. 6 & 9.

[0088] The retaining member 148 comprises a pivotable hook 150. The hook 150 defines a recess, as shown in FIGS. 7, 8, and 10, that is configured to conform to the retaining pin 138 when in a locked configuration. The retaining member 148 comprises a through hole, which a pivot pin 152 passes through. The retaining member 148 pivots about the pivot pin 152 between a locked configuration or state, as shown in FIG. 8, and an unlocked configuration or state, as shown in FIGS. 7 & 10.

[0089] Each retaining member 148 comprises an actuator connection point 154 which the second end of the actuator 146 is coupled to. The actuator connection point 154 is positioned such that, when the actuator 146 is activated to retain a sliding member 128a, 128b in the second position, the actuator 146 retracts and the pivotable hook 150 rotates to substantially engage with the retaining pin 138 and lock a sliding member 128a, 128b in the second position. The actuator 146 is configured to extend so that the hook 150 is pivoted away from the retaining pin 138. In other words, the retaining member 148 disengages from the sliding member 128a, 128b. FIG. 7 illustrates the actuator 146 in an extended configuration and FIG. 8 illustrates an actuator 146 in a retracted configuration.

[0090] The actuator 146 is a remotely-operated electronic actuator. The container system 100 further comprises a power source 156 for powering the actuator 146. In the present embodiment, the power source 156 comprises a power pack (not shown) that is located on (or mounted to) a surface of the side wall 106a, 106b of the container body 102 within the vicinity of the actuator 146. A remote operating system is configured to simultaneously control the actuator 146 of retaining member 148 disposed on the side of the container body 106a and the actuator (not shown) of the other retaining member (not shown) disposed on the opposing side of the container body 106b.

[0091] Although not shown in the Figures, the container system 100 comprises a controller. The controller comprises a remote control receiver. The controller receives command signals from the remote operated by the user. The controller then transmits said command signals to the actuators 146. For example, in use, if the operator requires the doors 108a, 108b to be opened, the operator would press a button on the remote which sends a command signal to the controller to open the doors 108a, 108b and as such retract the actuators 140. The controller transmits this command signal to the actuator which in turn carries out the requested movement. The controller may be coupled to the end wall 106b of the container body adjacent the door release mechanism 158a.

[0092] Each sliding member 128a and 128b and the corresponding retaining mechanism 144 are housed within a respective casing 158a and 158b disposed on opposing sides 106a, 106b of the container body 102. Each casing comprises two slots 160, one slot per door connecting member. The slot 160 dimensioned in such a manner that each protruding member 140 and 142 protrudes through a respective slot 160 in the casing. The slots 160 prevent the sliding members 128a and 128b from moving beyond the pre-determined first position and second position. This is because the first protruding members 140 will make contact with a first end portion of the slot at the first position of the sliding member 128a, 128b and the second protruding member 142 will make contact with a second end portion of the slot at the second position of the sliding member 128a, 128b, resulting in the sliding members 128a and 128b being stopped at each respective position.

[0093] Each casing 158a, 158b further comprises a first casing through hole that is configured to secure the pivot pin 152 in position, in turn providing positioning of the retaining member 148 within the casing 160, and a secure point of rotation for the retaining member 148. The pivot pin 152 of the retaining member 148 passes through the first casing through holes in the casing 158a and 158b and is fixed. Each casing 158a and 158b comprises a second casing through hole (not shown in the figures), configured to secure a first end of the actuator 146 in a fixed position, such that when the second end of the actuator 146 extends or retracts it results in rotation of the retaining member 148. As shown in FIG. 6, a first end of the actuator 146 is secured to the casing 158a, 158b by a pin member 145. The first end of the actuator 146 is arranged to pivot about the pin member 145. Each casing 158a and 158b further comprises a third casing through hole 162a and 162b, which the lifting members 116a and 116b passes through. The third casing through holes 162a, 162b are each located at the top of their respective casing 158a, 158b.

[0094] The container system 100 further comprises four door dampers 164a, 164b, 164c, 164d. Each damper 164a, 164b, 164c, and 164d is connected at a first end to the side of the container body 106a and 106b and at a second end to an end of the respective doors 108a and 108b. Damper 164a is connected at a second end to the first end of door 108a. Damper 164b is connected at a second end to the first end of door 108b. Damper 164c is connected at a second end to the second end of door 108a, and damper 164d is connected at a second end to the second end of door 108b. Each damper 164a, 164b, 164c, 164d is connected to the container body 102 via a connecting bracket. As mentioned previously, each door 108a and 108b further comprises a door protruding member 132a, 132b, 132c, 132d, to which both the second end of each respective door damper 164a, 164b, 164c, 164d and the second end of each respective door connecting member 130a, 130b, 130c, 130d is coupled.

[0095] Some suitable materials for the various components of the system include: mild steel for the container (for any or all of the side walls, end walls, and stiffening members); mild steel for the lifting member and the door connecting member; structural steel (e.g. s355) for the lifting plate; mild steel bolts for the hinges for the doors. The structure of the container may be welded.

[0096] In one example configuration of a container embodying the present invention: the container may be between about 1.5 and about 4 metres wide; the container may be between about 2.5 and about 7 metres long; the container may be between about 1.5 and about 4 metres deep. In one particularly preferred example, a container embodying the present invention has a length of about 4.5 metres, a width of about 2 metres, and a depth of about 2 metres.

[0097] Operation of the container system 100 will now be described. The container system 100, as shown in FIGS. 1, 3, 4, and 5, is in the closed configuration. In this closed configuration, the door connecting members 130a, 130b, 130c, and 130d are substantially taut. In this closed configuration, the sliding members 128a and 128b are in a first position. The distance between the lifting beam and the second end of the lifting member is Y (as shown in FIG. 4), and is such that the doors 108a and 108b are in the closed position. When the distance between the lifting beam and the second end of the lifting member is Y, the sliding member is configured to be in the first position. When the sliding member is at the first position the doors 108a and 108 are in closed position. This is because the respective door connecting members 130a, 130b, 130c, 130d are substantially taut.

[0098] In use, the container system 100 may be loaded with bulk material. The container body 102 is configured to receive such bulk material through its open mouth and retain such bulk material when the container system 100 is in a closed configuration. The container system 100 is attached to a lifting device (not shown), such as a crane, by the two second lifting plates 122a and 122b situated at the respective ends of the lifting beam 114. Upon the crane operator setting the container system 100 down in a location (either on the ground or above the ground, in which a support device is provided to a support location for the container system 100 to be supported above the ground) where the bulk material located within the container body 102 are to be dispensed, the lifting beam 114 is lowered, from a configuration as shown in FIG. 1 to a configuration as shown in FIG. 9, such that the sliding members 128a and 128b move downwards from a first position to a second position. As the sliding members 128a and 128b are moving from the first position to the second position, the door connecting members 130a, 130b, 130c, and 130d consequently transition from being substantially taut (as shown in FIG. 1) to substantially slack (as shown in FIG. 9). The doors 108a and 108b remain in a closed position during this transition. The retaining mechanism 144 remains in an unlocked configuration, as shown in FIG. 6, during this transition. Once the sliding members 128a and 128b are stopped at the second position by the second protruding member 142, the respective actuators 146 are then activated remotely. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the actuator 146 is coupled to the retaining member 148 and, when remotely operated, the actuator 146 retracts or extends. Due to the actuator 146 being fixed at a first end to the casing, the retraction of the actuator 146 causes the retaining member 148 to pivot about the pivot pin 152. This consequently causes the pivotable hook 150 to pivot into engagement with the retaining pin 138.

[0099] Once the retaining members 148 are in a locked configuration (in other words, the retaining members 148 are in engagement with retaining pins 138 of sliding members 128a, 128b), the sliding members 128a and 128b are retained in the second position. In this configuration, the door release mechanism 126 effectively allow the release or opening of the doors. The crane operator may then lift the container system 100. Upon the crane operator lifting the container system 100, the container system 100 transitions into an open configuration, as shown in FIG. 2. In this configuration, the doors 108a and 108b move to an open position as a result of the weight of the doors 108a, 108b and the weight of any bulk material received within the container body 102 because the door connecting members are substantially slack. In the process of opening, the doors 108a and 108b rotate about their hinges and open, thus dispensing any bulk material contained within the container body 102. When the doors 108a and 108b are in an open position the dampers 164a, 164b, 164c, and 164d connected to the respective ends of the each door 108a and 108b is extended.

[0100] Upon the container 100 being lifted to a height such that the doors 108a and 108b are fully open, as shown in FIG. 2, the door connecting members 130a, 130b, 130c, and 130d are placed in tension by at least a portion of the load of the doors i.e. the door connecting members 130a, 130b, 130c, and 130d are substantially taut.

[0101] Once the bulk material is dispensed, the resetting process begins to return the container system 100 to a closed configuration. The actuator 146 is remotely actuated by an operator through a wireless remote (not shown). An input from the remote operator causes the actuator 146 to extend. In turn, as shown in FIG. 10, the retaining member 148 is pivoted from a locked configuration to an unlocked configuration, such that the hook 150 disengages from the retaining pin 138.

[0102] When the retaining members 148 are disengaged from the sliding members 128a, 128b, the sliding members 128a and 128b are free to move upwards from the second position to the first position. As the crane operator lifts the container system 100 away from the dispensing location, the lifting beam 114 is lifted such that the sliding members 128a and 128b move from a second position to a first position. In turn, the door connecting members 130a, 130b, 130c, and 130d remain substantially taut and the doors 108a and 108b move from an open position to a closed position. As the doors 108a 108b move from an open position to a closed position, the dampers 164a, 164b, 164c, and 164c connected to the respective ends of the door 108a and 108b retract. This retraction reduces the speed of the doors 108a and 108b moving from an open position to a closed position, as such prevents the sliding members 128a and 128b from rapidly moving from a second position to a first position. The sliding members 128a and 128b are stopped at the first position by the first protruding member 140. The container system 100 is thus automatically reset to a closed configuration, and can be re-filed with bulk material to be transported and dispensed.

[0103] In the event that the retaining mechanism 144 is accidentally activated when the sliding member 128a, 128b is not in the second position, the container or door release mechanism may be capable of detecting when the sliding member is in the second position. The container or door release mechanism may comprise a switch that may be activated when the sliding member is in the second position. The container or door release mechanism may comprise a sensing element that may detect when the sliding member is in the second position. Such arrangements may advantageously prevent the retaining mechanism from being activated unless the sliding member is in the second, bottom position.

[0104] A container system as described above in the context of FIGS. 1 to 10 may comprises additional features as illustrated in FIGS. 11 to 13. The cont

[0105] The container system shown in FIGS. 11 to 13 is similar to that shown in FIGS. 1 to 10 but further comprises the following additional features: a railing; a power pack enclosure; a controller enclosure; wiring for transmitting power and control signals (not shown); and at least one indicator light. For ease of illustration, the lifting assembly is not shown in the container system 200 of FIGS. 11 to 13.

[0106] FIGS. 11 to 13 illustrate a container system 200 comprising the above-mentioned additional features. As shown in FIG. 11, the container system 200 comprises a railing or cage 172a, 172b. The railing 172a surrounds or encloses the left side door release mechanism 158a. The railing 172b surrounds or encloses the right side door release mechanism 158b. The railings 172a, 172b are each respectively coupled at a first end to the side wall 104a of the container body and at a second end to the opposing side wall 104b of the container body. This arrangement may advantageously prevent damage to the door release mechanisms 158a, 158b as the railing hinders any object or person from being in close proximity to the door release mechanisms 158a, 158b, which have moving parts.

[0107] The container system 200 according to the present disclosure further comprises at least one indicator light or beacon. As shown in FIGS. 11 to 13, the container system 200 comprises four indicator lights 178a, 178b, 178c, 178d. As shown clearly in FIG. 12, two indicator lights 178a, 178b are located on a top surface of the casing of door release mechanism 158a and the other two indicator lights 178c, 178d are located on a top surface of the casing of door release mechanism 158b. The indicator lights advantageously provide an indication of the status of the container system 100, 200.

[0108] The first indicator lights 178a, 178c may be green indicator lights and the second indicator lights 178b, 178d may be amber indicator lights.

[0109] In use, the first indicator lights 178a, 178c are ON (or activated) when both the power pack 156 and the controller are turned on or activated. The second indicator lights 178b, 178d are ON (or activated) when the actuators 140 are in an extended position. In other words, the second indicator lights 178b, 178d are ON (or activated) when the doors 108a, 108b are in a closed configuration. The second indicator lights 178b, 178d are ON (or activated) and flashing when the actuators 140 are in a retracted position. In other words, the second indicator lights 178b, 178d are ON (or activated) and flashing when the doors 108a, 108b are in an open configuration or are moving from a closed configuration to an open configuration.

[0110] As shown clearly in FIG. 13, the container system comprises a power pack enclosure (or housing) 174, where the power pack 156 is located within the power pack enclosure 174. The power pack enclosure 174 is coupled to an outer surface of the end wall 106b. In particular, the power pack enclosure 174 is coupled to a top portion of the end wall 106b adjacent to the door release mechanism 158a. The power pack enclosure 174 may be opened and closed using a lock and key to access a power source or battery located inside. Other suitable means for opening and closing the power pack enclosure 174 will be appreciated by the skilled person.

[0111] The container system may further comprise a controller enclosure (or housing) 176. The controller (not shown) is located within the controller enclosure 176. The controller enclosure 176 is coupled to a surface of the end wall 106b. In particular, the controller enclosure 176 is coupled to a top surface of the end wall 106b adjacent to the door release mechanism 158a. The controller enclosure 176 is located on an opposing side of the door release mechanism 158a to that of the power pack enclosure 174. The controller enclosure 176 may be opened and closed using a lock and key to access a controller located inside. Other suitable means for opening and closing the controller enclosure 176 will be appreciated by the skilled person.

[0112] In further alternative embodiments, the container may have only one door hinged along one side of the container or may have more than two doors, each being hinged along its outer edge, or part of its outer edge, to a respective side wall of the container. Alternatively, one or more doors may be hinged along an edge to a dividing wall dividing the container into two or more sections. Alternatively, one or more doors may be hinged along an edge to a stiffening member extending between a pair of opposed side or end walls of the container.

[0113] In further alternative embodiments, the container need not be entirely open at the bottom but may have one or more openings or apertures in the bottom which may be occluded by a door, or by more than one door, when in the closed positioned. The dispensing mechanism is arranged to open the at least one door so as to dispense bulk material from the or each opening in the manner described in relation to any of the embodiments described above.

[0114] In further alternative embodiments, the container may not be a rectangular container but may have a different shape. The container may, for example, be multi-sided or multi-faceted container having any number of container walls. The container may, for example, be a circular or cylindrical or pyramid-shaped or conical container or bucket-type container.

[0115] The specific embodiments and examples described above illustrate but do not limit the invention. It is to be understood that other embodiments of the invention may be made and the specific embodiments and examples described herein are not exhaustive.