Twistlock

This article includes a list of general references, but it lacks sufficient corresponding inline citations. Please help to improve this article by introducing more precise citations. (July 2015) (Learn how and when to remove this template message)

Twistlock, unlocked v. locked position.

A twistlock or twist lock, together with matching corner castings, as defined in norms including ISO 1161:1984, form a standardized (rotating) connector system, for connecting and securing intermodal, and predominantly ISO-standard

Twist-locks also have to be used when stacking containers shorter than 40 feet (12 m) together with 40‑foot and longer containers. Containers shorter than 40 feet containers must be joined together horizontally with twist-locks, to form a rigid combined whole 40 feet in length, to make them stackable and be able to support and be supported by an ISO standard 40- or 45‑foot container stacked underneath or above them.[Note 1]^{[Note 2]}

Description

The twistlock was developed in Spokane, Washington, in the 1950s by transport engineer Keith Tantlinger.^[2][3] The relative obscurity of this invention belies its importance to a more efficient world trade and transport, as the Tantlinger lock made handling and stacking standard containers much easier. Tantlinger later released his patent royalty-free, which enabled the twist-lock to become an industry and international standard.^[4]

A major advantage of this approach to attachment is that containers, which may be stored or transported without being inspected for months at a time, do not require any maintenance in order to function effectively. Even with long-term exposure to the weather the container remains as simple to move as ever. Only when corrosion is very extensive (to the extent of being easily visible) does the twistlock become dangerous to move the crate. The male part (which is more exposed and susceptible to damage) is placed on vehicles and equipment that are inspected very frequently, and will work with all standard containers.

Mechanism

This section needs expansion with: clearer explanation of operation and tools used, and variations of designs. You can help by adding to it. (July 2015)

The

Some twistlocks have built-in levers or mechanisms, while simpler versions require tools for installation or removal. Some twistlocks are permanently installed (e.g., on the decks of container ships or on the beds of semi-trailers), while others are temporarily installed and removed as needed, for instance to stack containers securely on ships, or in storage yards.

• 
  Mid-locks are manually attached to the bottom corners of an upper container, and will automatically lock into the top corners of the lower container when stacked.
• 
  Closeup of twistlock at Maritime Museum of Finland
• 
  High-quality retractable twistlock
• 
  Twistlock engaged with shipping container at sea
• 
  Close-up of ISO standard container bottom corner casting. Twistlocks engage through a large oval hole on the bottom
• 
  Standard 20-foot ISO shipping container with standard corner castings on each of its eight corners.
• 
  Close-up of corner casting with twist-lock in place and locked.]

Applications

This section needs expansion with: explanation of uses in different modes of transport and storage. You can help by adding to it. (July 2015)

Double male twistlocks (midlocks) are also used to lock two stacked containers vertically, for example in double-stack rail transport or on well cars.

• 
  Rusty twistlock on a semi-trailer
• 
  Twistlock attachment to a trailer (Japan)
• 
  First level of twistlocks on the deck of a container ship
• 
  Twistlocks on deck of container ship. Foreground: unlocked; background: locked. The turnbuckles are "lashing rods" used for shoring
• 
  Loosely stacked tank containers, without twistlocks to tie their corners together, illustrating how easily the top one might shift off the bottom one
• 
  Skystacker attaching to just two top corner castings on one side of 20-foot container
• 
  Grounded container ship, the MV Rena off New Zealand, 5 October 2011. Some of the bottom containers collapsed, but many twistlocks held, resulting in the cargo stacks falling over.

Notes

References

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Twistlocks.

Bibliography

• Peck and Hale (2000). "Container Stowage and Securing Systems" (PDF). West Sayville, NY: Peck & Hale. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2011-07-15. Retrieved 2011-03-01.
• Levinson, Marc (2006).
  ISBN 0-691-12324-1
  .
• Nichols, C. Reid; Williams, Robert G. (November 2008). Encyclopedia of Marine Science. Infobase Publishing. p. 119.
  ISBN 978-0-8160-5022-2
  . Retrieved 8 March 2011.
• SPTA-company (November 2008). SPTA.su. Infobase Publishing. p. 119.
  ISBN 978-0-8160-5022-2
  . Retrieved 8 March 2011.