US Patent 8177463 System for connecting and disconnecting containers from a base

A system for locking and unlocking containers to transport modes and other containers comprises an actuating unit in an upper corner fitting of a container, a mechanical connecting mechanism connected to the actuating unit, and guides to route the connecting mechanism from the actuating unit to a rotatable locking leg housed in a lower corner fitting of the container. The twist lock of a lifting spreader engages the upper corner fitting of a container, urging the actuating unit. The connecting mechanism is in turn urged thereby causing the locking leg to rotate. The locking system, and apparatus to unlock a container twistlock, comprises in addition to an actuating unit, a locking mechanism in a lower corner fitting of the container, and a vertical coupler connecting the actuating unit with the locking mechanism. A torsional force applied to rotate the actuating unit is converted to a tension force by the actuating unit to move the vertical coupler, thus resulting in the rotating and unlocking of the locking mechanism.