CA2351995A1

CA2351995A1 - Cargo shelving system for long life vehicles (llv's)

Info

Publication number: CA2351995A1
Application number: CA 2351995
Authority: CA
Inventors: C. Dale Noblet; Stephen R. Packer
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2001-07-03
Filing date: 2001-07-03
Publication date: 2003-01-03

Abstract

A cargo shelving system for LLVs provides greater mail stowage by the use of coordinated and sufficiently-separated upper and lower shelves, or shelves. The upper and lower shelves both are attached to the LLV by sliding linkages that allow th em to retract them to retract into or extend from the cargo area of the LLV. The cargo shelving system for LLVs of the present invention meets all USPS requirements, particularly those recently issued with respect to such stowage systems. A latching system locks the sliding shelves , both in the retracted and extended positions, depending upon the postal carrier preference. Ball-and- socket connections serve to prevent any damage by the articulation of a leve r or the like in retracting the latching pin. In an alternative embodiment, the width of the upper shelf is diminished in order to provide an. open-ended shelf for support of mail bins , envelope trays, and the like. Although the upper shelf is diminished in width, the additiona l storage or stowage space allowed by the upper shelf support system on the sides of the upper shelf provides increased storage area and the ability to haul more mail in a more convenient and efficient manner.

Description

CARGO SHELVING SYSTEM FOR
LONG LIFE VEHICLES (LLVS) Cross-References to Related Applications This patent application is related to United States Provisional Patent Application Serial Number 60/165,738 filed November 15, 1999 for CARGO SHELVING SYSTEM FOR
LONG LIFE VEHICLES (LLVs), which application is incorporated herein by this reference thereto.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention This invention relates to cargo transport, and particularly to a shelving system for a long life vehicle (LLV) often used by the United States Postal Service CUSPS).
Description of the Related Art Long life vehicles (LLVs) are used by the United States Postal Service CUSPS) for the delivery of mail by a postal carrier along the postal route. Often, the mail that is carried by the postal carrier is transported by the LLV in bins, boxes, trays, or the like that may not be efficiently stacked inside the LLV.
Mail carried by mail carriers may be heavy when collected in bins, trays, boxes, or the like. The lifting of such heavy weight may cause back or other injuries for postal workers,

- 2 -thus increasing employee difficulties with respect to handling mail.
Additionally, the depth of the cargo area may encourage postal workers to reach in and pull the mail from within the confines of the cargo area. This may also precipitate back or other skeleto-muscular problems.
Additionally, the contents of a cargo area in an LLV do not lend themselves to a coherent stacking of mail as there are no ways that support can be given the stacked mail and the like. Additionally, access to such stacked mail is restricted as mail towards the top and front adjacent the cargo area door is easier to access than mail very deep within the stacks of letters and the like.
Consequently, it would be advantageous to provide a cargo shelving system for an LLV
1.0 that more efficiently allowed the u'se of bins, boxes, and the like as approved by the USPS, as well as providing easier access to such bins and boxes, as well as the mail they contain. Such a shelving system should handle the variety mail containers and carriers as well as allowing better use of the personal storage space of both the vertical and horizontal storage space available within the confines of the cargo area of an LLV.

The present invention provides a plurality of embodiments by which wide shelves provide greater capacity for an LLV, as well as providing a better of carriage of such mail as well as better access to such mail, particularly when such mail is placed in bins or boxes.
A first top shelf is slidably linked to a stand or the like. A lower bottom shelf is also 20 slidably linked to the LLV. Both shelves are generally wide in nature, spanning almost the entirety of the width of the load bed for the LLV. The shelves themselves are generally

- 3 -constructed of powder-coated metal and have holes so that the area beneath the shelves may be visually inspected to ensure that no mail has been lost underneath the shelf.
In a preferred embodiment, the top shelf is slightly narrower than the bottom shelf so as to provide shelves on either side of the top shelf that are wide enough to hold bins and boxes having a twelve-inch -~ wide footprint. The shelves generally meet USPS (United States Postal Service) regulations and provide a more advantageous way by which mail can be stored and retrieved in an LLV as each of the top and bottom shelves slide out towards the rear of the LLV. This makes the bins and boxes carrying mail easier to access and makes it easier to retrieve the mai( contained therein. These shelves are held in place by latches that ensure that the shelves do not slide with respect to the LLV while the shelves are either retracted or extended.
LLV's may incorporate Flex Fuel Technology (FFV) and the present invention may apply to FFV's in a manner similar to, if not the same as, LLV's.
The shelving system of the present invention provides greater capacity and more convenience for the postal carrier in loading the postal carrier with mail and the like, as well as providing easy access to such mail.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide better means by which mail can be stored, transported, and accessed as cargo in LLVs.
It is an additional object of the present invention to provide cargo shelves for LLVs that are both extendable and retractable.

- 4 -It is yet another object of the present invention to provide cargo shelves for LLVs that meet USPS requirements.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide storage space for mail as cargo in USPS LLVs.
It is another object of the present invention to use cargo space in an LLV
efficiently.
It is another object of the present invention to provide easier loading and unloading of mail in an LLV
It is yet another object of the present invention to reduce injuries occurring from mail carrying.
These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from a review of the following specification and accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a rear perspective view of an LLV with the rear cargo door open showing the top and bottom sliding shelves of the cargo system of the present invention with the lower shelf extended outwardly.
Figure 2 is a perspective view of the cargo shelving system of the present invention showing the lower latch of the upper shelf/tray, with the lower shelf being extended.
Figure 3 is a perspective view of the latching system attached to the lower side of the upper shelf.
Figure 4 is a perspective view of the lower shelf showing an access panel allowing access to the bottom panel of the LLV .

- 5 -Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the left upper shelf support with the upper shelf extended along its sliding linkage.
Figure 6 shows an alternative embodiment of the upper shelf support of the present invention with a open containment system for supporting US mail bins as well as an extension for the narrower upper shelf.
Figure 7 shows a perspective view of the left side of the alternative embodiment of the cargo shelving system of the present invention showing the open-ended containment system of the left support area supporting both an envelope tray and a mail bin as well as providing support for the upper shelf.
Figure 8 shows a perspective view and alternative embodiment of a sliding shelf and support system used in the present invention.
Figure 9 shows a side cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the sliding shelf/cargo shelving system of the present invention with mail trays and bins shown in phantom and with the cargo area sides and bottom shown in phantom.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS) The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of presently-preferred embodiments of the invention and is not intended to represent the only forms in which the present invention may be constructed and/or utilized. The description sets forth the functions and the sequence of steps for constructing and operating the invention in connection with the illustrated embodiments.
However, it is to be understood that the same or equivalent functions and sequences may be accomplished by

- 6 -different embodiments that are also intended to be encompassed within the spirit and scope of the invention.
As shown in the drawings, which generally provide a complete disclosure of the present invention, the cargo shelving system 100 for long life vehicles (LLVs) has an upper shelf 102 spaced apart from a lower shelf 104. Both the upper and lower shelves 102, 104 slidably articulate frontwardly and rearwardly along corresponding pairs of sliding linkages 120, 122.
The shelves 102, 104 are held in place by corresponding latches 150, 152 that both hold the shelves 102, 104 closed in a retracted position or open in an extended position. The upper shelf 102 is separated from the lower shelf 104 in a manner such that mail bins and boxes such as those shown in Figure 7 are able to be set inside the lower shelf 104 without interfering with the articulation or sliding of either the upper shelf 102 or the lower shelf 104.
As shown in Figure l , both the upper shelf 102 and the lower shelf 104 are able to extend outwardly form the rear of the LLV cargo doorway 130. Each of the shelves 102, 104 attempts to maximize the surface area upon which a load, particularly that of mail, can be borne by the shelves. The shelves selectably and slidably extend outwardly and rearwardly from the rear of the LLV to an extent that is advantageous for the loading of mail both on and off the shelves 102, 104. Each of the shelves 102, 104 is sturdy enough to withstand the load, on the order of approximately 300 pounds.
The lower shelf 104 may be situated between the rear wheel wells of the LLV. A
support bracket, or stand, 720 (Figure 7) holds the sliding linkage 122 in order to allow the sliding engagement of the lower shelf 104 and may be affixed, attached, or otherwise associated with the cargo bay of the LLV. As shown in Figures 4-8, each of the shelves may have holes, apertures, or foramens 420 that allow for visual inspection of the area beneath the

7 -shelf. Use of similar material for the shelves also allows for generally uniform manufacture with respect to the upper and lower shelves, although it can be seen from inspection of the figures that the upper shelf 102 is generally narrower than the lower shelf 104.
As shown in Figure 4, an access panel 410 may be present in the lower shelf 104 in order to provide access to the area of the cargo bay underneath the lower shelf 104. The access panel 410 may be secured as by screws or the like in order to remove it from the lower shelf 104. The access panel provides access to the space between the lower shelf 104 and the bottom panel of the LLV cargo area should mail or other items drop or be found therebetween.
Each of the shelves has a generally flattened configuration and has an upwardly extending rim 220, 224 to an extent useful and necessary to retain mail bins, trays, and the like on the shelf. Generally, low rims are considered more advantageous as they require less lifting of the mail over the rim. However, such rims are generally needed in order to retain the mail bins, trays, and the like on the shelf during motion of the LLV .
As each of the shelves, or trays, 102, 104 is in sliding relationship with a fixed attachment point of the LLV, such shelves would slide along the linkage unless they were held in place in some manner. That manner of locking the shelves into place is present through the locking mechanism 300 shown below the upper shelf 102 in Figure 3 but is equally applicable and present for the lower shelf 104.
Figure 2 shows an articulating latching system 300 that provides the available means by which the shelves may be locked in place. In order to prevent breakage, ball-socket joint linkages are used in a spring-biased system that generally holds the system closed or fixed, once the locking pin 310 has engaged one of the latch holes 320.

As shown in Figure 3, the chassis, or supporting bracket, 330 supporting the upper shelf 102 has forward 334 and rearward 336 locking holes that engage a locking pin 310 in order to secure the upper shelf 102 in place. The distance between the rearward locking hole 336 and the forward locking hole 334 is the distance that the shelf extends rearwardly from the LLV .
The locking pin 310 is attached to a linkage 350 and ultimately connects to the lock handle 352. As shown in Figure 3, by moving the lock handle 352 sideways, rods connected to ball and socket swivel joints 362 and traveling through supports mediate the displacement angle between the lock handle 352 and the locking pin 310. As show in Figure 3; the lock handle 352 generally travels laterally to the right a few inches and in so traveling withdraws the locking pin 310 from the locking hole 336 by motion in the opposite direction.
The rod 360 of the linkage 350 may be held in place by supports 364 and shown in Figure 3.
A single latch is generally considered to be sufficient for the carriage purposes of the shelving system set forth herein. However, further modifications and additions to the latch structure 300 shown in Figure 3 may be used for both the upper 102 and lower 104 shelves, and may be implemented such that the shelves are made secure both during the transport of the mail during the operation of the LLV or during the on or off loading of the mail when the shelves 102, 104 are extended out from the LLV.
Figures 5 and 6 show a contrast between the side support systems that may be used in order to affix the upper shelf 102 to the LLV. In Figure 5, the side support system 500 uses triangular or other side struts 510 in order to support the upper sliding linkage 120. In Figure 5, a base panel 520 is affixed to the LLV and supports at a right angle an upwardly extending panel 522. It is to this upwardly extending panel 522 that the sliding linkage 120 is affixed so _ g _ that a meeting section attached to the upper shelf 102 may allow the upper shelf 102 to slide with respect to the side support system 500.
As shown in Figure 5, a well or open area 530 is generally present beside the side support 500 and extends to the side wall of the LLV. While mail bins could be temporarily stored in this location, it is generally difficult to both place mail in the well 530 and to retrieve it therefrom.
As shown in Figures 6 and 7, an alternative embodiment of the side support system 600 for the upper shelf 102 can also be used as a support for U.S. mail bins, envelope trays, and the like. An open-ended containment system has a flat panel 610 flanked on one or both sides bY upwardly extending flanges 612 or the like. The flanges 612 are generally separated by a distance of approximately twelve and three-quarters (12-3/4) inches in order to contain the mail bins and envelope trays that generally have a footprint on the order of 12 inches.
As an alternative embodiment, an upper shelf support 600 is shown in Figure 6 and provides support for the sliding linkage 120 and for the upper shelf 102.
Situated upon the LLV wheel well cover 604, the upper shelf support 600 holds mail bins and the like slightly above the upper shelf 102. In order to hold such mail bins, mail trays, and the like, the width of the upper shelf 102 is diminished as the upper shelf support 600 has an extension 608 that projects into the cargo area to provide sufficient width for supporting mail bins, mail trays, and the like. As shown in Figure 6, a mail tray supporting panel 610 has a mail tray retainer 612 extending upwardly at an angle from the mail tray retaining panel 610. Mail trays, mail bins, and the like are set upon the mail tray retaining panel 610 and are held in place between the mail tray retainer 612 and the side of the LLV cargo area.

Figure 7 shows the side support system 600 shown in Figure 6 with the mail bins and mail trays. The support system generally extends the length of the cargo area in order to provide a surface area upon which mail trays and bins may be placed and held.
As also shown in Figure 7, the upper 102 and lower 104 shelves may hold mail bins that are empty or fu(1 with each having its own locking mechanism as indicated by the lock handles 352 present for both the upper shelf 102 and the lower shelf 104.
Figures 8 and 9 show schematic depictions of various features present in the cargo shelving system of the present invention. Figure 8 shows a perspective view of the lower shelf 104 with its access panel 410. The mail tray retaining panels 610 for the right and left sides are shown as is a side bracket 330 for providing the sliding linkage 120.
Figure 9 shows a cross-sectional view of the cargo shelving system of the present invention depicting various elements shown in relative relationship and proportion.
Note should be taken with the sliding linkage used in the present invention may be roller brackets or the like or any other means by which shelves 102, 104 may be displaced with respect to the LLV. While a third shelf might be added to the cargo shelving system of the present invention, the difficulty in reaching it would generally inhibit its use. No leverage is provided to the mail carrier by which he or she may use to easily lift the mail bin or tray, or other mail or articles out of the possible upper third shelf.
The cargo shelving system for Long Life Vehicle of the present invention may conform to all applicable regulations of the United States Postal Service CUSPS) including the LLV mail stowage equipmept guidelines of September 27, 1999 which are incorporated herein by this reference thereto. Among the features of the present invention that are realized by the cargo shelving system of the present invention are that the cargo stowage and retrieval system is _ 11 _ designed in the manner that allows the carrier to load and unload mail while standing outside the vehicle and other requirements as set forth in the LLV mail stowage equipment guidelines, above.
The present invention makes efficient and safe use of the cargo area present in LLVs and also provides easier and safer means by which mail may be loaded and unloaded into the LLV. United States Postal Service CUSPS) regulations are met by the present invention and serve to provide means by which better cargo carrying capacity and facility can be accomplished using present-day LLVs.
The majority of the parts set forth herein are powder coated steel of a sufficient gauge to hold weight on the order of 300 pounds. In one embodiment, 0.160 inch metal, such as aluminum or steel, may be used. 0.125 (1/8) inch metal may also be used to good effect, particularly in the support systems for the upper shelf. The sliding linkages are not coated but serve to allow sliding between the ultimate support (whether the support system for the upper shelf 102 or the bottom of the LLV for the lower shelf 104). In one embodiment, the sliding linkages allow the shelves to extend outwardly thirty-six inches (36"). In another, forty-two inches (42").
While the present invention has been described with regards to particular embodiments, it is recognized that additional variations of the present invention may be devised without departing from the inventive concept. For example, LLV's may incorporate Flex Fuel Technology (FFV) and the present invention may apply to FFV's in a manner similar to, if not the same as, LLV's.

Claims

-12-

1. A cargo shelving system for a long life vehicle (LLV), comprising:
a lower shelf, said lower shelf slidably coupled to the LLV; and an upper shelf, said upper shelf slidably coupled to the LLV and spaced apart from said lower shelf so that mail bins and envelope boxes held by said lower shelf do not obstruct or interfere with sliding of said upper shelf;
whereby mail may be transported more efficiently by the LLV and a postal carrier may more easily access greater volumes of mail inside the LLV.

2. The cargo shelving system for an LLV of Claim 1, further comprising:
a first support, said first support supporting said upper shelf up and away from the LLV and said lower shelf;
a second support, said second support oppositely opposed said first support and supporting said upper shelf up and away from the LLV and said lower shelf; and said first and second supports slidably supporting said upper shelf so that it may slide through a rear door of said LLV.

3. The cargo shelving system for an LLV of Claim 2, further comprising:
said first support providing a first open-ended containment support for supporting said mail bins and envelope boxes;
said second support providing a second open-ended containment support for supporting said mail bins and envelope boxes; and said first and second supports supporting said upper shelf such that said upper shelf is of a width sufficient to provide for both said first and second open-ended containment supports; whereby additional flat surface space is provided inside the LLV for mail storage and transport.

4. The cargo shelving system for an LLV of Claim 1, further comprising:
said upper and lower shelves slidably coupled to said LLV by roller brackets.

5. The cargo shelving system for an LLV of Claim 1, further comprising:
a first latch, said first latch coupled to said lower shelf, said first latch selectably latching said lower shelf in a closed, retracted position and an open, extended position;
a second latch, said second latch coupled to said upper shelf, said second latch selectably latching said upper shelf in a closed, retracted position and an open, extended position; whereby said upper and lower shelves are easily loaded and unloaded when said upper and lower shelves are in said open, extended position and said upper and lower shelves are easily transported by the LLV when said upper and lower shelves are in said closed, retracted position, said first and second latches securing said lower and upper shelves, respectively, in either said, open, extended or said closed, retracted positions.

6. The cargo shelving system for an LLV of Claim 5, further comprising:
said first latch having a first ball and socket articulating joint; and said second latch having a second ball and socket articulating joint;
whereby said first and second latches withstand stress better and are less susceptible to failure.

7. A cargo shelving system for a long life vehicle (LLV), comprising:
a lower shelf, said lower shelf slidably coupled to the LLV; and an upper shelf, said upper shelf slidably coupled to the LLV and spaced apart from said lower shelf so that mail bins and envelope boxes held by said lower shelf do not obstruct or interfere with sliding of said upper shelf;
a first support, said first support supporting said upper shelf up and away from the LLV and said lower shelf;
a second support, said second support oppositely opposed said first support and supporting said upper shelf up and away from the LLV and said lower shelf;
said first and second supports slidably supporting said upper shelf so that it may slide through a rear door of said LLV;
said upper and lower shelves slidably coupled to said LLV by roller brackets;

first and second latches, said first latch coupled to said lower shelf, said first latch selectably latching said lower shelf in a closed, retracted position and an open, extended position, said second latch coupled to said upper shelf, said second latch selectably latching said upper shelf in a closed, retracted position and an open, extended position, so that said upper and lower shelves are easily loaded and unloaded when said upper and lower shelves are in said open, extended position and said upper and lower shelves are easily transported by the LLV when said upper and lower shelves are in said closed, retracted position, said first and second latches securing said lower and upper shelves, respectively, in either said open, extended or said closed, retracted positions; and said first latch having a first ball and socket articulating joint and said second latch having a second ball and socket articulating joint so that said first and second latches withstand stress better and are less susceptible to failure;
whereby mail may be transported more efficiently by the LLV and a postal carrier may more easily access greater volumes of mail inside the LLV.

8. The cargo shelving system for an LLV of Claim 7, further comprising:
said first support providing a first open-ended containment support for supporting said mail bins and envelope boxes;
said second support providing a second open-ended containment support for supporting said mail bins and envelope boxes; and said first and second supports supporting said upper shelf such that said upper shelf is of a width sufficient to provide for both said first and second open-ended containment supports; whereby additional flat surface space is provided inside the LLV for mail storage and transport.