WO1996020850A1 - Procede et appareil pour charger des vehicules sur un transporteur - Google Patents

Procede et appareil pour charger des vehicules sur un transporteur Download PDF

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Publication number
WO1996020850A1
WO1996020850A1 PCT/US1996/000231 US9600231W WO9620850A1 WO 1996020850 A1 WO1996020850 A1 WO 1996020850A1 US 9600231 W US9600231 W US 9600231W WO 9620850 A1 WO9620850 A1 WO 9620850A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
vehicles
dolly
vehicle
rails
container
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US1996/000231
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Gerhard A. Thelen
Paul F. Steets
Original Assignee
Consolidated Rail Corporation
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Consolidated Rail Corporation filed Critical Consolidated Rail Corporation
Publication of WO1996020850A1 publication Critical patent/WO1996020850A1/fr

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D88/00—Large containers
    • B65D88/54—Large containers characterised by means facilitating filling or emptying
    • B65D88/542—Ramps forming part of the container
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60P—VEHICLES ADAPTED FOR LOAD TRANSPORTATION OR TO TRANSPORT, TO CARRY, OR TO COMPRISE SPECIAL LOADS OR OBJECTS
    • B60P3/00—Vehicles adapted to transport, to carry or to comprise special loads or objects
    • B60P3/06—Vehicles adapted to transport, to carry or to comprise special loads or objects for carrying vehicles
    • B60P3/07—Vehicles adapted to transport, to carry or to comprise special loads or objects for carrying vehicles for carrying road vehicles
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60P—VEHICLES ADAPTED FOR LOAD TRANSPORTATION OR TO TRANSPORT, TO CARRY, OR TO COMPRISE SPECIAL LOADS OR OBJECTS
    • B60P3/00—Vehicles adapted to transport, to carry or to comprise special loads or objects
    • B60P3/06—Vehicles adapted to transport, to carry or to comprise special loads or objects for carrying vehicles
    • B60P3/08—Multilevel-deck construction carrying vehicles
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B61—RAILWAYS
    • B61D—BODY DETAILS OR KINDS OF RAILWAY VEHICLES
    • B61D47/00—Loading or unloading devices combined with vehicles, e.g. loading platforms, doors convertible into loading and unloading ramps
    • B61D47/005—Loading or unloading devices combined with road vehicles carrying wagons, e.g. ramps, turntables, lifting means
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2585/00—Containers, packaging elements or packages specially adapted for particular articles or materials
    • B65D2585/68—Containers, packaging elements or packages specially adapted for particular articles or materials for machines, engines, or vehicles in assembled or dismantled form
    • B65D2585/6802—Containers, packaging elements or packages specially adapted for particular articles or materials for machines, engines, or vehicles in assembled or dismantled form specific machines, engines or vehicles
    • B65D2585/686—Containers, packaging elements or packages specially adapted for particular articles or materials for machines, engines, or vehicles in assembled or dismantled form specific machines, engines or vehicles vehicles
    • B65D2585/6867—Containers, packaging elements or packages specially adapted for particular articles or materials for machines, engines, or vehicles in assembled or dismantled form specific machines, engines or vehicles vehicles automobiles
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
    • B65G2201/00—Indexing codes relating to handling devices, e.g. conveyors, characterised by the type of product or load being conveyed or handled
    • B65G2201/02—Articles
    • B65G2201/0294—Vehicle bodies

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to systems for loading and unloading automobiles or other vehicles into cargo containers or trailers .
  • the primary method of distributing large numbers of automobiles, trucks or similar vehicles is by rail. Secondary and further distribution is then carried out by a combination of rail and motor carrier.
  • a railcar may be loaded with a certain number of automobiles and then unload the entire cargo directly to a dealer; alternatively, the railcar may be unloaded and the cargo re- distributed in smaller allotments on motor carriers. In either situation, the individual motor vehicles must be handled a number of times.
  • the loading and unloading procedures currently in use involve drivers loading and unloading each vehicle from a railcar using the motive power of the vehicle itself.
  • the present system is relatively unsatisfactory for several reasons. First, it is labor-intensive and time consuming. Second, there is an increased risk of damage while the vehicles are being driven. Finally, once loaded, the driver must exit the vehicle and must enter the vehicle to unload. The vehicle carrier must therefore provide adequate ingress and egress for the driver. This last requirement results in wasted space within the carriers, a particularly troublesome point where the carrier envelope is restricted to a certain maximum dimension, such as that of a standardized cargo container.
  • U.S. Patent No. 4 , 759, 668--Larsen et al discloses a system for storing automobiles within cargo containers using pallets that slide on rails mounted inside the cargo container. Individual vehicles are attached to the pallets and moved into and out of the container. The vehicles are, however, still handled individually and the pallets are essentially part of the loading and unloading structure. Thus, at least to this extent the vehicles must still be driven into close proximity with the cargo container.
  • U.S. Patent No. 4, 919, 582--Bates et al discloses a system for loading and unloading cargo containers carrying automobiles wherein several vehicles are placed in a "sleeve" structure, which is in turn placed on a loader that inserts the entire sleeve into a cargo container. The vehicles are driven into the sleeve and attached to the structure of the sleeve and cannot be individually handled unless the entire "sleeve" is removed from the container.
  • U.S. Patent No. 3 , 498, 480--Gutridge discloses a system for transporting automobiles wherein the automobiles are driven onto a multi-tiered loading structure using a ramp of adjustable height. Once the vehicles are driven onto the loading structure, they are attached to full length rolling pallets, which are linked together and pushed into or pulled out of a transportation trailer. The full length rolling pallets ride on wheels that engage rails that are mounted inside the trailer and that are part of the multi-tiered loading structure when the rolling pallets are not fully inside the trailer. Thus, this system also requires the vehicles to be driven into close proximity with the container.
  • U.S. Patent No. 5, 049, 025--Roman discloses a dolly for engaging a pair of wheels on a vehicle. After engagement, the vehicle moves on a set of swivel casters.
  • U.S. Patent Nos . 3,110,466 and 3,221,907 both to O' Sullivan disclose respectively a wheeled pallet for moving vehicles, and a chocking device for use in conjunction with a wheeled pallet when vehicles are moved without operators, such as when they are stacked in high density garages.
  • none of the above-described patents presents an adequate solution to the problem of loading and unloading automobiles and other motor vehicles from standardized cargo containers.
  • the increased use of such containers in motor freight, rail and shipping makes the need for an efficient and reliable system even more pressing.
  • the system of the present invention provides a pallet comprised of a dolly that supports the wheels of a vehicle to permit it to be maneuvered without using a driver.
  • a dolly On a typical automobile, one dolly is placed under the front wheels and one is placed under the rear wheels and they are connected to form a pallet using a dolly linking bar.
  • the dolly also provides a connection point so that the vehicle to be towed.
  • one dolly is linked to another dolly such that two or more vehicles can be moved in a single operation.
  • the dolly assembly is provided with its own braking system that is designed so that when the dolly is disengaged from the towing vehicle, at least some of the wheels lock, preventing uncontrolled rolling. In certain instances the pallet will not roll unless lifted off the ground. This method would still permit the pallet to roll in the rails while in the container, but when set on the ground the vehicles can drive onto the pallet without the pallet rolling away from the vehicle.
  • the pallets comprised of dolly assemblies are supported within the container by a set of rails that run the length of the container, preferably at about floor level and at about the mid-line, permitting two "decks" of vehicles to be loaded into a container.
  • the vehicles are staggered or are in a slanted configuration, with the rails and dolly assemblies adjusted accordingly.
  • FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of a trailer built in accordance with the present invention
  • FIG. 2 is a rear elevation view of the trailer depicted in FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 3 is a partially broken-away view similar to FIG. 1 showing the extension of a loading ramp from the trailer;
  • FIG. 4 is a top plan view of a symmetrical dolly assembly used in conjunction with the present invention
  • FIG. 5 is a top plan view of an adjustable connector link used in conjunction with the present invention
  • FIG. 6 is a side elevation view of a vehicle wheel resting in the dolly illustrated in FIG. 4.
  • FIG. 7 is a top plan view showing an assembly of the apparatus depicted in FIGS. 4-5 into an automobile pallet system, with the automobile shown in phantom.
  • FIG. 8 is a side elevation view illustrating the use of the present invention in an automated method for high volume vehicle loading;
  • FIG. 9 is a side elevation view illustrating the use of the present invention in a semi-automated method for vehicle loading
  • FIG. 10 is a side elevation view illustrating the use of the present invention in a manual method for vehicle loading
  • FIG. 11 is an side elevation view depicting a container loaded with automobiles in accordance with the present invention
  • FIG. 12 is an side elevation view depicting a container loaded with automobiles in accordance with the present invention using an alternative loading pattern
  • FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a manual unloading device for used with the present invention, shown in an exploded orientation relative to a partial, broken away section of the structure of a trailer made in accordance with the present invention.
  • the present invention permits the shipment of automobiles directly from the manufacturer to the dealer, thereby eliminating the transfer of vehicles from multi-level freight cars to trucks for delivery by utilizing intermodal standardized cargo containers or standard trailers.
  • the present invention also eliminates damage that now occurs to vehicles that are transferred to multi-level carriers prior to delivery.
  • the containers and trailers used in conjunction with the present invention are not restricted to use with automobiles or other vehicles; the design permits them to be used for general dry good shipments as well. This provides a back haul opportunity for auto manufactures, such as permitting auto parts to be shipped to assembly plants.
  • the construction and design for the present invention is set forth in detail below.
  • the system includes a rail assembly mounted in a container or tailer, unloading ramps and electrically powered loading and unloading equipment.
  • the system also includes a combination rolling pallet assembly that is comprised of two dolly assemblies that are mounted to the wheels of the vehicles.
  • Each dolly assembly has two wheels that run in a track leading into a container.
  • the container or trailer is also equipped with tracks in which the wheels run.
  • the dolly assemblies are preferably connected to each other by an adjustable connector to permit multiple vehicles to be handled.
  • the vehicles are driven onto the dolly assembly at a convenient site and held down in fashion similar to vehicles in multi-level freight cars by the use of a blocking chock and strap system.
  • the vehicle or vehicles are then preferably pushed into the container or trailer using a tow vehicle. When unloading, the dolly is similarly pulled from the container or trailer. In the instance of a single vehicle, the manipulation of the loaded pallet assembly may be performed manually.
  • a “dolly” refers to a platform or carrier mounted on fixed or swivel casters.
  • a "pallet” describes a platform upon which cargo is loaded and shipped, and typically relates to platforms that permit a forklift to handle cargo without damaging the cargo.
  • a “wheeled” pallet is a structure that supports an entire cargo load and which can be moved by towing because it is outfitted with wheels or casters.
  • a pallet is comprised of two dolly assemblies joined by a dolly linking bar, but it should be noted that other structures are equivalent to that which is disclosed and described, and thus, the terms “dolly” and “pallet” are descriptive in nature and do not limit the present invention. For example, certain types of unitary frames might be conceived that take advantage of the concepts of the present invention, but which can be broken down or divided into two dolly assemblies.
  • trailer 100 is substantially the same in terms of the present invention as an intermodal cargo container, and thus the term “trailer” is to be interpreted broadly to include any type of automobile shipping container, and the term “container” includes trailers.
  • upper rails 110 and lower rails 112 are provided on the inside of the trailer 100.
  • the rails 110,112 preferably are comprised of a material having sufficient strength and size to function in the manner explained below.
  • Containers having sets of rails upon which vehicles can be mounted are shown in U.S. Patent No. 4 , 759, 668--Larsen et al .
  • the placement of the rails can be varied to suit various sizes and styles of vehicles of to permit the accommodation of other cargo along with the vehicles. If rails are manufactured from steel, corrosion protection should be provided, particularly where contact with aluminum parts of trailer/container occur.
  • the rails preferably have an overall length of about 53 feet and are designated to either become an integral part of a trailer or container structure, or can be retrofitted into existing foot trailers or containers so long as they are at least 53 feet long.
  • the width of the rail channel is no greater than about 2.0 inches .
  • the rails 110,112 provide for two-level loading as seen, for example in FIG. 3.
  • a plurality of side posts 114 are preferably spaced as shown in FIG. 1 and attached to every other side post of the trailer 100.
  • the same rails 110,112 can be incorporated into the actual structure of the trailer 100 if it is originally built for use with the present invention.
  • the rails 110,112 are left and right side designs with stops included in rails to control overall travel of dolly assemblies 200 inside trailer 100.
  • the rails 110,112 have cutouts on the lower portion of each running rail to fit cog teeth from the hand operated unloading buggy, as explained in further detail below.
  • FIG. 2 illustrates the placement of the rails
  • the interior width between rails 110,112 when mounted in an existing trailer or container is preferably at least about 94 1/2 inches, and when included in structure of a trailer or container as part of its original structure are preferably at least about 96 inches apart.
  • the height of rail structure should be no more than about 55 inches.
  • a loading ramp 116 is preferably provided that can be stowed within the trailer by sliding it along the rails 110. As seen in phantom, the ramp 116 can be moved to access either an upper or lower set of rails, and can otherwise be configured to position vehicles relative to the sets of rails 110,112 as desired.
  • the dolly assembly 200 preferably used in the present invention to form a pallet that handles a vehicle are illustrated.
  • the dolly assembly 200 of the present invention can be designed either as a braking or non-braking version.
  • the advantages of the braking dolly assembly are in the unloading of the vehicles at dealerships. In most cases the unloading of the vehicles at dealerships involves pulling the cars off the truck on busy streets. With a braking system, cars could be unloaded and parked in the street or parking lot, and unhooked later from the dolly. This permits the truck driver to unload all vehicles at once before taking the cars off the dolly assemblies.
  • the advantages of a non- braking dolly are in volume loading which does not require a braking system. Thus the non-braking dolly design is less complicated and for purposes of describing the present invention is illustrated.
  • the non-braking dolly 200 features a symmetrical design so that it can be used in either direction, and is preferably of a light weight aluminum welded construction so it is easily handled apart from the vehicle.
  • each dolly is preferably equipped with four 3.0 inch diameter wheels with sealed, non-field lubricating bearings.
  • the wheels are preferably of a steel composite design in order to reduce the shock transmission to the vehicles and each wheel has 1.0 total lateral movement through spring return axle displacement.
  • the symmetrical and lightweight design results in a design that can be stacked, preferably up to 12 high, for loading into one of the empty containers or trailers for the return trip.
  • the braking dolly is in most respects identical to non-braking dolly illustrated in FIG. 4.
  • a brake lever operates a heavy duty polymer brake stop, with two brake stops per pallet (i.e., one per dolly) .
  • the brake lever preferably can be operated from either direction to provide a fail-safe operation.
  • the dolly is preferably provided with a chocking device to retain the wheel longitudinally relative to the dolly, such as the system shown in U.S. Patent Nos . 3,110,466 and 3,221,907 both to 0'Sullivan.
  • the dolly structure also preferably restrains lateral movement, and as illustrated in FIG. 5, in its simplest form both these functions can be accomplished by designing the dolly 200 so that the wheel 50 of a vehicle is disposed between the dolly wheels 202 and falls between the lateral braces 204, sen in FIG. 4.
  • the vehicle is also preferably affixed in a removable manner to the dolly by a chain or cable tie down, or similar structure, to prevent the vehicle from moving off the dolly vertically during shipment.
  • the dolly linking bar 210 which is used to join two dolly assemblies 200 in the manner shown in FIG. 7.
  • the dolly linking bar 210 is comprised of two ball connectors 212 at either end and preferably a threaded or adjustable portion 214 joining them.
  • the adjustable portion 214 permits the overall length of the dolly linking bar 210 to be adjusted so that there is a structurally sound connection between the dolly assemblies when they are joined to form a pallet.
  • the dolly assembly 200 preferably includes socket connections 206 at either end that cooperate with the balls 212.
  • a ball and socket connection such as that preferred for use in conjunction with the present invention is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 3 , 498, 480--Gutridge.
  • the construction of this component or similar and equivalent connectors is thus within the ambit of those of ordinary skill, and the present invention is not limited to the type of connector illustrated.
  • FIG. 7 also illustrates the advantage of constructing the dolly assemblies 200 as symmetrical units, so that they can be readily connected together without concern for orientation. Additionally, it can be seen that a socket connection 206 is presented at either end of the vehicle 10, permitting vehicle linking bars 210 to be attached to the dolly.
  • the vehicle linking bars are most preferably the same structure as the dolly linking bars 210 discussed above.
  • the vehicle linking bars 210 permit vehicles to be linked to one another in series, as well as permit a towing vehicle or apparatus to be linked to the vehicle 10.
  • FIGS. 1-7 provide a complete system for moving one or more vehicles into and out of a container or trailer.
  • the further advantage is present in that there are only two components, the dolly 200 and the linking bar 210. Since both these components are adjustable, these two components can be combined in any number of combinations and accommodate nearly any size vehicle, from subcompact automobiles to industrial and military trucks, in any number of combinations.
  • the uses of the present invention to facilitate the loading and unloading of containers or trailers is described in further detail below.
  • FIG. 8 High volume vehicle loading at a manufacturer's assembly plant is shown in FIG. 8.
  • the operation also involves a movable scissor platform 50 equipped with an extendible loading arm 52 that pushes the vehicles 10 and dolly assemblies into the containers.
  • a loading platform that pivots about an axis is shown in U.S. Patent No. 3 , 498, 480--Gutridge.
  • the scissor platform 50 preferably operates on its own wheels and preferably moves 360°.
  • a loading platform that pivots about an axis is shown in U.S. Patent No. 3, 98, 480--Gutridge .
  • the construction and operation of the platform 50 and the apparatus that comprises the loading arm 52 is thus known to those of ordinary skill.
  • the scissor platform 50 has a minimum height off the ground when fully lowered of 3 feet 4 inches, and a maximum elevated height off the ground of 15 feet.
  • the scissor platform lifting movement is typically and preferably controlled hydraulically.
  • the scissor platform is also typically equipped with a cab operator's control stand and with steering controls for movement of the loader and operation of the hydraulic controls for the scissor lift.
  • the control stand also controls the electrical/hydraulic controls for extendible loading arm mentioned above.
  • the extendible loading arm preferably operates at a maximum rate of about 10 feet per second.
  • the system is capable of loading several containers or trailers parked in a row along its arc of travel. Because the apparatus is also self-powered, a flexible system is provided that can be moved to any section of the manufacturer's loading yard desired. This provides efficiency gains for the manufacturer by reducing the number of times the vehicles must be moved before loading.
  • the present invention is preferably constructed to be capable of carrying about 50,000 pounds (maximum 3 heavy duty vehicles) and has a maximum length of about 60 feet (capable of holding 3 extendable vans or trucks) . In the situation illustrated in FIG. 8, three vehicles 10 are linked together and are pushed into the container to create two decks of three, for a total of six vehicles.
  • the vehicles can be unloaded using the equipment described above if the volume is sufficient. Additionally, there is also the option that the individual dealer can utilize a smaller version of the loader 60, as illustrated in FIG. 9. This embodiment, which can be described as a serai- auto ated method, would most likely find use at high volume dealerships.
  • the smaller loader 60 may or may not be self- powered and may or may not be pivotable about an axis . Finally, as illustrated, the smaller unloader is most likely able to accommodate only one or two vehicles 10, and the vehicles are preferably driven on or off the smaller loader 60 using a self-contained ramp 64.
  • the present invention is also adaptable to accommodate the unloading of vehicles 10 at individual dealerships, and if warranted, can be handled solely by the delivering truck driver.
  • the unloading is accomplished with either an extendible pole 72 attached to a tow truck, pickup truck, or tractor 70 or the unloading can also be adapted to use a special motorized, hand operated, unloading device, as described below.
  • the extendible pole 72 is preferably extendible up to 50 feet and its operation is preferably controlled hydraulically.
  • the extendible pole 72 extends and is connected to one of the connectors on the dolly assembly 200 described above with reference to FIGS. 4- 7. In this configuration, an individual vehicle 10 is towed out of the trailer.
  • FIG. 13 a perspective view of an unloading apparatus for use in conjunction with a manual loading and unloading method is illustrated.
  • an exploded view is provided, showing a broken away portion of the structure of the trailer described above, including a rail assembly 100 and side supports 112.
  • This device is comprised of an unloading buggy 300 that is preferably powered by the battery of the delivering truck or tractor.
  • the device connects to the dolly assembly described above and would be equipped with a spoked wheel 308 that engages a rack or similar structure incorporated into the rails 110 described above.
  • the buggy 300 rides in the same track 110 as the wheels of the dolly assembly using similar wheels 302 and an idler wheel 304, all of which are affixed to a housing 306.
  • the advantages of the hand operated unloading buggy 300 is that it can act as the braking device. With its use, a braking system for the dolly assembly 200 would not be needed.
  • the hand operated unloading buggy is preferably stowed in a compartment on the side of the truck for easy access.
  • the hand operated unloading buggy 300 is preferably lifted into the compartment by cables operated by a hand or automatic winch, in a manner similar to the way spare tires are lowered from under a commercial vehicle .
  • the hand operated unloading device 300 is most preferably equipped with a remote control keypad 314 with a thin-line self-rewinding electric cable 312 is stored in a protective drum 310.
  • the provision of a relatively long cable 312 permits the operator to stand outside the trailer or container with the device about 60 feet away, inside the trailer, and hooked to a dolly assembly. From this vantage point the operator can safely manipulate the vehicle and make any required adjustments to ramps or other associated components of the system.
  • the trailer or container used in conjunction with the present invention is designed to accommodate all size automobiles including large size automobiles and sport vehicles.
  • the trailer is designed with clearances for all cars when loading or unloading.
  • one optimum loading of the trailer is with six small size vehicles.
  • the loading pattern of six will cover 57% of the existing models of cars currently being built.
  • five or less cars can be fitted in the pattern shown, i.e., in two substantially horizontal "decks.”
  • FIG. 12 In this view, the structure of the trailer has been omitted for purposes of illustration.
  • six cars can also fit into the interior envelope of a standardized container by slanting and staggering the cars .
  • the upper wheels will or course ride on a dolly engaged with an upper set of rails, and the lower wheels will ride on a dolly engaged with an lower set of rails, except in the case of the left-most vehicle, which is in a horizontal configuration.
  • the rail system of the present invention is thus is designed to be very flexible not only for loading patterns but also for methods of loading and unloading.
  • the system can be set up for high volume loading such as loading at the automobile manufacturing plant.
  • the same system is also designed for easy unloading at any type dealer.
  • the dealer could use either a hand operated unloaded or a pickup truck with an extendible push/pull bar.
  • this extendible push/pull bar can be equipped in the tractor hauling the container trailer.
  • the trailer can be used for shipment of other products.
  • the rails for holding the dolly assemblies can be constructed either as part of the structure of the container or can be manufactured to be put into an existing trailer.
  • the interior width of the trailer is maintained when the rails are incorporated into the structure of the trailer.
  • the container can be used for shipping other products without compromising the interior width.
  • This provides for another efficiency to the automobile manufacturers as they can now use the same trailer for auto parts and vehicles resulting in a reliable and efficient back haul mode.
  • the use of the rails in existing trailers can be used for back haul and shipment of other products however the interior width would be reduced by 4 inches. The reduction in interior width is due to the rails being mounted up against the trailer existing side posts.
  • the present invention provides a direct transportation method for automobiles directly to the dealerships and eliminates transferring of vehicles from multi-levels to trucks . This in turn reduces damage to vehicles incurred during such transfers, and also reduces the minimum order requirement on shipments to dealerships by providing flexible loading and unloading.
  • the present invention also creates efficiencies in loading at the automobile manufacturer by permitting loading in all areas of the manufacturers lot . Conversely, productivity is also enhanced by the present invention since a universal container or trailer is used that provides a backhaul opportunity.

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  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Transportation (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
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Abstract

L'invention concerne un procédé et un appareil pour charger, transporter et décharger une pluralité de véhicules d'un conteneur standard. Une remorque (100) est pourvue de rails (110, 112) sur ses parois internes et également, de préférence, d'une rampe (116). L'invention utilise également un chariot spécial (200) qui sert également de cale pour bloquer les roues des véhicules. En joignant deux chariots par une barre ajustable (210), on forme une palette munie de roues qui permet de remorquer la voiture, et en joignant plusieurs palettes ensemble, on peut remorquer ou pousser une pluralité de véhicules. Les roues (202) des chariots assemblées sont positionnées pour coopérer avec des rails (110, 112) à l'intérieur de la remorque ou du conteneur (100). En combinant ces composants avec d'autres équipements, tels qu'un élévateur à parallélogramme articulé (50, 60), on peut assurer un chargement très compact et pousser les groupes de véhicules dans le conteneur. Les véhicules peuvent être déchargés d'une manière similaire, en petits groupes ou même individuellement, en fonction des besoins du client livré. Dans une forme d'exécution, un véhicule remorqueur (70) est utilisé pour enlever les véhicules. Une autre possibilité est que la remorque soit pourvue d'un dispositif tracteur autonome (300) pour tirer un ou plusieurs véhicules depuis l'intérieur de la remorque, ce qui permet au conducteur ou à un autre individu de décharger les véhicules sans nécessiter d'équipement auxiliaire.
PCT/US1996/000231 1995-01-04 1996-01-03 Procede et appareil pour charger des vehicules sur un transporteur WO1996020850A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US36841395A 1995-01-04 1995-01-04
US08/368,413 1995-01-04

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Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
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WO2005054090A3 (fr) * 2003-09-16 2005-09-01 Victor Andrei Spak Autotransporteur
GB2470950A (en) * 2009-06-12 2010-12-15 Embel Solutions Ltd Vehicle positioning system for freight containers
WO2011027305A1 (fr) * 2009-09-01 2011-03-10 Peter Geoffrey Bennetto Véhicule de transport de marchandises
EP3372468A1 (fr) * 2017-03-10 2018-09-12 Automatitzacio De Processos I Mediambient, S.L. Systèmes et procédés de chargement et de déchargement de véhicules dans des plates-formes de transport
WO2018208250A3 (fr) * 2016-10-06 2019-01-10 Ekol Loji̇sti̇k Système de véhicules à étages multiples ayant une rampe réglable en hauteur
CN111332818A (zh) * 2020-03-10 2020-06-26 郑上平 一种便于粉尘运输的冶金机械设备

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US2830824A (en) * 1955-08-29 1958-04-15 Irving H Young Dolly for moving parked vehicles
US3498480A (en) * 1966-12-14 1970-03-03 Pullman Inc Automobile transporting system
US4759668A (en) * 1986-12-30 1988-07-26 Larsen Stuart A Method and apparatus to enhance intermodal containers for cargo transport
US4834608A (en) * 1988-01-14 1989-05-30 Middaugh Frank R Railroad car for hauling large highway trucks and method of loading

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WO2005054090A3 (fr) * 2003-09-16 2005-09-01 Victor Andrei Spak Autotransporteur
GB2470950A (en) * 2009-06-12 2010-12-15 Embel Solutions Ltd Vehicle positioning system for freight containers
GB2470950B (en) * 2009-06-12 2014-03-26 Anthony Emberson Vehicle positioning system for freight containers
WO2011027305A1 (fr) * 2009-09-01 2011-03-10 Peter Geoffrey Bennetto Véhicule de transport de marchandises
US8708626B2 (en) 2009-09-01 2014-04-29 Returnhaulers Proprietary Limited Freight carrier
WO2018208250A3 (fr) * 2016-10-06 2019-01-10 Ekol Loji̇sti̇k Système de véhicules à étages multiples ayant une rampe réglable en hauteur
EP3372468A1 (fr) * 2017-03-10 2018-09-12 Automatitzacio De Processos I Mediambient, S.L. Systèmes et procédés de chargement et de déchargement de véhicules dans des plates-formes de transport
CN111332818A (zh) * 2020-03-10 2020-06-26 郑上平 一种便于粉尘运输的冶金机械设备

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