WO2013049468A2

WO2013049468A2 - Cargo handling apparatus module

Info

Publication number: WO2013049468A2
Application number: PCT/US2012/057766
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ronald R. Nespor
Original assignee: Nespor Ronald R
Priority date: 2011-09-29
Filing date: 2012-09-28
Publication date: 2013-04-04
Also published as: WO2013049468A3

Abstract

A goods handling apparatus for a cargo storage and transport vehicle includes a movable cargo platform continuous with a portion of a cargo enclosure floor, when the cargo platform is in an upper position. Cargo may be slid between the trailer floor and the cargo platform. A vertical actuator raises and lowers the cargo platform between the upper position and a lower position atop the ground or other vehicle support surface whereupon cargo may be slid between the cargo platform and the ground or other positions. The cargo platform is disposed substantially within the plan perimeter of the floor of the cargo module during raising and lowering. A modular system may be integrated into the cargo enclosure, or may be incorporated into a modular enclosure for appending to a cargo box of the prior art. An underride is disposed in vertically adjusting communication with the cargo platform.

Description

CARGO HANDLING APPARATUS MODULE

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This Patent Cooperative Treaty (PCT) Application claims priority to Non-

Provisional Application Serial No. 13/248,238 filed on September 29, 201 1, which is incorporated in its entirety by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Technical Field

The field relates to a module having an integrated lift, the lift being provided to raise and lower cargo to and from a cargo transportation enclosure.

Background Art

While lifts are known that extend off the back of a truck by folding down or by arcuately extending outward and down from the back of a truck. These lifts fail to provide for use when space behind a truck is limited, are bulky additions to the truck, and do not provide additional floor space while enclosing the lift components within the enclosure of the cargo area.

Typically, trailers and vehicles with a trailer or enclosure for hauling cargo are arranged to haul cargo within the trailer and atop a trailer floor. One such arrangement is found in a delivery truck, which includes a vertically movable lift gate, which swings down and extends rearwardly from the end of the trailer floor. Cargo is either loaded onto or off the rear lift gate and either elevated or lowered for pick up or delivery of the cargo. However, in inclement weather, the operator and the cargo may be exposed to rain or snow by being outside of the confines of the trailer. Moreover, extra room behind the trailer is required to accommodate the length of the lift gate and additional space to load and unload cargo therefrom. A number of prior art systems have been developed which, in part, address this limiting aspect of the above delivery trucks. U.S. Patent 4,236,747 issued December 2, 1980 to Ratliff discloses a transport vehicle for medium-sized route delivery of goods. The versatile design allows for removability of the central partition in each cargo bay and adjustability of the position of the floor. A delivery truck body or trailer, which is convertible between being arranged for side loading at ground level or rear loading at dock height, is disclosed in U.S. Patent 4,659, 132 to Day.

Price teaches a double drop trailer with lifts therein in U.S. 5,092,721. A first lift comprises upper and lower platforms rigidly interconnected one to another, the second lift located in the rear section.

Three U.S. patents to Greenlaw, et al., U.S. 5,915,913, 6,328,525 and 6,474,446, teach delivery vehicles with multi-tier storage and elevator assemblies installed therein. A substantially continuous side access door provides total exterior access to the lowermost tier of cargo in the '525 patent. The '913 patent teaches elevator assemblies for multi-tier storage. The '446 patent teaches a framing system that reduces structural requirements of side walls and floors, permitting multiple side access ports and reduced floor thickness to permit easier access from the pavement.

Recently issued Patent 7, 1 14,905 to Dibdin teaches methods and an apparatus for optimizing use of storage space in a trailer. The apparatus provides a loading apparatus for the trailer having a platform movable relative to the floor of the trailer to facilitate loading of goods. Published application 2003/0147734 to Adams discloses a goods handling system for a vehicle or railway trailer, which allows the level of access to all areas of the trailer to be improved.

An underride is a cross member positioned below a vehicle trailer and the ground, providing a safety barrier which keeps other vehicles from encroaching under the vehicle. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 224, Rear Impact Protection, requires most trailers and semi-trailers weighing over 10,000 pounds to be fitted at the rear with a rear impact (underride) guard meeting the requirements of Standard No. 223, Rear impact guards (49 CFR 571.223 and 571.224) published on January 24, 1996 at 61 FR 2004. Concerns were expressed about compatibility of underrides in conjunction with trailers and semi-trailers equipped with equipment such as liftgates. Concerns about certain incompatible equipment led NHTSA to exclude "special purpose vehicles" from the requirements of the standard. A special purpose vehicle is defined in 84 of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety 8tandard No. 224 as, "a trailer or semi-trailer having work- performing equipment that, while the vehicle is in transit, resides in or moves through the area that could be occupied by the horizontal member of the rear underride guard, as defined by S5.1.1 through S5.1.3." If any work-performing equipment is mounted in the guard zone, the vehicle is excluded regardless of when and how the equipment is used.

Underrides are valuable safety devices that are excluded on trailers or semitrailers that include equipment such as liftgates. An underride design that is compatible with equipment such as liftgates is desired.

None of the known lifts provide vertically movable cargo within the confines of a trailer enclosure. Additional space is required rearwardly of the trailer for most of the known systems. Additionally, movable side cargo-receiving lifts are capable of being used for floor space for hauling cargo.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

A goods handling apparatus for a cargo storage and transport trailer includes a movable cargo platform module forming a separate part of the trailer floor that may be continuous with the trailer floor when the cargo platform is in an upper position.

Furthermore, cargo may be slid between the trailer floor and the cargo platform or may remain on the platform during hauling of the cargo to a destination. A vertical actuator attached to the cargo platform raises and lowers the cargo platform between the upper position and a lower position atop the ground or other vehicle support surface or loading dock. Cargo may be slid or rolled off the platform without lifting between the cargo platform and the ground or other surface. The cargo platform is positioned substantially within the plan perimeter of the floor of the trailer during lifting and lowering, allowing cargo to be loaded or off-loaded in tight confines not possible with known lifts.

An illustrative embodiment of the cargo storage and transport trailer includes: a continuous, flat cargo-supported floor surface within an enclosed storage area;

a movable cargo platform forming a separate continuation of the floor surface and being generally continuous with the floor surface when said platform is in an upper position whereby cargo may be slid between the trailer- floor surface and said cargo platform;

a vertical actuator attached at one end to said cargo platform and coupled to the enclosed storage area such that the vertical actuator raises and lowers said cargo platform between the upper position and a lower position atop the ground or other surface supporting the delivery truck, wherein cargo may be slid between said cargo platform and the ground or other surface supporting the delivery truck, and said cargo platform being substantially within a perimeter of the trailer floor when cargo on said cargo platform is lifted or lowered and said vertical actuator being within the enclosed storage area when said cargo platform is in the upper position and outside of the enclosed storage area when said cargo platform is in the lower position atop the ground or other surface supporting the delivery truck.

In one aspect, the cargo storage and transport trailer further includes an underride positioned spanning across a rear edge of the trailer and below a lift. The underride being vertically compensating via a biasing member.

In yet another aspect, the cargo handling apparatus may be incorporated into a conventional delivery trailer of a truck, which will lift and lower cargo within the confines of the trailer. In one example, the platform is confined to the perimeter of a module that may be modularly coupled with the truck. In one example, a modular lift extends from side of the truck allowing the lift to clear the chassis of the truck.

In yet another aspect, rear impact protection is provided by an integrated cross member that is capable of lowering and rising with the lift mechanism integrated into the rear of enclosure. In one advantage, goods handling apparatus may eliminate the need for additional working space behind or to the rear of the trailer of the vehicle by deploying and lifting a vertically movable cargo platform which is positioned within a rearward opening formed into the floor of the trailer floor and within the plan profile of the trailer (e.g. the perimeter of the enclosed area).

While in another aspect, a goods handling apparatus which extends laterally from the side of a trailer only a distance sufficient for a cargo platform to move vertically just outboard of the frame of the trailer provides for raising and lowering within the perimeter of the goods handling apparatus module.

And in another aspect, a second underride is disposed beneath the side located cargo platform. The underride being vertically compensating via a biasing member. The underride is supported via an upright frame, which slideably engages with an upright receiving channel. The biasing member is secured between the upright receiving channel and the upright frame member. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 presents an isometric view of a cargo vehicle showing several embodiments of the invention view of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 2 presents a side elevation view of the cargo vehicle of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 3 presents a top plan view of the cargo vehicle of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 4 presents another isometric view of the cargo vehicle of FIG. 1 showing several embodiments of the invention in a deployed configuration; FIG. 5 presents a side elevation view of the cargo vehicle illustrating the two cargo lifts in a partially lowered configuration;

FIG. 6 presents a top plan view of the cargo vehicle illustrating a side cargo lifting platform in a deployed configuration;

FIG. 7 presents an isometric exploded view of the cargo vehicle illustrating the components of the present invention;

FIG. 8 presents a detailed sectioned side view of an exemplary actuator and underride protection, illustrated having a lift platform in a stored configuration;

FIG. 9 presents a detailed sectioned side view of the exemplary actuator and underride protection of FIG. 8, illustrated having a lift platform in a lowered

configuration;

FIG. 10 presents an isometric partially exploded view of additional embodiments of the present invention incorporating trailer modules;

FIG. 1 1 presents a detailed isometric view of a rear cargo handling add-on module originally introduced in FIG. 10; FIG. 12 presents a detailed isometric view of a front cargo handling add-on module originally introduced in FIG. 10; FIG. 13 presents a partially sectioned side view of a first exemplary assembly interface configuration for assembling one of the modules to a trailer section;

FIG. 14 presents a partially sectioned side view of a second exemplary assembly interface configuration for assembling one of the modules to a trailer section; FIG. 15 presents a partially sectioned side view of a third exemplary assembly interface configuration for assembling one of the modules to a trailer section; and

FIG. 16 presents an isometric view of an alternative embodiment of a cargo vehicle showing a cargo vehicle having standard ISO (International Organization for Standardization) corner castings on corners of the trailer body. Examples are illustrated in the drawings and are described herein. It is intended that the embodiments and figures disclosed herein should be considered illustrative rather than limiting. Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views of the drawings.

MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word "exemplary" or "illustrative" means "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any implementation described herein as

"exemplary" or "illustrative" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims. For purposes of description herein, the terms "upper", "lower", "left", "rear", "right", "front", "vertical", "horizontal", and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary

embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. A cargo storing and transport vehicle 100 is presented illustrating various elements contributing to the present invention, which are described in FIGS. 1 through 9. Referring now to the drawings, an otherwise cargo storing and transport vehicle 100 is shown and includes a truck 102 and a trailer assembly 104. A trailer assembly 104 includes a trailer body 106 defining an enclosure above a trailer floor 1 12 and having a longitudinal trailer frame 110, which may be formed as an integral part of the truck 102.

Two examples of integrated lift platforms 120, 160 are illustrated. The examples may be combined in a single trailer assembly 104 or may be used separately. In one example, a movable rear cargo platform 124 is rectangular, but may be of any convenient shape or size and may have a tapered lip or ramp 126 along the rearwardly distal edge, for example. This example includes a pair of rear upright frame members 130 rigidly connected at each rearwardly corner of the movable rear cargo platform 124 or at least within the enclosure when the platform is raised. Each rear upright frame member 130 is upwardly engaged into one of two vertical actuator channels 132 and is operated via a respective vertical actuator 134. These vertical actuator channels 132 may be rigidly attached or affixed to an inner surface of the trailer body 106 or an intermediate support in an upright orientation within the enclosure of the trailer body 106. Functionality of the lift 120, 160 is best described in FIGS. 9 and 10 disclosed herein.

The trailer floor 1 12 includes a rear platform floor cutout 1 14, which may be formed in the distal rearward portion of the trailer floor 1 12, the trailer floor 1 12 and rear platform cutout 1 14 forming an opening. The opening substantially mates with and receives the movable rear cargo platform 124 such that, when the movable rear cargo platform 124 is in the upper position, the top-most surface of the movable rear cargo platform 124 is substantially continuous with and uninterrupting of the movable rear cargo platform 124, for allowing cargo within the trailer body 106 to be slid onto or from the movable rear cargo platform 124 without the need for lifting or using a wheeled cart or hand truck, for example. An overhead-type rear door 122, shown in the open position in FIGS. 4, 5, and 7 and in the closed position in FIG. 1, may completely enclose the trailer body 106, including all of the components of the rear cargo handling apparatus and lift assembly 120. During inclement weather, a movable rear door 122 may be left closed while the rear cargo handling apparatus and lift assembly 120 is loaded with cargo (not shown, but well understood) and then moved downwardly (in the direction of arrow A as illustrated in

FIGS. 4 and 5) by the vertical actuator 134 to the lowered position resting atop the ground or other vehicle support surface. The rear door 122 may be opened a distance sufficient for removal of the cargo from the movable rear cargo platform 124. Note importantly that, as best seen in the top plan view of FIGS. 3 and 6, the amount of rearwardly space required for loading and off-loading of cargo from the trailer body 106 is reduced compared to known lifts. A similar side door 162 can be provided respective to a side cargo handling apparatus and lift module 160.

In one example, an underride member 140 includes spaced underride upright frames 142, which are coupled movably by a spring biased coupling member 145 placed within an underride vertical support channel 144, for example. The height and position rearwardly of the trailer body 106 prevent other vehicles from sliding beneath the truck during an unintended rear-end collision with the cargo storing and transport vehicle 100. In one example, the underride upright frame 142 may be downwardly deployed (via arrow D), when the movable rear cargo platform 124 is lowered, as disclosed in more detail in reference to FIGS. 8 and 9.

An example of a side cargo handling apparatus and lift module 160 includes an additional feature of a side module movable cargo platform 164 having a side module floor 165, a module back panel 168, two side lift vertical actuator and channels 172 and a module top panel 167. The side cargo handling apparatus and lift module 160 also includes a side module movable cargo platform 164, which, in the upper position, just closely fits within a side module floor cutout 1 16 so that the side module movable cargo platform 164 is continuous with and uninterruptive of the side module floor 165.

To deploy the side cargo handling apparatus and lift module 160, a track 178 connected within the trailer body 106, in one example, is laterally oriented at

approximately the trailer floor level. The track 178 will move the side cargo handling apparatus and lift module 160 outwardly (horizontally) in the direction of arrow B, as best seen in FIGS. 4 and 6. When the side module movable cargo platform 164 clears the longitudinal trailer frame 110, the side module movable cargo platform 164 may be lowered in the direction of arrow C by vertical actuators (similar to vertical actuator 134) contained within the side lift vertical actuator and channel 172 until the side module movable cargo platform 164 comes to rest atop the ground or otherwise. The side lift vertical actuator and channels 172 provide stability, guiding the side upright frame member 170 during vertical motion. Cargo loading and unloading onto or from the interior of the trailer body 106 is facilitated as the side cargo handling apparatus and lift module 160 may be installed anywhere along the length of the trailer and on either side for convenience or special delivery needs. A ramp 166 can be disposed along the outer edge of the side module movable cargo platform 164 for aiding loading and unloading of cargo from the platform 164. The side underride member 180 is partially obscured by the ramp 166 and side module movable cargo platform 164 when the side module movable cargo platform 164 is lowered as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5.

A rear impact protection system is integrated with the lift mechanism and illustrated throughout the drawings. Detailed operation sectional views are presented in FIGS. 8 and 9. For example, an underride member 140 is coupled to a movable rear cargo platform 124, which may be raised or lowered, by coupling an underride upright frame 142 to an underride vertical support channel 144 via a spring biased coupling member 145 disposed within the underride vertical support channel 144. Both the underride vertical support channels 144 and the movable rear cargo platform 124 may be mounted to the trailer body 106, 206 of the cargo storing and transport vehicle 100 by vertical actuators 134. The spring biased coupling member 145 is preferably a tension spring secured to the underride vertical support channel 144 via a biasing member channel mount 146 provided at an upper end of the spring biased coupling member 145. The spring biased coupling member 145 is secured to the underride upright frame 142 via a biasing member underride upright mount 148 provided at a lower end of the spring biased coupling member 145. Each of the vertical actuators 134 may be enclosed within a respective vertical actuator channel 132. The vertical actuator channels 132 are schematically illustrated in the exploded view of FIG. 7, for example, and are illustrated with additional detail in FIGS. 8 and 9. The vertical actuator 134 is secured to the vertical actuator channel 132 via an actuator channel mount 136 provided at an upper end of the vertical actuator 134. The vertical actuator 134 is secured to the movable rear cargo platform 124 or rear upright frame member 130 via an actuator lift mount 138 provided at a lower end of the vertical actuator 134. The vertical actuator 134 is preferably a bidirectional, hydraulically operated piston. Alternates include a screw drive, a cable lift, a rack and pinion lift, an electromechanical lift, and the like. Vertical motion and stability of the movable rear cargo platform 124 is provided via the engagement between the rear upright frame member 130 and the vertical actuator channel 132. A detailed view of two of the underride vertical support channels 144 for one of the underride upright frames 142 shows a spring biased coupling member 145 coupling the underride upright frame 142 to the underride member 140. One or more limiting devices 149 may be provided to limit the maximum extent of the movement of the underride upright frame 142 in the upward direction respective to the underride vertical support channel 144. As the movable rear cargo platform 124 moves downward, the underride member 140 may remain stationary until the platform reaches the underride member 140. Then, the movable rear cargo platform 124 and the underride member 140 may continue to move downward together. An underride receiving notch 128 can be provided in a cargo platform bottom surface 125 of the movable rear cargo platform 124 for receiving the underride member 140. This configuration positions an underride member bottom surface 141 of the underride member 140 flush with the cargo platform bottom surface 125, allowing the movable rear cargo platform 124 to be lowered onto the ground. As the movable rear cargo platform 124 is raised upwardly, the underride member 140 may be raised, also, until the underride upright frame 142 reaches the limiting devices 149, for example, which limiting devices 149 positions the underride member 140, at a height to provide for rear impact protection.

A similar underride system can be provided along a side of the vehicle, positioning a side underride member 180 under the side cargo handling apparatus and lift module 160. A pair of side underride upright frames 182 extends upwardly from the two outer ends of the side underride member 180 engaging with a module underride vertical support channel and biasing member 184. The side underride assembly is similar to the rear underride assembly 140, 142, 144 previously disclosed herein. The side underride member 180 adjusts vertically in accordance with arrow E.

Referring now to FIGS. 10 through 12, a cargo storage and transport vehicle 200 includes a truck 202, a frame (not shown, but understood to be similar to longitudinal trailer frame 1 10), a plurality of wheels 208, and one or more modular lift assemblies 220, 260. A majority of the elements of the illustrated embodiment are similar to those of the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 9. The use of modular sections enables an end user to assemble and remove the modular sections from any vehicle, trailer, cargo container and the like.

The modular lift assembly 220, 260 may be installed within a self-contained, handling add-on module 205, 207 respectively. The rear cargo handling add-on module 205 is assembled about a rear portion of an intermediate trailer section 206. The front cargo handling add-on module 207 is assembled about a forward portion of an intermediate trailer section 206. The rear cargo handling add-on module 205 and the front cargo handling add-on module 207 are independently configured to the intermediate trailer section 206, forming the trailer assembly 204. Like features of the modular lift components and the underride systems presented in FIGS. 10 through 12 and the integrated lift components and the underride systems presented in FIGS. 1 through 9 are numbered the same except preceded by the numeral '2'.

In more detail, the rear cargo handling add-on module 205 includes a module body shell 300. The module body shell 300 is fabricated having a module floor 212, a pair of module sidewalls 302, and a module roof 306. The module floor 212 is arranged in a generally horizontal orientation and defined by a pair of generally parallel side edges 330, an attachment edge 332, and a trailing edge 334. Each module sidewall 302 is arranged generally perpendicular to the module floor 212, wherein the module floor 212 is located proximate a lower edge of each module sidewall 302. A module roof 306 spans between the sidewall upper edges 304 of each module sidewall 302. The module floor 212, pair of module sidewalls 302, and the module roof 306 collectively form a tubular shaped structure, preferably in a rectangular cross sectional shape. The tubular shaped structure defines a module interior space 312. A module end wall 308 is affixed to one end of the tubular structure. A module attachment edge 320 is defined at an opposite end thereof. A cargo opening 310 is provided through the module end wall 308, providing access to the module interior space 312. A rear door 222 is operably attached to the module end wall 308 providing a closure and access passageway to the module interior space 312. The rear door 222 can be provided in a hinged panel form factor; a roll up, multi-panel form factor; and the like. An attachment interface (not shown) can be integrated into the module attachment edge 320 for ease of attachment and removal from a mating container. The attachment interface can include a weatherproof seal to minimize transfer of weather, temperature, etc. between the module interior space 312 and an exterior of the module body shell 300.

A rear cargo handling apparatus and lift assembly 220 includes a movable rear cargo platform 224, which is moveably assembled to the module body shell 300 by a pair of rear upright frame members 230. A floor platform clearance 215 is formed through the module floor 212 for receiving the movable rear cargo platform 224. The rear upright frame member 130 locates the movable rear cargo platform 224 in a container transfer position 350, where a platform upper surface 223 of the movable rear cargo platform 224 becomes coplanar with a floor upper surface 213 of the module floor 212. The floor platform clearance 215 extends inward from the trailing edge 334 of the module floor 212, where the trailing edge 334 is located adjacent to the cargo opening 310. The floor platform clearance 215 is defined by a clearance peripheral edge that is sized and shaped to mate with a platform peripheral edge 324. The movable rear cargo platform 224 is lowered to a ground transfer position 352 by vertically positioning the rear upright frame member 230 within the vertical actuator channel 232. It is understood that the vertical motion of the movable rear cargo platform 224 can be provided by any form factor of a vertical actuator. Similarly, the front cargo handling add-on module 207 includes a module body shell 400. The module body shell 400 is fabricated having a module floor 212, a pair of module sidewalls 402, and a module roof 406. The module floor 21 1 is defined by a pair of generally parallel side edges 430, an attachment edge 432, and a leading edge (not shown), the module floor 21 1 being arranged in a generally horizontal orientation. Each module sidewall 402 is arranged generally perpendicular to the module floor 21 1, wherein the module floor 21 1 is located proximate a lower edge of the module sidewall 402. A module roof 406 spans between the sidewall upper edge 404 of each module sidewall 402. The module floor 21 1, pair of module sidewalls 402, and the module roof 406 collectively form a tubular shaped structure, preferably in a rectangular cross sectional shape. The tubular shaped structure defines a module interior space 412. A module end wall 408 is affixed to one end of the tubular structure. A module attachment edge 420 is defined at an opposite end thereof. A cargo opening 410 is provided through one of the module sidewalls 402, providing access to the module interior space 412. An attachment interface (not shown) can be integrated into the module attachment edge 420 for ease of attachment and removal from a mating container. The attachment interface can include a weatherproof seal to minimize transfer of weather, temperature, etc. between the module interior space 412 and an exterior of the module body shell 400.

Operation of each of the lifts 220 and 260 is similar to lifts 120, 160 previously described. The rear cargo handling apparatus and lift assembly 220 comprises a movable rear cargo platform 224, which transports objects between an intermediate trailer floor 212, the module section floor 214, and the ground. The module section floor 214 comprises a floor platform clearance 215 which substantially mates with and receives the movable rear cargo platform 224 such that, when the movable rear cargo platform 224 is in the upper position, referred to as a container transfer position 350, the top-most surface 223 of the movable rear cargo platform 224 is substantially continuous with and uninterrupting with the floor platform clearance 215 of module section floor 214, for allowing cargo within the rear cargo handling add-on module 205 to be slid onto or from the movable rear cargo platform 224 without the need for lifting or using a wheeled cart or hand truck, for example.

Similarly, the side cargo handling apparatus and lift module 260 comprises a side module movable cargo platform 264, which transports objects between a side module floor 265 and the ground. The side cargo handling apparatus and lift module 260 includes a frame assembly including a horizontal lower component (the side module floor 265), a vertical component (a pair of side lift vertical actuator and channels 272), and a horizontal upper component (platform assembly upper member 269). The pair of side lift vertical actuator and channels 272 or a similar facade defines an opening or access passageway. A side platform door 422 is operably located within the opening formed by the pair of side lift vertical actuator and channels 272. At least one track 278 is incorporated within the front cargo handling add-on module 207, wherein the at least one track 278 provides horizontal transport of the side cargo handling apparatus and lift module 260. A side module floor clearance 478 can be provided within the module floor 21 1 for receiving the side module floor 265. The side module floor 265 is substantially continuous with and uninterrupting with the respective module floor 21 1 of the front cargo handling add-on module 207. The side module floor 265 comprises a floor platform clearance 216, which substantially mates with and receives the side module movable cargo platform 264 such that, when the side module movable cargo platform 264 is in the upper position 350, the top-most surface 263 of the side module movable cargo platform 264 is substantially continuous with and uninterrupting with the floor platform clearance 216 of the side module floor 265, for allowingcargo within the front cargo handling add-on module 207 to be slid onto or from the side module movable cargo platform 264 without the need for lifting or using a wheeled cart or hand truck. The modularity may be used for any cargo truck. Refrigerated cargo spaces may benefit from an interlock or curtain that reduces the amount of cooled air that escapes from the cargo enclosure during loading and offloading.

The modules 205, 207 can include various additional features, such as a support frame 340, exterior lights 342, and the like, to aid in either functionality, reliability, legal requirements, and the like.

Details of several exemplary modules 205, 207 to the intermediate trailer section 206 attachment interface are presented in FIGS. 13 through 15.

Using FIG. 13 as being representative of each configuration, a reference to the orientation of the components is defined by an exterior side 294, 614 and an interior side 296, 616 of the module 205, 207 and intermediate trailer section 206. The intermediate trailer section 206 comprises an intermediate trailer section panel 290. The intermediate trailer section panel 290 is representative of a sidewall and a roof of the trailer 206. The intermediate trailer section panel 290 terminates at a panel mating edge 298. The shape and size of a circumference of the intermediate trailer section panel 290 at a trailing edge of the intermediate trailer section 206 is configured to mate with the module attachment edge 320. Similarly, the shape and size of a circumference of the intermediate trailer section panel 290 at a forward edge of the intermediate trailer section 206 is configured to mate with the module attachment edge 420. The edge of the panels of the modules 205, 207 is represented by the mating module mating segment 600. The edge of the panels of the intermediate trailer section 206 is represented by the intermediate trailer section panel 290. The mating module mating segment 600 includes a mating wall 610 formed into a series of segments. A mating wall segment 612 forms the sidewall, ceiling, and optionally flooring of the intermediate trailer section 206. In the first exemplary embodiment, the mating wall 610 is formed having a perpendicular transition segment 620, which provides a transition between the mating wall segment 612 and a parallel mating segment 630. The perpendicular transition segment 620 is bent to an angle that is preferably substantially perpendicular to the mating wall segment 612. The parallel mating segment 630 is preferably formed in a parallel arrangement with the mating wall segment 612. The formed end of the mating wall 610 creates a perpendicular transition segment mating surface 622 along an interior surface of the perpendicular transition segment 620 and a parallel segment mating surface 632 along an interior surface of the parallel mating segment 630. Collectively, the mating wall segment 612, perpendicular transition segment 620, and parallel mating segment 630 form a stepped shaped end section. The length of the perpendicular transition segment 620 is designed to create an overlapping joint between the panel material 292 and the parallel mating segment 630. When assembling either module 205, 207 to the intermediate trailer section 206, the edge of the modules 205, 207 (represented by the mating module mating segment 600) is slipped over the mating edge of the intermediate trailer section 206. A sealing gasket 510 is included to create a weather barrier between the module 205, 207 and the intermediate trailer section 206. The sealing gasket 510 can provide water resistance, waterproofing, a thermal barrier, a contamination barrier, and the like. The sealing gasket 510 can be fabricated in accordance with any gasket forming process known by those skilled in the art, including extruding a weather stripping material, application of a liquid gasket forming material, and the like. The formed version of the sealing gasket 510 can be provided in any suitable shape. The exemplary shape is a "U" shape which is placed wrapping about the panel mating edge 298, covering a portion of each side 294, 296 of the intermediate trailer section panel 290. The material can be any suitable, preferably pliant material, including rubber, silicone, nylon, plastic, and the like. Prior to assembly, a preformed version of the sealing gasket 510 is placed into the desired location. A liquid version of the sealing gasket 510 would be applied to either or both of the panel interior surface 296 and/or the parallel segment mating surface 632. The panel material 292 is placed against the parallel segment mating surface 632, with the panel mating edge 298 preferably being pressed against the perpendicular transition segment mating surface 622. A fastener receiving aperture 634 is aligned with a mating fastener receiving aperture 299. It is understood that the fastener receiving apertures 299, 634 can be pre-drilled, or drilled subsequent to positioning.

A plurality of mechanical fasteners 500 is provided to fasten the intermediate trailer section panel 290 and the mating module mating segment 600 together. Each exemplary mechanical fastener 500 includes a threaded section 502 extending axially from a fastening end of a fastener head 504. A mating threaded fastener 506 engages with threading of the threaded section 502.

The threaded section 502 of the mechanical fastener 500 is inserted through the fastener receiving apertures 634, 299, seating the fastener head 504 against an exterior surface of the parallel mating segment 630. The mating threaded fastener 506 is threadably assembled to the threaded section 502 at the interior side of the assembly. The mating threaded fastener 506 could be of any suitable form factor, including a common nut, a wing nut, a locking nut, and the like. A washer, a lock washer, and the like may be employed to reinforce the joint. Although the exemplary embodiment illustrates a threaded fastener, it is understood that any fastener can be employed for retaining the intermediate trailer section panel 290 and the mating module mating segment 600 together.

A second exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 14 is similar to the first exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 13. The first exemplary embodiment produces a planar interior surface. The second exemplary embodiment produces a planar exterior surface. The mating module mating segment 700 is similar to the mating module mating segment 600, with the differences distinguished below. Like features of the mating module mating segment 700 and the mating module mating segment 600 are numbered the same except preceded by the numeral '7'. The difference between the first exemplary embodiment and the second exemplary embodiment is the direction of the perpendicular transition segment 720 and the positioning of the parallel mating segment 730. The perpendicular transition segment 620 is directed outward, whereas the perpendicular transition segment 720 is directed inward. The parallel segment mating surface 732 is located on an exterior surface of the parallel mating segment 730, mating with the panel interior surface 296 of the intermediate trailer section panel 290. A third exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 15 is similar to the first exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 13 and the second exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 14. The first exemplary embodiment produces a planar interior surface. The second exemplary embodiment produces a planar exterior surface. The third exemplary embodiment produces a reinforcing slip joint. The mating module mating segment 800 is similar to the mating module mating segment 600, 700, with the differences distinguished below. Like features of the mating module mating segment 800 and the mating module mating segment 600, 700 are numbered the same except preceded by the numeral '8'. The difference between the first and second exemplary embodiments and the third exemplary embodiment is the design of an interfacing segment. The interfacing segment includes a forked segment comprising an exterior parallel mating segment 830 and an interior parallel mating segment 835. The panel mating edge 298 is slideably inserted between the exterior parallel mating segment 830 and interior parallel mating segment 835. The sealing gasket 510 is installed between the panel exterior surface 294 and an exterior parallel segment mating surface 832 of the exterior parallel mating segment 830; between the panel mating edge 298 and a perpendicular transition segment mating surface 822 of a transition segment 820 of the mating wall 810; and between the panel interior surface 296 and an interior parallel segment mating surface 836 of the interior parallel mating segment 835. This joint configuration reinforces the interface between the mating module mating segment 800 and the intermediate trailer section panel 290.

In the exemplary configurations disclosed herein, it is considered more likely that the intermediate trailer section panel 290 of the intermediate trailer section 206 would be cut to receive the mating module 205, 207. This would leave a planar end at the edge of the intermediate trailer section panel 290. For the application, providing a module 205, 207 having a formed edge is more likely to be adaptable than attempting to obtain or form the mating edge of the intermediate trailer section panel 290. Although the mating module mating segments 600, 700, 800 are noted as being representative of the modules 205, 207, it is understood that the configuration can be reversed, where the intermediate trailer section panel 290 would be representative of the modules 205, 207 and the mating module mating segment 600, 700, 800 would be representative of the intermediate trailer section 206. It is also understood that any other alternative interface configuration can be utilized to join either or both modules 205, 207 to the intermediate trailer section 206.

An alternative embodiment of the cargo storing and transport vehicle 100 is presented as cargo storing and transport vehicle 900 and illustrated in FIG. 16. Like features of the cargo storing and transport vehicle 900 are numbered the same except preceded by the numeral '9.' The cargo storing and transport vehicle 900 includes a standard ISO corner casting 948 on each corner of the generally rectangular shaped trailer body 906. Standard ISO corner castings 948 are well-known in the art, providing a standard method for lifting, handling, stacking, and securing containers. The corner casting 948 is a hollow cube-shaped device embedded into a corner of the trailer body 906. The corner casting 948 comprises a plurality of holes, wherein each of the plurality of holes is located on a side of the corner casting 948 that is exposed to the exterior of the trailer body 906. The hole is typically oval-shaped.

The corner casting 984 may be used in conjunction with a fastener, such as a twist-lock or other type of fastener having a head configured to interlock with the holes in the corner casting 984 for securing the trailer assembly 904 to a second trailer assembly, to form a series of at least two trailer assemblies or to a support platform, such as a trailer or train flatbed or ship deck. The corner casting 984 may also be used to lift the trailer assembly 906, for moving the trailer assembly 906 to a different location. Typically, such lifting and moving is accomplished by a crane having four lifting cables, each cable comprising an attachment device at an end thereof and each attachment device configured to attach to four standard ISO corner castings 948 located on the top four corners of a container. After attachment of the crane cables to the trailer body 906, the crane is able to lift and move the trailer body 906 to desired locations. Since many modifications, variations, and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiments of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalence.

Claims

s claimed is:

A cargo handling module, the module comprising: a module body shell comprising: a module floor, a pair of module body sidewalls, each module body sidewall attached to a respective edge of and arranged generally perpendicular to said module floor, and a module roof spanning between an upper edge of each module body sidewall, wherein the module floor, the pair of module sidewalls, and the module roof collectively form a tubular shaped structure, an end wall provided at a first end of said tubular shaped structure, and an attachment edge provided opposite said end wall, wherein said attachment edge is sized and shaped to mate with an end wall of a cargo transportation enclosure, wherein the attachment edge comprises at least one of the following: a planar edge, wherein a mating end wall of a cargo transportation enclosure is formed in one of: a step shaped edge wherein the step is formed towards an interior of the tubular shaped structure, a step shaped edge wherein the step is formed towards an exterior of the tubular shaped structure, a forked shaped edge having a dimension between each fork for receiving the planar attachment edge; a step shaped edge, wherein the step extends inward towards an interior of the tubular shaped structure, a step shaped edge, wherein the step extends outward towards an exterior of the tubular shaped structure, and a fork shaped edge having a dimension between each fork for receiving a mating end wall of the cargo transportation enclosure; wherein a combination of said tubular shaped structure and said end wall defines an interior space; a cargo opening for passage of cargo therethrough, said cargo opening provided through one of said end wall and said sidewall; a platform having an upper surface defined by a platform peripheral edge; a floor platform clearance within said module floor, said floor platform clearance extending inward from an edge of said module floor adjacent to said cargo opening, said floor platform clearance comprising a clearance peripheral edge that is sized and shaped to mate with said platform peripheral edge; and a vertical actuator integrated into said cargo handling module, said vertical actuator vertically positions said platform between a container transfer position aligning said platform upper surface and a floor upper surface and a ground transfer position locating said platform upper surface below said floor upper surface.

2. A cargo handling module as recited in claim 1, said platform upper surface is substantially continuous with and uninterrupting with an adjacent section of said respective module floor of said module body shell when said platform is raised to a container transfer position.

3. A cargo handling module as recited in claim 1, said vertical actuator further comprising an upright frame member slideably engaging with a vertical actuator channel.

4. A cargo handling module as recited in claim 1, said cargo handling module further comprising an underride, said underride comprising at least one vertical support component and a horizontal safety component, said underride extending downward from said module body shell and located proximate a rear section of said cargo handling module.

5. A cargo handling module as recited in claim 4, said at least one vertical support component is extendable, wherein said horizontal safety component is vertically positioned in conjunction with a vertical motion of said platform.

6. A cargo handling module as recited in claim 1, said cargo handling module further comprising a cargo access door providing closure to said cargo opening.

7. A cargo handling module as recited in claim 1, said cargo handling module further comprising a releasable attachment interface provided along said module attachment edge.

8. A cargo handling module, the module comprising: a module body shell comprising: a module floor, a pair of module body sidewalls, each module body sidewall attached to a respective edge of and arranged generally perpendicular to said module floor, and a module roof spanning between an upper edge of each module body sidewall, wherein the module floor, the pair of module sidewalls, and the module roof collectively form a tubular shaped structure, an end wall provided at a first end of said tubular shaped structure, and an attachment edge provided opposite said end wall, wherein said attachment edge is sized and shaped to mate with an end wall of a cargo transportation enclosure, wherein the attachment edge comprises at least one of the following: a planar edge, wherein a mating end wall of a cargo transportation enclosure is formed in one of: a step shaped edge wherein the step is formed towards an interior of the tubular shaped structure, a step shaped edge wherein the step is formed towards an exterior of the tubular shaped structure, a forked shaped edge having a dimension between each fork for receiving the planar attachment edge; a step shaped edge wherein the step extends inward towards an interior of the tubular shaped structure, a step shaped edge wherein the step extends outward towards an exterior of the tubular shaped structure, and a fork shaped edge having a dimension between each fork for receiving a mating end wall of the cargo transportation enclosure; wherein a combination of said tubular shaped structure and said end wall defines an interior space; a cargo opening for passage of cargo therethrough, said cargo opening provided through one of said end wall and said sidewall; a platform having an upper surface defined by a platform peripheral edge; a floor platform clearance within said module floor, said floor platform clearance extending inward from an edge of said module floor adjacent to said cargo opening, said floor platform clearance comprising a clearance peripheral edge that is sized and shaped to mate with said platform peripheral edge; and a vertical actuator integrated into said cargo handling module, said vertical actuator vertically positions said platform between a container transfer position aligning said platform upper surface and a floor upper surface and a ground transfer position locating said platform upper surface below said floor upper surface; and a cargo access door providing closure to said cargo opening.

9. A cargo handling module as recited in claim 8, said platform upper surface is substantially continuous with and uninterrupting with an adjacent section of said respective module floor of said module body shell when said platform is raised to a container transfer position.

10. A cargo handling module as recited in claim 8, said vertical actuator further comprising an upright frame member slideably engaging with a vertical actuator channel.

1 1. A cargo handling module as recited in claim 8, said cargo handling module further comprising an underride, said underride comprising at least one vertical support component and a horizontal safety component, said underride extending downward from said module body shell and located proximate a rear section of said cargo handling module.

12. A cargo handling module as recited in claim 1 1, said at least one vertical support component is extendable, wherein said horizontal safety component is vertically positioned in conjunction with a vertical motion of said platform.

13. A cargo handling module as recited in claim 8, said cargo handling module further comprising a releasable attachment interface provided along said module attachment edge.

A cargo handling module, the module comprising: a module body shell comprising: a module floor, a pair of module body sidewalls, each module body sidewall attached to a respective edge of and arranged generally perpendicular to said module floor, and a module roof spanning between an upper edge of each module body sidewall, wherein the module floor, the pair of module sidewalls, and the module roof collectively form a tubular shaped structure, an end wall provided at a first end of said tubular shaped structure, and an attachment edge provided opposite said end wall, wherein said attachment edge is sized and shaped to mate with an end wall of a cargo transportation enclosure, wherein the attachment edge comprises at least one of the following: a planar edge, wherein a mating end wall of a cargo transportation enclosure is formed in one of: a step shaped edge wherein the step is formed towards an interior of the tubular shaped structure, a step shaped edge wherein the step is formed towards an exterior of the tubular shaped structure, a forked shaped edge having a dimension between each fork for receiving the planar attachment edge; a step shaped edge wherein the step extends inward towards an interior of the tubular shaped structure, a step shaped edge wherein the step extends outward towards an exterior of the tubular shaped structure, and a fork shaped edge having a dimension between each fork for receiving a mating end wall of the cargo transportation enclosure; wherein a combination of said tubular shaped structure and said end wall defines an interior space; a cargo opening for passage of cargo therethrough, said cargo opening provided through said sidewall; a side cargo handling apparatus and lift module comprising: a side module floor, said side module floor having a horizontally positionable arrangement respective to said module floor, a vertical actuator integrated with said side module floor enabling horizontal positioning of said vertical actuator in conjunction with a horizontal motion of said side module floor, a cargo platform attached to a vertically adjustable component of said vertical actuator, said platform having an upper surface and a platform peripheral edge, and a floor platform clearance within said module floor, said floor platform clearance extending inward from an edge of said module floor adjacent to said cargo opening, said floor platform clearance comprising a clearance peripheral edge that is sized and shaped to mate with said platform peripheral edge; wherein said vertical actuator vertically positions said cargo platform between a container transfer position aligning said platform upper surface and a floor upper surface and a ground transfer position locating said platform upper surface below said floor upper surface.

15. A cargo handling module as recited in claim 14, said platform upper surface is substantially continuous with and uninterrupting with an adjacent section of said respective module floor of said module body shell when said cargo platform is raised to a container transfer position.

16. A cargo handling module as recited in claim 15, said module floor further comprising a side module floor clearance, wherein an upper surface of said side module floor is coplanar with an upper surface of said module floor.

17. A cargo handling module as recited in claim 14, said vertical actuator further comprising an upright frame member slideably engaging with a vertical actuator channel.

18. A cargo handling module as recited in claim 14, said cargo handling module further comprising a releasable attachment interface provided along said module attachment edge.

19. A cargo handling module as recited in claim 14, said cargo handling module further comprising a cargo access door providing closure to said cargo opening.

20. A cargo handling module as recited in claim 14, said module floor further comprising a side module floor clearance, wherein an upper surface of said side module floor is coplanar with said floor upper surface.