A collapsible intermodal transport platform and methods for its operation are disclosed. The invention comprises structural ribbings that rotate about an axle disposed beneath the loading surface of the platform. The ribbings are positioned along the platform so as to provide lifting and stacking fi
A collapsible intermodal transport platform and methods for its operation are disclosed. The invention comprises structural ribbings that rotate about an axle disposed beneath the loading surface of the platform. The ribbings are positioned along the platform so as to provide lifting and stacking fitments at the standard overhead crane lifting points when in a lift configuration. The ribbings may be rotated inboard down to the loading surface, thereby presenting stacking blocks at the crane lifting points for stacking several platforms together. Alternatively, the ribbings may be rotated outboard to accommodate full size loading of cargo. The ribbings are rotated under electric or hydraulic power, according to the various embodiments disclosed. Other features and aspects disclosed lend to the invention's low weight and high carrying capacity, as well as its unique load securing features.
대표청구항▼
1. A transport platform having a substantially rectangular loading surface exceeding 45 feet in length, the transport platform comprising: a frame on which the loading surface is disposed, the frame comprising four corner fitments, each corner fitment located approximately 26.5 feet from a longitudi
1. A transport platform having a substantially rectangular loading surface exceeding 45 feet in length, the transport platform comprising: a frame on which the loading surface is disposed, the frame comprising four corner fitments, each corner fitment located approximately 26.5 feet from a longitudinal centerline of the loading surface; anda plurality of first braces each having a first end attached to the frame at a first distance from the longitudinal centerline of the loading surface, and a second end extending from and rotatable about the first end,wherein the transport platform is capable of being disposed in a stowed position at which the second end of each first brace is proximate to the loading surface, and an extended load position at which more than a 45 -foot span of the loading surface is unobstructed for top loading of cargo. 2. The transport platform of claim 1, wherein the transport platform is capable of being disposed in a lift position at which the second end of each first brace extends away from the loading surface and supports a first lifting fitment, such that one of the first lifting fitments disposed on a first side of the longitudinal centerline of the loading surface is approximately 40 feet away from another of the first lifting fitments on a second side of the longitudinal centerline opposite the first side, and each first lifting fitment is equidistant from the longitudinal centerline. 3. The transport platform of claim 2, further comprising a stacking block attached to each of the plurality of first braces such that, upon rotating one of the plurality of first braces into the stowed position, the stacking block attached to that first brace is capable of providing a second lifting fitment located approximately twenty feet from the longitudinal centerline of the loading surface. 4. The transport platform of claim 3, wherein the first distance is greater than twenty feet. 5. The transport platform of claim 2, wherein the frame further comprises an axle that connects to the first end of one of the plurality of first braces on one side of the loading surface and to the first end of another of the plurality of first braces on the other side of the loading surface. 6. The transport platform of claim 5, wherein rotation of the axle causes the transport platform to move between the stowed position and the lift position. 7. The transport platform of claim 5, wherein the axle is parallel to the longitudinal centerline of the loading surface, and wherein the first distance is greater than twenty feet. 8. The transport platform of claim 2, further comprising a plurality of second braces, each second brace having a proximal end attached to the second end of one of the plurality of first braces, and a distal end extending from the proximal end. 9. The transport platform of claim 8, wherein the distal end of each second brace is attached to the frame at a second distance from the longitudinal centerline of the loading surface when the transport platform is in the lift position. 10. The transport platform of claim 9, wherein the first distance is greater than the second distance. 11. The transport platform of claim 9, wherein the frame further comprises a locking mechanism located at the second distance for attaching the distal end of one of the plurality of second braces when the transport platform is in the lift position. 12. The transport platform of claim 11, wherein the locking mechanism attaches to one of the plurality of first braces when the transport platform is in the stowed position. 13. The transport platform of claim 1, wherein the frame further comprises a plurality of deck beams, each deck beam having a slightly convex upper surface. 14. The transport platform of claim 1, further comprising a motor disposed beneath the loading surface for rotating at least one of the plurality of first braces to convert the transport platform from the stowed position to the extended load position. 15. The transport platform of claim 14, further comprising an electrical control unit operably connected to the transport platform for remotely operating the motor through a further connection to one of a truck battery or a forklift battery. 16. A transport platform having a substantially rectangular loading surface exceeding 45 feet in length, the transport platform comprising: a frame comprising: a plurality of deck beams extending along the length of the loading surface;a pair of first crossmembers connecting the plurality of deck beams, each of the pair of first crossmembers positioning first downward-facing fitments at a location approximately 26.5 feet from a longitudinal centerline of the loading surface, and on opposite sides thereof;a pair of second crossmembers connecting the plurality of deck beams, each of the pair of second crossmembers positioning second downward-facing fitments at a location approximately twenty feet from the longitudinal centerline of the loading surface, and on opposite sides thereof; anda pair of third crossmembers connecting the plurality of deck beams, each of the pair of third crossmembers positioned equal distances from the longitudinal centerline of the loading surface and comprising a hollow opening for receiving a tine of a forklift; anda plurality of first braces, each first brace having a first end attached to the frame and a second end extending from and rotatable about the first end, each first brace rotatable between a stowed position at which the second end is proximate to the loading surface, and a lift position at which the second end is elevated from the loading surface. 17. The transport platform of claim 16, further comprising a plurality of first lifting fitments, each first lifting fitment supported by one of the plurality of first braces when the first brace is in the lift position. 18. The transport platform of claim 17, further comprising a plurality of stacking blocks, each stacking block attached to one of the plurality of first braces and comprising a second lifting fitment. 19. The transport platform of claim 18, wherein, when the plurality of first braces are in the lift position, each first lifting fitment is disposed in a position located directly above the position where one of the plurality of stacking blocks is disposed when the plurality of first braces are in the stowed position. 20. The transport platform of claim 18, wherein each stacking block further comprises a male fitment for placement over the second lifting fitment. 21. The transport platform of claim 20, wherein each male fitment is positioned to align with and engage to one of the second downward-facing fitments of another transport platform when the plurality of first braces are in the stowed position. 22. The transport platform of claim 16, wherein the first end of each first brace attaches to the frame at a distance from the longitudinal centerline of the loading surface greater than twenty feet but less than 26.5 feet. 23. The transport platform of claim 16, wherein the plurality of deck beams have a slightly arcuate upper surface. 24. The transport platform of claim 16, further comprising an axle connecting the plurality of deck beams, the axle connected to the first end of one of the plurality of first braces on one side of the loading surface and to the first end of another of the plurality of first braces on the other side of the loading surface. 25. The transport platform of claim 24, further comprising a motor for rotating the axle, wherein said rotation converts the first braces attached to the axle from the stowed position to the lift position. 26. The transport platform of claim 16, further comprising a motor for rotating at least one of the plurality of first braces from the stowed position to the lift position. 27. The transport platform of claim 26, further comprising an electrical control unit operably connected to the transport platform for remotely operating the motor through a further connection to one of a truck battery or a forklift battery. 28. The transport platform of claim 16, wherein each first brace is also rotatable to an extended load position at which the second end of the first brace is further away from the longitudinal centerline of the loading surface than it is when the first brace is in the lift position.
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이 특허에 인용된 특허 (21)
Clive-Smith, Martin; Jones, Christopher John, Adjustable post for container.
Sadkin, Howard Sidney; Sadkin, Lawrence Alan; Sadkin, Martin Jay; Lowry, III, Joseph McDonald; Jones, Thomas Richard; Johnson, Travis Robert; Marmon, Thomas Ross; Miller, Thomas James; Schenck, Eric Christopher, Collapsible shipping container.
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