Abstract:
A system for quickly and efficiently loading and unloading cargo into a container of a transport vehicle that averts the likelihood of cargo shifting during loading, unloading and transport. The system includes a moveable support platform extendable within the transport container upon which the cargo is supported and a moveable interior stabilizing platform secured to the support platform which prevents the shifting of cargo during loading, unloading and transport. The stabilizing wall also serves to align stacked rows of cargo on the support platform.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0002]     This invention relates generally to system for quickly and efficiently loading and unloading transportable articles or cargo into a container of a vehicle. More particularly, the invention relates to such a system having a moveable support platform extendable within the transport container and having a substantially horizontal support surface or area upon which the cargo is supported and a moveable interior stabilizing mechanism connected to the support platform that includes a substantially vertical stabilizing surface which prevents the shifting of cargo during loading, unloading and transport.  
         [0003]     2. Description of the Related Art  
         [0004]     A wide variety of systems for loading, unloading and transporting cargo into and/or from a container, such as shipping containers or trailers, include a conveyor having a support surface for supporting the cargo such as baggage pieces, containers, boxes, furniture and the like in a stacked arrangement. The conveyor is adaptable for extension into the container and is driven by a drive mechanism for movement along a conveying path inside the container.  
         [0005]     During a loading sequence, a plurality of rows of cargo is sequentially stacked manually on the conveying surface, commencing at the front end of the container. The conveyor is sequentially displaced rearward towards the aft or rear end wall of the container until the first stackable row abuts or otherwise engages the rear wall. Once the loading sequence is complete, the container is sealed shut by a door or wall located at the front section of the container.  
         [0006]     Numerous disadvantages have been found in the prior art systems that results in various inefficiencies, increased transport costs, and damage or destruction of the cargo during loading, unloading and transport.  
         [0007]     One disadvantage occurs when the container is not filled to its maximum volumetric capacity. In this instance, a space or gap is created between the last stacked row of cargo at the front section of the container and the inner surface of the container door. Such a gap results in the unwanted shifting of cargo during transport and also during displacement of the conveyor towards the aft or rear section of the container. Accordingly, severe damage to the cargo results. Such damage during loading and/or unloading will result in an increase in transport costs to both the owner and transporter.  
         [0008]     Another disadvantage found in prior art systems occurs during an unloading sequence through the creation of a second space or gap between the rear container wall and the first stackable row as the conveyor is displaced towards the front section of the container. Such a gap causes unwanted shifting of the cargo, and results in damage and/or destruction thereto.  
         [0009]     An additional disadvantage found in prior art systems occurs during the commencement of a loading sequence. Particularly, the lack of vertical support makes it difficult to create a series of stackable rows, i.e., rows that rest one on top of the other in parallel, that extend from the support surface of the conveyor to the top of the container ceiling. This lack of a vertical support results in slow, inefficient stacking of rows at such low heights to limit shifting or falling of the stacked cargo. This results in a container not being filled to its maximum capacity, which results in increased transport costs.  
         [0010]     A further disadvantage found in prior art systems occurs as a result of operator or mechanical error during an unloading sequence, whereby continued displacement of the conveyor system results in one or more rows of stacked cargo falling from the conveyor and out of the front section of the container and to the ground. This results in damage and/or destruction to the cargo, which also leads to increased transport costs.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0011]     Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide a system for the quick, efficient and economic loading, unloading and transport of cargo.  
         [0012]     It is another object of the invention to provide such a system which prevents the occurrence of shifting of cargo during loading, unloading and transport.  
         [0013]     It is an additional object of the invention to provide such a system that prevents the cargo from being damaged or destroyed during loading, unloading and transport.  
         [0014]     It is a further object of the invention to provide such a system that prevents the creation of gaps between the cargo and the front and rear container walls which causes shifting.  
         [0015]     It is yet another object of the invention to provide such a system that averts shifting of cargo during displacement of the support platform.  
         [0016]     It is still another object the invention to provide such a system which increases the possibility of loading a container to its maximum capacity.  
         [0017]     Yet and still, another object the invention is to provide such a system that is easily portable.  
         [0018]     Yet and still, an additional object of the invention is to provide such a system having means for sensing an occurrence of a condition or a change in condition and in response thereto acts to start, stop, or change the manner of operation of the system.  
         [0019]     Yet and still, a further object of the invention is to provide such a system having means for dampening or otherwise absorbing shocks, impacts, pressure loads, etc. transmitted by the stacked cargo  11  during loading, unloading and transport.  
         [0020]     In accordance with these objects and the principles of the invention, provided herein in one embodiment is a portable system for loading and unloading transportable cargo that includes: (a) a support platform having a substantially horizontal support surface upon which the transportable cargo is loaded, the support platform being moveable between a starting position adjacent a forward end of the support platform to a resting position adjacent an aft end of the support platform, the support platform also being movable from a compact, resting position to an retracted, working position; and (b) a stabilizing mechanism removeably attached to the support platform having a substantially vertical stabilizing surface for preventing the shifting of cargo during at least one of loading, unloading and transporting the cargo and for aligning stackable rows of cargo on the support platform, the stabilizing mechanism being moveable with the support platform.  
         [0021]     In accordance with another aspect of the invention, provided herein is a system for loading and unloading transportable cargo into and out of a transport vehicle container, the system including: (a) a support platform longitudinally extendable into the container and upon which the transportable cargo is supported, the support platform having a discharge end adjacent a forward end of the container and a rear end adjacent an aft end of the container, the support platform being moveable along a substantially longitudinal conveying path between the forward and aft ends of the container; (b) a stabilizing mechanism aligned substantially perpendicular relative to the support platform for preventing the shifting of cargo during at least one of loading, unloading and transporting the cargo and maintaining the alignment of stackable rows of cargo on the support platform, the stabilizing mechanism being moveable with the support platform between a starting position adjacent the forward end of the support platform to a resting position adjacent the aft end of the support platform; and (c) at least one sensing mechanism for sensing the location of the stabilizing mechanism and automatically deactivating the support platform once the stabilizing mechanism reaches a predetermined spatial distance relative to the support platform.  
         [0022]     In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, provided herein is a system for supporting transportable cargo during loading and unloading sequences including: (a) a substantially horizontal support surface for moveably supporting the cargo along a substantially longitudinal conveying path between forward and aft ends of the container; (b) a substantially vertical stabilizing surface supported by the support surface for preventing the shifting of cargo during displacement of the support surface and also for maintaining the spatial integrity of stackable rows of cargo on the support surface; and (c) a mechanism for dampening forces transmitted by the cargo during loading, unloading and transport, the dampening mechanism being located on the stabilizing surface at points of contact between the cargo and the stabilizing surface.  
         [0023]     Accordingly, the system in accordance with the invention is advantageous in being adaptable facilitate the quick and efficient loading and unloading of transportable goods by eliminating the threat of unwanted shifting and falling of cargo during loading/unloading sequences and transport. Particularly, use of a stabilizing mechanism or vertical support surface permits the stacking of a plurality of rows of cargo from the surface of the support platform to the ceiling of the container ceiling.  
         [0024]     A portable system is beneficial since it is easy to install and break down, which saves both time and money. The portable system also is ideal for small moving jobs, and can be used by both professional and non-professional movers. The portable system is convenient, and may be sized to fit into one or more wheeled cases that can be easily moved to any desired location or destination.  
         [0025]     A system having sensing capability with automatic shutdown of the system is beneficial for preventing damage and/or destruction to the cargo as result of continued displacement of the conveyor system during loading or unloading.  
         [0026]     A system having a dampening mechanism for absorbing dampening forces transmitted by the cargo during loading, unloading and transport is beneficial for maintaining the structural integrity of the system during operation as well as assisting with the prevention of shifting of cargo.  
         [0027]     These and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following description when taken in conjunction with the detailed drawings that show, for purposes of illustration only, the preferred embodiments of the invention.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0028]     The invention is described through a preferred embodiment illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which corresponding elements are labeled with the same reference numerals, wherein:  
         [0029]      FIG. 1  is a rear perspective view of the system;  
         [0030]      FIG. 2  is a frontal view of the system;  
         [0031]      FIG. 3  is a side view of the system during a loading sequence having a plurality of stacked rows of cargo loaded in a container;  
         [0032]      FIG. 4  is a side view of the system showing a container partially filled to capacity;  
         [0033]      FIG. 5  is a side view of the system in another embodiment of the invention showing a container partially filled to capacity;  
         [0034]      FIGS. 6A &amp; 6B  are perspective and side views of a portable support platform in extended and retracted positions;  
         [0035]      FIG. 7  frontal view of a stabilizing platform having a single dampening member;  
         [0036]      FIG. 8  shows side view of the stabilizing platform illustrated in  FIG. 7 ;  
         [0037]      FIG. 9  frontal view of a stabilizing platform having a plurality dampening members; and  
         [0038]      FIG. 10  shows side view of the stabilizing platform illustrated in  FIG. 9 .  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0039]     As shown in  FIGS. 1-5 , the system  10  for loading and unloading cargo  11 , in this particular instance in a transport vehicle  12 , includes a support platform  20  longitudinally extendable into a transport container  30 , and a stabilizing platform  40  aligned substantially perpendicular relative to the support platform  20  for preventing the shifting of cargo  11  during at least one of loading, unloading and transporting and maintaining the spatial alignment of stackable rows of cargo  11  on the support platform  20 . As noted herein, a transport container is defined as including shipping containers, a storage compartment of a motor vehicle, a trailer section of a motor vehicle, and other comparable items which permit the storage of cargo, goods and the like.  
         [0040]      FIGS. 2-5  illustrate a container  30  having a pair of opposing side walls  32 ,  33 , a retractable or pivotal door  34  provided at a front/forward end, a back wall  35  provided at a rear/aft end, a base floor  36  and an upper wall or ceiling  37  that define an internal space which receives the system  10  as well as the cargo  11 . The retractable or pivotal door  38  is moveable between an open position which permits the loading and unloading of cargo  11  into the container  30  and a closed position for transport of the cargo  11  to a particular destination.  
         [0041]     As illustrated in  FIGS. 1-3 , the support platform  20  lies substantially horizontal relative to the container  30 , and hence, substantially parallel to the container floor  36 . In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the support platform  20  is an endless belt conveyor  23  constructed as a substantially flat, flexible member having an upper support surface  24  upon which the transportable cargo  11  are moveably supported. The support platform  20  further includes the previously mentioned discharge end  21  located adjacent a forward end  34  of the container  30  and a rear end  22  located adjacent an aft end  35  of the container  30 . The support platform  20  is moveable along a substantially longitudinal conveying path (see arrow) between the forward  34  and aft ends  35  of the container  30  during loading and unloading sequences. While the conveyor  22  is shown using an endless belt system, it can be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other suitable conveying systems can alternatively be used to practice the invention. Conventional controls (not shown) may be used for operating the support platform  20  for forward or reverse displacement or motion. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the support platform  20  may be sized to conform to the spatial dimensions of the container, or any size necessary to conduct loading, unloading and transport operations.  
         [0042]     The support platform  20  is engaged by at least one indexing or drive mechanism such as a motor (not shown) at a conveying speed sufficient to permit a plurality of stacked rows of cargo  11  to maintain its spatial integrity on the upper surface  24  of the support platform  20 . The drive mechanism can take the form of any type of mechanism suitable to provide the necessary indexing motion (forward and reverse) to the support platform  20  during loading and unloading sequences. The support platform  20  also includes a plurality of mounting tabs (not shown) which facilitates permanent or temporary attachment mounting to the floor of the chassis, container floor and the like.  
         [0043]     It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that conveyor  22  may have a unitary construction, or split with a link or attachment mechanism (now shown) for assembly in situ. Conveyors of the type having a plurality of parallel, spaced-apart, endless-loop belts are well known in the art, typical examples being disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,006,831 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,530,632, which are hereby incorporated by reference.  
         [0044]     In another embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 6A and 6B , the support platform  20  includes an endless belt conveyor  23  that be manipulated from a substantially flat, working position ( FIG. 6A ) to a more compact configuration ( FIG. 6B ) when not in operation. The support platform  20  is hinged to permit its folding for placement into a wheeled carrier. This permits the system  10  to be portable, and thus, used by both professionals and non-professional transporters.  
         [0045]     The stabilizing platform  40  is a substantially rectangular structure having a basal end  41  adjacent the support surface  21  and a distal end  42  adjacent the upper wall of the container. Because the stabilizing platform  40  moves during displacement of the support platform  20 , a sufficient vertical gap or space should exist between the distal end  42  and the upper wall  37  of the container so as not to impede the displacement of the support platform  20 . Essentially, the distal end  42  should not abut, touch, contact or otherwise engage any portion of the upper wall  37 . A sufficient horizontal gap or space should also exist between the left and right side of stabilizing platform  40  and the sidewalls  32 ,  33  to prevent any engagement between these elements. The space should be sized such that cargo  11  cannot become lodged or trapped therein.  
         [0046]     The stabilizing platform  40  lies in a substantially vertical position relative to the support platform  20 , and hence, substantially perpendicular to the support surface  24 . The stabilizing platform  40  includes a stabilizing surface  43  which abuts or otherwise is engaged by the first plurality of stacked rows of cargo  11 . The stabilizing surface  43  may be a homogenous portion of the stabilizing platform  40  or laminated on the outer surface thereof. The stabilizing platform  40  may also be expandable vertically and/or laterally so as to spatially conform to the size of the container  30 . Any suitable means known in the art may be used to accomplish the expansion of the stabilizing platform  40 .  
         [0047]     Because the stabilizing platform  40  is removeably mounted on the stabilizing platform  40 , it moves simultaneously therewith between an initial position adjacent the forward or discharge end  21  of the support platform  20  to a resting position adjacent the aft end  22  of the support platform  20 . A pair of mounting brackets or legs  44  may be provided to removeably mount or otherwise secure the stabilizing platform  40  on the support platform  20 . The legs  44  insure that the stabilizing platform  40  provides load resistance against forces from the cargo  11  during loading, unloading and transport. The rear end wall  36  of the container may include a pair of compartments  38 ,  39  for receiving the support legs  44  of the stabilizing platform  40  once the stabilizing platform  40  is moved to the rear resting position. It can be appreciated by those of ordinary skill that other suitable mounting arrangements may be used to attach the stabilizing platform  40  to the support platform  20 .  
         [0048]     The stabilizing platform  40  is preferably composed of one or more lightweight, yet robust materials such as metals, woods, composites or other suitable materials. The stabilizing surface  43  may be composed of the same material as the base material for the platform  40 . It is preferred, however, that the stabilizing surface  41  be composed of a material offering suitable frictional resistance to the stacked rows of cargo  11  to prevent shifting during displacement of the support platform  20  or during transport. Hence, a material such as a polymeric rubber or other suitable material is preferred.  
         [0049]     As illustrated in  FIGS. 5, 78 ,  9  and  10 , the stabilizing surface  43  may be equipped with means for adequately dampening or absorbing shocks, impacts, pressure loads, etc. transmitted by the stacked cargo  11  during loading, unloading and transport. Such means may include one, two or a plurality of shock absorbing members  45  which protrude from the stabilizing surface  43  and are positioned by direct or indirect (i.e., attachment using intermediary components) attachment along the stabilizing surface  43 . The shock absorbing members  45  may also be aligned in one, two or a plurality of rows laterally along the stabilizing surface  43 . The shock absorbing members  45  can alternatively be positioned inside an annular space of the frame of the stabilizing platform  40 , or be a homogenous structure with the stabilizing surface  43 . The shock absorbing members  45  are preferably composed of a suitable material, such as a polymeric rubber, that offers sufficient resilience in absorbing impact forces during engagement with the cargo  11 .  
         [0050]      FIGS. 1-3  also illustrate a system  10  that further includes a mechanism  50  for sensing the occurrence of a condition or a change in condition and in response thereto acts to start, stop, or change the manner of operation of either the moveable support platform  20  or its carrier. Particularly, the system  10  includes at least one position sensor  50 , located preferably adjacent to the forward  21  and aft  22  ends of the support platform  20 , which is in communication with the drive mechanism for the support platform  20 . The position sensor(s)  50  senses the linear distance of the stabilizing platform  40  relative to the forward  21  and aft  22  ends and automatically deactivates the support platform  20  once the stabilizing platform  40  reaches a certain threshold linear distance. For example, during a loading sequence, once the stabilizing platform  40  reaches the threshold distance relative to the aft end  22 , a rearwardly positioned position sensor  51  senses the position of the platform  40  and automatically transmits a signal which deactivates the driving mechanism for the support platform  20 , i.e., stops the reverse motion thereof. On the contrary, during an unloading sequence, once the stabilizing platform  40  reaches the threshold distance relative to the forward end  21  of the support platform  20 , a forwardly positioned position sensor  52  senses the position of the stabilizing platform  40  and transmits a signal which automatically deactivates the driving mechanism for the support platform  20 , i.e., stops the forward motion thereof.  
         [0051]     In the operation of the system  10  during a loading sequence, the support platform  20  is displaced in a forward direction and is stopped once the threshold distance between position of the stabilizing platform  40  is forward sensor  51  so that the stabilizing platform  40  is placed in its initial position adjacent the forward end  21  of the support platform  20  leaving enough horizontal space thereon to permit the placement of cargo  11 . Cargo  11  is then stacked on the horizontally-extending support surface  24  while being stabilized by the vertically-extending stabilizing platform  40 . Because the stabilizing platform  40  extends from the support surface  24  to an area adjacent the container ceiling  37 , a first plurality of stackable rows of cargo  11  can be positioned on the support platform  20 . The support platform  20  is then sequentially indexed in a rearward direction to permit the transfer of additional cargo  11  on the support surface  24 . Once the loading sequence is completed, the container door  34  is closed and locked shut. For instances in which a less than full amount of cargo is transferred into the container  30 , a horizontal gap G is created between the stabilizing platform and the back wall  35  of the container  30 . However, because the cargo  11  is sandwiched between the container door  34  and the stabilizing platform  40  and or the dampening member(s)  45 , the occurrence of cargo shifting during transport is obviated.  
         [0052]     It is apparent that innumerable variations of the preferred embodiments described hereinbefore may be utilized. However, all such variations within the spirit and scope of the invention are deemed to be covered by the following claims.