Shelf System, Intercage Locking System, and Rolling Storage Module with Lockable Brake for Cage

A transportation cage comprising: a first corner post; a second corner post; a third corner post; a fourth corner post; a first door rotatably attached to the first corner post, the first door configured to open outwardly from the transportation cage; a second door rotatably attached to the fourth corner post, the second door configured to open outwardly from the transportation cage; a first set of holes located at each of the first, second, third and fourth corner posts, the first set of holes are all at or near a first vertical height on each of the first, second, third and fourth corner posts; a second set of holes located at each of the first, second, third and fourth corner posts, the second set of holes are all at or near a second vertical height on each of the first, second, third and fourth corner posts, the second vertical height is different than the first vertical height; a third set of holes located at each of the first, second, third and fourth corner posts, the third set of holes are all at or near a third vertical height on each of the first, second, third and fourth corner posts, the third vertical height is different than the first and second vertical heights; a fourth set of holes located at each of the first, second, third and fourth corner posts, the fourth set of holes are all at or near a fourth vertical height on each of the first, second, third and fourth corner posts, the fourth vertical height is different than the first, second, and third vertical heights; first shelf support configured to slide into the holes of a selected vertical height on the first and second corner posts when the first door is in an open configuration, the first shelf support having an opening; a second shelf support configured to slide into the holes of the selected vertical height of on the third and fourth corner posts when the second door is in an open configuration, the second shelf support having an opening; a shelf configured to slide into the openings of the first shelf support and second shelf support when the first door and second door are opened, the shelf locked within the first and second shelf supports when the first and second doors are closed, the shelf configured to remain in place when the first and second doors are closed when the transportation cage is in various orientations including an upside down orientation. A transportation cage comprising: a first corner post; a second corner post; a third corner post; a fourth corner post; one or more top bars located at the top and perimeter of the transportation cage; each of the top bars having horizontal through slot, the through slot configured to allow passage from the interior of the cage to the exterior of the cage via the horizontal through slot; one or more cross-top bars located at the top of the transportation cage and generally over the interior of the transportation cage; a rod with two right angle handles slideably and rotatably located inside each of the cross-top bars, with each of the right angle handles extending out from their respective cross-top bar, one of the right angle handles configured to slide into a slot of an adjacent transportation cage's top bar horizontal through slot or a slot located on a structure. A transportation cage comprising: a first corner post; a second corner post; a third corner post; a fourth corner post; a first door rotatably attached to the first corner post, the first door configured to open outwardly from the transportation cage; a second door rotatably attached to the fourth corner post, the second door configured to open outwardly from the transportation cage; a first wheel located near the bottom of the first corner post; a second wheel located near the bottom of the second corner post; a third wheel located near the bottom of the third corner post; a fourth wheel located near the bottom of the fourth corner post; a brake and lock system located near the fourth wheel and in operable communication with the fourth wheel, the brake and lock system comprising: a brake mechanism configured to prevent the fourth wheel from rotating when engaged; a foot pedal configured to engage and disengage the brake mechanism; a lock lever in communication with the brake mechanism, when the lock lever is pushed in, the lock lever prevents disengagement of the brake mechanism, when the lock lever is pulled out, the brake can be disengaged, the lock lever further configured such that when the lock is pushed in, the lock lever can only be pulled out if the second door is opened, if the second door is closed, and the lock lever is pushed in, the lock lever can not be pulled out.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to improvements for transportation cages, and more particularly to a shelf system for a transportation cage, an intercage locking system for a transportation cage, and a rolling storage module with lockable brake for a transportation cage.

BACKGROUND

Storage devices with shelves are used for mobile operations, such as transport on a bad roads or terrain, transport on aircraft, and transport at sea. The shelves under such conditions often fall or move out of position, thereby damaging cargo and even causing dangerous conditions to personnel. In such conditions, the storage devices may be subject to negative forces (such as when travelling over rough terrain, rough seas, turbulent skies, or doing evasive maneuvers). However, such conditions will often lead to the shelves falling or being displaced. One option is to weld the shelves in place, bolt the shelves in place, or rivet the shelves in place. However, welds, bolting, and riveting in place makes the shelving units difficult or impossible to adjust. In addition, known means to secure shelves in storage devices often take up precious space inside the storage device or add too much weight to the storage devices.

Known storage products often are not made for mobile use and often a shelf is held in place by hooks which stops the shelf from moving downward when material is stored on it—but if negative force is applied to the storage product, the shelf can come off the hooks. Such negative force can occur when driving over rugged terrain, during transport by aircraft, during transport by sea, or during evasive maneuvers.

Storage devices need to be secured from theft. Currently, preventing theft is typically being solved by three methods, 1) increase the weight of the storage device to more than 500 lbs., 2) using a separate locking device like chain with padlock to secure the device to the floor or wall or something else increasing the system weight to more than 500 lbs., or 3) bolt the device to the floor.

There are already storage devices that have wheels with a brake. When the wheels are braked, an interloper could still steal the storage device by unbraking the wheel and rolling the storage device away, unless the storage device is locked to something. If the storage product is heavy enough and it does not have wheels, it is considered secured if it is above 500 lbs. according to OPNAV INSTRUCTION 5530.13C, p. 3-2, but not if it is possible to roll off with it.

Other storage devices either do not have wheels or they have a separate device that locks the storage device to something, such as a wall, floor, column, etc. Alternatively, the device is bolted to the floor or the wall. The separate locking device is securing the storage device to another physical item, like chain or wire connected to the floor, or a separate locking device which applies friction to the floor or a physical item penetrating the wheel thereby preventing rotation. Many solutions to the problem either require a separate lock or is permanently fixing the item.

Thus there is a need for improvements to transportation cages that overcomes the above-listed and other disadvantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a transportation cage comprising: a first corner post; a second corner post; a third corner post; a fourth corner post; a first door rotatably attached to the first corner post, the first door configured to open outwardly from the transportation cage; a second door rotatably attached to the fourth corner post, the second door configured to open outwardly from the transportation cage; a first set of holes located at each of the first, second, third and fourth corner posts, the first set of holes are all at or near a first vertical height on each of the first, second, third and fourth corner posts; a second set of holes located at each of the first, second, third and fourth corner posts, the second set of holes are all at or near a second vertical height on each of the first, second, third and fourth corner posts, the second vertical height is different than the first vertical height; a third set of holes located at each of the first, second, third and fourth corner posts, the third set of holes are all at or near a third vertical height on each of the first, second, third and fourth corner posts, the third vertical height is different than the first and second vertical heights; a fourth set of holes located at each of the first, second, third and fourth corner posts, the fourth set of holes are all at or near a fourth vertical height on each of the first, second, third and fourth corner posts, the fourth vertical height is different than the first, second, and third vertical heights; first shelf support configured to slide into the holes of a selected vertical height on the first and second corner posts when the first door is in an open configuration, the first shelf support having an opening; a second shelf support configured to slide into the holes of the selected vertical height of on the third and fourth corner posts when the second door is in an open configuration, the second shelf support having an opening; a shelf configured to slide into the openings of the first shelf support and second shelf support when the first door and second door are opened, the shelf locked within the first and second shelf supports when the first and second doors are closed, the shelf configured to remain in place when the first and second doors are closed when the transportation cage is in various orientations including an upside down orientation.

The invention also relates to a transportation cage comprising: a first corner post; a second corner post; a third corner post; a fourth corner post; one or more top bars located at the top and perimeter of the transportation cage; each of the top bars having horizontal through slot, the through slot configured to allow passage from the interior of the cage to the exterior of the cage via the horizontal through slot; one or more cross-top bars located at the top of the transportation cage and generally over the interior of the transportation cage; a rod with two right angle handles slideably and rotatably located inside each of the cross-top bars, with each of the right angle handles extending out from their respective cross-top bar, one of the right angle handles configured to slide into a slot of an adjacent transportation cage's top bar horizontal through slot or a slot located on a structure.

In addition, the invention relates to a transportation cage comprising: a first corner post; a second corner post; a third corner post; a fourth corner post; a first door rotatably attached to the first corner post, the first door configured to open outwardly from the transportation cage; a second door rotatably attached to the fourth corner post, the second door configured to open outwardly from the transportation cage; a first wheel located near the bottom of the first corner post; a second wheel located near the bottom of the second corner post; a third wheel located near the bottom of the third corner post; a fourth wheel located near the bottom of the fourth corner post; a brake and lock system located near the fourth wheel and in operable communication with the fourth wheel, the brake and lock system comprising: a brake mechanism configured to prevent the fourth wheel from rotating when engaged; a foot pedal configured to engage and disengage the brake mechanism; a lock lever in communication with the brake mechanism, when the lock lever is pushed in, the lock lever prevents disengagement of the brake mechanism, when the lock lever is pulled out, the brake can be disengaged, the lock lever further configured such that when the lock is pushed in, the lock lever can only be pulled out if the second door is opened, if the second door is closed, and the lock lever is pushed in, the lock lever can not be pulled out.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The disclosed invention makes it possible for the end user to move the shelf to another shelf position, changing the available space in a compartment, without the use of tools, to better utilize the space inside for what they intend to store. The need to comply with negative G-forces is not only required by the MIL-STD 209K, but is also important for any user who has our storage device on a vehicle driving down a bumpy road. The MIL-STD 209K is concurrently filed in an IDS, and the MIL-STD 209K is fully incorporated by reference herein. It is an advantage to be able to adjust the shelves without the need for tools. It is also advantageous for the mechanism which secures the shelf in its position to not take up storage space inside the cage when this position is not in use. Applicants have recently prepared a document entitled “TACTICAL LOCKER CWM OPERATING MANUAL” with a product code of SC-CW-MD-2D-03. This document is concurrently filed in an IDS, and the TACTICAL LOCKER CWM OPERATING MANUAL is fully incorporated by reference herein.

A storage device securing weapons must comply with several regulations to be considered secure, of which OPNAV INSTRUCTION 5530.13C (p. 3-2) is an important regulation with respect to this invention. This regulation dictates, among several other requirements, that a storage device securing weapons must weigh 500 lbs. or more to prevent theft of the storage device. The OPNAV INSTRUCTION 5530.13C is concurrently filed in an IDS, and the OPNAV INSTRUCTION 5530.13C is fully incorporated by reference herein. For storage devices weighing less than 500 lbs., the storage device should be secured without permanently fixing the device to its surroundings. Our solution does not require a separate lock or locking device and the solution cannot be separated from the device and will therefore always be available when needed. Our brake can be opened and secured by closing the door without a need for a separate lock.

FIG.1shows a partial view of a transportation cage10that comprises a first corner post14, second corner post18, third corner post22, and fourth corner post26. The transportation cage10also comprises a first door30and a second door34. Each of the corner posts14,18,22,26may have a first plurality of holes38. In one embodiment the holes38may be oval or oblong shaped. Each of the corner posts14,18,22,26may also have a second plurality of holes40. In one embodiment, the holes40may have a generally rectangular shape. A first shelf support42may be removeably attached inside the cage10to two adjacent corner posts14,18,22,26. A second shelf support46may be removeably attached to two adjacent corner posts14,18,22,26, but generally inside the cage10and on an opposite side of the cage from the first shelf support42. Each shelf support has a tabs or extensions configured to slide into the holes38and40. Each shelf support also has a slot or opening to allow a shelf to slide into the shelf supports.

FIG.2shows a close up view of a first end50of the first shelf support42in the process of being installed on the first post14. In this view, the extensions and tabs of the first shelf support42are about to or already entered into the holes38,40. Each shelf support has a slot or opening54to accept a shelf. The posts14,18,22,26may comprise at least 2 angled planes126and130. In this embodiment, the planes126and130are generally orthogonal to each other because the posts14,18,22,26have a generally square or rectangular cross section. In other embodiments, the planes126,130may comprise other angles, for instance if the posts may have a triangular cross section, or trapezoidal cross section, or parallelogram cross section. Thus, the holes40and38are generally orthogonal to each other.

FIG.3shows a close up view of a second end58of the first shelf support42. In this view, the extensions and tabs of the first shelf support42are about to or already entered into the holes38,40of the second post18. Each shelf support has a slot or opening54to accept a shelf.

FIG.4shows a view of the shelf62being inserted into slots or openings54of the two shelf supports42,46.

FIG.5shows a shelf62installed in the cage10with the doors30,34closed. When the doors30,34are closed, the shelf is locked in place. The shelf62can only be removed if the doors30,34are opened and the shelf is slid out in the direction of the arrow66. Even if the cage is turned upside down, the shelf62is locked in place, when the doors30,34are closed. To move or remove the shelf62, users must first open the doors30,34, then slide the shelf62out the direction of the arrow66.

FIG.6shows a partial view of the shelf system for the cage10. In this view, the doors34and the walls of the cage10are removed.

FIG.7shows another close up view of a first end50of the first shelf support42in the process of being installed on the first post14. In this view, the extensions and tabs of the first shelf support42are about to or already entered into the holes38,40. Each shelf support42has a slot or opening54to accept a shelf. The shelf support42has a length direction134. The shelf support42has a tab138. Tab138extends from the shelf support42in a direction parallel to the length direction134. The tab138is configured to slide into hole38. The shelf support42also has a tab142that extends in a direction that is orthogonal to the length direction134. Tab142is configured to slide into hole40. The tabs138and142, when slid into their respective holes38and40, constrains the degrees of freedom of the shelf support42such that it is locked into place.

FIG.8shows another close up view of a second end58of the first shelf support42. In this view, the extensions and tabs of the first shelf support42are about to or already entered into the holes38,40. Each shelf support42has a slot or opening54to accept a shelf. In one embodiment, as shown inFIGS.7and8, the shelf supports42,46may be angled inwards, so that it is possible to slide the tabs into the holes. The shelf support42has a tab138. Tab138extends from the shelf support42in a direction parallel to the length direction134. The tab138is configured to slide into hole38. The shelf support42also has a tab142that extends in a direction that is orthogonal to the length direction134. Tab142is configured to slide into hole40. The tabs138and142, when slid into their respective holes38and40, constrains the degrees of freedom of the shelf support42such that it is locked into place. The second shelf support46also has tab138,142in similar orientations to shelf support42, and are configured to slide into holes38,40respectively, the holes38and40are on orthogonal to each other planes of the posts22and26.

FIG.9is a view of the first shelf support42installed on the posts14,18.

FIG.10A through10Dis an example of an instruction sheet showing how to insert the shelf into a cage along with drawings. The instructions forFIG.10Aare: Insert the front of SHELF SUPPORT into the oval hole on the CORNERPOST. The instructions forFIG.10Bare: 2. Insert the book of SHELF SUPPORT into oval hole on the CORNERPOST. Turn the SHELF SUPPORT to locking position. Do the same for opposite SHELF SUPPORT. The instructions forFIG.10Care: Insert SHELF at an angle and push into the cage. The instructions forFIG.10Dare: Secure SHELF using hole for locking.

FIG.11shows a view of the intercage locking system. The cage10has a top, either solid, wire mesh, or other suitable top. The top is not visible in these views in order to show the intercage locking system. The cage10may have a plurality of top bars70along the perimeter of the top of the cage. One or more of the top bars70may have a horizontal through slot74. The through slot goes through the top bars, from the interior of the cage10to the exterior of the cage. The cage may have one or more cross-top bars78, that generally connect with the top bars70, or other cross-top bars78, or connect a top bar70with a cross-top bar78. The cross-top bars78are not located along the perimeter of the cage10, but rather are located above the interior of the cage10. Inside one or more of the cross-top bars is a rod82with two right angle handles86. In one embodiment, the right angle handles86of the same rod82, are parallel to each other. The rods82are configured to be moved by a user inside the cage, please note the rods82are not going to be reachable from above the cage due to the top of the cage being in the way. The user will be able to slide the rod through the through slots74into adjacent cages through slots74, and then rotate the rod so that the handles86are generally pointing down, so that the rod is locked into the top bar70of an adjacent cage10. Please note that that the cross-top bar78has slots and openings to permit the sliding and rotating of the rod82and handle86.

FIG.12shows a first cage10A locked to a second cage10B. First rod82A extends from first cage10A through a top bar70A of the first cage10A, via a horizontal through slot74A of the top bar70A and into a top bar70B of the second cage10B and a horizontal through slot74B of the top bar70B. The rod82A has been rotated so that the right angle handles86A prevent the rod82A from disconnecting from the slot74B, thereby locking cage10A to cage Rod82A is mostly inside of cross-top bar78A. Similarly, second rod82B extends from second cage10B through a top bar70B of the second cage10BA, via a horizontal through slot74C of the top bar70B and into a top bar70A of the first cage10A and a horizontal through slot74D of the top bar70A. The rod82B has been rotated so that the right angle handles86B prevent the rod82B from disconnecting from the slot74D, thereby also locking cage10B to cage10A. Rod82B is mostly inside of cross-top bar78B. A third rod82C is shown in the first cage10A. This third rod82C is not currently be used to connect an adjacent cage, but is available to connect another cage that could be adjacent to the width dimension of the first cage10A. The third rod82C is shown generally inside a cross-top bar78C. Third rod82C does not extend through horizontal through slot74E of top bar70D, because there is no other cage adjacent to the width dimension of cage10A, and it is not necessary therefore to use rod82C to lock cage10A to an adjacent cage. Cross-top bar78C and top bar70D have slots or holes on the underside of the bars to allow the right angle handles86C to point generally downward. Similarly, a fourth rod82D is shown in the second cage10B. This fourth rod82D is not currently be used to connect an adjacent cage, but is available to connect another cage that could be adjacent to the width dimension of the second cage10B. The fourth rod82D is shown generally inside a cross-top bar78D. Fourth rod82D does not extend through horizontal through slot74F of top bar70E, because there is no other cage adjacent to the width dimension of cage10B, and it is not necessary therefore to use rod82D to lock cage10B to an adjacent cage. Cross-top bar78D and top bar70E have slots or holes on the underside of the bars to allow the right angle handles86D to point generally downward. Please note, in one embodiment, only one rod82is necessary to lock adjacent cages. So inFIG.12, only rod82A (or rod82B) is required to lock cages10A and10B together.

FIG.13is a cross-sectional view of cages10A and10B. In this view, it can be seen how rod82A is locked into top bar70B, and rod82B is locked into top bar70A. Also shown in this view is a right angle handle slot90A in cross-top bar78A, that allows one to slide rod82A right and left in order to lock into adjacent cages, and/or retract back into cage10A. Slot90A also has a hole or right angle slot to allow the right angle handle86A to rotate into the down position shown inFIG.13. Also shown in this view is a right angle handle slot90B in cross-top bar78B, that allows one to slide rod82B right and left in order to lock into adjacent cages, and/or retract back into cage10B. Slot90B also has a hole or right angle slot to allow the right angle handle86B to rotate into the down position shown inFIG.13.

FIG.14is another example of the intercage locking system.

FIG.15is a cross-sectional view of the intercage locking system fromFIG.14.

FIG.16is perspective view of another embodiment of the intercage locking system.

FIG.17is a side view of the intercage locking system fromFIG.16.

FIG.18is perspective view of another embodiment of the intercage locking system.

FIG.19is a side view of the intercage locking system fromFIG.18.

FIG.21is perspective view of another embodiment of the intercage locking system.

FIG.22is a side view of the intercage locking system fromFIG.21.

FIG.24shows a portion of a cage10, with two cage doors30,34. The cage10has wheels94. In other embodiments, the wheels94may be rollers. One or more of the wheels94may have a brake and lock system98. The brake and lock system98would generally be blocked from this view by the fourth corner post26and door34. However, the brake and lock system98is made visible in this view so the reader can understand how the brake and lock system operates. The brake and lock system98comprise a foot pedal102that engages the brake. When the foot pedal102is depressed, it rotates a brake mechanism106that engages the brake and prevents one or more wheels94from freely rotating. In one embodiment the brake mechanism106is in communication with a brake rod110that can engage a brake on an adjacent wheel94. The brake and lock system98comprises a lock lever114. When the lock lever114is engaged, the brake is locked in an engaged configuration, and the braked wheels cannot be unbraked until the lock lever114is disengaged. The lock lever114is generally visible from behind the third post26and door34, unless it is pushed in the direction of arrow118(seeFIGS.26and27).

FIG.25is a view of the brake and lock system98fromFIG.24, but with the foot pedal102in a down and braked position. In this view, one can see that the brake mechanism has rotated counter-clockwise about 35°.

FIG.26is a view of the brake and lock system98fromFIGS.24and25but with the door34opened. With the door open, the lock lever114can be pushed in in the direction of the arrow118. When pushed in, the lock lever114will block the brake mechanism106from rotating to an unbraked position.FIG.26shows the lock lever114in an unlocked position.

FIG.27shows the lock lever114pushed in (in the direction of the arrow118), such that a portion of the lock lever114blocks the brake mechanism106from being able to rotate to an unbraked position. A portion of the lock lever114is unable to be seen due to the door34being in the line of sight of the lock lever114now that it is pushed into the locked position. However, the blocking portion122of the lock lever114can be seen blocking the brake mechanism106.

FIG.28shows the lock lever114pushed in (in the direction of the arrow118), such that a portion of the lock lever114blocks the brake mechanism106from being able to rotate to an unbraked position and the door34closed. In this view, most of the brake and lock system (except for the pedal102) would be blocked from view due to the fourth post26and door34. However, the parts of the brake and lock system98that would be blocked from view are made visible in this view in order that the reader can understand how the system operates. The door34, in a closed position, makes it impossible to pull the lock lever114out, in a direction opposite arrow118, in order to unlock the brake mechanism, and allow the brake mechanism to be put in an unbraked position.

FIG.29shows a close up view of the wheel94and brake and lock system98. In this view the lock lever114is in an unlocked position and the brake pedal102is in an unbraked orientation.

FIG.30shows a close up view of the wheel94and brake and lock system98. In this view the lock lever114is in a locked position and the brake pedal102is in a braked orientation.

FIG.31is a top view of the brake and lock system98. In this view the lock lever114is in an unlocked position and the brake pedal102is in an unbraked orientation.

FIG.32is a top view of the brake and lock system98. In this view the lock lever114is in a locked position and the brake pedal102is in a braked orientation.

FIG.33is a side view of the wheel94and brake and lock system98. In this view the lock lever114is in an unlocked position and the brake pedal102is in an unbraked position.

FIG.34is a side view of the wheel94and brake and lock system98. In this view the lock lever114is in a locked position and the brake pedal102is in a braked orientation.

The disclosed improvements to transportation cages have many advantages. The shelf system provides for a shelf that will not shift or come attached to the cage even if the cage is turned upside down, if the cage doors are closed. The intercage locking system will allow one to easily connect and lock one cage to another, thereby preventing theft of the cages and better securing the cages. Further the intercage locking system can be configured to lock the cage to an adjacent wall, column, or pillar. Once the cages are locked together, or to a wall, they cannot be unlocked unless someone opens the cage doors. The brake and lock system will lock the brakes on the wheels into an on position, and the brakes cannot be unbraked until the doors of the cage are opened.

It should be noted that the terms “first”, “second”, and “third”, and the like may be used herein to modify elements performing similar and/or analogous functions. These modifiers do not imply a spatial, sequential, or hierarchical order to the modified elements unless specifically stated.

While the disclosure has been described with reference to several embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the disclosure without departing from the essential scope thereof.

Therefore, it is intended that the disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this disclosure, but that the disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.