Transport vehicle container handling system and associated methods

A container handling system including a substantially stationary first frame structure and a movable second frame structure facilitating loading a container to and unloading the container from of a transport vehicle. The first frame structure is configured to be fixed coupled to a chassis of the transport vehicle. The second frame structure is axially movable relative to the first frame structure and includes a handling device disposed thereon configured to raise and lower the container. Further, the second frame structure is pivotable relative to the first frame structure to facilitate unloading or loading the container on an irregular surface such as the ground.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/370,005, filed Aug. 1, 2022, the entirety of which is herein incorporated by reference.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to a container handling system, and more particularly to a transport vehicle container handling system having a substantially stationary frame and a movable frame facilitating loading a container to and unloading the container from a transport vehicle.

BACKGROUND

Conventional container systems are typically used to lift shipping type containers onto a bed of a truck or trailer unit. These systems employ a variety of powered mechanisms where a vehicle is positioned on a substantially level or horizontal loading and unloading support surface. However, there can be situations where an unloading surface and the vehicle are not parallel (for example when the vehicle is parked on a hill, a sloped driveway, or other irregular surfaces). Thus, it is often difficult to load the container to or unload the container form the vehicle. In situations where there is an irregular unloading surface, an aerial lifting device or boom may be required to load or unload the container. Operation of these types of devices can be difficult and expensive.

In general, when the aerial lifting device is to be used at a remote site, the container is loaded on a transport vehicle equipped with a loading bed or unloaded again at the site. Use of the aerial lifting device for loading and unloading the container also results in additional time, which further adds to the cost. Moreover, when the truck bed is not level, horizontal, or parallel to the support surface adjacent to the vehicle, it is difficult to maneuver the vehicle bed to a proper position for loading and unloading the container.

Accordingly, there exists a need in the art for a container handling system which facilitates loading containers from and unloading containers to an irregular surface in a simple and convenient manner.

SUMMARY

In concordance and agreement with the instant disclosure, a container handling system which facilitates loading containers from and unloading containers to an irregular surface in a simple and convenient manner has surprisingly been invented. The exemplary embodiment(s) described hereinbelow and shown in the drawings disclose a container handling system that is convenient and easy to use, lightweight yet durable in design, and versatile in application.

In one embodiment, a container handling system, comprises: a first frame structure configured to be coupled to a transport vehicle; and a second frame structure movably coupled to the first frame structure, wherein the second frame structure is configured to permit a container to be at least one of loaded from and unloaded onto an irregular surface.

As aspects of some embodiments, the second frame structure is pivotably coupled to the first frame structure.

As aspects of some embodiments, the first frame structure includes at least one cross-member.

As aspects of some embodiments, the at least one cross-member of the first frame structure is a hollow member configured to receive a pair of opposing movable members therein, each of the movable members is selectively positionable between a first positon and a second position.

As aspects of some embodiments, the container handling system further comprises at least one actuator configured to selectively position the movable members of the first frame structure between the first position and the second position.

As aspects of some embodiments, the first frame structure includes a pair of spaced apart guide members coupled to an outboard end of each of the movable members.

As aspects of some embodiments, the guide members are positioned generally parallel to rails of a chassis of the transport vehicle.

As aspects of some embodiments, at least one of the guide members includes at least one locking element provide thereon to secure the container to the transport vehicle.

As aspects of some embodiments, the second frame structure includes at least one side rail having a plurality of stanchions disposed thereon.

As aspects of some embodiments, the stanchions are spaced apart to accommodate the container therebetween.

As aspects of some embodiments, the second frame structure further includes at least one cross-member disposed between a corresponding pair of stanchions.

As aspects of some embodiments, the second frame structure includes at least one cross-member disposed between a front one of the stanchions and a rear one of the stanchions.

As aspects of some embodiments, the at least one cross-member of the second frame structure is a hollow member configured to receive a pair of opposing movable members therein, each of the movable members is selectively positionable between a first positon and a second position.

As aspects of some embodiments, the container handling system further comprises at least one actuator configured to selectively position the movable members of the second frame structure between the first position and the second position.

As aspects of some embodiments, the second frame structure is provided with a pulley supported by at least one of the movable members of the second frame structure and a cable received in the pulley.

As aspects of some embodiments, the container handling system further comprises at least one drive assembly configured to move the second frame structure relative to the first frame structure.

As aspects of some embodiments, the at least one drive assembly moves the second frame structure relative to the first frame structure in a longitudinal direction of a chassis of the transport vehicle between a first position and a second position.

As aspects of some embodiments, a portion of the at least one drive assembly is coupled to a side rail of the second frame structure and another portion of the at least one drive assembly is coupled to a guide member of the first frame structure via a drive mechanism.

In another embodiment, a container handling system, comprises: a first frame structure configured to be coupled to a transport vehicle; and a second frame structure coupled to the first frame structure, wherein the second frame structure is configured to move relative to the first frame structure while remaining generally parallel to an irregular surface.

In yet another embodiment, a method for handling a container, comprises steps of: providing a system including a first frame structure and a second frame structure movably coupled to the first frame structure, wherein the first frame structure is configured to be coupled to a transport vehicle, and the second frame structure is configured to permit a container to be at least one of loaded from and unloaded onto an irregular surface; and handling the container to at least one of load, unload, and transport the container.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

All documents, including patents, patent applications, and scientific literature cited in this detailed description are incorporated herein by reference, unless otherwise expressly indicated. Where any conflict or ambiguity may exist between a document incorporated by reference and this detailed description, the present detailed description controls.

FIGS.1-7and13-26illustrate a transport vehicle100provided with a handling system10for a portable storage container2. It should be appreciated that the system10may also be applicable and adapted to many different types of containers as well as other objects. For example, the system10may be configured to be used with garbage or debris dumpsters, fuel tanks, or other containers, receptacles, tanks, and the like. As another example, the system10may be configured to be used as a light-vehicle carrier. It is understood that the system10may be used for various residential, commercial, industrial, and agricultural applications.

The system10shown may be configured to cooperate with the transport vehicle100. It is understood, however, that the system10may be transported by various other modes of transportation. As shown the transport vehicle100may be a commercial vehicle (e.g. truck) that generally comprises a chassis110extending in a longitudinal direction between a front wheels112and a rear wheels114, and a cab116may be disposed on the chassis110adjacent the front wheels112. The transport vehicle100may be configured to receive one or more containers2behind the cab116on a desired surface of the chassis110or another support structure118, depicted inFIGS.5-7, coupled to the chassis110. In certain embodiments, the chassis110may include a pair of spaced apart rails120, as shown inFIGS.13and14, each of which may be configured to receive and be coupled to a corresponding one of a pair of support members122, shown inFIGS.5-7and13-14, of the support structure118thereon.

As best seen inFIGS.1and2-7, the system10may include a first frame structure12and a second frame structure14. The first frame structure12may be fixedly coupled to the chassis110of the transport vehicle100, via at least one of the rails120and the support members122of the support structure118. In some embodiments shown inFIGS.13and14, a pair of cross-members16of the first frame structure12may be fixedly coupled to at least one of the rails120and the support members122of the support structure118to secure the first frame structure12to the chassis110. More or less of the cross-members16than shown may be employed if desired. It is understood that the cross-members16may be coupled to at least one of the rails120and the support members122of the support structure118by any suitable means as desired. For example, a plurality of mechanical fasteners18may be employed.

One or more of the cross-members16, shown inFIGS.5-7and13-15, may be in sliding engagement with one or more movable members20, shown inFIGS.5-7and13-15. In some embodiments, each of the cross-members16may be a hollow member configured to receive a pair of opposing movable members20therein. The movable members20may be slidingly disposed within each open end of the cross-members16to permit a movement of the movable members20between a retracted first position and an extended second position. As more clearly shown inFIGS.5-7and13-15, a pair of spaced apart guide members22may be coupled to an outboard end of each of the movable members20extending in the longitudinal direction of the chassis110. The guide members22may be positioned generally parallel to the rails120of the chassis110and generally perpendicular to the cross-members16of the first frame structure12.

As more clearly shown inFIGS.5-7and13-14, one or more actuators24may be employed to selectively position the movable members20between the first position and the second position, which in turn, causes the guide members22to also be selectively positioned between a retracted first position and an extended second position. When in the first position, the guide members22may be within confines of the transport vehicle100, namely within or slightly outside a track width thereof. On the contrary, when in the second position, the guide members22may extend well outside the confines of the transport vehicle100, namely much wider than the track width thereof. In some embodiments, at least one of the actuators24employed in the system10may be a mechanical actuator such as a hydraulic cylinder, for example. A barrel with a piston of the hydraulic cylinder may be coupled to one of the cross-members16and an end of a piston rod connected to the piston may be coupled to a corresponding one of the guide members22, or vice versa. Various other types of actuators24may be used to move and position the guide members22if desired.

As illustrated inFIGS.5-7, the guide members22may include one or more locking elements25provided thereon. In some embodiments, the locking elements25may be inwardly extending projections formed on an inboard surface of the guide members22. When the guide members22are in the first position, the locking elements25may be configured to be received into openings formed in the container2to secure the container2to the transport vehicle100and militate against an undesired movement of the container2during the transport thereof. The locking elements25are also configured to be removed from the openings formed in the container2as the guide members22are caused to move from the first position to the second position. When the guide members22are in the second position, the locking elements25may be configured to be completely removed from the opening formed in the container2to release the container2from the transport vehicle100and permit the unloading thereof.

In certain embodiments, each of the guide members22may further include at least one guide feature26, shown inFIGS.24and26, for directing a movement of the second frame structure14. As a non-limiting example, the guide feature26may include one or more channels28formed on an outboard surface of the guide members22extending along an upper edge and/or a lower edge thereof in the longitudinal direction of the chassis110.

Referring now toFIGS.1,2-7, and13-26, the second frame structure14may be movably coupled to the first frame structure12. In certain embodiments, the second frame structure14may include a pair of spaced apart side rails30extending in the longitudinal direction of the chassis110and a plurality of stanchions32. A pair of the stanchions32may be disposed on each of the side rails30. More preferably, one of the stanchions32may be disposed on an inboard surface of each end of the side rails30and laterally spaced to accommodate the container2therebetween. As illustrated, the stanchions32may be fixedly coupled to the associated one of the side rails30by a welding process. It is understood, however, that the stanchions32may be coupled to the side rails30by any suitable method, for example, mechanical fasteners.

As more clearly depicted inFIGS.5-7and15, a pair of cross-members36may also be disposed in a space between corresponding pairs of the stanchions32, extending generally perpendicular to the side rails30of the second frame structure14. One of more of the cross-members36may be in sliding engagement with one or more movable members40. In certain embodiments, each of the cross-members36may be a hollow member configured to receive a pair of opposing movable members40therein. The movable members40may be slidingly disposed within each open end of the cross-members36to permit a movement of the movable members40between a retracted first position and an extended second position. An outboard end of each of the movable members40may be fixedly coupled to one of the stanchions32by any suitable method as desired. For example, the movable members40may be coupled to the stanchions32by a welding process.

As more clearly shown inFIG.22, one or more actuators44may be employed to selectively position the movable members40between the first position and the second position, which in turn, causes the stanchions32to also be selectively positioned between a retracted first position and an extended second position. When in the first position, the stanchions32may be within confines of the transport vehicle100, namely within or slightly outside a track width thereof. Conversely, when in the second position, the stanchions32may extend well outside the confines of the transport vehicle100, namely much wider than the track width thereof. In some embodiments, at least one of the actuators44employed in the system10may be a mechanical actuator such as a hydraulic cylinder, for example. As illustrated, a barrel with a piston of the hydraulic cylinder may be coupled to one of the stanchions32and an end of a piston rod connected to the piston may be coupled to a corresponding one of the cross-members36. Various other types of actuators44may be used to move and position the stanchions32if desired.

At least one drive assembly50, depicted inFIGS.1,1A,2-4, and24-26, may be employed to move the second frame structure14relative to the first frame structure12in the longitudinal direction of the chassis110between a forward first position and a rearward second position. In certain embodiments, the drive assembly50may be operably connected to one of the guide members22and one of the side rails30. In the embodiment shown, a portion of the drive assembly50may be rotatably coupled to a forward end of the side rail30and another portion of the drive assembly may be coupled to the guide member22via a drive mechanism52. In other embodiments, the first portion of the drive assembly50may be coupled to the side rail30via the drive mechanism52and the second portion of the drive assembly50may be rotatably coupled to the guide member22, if desired. The drive mechanism52may be any suitable drive mechanism as desired. For example, the drive mechanism52may be a rack54and pinion56with the rack54provided on one of the guide member22and the portion of the drive assembly50and the pinion56provided on a remaining one of the guide member22and the portion of the drive assembly50. In the embodiment shown, the rack54may be provided on a lower edge of the guide member22and the pinion56may be provided on an inboard portion of the drive assembly50. The drive mechanism52may be driven by hydraulic power, for example.

The drive assembly50may further include a guide element58configured to cooperate with the least one guide feature26of the guide member22to direct the movement of the second frame structure14relative to the first frame structure12. In some embodiments, the guide element58may include a roller configured to move within at least one of the channels28of the guide feature26.

As illustrated inFIGS.1,2-4,16-19,21, and23, the system10may further include a handling device60configured to facilitate the loading and the unloading of the container2onto and from the transport vehicle100. In certain embodiments, the handling device60comprises a plurality of vertical movable members62in sliding engagement with the stanchions32. Each of the stanchions32may be a hollow member having a slot64formed therein and one or more guide features66provided thereon. A portion of the movable member62may be extend through the slot64and be secured within a hollow interior of the stanchion32in such a manner that the slot64performs as a guide for the movable member62. At least a portion of the movable member62may be received in the guide features66which also perform as guides for the movable member62. In other embodiments, such as that shown inFIGS.28-41, the handling device60may comprise a cable or chain system configured to cooperate with the stanchions32to facilitate the loading and the unloading of the container2onto and from the transport vehicle100.

One or more actuators67may be employed to selectively position the movable members62between an upper first position and a lower second position, which in turn, causes the container2to also be selectively positioned between a raised first position and a lowered second position. When in the first position, the container2may be raised from the chassis110of the transport vehicle100and/or a pickup location and freely moved to be loaded or unloaded onto or from the transport vehicle100. Conversely, when in the second position, the container2may be stationary and disposed at a desired drop-off location. Additionally, when in an intermediate position between the first and second positions of the movable members62, the container2may be stationary and disposed on the chassis110of the transport vehicle100for transport thereof. In some embodiments, at least one of the actuators67employed in the system10may be a mechanical actuator such as a hydraulic cylinder, for example. A barrel with a piston of the hydraulic cylinder may be coupled to one of the stanchions32and an end of a piston rod connected to the piston may be coupled to a corresponding one of the moveable members62. Various other types of actuators67may be used to move and position the movable members62of the handling device60, if desired.

Each of the movable members62may further include one or more attachment points68for releaseably coupling restraints70. In one embodiment, at least one of the attachments points68may include a bracket71provided on the movable member62. The bracket71may be configured to releaseably couple a first end of the restraint70to the movable member62. A second end of the restraint70may be releaseably coupled to the container2. The restraints70may be employed to facilitate the loading and the unloading of the container2, while also militating against an undesired movement of the container2during the transport thereof. As such, the system10may not require additional restraints attached to the container2by a user prior to the transport thereof. Various types of restraints70may be used such as a tether, a chain, a strap, a rope, and the like, for example.

In some embodiments, one or more support members72, shown inFIGS.5-7, and15-20, may be disposed in a space between a corresponding pairs of the stanchions32, extending generally parallel to the side rails30and in the longitudinal direction of the chassis110. Each end of the support members72may be releaseably coupled to an associated one of the movable members62to permit the container2to be placed and removed from the truck vehicle100by a separate handling system or device (e.g. a forklift). In one embodiment, the ends of the support members72may be releaseably coupled to the associated moveable members62at the attachment points68. As a non-limiting example, the ends of the support member72are releaseably coupled to the brackets71by at least one mechanical fastener73. In other embodiments, the space between the stanchions32may be completely open without any support member72disposed therebetween.

In certain embodiments, the system10may further include one or more independently actuatable leveling devices80, illustrated inFIGS.1,2-4,15,17,20-23, and27, configured to maintain the side rails30generally parallel to a surface of the pickup and/or desired drop-off location as the second frame structure14may be moved relative to the first frame structure12. Each of the leveling devices80may include a stationary member82fixedly coupled to an associated one of the stanchions32, a movable member84in sliding engagement with the stationary member82, and a directionally-fixed wheel86attached to a lower end of the movable member84. In the embodiment shown inFIGS.15,17, and20-23, a pair of wheels86is provided. However, more or fewer wheels can be used as desired.FIG.27shows a single wheel depending from a second stanchion positioned laterally inward of the stanchion32towards a center axis of the vehicle100. The positioning of the second stanchion laterally inward from the stanchion32avoids interference with the container2when loading and offloading of the container2. Additionally, it is understood that pneumatic tires, solid rubber tires, or other tire types can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

As more clearly shown inFIGS.15and22, one or more actuators88may be employed to selectively position the movable members84between a retracted first position (FIG.22) and an extended second position (FIG.15), which in turn, causes the side rails30to rotate relative to the guide members22. When in the first position, the side rails30may be positioned at a maximum positive angle relative to the guide members22. Conversely, when in the second position, the side rails30may be positioned at a maximum negative angle relative to the guide members22. In some embodiments, at least one of the actuators88employed with the leveling devices80may be a mechanical actuator such as a hydraulic cylinder, for example. As illustrated, a barrel with a piston of the hydraulic cylinder may be coupled to one of the stationary member82and an end of a piston rod connected to the piston may be coupled to a corresponding one of the moveable members84. Various other types of actuators88may be used to move and position the leveling devices80if desired.

Each of the actuators24,44,67,88and the drive assembly50may be in communication with a power source90, as best seen inFIG.13, for activation thereof. It is understood that the power source90may be any suitable source of power as desired. In some embodiments, the power source90may include hydraulic fluid system91comprising a fluid reservoir92containing a hydraulic fluid, a fluid pump93configured to displace the hydraulic fluid to one or more of the actuators24,44,67,88and the drive assembly50, and a plurality of fluid conduits94fluidly connecting the power source90to the one or more of the actuators24,44,67,88and the drive assembly50. In some embodiments, each of the fluid conduits94may be provided with one or move valves96and may be centrally located in a valve bank assembly97, various exemplary embodiments of which are illustrated inFIGS.8and9.FIGS.10A-10Cdepict an exemplary embodiment of the fluid pump93.

A controller (not depicted) may be in communication with the hydraulic fluid system91to permit manual, semi-automatic, and/or fully automatic control of the system10and/or the transport vehicle100. In certain embodiments, system10including the controller may be configured to permit the system10to operate with minimal human interaction. For example, the system10including the controller may be configured to eliminate the need for the user to connect and/or disconnect the restraints70to the container2such that the user may be only required to simply “push a button” to load and/or unload the container2onto and from the transport vehicle100. In other embodiments, the system10including the controller may be configured to permit the system10and the transport vehicle100to operate autonomously. For example, the user may identify the pickup location and the drop-off location using an identifier (e.g. a wireless marker or using a mobile application), and the transport vehicle100including the system10may then be dispatched from a hub location to load, unload, and transport the container2without the presence and/or assistance of the user.

The controller may be located in the cab116of the transport vehicle100. The controller may be in communication with a human-machine interface (not depicted) and configured to prompt the user of the system10to input a response to one or more queries (i.e. safety questions) prior to, during, and/or after operation of the system10. In one embodiment, the controller may also be configured to control a rate and an amount of flow of the hydraulic fluid from the fluid reservoir92to the each of the actuators24,44,67,88and the drive assembly50. Accordingly, the controller may be able to precisely move and position the members20,22,40,62,84, the side rails30, and/or the stanchions32of the respective frame structures12,14, and thereby control a balance and/or an alignment of the container2during the loading, the unloading, and/or the transport thereof. One or more positional sensors (not depicted), in communication with the controller, may also be employed in the system10to detect a misalignment of the container2during the loading, the unloading, and/or the transport thereof.

Each of the actuators24,44,67,88and the drive assembly50may further include one or more pressure sensors (not depicted) in communication with the controller. The pressure sensors may be employed in the system10to detect a load on each of the actuators24,44,67,88and the drive assembly50. In the event of an “overload” of one or more the actuators24,44,67,88and the drive assembly50, the system10may cease operations. One or move valves may also be employed with each of the actuators24,44,67,88, various exemplary embodiments of which are illustrated inFIGS.11A-Fand12A-F, and the drive assembly50to militate against an undesired lowering or a “drop” of the container2in the event of a sudden and unexpected decrease in pressure in the hydraulic fluid system91such as by a failure of one of the fluid conduits94, for example.

Various reinforcement elements (not depicted) may be disposed on one or more of the members16,20,22,36,40,62,72,84, the side rails30, and/or the stanchions32of the respective frame structures12,14to provide additional strength and support thereto, especially during the loading, the unloading, and/or the transporting of the container2.

During the loading of the container2, the transport vehicle100may be maneuvered such that the container2, disposed at the pickup location, may be positioned adjacent a rear of the transport vehicle100. Once the transport vehicle100is properly positioned, the actuators24are activated causing the movable members20of the first frame structure12to move from the first position to one of the second position or an intermediate position between the first and second positions thereof, thereby causing the guide members22to move from the first position to one of the second position thereof or an intermediate position between the first and second positions thereof such that a distance between the side rails30may be sufficient to accommodate the container2. Simultaneously, the actuators44are activated causing the movable members40of the second frame structure14to move from the first position to one of the second position or an intermediate position between the first and second positions thereof, thereby causing the stanchions32and the side rails30coupled thereto to move from the first position to one of the second position thereof or an intermediate position between the first and second positions thereof such that a distance between the stanchions32and the side rails30may be sufficient to accommodate the container2. The actuators67may also be activated to cause the movable members62of the handling device60to move from the first position to one of the second position thereof or an intermediate position between the first and second positions thereof such that the cross-members36and movable members40of the second frame structure14clear a top of the container2. The actuators88may also be activated to cause the movable members84of the leveling device80to move from the first position to one of the second position thereof or an intermediate position between the first and second positions thereof such that the side rails30rotate relative to the guide members22so as to maintain the side rails30generally parallel to a surface, especially an irregular surface, of the pickup location.

Thereafter, the drive mechanism52may be activated causing the second frame structure14to extend and move rearwardly in the longitudinal direction relative to the first frame structure12away from the chassis110of the transport vehicle100until the stanchions32generally correspond to corners of the container2. More particularly, the drive mechanism52causes the side rails30to move rearwardly in the longitudinal direction relative to the guide members22. Simultaneously, the actuators88may also be activated to cause the movable members84of the leveling device80to continue to move between the second position and the intermediate position thereof such that the side rails30may further rotate relative to the guide members22so as to continue to maintain the side rails30generally parallel to the surface, especially the irregular surface, of the pickup location as the second frame structure13may be moved relative to the first frame structure12.

Once the second frame structure14is in position around the container2, the actuators67may be activated to cause the movable members62of the handling device60to move from one of the second position and the intermediate position to the first position so as to lower the second frame structure14such that the restraints70may be connected to the container2. If necessary, the actuators88may also be activated to cause the movable members84of the leveling device80to retract such that the restraints70may be positioned in closer proximity to the container2.

Upon connection of the restraints70to the container2, the actuators67may then be activated again to cause the movable members62of the handling device60to move from the first position to one of the second position and the intermediate position so as to raise the second frame structure14, and thereby the container2, toward an upper end of the stanchions32. At the same times, the actuators88may also be activated to cause the movable member84of the leveling device80to extend such that the side rails30remain parallel to the surface of the pickup location.

Once the container2may be raised sufficiently above a horizontal plane defined by the chassis110of the transport vehicle100, the drive mechanism52may be activated causing the second frame structure14to retract and move forwardly in the longitudinal direction relative to the first frame structure12towards the chassis110of the transport vehicle100until the container2is properly positioned above the chassis110. More particularly, the drive mechanism52causes the side rails30to move forwardly in the longitudinal direction relative to the guide members22. Simultaneously, the actuators88may also be activated to cause the movable members84of the leveling device80to continue to move between the second position and the intermediate position thereof such that the side rails30may further rotate relative to the guide members22so as to continue to maintain the side rails30generally parallel to the guide members22as the second frame structure13may be moved relative to the first frame structure12.

Once the container2is in place over the chassis110, the second frame structure14may be lowered from one of the second position and the intermediate position to the first position thereof so as to dispose the container2on the chassis110such that the container2may be supported by at least one of the rails120of the chassis110and the support members122of the support structure118. More particularly, the container2may be lowered by activating the actuators67to cause the movable members62of the handling device60to move from one of the second position and the intermediate position to the first position thereof.

Once the transport vehicle100may be properly positioned, the actuators24may be activated causing the movable members20of the first frame structure12to move from one of the second position and the intermediate position to the first position, thereby causing the guide members22of the second frame structure14to move from one of the second position and the intermediate position to the first position. Simultaneously, the actuators44may be activated causing the movable members40of the second frame structure14to move from one of the second position and the intermediate position to the first position, thereby causing the stanchions32and the side rails30coupled thereto to move from one of the second position and the intermediate position to the first position. The actuators88may also be activated to cause the movable members84of the leveling device80to move from one of the second position and the intermediate position to the first position. The container2may then be capable of being transported by the transport vehicle100. Deployment of the container2may be further accomplished by generally reversing the steps of the described loading operation and thus is not explicitly described herein.

In another embodiment shown inFIGS.29-41, a vertically restrained cross-member500is provided on opposing sides of the system10between a front one of the stanchions32and a rear one of the stanchions32. As shown, each end of the cross-member500can be suspended by a cable502and/or chain. However, it is understood that other structures can be used to support the cross-member500. A first end of the cable502can be fixedly attached to a horizontal frame member as part of the second frame structure14as best seen inFIGS.34and35. An intermediate portion of the cable502is fed through a pulley504as shown inFIGS.28,29,32, and33. The pulley504is supported by the movable member62portion of the stanchion32. A second end of the cable502includes a clasp or other releasable fastening structure for directly connecting to the cross-member500or a first end of a chain506as shown inFIGS.28-32and41. If connected to the first end of the chain506, the second end of the chain506is connected to the cross-member500via a clasp507or other releasable fastening structure as shown inFIG.41.

As illustrated inFIGS.37and41, the cross-member500is an elongate beam. A top portion of each end of the cross-member500includes a clasp508or other releasable fastening structure configured for attachment to the second end of the cable502or the second end of the chain506for suspension therefrom. A bottom portion of each end of the cross-member500includes an eyelet509or other structure configured for attachment to another chain511or cable, which in turn is configured for releasable attachment to a lower portion of the container2or a support structure for the container2, as shown inFIG.38. A lower portion of an intermediate portion of the cross-member500includes a pair of eyelets510or apertures configured for attachment to a chain512or cable which in turn are configured for releasable attachment to the lower portion of the container2or the support structure for the container2, as shown inFIG.40. A pivotable locking member520is provided on a top portion of the cross-member500at a point intermediate the ends of the cross-member500. Although only one of the locking members520is shown, it is understood that a plurality of the locking members520can be used. The locking member520is provided to pivot from the stored position shown inFIG.42to the open position shown inFIG.43to abut a frame member of the system10to provide additional stability during transport of the container2.

In use, the container2is supported on each end by the second end of the chain511or the cable and at the intermediate portion by the chain512or the cable attached to the eyelets510or apertures as shown inFIG.40. The movable members62in sliding engagement with the stanchions32are extended to lift the container2or retracted to lower the container2as previously described herein. The actuators67may be employed to selectively position the movable members62between the upper first position and the lower second position, which in turn, causes the container2to also be selectively positioned between the raised first position and the lowered second position. When in the first position, the container2may be raised from the chassis110of the transport vehicle100and/or a pickup location and freely moved to be loaded or unloaded onto or from the transport vehicle100. Conversely, when in the second position, the container2may be stationary and disposed at a desired drop-off location. Additionally, when in an intermediate position between the first and second positions of the movable members62, the container2may be stationary and disposed on the chassis110of the transport vehicle100for transport thereof. A remainder of the structure and operation of the system10is unchanged and is substantially as described hereinabove.

From the foregoing description, one ordinarily skilled in the art can easily ascertain the essential characteristics of this disclosure and, without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, can make various changes and modifications to the present disclosure to adapt it to various usages and conditions.