Abstract:
A flexible system is provided for preventing freight damage during shipment. The system has adjustable and interlocking hinged panels that are attached to the side walls of a shipping enclosure, so that the system can be readily adapted to secure different types and sizes of loads. One embodiment of the invention, provided for use with a freight carrying enclosure that has an internal wall, includes first and second panel segments that each have an edge. A first mounting structure supports the first panel segment for rotation about a vertical axis, between a first position wherein the first panel segment is in perpendicular relationship with the wall, and a second position wherein the first panel segment is in abutting relationship with the wall. A second mounting structure joins the first and second panel segments together along their respective edges, and enables rotation of the second panel between vertical and horizontal orientations. A support structure selectively maintains the second panel segment in its horizontal orientation.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    The invention disclosed and claimed herein generally pertains to a flexible system for preventing or minimizing damage caused to freight during shipment. More particularly, the invention pertains to a system of such type for avoiding damage caused by unintended movement of goods or products within a truck trailer, cargo container, or other freight carrying enclosure. Even more particularly, the invention pertains to a system of the above type that prevents freight damage during shipment by utilizing highly adjustable compartmentalization components that can be built into the cargo container or enclosure. 
         [0003]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0004]    It is very common for items of freight to be damaged during shipment, as the result of unintended movements such as shifting, tipping or tumbling. Shifting generally refers to the movement of heavy freight due to forces that can damage or impact other freight. Tipping occurs when a large top heavy load falls over because of inadequate securement, and tumbling is the occurrence of stacked freight falling off of other freight, likewise because of inadequate securement. All these types of movement can affect goods being transported in virtually any kind of shipping container or freight carrying enclosure, including without limitation truck trailers, rail cars, ocean containers, and air cargo containers. 
         [0005]    In the past, approaches for securing freight to prevent undesired movements have included use of load bars, strapping, and bracing with wood. However, all these methods of securement have distinct disadvantages. Load bars tend to become loose during shipment, and can damage freight by abrasions or other actions. In addition, load bars can be very prone to theft. Strapping is generally limited to or constrained by the type of trailer that is used, and is a manual process that increases loading time. Strapping can also cause damage to freight. Bracing methods are labor intensive and inconsistent, and tend to be used very differently by different shipping companies. 
         [0006]    In providing an improved means and method to secure cargo during shipment, it is important to consider the growing importance of the small parcel environment. Shippers in this environment, such as UPS and Fed Ex, must be able to transport goods and parcels of varying sizes to a range of recipients, including both businesses and individuals. Thus, in an improved solution for cargo securement, it would be very desirable to accommodate larger sized parcels, and at the same protect smaller parcels from being crushed or otherwise damaged. Moreover, it would be of great benefit to enable cargo carrying vans and cargo containers of all types to be easily adapted or customized to accommodate widely varying loads, as well as mixes of parcel sizes that are continually changing. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    The invention generally provides a flexible system and method for preventing freight damage during shipment, by utilizing compartmentalization that is built into shipping containers and the like. A system of the invention has adjustable and interlocking hinged panels that are attached to the side walls of a shipping enclosure, so that the system can be readily adapted to secure different types and sizes of loads. The risk of shifting, tipping or tumbling of freight in the enclosure is thereby reduced significantly. One embodiment of the invention, directed to a rotatable partition system for use with a freight carrying enclosure that has an internal wall, includes a first panel segment having an edge, and a second panel segment that likewise has an edge. A first mounting structure is joined to support the first panel segment for rotation about a vertical axis, between a first position wherein the first panel segment is in perpendicular relationship with the wall, and a second position wherein the first panel segment is in abutting relationship with the wall. The system further includes a second mounting structure that joins the first and second panel segments together along their respective edges, and enables rotation of the second panel, with respect to the first panel segment, between vertical and horizontal orientations. A support structure is additionally provided, for selectively maintaining the second panel segment in its horizontal orientation. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0008]    The novel features believed characteristic of the invention are set forth in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
           [0009]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view showing respective components for an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view showing panel segments of the embodiment of  FIG. 1  moved into a recess defined by the frame of such embodiment. 
           [0011]      FIG. 3  is a sectional view taken along lines  3 - 3  of  FIG. 2 . 
           [0012]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view depicting multiple panel configurations of the type shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0013]      FIGS. 5A and 5B  are schematic views showing two respective modes of use of an embodiment of the invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0014]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , there is shown an interior wall  102  of an enclosure for holding and carrying freight of various kinds. The enclosure can be, without limitation, a cargo carrying truck trailer or van, a rail car or other type of cargo container. Two rails  104  and  106  are fixably attached to interior wall  102 , in a horizontal orientation and in spaced apart relationship with one another. A frame  108  is mounted upon rails  104  and  106 , for slidable motion therealong in a horizontal direction, that is, motion either to the left or right as viewed in  FIG. 1 . Frame  108  comprises side members  108   a  and  108   b , and top and bottom members  108   c  and  108   d , respectively. 
         [0015]    While not shown, top frame member  108   c  is provided with rollers or other conventional mechanisms for engaging rail  104 , such as in a groove thereof (not shown), in order to allow easy travel of top member  108   c  along rail  104 . Bottom member  108   d  is likewise provided with such rollers or other conventional mechanisms (not shown), to allow easy travel of member  108   d  along rail  106 . Thus, frame  108  can be moved along rails  104  and  106  with a minimal amount of manual effort, over a pre-specified path of travel. The path of travel could comprise the entire length of wall  102 , or alternatively could be limited to a selected section thereof. 
         [0016]      FIG. 1  also shows frame  108  provided with a locking mechanism, such as a pin or plunger  114 . When frame  108  has been moved to a selected position, pin  114  may be inserted into one of a series of complementary holes (not shown) located along rail  106  to retain frame  108  at the selected position. 
         [0017]    Referring further to  FIG. 1 , there is shown a lower panel segment  110 , joined to frame  108  by means of hinges  116  or the like. Hinges  116  support lower panel  110  for rotational or pivotal movement with respect to frame  108 , about a vertical axis. More particularly, lower panel segment  110  is supported for rotation between a position wherein it is in perpendicular relationship with wall  102 , as shown in  FIG. 1 , and a position wherein lower panel  110  is in abutting or closely spaced relationship with wall  102 , as shown in  FIG. 2 . In this latter position, lower panel  110  is moved into a recessed space or recess defined by frame  108 , as discussed hereinafter in connection with  FIG. 2 . 
         [0018]      FIG. 1  further shows an upper panel segment  112  having an edge  112   a  that is joined to the upper edge of lower panel  110  by means of hinges  118  or the like. Upper panel  112  can thereby be pivoted or rotated with respect to lower panel  110 , about a horizontal axis. More particularly, upper panel  112  can be rotated between a horizontal orientation as shown in  FIG. 1 , and a vertical orientation as shown in  FIG. 2 , described hereinafter. 
         [0019]    By supporting upper panel segment  112  in the horizontal mode shown in  FIG. 1 , the upper panel can provide a convenient shelf for carrying parcels or other goods. Upper panel segment  112  also acts to protect goods that are stored under it, such as from other goods that fall from a higher location in the freight carrying enclosure. In one useful embodiment, upper panel  110  could be supported at approximately one-half the distance from the floor to the ceiling of the freight enclosure, so that load carrying pallets that were “half high” (not shown) could be placed under upper panel segment  112 . 
         [0020]    In the horizontal mode shown in  FIG. 1 , upper panel  112  and freight carried thereby is supported in part by lower panel  110 , attached to frame  108 . Upper panel  110  can be further supported, proximate to edge  112   b  thereof that opposes edge  112   a , by means of a bracket  122  attached to side member  108   a  of frame  108 . Bracket  122  can usefully be pivoted to a horizontal position, and locked therein to support upper panel  112  as shown in  FIG. 1 . Bracket  122  can also be pivoted downward to a vertical position when not needed, so that it may be kept out of the way. Alternatively, or in addition, a rotational or pivotable leg  120  may be attached proximate to edge  112   b  of upper panel  112 . The leg would be rotated into the position shown in  FIG. 1 , in order to support panel  112  and goods carried thereon in a horizontal mode. 
         [0021]    It will be understood that various other means besides those shown, which are well known by those of skill in the art and are within the scope of the invention, may alternatively be employed to support upper panel  112  in its horizontal position. In a further configuration described hereinafter in connection with  FIG. 4 , a panel segment similar to lower panel  110 , and attached to another slidable frame  108 , is positioned so that its upper edge can receive and support edge  112   b  of upper panel segment  112 . 
         [0022]      FIG. 1  further shows a locking pin  124  or similar device slidably attached to lower panel segment  110 , by means of brackets  124   a  or the like. When frame  108  is held in a pre-specified position by means of pin  114  as described above, locking pin  124  is aligned with a well or socket  126 , when lower panel  110  is moved to its perpendicular position as shown by  FIG. 1 . Thereupon, pin  124  is moved downward into socket  126 , to lock lower panel  110  into the perpendicular position, and to thereby provide rigid support for upper panel  112 . Socket  126  is formed in the floor  138  of the freight enclosure. 
         [0023]    As is further shown by  FIG. 1 , a pin  128  mounted on upper panel segment  112  is positioned in complementary relationship with a socket structure, or other device  132 , that is mounted on lower panel segment  110 . Thus, when the upper panel is rotated into its vertical position, pin  128  can be inserted into socket structure  132 . The two panel segments are thereby firmly joined together, to form a full or complete panel. The members  108   a  - d  of frame  108  collectively define a recess  130  adjacent to wall  102 . This recess is sized to receive the full panel, when panel segment  112  is in its vertical mode, and panel segment  110  is rotated into abutting relationship with wall  102 . Latches  134  and  136  are mounted on frame  108 , for use in retaining the full panel in recess  130 . Panel segments  110  and  112  respectively comprise flat, thin rectangular members formed of suitable material, such as wood, wire mesh, metal, or composite. 
         [0024]    Referring to  FIG. 2 , there are shown both panel segments  110  and  112  vertically oriented and rotated into recess  130 , in abutting relationship with wall  102 . Latches  132  and  134  are set to firmly retain the panel segments in the recess. A sectional view provided by  FIG. 3  indicates that the thickness of panel segments  110  and  112  is substantially the same as the thickness of the members  108   a  -d that respectively form frame  108 . As a result, when the full panel comprising both segments is moved into recess  130 , the panel is flush with frame  108 , and thus does not obstruct or interfere with activity in the freight carrying enclosure. 
         [0025]    It will be seen that the system components shown by  FIGS. 1 and 2  provide a high degree of flexibility. The sliding frame  108  allows the panel segments to be located at a range of positions along the length of the enclosure. Thus, as further described hereinafter, one or both panel segments can be used to secure loads of varying lengths. Upper panel segment  112 , when in a horizontal mode, provides a very useful shelf for carrying smaller sized goods, and thus has great utility in a small parcel environment. To accommodate large sized freight, both panels can be moved into the recess  130 , and thus kept out of the way. As a further benefit, existing cargo carrying vehicles and containers can be readily retrofitted with the respective components needed for embodiments of the invention. 
         [0026]    Referring to  FIG. 4 , there is shown the partitioning configuration of  FIG. 1  together with a similar configuration  402 , which comprises a slidable frame  408 , a lower panel segment  410  and an upper panel segment  412 . Components of configuration  402  are similar or identical to the respectively corresponding components of the  FIG. 1  configuration. Thus, frame  408  is substantially similar to frame  108 , and is mounted for slidable movements along rails  104  and  106 . Frame  408  comprises members  408   a - d , corresponding to members  108   a - d , respectively, of frame  108 . Panel segments  410  and  412  are similar to segments  110  and  112 , respectively, and are similarly connected to one another and to frame  408 . Components  416 - 418 ,  424 - 426  and  434 - 436  have substantially the same forms and functions as components  116 - 118 ,  124 - 126  and  134 - 136 , respectively. In one useful implementation, all the latches  134 - 136  and  434 - 436  are respectively recessed, to avoid being an obstruction or interference when the corresponding panels are received into recesses  130  and  430  of the frames  108  and  408 . 
         [0027]    Referring further to  FIG. 4 , there is shown upper panel  112  supported by foldable leg  120  as described above. However, upper panel  412  is not provided with a foldable leg. Instead, frame  408  is moved along rails  104  and  106  to position the edge  412   b  of upper panel  412  upon edge  112   a  of upper panel  112 , and on the upper edge of lower panel  110 . Thus, panel segment  412  is supported in its horizontal mode by the combined action of lower panel segments  110  and  410 . 
         [0028]    While  FIG. 4  shows only two partitioning configurations, it is to be understood that any reasonable number of configurations  402  could be located along wall  102   b , in spaced relationship with one another, to form an array. Each upper panel  412  would be supported in its horizontal mode by the lower panel segment  112  immediately to its right, as viewed in  FIG. 4 . Only the upper panel segment at the end of the array would require other support, such as leg  120  or bracket  122  as described above. 
         [0029]    Usefully, each upper panel  412  is also provided with a support member such as leg  120 . A panel  412  can then be supported independently of an adjacent lower panel  110 , if desired. 
         [0030]    In yet another embodiment of the invention, one or more frames  408  could be fixably attached to wall  102 , so that they were not horizontally movable, while one or more other frames  108  or  408  were allowed to move horizontally. This could further enhance the adaptability of the system disclosed herein. 
         [0031]    Referring to  FIG. 5A , there are shown two of the configurations as shown by  FIG. 1 , respectively mounted to opposing internal walls  102  and  502  of a freight carrying enclosure  500 . To secure a load of a particular length, each of the upper panels  112  is rotated to its vertical position, and the two configurations are moved the same distance along the walls  102  and  502 , wherein such distance is equal to the particular load length. The two panels  110  are thus brought into closely spaced relationship, and are joined together with a latch  506 . The two upper panels  112  are similarly placed in closely spaced relationship, and joined by a latch  504 . Latches  508  and  510  are further provided, to secure the lower edges of the two full panels. 
         [0032]      FIG. 5B  shows an arrangement similar to that of  FIG. 5A , except that the two upper panel segments  112  are rotated to their horizontal positions. This may be done to accommodate a load of reduced height, or to provide shelves as described above. 
         [0033]    Embodiments of the invention described above show the lower segment  110  attached to a slidable frame, for rotation about a vertical axis, with upper panel segment  112  being rotatably supported on the upper edge of the panel segment  110 . However, in other embodiments of the invention, the upper panel segment could be attached to the slidable frame, for rotation about a vertical axis. A lower panel segment would then be rotatably supported on the lower edge of such upper panel segment, for rotation between horizontal and vertical positions. 
         [0034]    The description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, and is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention, the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.