Multimodal Platform for Railcar
A multimodal platform is provided for a railcar. The multimodal platform includes a first underframe, a second underframe, a loading platform, and rail wheels. The first underframe carries a first container and the second underframe carries a second container. The second underframe is coupled to the first underframe and coupling the first underframe and the second underframe provides an articulation point. The loading platform is disposed above the articulation point and between a first end of the first container proximate the second container and a second end of the second container proximate the first container. The rail wheels are disposed under the loading platform and coupled to the first underframe and the second underframe. The rail wheels are configured to transport the multimodal platform on rails of a railway.
This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) of the priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/722,586 entitled “MULTIMODAL PLATFORM FOR RAILCAR” filed on Aug. 24, 2018, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELDThis disclosure relates generally to a platform, and more particularly to a railcar platform for loading and unloading various containers.
BACKGROUNDRailcars may be configured to transport freight and cargo across the country using multiple containers. In comparison with the use of trucks to haul freight, railcars may be limited in their mobility for warehousing and logistic planning. For example, how the transported containers are loaded and unloaded may be restricted, thereby limiting the available routes, stops, and number of railcars that can be used.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSUREThe loading or unloading of cargo from containers on a railcar is a time and resource-intensive task. Typically, each transported container is loaded or unloaded individually and may be loaded or unloaded differently based on the type of container. In some situations, the containers must be removed from the railcar before they can be unloaded or loaded. Accordingly, a more efficient unloading or loading process is desired. As described herein, improved apparatuses and techniques are provided that enable for efficient loading or unloading of cargo or freight from railcars.
According to one embodiment, a multimodal platform is provided for a railcar. The multimodal platform includes a first underframe, a second underframe, a loading platform, and rail wheels. The first underframe carries a first container and the second underframe carries a second container. The second underframe is coupled to the first underframe and coupling the first underframe and the second underframe provides an articulation point. The loading platform is disposed above the articulation point and between a first end of the first container proximate the second container and a second end of the second container proximate the first container. The rail wheels are disposed under the loading platform and coupled to the first underframe and the second underframe. The rail wheels are configured to transport the multimodal platform on rails of a railway.
Certain embodiments disclosed herein may contain or embody one or more technical advantages. For example, certain embodiments may significantly improve the efficiency of loading or unloading cargo from containers of the railcar. In particular, certain embodiments may allow the unloading of multiple containers using a single platform area that can be connected to a dock or other loading/unloading location. Furthermore, particular embodiments may eliminate the most troublesome and costly aspect of rail boxcars that being the boxcar door, be it sliding or plug door. As another example, certain embodiments may accommodate a wide variety of containers, including various types of containers, including standard-size container boxes and trailers. In particular, certain multimodal platforms described herein may allow for the transportation of containers across different modes of transportation, such as to or from railcar transportation to or from sea transports, highway/road carriers, or other types of railcars (e.g., double-stack well cars), with or without trans-loading the cargo or freight into other containers. As yet another example, particular embodiments may provide an extra route for a persons or equipment to travel between docks or locations on opposite sides of the railcar, thereby increase the loading and unloading options, particularly when multiple railcars are being loaded or unloaded at the same location.
Other objects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure are apparent to persons of ordinary skill in the art in view of the following detailed description of the disclosure and the accompanying drawings.
For a more complete understanding of this disclosure, reference is now made to the following brief description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings and detailed description, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts.
Certain embodiments of the present disclosure and inventive concepts, and their features and advantages, may be understood by referring to
Particular embodiments include a multimodal platform using approved containers that can be loaded or unloaded in a manner similar to a conventional rail boxcar and then transferred to other modes in the same package. The multiplatform platform, which may articulate two or more underframes with containers, allows a forklift truck loading over its loading platform into two or more standard ISO or domestic container boxes with end doors. This provides an adaptation of fixed infrastructures at origin and destination, where both of the origin and the destination are served by the rail carrier and rail logistics network.
A multimodal platform 1000 may be disposed within the articulation area. In certain embodiments, multimodal platform 1000 includes a loading platform 1012 and a dock ramp 1018. In some embodiments, loading platform 1012 of multimodal platform 1000 is positioned over the articulation and provides a loading/unloading platform for both containers 12 while containers 12 remain in railcar 10. For example, the dock ramp 10018 may be used to load or unload cargo from loading platform 1012 to another loading/unloading area, such as a loading dock. In some embodiments, dock ramp 1018 may be rotatably or slidably coupled to the loading platform 1012 to provide an optional extension for loading/unloading, or may separable from the other components of multimodal platform 1000 (e.g., stored in another location during transportation or remaining at a loading area). In some embodiments, dock ramp 1018 may be folded to lay over the loading platform 1012 or removed and stored during transportation.
In certain embodiments, multimodal platform 1000 may be coupled to containers 12 or the articulation during transportation. In another embodiment, the multimodal platform 1000 is removable from railcar 10 during transportation. In certain embodiments, multimodal platform 1000, in addition to loading platform 1012 and dock ramp 1018, may include two underframes 1014 and wheels 1016. Underframes 1014 may extend from two opposite sides of loading platform 1012, respectively, and provide a location to place and hold containers 12. In some embodiments, container 12 may deposit on the underframe 1014 via a coupler, an adapter, or any means which provides a temporary positioning for the container 12 to be placed on the underframe 1014.
Wheels 1016 may be disposed underneath loading platform 1012 and are configured to provide mobility on existing rail for railcar 10. For example, wheels 1016 may be any suitable rail wheels.
As described above, dock ramp 1018 may be coupled to loading platform 1012 to provide an optional extension for loading/unloading. In certain embodiments, multimodal platform 1000 may be used in a single level articulated container-hauling railcar, in two platform sets, e.g. two underframes, that interface with standard ISO and domestic containers. Multimodal platform 1000 includes loading platform 1012 integrated into the area between two containers 12. In some embodiments, each container 12 may have end doors 121 which open. End doors 121 may be arranged in pairs or in any other suitable configuration, such as in a roll-up door or multi-fold door arrangement. Other example end doors are described below in reference to
In certain embodiments, multimodal platform 1000 may be used in existing dock plates, forklift trucks, loading ramps, containers, loading patterns, and/or door maintenance. In some embodiments, multimodal platform 1000 may be used in a hybrid railcar. In the particular examples depicted in
Multimodal platform 2000 may provide freedom for operations from origin to destination, such as between rail and truck-served locations. In some embodiments, multimodal platform 2000 may be used with standard ISO containers. In some embodiments, multimodal platform 2000 may provide a loading area over the articulation between containers 22 with a ramp. In some embodiments, multimodal platform 2000 articulates between two containers 22, units, or boxes. In some embodiments, multimodal platform 2000 may provide the capability to load/unload two containers 22 at the same time. In certain embodiments, multimodal platform 2000 may be used with various transportation vehicles, such as a chassis trailer, an over-the-road truck, an overseas ship or a double-stack railcar. In this manner, multimodal platform 2000 may be flexible, low-cost, efficient, and scalable by its various underframes to couple with multiple containers. For example, in some embodiments, the multimodal platform 2000 may be used in hybrid rail or hybrid truck. In some embodiments, a side door for the containers 22 are not needed with the multimodal platform 2000. In certain embodiments, underframe 2014 of the multimodal platform 2000 is used as a platform to carry container 22 thereon. In some embodiments, multimodal platform 2000 may be used in a railcar 20 with two or more units. The units may be attached to each other with couplers, drawbars, articulated connectors, or any other similar connections. In one embodiment, the multimodal platform 2000 may be used in the railcar 20 which consists of two, three, four, or more units connected together. In this disclosure, a container may refer to a unit, a railcar unit, a box, a section, and/or a trailer.
In certain embodiments, railcar 20 includes multiple units connected together. Alternatively, in certain embodiments, railcar 20 may be a standalone vehicle, e.g. a single-unit railcar. In some embodiments, standalone railcars may be connected to other railcars or to similar railcars with a coupler connection. As a multiple-unit railcar 20, any suitable number of units may be connected together, such as 2, 3, 5 or 7. A multiple-unit railcar made of two or more units may be connected by a drawbar, an articulated connector, or other suitable connections. The drawbar or articulated connector permits the customization of the length of the railcar and the number of units to suit their needs by allowing units to be added or subtracted as required. Further, specific units may be removed for repairs or servicing if needed, or even allow any number of units to be removed and utilized for a temporary storage off from the main rail line. A detailed description of the railcar made of two or more units is discussed with respect to
Underframes 4014 extend longitudinally from two opposite sides of the loading platform 4012 respectively to hold two containers 42. In some embodiments, the container 42 may be coupled to the underframe 4014 via a coupler, an adapter, or any means which provides a temporary positioning for the container 12 to be coupled to the underframe 4014. Wheels may be disposed underneath loading platform 4012 or underframes 4014 to provide a mobility on the existing rail for a railcar 40.
An example loading or unloading process is provided below as a non-limiting example of using multimodal platform 4000. At a first instance, railcar 40 may be stopped at a dock 400, lining up with the area between containers 42 of a railcar 40. At a second instance, dock ramp 4018 is deployed and coupled with the loading platform 4012 of the multimodal platform 4000, thereby connecting dock 400 and loading platform 4012. At a third instance, doors 421 of container 42 may be opened. In some embodiments, doors 421 may be opened approximately 270 degrees (e.g., swung out against the outside wall of container 42) or any other suitable degree, such as 90 degrees. At a fourth instance, both containers 42 are unloaded or unloaded simultaneously. For example, an operator may use a forklift transported over dock ramp 4018 to load or unload from both containers 42 and return to dock 400. In a fifth instance, after loading/unloading is complete, doors 421 may be closed and secured and dock ramp 4018 removed or stored. In certain embodiments, a user may disconnect the dock ramp 4018 from the dock 400 by, for example, folding the dock ramp 4018 to lay over the loading platform 4012.
In other embodiments, the multimodal platform 4000 may be expanded to four underframes 4014 and two loading platforms 4012. In some embodiments, the multimodal platform 4000 may require two dock plates (e.g. dock ramps 4018) to load all four boxes (e.g. containers 42).
In some embodiments, door 421 at the far side from dock ramp 4018 and dock 400 may be opened approximately 90 degrees and fixed in this position to provide a barrier to prevent inadvertent movement of cargo, freight, equipment, or persons off of the multimodal platform 4000 between containers 42. In certain embodiments, doors 421 at the near side of dock 400 may open approximately 180 degrees or more, and door 421 at the far side from the user may open about 90 degrees to create a barrier for the loading platform 4012 and the dock ramp 4018. Doors 421 of the pair of adjacent containers 42 at the far side may be fixed to each other or be fixed individually to loading platform 4012. In another embodiment, the doors may be opened as far as 270 degrees from their closed position, and barrier 4020, which pops up or flips up from the loading platform 4012, may be configured to prevent inadvertent movement in that direction.
In another arrangement, the multimodal platform 4000 can be equipped with specialized containers with auto lifts, wherein a 40 ft. box may be configured to carry four motor vehicles. The 40 ft. box would be loaded via the dock ramp 4018 over the area where two specialized containers are articulated with each other, and then the sealed and secure 40 ft. box could be directly sent to the dealers providing a factory-to-dealer-sealed vehicle transport and no haul-away truck movement.
In another embodiment, the railcar may be designed to be adjustable to many different sizes of containers. These could include standard length ISO containers of 20 or 40 feet, or 53 feet containers, or custom length containers of any length. With the length of the railcar having the ability to change length, any length container may be accommodated. This railcar length change may be made using a variety of methods, including adding or removing sections of the railcar between the end sections. Adjacent railcars may be of different length to haul containers of different lengths, or the railcars may be the same length but haul containers of different lengths. The design is very flexible to accommodate the needs of the customer. Specialty containers designed to meet specific customer needs may be accommodated easily because of the attachments for the multimodal platform. For example, in
With different lengths of containers and the ability to change the railcar length, the multimodal platform permits the distance between containers to be adjusted. The multimodal platform can be changed to accommodate various methods of loading containers. For example, the distance between containers may be adjusted to 10, 12, or 15 feet by the multimodal platform to permit various sized forklift trucks to ramp up from the dock to the height of the container and to maneuver to access the interior of the container. In certain embodiments, ramping may be provided by the multimodal platform for access to the container at a coupler end of the railcar. In certain embodiments, ramping may be provided at a drawbar or at an articulated end of the railcar.
Additionally, the sliding connector and a fifth wheel hitch described above may be of modular design. For example, the sliding connector may allow the multimodal platform to haul any size of ISO container and to provide a position change in minutes. Further, a multimodal platform with a sliding connector may be allowed to load any size of semi-trailer. This may be accomplished by using a sliding connector with mounts for both an ISO container and a fifth wheel connection. In certain embodiments, these mounts are attached with a universal 6-inch bolt pattern that may allow the user to remove both the ISO container and the fifth wheel connections, and bolt another fixture for hauling other items, such as odd-shaped items or oversized items. For example, a wind turbine company may use a multimodal platform described herein to haul containers full of fiberglass and resin into the factory to construct a wind blade. Instead of returning the railcar empty, a different fixture may be to the sliding connector within a couple minutes and the railcar may return from the factory to deliver a finished wind turbine blade. This provides an advantage over conventional techniques, such as shipping the completed turbine blade over the road, thereby requiring a special trailer, permits from the Department of Transportation (DOT), and spotters to escort the truck to the delivery point. In contrast, the railcar with the multimodal platform provides a flexible platform that can be adjusted by exchanging fixtures and thereby provide a convenient transportation option for the wind turbine blade.
In certain embodiments, the multimodal platform may be used in transporting insulated or refrigerated goods. The multimodal platform may be used for commercially hauling available refrigerated containers or trailers, or specialized containers or trailers, e.g., as shown in
In certain embodiments, a custom box 2330 may be disposed on loading platform 23012 of multimodal platform 23000. In some embodiments, custom box 2330 may be equipped with a ramp to provide additional support in unloading or loading from custom box 2330. In this manner, the space above loading platform 23012 of multimodal platform 23000 may be used for storage or freight when not configured for use for unloading or loading containers 2300. For example, certain double-stack containers may be not be configured to be loaded or unloaded via end doors.
In certain embodiments, a method is provided for using a multimodal platform, such as any of the various examples and embodiments of multimodal platforms described above. For example, a method may include steps of deploying the multimodal platform and containers disposed thereon for loading or unloading. In this manner, an operator may use the multimodal platform for loading cargo or freight for transportation and unloading the cargo or freight at an end destination with one or more of the advantages described herein.
Particular embodiments of the present disclosure may provide numerous technical advantages. For example, particular embodiments may improve the efficiency of loading/unloading cargo from the containers of the railcar. In addition, particular embodiments may provide an extra route for a user or a forklift truck to travel from one dock to another dock.
Although particular embodiments and their advantages have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and alternations can be made herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the embodiments. Particular embodiments of the present disclosure described herein may be used or mounted for a railroad car, a semi-trailer, a truck or any other transportations.
Claims
1. A multimodal platform for a railcar, comprising:
- first underframe configured to carry a first container;
- a second underframe configured to carry a second container, wherein the second underframe is coupled to the first underframe, wherein coupling the first underframe and the second underframe provides an articulation point;
- a loading platform disposed above the articulation point and between a first end of the first container proximate the second container and a second end of the second container proximate the first container; and
- rail wheels disposed under the loading platform and coupled to the first underframe and the second underframe, wherein the rail wheels are configured to transport the multimodal platform on rails of a railway.
2. The multimodal platform of claim 1, further comprising a movable ramp coupled to the loading platform, wherein the movable ramp extends from the loading platform to an unloading location in a deployed position.
3. The multimodal platform of claim 1, wherein:
- the first underframe comprises one of a flat car, a well car, and a spine car; and
- the second underframe comprises one of a flat car, a well car, and a spine car.
4. The multimodal platform of claim 1, further comprising a backstop barrier coupled to the loading platform and disposed along a side of the loading platform along a length of the railcar, wherein the backstop barrier in a deployed position obstruct movements on or off of the loading platform in one direction orthogonal to the length of the railcar.
5. The multimodal platform of claim 1, further comprising one or more sliding attachments for a container supported on the first underframe or the second underframe, wherein the sliding attachments are configured to attach a bottom portion of the container to one of the first underframe and the second underframe.
6. The multimodal platform of claim 5, wherein the one or more sliding attachments for the container are configured to align a floor of the container with the loading platform.
7. The multimodal platform of claim 1, wherein the first underframe and the second underframe are configured to carry a first container and a second container, wherein the first container is a different type of container than the first second container.
8. The multimodal platform of claim 1, wherein a third container is installed on the loading platform between the first container and the second container, wherein the third container is configured to provide additional storage space or provide ramp access into an upper portion of one or both of the first container and the second container.
9. The multimodal platform of claim 1, wherein one or both of the first underframe and the second underframe are configured to carry one or more of a trailer or an ISO container.
10. The multimodal platform of claim 1, further comprising a power generator configured to supply power to a refrigeration unit of a container disposed on the first underframe or the second underframe.
11. The multimodal platform of claim 1, further comprising a pair of ramps coupled to the loading platform, wherein the pair ramps extend from opposite sides from the loading platform to a pair of unloading locations in a deployed position.
12. A railcar, comprising:
- a multimodal platform, comprising:
- first underframe configured to carry a first container;
- a second underframe configured to carry a second container, wherein the second underframe is coupled to the first underframe, wherein coupling the first underframe and the second underframe provides an articulation point;
- a loading platform disposed above the articulation point and between a first end of the first container proximate the second container and a second end of the second container proximate the first container; and
- rail wheels disposed under the loading platform and coupled to the first underframe and the second underframe, wherein the rail wheels are configured to transport the multimodal platform on rails of a railway;
- a first container disposed on the first underframe;
- a second container disposed on the second underframe; and
- locomotive means to move the railcar on the railway;
- wherein:
- the first container and second container each comprise an end door, wherein the end doors face each other; and
- the first container and the second container are configured to be loaded or unloaded through the end doors and the loading platform to or from a location external to the railcar.
13. The railcar of claim 12, wherein the multimodal platform further comprises a movable ramp coupled to the loading platform, wherein the movable ramp extends from the loading platform to the external location in a deployed position.
14. The railcar of claim 12, wherein:
- the first underframe comprises one of a flat car, a well car, and a spine car; and
- the second underframe comprises one of a flat car, a well car, and a spine car.
15. The railcar of claim 12, wherein the multimodal platform further comprises a backstop barrier coupled to the loading platform and disposed along a side of the loading platform along a length of the railcar, wherein the backstop barrier in a deployed position obstruct movements on or off of the loading platform in one direction orthogonal to the length of the railcar.
16. The railcar of claim 12, further comprising one or more sliding attachments for the first container supported on the first underframe, wherein the sliding attachments are configured to attach a bottom portion of the first container to the first underframe.
17. The railcar of claim 16, wherein the one or more sliding attachments for the first container are configured to align a floor of the first container with the loading platform of the multimodal platform.
18. The railcar of claim 12, wherein the first container is a different type of container than the first second container.
19. The railcar of claim 12, wherein one or both of the first underframe and the second underframe are configured to carry one or more of a trailer or an ISO container.
20. The railcar of claim 12, wherein a third container is installed on the loading platform of the multimodal platform between the first container and the second container, wherein the third container is configured to provide additional storage space or provide ramp access into an upper portion of one or both of the first container and the second container.
Type: Application
Filed: Aug 26, 2019
Publication Date: Feb 27, 2020
Inventors: Andrew Brown (Plano, TX), Carter Ray Andrews (Dallas, TX), Ross E. Hill (Irving, TX), Jerry W. Vande Sande (Dallas, TX), Hiten Mehta (Frisco, TX), Christopher Crisafulli (Mansfield, TX), Kenneth W. Huck (Fairview, TX)
Application Number: 16/550,855