Abstract: Transport platform comprising an elevating mechanism where two longitudinal beams (5 and 6) are mounted being positioned at the same height, between which at least a tilting flat structure (8) is mounted, consisting of a telescopic frame formed by two U-shaped rims (16) having the side branches (17) thereof aligned and telescopically related.

Abstract: A dunnage device for securing a load to a cargo deck includes an elongated tubular body having an interior space. A transverse wall is positioned within the interior space of the tubular body. The elongated tubular body is adapted to be positioned on the cargo deck.

Abstract: A center-of-gravity detection system includes a vehicle capable of carrying cargo and adapted to be towed by a towing vehicle, a shake detector configured to detect shakes in the directions of the self-weight and width of the towed vehicle during travel of the towed vehicle, and an arithmetic unit. The arithmetic unit is configured to derive, based upon physical quantities that correlate with the shakes, the location of the center of gravity, in three-dimensional space, of the towed vehicle.

Abstract: A linear motor has a multi-phase coil to be energized. The linear motor includes a movable element, a stator, and a control system for controlling the position of the movable element. The control system is arranged to acquire drive information related to the linear motor going to be driven, and to position the stator on the basis of the drive information prior to the driving.

Abstract: Apparatus for supporting automobiles, including racks each capable of carrying two automobiles, one above the other, particularly in intermodal cargo containers, and a method for use of the apparatus. Each rack includes wheels on which the rack is supported for movement when it is in a collapsed configuration, for insertion of the rack into a cargo container. A pair of wheeled cradles carries an automobile by supporting its wheels. One pair of such cradles is supported by an upper pair of longitudinal beams which are each supported by a pivot connection to a collapsible upright at one end and by an upright strut spaced apart from that end. Another pair of cradles is fastened in a selected location to a pair of horizontal lower longitudinal support members of the rack, to hold the second automobile in a desired position beneath the first. In its collapsed configuration the rack is very low, enabling several empty racks to be carried in a single cargo container.

Abstract: A vehicle storage carriage includes a pair of upper and lower rails connected via side-mounted cross members for stability and four vertical posts, two in front, two in rear, that can be rigidly bolted to the floor of a standard cargo container. A pair of ramps with recessed wheel channels adapted to carry the rear tires of a stowed vehicle are mounted horizontally front and rear between a pair of the vertical posts. The front and rear of the ramps can be adjusted by selectively raising and lowering the cross members. The rear of the ramps are pivotably mounted to the rear cross member. Chock assemblies that are rigidly mountable to the container floor include slideably movable chocks that are movable forwardly or rearwardly and also movable sideways to accommodate different size vehicles. A pivotable strap securing plate is pivotably mounted to the container floor for use with vehicle tie-down straps for each of the stowed vehicles. Several carriages may be employed with a given standard cargo container.

Abstract: Two light weight, movable ramp members having upper depressions are provided for supporting a pair of wheels of a motor vehicle in an elevated position in a transport container. The two ramp members are spaced apart with two spacers to hold them against the side walls of the container. At least three pairs of the ramp members may be provided to support the front or rear wheels of three vehicles. Spacers are provided for spacing the front pair of ramp members from the front wall of the container. The two ramp members may be used to support the front or rear wheels of a motor vehicle in a container by locating the two members on the floor of the container; using the spacers to maintain them at desired positions; and moving the front or rear wheels of the motor vehicle up the two ramp members into their upper depressions.

Abstract: Apparatus for supporting automobiles, including racks each capable of carrying two automobiles, one above the other, particularly in intermodal cargo containers, and a method for use of the apparatus. Each rack includes wheels on which the rack is supported for movement when it is in a collapsed configuration, for insertion of the rack into a cargo container. A pair of wheeled cradles carries an automobile by supporting its wheels. One pair of such cradles is supported by an upper pair of longitudinal beams which are each supported by a pivot connection to a collapsible upright at one end and by an upright strut spaced apart from that end. Another pair of cradles is fastened in a selected location to a pair of horizontal lower longitudinal support members of the rack, to hold the second automobile in a desired position beneath the first. In its collapsed configuration the rack is very low, enabling several empty racks to be carried in a single cargo container.

Abstract: A vehicle transporter for supporting cars for shipment in a shipping container includes a lower pallet and an upper pallet, each of which is adapted to receive a car with its wheels supported thereon. A pair of columns is pivotally affixed to each side of the lower pallet. The upper pallet is affixed to the columns at a selected adjustable height above the lower pallet and substantially parallel to the lower pallet. A length-adjustable brace is connected diagonally between the upper and lower pallets to impart stiffness to the transporter. Each pallet has a tie down at each end so that the car body can be lowered on its suspension, thereby allowing cars with higher silhouettes loaded on the transporter to be received within the container. The upper pallets have openings, which permit an upper portion of a car to protrude through the opening to a height above the level of the upper pallet.

Abstract: A railroad car having a flat bed at the lowest possible level and a roof and side panels supported by stanchions at an extraordinary height is provided with cantilevered wheel seats for support of the front wheels of semistacked trucks with each truck backed into position by a forklift with the front end of the truck raised and its rear frame tucked in under the front end of a preceding truck. Side rails secured to the stanchions about one foot from the bed and about six inches in front of the stanchions help guide the trucks into proper position. Each wheel seat is comprised of two cantilevered box beams inserted into box receptacles supported by horizontal side box beams secured to the stanchions. A cross beam secured to the free end of the cantilevered box beams enhance the ability of the cantilevered box beams to support the weight of the truck and provide a place to secure an eye that receives a hook of a tie-down chain in a position directly below the front wheel axle of the truck.

Abstract: A double-decked apparatus has a base (4), and a movable deck (6) is rotatably connected, at one end, to one end of the base. Automobiles can be positioned on the base (4) and on the movable deck (6). The movable deck can rotate between a first position, where it is laid upon the base and positioned substantially parallel thereto, and a second position, where it is inclined upwardly. The apparatus is also provided with support rods (8, 9) which can hold the movable deck in the second position. Two automobiles can be mounted on this apparatus, one above the other. The apparatus can, therefore, help to achieve an efficient use of the space within a transport container.

Abstract: A structure for supporting motor vehicles which can be mounted at various positions along the bed of a transport vehicle to accommodate vehicle and vehicle chassis of different lengths and sizes. The structure generally comprises a dismountable channel member which retains a support post in an upright position and can be secured to the truck bed at different locations. Slidably attached to the upper portion of the support post is an arm which extends outwardly from the post. Similarly, a platform which supports one wheel of the vehicle being transported is removably secured to the arm of the structure. All the components may be lockingly engaged during transport and the structure may be disassembled and stored within the bed of the transport vehicle. Furthermore, all of the components are adjustable relative to one another and the bed of the truck in order accommodate different vehicles.

Abstract: Tie down system for a three wheeled motorcycle which uses a pair of securing plates in conjunction with tie down straps to be located about the axle which supports the rear wheels of the motorcycle and a spaced apart locking plate which utilizes a movable clamping bar to be tightly connected over a bracing bar mounted on the frame of the motorcycle.

Abstract: A knockdown disposable vehicle ramp for shipment of vehicles securely fastened to the floor of container to elevate and support one end of a wheeled vehicle in nesting alignment with another wheeled vehicle whereby a series of in-line vehicles may be positioned within a single container for shipment with each of the disposable ramps being secured in position during vehicle loading. Each of the disposable ramps is constructed of corrugated fiberboard and positioned to support the loads to which the ramp may be subjected with each ramp being provided with an inclined plane on which the wheel of a vehicle may be elevated for positioning to a wheel well on the ramp for cooperatively supporting a wheel mounted on the vehicle. Ramp and wheel well reinforcing means are positioned to support loads to which the ramp is subjected. A wheel-mounted harness securely retains the vehicle-mounted wheel on the ramp wheel well limiting vehicle displacement.

Abstract: A container transport system for carrying a plurality of vehicles includes a cargo container and at least one ramp within the container. The ramp is disposable and is made of corrugated cardboard. In forming the ramp a plurality of load cells of increasing average height are positioned next to each other and are covered by a cardboard envelope. The cells are formed by folding cardboard panels into a trapezoidal shape.