Abstract: Disclosed are transportable containers for mounting onto a rearward portion of the frame of a semi-truck comprising. The transportable containers may have a frame comprising: a first wall; a second wall opposing the first wall; two opposed lateral walls extending between the first side and the second side, at least one of the lateral walls comprising an opening formed therein; a top extending over the first wall, the second wall, and the two lateral walls; a second floor contained within an internal space of the frame, the second floor being controllably deployable between a lowered position and a raised position; and a loading ramp hingedly attached to a base of the at least one lateral side having the opening formed therein.

Abstract: The present invention provides an automated removable frame system for transporting vehicles in a container. The frame system is be assembled in the container, the vehicles are loaded on the frame system, the container is shipped to the location, the vehicles are unloaded from the frame system, and the frame system is disassembled and returned to the manufacture or stored for later use.

Abstract: A method that includes a computer in a vehicle. The method includes: controlling an approach to a pivotable bridge that spans between two transport carriages or between one of the carriages and a vehicle loader; receiving, from a communication device coupled to the bridge or one of the carriages, an indication to cross the bridge; and based on the indication, crossing the bridge.

Abstract: A top-loadable cargo trailer has one or more top doors mounted to a container using hinge assemblies which are located entirely within a perimeter of the container when the top door is closed. In this way, no part of the full width, length, or height of the container is taken up by overhanding hinges, and in jurisdictions limiting container width, length, and height no amount of container volume is sacrificed due to hinge overhang. The hinge assemblies have a compound, or dual hinge biased by a resistance mechanism such as a coil spring to provide an orderly opening and closing sequence of the top door. When fully open, the top door hangs vertically flush against the container wall, thus minimize hazard to works and equipment moving about the container.

Abstract: A load-bearing palette includes two side frames; crosspieces; two end support areas for supporting car wheels; and a free central space. The first area includes a wheel support acting as an abutment for the first set of wheels; a transverse element connecting both side frames and having two oblique arms joined at a central portion directed towards an end of the palette; a recess between the wheel support and the transverse element having a width continually decreasing from the side frames to the central portion, into which a first set of wheels sinks down, regardless of the wheelbase type and the track width of the car. The second area includes decking, the dimensions of which are sufficient to support a second set of wheels, regardless of the wheelbase type and the track width of the car.

Abstract: A platform system (5) for use in a cargo compartment of a truck, lorry or trailer. The platform system (5) is provided with a plurality of elevation platforms (20) with a substantially rectangular outline, onto which, in use, goods can be loaded. The elevation platforms (20) can be elevated when loaded. Each elevation platform (20) is guided by horizontally spaced and vertically extending guides. Each elevation platform is suspended from a set of cables, each of these cables being associated with each of the vertically extending guides and a first end of each of the cables in the set being associated with one corner of the rectangular elevation platform. The platform system is also provided with a plurality of actuators (25) with one actuator associated with each elevation platform (20). The second end of the cables in the set being operably connected one of the actuators (25).

Abstract: A risk-degree setting unit (108) sets the degree of risk for the case where an inverter (103) performs conversion processing (inverter risk degree), and sets the degree of risk for the case where a storage battery (105) stores electrical energy (storage battery risk degree). A final output destination determination unit (109), based on the degrees of risk set by the risk-degree setting unit (108), determines the final output destination of electrical energy output from an electric motor (106), and controls the turning ON or OFF of a relay (110). The final output destination determination unit (109) turns the relay (110) ON when the storage battery (105) is determined as the final output destination of the electrical energy output from the electric motor (106), and turns the relay (110) OFF when the inverter (103) is determined as the final output destination of the electrical energy output from the electric motor (106).

Abstract: A device for the transportation of vehicles, at a prescribed maximum height of the system, transports an increased possible number of vehicles on a given surface area. The device is suitable for transportation by air, sea, and land. In this context, the vehicles are not unloaded from the device, even in the case of combined land, sea, or air transportation. The device consists of a lower pallet and an upper pallet. The upper pallet is supported on booms which, in turn, rest on the lower pallet. The booms are individually height-adjustable so that the upper pallet can be tilted relative to the lower pallet in the longitudinal direction. At the second end, there is a support element on which the device can be moved in the lengthwise direction, at least if it has been slightly lifted at the opposite first end.

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 logistics panel forms a side wall of a container (12) and has elongate metal recesses (16) formed in the surface and a logistics track (17) including a face portion (22), an elongate slot (23) in said face portion and a pair of elongate webs (24) each extending parallel to and between a respective said edge and the slot, the webs having a plurality of locating apertures, and a load carrier (18) located in said channel and extending out through the slot and having engagement pawls (26) selectively and positively locatable in said apertures.

Abstract: An apparatus for transporting small vehicles within the bed of a truck which comprises a frame sized to be locatable within the bed of a truck, a platform slidably supported by the frame movable between a first position parallel to and proximate to the bed of the truck and a second position parallel to and vertically spaced above the first position and an actuator operable to move the platform between the first and second positions. The actuator may comprises a winch and the apparatus may include at least one catch for selectively engaging and supporting the platform at the second position.

Abstract: A method of shipping automobiles, a railcar for shipping automobiles, and a method of manufacturing railcars for shipping automobiles. The method comprises, among other steps, determining a distribution of vehicle heights for passenger cars sold within a predetermined area and a predetermined time period; assessing weight, bottom clearance, length, width and Cg for the passenger cars; and transporting the passenger cars on a plurality of single-unit tri-level auto rack railcars, each comprising a flat car and a fixed-deck rack built on the flat car. Each of the railcars has (a) three decks which are fixed along their entire lengths and which are capable of transporting in commercial rail service over 90% of passenger cars manufactured in the predetermined area and predetermined time period with a load factor of at least 15 with minimum vertical clearances of between 64 and 66 in. to accommodate the vehicle heights of the passenger cars, while also accommodating at least 3 in.

Abstract: A vehicle transporter includes a frame with a load deck, a slidable undercarriage mounted on the frame and a subframe movably mounted on the frame between raised and lowered positions. Wheel wells are formed in the deck when the subframe is lowered relative to the frame. A pair of outrigger assemblies each includes a hydraulic piston-and-cylinder lift unit for raising and lowering the transporter whereby the undercarriage can be slid between fore and aft positions.

Abstract: A storage container is provided, having a first container and a second container. Each of the first and second containers includes top and bottom front rails, first and second front corner posts, and first and second side panels. In each of the first and second containers, the top and the bottom front rails and the first and second front corner posts are disposed at a front end thereof to define an opening into the interior thereof. The front end of the first container and the front end of the second container face each other. The first and second side panels of the first container are spaced to define a first interior width therebetween. The first and second front corner posts of the first container are spaced to define a second interior width therebetween. The first and second interior widths of the first container are substantially equal to each other.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a decking system may include one or more of the following features: (a) a plurality of deck panels operably coupled to and supported by rails extending parallel to the deck panels, (b) a plurality of rail legs coupled to the rails at one end of the rail leg and extending the rails up off of a base coupled to the rail leg at a second end of the rail leg, (c) a plurality of cross rails positioned perpendicular to the deck panels and rails, the cross rails coupled to the rails and supporting angle bars welded to the deck panels, (d) a plurality of angled support members coupled to the base and to the rail legs, (e) a floor coupler attached to the rail leg for providing attachment to the base, (f) a decking coupler attached to the rail leg for providing attachment to the rail, and (g) a ladder slat coupled to the rail having slots to receive cross rails.

Abstract: Apparatus for loading, storing, and/or transporting multiple All-Terrain-Vehicles. In a preferred embodiment, apparatus for loading and carrying two ATV's, one above the other, for storage and/or transportation purposes. In further preferred embodiments, apparatus capable of loading, storing, and/or transporting three All-Terrain-Vehicles in a compact configuration.

Abstract: A bi-level aluminum vehicle carrier railcar (10) includes an integrated aluminum roofing structure (30), aluminum side panels (18, 20), and aluminum decking structure (36, 50) attached to a steel underframe. The decking structure (36, 50) is supported on side stakes (18) of the side panels (18, 20) with the decking structure (36, 50) including overlapping extruded aluminum decking plates with (38, 52) anti-skid features. The anti-skid features include a media blasted finish to a portion of the surface of the decking and extruded ribs (64) in a portion of the decking. The roofing structure (30) includes overlapping, arched corrugated aluminum panels (30), wherein the roof panels (30) remain uncoated.

Abstract: The multiple driver occupied passenger vehicles transporter system (Autobus) provides a way to efficiently, economically and safely increase the highway vehicle flow rate of cars per lane per hour. Autobus employs a vehicle transporter, terminal, sensors and systems that provide a way to quickly load and unload driver occupied passenger vehicles on and off of the vehicle transporter. Autobus provides a way to safely transport multiple driver occupied passenger vehicles, including cars, sport utility vehicles (SUVs) and light trucks.

Abstract: A safety rail assembly for mounting on a deck of a transport carrier which transports and supports thereon at least one automobile having at least one of passenger and driver-side doors. The portable safety rail assembly includes a handrail extending horizontally relative to the upper surface of the deck and support posts for supporting the handrail. Each support post may be removeably mounted to the deck to permit selective vertical displacement of the handrail relative to the upper surface of the deck for positioning the handrail at a desired height above the upper edge of a door of the transported vehicle. The desired height permits unobstructed opening and closing of the doors and safe entrance into and egress from the interior of the automobile.

Abstract: Apparatus for loading, storing, and/or transporting multiple All-Terrain-Vehicles. In a preferred embodiment, apparatus for loading and carrying two ATV's, one above the other, for storage and/or transportation purposes. In further preferred embodiments, apparatus capable of loading, storing, and/or transporting three All-Terrain-Vehicles in a compact configuration.

Abstract: A vehicle trailering system comprises a towing vehicle comprising a hitch mounting mechanism, and a trailer connectable thereto. The trailer comprises a body defining an interior space sized to fit at least one vehicle and having first and second sets of spaced-apart carrying members attachable to opposite sides of the body, thereby defining respective first and second loading levels. The trailer further comprises a gate movable between the first and second levels along first and second support members. First and second connecting members are respectively attachable to the gate and are operable to movably carry the gate with respect to the first and second support members. The system further comprises an actuator system connected to a synchronization system, which are operable to synchronize the movement of the first and second connecting members along the respective longitudinal lengths of the first and second support members. Associated trailering methods are also provided.

Abstract: A vehicle apparatus and a vehicle rack system comprising at least two vehicle rack apparatus are disclosed. The vehicle rack apparatus comprises one or more clamp assemblies adapted to couple to a panel of a trailer or a truck. One or more front members are coupled to a portion of each of the clamp assemblies. A platform assembly is coupled to a portion of each of the clamp assemblies. The platform assemblies include three spaced apart members. The vehicle apparatus further comprises one or more ramp assemblies coupled to a portion of the platform assemblies so that when a an end of the ramp assemblies contacts a portion of a surface of the truck bed or the trailer bed, the platform assemblies are elevated. Methods of using the vehicle apparatus and system are disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention recite a method and system for conveying a message. In one embodiment in accordance with the present invention, access to an intermodal shipping container is obtained. A message to be conveyed upon the intermodal shipping container is then obtained. The intermodal shipping container is then used to convey the message.

Abstract: Vehicular cargo of a vehicle transporter is supported by elongate vehicle support members. Elevated vehicle support members are supported above the vehicular frame of the transporter and moved by screw actuators that are self-locking.

Abstract: A rail road car has a rail car body which includes a housing structure. The housing structure has a pair of sidewalls, a roof and at least one deck mounted to the sidewalls. An enclosed lading space is defined by the housing structure and there is at least one door for controlling access to the enclosed space. The rail road car is provided with short travel buff gear and a reduced slack, or slackless, coupler.

Abstract: A container (40) has a movable internal load support, such as a deck platform (15), with a demountable motorised drive (10), and a transfer drive, such as a threaded shaft (16), mounted within a deck chassis, with shaft runners or travellers (17, 27) connected to a cable suspension (18, 22), in turn running over transfer pulleys (19), mounted upon the platform and an external support, such as a container frame.

Abstract: Apparatus 10 discloses a multipurpose trailer 12 having a lift system 24 with a plurality of organizer and fasteners uniquely designed for Pro Angler equipment and maintenance. The trailer 12 comprises a frame having a vehicle storage compartment 14 located above a boat storage compartment 16 and a work shop compartment 18 located in the forward area. The trailer 12 is towed by a motor coach 20, making the system self supporting for anglers on road tournaments.

Abstract: A rail road car has a rail car body which includes a housing structure. The housing structure has a pair of sidewalls, a roof and at least one deck mounted to the sidewalls. An enclosed lading space is defined by the housing structure and there is at least one door for controlling access to the enclosed space. The rail road car is provided with short travel buff gear and a reduced slack, or slackless, coupler.

Abstract: This is a system in which several automobiles can be stowed in a container and secured in place.

Abstract: A multilevel railway auto rack car for transporting automobiles is provided having at least one upper deck with end segments pivotable to accommodate the difference in height of corresponding upper decks of adjacent auto rack cars and facilitate loading of automobiles between cars. A pivoting assembly pivots the end segment between raised and lowered positions, as well as prevents the end segment from being inadvertently left in the lowered position.

Abstract: A truck-trailer for easy changeability and wider range of applicability in simplified construction to increase transportation capacity and improve changeability and applicability having the front and the rear sections of the main deck each pivoted with a retractable slope; the rear end of the main deck being disposed of a multi-sectional access slope for the access by different types of vehicles; and an elevation deck set being provided on the main deck to cope with the load of various types of vehicles to increase loading capacity.

Abstract: A vehicle includes at least two items that move vertically between a lowered position and a raised position. In one embodiment, one of the items is a seating unit having a seat back and a seat base such as a couch or a dinette. The seating unit may convert into a bed. In another embodiment, one of the items may be a bed. The vehicle may also include a cargo area which is configured to receive an off-road vehicle. One or more of the items may be lifted in the cargo area to provide additional cargo space in the vehicle. The vehicle may also include other items that move vertically such as a desk, a table, a workbench, an entertainment center, an appliance, a television, a sink, a cupboard, a cabinet, a shelf, and/or a counter.

Abstract: A bi-level aluminum vehicle carrier railcar (10) includes an integrated aluminum roofing structure (30), aluminum side panels (18, 20), and aluminum decking structure (36, 50) attached to a steel underframe. The decking structure (36, 50) is supported on side stakes (18) of the side panels (18, 20) with the decking structure (36, 50) including overlapping extruded aluminum decking plates with (38, 52) anti-skid features. The anti-skid features include a media blasted finish to a portion of the surface of the decking and extruded ribs (64) in a portion of the decking. The roofing structure (30) includes overlapping, arched corrugated aluminum panels (30), wherein the roof panels (30) remain uncoated.

Abstract: Vehicular cargo of a vehicle transporter is supported by elongate vehicle support members. Elevated vehicle support members are supported above the vehicular frame of the transporter and moved by screw actuators that are self-locking.

Abstract: A structure is described which may include a bed, a cargo area which is used to receive an off-road vehicle, and superposed beds which move vertically between a first configuration where the beds are spaced apart in the cargo area and a second configuration where the beds are stowed adjacent to each other.

Abstract: A structure is described which includes a bed and an apparatus having a flexible drive member which moves along an endless path. The apparatus is coupled to the structure and to the bed, and the apparatus is used to vertically move the bed along the endless path.

Abstract: A flank part (1) for an automobile transporter consisting of a finished structural single-piece part, ready to be mounted by being assembled to a frame base or another component to form a complete automobile transporter body linked to other elements in a limited number of locations. The side part (1) incorporates all the elevating posts (2) and (3) each with its elevating device (20) moving along a guiding profiled section (17). The upright or sloping elements of the framework of the flank part form a visual cover viewed from the front for each of the lifting assembly (20) and the actuating mechanism thereof (21). The invention is of interest to all manufacturers of automobile transporters.

Abstract: A method for transporting vehicles including the steps of providing a module shaped and sized to receive vehicles therein and providing a trailer chassis coupled to a tractor. The tractor and the trailer chassis are located on or adjacent to an external surface. The method further includes the step of locating the module on a trailer chassis, and driving the vehicles from the external surface into the module.

Abstract: A module for receiving motorized vehicles for transportation. The module includes a driver-side side wall, a passenger-side side wall parallel to and laterally spaced from the driver-side side wall, and a bottom support structure extending between the side walls for supporting at least one vehicle located thereon. The module further includes a roof spaced from the bottom support structure such that the roof and the bottom support structure are arranged to closely receive a single layer of vehicles therebetween.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cushioning system to be applied to the inside surface of the walls of conventional autorack railcars. More particularly, the present invention is directed toward the easy application of a foam protector of single or double tube configuration to the side portions of the metal screen walls that make up an autorack railcar. Improvements enable a multiple density foam tube, a “Logo” panel bar and an improved fastener. The tubes are designed to protect the edges of car doors by collapsing when hit by the car door and quickly bouncing back, regardless of temperature.

Abstract: Enclosed cargo containers for high mount automotive vehicle carriers and trailers which are designed to transport special vehicles and other cargo so as to be protected from ambient environment and road conditions. The containers may be fixed or removable mounted within the lower support deck of the vehicle trailers and may include one or a plurality of access doors for facilitating the placement of vehicles and other cargo to be transported and which, in one embodiment, may be adjustable in size so as to increase or decrease the storage space therein dependent upon hauling requirements.

Abstract: A rail road car has a rail car body which includes a housing structure. The housing structure has a pair of sidewalls, a roof and at least one deck mounted to the sidewalls. An enclosed lading space is defined by the housing structure and there is at least one door for controlling access to the enclosed space. The rail road car is provided with short travel buff gear and a reduced slack, or slackless, coupler.

Abstract: The present invention reveals an auto rack sidewall panel bumper guard for auto rack railroad cars which eliminates contact between the vehicle door and the sidewall panel even in extreme heat. The bumper guard includes a pair of opposed mounting bases, a pair of extension arms connected to the mounting bases and a contact member connected to the arms opposite the mounting bases. The contact member has a lesser thickness than the arms to absorb the forces of the vehicle door.

Abstract: A mechanism to assist in raising and lowering a hinged deck end section wherein a lifting force is applied to the deck end section by a counterweight mechanism. In the preferred embodiment, the counterweight mechanism operates in conjunction with a conventional, proven spring assist mechanism of the type that has been used in the past on trilevel railway cars. The counterweight mechanism preferably includes a counterweight that is slidable along a vertical track in a location that is readily accessible for visual inspection and maintenance. Nonmetallic wear pads are preferably employed in conjunction with a dry film lubricant to control friction between the counterweight and the track. The mechanism preferably provides a mechanical advantage so that the lifting force applied by the counterweight mechanism exceeds the weight of the counterweight. A roller chain, steel cable, or the like is preferably employed to connect the weight to the deck end section.

Abstract: A vehicle chassis having substantially all of the mechanical, electrical, and structural componentry necessary for a fully functional vehicle includes at least an energy conversion system, a steering system, and a braking system. The chassis is configured for matability with a variety of different types or styles of vehicle bodies. Various prior art mechanical control linkages between a driver and controlled systems are replaced with non-mechanical control signal transmission components. Fuel cell technology is also implemented. A substantially flat and relatively thin vehicle chassis enables compact storage of multiple vehicle chassis. This compact storage is achieved by high density vertical stacking of the vehicle chassis, which improves packaging and shipping efficiency, reduces plant floor usage for storage during or before testing, assembly or shipping processes, and may reduce overall manufacturing, assembly, shipping, and/or vehicle costs.

Abstract: A multilevel railway auto rack car for transporting automobiles is provided having at least one upper deck with end segments pivotable to accommodate the difference in height of corresponding upper decks of adjacent auto rack cars and facilitate loading of automobiles between cars. A pivoting assembly pivots the end segment between raised and lowered positions, as well as prevents the end segment from being inadvertently left in the lowered position.

Abstract: A collapsible assembly for loading and transporting vehicles in a cargo container having a roof, a floor, two elongate side walls, and front and rear walls, includes two pairs of spaced vertical posts, one pair being at the front end of the frame and another pair being at the rear end. Front and rear horizontally mounted crossbars support two ramps for carrying a vehicle when the assembly is in its open position. Each crossbar has two members of equal length rotatably and slideably attached to the posts and connected together by a hinge that allows each crossbar to be folded in half interiorly of the frame thus pulling the posts together in a collapsed closed position for storage purposes.

Abstract: A multilevel railway auto rack car for transporting automobiles is provided having at least one.upper deck with end segments pivotable to accommodate the difference in height of corresponding upper decks of adjacent auto rack cars and facilitate loading of automobiles between cars. A pivoting assembly pivots the end segment between raised and lowered positions, as well as prevents the end segment from being inadvertently left in the lowered position.

Abstract: A rail road car has a rail car body which includes a housing structure. The housing structure has a pair of sidewalls, a roof and at least one deck mounted to the sidewalls. An enclosed lading space is defined by the housing structure and there is at least one door for controlling access to the enclosed space. The rail road car is provided with short travel buff gear and a reduced slack, or slackless, coupler.

Abstract: The present invention reveals an auto rack sidewall panel bumper guard for auto rack railroad cars which eliminates contact between the vehicle door and the sidewall panel even in extreme heat. The bumper guard includes a pair of opposed mounting bases, a pair of extension arms connected to the mounting bases and a contact member connected to the arms opposite the mounting bases. The contact member has a lesser thickness than the arms to absorb the forces of the vehicle door.