Abstract: An extendable, intermodal transport platform is disclosed. The invention comprises a standard ISO-length loading platform supported by main beams and crossmembers. The platform has ISO lifting and stacking fitments at its four corners. The platform has extendable supplemental platforms at each end, the extendable supplemental platforms fitting beneath the deck bed of the platform, or extendable to position stacking fitments at over-the-road trailer positions for North American fleet. Inner stacking fitments may laterally expand and retract so as to slide underneath the deck bed between the main beams. In some embodiments the platform includes posts that extend upward to position ISO lifting fitments at standard heights, such as under hydraulic power.

Abstract: A collapsible intermodal transport platform and methods for its operation are disclosed. The invention comprises structural ribbings that rotate about an axle disposed beneath the loading surface of the platform. The ribbings are positioned along the platform so as to provide lifting and stacking fitments at the standard overhead crane lifting points when in a lift configuration. The ribbings may be rotated inboard down to the loading surface, thereby presenting stacking blocks at the crane lifting points for stacking several platforms together. Alternatively, the ribbings may be rotated outboard to accommodate full size loading of cargo. The ribbings are rotated under electric or hydraulic power, according to the various embodiments disclosed. Other features and aspects disclosed lend to the invention's low weight and high carrying capacity, as well as its unique load securing features.

Abstract: A collapsible intermodal transport platform and methods for its operation are disclosed. The invention comprises structural ribbings that rotate about an axle disposed beneath the loading surface of the platform. The ribbings are positioned along the platform so as to provide lifting and stacking fitments at the standard overhead crane lifting points when in a lift configuration. The ribbings may be rotated inboard down to the loading surface, thereby presenting stacking blocks at the crane lifting points for stacking several platforms together. Alternatively, the ribbings may be rotated outboard to accommodate full size loading of cargo. The ribbings are rotated under electric or hydraulic power, according to the various embodiments disclosed. Other features and aspects disclosed lend to the invention's low weight and high carrying capacity, as well as its unique load securing features.

Abstract: A stacking and lifting system for intermodal transport platforms is disclosed. Transport platforms can be converted between a storage or empty transport position and a haul or load position through rotation of support posts that provide structural support and locate fitments that align with adjoining fitments on standard intermodal containers. The support posts have fitments at their distal ends for use during lifting or stacking operations when the transport platform is loaded and in use. The support posts also have stacking blocks that provide flip-up fitments for use when the posts are in a lowered configuration for stacking transport platforms with other transport platforms or with standard intermodal containers. The stacking blocks may be lifted directly or may be locked in to adjoining fitment housings, such that the transport platform will cling to the adjoining platform or intermodal container above it that is being lifted.

Abstract: A collapsible intermodal transport platform and methods for its operation are disclosed. The invention comprises first braces that rotate about a mounting point on the frame that supports a cargo loading surface. The first braces are positioned along the platform so as to provide lifting and stacking fitments at the standard overhead crane lifting points when in a lift configuration. The first braces may be rotated inboard down to the loading surface, thereby presenting stacking blocks at the crane lifting points for stacking several platforms together. Second braces attach to the first braces to assist in load distribution. The second braces may assist in translating the platform from one position to another by rotating along a wheel. Other features and aspects disclosed lend to the invention's low weight and high carrying capacity, as well as its unique load securing features.

Abstract: A collapsible intermodal transport platform and methods for its operation are disclosed. The invention comprises structural ribbings that rotate about an axle disposed beneath the loading surface of the platform. The ribbings are positioned along the platform so as to provide lifting and stacking fitments at the standard overhead crane lifting points when in a lift configuration. The ribbings may be rotated inboard down to the loading surface, thereby presenting stacking blocks at the crane lifting points for stacking several platforms together. Alternatively, the ribbings may be rotated outboard to accommodate full size loading of cargo. The ribbings are rotated under electric or hydraulic power, according to the various embodiments disclosed. Other features and aspects disclosed lend to the invention's low weight and high carrying capacity, as well as its unique load securing features.

Abstract: A stacking and lifting system for intermodal transport platforms is disclosed. Transport platforms can be converted between a storage or empty transport position and a haul or load position through rotation of support posts that provide structural support and locate fitments that align with adjoining fitments on standard intermodal containers. The support posts have fitments at their distal ends for use during lifting or stacking operations when the transport platform is loaded and in use. The support posts also have stacking blocks that provide flip-up fitments for use when the posts are in a lowered configuration for stacking transport platforms with other transport platforms or with standard intermodal containers. The stacking blocks may be lifted directly or may be locked in to adjoining fitment housings, such that the transport platform will cling to the adjoining platform or intermodal container above it that is being lifted.

Abstract: A collapsible intermodal transport platform and methods for its operation are disclosed. The invention comprises structural ribbings that rotate about an axle disposed beneath the loading surface of the platform. The ribbings are positioned along the platform so as to provide lifting and stacking fitments at the standard overhead crane lifting points when in a lift configuration. The ribbings may be rotated inboard down to the loading surface, thereby presenting stacking blocks at the crane lifting points for stacking several platforms together. Alternatively, the ribbings may be rotated outboard to accommodate full size loading of cargo. The ribbings are rotated under electric or hydraulic power, according to the various embodiments disclosed. Other features and aspects disclosed lend to the invention's low weight and high carrying capacity, as well as its unique load securing features.

Abstract: A collapsible intermodal transport platform and methods for its operation are disclosed. The invention comprises structural ribbings that rotate about an axle disposed beneath the loading surface of the platform. The ribbings are positioned along the platform so as to provide lifting and stacking fitments at the standard overhead crane lifting points when in a lift configuration. The ribbings may be rotated inboard down to the loading surface, thereby presenting stacking blocks at the crane lifting points for stacking several platforms together. Alternatively, the ribbings may be rotated outboard to accommodate full size loading of cargo. The ribbings are rotated under electric or hydraulic power, according to the various embodiments disclosed. Other features and aspects disclosed lend to the invention's low weight and high carrying capacity, as well as its unique load securing features.

Abstract: A collapsible intermodal transport platform and methods for its operation are disclosed. The invention comprises structural ribbings that rotate about an axle disposed beneath the loading surface of the platform. The ribbings are positioned along the platform so as to provide lifting and stacking fitments at the standard overhead crane lifting points when in a lift configuration. The ribbings may be rotated inboard down to the loading surface, thereby presenting stacking blocks at the crane lifting points for stacking several platforms together. Alternatively, the ribbings may be rotated outboard to accommodate full size loading of cargo. The ribbings are rotated under electric or hydraulic power, according to the various embodiments disclosed. Other features and aspects disclosed lend to the invention's low weight and high carrying capacity, as well as its unique load securing features.

Abstract: A collapsible intermodal transport platform and methods for its operation are disclosed. The invention comprises structural ribbings that rotate about an axle disposed beneath the loading surface of the platform. The ribbings are positioned along the platform so as to provide lifting and stacking fitments at the standard overhead crane lifting points when in a lift configuration. The ribbings may be rotated inboard down to the loading surface, thereby presenting stacking blocks at the crane lifting points for stacking several platforms together. Alternatively, the ribbings may be rotated outboard to accommodate full size loading of cargo. The ribbings are rotated under electric or hydraulic power, according to the various embodiments disclosed. Other features and aspects disclosed lend to the invention's low weight and high carrying capacity, as well as its unique load securing features.

Abstract: A collapsible intermodal transport platform and methods for its operation are disclosed. The invention comprises structural ribbings that rotate about an axle disposed beneath the loading surface of the platform. The ribbings are positioned along the platform so as to provide lifting and stacking fitments at the standard overhead crane lifting points when in a lift configuration. The ribbings may be rotated inboard down to the loading surface, thereby presenting stacking blocks at the crane lifting points for stacking several platforms together. Alternatively, the ribbings may be rotated outboard to accommodate full size loading of cargo. The ribbings are rotated under electric or hydraulic power, according to the various embodiments disclosed. Other features and aspects disclosed lend to the invention's low weight and high carrying capacity, as well as its unique load securing features.

Abstract: A collapsible intermodal transport platform and methods for its operation are disclosed. The invention comprises structural ribbings that rotate about an axle disposed beneath the loading surface of the platform. The ribbings are positioned along the platform so as to provide lifting and stacking fitments at the standard overhead crane lifting points when in a lift configuration. The ribbings may be rotated inboard down to the loading surface, thereby presenting stacking blocks at the crane lifting points for stacking several platforms together. Alternatively, the ribbings may be rotated outboard to accommodate full size loading of cargo. The ribbings are rotated under electric or hydraulic power, according to the various embodiments disclosed. Other features and aspects disclosed lend to the invention's low weight and high carrying capacity, as well as its unique load securing features.

Abstract: A stacking and lifting system for intermodal transport platforms is disclosed. Transport platforms can be converted between a storage or empty transport position and a haul or load position through rotation of support posts that provide structural support and locate fitments that align with adjoining fitments on standard intermodal containers. The support posts have fitments at their distal ends for use during lifting or stacking operations when the transport platform is loaded and in use. The support posts also have stacking blocks that provide flip-up fitments for use when the posts are in a lowered configuration for stacking transport platforms with other transport platforms or with standard intermodal containers. The stacking blocks may be lifted directly or may be locked in to adjoining fitment housings, such that the transport platform will cling to the adjoining platform or intermodal container above it that is being lifted.