Abstract: An exemplary frame for carrying two or more tiers of vehicles within a standard cargo-carrying container includes frame-supporting wheels rotatably supported in interposed relation between the sides of the lower rail of the frame for streamlined operation. Installing structure included on the upper and lower rail of the frame, such as an upper and lower plate each having a toothed edge, enable selective coupling of a vertical tension member to the upper and lower rails either in a first suspended position in which longitudinal movement along the respective rails is possible or in a second suspended position locked against such movement. The exemplary frame also includes a storage mechanism where each vehicle-supporting wheel cradle is pivotable about a load-bearing hanger for securement in a storage position extending parallel to the sides of the frame.

Abstract: A handling apparatus pulls a group of lightweight cargo carrying sleeves out of a container in which they have been transported onto a storage bed. The collapsed sleeves are individually supported in an upright orientation on the bed by fingers which can be selectively withdrawn from a sleeve when it is to be removed. An overhead crane has a carriage that translates across the sleeves on the storage bed and a sleeve loading and unloading apparatus that is positioned beside the bed. The carriage can also be raised and lowered. The carriage carries hooks which engage the sidewalls of the sleeves and can be moved toward and away from one another. After the hooks engage the sidewalls of a sleeve the carriage is raised to lift the sleeve out of the group. The carriage is then moved above the loading apparatus and the hooks are moved apart from one another to expand the sleeve. Finally, the carriage is lowered to place the expanded sleeve on the loading apparatus and the hooks are disengaged from its sidewalls.

Abstract: An elongate frame such as for carrying vehicles includes length-adjusting and width-adjusting assemblies that enable the frame to fully occupy differently-sized enclosures. Pivotably extensible and retractable length-adjusting sections form the length-adjusting assembly. Several length settings are achievable by selectively unlocking different combinations of sections. Overshooting of settings is avoided, despite machine-driven adjustment, by elimination of overtravel-type movement in each section. Telescopically adjustable joints, each with automatic end position latching and backup stop protection, form the width-adjusting assembly and guide the frame's sides in stable upright movement while the frame's forward end is unfolded.

Abstract: An adjustable frame for carrying vehicles between elongate upright sides preferably includes a length-adjusting mechanism for expanding the length of the frame to fit transport containers of different sizes, a friction-reducing mechanism for smoother, safer and faster lengthwise adjustment of the respective frame sections, and a door-protecting mechanism including not only the length-adjusting mechanism but also shock-absorbing bumper assemblies for protecting the container door, the frame and the vehicles on the frame through a reduction in the peak level of shock forces generated during collisions between the container door and the frame. Preferably, the adjustable frame has only two sections for faster locking and is configured to flexibly accommodate different vehicle lengths, including by support of a pair of vehicle wheels in a center position on the frame.

Abstract: An exemplary frame for carrying two or more tiers of vehicles within a standard cargo-carrying container includes frame-supporting wheels rotatably supported in interposed relation between the sides of the lower rail of the frame for streamlined operation. Installing structure included on the upper and lower rail of the frame, such as an upper and lower plate each having a toothed edge, enable selective coupling of a vertical tension member to the upper and lower rails either in a first suspended position in which longitudinal movement along the respective rails is possible or in a second suspended position locked against such movement. The exemplary frame also includes a storage mechanism where each vehicle-supporting wheel cradle is pivotable about a load-bearing hanger for securement in a storage position extending parallel to the sides of the frame.

Abstract: A handling apparatus pulls a group of lightweight cargo carrying sleeves out of a container in which they have been transported onto a storage bed. The collapsed sleeves are individually supported in an upright orientation on the bed by fingers which can be selectively withdrawn from a sleeve when it is to be removed. An overhead crane has a carriage that translates across the sleeves on the storage bed and a sleeve loading and unloading apparatus that is positioned beside the bed. The carriage can also be raised and lowered. The carriage carries hooks which engage the sidewalls of the sleeves and can be moved toward and away from one another. After the hooks engage the sidewalls of a sleeve the carriage is raised to lift the sleeve out of the group. The carriage is then moved above the loading apparatus and the hooks are moved apart from one another to expand the sleeve. Finally, the carriage is lowered to place the expanded sleeve on the loading apparatus and the hooks are disengaged from its sidewalls.

Abstract: A loader includes a sleeve support which will carry in a raised position a lightweight open-centered sleeve, of the type which is capable of holding a plurality of automobiles. An automobile support, capable of carrying the automobiles which will comprise one level when loaded into the sleeve, is located below the sleeve. A lifting device moves the sleeve support and the automobile support together to insert the automobiles into the sleeve from its bottom. Latching mechanisms which attach the automobiles to the sleeve are movable between loading positions, where the automobiles can be inserted past them, and latching positions where they will engage the automobiles' tires. The loader is capable of removing the sleeves from cargo containers for loading and/or unloading and then placing them back into the containers when this procedure is completed. The apparatus also is capable of folding the sleeves to their collapsed position and of expanding them to their erected position.