Abstract: A railcar loading system utilizing roller ball track assemblies, or the like, in the center to enable cargo to be moved thereover in any direction (moving cargo in/out and within the railcar). Powered movement devices (e.g., rollers, conveyors) are utilized in the center to assist in movement of cargo in/out or within the railcar. Roller track assemblies, or the like, are utilized on sides of railcar to move cargo to/from the sides. Airbags may be utilized in track assemblies and powered movement devices to raise devices up when activated. Railcar may include an air connector on each side to provide air to solenoid valve that routes air to appropriate airbags. Cargo table is used to move cargo from cargo bay to railcar. Wireless controller may be used to control railcar and table including what tracks are raised and direction cargo is to be moved (what powered movements devices are operational).

Abstract: A conveyor system for loading a trailer is disclosed. The conveyor system includes a support frame adapted to couple to a floor of a trailer, a conveyance mechanism coupled to the support frame and configured to extend from a rear of the trailer toward a front of the trailer, and a conveyor rail arranged to extend between and interconnect the support frame and the conveyance mechanism.

Abstract: The invention relates to a container storage system (1) for transporting and/or for securing cargo in a container (3), and/or for partitioning the container (3), wherein the container (3) comprises side walls made of trapezoidal sheets having vertical creases (4), characterized in that the container storage system (1) comprises: At least two lateral supports (5a, b), which can be arranged vertically in at least two opposite creases (4) of at least two opposite side walls of the container (3). The supports (5a, b) each have at least one recess (13) that can be oriented to the inner chamber of the container (3) for receiving a cross bar (7). In the recess (13), at least one bearing element (11) for supporting the cross bar (7) is provided.

Abstract: An apparatus or device including: at least one hinge assembly coupled to the deck panel and the wall, the at least one hinge assembly configured to move the deck panel between a stored position and a work position; a hook holder coupled to the wall; and a locking device coupled to the deck panel, the locking device configured to protrude out and engage the hook holder when the deck panel is moved from the work position to the stored position.

Abstract: An exemplary system for use in a package delivery vehicle is provided that may include a hinge member that includes a first opening and a hinge body that includes a second opening that is pivotally coupled to the first opening so that the hinge body can pivot with respect to the hinge member. The hinge body also includes a first protrusion and a second protrusion that extends from the first protrusion. The first and second protrusions are slideable within a key structure that extends at least partway along a longitudinal axis of an edge railing of the package delivery vehicle.

Abstract: A hinge and support system for supporting cargo in a freight compartment is provided. The system includes a hinge member, associated with a deck panel, which has at least one flexible projection. The hinge member mates with a support member having a pocket for which the hinge member's flexible projections can be snapped into and retained within so as to allow pivotal movement of the hinge member with respect to the support member. The hinge member is also movably supported by the deck panel so that the hinge member can move relative to the deck panel when the deck panel is deployed. The support member includes one ledge which engages the deck panel when deployed and a second ledge which engages the panel when stowed upright so as to substantially isolate the hinge member from the weight of the deck panel and items placed on it. The hinge structure can be utilized in other contexts.

Abstract: A foldable deck for supporting cargo in a freight compartment is provided. The foldable deck includes a pair of deck panels connected by a double jointed hinge. The foldable deck is mounted on one of the side walls of the freight compartment and is capable of movement between a secure upright position and an extended horizontal deployed position. When the deck panels are in their deployed position they at least partially define a platform above the floor of the vehicle freight compartment. The double jointed hinge has a hinge member having a pair of pivot pins and slot pins that alternate between a deployed position and an upright position. The free end rests upon a channel or catch rail on the free wall opposite the attachment wall.

Abstract: A hinge and support system for supporting cargo in a freight compartment is provided. The system includes a hinge member, associated with a deck panel, which has at least one flexible projection. The hinge member mates with a support member having a pocket for which the hinge member's flexible projections can be snapped into and retained within so as to allow pivotal movement of the hinge member with respect to the support member. The hinge member is also movably supported by the deck panel so that the hinge member can move relative to the deck panel when the deck panel is deployed. The support member includes one ledge which engages the deck panel when deployed and a second ledge which engages the panel when stowed upright so as to substantially isolate the hinge member from the weight of the deck panel and items placed on it. The hinge structure can be utilized in other contexts.

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 railroad freight car including a cargo well for carrying optionally either intermodal cargo containers or highway semitrailers has a side sill structure including a deep rectangular top chord and a depending web, supporting a well floor structure. Each side sill has a height above the well floor, and a spacer is connected to the car body by an attachment which permits the spacer to be pivoted between a raised position clear of the well floor and a lowered position upwardly adjacent the well floor. The spacer has a predetermined height sufficient to support a trailer located in the cargo well, with its wheels resting on top of the spacer, high enough to locate lifting points on the trailer above the height of the side sill.

Abstract: A deck structure for use in supporting cargo at an intermediate level above the floor or bed of a trailer van, or the like. A first embodiment includes a first deck section pivotally mounted on a side wall of a trailer van and movable to a horizontal load position, and back up to a vertical stored position against the side wall where it is releasably held by a spring slam bolt engaged with a height saving angle locking rail. In the first embodiment a second section of the deck is pivotally connected to the first section and it is also movable between a horizontal load position and a vertical stored position against the side wall, and when it is in the vertical stored position it is hanging from the first section and is configured such that it nests closely in the first deck section to provide a slender storing intermediate deck structure.

Abstract: A railroad car having an extraordinary height is more efficiently utilized for hauling large highway trucks, each having a cab but no body on the frame behind the cab. Raised platforms are provided for the trucks along both sides of a railroad car, leaving a channel for a lifting device to be moved under its own power. The lifting device first lifts one end of a truck at one end of the car and moves the lifted truck back toward the other end of the car. The process is repeated until the railroad car is full.

Abstract: A folding automobile storage deck for semitrailers which allows a semitrailer so equipped to be used for either automobile or general freight transportation. The deck comprises both folding and swivel deck sections which are longitudinally divided, and which may be disposed either in a vertical storage position, the general freight carrying mode, or horizontally deployed and connected together when automobiles are to be carried. The swivel deck section is designed so that all points of attachment between the deck and the sidewalls, except the point at which the deck is swiveled may be disconnected and the ends of the deck support members thus disconnected telescoped into the deck section, thereby allowing the deck to be swiveled up or down as necessary during the process of automobile loading or unloading and reconnected when the process is completed.

Abstract: A vehicle for the long distance and humane transporting of livestock in which the vehicle is alternately suitable for the transporting of bulk particulate or granular matter as well as other cargo is disclosed. The vehicle (10) includes wheels such as wheels (12,14) for a train or for a truck trailer. An enclosing structure (20) for housing livestock is tightly joined to the support platform (48) such that the resulting enclosure is suitable for maintaining a selected environment. Entryway (26) and the window apertures (22,24) further include doors or windows which can be tightly closed to maintain the selective environment. An environmental system (41) is also included for maintaining the temperature and other environmental parameters at preselected levels. The animals are fed and watered by means of open containers (70 through 76) secured to the sidewalls (54,56) of the enclosure. There also are included first (94) and second (95) storage containers for storing the feed and water respectively.

Abstract: A folding, self-locking outrigger for a load transporting vehicle, the outrigger disposed on a side of the vehicle such that the outrigger is movable between a first position wherein the outrigger is disposed substantially adjacent the side of the vehicle and a second position wherein the outrigger, in combination with adjacent outriggers, is adapted to receive an extension member so that the width of the vehicle can be increased. The folding outrigger is characterized as having a first linkage assembly, a second foldable linkage assembly, and a combination pivot-locking assembly. The combination pivot-locking assembly, which is operably connected to the second foldable linkage assembly such that the outrigger can be pivotally moved between the first and second position, secures the outrigger in the first and second position.

Abstract: A deck assembly for a vehicle freight container, e.g., a highway trailer, comprising a series of panels which extend across the container and rest on side rails to provide a second floor for lading spaced above the main floor of the container, the panels being hinged to opposed side walls of the container in a manner to permit storage against the side walls above the side rails. The panels are pivoted at two corners, one pivot being a universal joint and the other being detachable from the side wall to permit the panels to be rotated about both a vertical and a horizontal axis for moving them from stored to operative position and vice versa.