Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
Attorney Docket
No. C1609-4US
TITLE OF THE INVENTION
[0001] Inflatable Bag-Assisted Lift Frame for Vehicle
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention is related to the field of vehicle frames used for
supporting removable
loads such as a cargo body on a vehicle, and particularly related to improving
a frame lift
device for assisting the lifting function to protect cargo and a cargo body in
use.
DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART
[0003] Vehicles such as tractor trailer trucks that are used for hauling
cargo, may have
either detachable semitrailers that include cargo loaded bodies such as
containers or boxes,
wherein the semitrailers having a wheel base and/or may have include trailer
frames that can
support a cargo body (such as a container, box or other load). In a tractor
trailer, the semitrailer
is typically attached via a fifth wheel coupling. For detachable cargo bodies,
unloading and
reloading can be time-consuming. This can be particularly an issue also when
the tractor trailer
is dropping off a container and will do the next delivery using a different
cargo body that has to
be loaded on the trailer chassis frame. Lift mechanisms have been developed in
the art to make
such cargo loading and unloading easier.
[0004] Solutions for easing this task have been presented over time. For
example, U.S.
Patent No. 3,752,502 teaches addition of two pallets with lifting devices
placed near two fifth
wheel coupling assemblies on a pole trailer. Legs are extended beneath the
pole trailer for
unloading, and the lifting device near each fifth wheel coupling is raised to
engage the pallet.
The lifting devices are each an inflatable air bag attached to two metal
plates mounted to the
bottom of the fifth wheel coupling assembly and to the trailer frame in a box-
like structure
formed using hinge plates. The bags are inflated and deflated independently to
assist in lifting.
Braking cylinders are used to lock the plates which are generally flat.
[0005] U.S. Patent No. 9,663,013 discloses a specialty frame having a
frame body using an
inflatable air bag as a lifting mechanism mounted on a mounting plate and
including a set of
guides.
1
CA 3056512 2019-09-24
[0006] Chinese Utility Model 202518146 U discloses an airlift inflation
balloon and a
rotary bearing wherein the entire trailer is lifted from a parked vehicle
using only a central lift.
A rotary, revolving bearing and a carrier plate operate on the air lift.
[0007] A dump truck lift for dumping a load by tilting is shown in
Chinese Utility Model
87 2 14886 U, wherein a pneumatic transmission uses waste gas from the vehicle
engine to
power a lift device. The carriage bottom of the dumping portion of the truck
is thrust upward
by an air bag over its full length to improve stress on the bottom beam of the
vehicle carriage
and reduce deadweight of the vehicle.
[0008] Great British Patent Publication No. GB 2 355 247 A teaches a
tipping trailer that
tilts relative to the chassis by an inflating air bag, as with the above-noted
Chinese Utility
Model, it is powered by vehicle waste gas. The box of the trailer is tilted
and the flap for
dumping contents dumps off the back of the truck.
[0009] Chassis lifts are known that incorporate hydraulic lifts and
locking hooks into a
chassis frame. Such a device can be used with vans, curtain-sided,
refrigerated, flatbed and
container trucks. In use, a driver with a full load, sets his or her parking
brake, and turns on a
safety cut switch, and exits the cab of the truck. The electrical connections
are unplugged and a
locking lever is then used to unlock the body (i.e., to release the locking
hooks). The chassis
lift is then activated and raises the cargo body higher than the base of the
chassis. Stowable
legs are slid out of their stowed area by the driver. The legs are adjusted to
compensate for
terrain and locked into place. The chassis lift is then lowered and the truck
cab pulls away
leaving the cargo body standing independently on the four legs. The same
procedure can be
reversed to re-load the same or a different cargo container or box on the
chassis for a second
load. Such a device is made and sold by Demountable Concepts Inc., of
Glassboro, NJ.
[0010] Airbag chassis lift systems of the prior art while possibly
useful when tilting is
desired, are difficult to control in a stable manner when lifting a cargo
container or box off of a
chassis. Stability and air control as well as pressurization control in
heavier loads have
presented issues. While other chassis lifts are known, weight distribution can
also create
unnecessary wear on lift mechanisms.
[0011] Thus there remains a need in the art for a chassis or frame lift
mechanism that
allows for stable weight distribution and lifting while demounting a cargo
container or box
from a semitrailer or similar vehicle that does not put undue stress on the
chassis, is stable and
2
CA 3056512 2019-09-24
easy to use, and allows for quick demounting and reloading of a semitrailer in
delivery and
transport.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] The invention herein provides an efficient, safe and effective
method for attaching
and detaching a cargo container from a lift frame attached to a vehicle. A
driver driving a
semitrailer or similar vehicle towing a frame having positioned thereof a
cargo container, can
lock and unlock the cargo container from the lift frame, and easily position
support legs using a
unique lift frame assembly as described herein.
[0013] In a first embodiment herein, the invention includes a lift frame
for a vehicle,
comprising: a frame body on a top portion of a frame, the frame body extending
from a first
end to a second end; a lift mechanism moveable with respect to the first end
of the frame body,
the lift mechanism comprising: a lift body having a first end and a second
end, a lifting surface
on the first end of the lift body and the second end of the lift body being
positioned so as to be
movable with respect to the first end of the frame body, wherein the lifting
surface is positioned
to engage an underside of a cargo container when placed on an upper side of
the frame body;
and an inflatable air bag having an upper side and a lower side and mounted on
the lower side
to a platform positioned on the frame beneath the lift body, wherein the
inflatable air bag is
connected on the upper side thereof to a mounting surface attached to the lift
body; and a source
of compressed air in fluid communication with the inflatable air bag.
[0014] In one embodiment of the lift frame, the lift body may comprise
at least two
extending lift arms, each pivotably mounted on the second end of the lift body
to the first end
of the frame body. The lifting surface may be attached to the first end of the
lift body and
connected to at least two of the extending lift arms. The lifting surface may
also be located on
mounting flanges rotatably positioned on a bar extending between two of the at
least two
extending lift arms, which two extending lift arms may be located on outermost
sides of the lift
body.
[0015] The frame may comprise a longitudinally extending base frame
positioned beneath
and supporting a lower side of the frame body.
[0016] The source of compressed air may comprise a compressor, an
electronic control
panel for operating the compressor, a pressure gauge and conduit for allowing
compressed air
to be fed into the lower side of the inflatable air bag.
3
CA 3056512 2019-09-24
[0017] The lift frame noted above may also comprise a second lift
mechanism moveable
with respect to the second end of the frame body. The second lift mechanism
may comprise: a
second lift body having a first end and a second end, a second lifting surface
on the second end
of the second lift body and the first end of the second lift body being
positioned so as to be
movable with respect to the second end of the frame body, wherein the second
lifting surface is
positioned to engage an underside of a cargo container when placed on an upper
side of the
frame body; and a second inflatable air bag having an upper side and a lower
side and mounted
on the lower side to a second platform positioned on the frame beneath the
second lift body,
wherein the second inflatable air bag is connected on the upper side thereof
to a second
mounting surface attached to the second lift body; and wherein the source of
compressed air is
also in fluid communication with the second inflatable air bag.
[0018] In such an embodiment, the second lift body may comprise at least
two extending
lift arms, each pivotably mounted on the first end of the second lift body to
the second end of
the frame body. The second lifting surface may be attached to the second end
of the lift body
and connected to at least two of the extending lift arms of the second lift
body. The second
lifting surface may also be located on mounting flanges rotatably positioned
on a bar extending
between two of the at least two extending lift arms of the second lift body,
which two extending
lift arms may be located on outermost sides of the second lift body.
[0019] The frame body of the lift frame of the first embodiment
preferably includes a
locking mechanism. The locking mechanism may include a plurality of locking
hooks rotatably
operable on at least one transversely extending beam interconnected by a
longitudinally
extending beam, wherein the hooks are actuated by a locking lever positioned
on the frame
body.
[0020] The frame of the lift frame may comprise a longitudinally
extending base frame
.. positioned beneath and supporting a lower side of the frame body, wherein a
vehicle-side end
of the base frame comprises a loading stop for a cargo container when loaded
on the frame and
a rear end of the base frame is configured for seating a cargo container when
loaded on the
frame.
[0021] In another embodiment herein, the invention may include a lift
frame for a vehicle,
comprising: a frame body on a top portion of a frame, the frame body extending
from a first
end to a second end; and further includes a first and a second lift mechanism.
The first lift
mechanism is moveable with respect to the first end of the frame body, and
comprises: a first
4
CA 3056512 2019-09-24
lift body having a first end and a second end, a first lifting surface on the
first end of the first
lift body and the second end of the first lift body being positioned so as to
be movable with
respect to the first end of the frame body, wherein the first lifting surface
is positioned to
engage an underside of a cargo container when placed on an upper side of the
frame body; and
a first inflatable air bag having an upper side and a lower side and mounted
on the lower side to
a first platform positioned on the frame beneath the first lift body, wherein
the first inflatable air
bag is connected on the upper side thereof to a first mounting surface
attached to the first lift
body. The second lift mechanism is moveable with respect to the second end of
the frame
body, and may comprise: a second lift body having a first end and a second
end, a second
lifting surface on the second end of the second lift body and the first end of
the second lift body
being positioned so as to be movable with respect to the second end of the
frame body, wherein
the second lifting surface is positioned to engage an underside of a cargo
container when placed
on the upper side of the frame body; and a second inflatable air bag having an
upper side and a
lower side and mounted on the lower side to a second platform positioned on
the frame beneath
the second lift body, wherein the second inflatable air bag is connected on
the upper side
thereof to a second mounting surface attached to the second lift body. The
lift frame also
comprises a source of compressed air in fluid communication with the first and
the second
inflatable air bags.
[0022] In one embodiment of such a lift frame, the first lift body may
comprise at least two
extending lift arms, each pivotably mounted on the second end of the lift body
to the first end
of the frame body and the second lift body may comprise at least two extending
lift arms, each
pivotably mounted on the first end of the second lift body to the second end
of the frame body.
The first lifting surface may be attached to the first end of the first lift
body and connected to at
least two of the extending lift arms of the first lift body and wherein the
second lifting surface
may be attached to the second end of the second lift body and connected to at
least two of the
extending lift arms of the second lift body. The first lifting surface may
also be located on
mounting flanges rotatably positioned on a bar extending between two of the at
least two
extending lift arms of the first lift body, which two extending lift arms may
be located on
outermost sides of the first lift body, and wherein the second lifting surface
may be located on
mounting flanges rotatably positioned on a bar extending between two of the at
least two
extending lift arms of the second lift body, which two extending lift arms may
be located on
outermost sides of the second lift body.
5
CA 3056512 2019-09-24
[0023] The lift frame of this embodiment may comprise a longitudinally
extending base
frame positioned beneath and supporting a lower side of the frame body. The
lift frame may
also comprise a source of compressed air that includes a compressor, an
electronic control panel
for operating the compressor, a pressure gauge and conduit for allowing
compressed air to be
fed into the lower side of the inflatable air bag.
[0024] In such embodiment, the frame body preferably also includes a
locking mechanism.
The locking mechanism may include a plurality of locking hooks rotatably
operable on at least
one transversely extending beam interconnected by a longitudinally extending
beam, wherein
the hooks are actuated by a locking lever positioned on the frame body.
[0025] The frame may comprise a longitudinally extending base frame
positioned beneath
and supporting a lower side of the frame body, wherein a vehicle-side end of
the base frame
comprises a loading stop for a cargo container when loaded on the frame and a
rear end of the
base frame is configured for seating a cargo container when loaded on the
frame.
[0026] Also within the invention is a vehicle cargo container and lift
frame assembly,
comprising: a frame body on a top portion of a frame, the frame body extending
from a first
end to a second end; a cargo container configured to be removably seated on
the frame so as to
cover the frame body; a lift mechanism moveable with respect to the first end
of the frame
body, wherein the lift mechanism comprises: a lift body having a first end and
a second end, a
lifting surface on the first end of the lift body and the second end of the
lift body being
positioned so as to be movable with respect to the first end of the frame
body, wherein the
lifting surface is positioned to engage an underside of the cargo container
when placed on an
upper side of the frame body; and an inflatable air bag having an upper side
and a lower side
and mounted on the lower side to a platform positioned on the frame beneath
the lift body,
wherein the inflatable air bag is connected on the upper side thereof to a
mounting surface
attached to the lift body; and a source of compressed air in fluid
communication with the
inflatable air bag.
[0027] In this embodiment of the assembly, the lift body may comprise at
least two
extending lift arms, each pivotably mounted on the second end of the lift body
to the first end
of the frame body. The lifting surface may attached to the first end of the
lift body and
connected to at least two of the extending lift arms. The lifting surface may
also be located on
mounting flanges rotatably positioned on a bar extending between two of the at
least two
6
CA 3056512 2019-09-24
extending lift arms, which two extending lift arms are located on outermost
sides of the lift
body.
[0028] In the assembly, the frame may comprise a longitudinally
extending base frame
positioned beneath and supporting a lower side of the frame body.
[0029] Also in the assembly, the source of compressed air may comprise a
compressor, an
electronic control panel for operating the compressor, a pressure gauge and
conduit for
allowing compressed air to be fed into the lower side of the inflatable air
bag.
[0030] The assembly may also include a second lift mechanism moveable
with respect to
the second end of the frame body, the second lift mechanism may comprise: a
second lift body
having a first end and a second end, a second lifting surface on the second
end of the second lift
body and the first end of the second lift body being positioned so as to be
movable with respect
to the second end of the frame body, wherein the second lifting surface is
positioned to engage
an underside of the cargo container when placed on the upper side of the frame
body; and a
second inflatable air bag having an upper side and a lower side and mounted on
the lower side
to a second platform positioned on the frame beneath the second lift body,
wherein the second
inflatable air bag is connected on the upper side thereof to a second mounting
surface attached
to the second lift body; and wherein the source of compressed air is also in
fluid
communication with the second inflatable air bag.
[0031] In such embodiment of the assembly, the second lift body may
comprise at least two
extending lift arms, each pivotably mounted on the first end of the second
lift body to the
second end of the frame body. The second lifting surface may be attached to
the second end of
the second lift body and connected to at least two of the extending lift arms
of the second lift
body. The second lifting surface may also be located on mounting flanges
rotatably positioned
on a bar extending between two of the at least two extending lift arms of the
second lift body,
which two extending lift arms may be located on outermost sides of the second
lift body.
[0032] The assembly may also include a locking mechanism on the frame
body. The
locking mechanism may include a plurality of locking hooks rotatably operable
on at least one
transversely extending beam interconnected by a longitudinally extending beam,
wherein the
hooks are actuated by a locking lever positioned on the frame body.
[0033] The frame of the assembly may comprise a longitudinally extending
base frame
positioned beneath and supporting a lower side of the frame body, wherein a
vehicle-side end
of the base frame comprises a loading stop for the cargo container when
positioned on the
7
CA 3056512 2019-09-24
frame and a rear end of the base frame is configured for seating the cargo
container when
positioned on the frame.
[0034] In an embodiment of the assembly, the cargo container may
comprise a base that
defines a plurality of recesses configured for receiving support legs, and the
assembly may
further comprise retractable support legs pivotally attached to the base of
the cargo container.
The support legs may be adjustable and may comprise a hinge on one end thereof
for pivotal
movement. The assembly may also further comprise a lock warning light for
placement in a
cab of a truck.
[0035] The invention further includes a method of loading a cargo
container on a lift frame
of a vehicle to create a vehicle cargo container and lift frame assembly
attached to a vehicle,
comprising: (a) attaching a lift frame to a rear of a vehicle, wherein the
lift frame comprises a
frame body on a top portion of a frame, the frame body extending from a first
end to a second
end; a lift mechanism moveable with respect to the first end of the frame
body, the lift
mechanism comprising: a lift body having a first end and a second end, a
lifting surface on the
first end of the lift body and the second end of the lift body being
positioned so as to be
movable with respect to the first end of the frame body, wherein the lifting
surface is positioned
to engage an underside of the cargo container when placed on an upper side of
the frame body;
and an inflatable air bag having an upper side and a lower side and mounted on
the lower side
to a platform positioned on the frame beneath the lift body, wherein the
inflatable air bag is
connected on the upper side thereof to a mounting surface attached to the lift
body; and a source
of compressed air in fluid communication with the inflatable air bag; (b)
backing the vehicle
and the attached lift frame under the cargo container, wherein the cargo
container is supported
on a plurality of support legs, and the cargo container having a first end and
a second end; (c)
inflating the inflatable air bag using the source of compressed air to lift
the first end of the
cargo container such that an underside of the cargo container contacts the
lifting surface; (d)
removing the support legs; (e) deflating the inflatable air bag using the
source of compressed
air; and (f) locking the cargo container to the frame body.
[0036] In one embodiment of the method of loading a cargo container, the
cargo container
may comprises a base having recesses therein, and the step of removing the
support legs may
comprise lifting the support legs and stowing them in the recesses in the base
of the cargo
container.
8
CA 3056512 2019-09-24
[0037] In another embodiment of the method of loading a cargo container,
the lift frame
may further comprise a second lift mechanism moveable with respect to the
second end of the
frame body. The second lift mechanism may comprise: a second lift body having
a first end
and a second end, a second lifting surface on the second end of the second
lift body and the first
end of the second lift body being positioned so as to be movable with respect
to the second end
of the frame body, wherein the second lifting surface may be positioned to
engage the
underside of the cargo container when placed on the upper side of the frame
body; and a second
inflatable air bag having an upper side and a lower side and mounted on the
lower side to a
second platform positioned on the frame beneath the second lift body, wherein
the second
inflatable air bag is connected on the upper side thereof to a second mounting
surface attached
to the second lift body; and the source of compressed air is also in fluid
communication with
the second inflatable air bag. In such embodiment, the method may further
comprise after step
(b) and before step (f), (g) inflating the second inflatable air bag using the
source of compressed
air to lift the second end of the cargo container such that the underside of
the cargo container
contacts the second lifting surface; and (h) deflating the second inflatable
air bag using the
source of compressed air.
[0038] In this embodiment of the method of loading a cargo container the
first and the
second inflatable air bags may be inflated in steps (c) and (g)
simultaneously. In addition, in
one embodiment of the method of loading a cargo container, the first and the
second inflatable
air bags may be deflated in steps (e) and (h) simultaneously. Further, in
another embodiment,
the first and the second inflatable air bags may be simultaneously inflated in
steps (c) and (g)
and simultaneously deflated in steps (e) and (h).
[0039] In the method of loading a cargo container, the cargo container
may comprise a base
having a plurality of recesses therein for receiving the plurality of support
legs, and removing
the support legs may comprise lifting the support legs located on the first
end of the cargo
container and stowing them in the recesses located in the base at the first
end of the cargo
container when the first inflatable bag is inflated, and lifting the support
legs located on the
second end of the cargo container and stowing them in the recesses located in
the base at the
second end of the cargo container when the second inflatable bag is inflated.
[0040] The invention may also include in yet a further embodiment, a method
of unloading
a cargo container from a lift frame of a vehicle cargo container and lift
frame assembly so as to
detach the vehicle cargo container from the lift frame, comprising: (a)
unlocking the cargo
9
CA 3056512 2019-09-24
container from a frame body of the lift frame, the frame body positioned on a
top portion of a
frame, wherein the frame body extends from a first end to a second end, and
the cargo container
has a first end and a second end; (b) inflating an inflatable air bag using a
source of compressed
air in fluid communication with the inflatable air bag to lift the first end
of the cargo container
off the frame, wherein the lift frame comprises the frame and the frame body;
a lift mechanism
moveable with respect to the first end of the frame body, the lift mechanism
comprising: a lift
body having a first end and a second end, a lifting surface on the first end
of the lift body and
the second end of the lift body being positioned so as to be movable with
respect to the first end
of the frame body, wherein the lifting surface is positioned to engage an
underside of the cargo
container positioned on an upper side of the frame body and wherein when the
first end of the
cargo container is lifted it contacts the lifting surface; and the inflatable
air bag having an upper
side and a lower side and mounted on the lower side to a platform positioned
on the frame
beneath the lift body, wherein the inflatable air bag is connected on the
upper side thereof to a
mounting surface attached to the lift body; (c) positioning a plurality of
support legs of the
cargo container in a support position; (d) deflating the inflatable air bag
using the source of
compressed air; and (e) driving the vehicle attached to the frame away from
the cargo container
in the support position.
[0041] In one embodiment of the method of unloading a cargo container
from a lift frame,
the plurality of support legs may be positioned in the support position by
removing the support
legs from recesses in a base of the cargo container and adjustably moving them
into the support
position.
[0042] In another embodiment of the method of unloading a cargo
container from a lift
frame, the lift frame may further comprise a second lift mechanism moveable
with respect to
the second end of the frame body. The second lift mechanism may comprise: a
second lift
body having a first end and a second end, a second lifting surface on the
second end of the
second lift body and the first end of the second lift body being positioned so
as to be movable
with respect to the second end of the frame body, wherein the second lifting
surface is
positioned to engage the underside of the cargo container positioned on the
upper side of the
frame body; and a second inflatable air bag having an upper side and a lower
side and mounted
on the lower side to a second platform positioned on the frame beneath the
second lift body,
wherein the second inflatable air bag is connected on the upper side thereof
to a second
mounting surface attached to the second lift body; and the source of
compressed air is also in
CA 3056512 2019-09-24
fluid communication with the second inflatable air bag. In such an embodiment,
the method
may further comprise after step (a) and before step (e), (f) inflating the
second inflatable air bag
using the source of compressed air to lift the second end of the cargo
container such that the
underside of the cargo container contacts the second lifting surface; and (g)
deflating the second
inflatable air bag using the source of compressed air.
[0043] In such an embodiment of the method of unloading a cargo
container, the plurality
of support legs may be positioned in the support position by first moving the
support legs from
first recesses in a base of the cargo container located at the first end of
the cargo container and
adjustably moving the support legs from the first recesses into the support
position while the
first inflatable air bag is inflated and then moving the support legs from
second recesses in the
base of the cargo container located at the second end of the cargo container
and adjustably
moving the support legs from the second recesses into the support position
while the second
inflatable air bag is inflated.
[0044] Also in an embodiment of the method of unloading a cargo
container from a lift
frame, the first and the second inflatable air bags may be simultaneously
inflated during steps
(b) and (f). The first and the second inflatable air bags may be
simultaneously deflated during
steps (d) and (g) in the method. Further the first and the second inflatable
air bags may be
simultaneously inflated during steps (b) and (1) and simultaneously deflated
during steps (d)
and (g).
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0045] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed
description of preferred
embodiments of the invention, will be better understood when read in
conjunction with the
appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is
shown in the
drawings embodiments which are presently preferred. It should be understood,
however, that
the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities
shown. In the
drawings:
[0046] Fig. 1 is a top perspective view of one embodiment of a lift
frame according to the
invention wherein the lift frame includes two lift mechanism(s) which are both
in a deflated
position;
[0047] Fig. 2 is an enlarged view of a lift mechanism positioned near the
front (truck-side)
of the lift frame of Fig. 1 wherein the lift mechanism is deflated;
[0048] Fig. 3 is a side elevational view of the lift frame of Fig. 1;
11
CA 3056512 2019-09-24
[0049] Fig. 4 is an enlarged side elevational view of a portion of the
lift mechanism of the
lift frame of Figs. 1 and 3;
[0050] Fig. 5 is a top perspective view of the lift frame of Fig. 1 with
both lift
mechanism(s) inflated;
[0051] Fig. 6 is an enlarged view of a lift mechanism positioned near the
front (truck-side)
of the lift frame of Fig. 5 with the lift mechanism inflated;
[0052] Fig. 7 is a partial bottom perspective view of the lift frame of
Fig. 1 with
attachments removed and both lift mechanism(s) inflated;
[0053] Fig. 8 is an enlarged view of a portion of Fig. 7 showing an air
inlet to the inflatable
air bag of one of the lift mechanism(s) of Fig. 7 near the front (truck-side)
end of the lift frame;
[0054] Fig. 9 is an enlarged view of a portion of the lift frame of Fig.
1 wherein the lift
mechanism is positioned near the back (rear-side) of the lift frame of Fig. 1
(i.e., away from the
truck side of the frame) with the lift mechanism deflated;
[0055] Fig. 10 is a side elevational view showing a vehicle having the
lift frame of Fig. 1
attached thereto partially underneath a cargo container according to an
embodiment herein in a
support position, indicating either a vehicle moving in position to either
pull away from an
unloaded cargo container having support legs in a support position or backing
into position
beneath a cargo container having support legs in a support position for
loading a cargo
container depending on a direction of movement;
[0056] Fig. 11 is a side elevational view of the vehicle of Fig. 10
positioned beneath the
cargo container of Fig. 10 over a lift frame as in Fig. 1;
[0057] Fig. 12 is a side elevational view of the vehicle of Fig. 10 with
a rear lift mechanism
of the lift frame of Fig. 1 inflated and rear support legs stowed within a
base of the cargo
container of Fig. 10;
[0058] Fig. 13 is a side elevational view of the vehicle of Fig. 10 with a
front lift
mechanism of the lift frame of Fig. 1 inflated and all support legs stowed
within the base of the
cargo container of Fig. 10;
[0059] Fig. 14 is a side elevational view of the vehicle of Fig. 10 with
the front and rear lift
mechanism(s) of the lift frame of Fig. 1 deflated and all support legs stowed
within the base of
the cargo container of Fig. 10;
[0060] Fig. 15 is a further enlarged portion of the lift frame of Fig. 3
showing details of a
locking lift arm for a locking mechanism and controls for the lift frame of
Fig. 1;
12
CA 3056512 2019-09-24
[0061] Fig. 16 is a schematic diagram of the air compressor control
system for the lift frame
of Fig. 1; and
[0062] Fig. 17 is an enlarged view of a safety lock warning light and
alarm panel for use
with the locking mechanism and lift frame hereof for mounting.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0063] A lift frame is provided herein which may be used with various
vehicles. The lift
frame may receive a cargo load of varying types including those included in
standard cargo
containers such as standard-sized container boxes, specialty cargo containers
or boxes, direct
cargo intended to sit on a frame, base or trailer thereof, another vehicle or
another trailer being
towed behind a first trailer (double trailer), or other types of semitrailer
loads, as well as twin
trailers (which may be configured to have a twin lift frame or to have one of
the trailers include
a lift frame as described herein). As used herein, and as will be understood
by one skilled in
the art reading this disclosure, a "cargo container," may include any of the
above which may
benefit from a lift frame as described herein to support and assist loading
and unloading cargo
from a trailer frame, wherein the cargo container is intended to or could
benefit from being
detached from a trailer frame.
[0064] As used herein, words such as "upper" and "lower," "inner" and
"outer," "top" and
"bottom," "upperside" and "underside," and words of similar import are
intended to assist one
of skill in the art in reading the disclosure and understanding the invention
with reference to the
drawings and are not generally intended to be limiting to the scope of the
invention.
[0065] Further, in the Summary hereof reference is made to "first" and
"second" ends and
sides of various components such as the frame body, lift mechanism, cargo
container and other
corresponding parts. It should be understood by one skilled in the art based
on this disclosure
that such "first" and "second" parts are intended to be consistent with each
other in terms of
position and to be distinct from one another but to be interpreted to refer to
both a front to rear
or rear to front configuration in order to cover variations in embodiments
within the scope of
the invention. That is, the "first end" may be used to indicate the vehicle-
side or the rear-side
(side away from the vehicle-side) of the frame body, lift mechanism, cargo
container or other
corresponding parts. When the "first end" is viewed as one of these sides, the
"second end"
would be the opposite end of the first end.
13
CA 3056512 2019-09-24
[0066] Thus, the embodiments described in the Summary may be interpreted
such that the
lift frame may be operated using only one lift mechanism on a lift frame which
lift frame may
have one or two lift mechanisms available on the lift frame. Thus, one could
operate only one
lift mechanism positioned on either end of a lift frame (vehicle end or rear
end) having only one
lift mechanism. Alternatively, one could provide the lift frame with two lift
mechanisms (as
shown in the preferred embodiment of the Figures herein), and both lift
mechanisms may be
used and operated independently (and sequentially, vehicle-side first followed
by rear side
second or rear side first followed by vehicle side second), or used and
operated simultaneously.
It is also possible that two such lift mechanisms are provided, but only one
is actually operated
.. and not the other. Thus, "first" and "second" in the Summary while
intending to refer to
opposite ends or sides and to be used consistently in that regard with other
similarly
denominated parts in an embodiment, but are not intended to refer always to a
specific
directional end (front/vehicle-side end or rear end) unless specifically
identified as such, and
showing or referencing two lift mechanisms should not be considered to limit
the invention to
requiring two such mechanisms absent an express recitation thereof.
[0067] For convenience and to thoroughly explain the invention hereof,
the following
description will be set forth with respect to an embodiment having two lift
mechanisms, a front
or vehicle-side lift mechanism and a rear lift mechanism. In the embodiment of
the lift frame,
assembly and methods herein the operation of the lift frame will be described
as having both lift
mechanisms operational and operating sequentially, however, one of the two may
be omitted or
the mechanisms operated simultaneously or in an opposite manner to that
described without
departing from the scope of the invention herein.
[0068] According to one embodiment, herein, a lift frame is described
for use in supporting
a cargo container. The lift frame will be described initially with reference
to Figures 1-19. Fig.
1 shows a perspective view of a lift frame, generally referred to herein as
lift frame 10. The lift
frame 10 includes a frame body 12 situated on a top portion 14 of a frame 16.
The frame 16
also includes a base frame 18 below the frame body 12 of the lift frame 10.
The frame body 12
extends between a vehicle side end 20 to a rearward end 22 (which could be
viewed as a first
and a second end, or a second and first ends, respectively). The frame body 12
is shown as
having a rectangular configuration having steam beam sides and enclosing a
preferred
embodiment of an optional locking mechanism 24 described further below.
14
CA 3056512 2019-09-24
[0069] The base frame 18 provides the trailer base of the lift frame 10
and lies beneath and
supports both the lower side 26 of the frame body 10 and associated lift
mechanism(s). The
base frame 18 extends longitudinally (as preferably does the frame body) and
has at a rear end
28 of the base frame 18 a section 30 that is configured to seat a cargo
container when loaded on
the frame 16. A vehicle-side end 32 of the base frame 18 is configured to have
various typical
and conventional connecting components as are known in the art to connect a
trailer or
semitrailer in particular to a vehicle for towing (for example to connect to a
fifth wheel
coupling). The vehicle-side end 32 may also include a loading stop 34 element
for receiving a
cargo container when loaded and/or otherwise positioned on the frame 16.
[0070] The base frame 18 may also support various truck control elements
40, air supply
units 36, a compressor 38 and any other desired or associated electronic
components (electrical
truck connections and the like). The frame body 12 may include a mount for the
controls 42 for
the lift mechanism(s) for inflating and deflating such mechanism(s). It may
also include a
locking lever 44 (or a similar device) for use with a locking mechanism as
described below.
[0071] The lift frame 10 includes one or two lift mechanism(s) 46. Each
lift mechanism 46
includes preferably identical parts, although if desired, it will be
understood by one skilled in
the art based on this disclosure that the designs may be varied for individual
preferences such as
to take account in variations in load or the shape and/or size of the load
provided by the cargo
container. For the purpose of describing a preferred embodiment shown in the
drawings, there
.. are two lift mechanisms 46, one positioned near the vehicle-side end 32 of
the base frame 16
and one positioned near the rear end 28 of the base frame 16. Each has the
same components
but is positioned to generally extend in opposite directions, with each
moveably mounted on an
opposite end of the frame body and extending outwardly from the frame body to
a free support
end. Thus, each of the lift mechanisms lifts in an upward direction on its
free support end while
its base frame end remains moveably mounted to the frame body.
[0072] With reference to Figs. 1-6, one lift mechanism is described with
reference to a
vehicle-side lift mechanism 46. The lift mechanism 46 has a lift body 47 which
extends from a
frame body end 48 where it is moveably mounted. As shown herein, the lift body
47 is
mounted using a reinforced pin-mounted hinge 50 allowing it to move upwardly
from the frame
so as to be moveable with respect to a vehicle-side end 20 of the frame body
12. While two
pin-mounted hinges 50 are shown, other devices allowing for movement up and
down in a
preferably pivotable manner may be used, such as sliding hinges, ball and
socket hinges, a
CA 3056512 2019-09-24
single, long hinge extending across the frame body end, pneumatic or hydraulic-
assisted lift
rotatable hinges, and the like. Opposite the frame body end 48 is a support
lifting end 52 of the
lift body 47. The support lifting end 52 has lifting surface 54. The lifting
surface 54 is
positioned to engage an underside 56 of a cargo container 58 when placed on an
upper side 60
of the frame body 12 as shown, for example, in assembly Figure 14.
[0073] The lift body may be configured in various ways provided it can
carry out the
functions described herein. As shown, a lift body 47 is constructed using two
extending lift
arms 62 extending from the frame body end 48 longitudinally toward a
supporting lifting end
52 which for this lift body 47 is positioned near the vehicle-side end of the
frame 16, however,
multiple support arms could be provided between the two outermost extending
lift arms 62 as
shown. At the frame body end 48 of the lift body, each of the extending lift
arms 62 is
preferably pivotably mounted on the vehicle-side end 20 of the frame body 12
using hinges 50.
A further support bar 64 is provided extending transversely between the
extending lift arms 62.
At the support lifting end 52 of the lift body (in this instance positioned on
the vehicle-side end
of the frame), a further transverse end support bar 66 is mounted at the end
of the extending
arms 62 forming an area between the traverse bar 64, the extending lift arms
62 and the
transverse end support bar 66 which area is used to secure a mounting surface
68 for an
inflatable air bag as described below. The mounting surface 68 may be on the
bottom of a plate
70 as best shown in Figs. 1, 4 and 8.
[0074] In the embodiment as shown in Figs. 1-6, the lifting surface 54 is
positioned on top
of two flanges 72 which are rotatably positioned on the transverse end support
bar 66, one on
each transverse end thereof Such flanges 72 can rotate while the lift body 47
moves upwardly
while laying planar with respect to an underside 56 of a cargo container 58
when contacting the
lifting surface. The lifting surface 54 could alternatively extend as a single
rotatable piece
along the entire transverse end support bar 66, or a design could be
configured wherein the
transverse end support bar is molded or otherwise formed to have a
transversely extending
lifting surface. Preferably, the lifting surface 54 is attached to the support
lifting end 52 of the
lift body shown near the vehicle-side end of the frame or generally on the
side of the lift body
opposite that which is moveably positioned with respect to the frame body.
[0075] The lift body and associated parts are preferably formed of a metal
or metal alloy or
reinforced composite having sufficient strength to withstand a maximum cargo
container load
for which the frame is intended to hold in use. Locking hooks, lift surfaces
and other structural
16
CA 3056512 2019-09-24
support parts are preferably formed of stainless steel which may be
galvanized. Materials
should be selected based on load requirements and applicable vehicle
government and industry
requirements. The lifting surface 54, such as flanges 72 may be formed of
similar materials but
are preferably include a material having wear resistance and some impact
capability and a
.. suitable physical properties to resist wear and impact damage from repeated
use and loading.
[0076] The lift mechanism 46 also includes an inflatable air bag 74
having an upper side 76
and a lower side 78. The inflatable air bag 74 is mounted on its lower side 78
to a platform 80
positioned on the frame 16, preferably on the base frame 18, beneath the lift
body 47. The
inflatable air bag 74 may be formed from a flexible material of sufficient
strength to hold air
pressure and support the cargo container load applied to the air bag.
Reinforced or high
strength elastomers or flexible composites may be used to form the air bag. As
shown, the air
bag is compressed in at least one area 82 in a bellows-like manner to assist
in compression
when deflated.
[0077] The platform 80 is preferably also formed of materials of similar
strength to that
used in the lift body 47. The upper side 76 of the air bag 74 as noted above
is connected to a
mounting surface 68 on a plate 70 attached to the lift body. The air bag 74 is
inflatable through
an air inlet 84 in fluid communication between the air bag 74 and an air
compressor 38 having
an air source 36. Any suitable compressor may be used and standard air system
configuration
employed to provide pressure-controlled air to the air bag 74 through the
inlet 84 on a lower
.. side 85 of the platform 80. The air compressor 38 and air source 36
together act as a source of
compressed (pressurized) air 39 for use in the lift frame. The compressor 38
preferably delivers
pressurized air through conduit arranged as in Fig. 16 and using a pressure
gauge 86 to monitor
the pressure which is controlled using pressure regulated check valves as
shown in Figs. 15-16.
On/off toggle switches 88, 90 are provided further to control system box 42
for use in engaging
the inflation and deflation control system discussed below for inflating and
deflating the air bag
74 shown in Figs. 1-6 on the vehicle-side end of the lift frame and the other
air bag 74 shown
on the other lift mechanism 46 on the rear end side of the lift frame 10,
which has the same
construction but is oriented to lift in the opposite direction as shown. Note
that while toggle
switches are shown, other control switches, buttons or other activation
mechanisms may be
used.
[0078] With reference to the lift mechanism 46 shown in Figures 1, 3, 5
and 9 (as well as in
the vehicle loading Figures) that is positioned on the rear end side of the
lift frame 10, that lift
17
CA 3056512 2019-09-24
mechanism 46 is also moveable with respect to an end the frame body, but the
lift body 47
thereof is moveable with respect to the rear end 22 of the frame body 12. The
lift body 47
extends from a frame body end 48 where it is moveably mounted. The lift body
47 is
preferably mounted as described above, and is shown using reinforced pin-
mounted hinges 50
allowing it to move upwardly from the frame so as to be moveable with respect
to the rear end
22 of the frame body 12. Opposite the frame body end 48 is a support lifting
end 52 of the lift
body 47 near the rear end of the frame 16. The support lifting end 52 has
lifting surface 54.
The lifting surface 54 is positioned to engage an underside 56 of a cargo
container 58 when
placed on an upper side 60 of the frame body 12 as shown, in assembly Figure
14.
[0079] As noted above with respect to the lift body 47 on the vehicle-side
end of the frame
16, the a lift body 47 on the rear end side of the frame 16 is preferably also
constructed using
two extending lift arms 62 extending from the frame body end 48 of the lift
body 47
longitudinally toward the support lifting end 52 which in this lifting body is
near the rear end
side of the frame 16, however, multiple support arms could be provided between
the two
outermost extending lift arms 62 shown. At the frame body end 48 of the lift
body 47, each of
the extending lift arms 62 is preferably pivotably mounted on the end 22 of
the frame body 12
using hinges 50 as described above. A further support bar 64 may also be
provided as with the
other lift body described above and extends transversely between the extending
lift arms 62. At
the support lifting end 52 of the lift body 47, a further transverse end
support bar 66 may be
mounted at the end of the extending arms 62 forming an area between the
traverse bar 64, the
extending lift arms 62 and the transverse end support bar 66 which area is
used to secure a
mounting surface 68 for a further inflatable air bag. The mounting surface 68
may be on the
bottom of a plate 70 as in the same manner shown with respect to the vehicle-
side lift
mechanism as described above.
[0080] The lifting surface 54 may be positioned on top of two flanges 72
also described
above which are each rotatably positioned on the transverse end support bar
66, one on each
transverse end thereof Preferably, the lifting surface 54 is attached to the
support lifting end 52
of the lift body shown or generally on the side of the lift body opposite that
which is moveably
positioned with respect to the frame body.
[0081] The lift mechanism 46 on the rear end of the frame 16 also includes
an inflatable air
bag 74 having an upper side 76 and a lower side 78. The inflatable air bag 74
is mounted on its
lower side 78 to a platform 80 positioned on the frame 16, preferably on the
base frame 18,
18
CA 3056512 2019-09-24
beneath the lift body 47. The inflatable air bag 74 may be as described above.
As shown, the
air bag is compressed in at least one area 82 in a bellows-like manner to
assist in compression
when deflated.
[0082] The upper side 76 of the air bag 74 as noted above is connected
to a mounting
surface 68 on a plate 70 attached to the lift body. The air bag 74 is
inflatable through its own
air inlet 84 like the vehicle-side lift mechanism described above that is in
fluid communication
between the air bag 74 and the same air compressor 38 and sharing the same
compressed air
source 36. The compressor 38 preferably also delivers pressurized air through
conduit arranged
as in Fig. 16 and using a pressure gauge 86 to the air bag 74 on the rear end
of the frame to
monitor the pressure which is controlled using pressure regulated check valves
as shown in
Figs. 15-16.
[0083] The locking mechanism 24 for the lift frame 10 is preferably
located on the frame
body 12. As shown, it has a plurality of locking hooks 92 which are rotatably
operable so as to
move up into a locking position and down into an unlocked position. In the
locking position,
the locking hooks 92 may engage a base 94 of a cargo container 58. On an
underside 56 of the
cargo container 58, frame structures (not shown) or other suitable structures
such as bars may
be provided for receiving the locking hooks 92. Fig. 1 shows the locking hooks
92 upright and
in a locked position while the air bag(s) 74 are deflated. The locking lever
44 is pulled up in a
locked position. This is the position the lift frame locking device and air
bags would be in
when a cargo container is positioned on the lift frame and locked to the lift
frame. Fig. 5 shows
the locking hooks 92 in a downward position so as not to engage the underside
56 of a cargo
container. The locking lever 44 is positioned downwardly in an unlocked
position, and the air
bags 74 are both inflated. This is the position the lift frame would be in
when the cargo
container is unlocked from the lift frame and fully suspended allowing for a
driver to either
stow or remove support legs while loading or unloading the cargo container as
discussed further
below.
[0084] In the embodiment shown, the locking mechanism 24 also includes
pivot hinges 96
on either end of a longitudinally extending central beam 98 extending between
and
interconnecting two transversely extending beams 100 on which locking hooks 92
are
moveably engaged. The locking hooks are thus rotatably operable on the
extending beams 98
and can rotate up and down for locking and unlocking respectively. Two hooks
92 are shown
on each beam 100, however, one skilled in the art would understand based on
this disclosure
19
CA 3056512 2019-09-24
that multiple hooks may be provided along each beam as well for additional
points of locking
and/or that other additional transverse beams may be used.
[0085] In a further embodiment, the lift frame 10 as describe above may
be incorporated
into an vehicle cargo container and lift frame assembly 110 for use with
vehicles such as
hauling trucks and other vehicles noted herein. The assembly 110 is shown in
locked form in
Fig. 14 and in fully unlocked and detached form in Fig. 10. The lift frame 10
and cargo
container 58 shown to illustrate the invention herein may be varied in the
manner noted above.
However, the cargo container 58 is preferably configured to be removably
seated on the frame
16 so as to cover the frame body 12. The cargo container preferably has a base
94 as noted
above that can incorporate various features (not shown) such as frame or bar
elements for
receiving locking hooks. Such base 94 and further include recesses 102 for
receiving support
legs 104. Support legs are shown herein as stowable within the base 94. The
support legs may
be separately provided however and need not be physically incorporated as
shown in the
preferred embodiment herein. They may be separately provided for use in
unloading, or
otherwise positioned on the base of the cargo container. The cargo container
may also be
moveable by crane or similar lifting device to be placed on a separate frame
or other container
when loading and unloading. However, in the preferred embodiment herein, as
shown,
stowable support legs 104 are provided so that upon unloading, the cargo
container can remain
in a free standing and separate position (see Fig. 10) and need not be
separately removed by
crane or operators need not position free-standing support legs beneath the
container. The
present invention provides a single operable container that is free standing
for use with the
locking mechanism and lift frame herein.
[0086] As shown, there are preferably a plurality of recesses 102 for
receiving legs 104 and
four such legs 104 and associated recesses 102 are provided. Two recesses are
shown in Fig.
10 on one side of the assembly 110, but it would be understood that two
additional recesses
may be provided on the opposite side of the cargo container for additional
support legs shown
there. While four support legs are shown, it will also be understood to one
skilled in the art that
further legs and recesses may be provided (for example on a longer lift frame
and cargo
container) for additional support of the cargo container when is a free-
standing position as in
Fig. 10. The support legs 104 as shown have pivotal hinge guides 106 for
supporting and
guiding the support legs when retracting them from the cargo container by
pulling them
transversely outwardly from the recesses and then pivoting them downward into
the standing
CA 3056512 2019-09-24
position as shown. The base is also lockably adjustable for height (see
adjustable foot 108).
The recesses 102 are configured and sized to receive the support legs and may
be positioned
within a grid (open) or fully closed understructure on the underside of the
cargo container to
hold the support legs within the base 94 of the cargo container when not in
use in a supported
manner.
[0087] The bottom of the support legs have a base surface 112 that
supports the load on the
leg against a flat surface for stability. When stowed completely in the
recesses as shown in
Figs. 12-14, the base 118 is visible and the legs are preferably locked into
position with a
locking key (not shown) which may be any suitable locking key to ensure lack
of movement in
transit.
[0088] The assembly 110 is preferably attachable and detachable from a
vehicle. As
described above a variety of vehicles may incorporate an assembly of a cargo
container (as
defined herein) and a lift frame according to the invention. In Figs. 10-14, a
truck 112 is used
as a vehicle having the lift frame 10 attached thereto. Such a truck 112 may
incorporate
standard electronic controls as are known or to be developed in the art for
monitoring various
functions of the truck and a semitrailer even if incorporating the lift frame
herein, such as for
controlling warning and backup lights, tail lights, blinkers, a fifth wheel
coupling, lubrication
system or hydraulic lifts or air bags for interior tires/wheels, and the like.
Such controls may be
positioned on the truck, in or on the fifth wheel or on the lift frame. In the
embodiment shown,
the control feature such as a lock warning light and/or cut off switch and
alarm may be
provided inside the cab 114 of the truck 112 to allow the driver to know if
there is an issue with
the lock or other mechanisms. Such a system is to be wired into the electronic
controls of the
truck and in communication with the lock controls. Such electronic controls
for and their
wiring are known to those skilled in the art for other controls and should be
program to stop
automated demounting and/or the lift system as well as to shut down the
vehicle and/or provide
a warning should the driver attempt to drive the vehicle when the lift frame
10 is not locked to
the cargo container. Such a control panel example is shown in Fig. 17, wherein
a flood light
122 and body lock alarm 124 for security purposes are in a mounting bracket
126 as shown.
Such panel may be mounted on the lift frame, base frame or other area where
visible near the
locking mechanism. Preferably, the panel is dash mounted for viewing within
the cab 114 of
the vehicle 112. However, warning lights and alarms may be placed on the lift
frame and/or in
the cab. Other suitable warning mechanisms and alarms may be provided as well.
21
CA 3056512 2019-09-24
[0089] The invention also includes methods of loading a cargo container
such as cargo
container 58 on a lift frame such as lift frame 10 herein to create a vehicle
and cargo and lift
frame assembly 110 attached to a vehicle such as vehicle 112, and a method for
unloading a
cargo container 58 from such a lift frame and vehicle cargo container and lift
frame assembly
110 so as to detach the cargo container 58 from the lift frame 10. Each such
method will be
described below using Figs. 10-14.
[0090] In a method of loading a cargo container on a lift frame to
create an assembly, in a
first step a lift frame such as lift frame 10 is attached to a vehicle such as
vehicle 112. This
forms a structure similar to a tractor trailer, but having a lift frame 10 as
a trailer therein. The
lift frame 10 may be as described above having the frame body 12, one or two
lift mechanisms
46 as described above and a source of compressed air 36 in fluid communication
with the air
bag(s) 74 on the respective lift mechanism(s) 46. The vehicle 112 with the
lift frame 10
attached thereto is preferably backed under the cargo container 58 which is in
a support position
and being supported on a plurality of support legs 104. When in the support
position, a vehicle
112 with a lift frame 10 attached may be moved backwards or forwards as shown
by directional
arrows in Fig. 10. In this loading method, the vehicle 112 and lift frame 10
are moved
backwards under the supported cargo container from a vehicle side end 116 of
the cargo
container, generally leaving cargo container access doors (not shown) for
access on a rear end
120 of the cargo container 58. When the lift frame 10 is fully positioned
under the cargo
container as shown in Fig. 11, the stop preferably abuts or engages the
vehicle-side end 116 of
the cargo container 58.
[0091] In the lift frame embodiment shown, there are two lift mechanism
46, one on either
side of the frame body 12. Each is in the deflated position and the locking
lever 44 is
positioned downward in the unlocked position. Each support leg 104 remains in
place
supporting the cargo container 58. As shown in Fig. 12, a lifting mechanism 46
positioned near
the rear end 28 of the frame 16 is inflated by the source of compressed air 36
so that the lifting
surface 54 of the lift body 47 of the lifting mechanism supports and raises
the rear facing
portion of the cargo container 58 and contacts the underside 56 of the cargo
container 58.
Inflation of air bags allows for removal of the support legs. In the
embodiment shown, inflating
this air bag allows for the adjustable support legs 104 located near the rear
end 120 of the cargo
container to be removed by lifting the two rear located support legs
(sequentially by one
operator or simultaneously by two operators) so as to pivot them upwards,
preferably first by
22
CA 3056512 2019-09-24
unlocking them, then once pivoted upwards, sliding them so as to stow them in
the recesses 102
located in the base 94 of the cargo container 58.
[0092] In Fig. 13, the same steps noted in Fig. 12 are repeated for the
other lifting
mechanism 46 positioned near the vehicle-side end 116 of the cargo container.
As shown, the
other lifting mechanism is inflated and the support legs 104 that are
positioned near the vehicle-
side end 116 of the cargo container are also stowed in the recesses 102 of the
base 94 of the
cargo container in the same manner the prior two support legs were stowed.
Fig. 13 thus shows
a cargo container 58 fully supported on two lifting surfaces 54 and air bags
74 respectively so
as to be above the upper side of the frame body 12. While inflating is shown
sequentially to
illustrate stowing of the support frames in a manner preferred herein, it
should be understood by
one skilled in the art in view of this disclosure that the air bag(s) 74 could
have been both
inflated simultaneously and then all legs lifted and stowed in recesses when
the cargo container
is fully suspended and all legs lifted and stowed also sequentially or
simultaneously depending
on the number of operators available to carry out the method and the speed
with which the
operator(s) wish to carry out the method.
[0093] In Fig. 14, the air bag(s) are shown as deflated and the cargo
container underside 56
is now supported by the lift frame and in contact with the lifting surfaces
54. The locking
mechanism 24 is now in the locking position as demonstrated by the locking
lever 44 in the
upward position. The air bag(s) may be deflated one at a time or
simultaneously. Fig. 14
illustrates the vehicle cargo container and lift frame assembly 110 in a fully
assembled and
locked position attached to a vehicle 112.
[0094] In a method of unloading a cargo container from a lift frame of
a vehicle cargo
container and lift frame assembly so as to detach the vehicle cargo container
from the lift frame
of the assembly, the method will now be described also with reference to Figs.
10-14.
[0095] Starting with Fig. 14, a truck arrives with a cargo container and
lift frame assembly
in a fully assembled and locked position. The lift frame 10 is positioned on
the top portion of
the frame 16. The lift frame is first unlocked from the frame body 12. The
unlocking is done
by depressing the locking lever 44 into a downward position so as to disengage
the locking
mechanism 24.
[0096] After unlocking, one of the inflatable air bag(s) is inflated
(although both may be
inflated at the same time) as shown in Fig. 13. The support legs 104 are
positioned in a support
position. To do so, such support legs may be removed from the recesses of the
cargo container
23
CA 3056512 2019-09-24
simultaneously while both air bags are inflated or may be removed in sequence
as shown in
Fig. 12, wherein a first set of support legs 104 are removed from the recesses
102 near the
vehicle-side end 116 of the cargo container and are positioned in the support
position.
[0097] When the support legs 104 are in place, the air bag 74 near such
support legs may be
deflated as shown in Fig. 12 while the other air bag is still inflated. If
done simultaneously
while both air bags are inflated, all legs would be removed and then both air
bags deflated until
the assembly appears as in Fig. 11.
[0098] If done sequentially, after one set of legs is in position and
one air bag deflated, then
the other end of the cargo container may be similarly re-positioned. For
example, as shown in
Fig. 12, once the vehicle-side end support legs are in position and the air
bag deflated, then as
shown in Fig. 11, the same steps may be carried out on the rear end of the
assembly, wherein
the lift mechanism 46 positioned near the rear end of the frame 18 is deflated
and the support
legs 104 located near the rear end 120 of the cargo container are removed from
the recesses,
i.e., they are extended transversely outwardly from the recesses and pivotably
guided
downward into the support position, with the adjustable legs 108 adjusted and
locked in place,
and the support leg base 118 in contact with the ground. In either a
sequential or simultaneous
deflation, the support legs are put into the support position until the
assembly is as shown in
Fig. 11 which shows an unlocked lift frame attached to a truck beneath a fully
supported cargo
container supported by support legs 104.
[0099] Once this is achieved, the vehicle with the lift frame attached is
driven away from
the supported cargo container leaving it behind on the support legs. The
vehicle is driven away
with the cargo container detached in a forward direction as shown in
directional arrows of Fig.
10 so as to pull away from the cargo container 58.
[0100] Fig. 16 illustrates a control system 128 for the air compressor
and lift frame herein.
With reference to control panel 42 as in Fig. 15, and using the diagram in
Fig. 16, the two
toggle switches noted above 88, 90 are operably connected to the system via a
valve 130
associated with toggle 88 that lifts and lowers a selected air bag. The toggle
90 operates a valve
132 for selection of the front and/or rear air bag. The valve can be selected
and varied so as to
operate one or the other air bag independently or simultaneously by user
preference. Further
the valve 130 may be configured to fully inflate or deflate or to partially
inflate or deflate by
preference. The pressure flow from air tanks 36 flows through the selector
valves in a directed
flow as selected through pressure control/limiting valve(s) 134 to ensure that
overly pressurized
24
CA 3056512 2019-09-24
air does not impact operation of the selected equipment. Air flows towards the
air bags 74
through an inflate/deflate control valve 140 which can be or include a spring
loaded check
valve. Further a control valve 136 coupled with a further spring loaded check
valve 138 may
be installed in communication with inflate/deflate control valve 140.
[0101] Air tanks 36 preferably incorporate a relief valve 142 to relieve
excessive pressure
and for safety reasons. A test connection 144 is also provided to the air
tanks 36. The tanks are
also preferably equipped with a drain valve 146. Other system configurations
and assemblies
are possible for carrying out variations in embodiments herein in accordance
with control
system techniques known in the art or to be developed.
[0102] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes
could be made to the
embodiments described above without departing from the broad inventive concept
thereof It is
understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular
embodiments disclosed,
but it is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the
present invention as
defined by the appended claims.
25
CA 3056512 2019-09-24
