Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
260963
TRANSPORT VEHICLE CONTAINER HANDLING SYSTEM
AND ASSOCIATED METHODS
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent
Application Serial No.
63/370,005, filed August 1, 2022, the entirety of which is herein incorporated
by reference.
FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to a container handling
system, and more
particularly to a transport vehicle container handling system having a
substantially stationary
frame and a movable frame facilitating loading a container to and unloading
the container from a
transport vehicle.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Conventional container systems are typically used to lift shipping type
containers onto a
bed of a truck or trailer unit. These systems employ a variety of powered
mechanisms where a
vehicle is positioned on a substantially level or horizontal loading and
unloading support surface.
However, there can be situations where an unloading surface and the vehicle
are not parallel (for
example when the vehicle is parked on a hill, a sloped driveway, or other
irregular surfaces).
Thus, it is often difficult to load the container to or unload the container
form the vehicle. In
situations where there is an irregular unloading surface, an aerial lifting
device or boom may be
required to load or unload the container. Operation of these types of devices
can be difficult and
expensive.
[0004] In general, when the aerial lifting device is to be used at a remote
site, the container is
loaded on a transport vehicle equipped with a loading bed or unloaded again at
the site. Use of
the aerial lifting device for loading and unloading the container also results
in additional time,
which further adds to the cost. Moreover, when the truck bed is not level,
horizontal, or parallel
to the support surface adjacent to the vehicle, it is difficult to maneuver
the vehicle bed to a
proper position for loading and unloading the container.
[0005] Accordingly, there exists a need in the art for a container handling
system which facilitates
loading containers from and unloading containers to an irregular surface in a
simple and
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convenient manner.
SUMMARY
[0006] In concordance and agreement with the instant disclosure, a container
handling system
which facilitates loading containers from and unloading containers to an
irregular surface in a
simple and convenient manner has surprisingly been invented. The exemplary
embodiment(s)
described hereinbelow and shown in the drawings disclose a container handling
system that is
convenient and easy to use, lightweight yet durable in design, and versatile
in application.
[0007] In one embodiment, a container handling system, comprises: a first
frame structure
configured to be coupled to a transport vehicle; and a second frame structure
movably coupled to
the first frame structure, wherein the second frame structure is configured to
permit a container
to be at least one of loaded from and unloaded onto an irregular surface.
[0008] As aspects of some embodiments, the second frame structure is pivotably
coupled to the
first frame structure.
[0009] As aspects of some embodiments, the first frame structure includes at
least one cross-
member.
[0010] As aspects of some embodiments, the at least one cross-member of the
first frame structure
is a hollow member configured to receive a pair of opposing movable members
therein, each of
the movable members is selectively positionable between a first positon and a
second position.
[0011] As aspects of some embodiments, the container handling system further
comprises at least
one actuator configured to selectively position the movable members of the
first frame structure
between the first position and the second position.
[0012] As aspects of some embodiments, the first frame structure includes a
pair of spaced apart
guide members coupled to an outboard end of each of the movable members.
[0013] As aspects of some embodiments, the guide members are positioned
generally parallel to
rails of a chassis of the transport vehicle.
[0014] As aspects of some embodiments, at least one of the guide members
includes at least one
locking element provide thereon to secure the container to the transport
vehicle.
[0015] As aspects of some embodiments, the second frame structure includes at
least one side rail
having a plurality of stanchions disposed thereon.
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[0016] As aspects of some embodiments, the stanchions are spaced apart to
accommodate the
container therebetween.
[0017] As aspects of some embodiments, the second frame structure further
includes at least one
cross-member disposed between a corresponding pair of stanchions.
[0018] As aspects of some embodiments, the second frame structure includes at
least one cross-
member disposed between a front one of the stanchions and a rear one of the
stanchions.
[0019] As aspects of some embodiments, the at least one cross-member of the
second frame
structure is a hollow member configured to receive a pair of opposing movable
members therein,
each of the movable members is selectively positionable between a first
positon and a second
position.
[0020] As aspects of some embodiments, the container handling system further
comprises at least
one actuator configured to selectively position the movable members of the
second frame
structure between the first position and the second position.
[0021] As aspects of some embodiments, the second frame structure is provided
with a pulley
supported by at least one of the movable members of the second frame structure
and a cable
received in the pulley.
[0022] As aspects of some embodiments, the container handling system further
comprises at least
one drive assembly configured to move the second frame structure relative to
the first frame
structure.
[0023] As aspects of some embodiments, the at least one drive assembly moves
the second frame
structure relative to the first frame structure in a longitudinal direction of
a chassis of the
transport vehicle between a first position and a second position.
[0024] As aspects of some embodiments, a portion of the at least one drive
assembly is coupled to
a side rail of the second frame structure and another portion of the at least
one drive assembly is
coupled to a guide member of the first frame structure via a drive mechanism.
[0025] In another embodiment, a container handling system, comprises: a first
frame structure
configured to be coupled to a transport vehicle; and a second frame structure
coupled to the first
frame structure, wherein the second frame structure is configured to move
relative to the first
frame structure while remaining generally parallel to an irregular surface.
[0026] In yet another embodiment, a method for handling a container, comprises
steps of:
providing a system including a first frame structure and a second frame
structure movably
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260963
coupled to the first frame structure, wherein the first frame structure is
configured to be coupled
to a transport vehicle, and the second frame structure is configured to permit
a container to be at
least one of loaded from and unloaded onto an irregular surface; and handling
the container to at
least one of load, unload, and transport the container.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0027] The above-mentioned, and other features and objects of the present
disclosure, and the
manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and the present disclosure
itself will be
better understood by reference to the following descriptions of embodiments of
the present
disclosure taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0028] FIG. 1 is a schematic side elevational view of a transport vehicle
provided with a container
handling system according to an embodiment of the disclosure showing the
container handling
system in a nested, transport position;
[0029] FIG. lA is a schematic side elevational view of a drive assembly
configured to permit a
frame structure of the container handling system to move relative to another
frame structure
thereof;
[0030] FIG. 2 is a schematic side elevational view of the transport vehicle
and the container
handling system of FIG. 1, showing a handling device of the container handling
system in an
intermediate position wherein the container is in a raised position;
[0031] FIG. 3 is a schematic side elevational view of the transport vehicle
and the container
handling system of FIG. 1, showing the handling device in a lowered position;
[0032] FIG. 4 is a schematic side elevational view of the transport vehicle
and the container
handling system of FIG. 1, showing the handling device in an intermediate
position wherein the
container handling system is on an irregular surface;
[0033] FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the container handling system of FIG. 1,
showing the container
handling system in the nested, transport position;
[0034] FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the container handling system of FIG. 1,
showing a first frame
structure of the container handling system in an expanded position prior to a
raising of the
container;
[0035] FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the container handling system of FIG. 1,
showing the container
handling system in an intermediate position wherein a container is in the
raised position;
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[0036] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an exemplary valve bank assembly for
the container
handling system of FIG. 1;
[0037] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another exemplary valve bank assembly
for the container
handling system of FIG. 1;
[0038] FIG. 10A is a front elevational view of an exemplary fluid pump for the
container handling
system of FIG. 1;
[0039] FIG. 10B is a left side elevational view of the fluid pump of FIG. 10A;
[0040] FIG. 10C is a rear elevational view of the fluid pump of FIGS. 10A and
10B, wherein a
reservoir is not shown;
[0041] FIGS. 11A-11F illustrate an exemplary actuator for the container
handling system of FIG.
1;
[0042] FIGS. 12A-12F illustrate another exemplary actuator for the container
handling system of
FIG. 1;
[0043] FIGS. 13-27 illustrate various views of a transport vehicle provide
with a container
handling system according to an embodiment of the disclosure; and
[0044] Figs. 23-43 illustrate various views of an alternate embodiment of the
container handling
system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0045] The following description of technology is merely exemplary in nature
of the subject
matter, manufacture and use of one or more embodiments, and is not intended to
limit the scope,
application, or uses of any specific embodiment claimed in this application or
in such other
applications as may be filed claiming priority to this application, or patents
issuing therefrom.
Regarding methods disclosed, the order of the steps presented is exemplary in
nature, and thus,
the order of the steps can be different in various embodiments. "A" and "an"
as used herein
indicate "at least one" of the item is present; a plurality of such items may
be present, when
possible. Except where otherwise expressly indicated, all numerical quantities
in this description
are to be understood as modified by the word "about" and all geometric and
spatial descriptors
are to be understood as modified by the word "substantially" in describing the
broadest scope of
the technology. "About" when applied to numerical values indicates that the
calculation or the
measurement allows some slight imprecision in the value (with some approach to
exactness in
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the value; approximately or reasonably close to the value; nearly). If, for
some reason, the
imprecision provided by "about" and/or "substantially" is not otherwise
understood in the art
with this ordinary meaning, then "about" and/or "substantially" as used herein
indicates at least
variations that may arise from ordinary methods of measuring or using such
parameters.
[0046] All documents, including patents, patent applications, and scientific
literature cited in this
detailed description are incorporated herein by reference, unless otherwise
expressly indicated.
Where any conflict or ambiguity may exist between a document incorporated by
reference and
this detailed description, the present detailed description controls.
[0047] As referred to herein, disclosures of ranges are, unless specified
otherwise, inclusive of
endpoints and include all distinct values and further divided ranges within
the entire range. Thus,
for example, a range of "from A to B" or "from about A to about B" is
inclusive of A and of B.
Disclosure of values and ranges of values for specific parameters (such as
amounts, weight
percentages, etc.) are not exclusive of other values and ranges of values
useful herein. It is
envisioned that two or more specific exemplified values for a given parameter
may define
endpoints for a range of values that may be claimed for the parameter. For
example, if Parameter
X is exemplified herein to have value A and also exemplified to have value Z,
it is envisioned
that Parameter X may have a range of values from about A to about Z.
Similarly, it is envisioned
that disclosure of two or more ranges of values for a parameter (whether such
ranges are nested,
overlapping or distinct) subsume all possible combination of ranges for the
value that might be
claimed using endpoints of the disclosed ranges. For example, if Parameter X
is exemplified
herein to have values in the range of 1-10, or 2-9, or 3-8, it is also
envisioned that Parameter X
may have other ranges of values including 1-9,1-8,1-3,1-2,2-10,2-8,2-3,3-10,3-
9, and so
on.
[0048] When an element or layer is referred to as being "on," "engaged to,"
"connected to," or
"coupled to" another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged,
connected or coupled to
the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present.
In contrast, when an
element is referred to as being "directly on," "directly engaged to,"
"directly connected to" or
"directly coupled to" another element or layer, there may be no intervening
elements or layers
present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should
be interpreted in
a like fashion (e.g., "between" versus "directly between," "adjacent" versus
"directly adjacent,"
etc.). As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of
one or more of the
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associated listed items.
[0049] Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to
describe various
elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements,
components, regions,
layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may
be only used to
distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another
region, layer or
section. Terms such as "first," "second," and other numerical terms when used
herein do not
imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a
first element,
component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second
element,
component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of
the example
embodiments.
[0050] Spatially relative terms, such as "inner," "outer," "beneath," "below,"
"lower," "above,"
"upper," and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe
one element or
feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in
the figures. Spatially
relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the
device in use or
operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example,
if the device in the
figures is turned over, elements described as "below" or "beneath" other
elements or features
would then be oriented "above" the other elements or features. Thus, the
example term "below"
can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be
otherwise oriented
(rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative
descriptors used herein
interpreted accordingly.
[0051] FIGS. 1-7 and 13-26 illustrate a transport vehicle 100 provided with a
handling system 10
for a portable storage container 2. It should be appreciated that the system
10 may also be
applicable and adapted to many different types of containers as well as other
objects. For
example, the system 10 may be configured to be used with garbage or debris
dumpsters, fuel
tanks, or other containers, receptacles, tanks, and the like. As another
example, the system 10
may be configured to be used as a light-vehicle carrier. It is understood that
the system 10 may
be used for various residential, commercial, industrial, and agricultural
applications.
[0052] The system 10 shown may be configured to cooperate with the transport
vehicle 100. It is
understood, however, that the system 10 may be transported by various other
modes of
transportation. As shown the transport vehicle 100 may be a commercial vehicle
(e.g. truck) that
generally comprises a chassis 110 extending in a longitudinal direction
between a front wheels
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112 and a rear wheels 114, and a cab 116 may be disposed on the chassis 110
adjacent the front
wheels 112. The transport vehicle 100 may be configured to receive one or more
containers 2
behind the cab 116 on a desired surface of the chassis 110 or another support
structure 118,
depicted in FIGS. 5-7, coupled to the chassis 110. In certain embodiments, the
chassis 110 may
include a pair of spaced apart rails 120, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, each of
which may be
configured to receive and be coupled to a corresponding one of a pair of
support members 122,
shown in FIGS. 5-7 and 13-14, of the support structure 118 thereon.
[0053] As best seen in FIGS. 1 and 2-7, the system 10 may include a first
frame structure 12 and a
second frame structure 14. The first frame structure 12 may be fixedly coupled
to the chassis 110
of the transport vehicle 100, via at least one of the rails 120 and the
support members 122 of the
support structure 118. In some embodiments shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, a pair of
cross-members
16 of the first frame structure 12 may be fixedly coupled to at least one of
the rails 120 and the
support members 122 of the support structure 118 to secure the first frame
structure 12 to the
chassis 110. More or less of the cross-members 16 than shown may be employed
if desired. It is
understood that the cross-members 16 may be coupled to at least one of the
rails 120 and the
support members 122 of the support structure 118 by any suitable means as
desired. For
example, a plurality of mechanical fasteners 18 may be employed.
[0054] One or more of the cross-members 16, shown in FIGS. 5-7 and 13-15, may
be in sliding
engagement with one or more movable members 20, shown in FIGS. 5-7 and 13-15.
In some
embodiments, each of the cross-members 16 may be a hollow member configured to
receive a
pair of opposing movable members 20 therein. The movable members 20 may be
slidingly
disposed within each open end of the cross-members 16 to permit a movement of
the movable
members 20 between a retracted first position and an extended second position.
As more clearly
shown in FIGS. 5-7 and 13-15, a pair of spaced apart guide members 22 may be
coupled to an
outboard end of each of the movable members 20 extending in the longitudinal
direction of the
chassis 110. The guide members 22 may be positioned generally parallel to the
rails 120 of the
chassis 110 and generally perpendicular to the cross-members 16 of the first
frame structure 12.
[0055] As more clearly shown in FIGS. 5-7 and 13-14, one or more actuators 24
may be employed
to selectively position the movable members 20 between the first position and
the second
position, which in turn, causes the guide members 22 to also be selectively
positioned between a
retracted first position and an extended second position. When in the first
position, the guide
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members 22 may be within confines of the transport vehicle 100, namely within
or slightly
outside a track width thereof. On the contrary, when in the second position,
the guide members
22 may extend well outside the confines of the transport vehicle 100, namely
much wider than
the track width thereof. In some embodiments, at least one of the actuators 24
employed in the
system 10 may be a mechanical actuator such as a hydraulic cylinder, for
example. A barrel with
a piston of the hydraulic cylinder may be coupled to one of the cross-members
16 and an end of
a piston rod connected to the piston may be coupled to a corresponding one of
the guide
members 22, or vice versa. Various other types of actuators 24 may be used to
move and position
the guide members 22 if desired.
[0056] As illustrated in FIGS. 5-7, the guide members 22 may include one or
more locking
elements 25 provided thereon. In some embodiments, the locking elements 25 may
be inwardly
extending projections formed on an inboard surface of the guide members 22.
When the guide
members 22 are in the first position, the locking elements 25 may be
configured to be received
into openings formed in the container 2 to secure the container 2 to the
transport vehicle 100 and
militate against an undesired movement of the container 2 during the transport
thereof. The
locking elements 25 are also configured to be removed from the openings formed
in the
container 2 as the guide members 22 are caused to move from the first position
to the second
position. When the guide members 22 are in the second position, the locking
elements 25 may be
configured to be completely removed from the opening formed in the container 2
to release the
container 2 from the transport vehicle 100 and permit the unloading thereof.
[0057] In certain embodiments, each of the guide members 22 may further
include at least one
guide feature 26, shown in FIGS. 24 and 26, for directing a movement of the
second frame
structure 14. As a non-limiting example, the guide feature 26 may include one
or more channels
28 formed on an outboard surface of the guide members 22 extending along an
upper edge
and/or a lower edge thereof in the longitudinal direction of the chassis 110.
[0058] Referring now to FIGS. 1, 2-7, and 13-26, the second frame structure 14
may be movably
coupled to the first frame structure 12. In certain embodiments, the second
frame structure 14
may include a pair of spaced apart side rails 30 extending in the longitudinal
direction of the
chassis 110 and a plurality of stanchions 32. A pair of the stanchions 32 may
be disposed on each
of the side rails 30. More preferably, one of the stanchions 32 may be
disposed on an inboard
surface of each end of the side rails 30 and laterally spaced to accommodate
the container 2
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therebetween. As illustrated, the stanchions 32 may be fixedly coupled to the
associated one of
the side rails 30 by a welding process. It is understood, however, that the
stanchions 32 may be
coupled to the side rails 30 by any suitable method, for example, mechanical
fasteners.
[0059] As more clearly depicted in FIGS. 5-7 and 15, a pair of cross-members
36 may also be
disposed in a space between corresponding pairs of the stanchions 32,
extending generally
perpendicular to the side rails 30 of the second frame structure 14. One of
more of the cross-
members 36 may be in sliding engagement with one or more movable members 40.
In certain
embodiments, each of the cross-members 36 may be a hollow member configured to
receive a
pair of opposing movable members 40 therein. The movable members 40 may be
slidingly
disposed within each open end of the cross-members 36 to permit a movement of
the movable
members 40 between a retracted first position and an extended second position.
An outboard end
of each of the movable members 40 may be fixedly coupled to one of the
stanchions 32 by any
suitable method as desired. For example, the movable members 40 may be coupled
to the
stanchions 32 by a welding process.
[0060] As more clearly shown in FIG. 22, one or more actuators 44 may be
employed to
selectively position the movable members 40 between the first position and the
second position,
which in turn, causes the stanchions 32 to also be selectively positioned
between a retracted first
position and an extended second position. When in the first position, the
stanchions 32 may be
within confines of the transport vehicle 100, namely within or slightly
outside a track width
thereof. Conversely, when in the second position, the stanchions 32 may extend
well outside the
confines of the transport vehicle 100, namely much wider than the track width
thereof. In some
embodiments, at least one of the actuators 44 employed in the system 10 may be
a mechanical
actuator such as a hydraulic cylinder, for example. As illustrated, a barrel
with a piston of the
hydraulic cylinder may be coupled to one of the stanchions 32 and an end of a
piston rod
connected to the piston may be coupled to a corresponding one of the cross-
members 36. Various
other types of actuators 44 may be used to move and position the stanchions 32
if desired.
[0061] At least one drive assembly 50, depicted in FIGS. 1, 1A, 2-4, and 24-
26, may be employed
to move the second frame structure 14 relative to the first frame structure 12
in the longitudinal
direction of the chassis 110 between a forward first position and a rearward
second position. In
certain embodiments, the drive assembly 50 may be operably connected to one of
the guide
members 22 and one of the side rails 30. In the embodiment shown, a portion of
the drive
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assembly 50 may be rotatably coupled to a forward end of the side rail 30 and
another portion of
the drive assembly may be coupled to the guide member 22 via a drive mechanism
52. In other
embodiments, the first portion of the drive assembly 50 may be coupled to the
side rail 30 via the
drive mechanism 52 and the second portion of the drive assembly 50 may be
rotatably coupled to
the guide member 22, if desired. The drive mechanism 52 may be any suitable
drive mechanism
as desired. For example, the drive mechanism 52 may be a rack 54 and pinion 56
with the rack
54 provided on one of the guide member 22 and the portion of the drive
assembly 50 and the
pinion 56 provided on a remaining one of the guide member 22 and the portion
of the drive
assembly 50. In the embodiment shown, the rack 54 may be provided on a lower
edge of the
guide member 22 and the pinion 56 may be provided on an inboard portion of the
drive assembly
50. The drive mechanism 52 may be driven by hydraulic power, for example.
[0062] The drive assembly 50 may further include a guide element 58 configured
to cooperate
with the least one guide feature 26 of the guide member 22 to direct the
movement of the second
frame structure 14 relative to the first frame structure 12. In some
embodiments, the guide
element 58 may include a roller configured to move within at least one of the
channels 28 of the
guide feature 26.
[0063] As illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2-4, 16-19, 21, and 23, the system 10 may
further include a
handling device 60 configured to facilitate the loading and the unloading of
the container 2 onto
and from the transport vehicle 100. In certain embodiments, the handling
device 60 comprises a
plurality of vertical movable members 62 in sliding engagement with the
stanchions 32. Each of
the stanchions 32 may be a hollow member having a slot 64 formed therein and
one or more
guide features 66 provided thereon. A portion of the movable member 62 may be
extend through
the slot 64 and be secured within a hollow interior of the stanchion 32 in
such a manner that the
slot 64 performs as a guide for the movable member 62. At least a portion of
the movable
member 62 may be received in the guide features 66 which also perform as
guides for the
movable member 62. In other embodiments, such as that shown in FIGS. 28-41,
the handling
device 60 may comprise a cable or chain system configured to cooperate with
the stanchions 32
to facilitate the loading and the unloading of the container 2 onto and from
the transport vehicle
100.
[0064] One or more actuators 67 may be employed to selectively position the
movable members
62 between an upper first position and a lower second position, which in turn,
causes the
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container 2 to also be selectively positioned between a raised first position
and a lowered second
position. When in the first position, the container 2 may be raised from the
chassis 110 of the
transport vehicle 100 and/or a pickup location and freely moved to be loaded
or unloaded onto or
from the transport vehicle 100. Conversely, when in the second position, the
container 2 may be
stationary and disposed at a desired drop-off location. Additionally, when in
an intermediate
position between the first and second positions of the movable members 62, the
container 2 may
be stationary and disposed on the chassis 110 of the transport vehicle 100 for
transport thereof.
In some embodiments, at least one of the actuators 67 employed in the system
10 may be a
mechanical actuator such as a hydraulic cylinder, for example. A barrel with a
piston of the
hydraulic cylinder may be coupled to one of the stanchions 32 and an end of a
piston rod
connected to the piston may be coupled to a corresponding one of the moveable
members 62.
Various other types of actuators 67 may be used to move and position the
movable members 62
of the handling device 60, if desired.
[0065] Each of the movable members 62 may further include one or more
attachment points 68 for
releaseably coupling restraints 70. In one embodiment, at least one of the
attachments points 68
may include a bracket 71 provided on the movable member 62. The bracket 71 may
be
configured to releaseably couple a first end of the restraint 70 to the
movable member 62. A
second end of the restraint 70 may be releaseably coupled to the container 2.
The restraints 70
may be employed to facilitate the loading and the unloading of the container
2, while also
militating against an undesired movement of the container 2 during the
transport thereof. As
such, the system 10 may not require additional restraints attached to the
container 2 by a user
prior to the transport thereof. Various types of restraints 70 may be used
such as a tether, a chain,
a strap, a rope, and the like, for example.
[0066] In some embodiments, one or more support members 72, shown in FIGS. 5-
7, and 15-20,
may be disposed in a space between a corresponding pairs of the stanchions 32,
extending
generally parallel to the side rails 30 and in the longitudinal direction of
the chassis 110. Each
end of the support members 72 may be releaseably coupled to an associated one
of the movable
members 62 to permit the container 2 to be placed and removed from the truck
vehicle 100 by a
separate handling system or device (e.g. a forklift). In one embodiment, the
ends of the support
members 72 may be releaseably coupled to the associated moveable members 62 at
the
attachment points 68. As a non-limiting example, the ends of the support
member 72 are
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releaseably coupled to the brackets 71 by at least one mechanical fastener 73.
In other
embodiments, the space between the stanchions 32 may be completely open
without any support
member 72 disposed therebetween.
[0067] In certain embodiments, the system 10 may further include one or more
independently
actuatable leveling devices 80, illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2-4, 15, 17, 20-23,
and 27, configured to
maintain the side rails 30 generally parallel to a surface of the pickup
and/or desired drop-off
location as the second frame structure 14 may be moved relative to the first
frame structure 12.
Each of the leveling devices 80 may include a stationary member 82 fixedly
coupled to an
associated one of the stanchions 32, a movable member 84 in sliding engagement
with the
stationary member 82, and a directionally-fixed wheel 86 attached to a lower
end of the movable
member 84. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 15, 17, and 20-23, a pair of
wheels 86 is
provided. However, more or fewer wheels can be used as desired. FIG. 27 shows
a single wheel
depending from a second stanchion positioned laterally inward of the stanchion
32 towards a
center axis of the vehicle 100. The positioning of the second stanchion
laterally inward from the
stanchion 32 avoids interference with the container 2 when loading and
offloading of the
container 2. Additionally, it is understood that pneumatic tires, solid rubber
tires, or other tire
types can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
[0068] As more clearly shown in FIG. 15 and 22, one or more actuators 88 may
be employed to
selectively position the movable members 84 between a retracted first position
(FIG. 22) and an
extended second position (FIG. 15), which in turn, causes the side rails 30 to
rotate relative to the
guide members 22. When in the first position, the side rails 30 may be
positioned at a maximum
positive angle relative to the guide members 22. Conversely, when in the
second position, the
side rails 30 may be positioned at a maximum negative angle relative to the
guide members 22.
In some embodiments, at least one of the actuators 88 employed with the
leveling devices 80
may be a mechanical actuator such as a hydraulic cylinder, for example. As
illustrated, a barrel
with a piston of the hydraulic cylinder may be coupled to one of the
stationary member 82 and an
end of a piston rod connected to the piston may be coupled to a corresponding
one of the
moveable members 84. Various other types of actuators 88 may be used to move
and position the
leveling devices 80 if desired.
[0069] Each of the actuators 24, 44, 67, 88 and the drive assembly 50 may be
in communication
with a power source 90, as best seen in FIG. 13, for activation thereof. It is
understood that the
13
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260963
power source 90 may be any suitable source of power as desired. In some
embodiments, the
power source 90 may include hydraulic fluid system 91 comprising a fluid
reservoir 92
containing a hydraulic fluid, a fluid pump 93 configured to displace the
hydraulic fluid to one or
more of the actuators 24, 44, 67, 88 and the drive assembly 50, and a
plurality of fluid conduits
94 fluidly connecting the power source 90 to the one or more of the actuators
24, 44, 67, 88 and
the drive assembly 50. In some embodiments, each of the fluid conduits 94 may
be provided with
one or move valves 96 and may be centrally located in a valve bank assembly
97, various
exemplary embodiments of which are illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9. FIGS. 10A-10C
depict an
exemplary embodiment of the fluid pump 93.
[0070] A controller (not depicted) may be in communication with the hydraulic
fluid system 91 to
permit manual, semi-automatic, and/or fully automatic control of the system 10
and/or the
transport vehicle 100. In certain embodiments, system 10 including the
controller may be
configured to permit the system 10 to operate with minimal human interaction.
For example, the
system 10 including the controller may be configured to eliminate the need for
the user to
connect and/or disconnect the restraints 70 to the container 2 such that the
user may be only
required to simply "push a button" to load and/or unload the container 2 onto
and from the
transport vehicle 100. In other embodiments, the system 10 including the
controller may be
configured to permit the system 10 and the transport vehicle 100 to operate
autonomously. For
example, the user may identify the pickup location and the drop-off location
using an identifier
(e.g. a wireless marker or using a mobile application), and the transport
vehicle 100 including the
system 10 may then be dispatched from a hub location to load, unload, and
transport the
container 2 without the presence and/or assistance of the user.
[0071] The controller may be located in the cab 116 of the transport vehicle
100. The controller
may be in communication with a human-machine interface (not depicted) and
configured to
prompt the user of the system 10 to input a response to one or more queries
(i.e. safety questions)
prior to, during, and/or after operation of the system 10. In one embodiment,
the controller may
also be configured to control a rate and an amount of flow of the hydraulic
fluid from the fluid
reservoir 92 to the each of the actuators 24, 44, 67, 88 and the drive
assembly 50. Accordingly,
the controller may be able to precisely move and position the members 20, 22,
40, 62, 84, the
side rails 30, and/or the stanchions 32 of the respective frame structures 12,
14, and thereby
control a balance and/or an alignment of the container 2 during the loading,
the unloading, and/or
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the transport thereof. One or more positional sensors (not depicted), in
communication with the
controller, may also be employed in the system 10 to detect a misalignment of
the container 2
during the loading, the unloading, and/or the transport thereof.
[0072] Each of the actuators 24, 44, 67, 88 and the drive assembly 50 may
further include one or
more pressure sensors (not depicted) in communication with the controller. The
pressure sensors
may be employed in the system 10 to detect a load on each of the actuators 24,
44, 67, 88 and the
drive assembly 50. In the event of an "overload" of one or more the actuators
24, 44, 67, 88 and
the drive assembly 50, the system 10 may cease operations. One or move valves
may also be
employed with each of the actuators 24, 44, 67, 88, various exemplary
embodiments of which
are illustrated in FIGS. 11A-F and 12A-F, and the drive assembly 50 to
militate against an
undesired lowering or a "drop" of the container 2 in the event of a sudden and
unexpected
decrease in pressure in the hydraulic fluid system 91 such as by a failure of
one of the fluid
conduits 94, for example.
[0073] Various reinforcement elements (not depicted) may be disposed on one or
more of the
members 16, 20, 22, 36, 40, 62, 72, 84, the side rails 30, and/or the
stanchions 32 of the
respective frame structures 12, 14 to provide additional strength and support
thereto, especially
during the loading, the unloading, and/or the transporting of the container 2.
[0074] During the loading of the container 2, the transport vehicle 100 may be
maneuvered such
that the container 2, disposed at the pickup location, may be positioned
adjacent a rear of the
transport vehicle 100. Once the transport vehicle 100 is properly positioned,
the actuators 24 are
activated causing the movable members 20 of the first frame structure 12 to
move from the first
position to one of the second position or an intermediate position between the
first and second
positions thereof, thereby causing the guide members 22 to move from the first
position to one of
the second position thereof or an intermediate position between the first and
second positions
thereof such that a distance between the side rails 30 may be sufficient to
accommodate the
container 2. Simultaneously, the actuators 44 are activated causing the
movable members 40 of
the second frame structure 14 to move from the first position to one of the
second position or an
intermediate position between the first and second positions thereof, thereby
causing the
stanchions 32 and the side rails 30 coupled thereto to move from the first
position to one of the
second position thereof or an intermediate position between the first and
second positions thereof
such that a distance between the stanchions 32 and the side rails 30 may be
sufficient to
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-08-01
260963
accommodate the container 2. The actuators 67 may also be activated to cause
the movable
members 62 of the handling device 60 to move from the first position to one of
the second
position thereof or an intermediate position between the first and second
positions thereof such
that the cross-members 36 and movable members 40 of the second frame structure
14 clear a top
of the container 2. The actuators 88 may also be activated to cause the
movable members 84 of
the leveling device 80 to move from the first position to one of the second
position thereof or an
intermediate position between the first and second positions thereof such that
the side rails 30
rotate relative to the guide members 22 so as to maintain the side rails 30
generally parallel to a
surface, especially an irregular surface, of the pickup location.
[0075] Thereafter, the drive mechanism 52 may be activated causing the second
frame structure 14
to extend and move rearwardly in the longitudinal direction relative to the
first frame structure
12 away from the chassis 110 of the transport vehicle 100 until the stanchions
32 generally
correspond to corners of the container 2. More particularly, the drive
mechanism 52 causes the
side rails 30 to move rearwardly in the longitudinal direction relative to the
guide members 22.
Simultaneously, the actuators 88 may also be activated to cause the movable
members 84 of the
leveling device 80 to continue to move between the second position and the
intermediate position
thereof such that the side rails 30 may further rotate relative to the guide
members 22 so as to
continue to maintain the side rails 30 generally parallel to the surface,
especially the irregular
surface, of the pickup location as the second frame structure 13 may be moved
relative to the
first frame structure 12.
[0076] Once the second frame structure 14 is in position around the container
2, the actuators 67
may be activated to cause the movable members 62 of the handling device 60 to
move from one
of the second position and the intermediate position to the first position so
as to lower the second
frame structure 14 such that the restraints 70 may be connected to the
container 2. If necessary,
the actuators 88 may also be activated to cause the movable members 84 of the
leveling device
80 to retract such that the restraints 70 may be positioned in closer
proximity to the container 2.
[0077] Upon connection of the restraints 70 to the container 2, the actuators
67 may then be
activated again to cause the movable members 62 of the handling device 60 to
move from the
first position to one of the second position and the intermediate position so
as to raise the second
frame structure 14, and thereby the container 2, toward an upper end of the
stanchions 32. At the
same times, the actuators 88 may also be activated to cause the movable member
84 of the
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Date Recue/Date Received 2023-08-01
260963
leveling device 80 to extend such that the side rails 30 remain parallel to
the surface of the
pickup location.
[0078] Once the container 2 may be raised sufficiently above a horizontal
plane defined by the
chassis 110 of the transport vehicle 100, the drive mechanism 52 may be
activated causing the
second frame structure 14 to retract and move forwardly in the longitudinal
direction relative to
the first frame structure 12 towards the chassis 110 of the transport vehicle
100 until the
container 2 is properly positioned above the chassis 110. More particularly,
the drive mechanism
52 causes the side rails 30 to move forwardly in the longitudinal direction
relative to the guide
members 22. Simultaneously, the actuators 88 may also be activated to cause
the movable
members 84 of the leveling device 80 to continue to move between the second
position and the
intermediate position thereof such that the side rails 30 may further rotate
relative to the guide
members 22 so as to continue to maintain the side rails 30 generally parallel
to the guide
members 22 as the second frame structure 13 may be moved relative to the first
frame structure
12.
[0079] Once the container 2 is in place over the chassis 110, the second frame
structure 14 may be
lowered from one of the second position and the intermediate position to the
first position thereof
so as to dispose the container 2 on the chassis 110 such that the container 2
may be supported by
at least one of the rails 120 of the chassis 110 and the support members 122
of the support
structure 118. More particularly, the container 2 may be lowered by activating
the actuators 67 to
cause the movable members 62 of the handling device 60 to move from one of the
second
position and the intermediate position to the first position thereof.
[0080] Once the transport vehicle 100 may be properly positioned, the
actuators 24 may be
activated causing the movable members 20 of the first frame structure 12 to
move from one of
the second position and the intermediate position to the first position,
thereby causing the guide
members 22 of the second frame structure 14 to move from one of the second
position and the
intermediate position to the first position. Simultaneously, the actuators 44
may be activated
causing the movable members 40 of the second frame structure 14 to move from
one of the
second position and the intermediate position to the first position, thereby
causing the stanchions
32 and the side rails 30 coupled thereto to move from one of the second
position and the
intermediate position to the first position. The actuators 88 may also be
activated to cause the
movable members 84 of the leveling device 80 to move from one of the second
position and the
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260963
intermediate position to the first position. The container 2 may then be
capable of being
transported by the transport vehicle 100. Deployment of the container 2 may be
further
accomplished by generally reversing the steps of the described loading
operation and thus is not
explicitly described herein.
[0081] In another embodiment shown in FIGS. 29-41, a vertically restrained
cross-member 500 is
provided on opposing sides of the system 10 between a front one of the
stanchions 32 and a rear
one of the stanchions 32. As shown, each end of the cross-member 500 can be
suspended by a
cable 502 and/or chain. However, it is understood that other structures can be
used to support
the cross-member 500. A first end of the cable 502 can be fixedly attached to
a horizontal frame
member as part of the second frame structure 14 as best seen in FIGS. 34 and
35. An
intermediate portion of the cable 502 is fed through a pulley 504 as shown in
FIGS. 28, 29, 32,
and 33. The pulley 504 is supported by the movable member 62 portion of the
stanchion 32. A
second end of the cable 502 includes a clasp or other releasable fastening
structure for directly
connecting to the cross-member 500 or a first end of a chain 506 as shown in
FIGS. 28-32 and
41. If connected to the first end of the chain 506, the second end of the
chain 506 is connected to
the cross-member 500 via a clasp 507 or other releasable fastening structure
as shown in FIG. 41.
[0082] As illustrated in FIGS. 37 and 41, the cross-member 500 is an elongate
beam. A top
portion of each end of the cross-member 500 includes a clasp 508 or other
releasable fastening
structure configured for attachment to the second end of the cable 502 or the
second end of the
chain 506 for suspension therefrom. A bottom portion of each end of the cross-
member 500
includes an eyelet 509 or other structure configured for attachment to another
chain 511 or cable,
which in turn is configured for releasable attachment to a lower portion of
the container 2 or a
support structure for the container 2, as shown in FIG. 38. A lower portion of
an intermediate
portion of the cross-member 500 includes a pair of eyelets 510 or apertures
configured for
attachment to a chain 512 or cable which in turn are configured for releasable
attachment to the
lower portion of the container 2 or the support structure for the container 2,
as shown in FIG. 40.
A pivotable locking member 520 is provided on a top portion of the cross-
member 500 at a point
intermediate the ends of the cross-member 500. Although only one of the
locking members 520
is shown, it is understood that a plurality of the locking members 520 can be
used. The locking
member 520 is provided to pivot from the stored position shown in FIG. 42 to
the open position
shown in FIG. 43 to abut a frame member of the system 10 to provide additional
stability during
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Date Recue/Date Received 2023-08-01
260963
transport of the container 2.
[0083] In use, the container 2 is supported on each end by the second end of
the chain 511 or the
cable and at the intermediate portion by the chain 512 or the cable attached
to the eyelets 510 or
apertures as shown in FIG. 40. The movable members 62 in sliding engagement
with the
stanchions 32 are extended to lift the container 2 or retracted to lower the
container 2 as
previously described herein. The actuators 67 may be employed to selectively
position the
movable members 62 between the upper first position and the lower second
position, which in
turn, causes the container 2 to also be selectively positioned between the
raised first position and
the lowered second position. When in the first position, the container 2 may
be raised from the
chassis 110 of the transport vehicle 100 and/or a pickup location and freely
moved to be loaded
or unloaded onto or from the transport vehicle 100. Conversely, when in the
second position, the
container 2 may be stationary and disposed at a desired drop-off location.
Additionally, when in
an intermediate position between the first and second positions of the movable
members 62, the
container 2 may be stationary and disposed on the chassis 110 of the transport
vehicle 100 for
transport thereof. A remainder of the structure and operation of the system 10
is unchanged and
is substantially as described hereinabove.
[0084] From the foregoing description, one ordinarily skilled in the art can
easily ascertain the
essential characteristics of this disclosure and, without departing from the
spirit and scope
thereof, can make various changes and modifications to the present disclosure
to adapt it to
various usages and conditions.
19
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-08-01
