Multiple deck cargo container

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-2016368622-A1
Application number	US-201414901612-A
Country	US
Kind code	A1
Filing date	Jun 27, 2014
Priority date	Jul 1, 2013
Publication date	Dec 22, 2016
Grant date	—

Abstract

The invention provides a multiple decked cargo container, suitable for use inter alia in aircraft catering operations. The container comprises a floating deck and vertically moveable roof, to allow for an increased load carrying capacity via two vertically stacked storage areas, whilst meeting height restrictions and providing sufficient headroom for ground crew to access the interior of the container.

First claim

1 - 12 . (canceled)

13 . A movable vehicle comprising a cargo container, the cargo container comprising:
a generally horizontal floor capable of supporting cargo, a generally horizontal movable roof, a generally horizontal floating deck capable of supporting cargo disposed between the floor and the roof, side walls, end walls and at least one entrance for allowing loading and unloading of cargo, wherein the roof is vertically movable relative to the floor so as to vary the height of the cargo container, the floating deck is independently vertically movable relative to the floor, the cargo container is mounted on the vehicle body via an interposing lift, allowing the cargo container to be raised and lowered, and the floating deck is provided with an interconnecting hatch, and an interconnecting ladder which is stowable.

14 . A movable vehicle according to claim 13 , wherein
the floor is provided with two first side walls, the floor and first side walls together forming a generally U-shaped cross-section, the roof is provided with two second side walls, the roof and second side walls together forming a generally inverted U-shaped in cross-section, wherein the floor and first side walls slidably engage within the roof and second side walls.

15 . A movable vehicle according to claim 13 , wherein an entrance is provided in an end wall.

16 . A movable vehicle according to claim 15 , wherein entrances are provided in both end walls.

17 . A movable vehicle according to claim 15 , wherein the entrance or entrances are closable by means of a roller shutter.

18 . A movable vehicle according to claim 13 , provided with a gantry adapted to engage with a cargo door of an aircraft slidably mounted on an end wall.

19 . A movable vehicle according to claim 13 , wherein the interposing is a scissor lift.

20 . A method of loading a movable vehicle as defined in claim 13 , comprising the steps of
i. lowering the moveable deck such that it generally abuts the floor; ii. loading cargo items onto the floating deck via at least one entrance; iii. raising the floating deck and roof to provide a working space between the floating deck and the floor; iv. loading cargo items onto the floor via at least one entrance; v. lowering the floating deck and roof.

21 . A method of loading and/or unloading cargo from a moveable vehicle as defined in claim 13 , into an aircraft comprising steps of
i. raising the roof and floating deck relative to the floor so as to provide a working space between the floor and the floating deck; ii. elevating the lift so as to bring the floor generally into alignment with a cargo hatch ( 12 ) provided in the fuselage of an aircraft; iii. loading and/or unloading cargo items between the cargo container and the aircraft the floor of the cargo container via at least one entrance; iv. lowering the floating deck relative to the floor so as to provide a working space between the floating deck and the roof; v. lowering the lift so as to bring the floating deck generally into alignment with the cargo hatch provided in the fuselage of the aircraft; and vi. loading and/or unloading cargo items between the cargo container and the aircraft from the floating deck of the cargo container via at least one entrance.

Assignees

• Deutsche Post Ag

Inventors

• Bryce Martin
• Richardson Paul
• Robertsos Kyle
• Defanis Mark

Classifications

• B60P1/02 Primary

  with parallel up-and-down movement of load supporting or containing element (in combination with tipping B60P1/34; devices for lifting or lowering bulky or heavy goods for loading or unloading purposes, movable on wheels or the like, e.g. fork-lift trucks, B66F9/06 {; suspensions with electronic levelling control during loading or unloading B60G17/0157}) · CPC title

• B66F11/042

  actuated by lazy-tongs mechanisms or articulated levers · CPC title

• B60P3/00

  Vehicles adapted to transport, to carry or to comprise special loads or objects (ambulances or other vehicles with special provisions for transporting patients or disabled persons, or their personal conveyances A61G3/00; hearses A61G21/00; fire-fighting land vehicles A62C27/00; refuse-collecting vehicles B65F3/00, B65F7/00; snow-removing vehicles E01H; armoured or armed vehicles F41H7/00; self-propelled mine-clearing vehicles F41H11/16) · CPC title

• B64F1/32 Primary

  for handling freight · CPC title

• B64F1/326 Primary

  Supply vehicles specially adapted for transporting catering to and loading into the aircraft · CPC title