Modular transportation systems, devices and methods

• US 9,868,589 B2
• Filed: 04/15/2014
• Issued: 01/16/2018
• Est. Priority Date: 01/15/2014
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Cargo Cube Systems, Llc
• Original Assignee: Cargo Cube Systems, Llc
• Inventors: Disorbo, Aldo
• Primary Examiner(s): Gordon, Stephen T
• Application Number:
  US14/361,280
• Publication Number:
  US 20150344222A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,372 Days
• Field of Search: 410 66, 410 67, 410 46, 108 5715, 220 15
• CPC Class Codes: B60P 1/36 using endless chains or belts thereon
• CPC Class Codes: B60P 1/52 using rollers in the load-transporting element
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 19/0004 Rigid pallets without side walls
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 2590/0066 Containers inside the container
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 88/02 rigid B65D88/34 - B65D88/78 take precedence; hoppers B65D88/26; special vessels for collecting or storing rain-water for use in the household E03B3/03; cesspools E03F11/00
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 88/12 specially adapted for transport associated with vehicles, see the relevant subclasses of B60 - B64
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 88/129 Transporter frames for containers
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 88/30 specially adapted to facilitate transportation from one utilisation site to another collapsible hoppers B65D88/52
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 88/546 Devices for loading or unloading and forming part of the container, e.g. rollers, conveyors loading or unloading vehicles B65G67/20
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 90/00 Component parts, details or accessories for large containers B65D88/34 - B65D88/78 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 90/0053 fixed on the side wall of the container B65D90/0066, B65D90/0073 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 90/0066 Partition walls
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 90/587 having a linear motion
• CPC Class Codes: B65G 63/004 for containers
• CPC Class Codes: B65G 67/02 Loading or unloading land vehicles

Abstract

A system including devices and methods for transporting or storing materials uses slidable containers, or modules. The modules have recessed wheels that facilitate sliding movement when placed on tracks. The use of tracks allows for precise placement of the modules in close proximity to each other and the walls of a vessel or facility they are placed in. The modules may be disassembled for easy, compact storage or transport. The modules may be used with a lift platform adapted to accommodate the modules and tracks or rails for engaging the recessed wheels. By using closely aligned tracks, the transport module may be used to maximize efficient use of space when transporting cargo.

Claims

1. A transport module having:

six substantially planar components comprising a front, a back, a top, a base and two sides;

wherein each of the components are removably attached to one another such that the module has a disassembled configuration and assembled configuration;

wherein the front may be comprised of one or more doors which may slide into grooves or may be rotatably attached to the sides, the top, or the base;

wherein the base comprises two channels for engaging a forklift or pallet jack;

at least two tracks on a lift platform and at least two tracks on an interior of a vessel, wherein the at least two tracks on a lift platform align with the at least two tracks on an interior of a vessel;

wherein the base includes at least four recessed wheels capable of engaging the at least two tracks on a lift platform and at least two tracks on an interior of a vessel to facilitate sliding movement of the module;

wherein the at least four recessed wheels do not touch the ground when the base lies on a flat surface.

2. The transport module of claim 1 wherein the vessel contains at least one additional module, each module substantially abutting adjacent modules in the vessel.

3. The transport module of claim 1, further comprising a top.

4. The transport module of claim 3 wherein the front, the back and the two sides include tabs extending downward and the base includes slots corresponding to each tab;

wherein the tabs are inserted into the slots when the module is assembled.

5. The transport module of claim 1, wherein the base includes two distal beams and two medial beams defining a channel therebetween, wherein the recessed wheels are located in the channels defined by the distal beams and the medial beams.

6. The transport module of claim 1, wherein the front, the back and the two sides include tabs extending downward and the base includes slots corresponding to each tab;

wherein the tabs are inserted into the slots when the module is assembled, and

wherein the six substantially planar components may be stacked when disassembled.