Multimodal Platform for Railcar

Abstract

A multimodal platform is provided for a railcar. The multimodal platform includes a first underframe, a second underframe, a loading platform, and rail wheels. The first underframe carries a first container and the second underframe carries a second container. The second underframe is coupled to the first underframe and coupling the first underframe and the second underframe provides an articulation point. The loading platform is disposed above the articulation point and between a first end of the first container proximate the second container and a second end of the second container proximate the first container. The rail wheels are disposed under the loading platform and coupled to the first underframe and the second underframe. The rail wheels are configured to transport the multimodal platform on rails of a railway.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) of the priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 722,586 entitled “MULTIMODAL PLATFORM FOR RAILCAR” filed on Aug. 24, 2018, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD[0002]This disclosure relates generally to a platform, and more particularly to a railcar platform for loading and unloading various containers.BACKGROUND[0003]Railcars may be configured to transport freight and cargo across the country using multiple containers. In comparison with the use of trucks to haul freight, railcars may be limited in their mobility for warehousing and logistic planning. For example, how the transported containers are loaded and unloaded may be restricted, thereby limiting the available routes, stops, and number of railcars that can be used.SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE[0004]The loading or unloading of cargo from containers on a railcar is a time and resource-intensive t...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006]Certain embodiments disclosed herein may contain or embody one or more technical advantages. For example, certain embodiments may significantly improve the efficiency of loading or unloading cargo from containers of the railcar. In particular, certain embodiments may allow the unloading of multiple containers using a single platform area that can be connected to a dock or other loading / unloading location. Furthermore, particular embodiments may eliminate the most troublesome and costly aspect of rail boxcars that being the boxcar door, be it sliding or plug door. As another example, certain embodiments may accommodate a wide variety of containers, including various types of containers, including standard-size container boxes and trailers. In particular, certain multimodal platforms described herein may allow for the transportation of containers across different modes of transportation, such as to or from railcar transportation to or from sea transports, highway / road carriers, or other types of railcars (e.g., double-stack well cars), with or without trans-loading the cargo or freight into other containers. As yet another example, particular embodiments may provide an extra route for a persons or equipment to travel between docks or locations on opposite sides of the railcar, thereby increase the loading and unloading options, particularly when multiple railcars are being loaded or unloaded at the same location.

Problems solved by technology

The loading or unloading of cargo from containers on a railcar is a time and resource-intensive task.

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