Multi-directional cargo loading / unloading system

Abstract

The invention relates to a multidirectional cargo loading / unloading system. A vehicle, a cargo transfer apparatus of a vehicle, and a method of transferring a package between a vehicle and a delivery platform. A lift platform extends from a floor of the vehicle via a support structure. A package moves from one of the floor and the delivery platform to the lift platform. The lift platform rotates via a turntable through a rotation angle. The support structure supports the turntable and the lift platform. The package moves from the lift platform to the other of the floor and the delivery platform.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This subject matter discloses methods for loading and unloading packages from delivery vehicles or trucks, and more particularly for loading goods onto and unloading goods from a delivery platform at a non-standard location relative to the delivery vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] Delivery trucks or vans are used to transport and deliver goods. When delivering heavy packages, a ramp at the rear of the truck is typically used to raise and lower the package between the truck floor and the ground. However, in some cases, the delivery platform for receiving the package is located outside the direct rear of the delivery vehicle. Therefore, it is desirable to provide a system that can deliver packages from the rear of the delivery vehicle to a location on the side of the delivery vehicle. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In one exemplary embodiment, a method for transferring a package between a vehicle and a delivery platform is disclosed. A lifting platform extends from the floor of the vehicle via a support structure. The package moves from one of the floor and the delivery platform to the lifting platform. The lifting platform rotates by a rotation angle. The package then moves from the lifting platform to the other of the floor and the delivery platform.

[0004] In addition to one or more features described herein, the method further includes moving the lifting platform along the lateral axis of the vehicle via a slide rail mechanism coupled to a support structure. The method according to one embodiment of the invention further includes vertically moving the support structure relative to the floor of the vehicle. The method also includes moving the support structure parallel to the floor via a linear actuator to extend the lifting platform from the floor. The lifting platform includes a central section, a front axle plate hinged to the central section, and a rear axle plate hinged to the central section, and at least one of the front and rear axle plates is rotatable to a 90-degree position relative to the central section. The method further includes rotating the front axle plate to a 180-degree position relative to the central section to form a bridge between the floor and the central section. The delivery platform may be located on one of the left and right sides of the vehicle.

[0005] In another exemplary embodiment, a cargo transfer device for a vehicle is disclosed. The cargo transfer device includes a lifting platform configured to extend from the vehicle for supporting packages, a turntable configured to rotate the lifting platform by a rotation angle, and a support structure configured to support the turntable and the lifting platform at a position away from the vehicle.

[0006] In addition to one or more features described herein, the cargo transfer equipment includes a slide rail mechanism for moving the lifting platform along the lateral axis of the vehicle. The cargo transfer equipment also includes a rail lifter for vertically moving a support structure relative to the vehicle floor. The cargo transfer equipment further includes a linear actuator for moving the support structure parallel to the vehicle floor to extend the lifting platform from the floor. The lifting platform includes a central section, a front axle plate hinged to the central section, and a rear axle plate hinged to the central section, wherein at least one of the front and rear axle plates is configured to rotate to a 90-degree position relative to the central section. The front axle plate is configured to rotate to a 180-degree position to form a bridge between the vehicle floor and the central section. A turntable rotates the lifting platform for unloading packages to a delivery position at one of the left and right sides of the vehicle.

[0007] In another exemplary embodiment, a vehicle is disclosed. The vehicle includes a cargo area and a cargo transfer device positioned within the cargo area. The cargo transfer device includes a lifting platform configured to extend from the vehicle for supporting packages, a turntable configured to rotate the lifting platform by a rotation angle, and a support structure configured to support the turntable and the lifting platform at a location away from the vehicle.

[0008] In addition to one or more features described herein, the vehicle includes a slide rail mechanism for moving the lifting platform along the vehicle's lateral axis. The vehicle also includes a rail lift for vertically moving a support structure relative to the vehicle's floor and a linear actuator for moving the support structure parallel to the floor to extend the lifting platform from the floor. The lifting platform includes a central section, a front axle plate hinged to the central section, and a rear axle plate hinged to the central section, wherein at least one of the front and rear axle plates is configured to rotate to a 90-degree position relative to the central section. The front axle plate is configured to rotate to a 180-degree position to form a bridge between the floor of the cargo area and the central section. A turntable rotates the lifting platform for unloading packages onto a delivery platform located at one of the left and right sides of the vehicle.

[0009] Option 1. A method for transferring packages between a vehicle and a delivery platform, comprising:

[0010] The lifting platform extends from the floor of the vehicle via a supporting structure;

[0011] Move the package from one of the floor and the delivery platform to the lifting platform;

[0012] Rotate the lifting platform by a rotation angle; and

[0013] The package is moved from the lifting platform to the floor and another of the delivery platforms.

[0014] Option 2. The method according to Option 1 further includes moving the lifting platform along the lateral axis of the vehicle via a slide rail mechanism connected to the support structure.

[0015] Option 3. The method according to Option 1 further includes vertically moving the support structure relative to the floor of the vehicle.

[0016] Option 4. The method according to Option 1 further includes moving the support structure parallel to the floor via a linear actuator to extend the lifting platform from the floor.

[0017] Option 5. The method according to Option 1, wherein the lifting platform includes a central section, a front axle plate hinged to the central section, and a rear axle plate hinged to the central section, and the method further includes rotating at least one of the front axle plate and the rear axle plate to a 90-degree position relative to the central section.

[0018] Option 6. The method according to Option 5 further includes rotating the front axle plate to a position of 180 degrees relative to the central segment to form a bridge between the floor and the central segment.

[0019] Option 7. The method according to Option 1, wherein the delivery platform is located at one of the left and right sides of the vehicle.

[0020] Option 8. A cargo transfer device for a vehicle, comprising:

[0021] A lifting platform configured to extend from the vehicle to support packages;

[0022] A turntable configured to rotate the lifting platform by a rotation angle; and

[0023] A support structure configured to support the turntable and the lifting platform at a location away from the vehicle.

[0024] Option 9. The cargo transfer device according to Option 8 further includes a slide rail mechanism for moving the lifting platform along the lateral axis of the vehicle.

[0025] Option 10. The cargo transfer device according to Option 8 further includes a track lift for vertically moving the support structure relative to the floor of the vehicle.

[0026] Option 11. The cargo transfer device according to Option 8 further includes a linear actuator for moving the support structure parallel to the floor of the vehicle to extend the lifting platform from the floor.

[0027] Option 12. The cargo transfer device according to Option 8, wherein the lifting platform includes a central section, a front axle plate hinged to the central section, and a rear axle plate hinged to the central section, wherein at least one of the front axle plate and the rear axle plate is configured to rotate to a 90-degree position relative to the central section.

[0028] Option 13. The cargo transfer device according to Option 12, wherein the front axle plate is configured to rotate to a 180-degree position to form a bridge between the floor of the vehicle and the central section.

[0029] Option 14. The cargo transfer device according to Option 8, wherein the turntable causes the lifting platform to rotate for unloading the package to a delivery position at one of the left and right sides of the vehicle.

[0030] Option 15. A vehicle comprising:

[0031] Goods area; and

[0032] A cargo transfer device located within the cargo area, the cargo transfer device comprising:

[0033] A lifting platform configured to extend from the vehicle to support packages;

[0034] A turntable configured to rotate the lifting platform by a rotation angle; and

[0035] A support structure configured to support the turntable and the lifting platform at a location away from the vehicle.

[0036] Option 16. The vehicle according to Option 15 further includes a slide rail mechanism for moving the lifting platform along the lateral axis of the vehicle.

[0037] Option 17. The vehicle according to Option 15 further includes a track lift for vertically moving the support structure relative to the floor of the vehicle and a linear actuator for moving the support structure parallel to the floor so that the lifting platform extends from the floor.

[0038] Option 18. The vehicle according to Option 15, wherein the lifting platform includes a central section, a front axle plate hinged to the central section, and a rear axle plate hinged to the central section, wherein at least one of the front axle plate and the rear axle plate is configured to rotate to a 90-degree position relative to the central section.

[0039] Option 19. The vehicle according to Option 18, wherein the front axle plate is configured to rotate to a 180-degree position to form a bridge between the floor of the cargo area and the central section.

[0040] Option 20. The vehicle according to Option 15, wherein the turntable causes the lifting platform to rotate for unloading the package onto a delivery platform located at one of the left and right sides of the vehicle.

[0041] The above-described features and advantages of this disclosure, as well as other features and advantages, will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0042] Other features, advantages, and details are presented by way of example only in the following detailed description, with reference to the following figures, wherein:

[0043] Figure 1 A delivery vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment is shown;

[0044] Figure 2 The rear section of the delivery vehicle is shown;

[0045] Figure 3A-3J The illustration shows the initial steps of a cargo unloading operation that can be performed using cargo transfer equipment;

[0046] Figures 4A-4E The illustration shows the final steps of a cargo unloading operation for unloading packages onto a delivery platform on one side of a delivery vehicle.

[0047] Figures 5A-5C The illustration shows the final steps of a cargo unloading operation for unloading packages onto a street or delivery platform below the floor 108 of the delivery vehicle 100; and

[0048] Figures 6A-6C The illustration shows the final steps of a cargo unloading operation for unloading packages onto a delivery platform positioned vertically above the floor of a delivery vehicle. Detailed Implementation

[0049] The following description is exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit this disclosure, its application, or use. It should be understood that in all the drawings, corresponding reference numerals denote the same or corresponding parts and features.

[0050] According to an exemplary embodiment, Figure 1Delivery vehicle 100 is shown. Delivery vehicle 100 includes a cargo area 102 and a door 104 at the rear of the delivery vehicle. As illustrated with package 106, one or more packages may be placed on the floor 108 of cargo area 102 when transported to the delivery location. Door 104 is shown in the closed position. Door 104 can be raised to the open position 110 to open cargo area 102 at the rear end of delivery vehicle 100, thereby allowing removal of package 106 via the rear end. Package 106 may have a set of rollers at its bottom, or may be mounted on a trolley with rollers to allow the package to be rolled out of delivery vehicle 100. Cargo transfer device 112 is positioned in cargo area and is disposed next to door 104 when the door is in the closed position. Cargo transfer device 112 is shown in the retracted position.

[0051] Figure 2 The rear section 200 of the delivery vehicle 100 is shown. The rear section 200 shows a door 104 in the open position 110 and a cargo transfer device 112 extending from the rear of the delivery vehicle 100. The cargo transfer device 112 includes a lifting platform 202, a turntable 204, a slide rail mechanism 206, a support structure 208, and a rail lift 210. A control box 230 is shown inside the cargo area 102 for controlling the operation of the cargo transfer device 112, such as the operation of the rail lift 210. The control box 230 may be fixed in a location within the cargo area 102; alternatively, it may be a portable handheld device that allows the operator to operate the cargo transfer device 112 when the operator is outside the delivery vehicle 100.

[0052] The lifting platform 202 includes a central section 212, a front axle plate 214 hingedly attached to the central section 212 at a first end 216, and a rear axle plate 218 hingedly attached to the central section 212 at a second end 220. For transferring packages, the lifting platform 202 is positioned in an extended configuration, in which the central section 212 is supported outside the truck away from the floor 108, with the first end 216 close to the floor 108 and the second end 220 away from the floor.

[0053] The front axle plate 214 is rotatable relative to the center section 212 by at least 180 degrees. In the 0-degree position, the front axle plate folds onto the center section 212, resting on top of the center plate. In the 90-degree position, the front axle plate 214 is perpendicular to the plane of the center section 212. In the 180-degree position, the front axle plate 214 is in an extended position away from the center section 212, thereby extending the length of the lifting platform to the length of the center section 212 plus the length of the front axle plate 214. The front axle plate 214 can be locked in any angular position, including the 0-degree, 90-degree, and 180-degree positions. During loading onto and unloading from the floor 108, the front axle plate 214 is positioned at 180 degrees and extends from the floor 108 at the rear end of the delivery vehicle 100 to the lifting platform 202, thus forming a bridge through which packages can be transported between the floor and the lifting platform.

[0054] The rear axle plate 218 can rotate at least 180 degrees relative to the center section 212. In the 0-degree position, the rear axle plate 218 is folded onto the center section 212, resting on top of the center plate. In the 90-degree position, the rear axle plate 218 is perpendicular to the plane of the center section 212. In the 180-degree position, the rear axle plate 218 is in an extended position away from the center section 212, thereby extending the length of the lifting platform 202 to the length of the center section 212 plus the length of the rear axle plate 218. The rear axle plate 218 can be locked in any angular position, including the 0-degree, 90-degree, and 180-degree positions.

[0055] When the package 106 is wrapped on the central section 212, the front axle plate 214 and the rear axle plate 218 can be locked to their respective 90-degree positions to prevent the package 106 from rolling off the lifting platform 202. The front axle plate 214 and the rear axle plate 218 can be folded to their respective 0-degree positions, allowing the lifting platform 202 to retract into the delivery vehicle 100. In the retracted position, the first end 216 is positioned near the floor 108, and the second end 220 is positioned away from the floor.

[0056] The lifting platform 202 is coupled to the turntable 204 and rests on the turntable 204 when in an extended configuration. The turntable 204 has a stationary section and a rotatable section that is rotatable relative to the stationary section. The turntable 204 can be operated manually or using command signals input at the control box 230. The central section 212 of the lifting platform 202 is coupled to the rotatable section of the turntable 204. The stationary section is coupled to the slide rail mechanism 206. The turntable 204 allows the lifting platform to rotate at multiple angles. In an embodiment, the lifting platform can rotate a full 360 degrees. The rotatable section of the turntable can be locked at any selected angular position relative to the stationary section.

[0057] The support structure 208 includes a left support beam 222, a right support beam 224, and a transverse horizontal beam 226 extending between the left and right support beams. The left support beam 222 is slidably connected to the left section of the rail lift 210. The right support beam 224 is slidably connected to the right section of the rail lift 210. The rail lift 210 is operable to vertically move the support structure 208, thereby appropriately raising and lowering the lifting platform 202. The support structure 208 can also be moved horizontally (i.e., parallel to the floor 108) via one or more linear actuators 228.

[0058] The slide rail mechanism 206 is slidably connected to the transverse horizontal beam 226 of the support structure 208 and is movable along the transverse horizontal beam along the transverse axis of the delivery vehicle 100. The slide rail mechanism 206 can be controlled by an electrical signal to move to any position along the transverse horizontal beam 226.

[0059] Therefore, with the extended configuration of the lifting platform 202, the vertical position of the lifting platform can be adjusted by activating the rail lift 210, the horizontal position of the lifting platform can be adjusted by activating the slide rail mechanism 206, and the orientation of the lifting platform can be adjusted by activating the turntable 204. The rail lift 210, the slide rail mechanism 206, and the turntable can be controlled by signals input by the operator to the control box 230.

[0060] Figure 3A-3J The illustration shows the initial steps of a cargo unloading operation that can be performed using cargo transfer equipment 112. For example... Figure 3A As shown, the operator begins operation by opening the door to the goods area. (As indicated...) Figure 3B As shown, the operator then folds the lifting platform 202 downwards to a horizontal position. The front axle plate 214 and rear axle plate 218 are in the folded position (0-degree position). As... Figure 3C As shown, the operator then enters cargo area 102. Figure 3D and Figure 3E As shown, the operator initiates the deployment of the lifting platform 202 by using a command to move the support structure 208 at the control box. The deployment of the lifting platform 202 includes extending the lifting platform away from the cargo area 102 and adjusting the vertical height of the lifting platform. The lifting platform 202 extends from the cargo area 102 by moving at least one of the horizontal and vertical support structures 208.

[0061] like Figure 3F As shown, pull package 106 to the back edge of floor 108. (As indicated) Figure 3G As shown, the operator descends from delivery vehicle 100 and stands on the road next to lifting platform 202. Figure 3H As shown, the operator unlocks the front axle plate 214 and rotates it to a 180-degree position. Figure 3IAs shown, the operator then unlocks the rear axle plate 218 and rotates it to a 90-degree position. Figure 3J As shown, the operator then rolls package 106 onto lifting platform 202 via front axle plate 214. Rear axle plate 218 provides a rear stop or rear guardrail for package 106. Once package 106 is on center section 212, front axle plate 214 can be rotated to a 90-degree position to provide a front stop or front guardrail for package.

[0062] Figures 4A-4E The illustration shows the final step of the cargo unloading operation for unloading package 106 onto the delivery platform 402 on the side of delivery vehicle 100. Figure 3A-3J After the steps or when the elevator is in Figure 3J When the configuration shown is executed, Figures 4A-4E The final step. For example... Figure 4A As shown, the lifting platform 202 moves to one side of the delivery vehicle 100 along the lateral axis using a slide rail mechanism 206. Figure 4B As shown, the lifting platform 202 is rotated via a turntable 204 so that the rear end of the lifting platform is positioned at the delivery platform 402, which may be a sidewalk or curb. In one embodiment, the turntable can rotate 90 degrees. However, any suitable angle of rotation can be achieved to align the lifting platform 202 with the delivery platform 402, which is in a different position relative to the delivery vehicle 100.

[0063] like Figure 4C As shown, the rail lift 210 is used to lower the lifting platform 202 to the curb. Figure 4D As shown, the rear axle plate 218 unlocks from the 90-degree position and rotates to the 180-degree position. In the 180-degree position, the outer edge of the rear axle plate 218 rests on the delivery platform 402 (e.g., a sidewalk or curb). Figure 4E As shown, the package 106 is then rolled off the lifting platform 202 onto the delivery platform 402 via the rear axle plate 218.

[0064] Figures 5A-5C The illustration shows the final steps of an unloading operation for unloading package 106 onto a street or delivery platform 502 located below the floor 108 of delivery vehicle 100. Figure 3A-3J After the steps or when the elevator is in Figure 3J When the configuration shown is executed, Figures 5A-5C The final step. For example... Figure 5A As shown, the lifting platform 202 descends to street level. The rear axle plate 218 and front axle plate 214 can be positioned at 90 degrees during the descent of the lifting platform 202 to prevent the package from rolling off at either end. Figure 5CAs shown, when the lifting platform 202 reaches the street, the rear axle plate 218 unlocks from the 90-degree position and rotates to the 180-degree position, so that the outer edge of the rear axle plate 218 rests on the street. Figure 5C As shown, package 106 then rolls down from lifting platform 202 onto the street via rear axle plate 218.

[0065] Figures 6A-6C The illustration shows the final step of a cargo unloading operation for unloading packages onto a delivery platform 602 positioned vertically above the floor 108 of the delivery vehicle 100. Figure 3A-3J After the steps or when the lifting platform 202 is in Figure 3J When the configuration shown is executed, Figures 6A-6C The final step. In Figure 6A In this configuration, the lifting platform 202 is raised to the level of the delivery platform 602. The rear and front axle plates 218 can be positioned at a 90-degree angle when the platform is raised to prevent the package 106 from rolling off at either end. Figure 6B As shown, when the platform reaches the height of delivery platform 602, the rear axle plate 218 unlocks from the 90-degree position and rotates to the 180-degree position, so that the outer edge of the rear axle plate rests on the delivery platform. Figure 6C As shown, package 106 then rolls down from lifting platform 202 onto delivery platform 602 via rear axle plate 218.

[0066] Although the invention is disclosed and described herein for unloading packages from a delivery vehicle to a delivery platform, it is apparent that an operator can load packages from a delivery platform onto a delivery vehicle by reversing the order of the steps shown herein.

[0067] Although the above disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes may be made and elements may be substituted with equivalents without departing from its scope. Furthermore, many modifications may be made to adapt particular situations or materials to the teachings of this disclosure without departing from its essential scope. Therefore, it is intended that this disclosure be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, but will include all embodiments falling within its scope.

Claims

1. A method for transferring packages between a vehicle and a delivery platform, comprising: The lifting platform and turntable are folded down from a retracted position inside the vehicle to an extended position, in which the lifting platform and turntable extend to the outside of the vehicle via a support structure, wherein a slide rail mechanism is connected to the support structure and the turntable; The package is moved from either the floor of the vehicle or the delivery platform to the lifting platform; The lifting platform is moved along the lateral axis of the vehicle via the slide rail mechanism; The lifting platform is rotated by a rotation angle via the turntable; and The package is moved from the lifting platform to the floor and another of the delivery platforms.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising vertically moving the support structure relative to the floor of the vehicle.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising moving the support structure parallel to the floor via a linear actuator to extend the lifting platform from the floor.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The lifting platform includes a central section, a front axle plate hinged to the central section, and a rear axle plate hinged to the central section. The method further includes rotating at least one of the front axle plate and the rear axle plate to a 90-degree position relative to the central section.

5. The method of claim 4, further comprising rotating the front axle plate to a position 180 degrees relative to the central segment to form a bridge between the floor and the central segment.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The delivery platform is located on one of the left and right sides of the vehicle.

7. A cargo transfer device for a vehicle, comprising: A lifting platform configured to support packages; A slide rail mechanism configured to move the lifting platform along the lateral axis of the vehicle; A turntable configured to rotate the lifting platform by a rotation angle, wherein the turntable is connected to the slide rail mechanism, and the lifting platform rests on the turntable; and A support structure is configured to support the slide rail mechanism, wherein the lifting platform and the turntable are configured to fold downward from a retracted position inside the vehicle to an extended position, wherein in the extended position, the lifting platform and the turntable extend to the outside of the vehicle via the support structure.

8. The cargo transfer device of claim 7 further includes a track lift for vertically moving the support structure relative to the floor of the vehicle.

9. The cargo transfer device of claim 7, further comprising a linear actuator for moving the support structure parallel to the floor of the vehicle to extend the lifting platform from the floor.

10. The cargo transfer device according to claim 7, wherein, The lifting platform includes a central section, a front axle plate hinged to the central section, and a rear axle plate hinged to the central section, wherein at least one of the front axle plate and the rear axle plate is configured to rotate to a 90-degree position relative to the central section.

11. The cargo transfer device according to claim 10, wherein, The front axle plate is configured to rotate to a 180-degree position to form a bridge between the vehicle floor and the center section.

12. The cargo transfer device according to claim 7, wherein, The turntable causes the lifting platform to rotate for unloading the package to a delivery location on one of the left or right sides of the vehicle.

13. A vehicle comprising: Goods area; and A cargo transfer device located within the cargo area, the cargo transfer device comprising: A lifting platform configured to support packages; A slide rail mechanism configured to move the lifting platform along the lateral axis of the vehicle; A turntable configured to rotate the lifting platform by a rotation angle, wherein the turntable is connected to the slide rail mechanism, and the lifting platform rests on the turntable; and A support structure is configured to support the slide rail mechanism, wherein the lifting platform and the turntable are configured to fold downward from a retracted position inside the vehicle to an extended position, wherein in the extended position, the lifting platform and the turntable extend to the outside of the vehicle via the support structure.

14. The vehicle of claim 13, further comprising a track lift for vertically moving the support structure relative to the floor of the vehicle and a linear actuator for moving the support structure parallel to the floor to extend the lifting platform from the floor.

15. The vehicle according to claim 13, wherein, The lifting platform includes a central section, a front axle plate hinged to the central section, and a rear axle plate hinged to the central section, wherein at least one of the front axle plate and the rear axle plate is configured to rotate to a 90-degree position relative to the central section.

16. The vehicle according to claim 15, wherein, The front axle is configured to rotate to a 180-degree position to form a bridge between the floor of the cargo area and the central section.

17. The vehicle according to claim 13, wherein, The turntable causes the lifting platform to rotate for unloading the package onto a delivery platform located on one of the left and right sides of the vehicle.

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