Transporting and / or conveying loads by uniquely coordinated switchable cartridge, conveyor and dolly

Abstract

A cartridge for storage and distribution of loads, the cartridge comprising: (a) a housing including a floor surface adapted to have the loads disposed thereon; (b) a plurality of legs, supporting the housing on a base surface; (c) a fluid-based vertical-motion assembly facilitating raising and lowering of the floor surface of the housing, relative to each of the plurality of legs; (d) a gripping assembly adapted to grip a load of the loads and to facilitate carrying of the load, for placement of the load within the cartridge or for removal of the load from the cartridge, the gripping assembly adapted to enable horizontal motion of the gripped load between a position vertically above the floor of the housing and a position vertically outside of the housing; and vertical motion of the gripped load relative to the floor of the housing.

Description

[0001] TRANSPORTING AND / OR CONVEYING LOADS BY UNIQUELY COORDINATED SWITCHABLE CARTRIDGE, CONVEYOR AND DOLLY

[0002] FIELD OF INVENTION

[0003] The disclosed technology relates generally to efficient methods and systems for transporting and / or conveying loads, which are heavy for manual lifting and carrying, using a system, which includes a cartridge, a conveyor and a dolly, coordinated with one another.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Many fields require vehicle loading, transporting, and unloading of heavy loads weighing dozens of kilograms, such as, for example, construction materials, boxes of merchandise, and heavy ammunition. Typically, loading and unloading of such loads includes moving the loads between two different elevations - for example from the ground to an elevated surface, between surfaces of different heights such as between two different transporting vehicles, or from an elevated surface down to the ground.

[0006] Additionally, loading and unloading tasks can occur in different transporting ground conditions, which may require change of transporting vehicles. Nowadays, the common method for transporting heavy loads includes loading all the loads, occasionally destined for different destinations, on one truck or trailer, and unloading each set of loads manually by workers. Most frequently, the loads are first unloaded from the truck down to the ground, and then transferred to the destination site, or loaded onto other vehicles, either manually, or by specialized devices, such as forklifts. Manual labor is also often necessary at the destination site, in order to transfer the loads toward their final desired location. If it is necessary to transfer additional heavy loads to other destination sites, all these cumbersome processes of loading, transporting and unloading are frequently repeated for each destination.

[0007] Usually, the loading and unloading process of heavy loads is very time consuming. Typically, each transition of the load (e.g., between different vehicles) includes significant amounts of essentially "dead time", and the processes of loading and unloading becomes "a bottle neck", which substantially slows down the distribution of the loads to their destinations. In addition, the loads are usually placed on the vehicle in a scattered manner, and thus unloading at each destination requires coordination and control of the driver and the other workers at that destination. This situation often requires repeated long trips for the repeated loading and unloading processes as well as additional manpower, working with the driver.

[0008] US 20090261112 Al discloses a self-lifting / lowering transport container comprising: a container body; and at least two supporting members arranged at opposite sides of the container body and configured to be extendable to lift the container body and to be contractible to lower the container body substantially along a vertical direction of the container body.

[0009] The requirement of manual labor when transferring of loads, both between vehicles and at the destination site, creates hazardous and harmful loads of accumulated physical damages to the workers' health (e.g., body injuries). All of these are translated to expensive costs for the employers, due to the required insurance of high safety risks.

[0010] There is thus a need for efficient mechanisms and methods for maneuvering heavy loads to their destination and in field conditions, without requiring extensive manual labor.

[0011] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The disclosed technology of the present invention is destined for easily and efficiently performing tasks of transporting and / or conveying loads of dozens of kilograms, which are usually too heavy for manual lifting and carrying. The systems include a cartridge, a conveyor and a dolly, shown in Figures 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6, which are uniquely and efficiently coordinated between one another. The inventing methods and systems are designed to reduce body injuries, particularly cumulative ones, frequently occurring in such missions, save a lot of time for such tasks, and save a vast amount of manpower and expenses, typically expended for such tasks. The independent ability of the cartridge to be lowered all the way down to the ground, enables loading it with the heavy loads with minimal physical efforts. Having the ability to raise the cartridge to a height, higher than that of the destination height, enables the user to slide down the loads along the conveyor without having to actuate it electrically or by any other kind of actuation. Furthermore, having the ability to transfer loads from the cartridge onto the conveyor, using its winch and gripper is most beneficial to the user. Furthermore, the ability of the cartridge to center and optionally lock / fasten itself relative to the vehicle, enables the user to reload and transport a number of cartridges simultaneously. In addition, lifting the loads onto the conveyor using the dolly, while taking advantage of the user's bodyweight is of a substantial benefit. Furthermore, having the ability to raise the rear end of the conveyor together with the load using the ratchet mechanism of the conveyor's rear leg, enables the user to slide forward the loads with virtually no effort of the user, whatsoever, and without any electric or any other kind of actuation bears an immense importance. In addition, the cartridge can quickly and easily expand itself into a large functional structure / tent.

[0013] In accordance with an aspect of the disclosed technology, there is provided a cartridge for storage and distribution of loads. The cartridge includes a housing including a floor surface adapted to have the loads disposed thereon, and a plurality of legs, supporting the housing on a base surface. The housing further includes a fluidbased vertical-motion assembly facilitating raising and lowering of the floor surface of the housing, relative to each of the plurality of legs. An optionally self- locked / / fastened gripping assembly is adapted to grip a load of the loads, to facilitate safe movement of the load for placement of load within the cartridge or for removal of the load from the cartridge. The gripping assembly is adapted to enable horizontal motion of the gripped load between a position vertically above the floor of the housing and a position vertically outside of the housing and vertical motion of the gripped load relative to the floor of the housing.

[0014] In some embodiments, the housing further includes at least one side wall, the at least one side wall having an open operative state and a closed operative state.

[0015] In some embodiments, the housing further includes a top wall having an open operative state and a closed operative state.

[0016] In some embodiments, the housing includes a plurality of vertical hollow posts, each disposed within, and movable relative to, one of the plurality of legs, by the fluid-based vertical-motion assembly.

[0017] In some embodiments, the fluid-based vertical-motion assembly includes a plurality of hydraulic or pneumatic pistons coupling each of the plurality of legs to a corresponding one of the plurality of posts, and adapted to drive vertical motion between each leg and corresponding post.

[0018] In some embodiments, the fluid-based vertical motion assembly further includes at least one motor adapted to actuate a fluid-pump for delivery of fluid to and from the plurality of hydraulic or pneumatic pistons. In some embodiments, the height of a first of the plurality of posts relative to a first of the plurality of legs is adjustable independently of the height of a second of the plurality of posts relative to a second of the plurality of legs.

[0019] In some embodiments, the housing includes at least one storage compartment for storing a conveyance or transportation device for conveyance of the loads.

[0020] In some embodiments, the cartridge further includes a centering mechanism for centering and optionally locking / fastening the floor of the cartridge relative to a carrier surface onto which the cartridge is to be loaded.

[0021] In some embodiments, the housing includes a pair of beams supporting the floor surface, each beam having a slit formed in a bottom aspect thereof. In some such embodiments, the centering mechanism includes a plurality of arms, each associated with a torsional spring causing the corresponding arm to continuously engage one of the plurality of legs, and a corresponding plurality of pushers, each disposed at an end of one the plurality of arms and being associated with a slider extending into the slit of one of the beams, wherein, when each leg is raised relative to the floor surface, a foot of the leg pushes a second end of the arm upward, causing the corresponding pusher to slide horizontally toward a center of the beam, thereby ensuring centering of the cartridge relative to the carrier surface.

[0022] In some embodiments, the gripping assembly includes a rail disposed substantially perpendicularly to the plurality of legs, the rail having a storage state in which the rail extends only within a footprint of the floor of the housing, and a deliver / y state in which the rail extends below the footprint of the floor of the housing. The gripping assembly further includes a body, slidable along the rail, and a gripper, coupled to the body by one or more cables, the gripper including a gripping end adapted to grip one of the plurality of loads. Sliding of the body relative to the rail generates the horizontal motion of the gripped load, and raising or lowering of the cables generates the vertical motion of the gripped load.

[0023] In some embodiments, the gripping end of the gripper includes a magnetic gripping end.

[0024] In some embodiments, the gripping end of the gripper includes a cylindrical gripping end.

[0025] In some embodiments, the gripping end of the gripper includes a box gripping end. In some embodiments, the body is adapted to slide within a hollow profile of the rail, such that the gripper hangs beneath the rail.

[0026] In some embodiments, the cartridge comprises a positioning system, such as a GPS system, adapted to track a location of the cartridge, and / or to enable communication with the cartridge. One or more sensors can be used to identify and / or count loads and to track of the quantity of loads remaining within the cartridge and / or the quantity of loads used.

[0027] A processer may be functionally associated with sensor(s) and receive inputs therefrom. A transmitter and / or a receiver (e.g. a transceiver) may be used for communication of data from the cartridge (e.g., the sensor data). The data may also be transferred via a positioning system.

[0028] In accordance with an aspect of the disclosed technology, there is provided a conveyor for conveying a load. The conveyor includes a rail having first end and a second end. The conveyor further includes first and second adjustable-height legs, pivotable relative to the rail between an extended position and a folded position. The conveyor further includes a wheeled car, movable along the rail between the first end and the second end, the wheeled car including a load-delivery tray disposed externally to the rail and adapted to placement of a load thereon. A biasing member connects an end of the wheeled car to the first end of the rail. The biasing member is adapted to return the wheeled car to the first end of the rail following motion of the wheeled car to the second end of the rail.

[0029] In some embodiments, the first end of the rail includes a locking stopper, adapted to prevent the wheeled car from traveling during the loading process.

[0030] In some embodiments, the second end of the rail includes unique stopping and shock- absorbing mechanisms, comprising of a shock-absorber, a vertically slidable stopper / tongue, a pre-loaded upward pushing spring, a roller, and a handle, adapted for both, stopping the traveling loaded car, while shock-absorbing it, and, when necessary, manually pulling the loaded car forward partially, outside the rail, while preventing it from being fully detached from the rail, for the purpose of inserting / disposing the loaded car into a limited destination location, where the rail cannot be positioned. In some embodiments, the first end of the rail further includes a connection member for connection of the conveyor to a surface from which loads are to be unloaded.

[0031] In some embodiments, the rail includes a hollow profile having a longitudinal slit in an upper aspect thereof.

[0032] In some embodiments, the wheeled car includes a body adapted to be disposed within the rail and move relative thereto.

[0033] In some embodiments, the load-delivery tray is attached to the body of the wheeled car by a narrow plate configured to extend through the longitudinal slit, such that the load-delivery tray is disposed outside of the rail while the body is disposed within the rail.

[0034] In some embodiments, a height of the first leg is adjustable independently of adjustment of a height of the second leg, to facilitate the rail being disposed at a slant so as to allow gravitational force to drive the wheeled car along the rail.

[0035] In some embodiments, the first leg is associated with a ratcheting mechanism adapted to facilitate adjustment of the height of the first leg, the ratcheting mechanism including a plurality of asymmetrical teeth extending along an outer surface of the first leg and a spring-loaded pawl adapted to engage the teeth, the spring loaded pawl adapted to slide against the teeth in a first direction, and to lock against the teeth to prevent motion in the opposing direction. in accordance with an aspect of the disclosed technology, there is provided a system including the cartridge as described herein and the conveyor as described herein, wherein the gripping assembly of the cartridge is adapted to enable horizontal motion of a gripped load to a location disposed above the load-delivery tray, when the load-delivery tray is at the first end of the rail.

[0036] In some embodiments, the first end of the conveyor is adapted to couple to the floor of the cartridge for transfer of loads from the cartridge to the conveyor by the gripping assembly.

[0037] In accordance with an aspect of the disclosed technology, there is provided a dolly for transporting a load. The dolly includes a longitudinal spine, and first and second arms, each having a first end coupled to the spine and a second end coupled to a bracket, the first and second arms being pivotable relative to the spine, the brackets being configured to holding the load. The dolly further includes at least two wheels, coupled to the spine, and a handle, coupled to the spine and adapted for (i) driving the dolly using the at least two wheels and (ii) pivoting the first and second arms relative to the spine. The first and second arms are coupled to each other and are pivotable relative to the spine between an operative position in which the first and second arms are angled relative to the spine and a storage position in which the first and second arms are substantially parallel to the spine.

[0038] In some embodiments, the dolly further includes a leg, pivotable relative to the spine and extending away from the first and second arms, the leg being pivotable between an operative position and a storage position in which it is substantially parallel to the spine.

[0039] In some embodiments, the brackets include a first portion and a second portion movable relative to the first portion, wherein relative motion of the first and second portions enables gripping of the load in the brackets.

[0040] In some embodiments, a length of each of the first and second arms, between the spine and the corresponding bracket, is adjustable, independently of adjustment of a length of the other arm.

[0041] In accordance with an aspect of the disclosed technology, there is provided a system for conveying a load, the system including the conveyor as described herein and the dolly as described herein.

[0042] In some embodiments, the system further includes the cartridge as described herein.

[0043] In some embodiments, an upper surface of the cartridge is functionally associated with at least one profile extendable away from an upper edge of the cartridge, each of the at least one profile being associated with a length of fabric, such that extension of the at least one profile away from the upper edge of the cartridge spreads the fabric to form an extension to the upper surface of the cartridge, thereby forming a roof supported by the cartridge.

[0044] In some embodiments, the length of fabric is sufficiently long so as to reach the ground following extension of the at least one profile away from the upper edge of the cartridge, so as to form a side wall extending from the roof supported by the cartridge.

[0045] In some embodiments, each of the at least one profile is associated with a dedicated motor adapted to extend the profile away from the upper edge of the cartridge. In some embodiments, the at least one profile includes four profiles, each extendable away from a different upper edge of the cartridge, such that extension of the fabric associated with each of the four profiles down to the ground forms a tent surrounding the cartridge.

[0046] In accordance with an aspect of the disclosed technology, there is provided a method of loading a plurality of loads disposed within the cartridge as described herein onto a bed of a vehicle, the method including:

[0047] (a) operating the fluid-based vertical-motion assembly to raise the floor of the cartridge to be higher than the bed of the vehicle;

[0048] (b) driving the vehicle such that the bed of the vehicle is disposed between the legs of the cartridge and beneath the floor of the cartridge;

[0049] (c) operating the fluid-based vertical-motion assembly to lower the floor of the cartridge onto the bed of the vehicle; and

[0050] (d) operating the fluid-based vertical-motion assembly to retract the legs of the cartridge into the body of the cartridge, such that loading of the loads onto the bed of the vehicle is devoid of manual lifting of the loads.

[0051] In some embodiments, the method further includes automatically centering the body of the cartridge with respect to a longitudinal axis of the bed of the vehicle.

[0052] In accordance with an aspect of the disclosed technology, there is provided a method of transferring a plurality of loads disposed within the cartridge as described herein on a bed of a first vehicle to a bed of a second vehicle, the method including:

[0053] (a) operating the fluid-based vertical-motion assembly to extract the legs of the cartridge from the body of the cartridge onto a base surface;

[0054] (b) operating the fluid-based vertical-motion assembly to raise the floor of the cartridge to be higher than the bed of the first vehicle;

[0055] (c) driving the first vehicle away from the cartridge;

[0056] (d) driving the second vehicle such that the bed of the second vehicle is disposed between the legs of the cartridge and beneath the floor of the cartridge;

[0057] (e) operating the fluid-based vertical-motion assembly to lower the floor of the cartridge onto the bed of the second vehicle; and

[0058] (f) operating the fluid-based vertical-motion assembly to retract the legs of the cartridge from the base surface into the body of the cartridge, such that transferring of the loads from the bed of the first vehicle to the bed of the second vehicle is devoid of manual lifting of the loads.

[0059] In some embodiments, the method further includes automatically centering the body of the cartridge with respect to a longitudinal axis of the bed of the second vehicle.

[0060] In accordance with an aspect of the disclosed technology, there is provided a method of conveying a load to a target location using the system as described herein, the method including;

[0061] (a) coupling the first end of the rail of the conveyor, having the load-delivery tray adjacent thereto, to the floor of the cartridge;

[0062] (b) adjusting a length of the rail of the conveyor such that the second end of the conveyor is disposed at the target location;

[0063] (c) adjusting a height of at least one of the first and second legs of the conveyor such that the second end of the rail is disposed vertically lower than the first end of the rail;

[0064] (d) using the gripping assembly, gripping the load from within the cartridge;

[0065] (e) using the gripping assembly, moving the gripped load horizontally from the cartridge until the gripped load is disposed above the load-delivery tray;

[0066] (f) using the gripping assembly, lowering the gripped load into the load delivery tray; and

[0067] (g) enabling the wheeled car including the load-delivery tray having the load thereon to advance to the second end of the rail, under the force of gravity.

[0068] In some embodiments, the enabling includes releasing the load from the gripping assembly.

[0069] In some embodiments, the enabling includes decoupling the wheeled car from the rail of the conveyor.

[0070] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0071] In the drawings:

[0072] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a switchable heavy-loads cartridge, in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosed technology;

[0073] Figures 2A, 2B, and 2C show perspective views of various embodiments of grippers forming part of the cartridge of Figure 1, in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosed technology; Figures 3A and 3B show perspective views of a conveyor, in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosed technology, in an unfolded operative state and in a folded operative state, respectively;

[0074] Figures 4A and 4B are, respectively, a perspective view and a sectional view of a stopper forming part of the conveyor of Figures 3 A and 3B, in accordance with embodiments of the disclosed technology;

[0075] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a wheeled car forming part of the conveyor of Figures 3A and 3B, in accordance with embodiments of the disclosed technology;

[0076] Figures 6A and 6B show perspective views of a dolly, in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosed technology, in an unfolded operative state and in a folded operative state, respectively;

[0077] Figure 7 shows a perspective view of a system in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosed technology, including the cartridge of Figure 1, the gripper of Figure 2C, and the conveyor of Figures 3 A and 3B;

[0078] Figure 8 shows a perspective view of a system, in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosed technology, including the conveyor of Figures 3A and 3B, and the dolly of Figures 6A and 6B;

[0079] Figures 9A, 9B, 9C, 9D, 9E, 9F, and 9G show perspective views of steps extending walls from a tenting unit disposed above the cartridge of Figure 1, to form a structure surrounding the cartridge;

[0080] Figure 10 shows an implementation of the cartridge of Figure 1, useful for catering services; and

[0081] Figure 11 shows an implementation of the cartridge of Figure 1, useful for storage cabinets.

[0082] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0083] The disclosed technology relates to methods and systems for transporting and / or conveying heavy loads. More specifically, the invention relates to methods and systems for transporting and / or conveying various categories of heavy loads while reducing or eliminating damage to worker’s health by such transporting.

[0084] In some embodiments, the disclosed technology includes container or cartridge capable of changing its own height between various desired heights while containing a heavy load content. The container is configured to be mounted on a vehicle and delivered to a requested destination. In some embodiments, the container is a large cartridge, configured to be filled with a plurality of heavy load units.

[0085] As explained hereinbelow, in some embodiments, the cartridge includes four legs and a motor driving the lifting and lowering of the cartridge. Optionally, the length of each leg of the cartridge can be adjusted separately, enabling the main body of the cartridge to tilt. Accordingly, when in field conditions or on a crooked surface, each of the legs can be adjusted to a suitable height such that the main body of the cartridge is level or has another desired orientation relative to the ground. In some embodiments, levelling of the cartridge when on an uneven base surface may be carried out automatically.

[0086] Reference is now made to Figure 1, which depicts a perspective view of a cartridge 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosed technology.

[0087] As seen in Figure 1, cartridge 100 includes a base 101, configured to hold the heavy content, and vertical hollowed posts 102, which, when base 101 is quadrilateral, may be disposed at comers of the base. In some embodiments, cartridge 100 further includes an upper horizontal frame 104, attached to upper ends of posts 102, forming the top circumference of cartridge 100. Posts 102 are configured to accommodate hollow legs 105 in a slidable manner, wherein each leg 105, corresponds to each post 102 in size and shape (wherein accordingly, the circumference of each post 102 is a bit larger than that of leg 105). Each leg 105 terminates in a foot 105f, which has a greater width, or footprint, than a horizontal cross section of the leg.

[0088] Cartridge 100 may further include partitions or doors, such as side doors 106 and / or front / rear doors 108 at some or all of its sides. Cartridge 100 may further include a top door 110. Doors 106, 108 and / or 110 are may be swinging doors, sliding doors, or any other suitable kind of doors. Doors 106, 108 and / or 110 may include seals 112 along some or all edges, enabling sealing of cartridge 100 when necessary. In some embodiments, the base, the doors, the posts, and the legs may be formed of metal, such as aluminum or steel.

[0089] In some embodiments, cartridge 100 has a greater length than a typical width of a standard truck or trailer. For example, cartridge 100 may be 50cm longer than the bed of a standard truck or trailer. As explained in further detail hereinbelow, this dimension enables easy loading of the cartridge onto the truck or trailer. In some embodiments, at least a portion of doors 106, 108 and / or 110 includes a carbon fabric or another protective layer protecting loads disposed within cartridge 100 from unwanted, accidental and / or hostile activity.

[0090] In some embodiments, base 101 includes a front / rear beam 114 at each of its front / rear side, a side beam 115 at each of its sides, and a central length beam 116. In some embodiments, central beam 116 rests on side beams 115, and is vertically aligned with front / rear beams 114. Each end of each beam 114 is fixedly attached to lower portions of posts 102, for example by welding or by suitable fasteners.

[0091] Base 101 may further includes transverse ribs (not explicitly shown), often perpendicular to beam 114. Each front / rear beam 114 may include a connecting mechanism adapted for connection of a conveyor (shown Figure 3A) thereto. In the illustrated embodiment, the connecting mechanism is in the form of a flat bar 117, slightly distant from beam 114 designed to connect the rear end of a conveyor to cartridge 100, as shown in Figure 5.

[0092] Inside each pair of posts 102 and legs 105 there is a two-directional hydraulic piston 120, designed to raise and lower cartridge 100, as shown in enlargement I of Figure 1. In some embodiments, for each piston 120, hollowed post 102 comprises the sleeve 120S, and hollowed leg 105 comprises the piston's arm 120A. The top end of piston sleeve 120S is connected to the inner upper end of hollow post 102, and the bottom portion of piston arm 120A is connected to the inner lower end of hollow leg 105. Thus, when piston arm 120A slides downwards relative to piston sleeve 120S, it causes leg 105 to slide downward relative to post 102, and vice-versa.

[0093] A top portion 123 of piston arm 120A separates between two top and bottom oil chambers 125 and 126 within sleeve 120S. Chambers 125 and 126 have variable sizes, in accordance with motion of the piston arm. The bottom portion of sleeve 120S includes a sealable hole 127 through which arm 120A moves. The oil chambers 125 and 126 are both fluidly coupled to an oil reservoir / tank 128 via suitable openings.

[0094] A motor 130 typically generates electrical energy and activates an alternator 131 (using belt or any kind of gear), which actuates a hydraulic oil-pump 132 (using belt or any kind of gear), to pump oil from oil tank 128 to each piston 120, as known in the art of hydraulic pistons and motors.

[0095] Vertical motion of each post 102 relative to each corresponding leg 105 can be independently regulated by a dedicated selector forming part of a selector unit 133, positioned between oil-pump 132 and pistons 120. Each selector, operated by the user regulates the direction of oil flow, either to chamber 125 (for extending leg 105 from post 102), or to chamber 126 (for entering leg 105 into post 102).

[0096] In some embodiments, vertical motion of posts 102 relative to legs 105 can also be regulated by one or more manual oil- pumps 134 in a similar manner. In some such embodiments, motor 130, alternator 131, and / or selector unit 133 may be obviated.

[0097] The orientation of cartridge 100 can therefore be managed, by adjustment of each corresponding pair of posts 102 and legs 105, such that base 101 is level at various ground conditions, for example when the ground height beneath corners of cartridge 100 varies.

[0098] The adjustability of the height of cartridge 100 enables a large variety of vehicles, some having the ability to travel on uneven ground conditions resulting on uneven balancing of the vehicle, and to enter beneath base 101 of cartridge 100 for mounting of cartridge 100 thereon for delivery to a target location.

[0099] In some embodiments, cartridge 100 may further include a pneumatic energy resource, for example when used in field conditions. In such embodiments, an aircompressor 136 can be actuated by motor 130 using a belt or any kind of gear. Air compressed by the compressor may be stored in an air-tank 137, for example in a compartment 138 within base 101. Air-compressor 136 may include, or be associated with, a clutch, which can separate the effect of motor 130 on compressor 136 when the air-pressure inside air-tank 137 reaches its maximal allowed limit. The level of air pressure may be sensed by a pressure sensor, typically located on air-tank 137. The sensor typically sends a signal to the clutch when the highest allowed pressure is reached.

[0100] In some embodiments, an automatic fire extinguishing system may be located inside a compartment within base 101, and associated sensors may be distributed in the vicinity of the loads.

[0101] According to an embodiment of the present invention, base 101 comprises a compartment 139 for storing a dolly, functionally associated with cartridge 100 and illustrated in Figures 4A and 4B, in its folded state.

[0102] In some embodiments, central beam 116 may be hollow, and the hollow therein may be used as a compartment to store the conveyor shown in Figures 3A and 3B in its folded state. In some embodiments, and as shown in enlargement II of Figure 1, each post 102 and leg 105 may include respective holes 140p and 1401, which enable the user to insert a safety pin through hole 140p and one of coincidental holes 1401, thus further ensuring that cartridge 100 does not drop, if the hydraulic system fails.

[0103] Raising and lowering of cartridge 100 simplifies mounting of the cartridge onto a vehicle as well as lowering of the cartridge from the vehicle. For example, to mount cartridge 100 onto a vehicle, the driver drives the vehicle backwards beneath cartridge 100 between legs 105 and without hitting them. Once the vehicle is disposed beneath cartridge 100, the cartridge is then lowered onto the vehicle bed by operating the hydraulic mechanism to lower cartridge 100 onto the bed and then lifting legs 105 to be within posts 102. The cartridge may be removed from the vehicle by carrying out the inverse operations, resulting in easy loading and unloading of the cartridge onto any vehicle. This facilitates easier transitioning of the cartridge between vehicles, by lowering the cartridge from a first vehicle and shortly thereafter mounting it onto a second vehicle. In this way, cartridge 100 can be transported through various types of ground conditions, using appropriate vehicles for each road section, where switching vehicles becomes easy, fast and efficient.

[0104] In some embodiments, after cartridge 100 is mounted onto the bed of a vehicle, it may be necessary to center the cartridge relative to the vehicle.

[0105] In some embodiments, cartridge 100 may include a centering mechanism 142, for verifying that when cartridge 100 is loaded onto a vehicle, it will end up centered widthwise relative to the vehicle, as well as secured / fastened to the vehicle. Centering mechanism 142, shown in enlargement II of Figure 1, may be disposed within each leg 105. Beam 114 may include a long and narrow slit (not explicitly shown) in a bottom aspect thereof, at least at each of the ends of the beam. A horizontal slider, connected to a pusher 144 through the slit in beam 114, can horizontally slide along and inside the beam. A pulling element, e.g., spring (not explicitly shown) is connected to the slider and post 102, and causes the slider to usually be attached to post 102 when no substantial horizontal force acts on the slider. Pusher 144 may have a cavity facing the opposite side of leg 105, the cavity accommodating a pillow 145, typically made of rubber. An arm 146 is hingedly connected to pusher 144, where a torsional spring (not explicitly shown), located on an axis 147 of arm 146, causes the typically rounded bottom end 148 of arm 146 to constantly engage leg 105. Thus, when pusher 144 engages post 102 (due to the action of the pulling element connected to the slider), the bottom end 148 of arm 146 is in its lowest position, and is also attached to leg 105 (due to the action of the torsional spring of arm 146). When leg 105 slides sufficiently high relative to post 102, the foot 105f pushes end 148 of arm 146 upward, which causes pusher 144 to slide horizontally toward the center of cartridge 100. Thus, when cartridge 100 is seated on a vehicle, and all legs 105 simultaneously slide sufficiently high, all pushers 144 slide toward the center width of cartridge 100, which eventually make sure that cartridge 100 becomes centered widthwise, relative to the vehicle, and eventually cartridge 100 becomes secured / fastened to the vehicle, assuming that arms 146 are sufficiently long, and that the friction-coefficient of pillows 145 is also sufficiently high.

[0106] It is to be appreciated that any suitable centering mechanism for centering cartridge 100 on the bed of the vehicle is considered to be within the scope of the disclosed technology.

[0107] Cartridge 100 further includes a gripping and maneuvering mechanism, suitable for transferring heavy loads from their storage location within cartridge 100 to a conveyor, such as the conveyor described hereinbelow with respect to Figures 3A and 3B.

[0108] In some embodiments of the disclosed technology, cartridge 100 includes a rail 150 and gripper 160, depicted in enlargements III and V, respectively. Rail 150, together with gripper 160, are configured for transferring loads from cartridge 100 to the conveyor.

[0109] As seen in Figure 1, rail 150 may be suspended from upper beams 104 of cartridge 100, for example at the center of the width of the cartridge. Rail 150 is slidable sideways, along the width of the cartridge, to facilitate positioning of the rail above any load to be lifted, which load can be located anywhere on base 101 of cartridge 100. As described in further detail below, rail 150 includes a portion that extends outwardly, in order to assist in placement of the loads taken from cartridge 100 onto the conveyor or onto another location.

[0110] As seen in enlargement III of Figure 1, rail 150 includes at least two segments 151a and 151b, as well as a locking mechanism 152, anchored to segment 151a by any suitable fastener. Locking mechanism 152 is adapted to fix the relative positioning of segments 151a and 151b. Each of segments 151a and 151b comprises a hollowed profile having a longitudinal opening slit at a bottom aspect thereof. Segments 151a and 151b are adapted to shorten or extend rail 150, by slidable telescoping movement of segment 151b within segment 151a or using any other mechanism, and to be locked in the desired orientation using locking mechanism 152.

[0111] In some embodiments, locking mechanism 152 includes a fixed pin 154, pushed downwards by sheet-metal- spring 155, causing the pin to protrude inwards into a hole at the top surface of segment 151a. Segment 151b comprises a plurality of holes 156 along a top surface thereof, such that the pin may engage any of the holes, resulting in a variety of lengths of rail 150. When the hole of segment 151a coincides with one of holes 156 of segment 151b, pin 154 is pushed downwards by sheet-metal- spring 155 into both aligned holes, thereby locking the relative positions of segments 151a and 151b. When pin 154 is pulled outwards (e.g., by lifting sheet-metal-spring upwards manually by a user), segment 151b can be slid inwards or outwards until the hole of segment 151a coincides with another hole 156 of segment 151b, and the locking process is repeated in a new relative position of the segments. Prior to unloading of the loads stored in cartridge 100, segments 151a and 151b are adjusted such that an end of rail 150 is disposed above a location to which the load is to be transferred.

[0112] A small wheeled car, such as a small 4-wheeled car 157 (seen in enlargement IV of Figure 1) is configured to travel inside rail 150. One or more cables 161 connect car 157 (e.g., to its bottom end), to gripper 160 (shown in enlargement V of Figure 1).

[0113] In some embodiments, each cable 161 comprises spring portion 162. Optionally, spring portion 162 is connected to cable 161 and to gripper 160. When necessary, springs 162 can provide some extension flexibility when attaching gripper 160 to the lifted load. Optionally, spring 162 is connected to the bottom of car 157 and to the cable 161.

[0114] In some embodiments, a winch is connected to cables 161 and to springs 162 in order to lift / lower the loads. The winch can optionally be connected to car 157 and to cables 161 to perform the lifting / lowering tasks of the loads. A stopper 166, located at each end of rail 150, stops car 157 from exiting the rail.

[0115] In some embodiments, cartridge 100 comprises a positioning system 167, such as a GPS system, adapted to track a location of cartridge 100, and / or to enable communication with the cartridge. One or more sensors 168 can be used to identify and / or count loads and to track of the quantity of loads remaining within cartridge 100 and / or the quantity of loads used. A processer (not explicitly shown) may be functionally associated with sensor(s) 168 and receive inputs therefrom. A transmitter and / or a receiver (e.g. a transceiver) (not explicitly shown) may be used for communication of data from the cartridge (e.g., the sensor data). The data may also be transferred via positioning system 167.

[0116] In use, when a load is gripped by gripper 160, car 157 travels along rail 150, carrying the load until it reaches the end of the rail which is disposed above the load dropping-point, such as above the conveyor. Gripper 160 then releases the load.

[0117] Gripper 160 can be any kind of gripper, which can grip a load from cartridge 100 and release it on to a target destination (e.g., a conveyor, a dolly, the ground, and the like), and vice versa. The gripper should be compatible to the shape, size and weight of the lifted load.

[0118] It is to be appreciated that in some embodiments, cartridge 100 may include at least one axle having at least two wheels mounted thereon, such that the cartridge maybe wheelable from place to place, for example in a similar manner to a wheelbarrow. Additionally, in some embodiments, cartridge 100 may further be equipped with a hook, such that the cartridge may be connected to a vehicle and pulled thereby.

[0119] Reference is now additionally made to Figures 2A, 2B, and 2C, which show perspective views of various embodiments of gripper 160, in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosed technology.

[0120] Figure 2A shows a gripper 170, which may function as gripper 160 of Figure 1. Gripper 170 is configured to lift box-shaped loads, such as load 172. Gripper 170 includes a pair of plates 174, adapted to grip box 172 in a scissors-like action. Two bars 176 are connected to plates 174, preferably along the sides of each plate. Bars 176 extend diagonally from the top edges of the plates 174 and are each connected to the other corresponding diagonally extending bars 176 extending from the sides of the corresponding other plate 174, at an axis 175. Bars 176 pivot with respect to each corresponding bar 176 around the axis 175. A pushing spring 178 is connected to each pair of corresponding bars 176 at a location near the axis 175. Two cables 179 connect each of the upper edges of each pair of corresponding bars 176. Cables 179 are adapted to be connected to cables 161 shown in Figure 1, for example at the center of each cable 179.

[0121] In use, when cables 161 are tightened, cables 179 are correspondingly pulled, causing the upper portions of bars 176 to move towards one another. This is because the pulling force of tightening cable 179 is much greater than the spring force of springs 178. Accordingly, plates 174 move one towards another to engage load box 172, and are able to grip the box for moving thereof. When gripped by the gripper, the load can be lifted manually or by use of winch 164 of Figure 1.

[0122] After the load box 172 is placed at the target destination, cables 161 cease to be pulled, loosening cables 179 such that the pushing force of pushing spring 178 causes plates 174 to move away from each other and release the load.

[0123] Figure 2B shows a gripper 180, which may function as gripper 160 of Figure 1. Gripper 180 is adapted for lifting loads having a cylindrical shape, such as cylindrical load 182. Gripper 180 includes a curved bar 183 connected, at one end thereof, to a perpendicular bar 184 disposed orthogonally to the curved bar. At an opposing end, curved bar 183 is connected to a rotatable bar 185.

[0124] Two additional parallel curved bars 186 are attached to perpendicular bar 184, for example at ends thereof. The curved bar 183 and the two additional parallel curved bars 186 each have a curvature corresponding to that of a circle or a portion of cylindrical load 182. In some embodiments, a support bar 187 is connected between parallel curved bars 186 for additional support.

[0125] The rotatable bar 185 comprises a thumb portion 188 at one end and a cable connection portion 189 at its opposing end. Cable connection portion 189 is configured to connect to cable / s 161 of Figure 1, e.g., by having cables 161 threaded into a dedicated aperture within cable connection portion 189 and tied / secured to it. The rotatable bar 185 is connected to curved bar 183 at an axis connection point 181 between thumb portion 188 and cable connection portion 189, such that rotatable bar 185 is rotatable around axis connection point 181.

[0126] A pushing mechanism, such as a torsion spring (not explicitly shown) is adapted to push and keep the thumb portion 188 directed away from parallel curved bars 186. However, when cables 161 apply a pulling force to thumb portion 189, which force is greater that the torsion spring effect, the thumb portion engages load 182 tightly and grips it for moving of the load to the target destination.

[0127] Load 182 is released when placed on the target destination, for example by pulling of a handle downward, which causes a spring to be stretched, lowering tension on thumb portion 189 and enabling movement of the thumb portion away from cylindrical load 182 due to the torsion spring effect, which enables the removal of gripper 182 from the load. Cables 161 (Figure 1) are typically long enough such that the gripper 180 generally reaches the middle of the cylindrical loads 182. After the gripper engages load 182 near its center of gravity and the load tilted to become horizontal, cable connection portion 189 is lifted upwards, and thumb portion 188 closes on and engages load 182. The load 182 is actually pushed until it “falls” and is positioned, changing from a standing longitudinal position to a position hanging on cable 161 horizontally in the air. The load is delivered, in the horizontal position, along rail 150 (Figure 1) until it is above the target destination. At this position, a handle may be pressed downward to place load 182 on the target destination. When cable 161 is slack enough, rotatable bar 185 is removed from load 182 due to the action of its torsion spring, thereby enabling gripper 180 to be removed from load 182.

[0128] Figure 2C shows a gripper 190, which may function as gripper 160 of Figure 1. Gripper 190 is a magnetic gripper configured to grip a cylindrical metal load, e.g., an artillery shell, which can be magnetized to gripper 190.

[0129] Gripper 190 comprises an external case 191 and an internal case 192, in which a magnet 193 is firmly housed. Internal case 192 can slide vertically inside external case 191.

[0130] A manually engageable handle 194 is adapted to rotate about an axis 195, the axis being firmly anchored to external case 191. A horizontal pole 196, is firmly anchored to internal case 192, and passes through a vertical slit 197 in external case 191 and a slit 198 in handle 194, which is parallel to handle 121H's length; This structure enables magnet 193 to be attached to the lifted load, when handle 194 is horizontal, and detached from the load when the handle is lifted to its vertical position. Bottom aspects of external case 191, internal case 192 and magnet 193 may be concave, and may have similar radii as that of the convexity of a lifted cylindrical load, in order to create a maximal tangential attachment area between gripper 190 and the load, and hence maximal magnetic-field force between gripper 190 and the load.

[0131] Cables 161, depicted in Figure 1, are typically long enough such that gripper 190 generally reaches the middle of the metal load. After gripper 190 is magnetized to the load at around its center of gravity, it is then tilted until it “falls” and is oriented, changing from a standing longitudinal position to a position hanging on cable 161 horizontally in the air. It can then be lifted, either manually, with the assistance of springs 162, or by winch 164. When the load is disposed above the target destination, the load is lowered and handle 194 is moved upward to detach magnet 193 from the metal load, thereby releasing gripper 190 from the metal load.

[0132] Reference is now made to Figures 3 A and 3B, which show perspective views of a conveyor 200, in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosed technology, in an unfolded state and in a folded state, respectively. Conveyor 200 includes a rail 201 and a car 202.

[0133] Rail 201 includes one or more segments, having hollow profiles, e.g., rectangular. A rear hollow segment 210 is configured to be connected to cartridge 100, and receive loads from the cartridge, and a front hollow segment 212 configured to be placed at the target load delivery site. A top aspect of rear hollow segment 210 has a longitudinal slit 210a along its length, as seen clearly in enlargement I of Figure 3A. Similarly, a top aspect of front hollow segment 212 has a longitudinal slit 212a (shown in enlargement II of Figure 3A) along its length. Both slits have similar widths and are continuous with one another, i.e., there is a small overlapping portion, where one slit is right above the other.

[0134] Rail 201 may be foldable by rail segments 210 and 212 slidably telescoping one inside the other, or by any other way. In some embodiments, a rail locking mechanism 214 locks segments 210 and 212 to one another. Locking mechanism 214 is shown, for example, in enlargement II of Figure 3A, in which an overlapping zone of segments 212 and 210 is shown as being transparent.

[0135] A bottom inner floor of rear hollow segment 210 may include a pin 216, pushed downwards by a sheet-metal-spring 218 secured to rear rail 210, for example by fasteners, causing the pin to protrude out of a hole at the floor of rear segment 210. Front segment 212 comprises a plurality of holes along its bottom length, such that when a hole of segment 210 is aligned with a hole of segment 212, pin 216 is pushed downwards by sheet-metal- spring 218, and protrudes out of both holes, thus locking segments 210 and 212 to each other. When pin 216 is pushed inwards (e.g., by a finger of a user) segment 212 can slide relative to segment 210 to change the relative position of the two segments.

[0136] In some embodiments, a reinforcement portion 220, appearing in enlargement II of Figure 3A as if it is transparent, envelopes segment 212 and is fixedly attached thereto (e.g., by welding) for strengthening it at the junction of segments 210 and 212. Reinforcement portion 220 comprises a slit 222 longitudinally along its top aspect, such that slit 222 is aligned with slits 210a and 212a. Conveyor 200 includes height-adjustable legs, supporting rail 201. The height of the legs can be adjusted as required for a specific load delivery. The legs are adjusted such that the loads are placed on conveyor 200 at its rear end at a required height. The rear end of the conveyor height is adjusted so that gravitational force assists in sliding the load from one end of rail 201 to the other end of the rail, in the required direction.

[0137] In some embodiments, conveyor 200 includes a rear leg 230 and front leg 232. Rear leg 230 is designed to be foldable in a compact manner.

[0138] As seen in enlargement III of Figure 3A, rear leg 230 comprises a stand including two telescoping hollow tubes fitted one inside the other, allowing adjustment of the height of rail 201. An inner tube 233 may be hinged, at a top portion thereof, to a support bracket 234, for example about a hinge-joint axis 235. Thus, support bracket 234 may be slid to the rear end of rear segment 210, and leg 230 can be pivoted around axis 235 until leg 230 is parallel to and beneath the bottom of rear segment 210, as depicted in Figure 3B, when conveyor 200 is in its folded state.

[0139] Rear leg 230 is connected to rear segment 210 of rail 201 by support bracket 234, which envelopes a portion of rear segment 210, and is slidable along it. Preferably, support bracket 234 is rectangular, similar to the shape of the rail that it surrounds. When support bracket 234 is slid to a required location on rear segment 210, it is typically fixedly attached to, or fastened to, rear segment 210 by a suitable fixing or fastening mechanism. Support bracket 234 includes a slit 236 on its top aspect, which is aligned with slit 210a of rear segment 210.

[0140] Inner tube 233 and outer tube 237 preferably each have a hollowed squared profile. Inner tube 233 is usually narrower than outer tube 237, and is slidable in it with a ratchet mechanism, as described herein.

[0141] A pushing element (e.g., pushing-spring) (not seen) is typically placed inside and along both inner tube 233 and outer tube 237, and is configured to push inner tube 233 upwards.

[0142] A ratchet mechanism is a linear rack with teeth such that inner tube 233 comprises a plurality of teeth 238 along its outer length, and outer tube 237 comprises a pivoting spring-loaded pawl 239, that engages the teeth, under the force of a spring (not shown). When teeth 238 are moving in the unrestricted (i.e., downward) direction, a head of pawl 239 is easily pushed away from the teeth and over a gently sloped edge 240 of the pawl's head, with a spring forcing the head (often with an audible 'click') into the depression between teeth 238, as it passes the tip of each tooth.

[0143] When teeth 238 move in the opposite (upwards) direction, however, pawl 239 will catch against the horizontal edge 241 at the lower end of the pawl head and the horizontal edge of the first tooth it encounters, thereby locking it against the tooth, and preventing any further motion in that upward direction. The ratchet effect can be cancelled by pressing handle 242 toward outer tube 237, causing the pawl head to pivot away from teeth 238 such that it does not engage them. Then, the pushing spring pushes inner tube 233 upwards until handle 242 is released and pawl 239 is pushed by the spring to engages teeth 238 again.

[0144] Pushing of rear segment 210 of rail 201 downward and applying a downward force on the pushing-spring (usual ly done by a worker's body weight), inner tube 233 slides downward with respect to outer tube 237. This occurs, as long as the downward compression force is greater than the upward pushing force of the pushing-spring. However, when the downward compression force, usually exerted on rail 201 by the worker, is smaller than the upward force of the pushing-spring, pawl 239 stops inner tube 233 from sliding upwards.

[0145] In some embodiments, pawl 239 includes a nut or bolt 243, adapted to secure the position of the pawl and to ensure that the pawl doesn’t move relative to rear leg 230. This may be useful, for example, when the height of rear leg 230 is fixed, and the leg only functions as a support, such that locking of the location of pawl 239 ensures that the support 230 is more stable and cannot be unintentionally lowered.

[0146] When handle 242 is pressed, inner tube 233, together with rear segment 210 (which are attached therewith by support member 234), can be raised. A flexible element (e.g., a cable), connected to an upper end of inner tube 233 and to a bracket 245 disposed at a base of rear leg 230, and seen clearly in enlargement IV of Figure 3A, by an adjustable fastener (not particularly shown), such that there is a maximal limit to the raising of inner tube 233, i.e., the height being that of the cable fully stretched. According to an embodiment of the disclosed technology, rear leg 230 is adjustable to uneven or curved ground conditions, such that rail 201 can be fairly vertical widthwise while in operation, regardless of the ground conditions. Many mechanisms may be used to provide such adjustability, and all are considered with the scope of the disclosed technology. In one such mechanism, a lower portion of outer tube 237 is fixedly connected (e.g., welded) to bracket 245. Two feet elements 246 are each hinged to bracket 245 at axes 247, enabling each foot 246 to independently pivot about a corresponding axis 247. Near each axis 247, bracket 245 has a plurality of bores 248, arranged in an arc such that bores 248 are equidistant from axis 247. Each foot 246 includes a bore (not explicitly shown), adapted to align with each of bores

[0147] 248, enabling a double- side- spring -pin 249 to pass through the bore of foot 246 and one of bores 248. The double-side-spring-pin 249 comprises a hollow tubular element having a spring disposed therein, the spring pushing two side pins which protrude out of edges of the tubular element. Stoppers limit the extent of protrusion of the side pins to a certain length. The side pins are configured to be pressed inwards by a user, causing the spring to compress. When the pressure is released, the spring pushes both side pins outwards (each towards an opposite edge), until the extension of the side pins is stopped by the stoppers. The side pins of the double-side-spring -pin 249 protrude out central apertures of bracket 245. The orientation of each foot 246, relative to bracket 245, can therefore be adjusted by the user compressing spring-pin

[0148] 249, and pivoting foot 246 such that spring-pin 249 is inserted into a desired bore 248. This design enables the user to easily adjust each foot to various ground conditions for keeping rail 201 fairly vertical when in operation. For further stability and support of rail 201, a fastener, e.g., nut 250, is fixedly connected (e.g., welded) to bracket 245. A security screw can be inserted through fastener 250 screwed and adjusted to a desired orientation of foot 246.

[0149] As explained in further detail hereinbelow with respect to Figure 5, conveyor 200 is adapted to connect to cartridge 100, for the purpose of loading loads from cartridge 100 to conveyor 200 as easily and as quickly as possible. Typically, conveyor 200 includes a connector for connecting the conveyor to cartridge 100. In an exemplary embodiment, rear segment 210 of rail 201 may include a fork 252, seen clearly in enlargement I of Figure 3A. Fork 252 is configured to engage a suitable bar of cartridge 100, such as support bar 117 (Figure 1). A securing pin can be inserted into bores 254 in form 252 for securing the connection between conveyor 200 and cartridge 100.

[0150] According to an embodiment of the disclosed technology, front leg 232 is adjustable to a curved surface, using a bracket similar to bracket 245 and in a similar manner to that described with respect to rear leg 230.

[0151] Eeg 232 is also foldable in a compact manner, as shown in Figure 3B. In an exemplary implementation, front leg 232 includes a hollow thigh portion 260 hinged to front segment 212 by axis 262, shown in enlargement V of Figure 3A, such that thigh portion 260 is pivotable relative to front segment 212 about axis 262. A rear facing side of thigh portion 260 includes a longitudinal slit / opening 263, shown clearly in enlargement VI of Figure 3A. Additionally, each side of thigh portion 260 includes a plurality of bores 261, which are substantially parallel to each other.

[0152] A rib 264 is also hinged to front segment 212 by axis 266, shown in enlargement VII of Figure 3A, such that rib 264 is pivotable about axis 266. A lower end of rib 264 is adapted connect to slit 263 of thigh portion 260. Rib 264 may include a disc 268 on each side of its lower end, such that a double-side-spring-pin 269, substantially similar to double-sided-spring-pin 248 described hereinabove, is adapted to extend through discs 268 and through a bore in the lower end of rib 264, and through a pair of bores 261 in thigh portion 260.

[0153] When double- side- spring -pin 269 is pressed, the lower end of rib 264 can be slid along thigh 260 until it reaches the location of a desired pair of parallel bores 261, where the force applied to double-side-spring-pin 269 is released and its pins extend through the desired bores 261. This facilitates adjustment of the height of the front portion of conveyor 200 (front segment 212). Additionally, relative motion of thigh portion 260 and rib 264 facilitates easy and compact folding of leg 232. For example, this can be by application of pressure to spring-pin 269 while sliding the lower end of rib 264 upwards, toward axis 262 of thigh 260, until rib 264 rests inside slit 263 of thigh 260, and both the thigh and the rib become parallel to front segment 212 of rail 210, as seen clearly in Figure 3B.

[0154] As mentioned hereinabove, and as discussed hereinbelow with respect to Figure 5, a wheeled car 202 is movable with respect to rail 201, and is adapted to carry a load thereon.

[0155] At a front end thereof, front rail 212 comprises a stopper 270, shown in enlargement VIII of Figure 3A, configured to stop forward-motion of wheeled car 202 (described in detail hereinbelow with respect to Figure 5) during use thereof. Reference is additionally made to Figures 4A and 4B which are, respectively, a perspective view illustration and a sectional illustration of stopper 270, in accordance with embodiments of the disclosed technology.

[0156] Stopper 270 typically comprises a rear section wall 272, attached to two side opposite walls 274, having the same height. A roller 276 is placed between walls 274, for example by an axis extending through the center of roller 276, the pin being connected to walls 274. Roller 276 may protrude slightly above the top edge of walls 272 and 274. Walls 272 and 274 are attached to a floor 277.

[0157] Floor 277 of stopper 270 is longitudinally movable within a housing 278. Housing 278 has a floor 279. A top portion of housing 278 is attached to, and is surrounded by, an inner floor surface 280 of front segment 212 of rail 201. Between floor 277 and floor 279 rests a pushing element, e.g., pushing-spring 281. A rod 282 fixedly attached to floor 277, for example to an aperture therein. Floor 279 comprises an aperture, allowing rod 282 to move freely therethrough, thus enabling vertical motion of floor 277, attached to rod 282, relative to floor 279. Rod 282 terminates in a handle 286, at a lower end thereof.

[0158] A fastener, such as nut 283, is configured to adjust the pre-load of pushingspring 281 and the height of walls 272 and 274, relative to floor 280 of rail 201. An additional fastener, such as nut 284, is adapted to be tightened against nut 283 so it does not move during repeated use of conveyor 200.

[0159] A heel portion 287 of stopper 270 extends downwards from floor 277 within housing 278, such that downward motion of floor 277 is limited by engagement of the bottom portion of heel portion 287 and floor 279. Floor 277 could be pulled down by handle 286, thus also pulling down walls 272 and 274. In some embodiments, stopper 270 is configured such that when the bottom of heel portion 287 reaches close to floor 279, the top portions of walls 272 and 274 are leveled with surface 280.

[0160] In use, car 202 travels forward within front segment 212, and is stopped by wall 272 of stopper 270. Then, handle 286 can be pulled until the top ends of walls 274 and 274 are leveled with surface 280. In this position, car 202 can be pulled further forward, rolling on roller 276, which serves as a rolling lean when a bottom aspect of car 202 is passed thereon, without walls 272 and 274 locking the car. Consequently, car 202 can be partially pulled out of rail 201, and a load disposed on the car can reach a location very close to a target site.

[0161] When car 202 is pushed back into segment 212 of rail 201 and handle 286 is released, pushing-spring 281 raises floor 277. As such, stopper 270 typically serves as a stopping element when element 297 of car 202 hits wall 272, and as a rolling lean when car 202 is pulled forward following pulling of handle 286.

[0162] Reference is now additionally made to Figure 5, which is a perspective view of wheeled car 202 forming part of conveyor 200. Wheeled car 202 is configured to ride within rail 201, such that a load delivery tray 290 of the wheeled car is exposed above rail 201.

[0163] Wheeled car 202 includes a body 291 (e.g., a rectangular hollow profile), configured to travel inside rail 201. Car 202 comprises at least two axes (typically perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the car), having pairs of wheels 292, mounted thereon, for example at opposing ends of car 202.

[0164] Delivery tray 290 is attached to an upper aspect of body 291 by a thin vertical wall (not explicitly shown), adapted to extend through slits 210a and 212a in rail 201, thereby enabling body 291 to move within the rail, while delivery tray 290 is disposed above the rail.

[0165] In some embodiments, a car returning element (e.g., spring) (not explicitly shown) connects the front end of car 202 and the rear end of rear segment 210, such that the spring passes through the interior length of body 291. In some embodiments, the spring is mounted onto an anchoring pin 293, located at the front end of car 202, whereas the rear end of the spring is anchored to pin 294, located at the rear end of rear segment 210 of rail 201 and shown clearly in enlargement I of Figure 3A. In use, the spring powers movement of car 202 to the rear end of rear segment 210 after the delivered load has been unloaded at the front end of conveyor 200.

[0166] In some embodiments, car 202 can be fastened by the user to rear end of the rear segment 210, for example during placing of the load on tray 290, in order to prevent early unwanted motion of car 202 during loading, or when the conveyor is folded. In some such embodiments, body 291 may include a bore on a lower aspect thereof. Rear segment 210 of rail 201 comprises a spring-pin 295, shown clearly in enlargement I of Figure 3A. When car 202 reaches the rear end of rear segment 210, spring-pin 295 is aligned with the bore located in the bottom aspect of body 291 is pushed downwards, and is pulled by the spring into the bore, due to the (slanted) phase of spring-pin 295 facing the tail end of car 202. In order to release the locking effect, spring-pin 295 can be pulled down by the user, to extract the pin from the bore in car body 291, enabling the car 202 to travel towards the front of rail 201.

[0167] As discussed hereinabove, in some embodiments, it may be advantageous to have the rear end of conveyor 200 higher than its front end so that gravity can assist in moving the load from the rear end of the conveyor (near cartridge 100) to its front. As mentioned above, spring pin 295 may be pulled to release car 202 having a load disposed on tray 290 thereof to move within rail 201. Following removal of the load from tray 290 at the front end of the conveyor 200, the returning spring pulls car 202 back to the rear end of the conveyor, until spring-pin 295 is aligned with the bore in the bottom aspect of body 291 and once again locks the car in place. It is to be appreciated that this manner of moving the load along the conveyor obviates the need for electrically powered conveyors for mobilizing the load, which are typically used in the art and increase the work overhead for operators.

[0168] In some embodiments, shock-absorbers (not explicitly shown) may be connected to the front and rear ends of car 202, respectively. When car 202 moves forward and engages stopper 270, the front shock-absorber may absorb its forward motion. When car 202 moves backwards, for example by the force of the returningspring, and engages spring-pin 295, the rear shock-absorber absorbs its backwards motion.

[0169] Tray 290 can be replaced with any kind of load supporting structure, such as a flat or concave shelf, a box, a bowl, brackets, a cradle etc., as suitable for the conveyed loads. For instance, for construction materials or food supplies boxes as described in examples 1 and 2 hereinbelow, tray 290 can be in the form of a flat shelf or a box. For tubular loads, as described in example 3 hereinbelow, tray 290 can be in the form of a pair of brackets parallel to a cradle.

[0170] In some embodiments, car 202 can include a protruding element 297, attached (e.g., welded) to the bottom of body 291, e.g. for safety reasons. In some such embodiments, the height of wall 272 of stopper 270 is adjusted (e.g., by nuts 283 and 284) such that body 291 of car 202 passes above wall 272 when stopper 270 is pulled down and car 202 is pulled forward, but protruding element 297 engages wall 272 of stopper 270, causing car 202 to stop and not be fully extracted from rail 201.

[0171] In some embodiments, car 202 may include rolling lateral guides 298 (axially attached to the bottom of body 291) that serve as side guides for keeping the motion of car 202 centered within rail 201.

[0172] In some embodiments, rims of some or all of wheels 292 and / or wheels 298 may be coated by a soft material, e.g., rubber. This may enable quieter motion of the car 202 and may prevent excessive wear of the wheels and / or the rail.

[0173] Reference is now made to Figures 6A and 6B, which show perspective views of a dolly 300, in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosed technology, in an unfolded operative state and in a folded operative state, respectively. Dolly 300 enables a worker to lift and carry a heavy load by making use of the worker's body- weight with little muscular effort. Dolly 300 is configured for transferring loads from one location to another, such as to or from car 202 of conveyor 200.

[0174] Dolly 300 includes a spine 302, accommodating a handle 304, a leg 306, a rear arm 308 accommodating a rear forearm 310, a front arm 312, accommodating a front forearm 314, an axis 316, wheels 318, and ribs 320 linking front arm 312 and rear arm 308. In some embodiments, any one or more of elements 302, 304, 306, 308, 310, 312, and 314 may be formed of hollow square profiles.

[0175] In some embodiments, a spring-pin disposed at a lower end of handle 304, enabling connection of handle 304 to one of a plurality of bores 322, formed in spine 302, to determine a length, to which the handle extends out of the spine. In a similar manner, a spring-pin may be used to lock a height of rear forearm 310 at a specific height relative to rear arm 308, and to lock a height of front forearm 314 relative to front arm 312.

[0176] Axis 316 and bearing wheels 318 are typically mounted onto a front end of spine 302. A bracket 330, which is fixedly attached to front arm 312, is hinged to axis 316. Leg 306 and rear arm 308 are fixedly attached (e.g., welded) to two side-plates 332, which may be hingedly connected to spine 302 by an additional short profile (not explicitly shown), which can be welded to spine 302. This enables front arm 312 together with front forearm 314, rear arm 308 together with rear forearm 310, and leg 306, to pivot relative to spine 302, thereby facilitating a compact folded state of dolly 300, shown in Figure 6B.

[0177] When dolly 300 is fully unfolded, as shown in Figure 6A, leg 306 and rear arm 308 are substantially vertical to spine 302. This causes front arm 312, which is linked to rear arm 308 by ribs 320, to reach a substantially vertical position relative to spine 302. In other words, a quadrangle, formed by the four hinged sides 302, 308, 312, and 320, can simultaneously pivot from its folded configuration, depicted in Figure 6B, to its unfolded configuration, depicted in Figure 6A.

[0178] In some embodiments, the unfolded configuration is held stable by operation of a spring-pin 340, which extends through plates 332 and through spine 302.

[0179] In some embodiments, a rear bracket 344 and a front bracket 342 are fixedly attached (e.g., welded) to rear forearm 310 and to front forearm 314, respectively. Each of brackets 342 and 344 represents a generic form of palm, configured to grab a load, and when desired, to place the load at another location. In the exemplary illustrated embodiment, brackets 342 and 344 are suitable for lifting and carrying of a cylindrical load. In some embodiments, brackets 342 and 344 may have different dimensions. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, front bracket 342 is narrower than rear bracket 344, enabling the front bracket to grip a narrower tail of a cylindrical load.

[0180] In some embodiments, each of brackets 342 and 344 may be formed of two square, hollow and curved profiles, inserted one inside the other. Thus, profiles 342a and 344a are inserted into profiles 342b and 344b, respectively.

[0181] In some embodiments, each of brackets 342 and 344 includes a pushingspring, and accommodates a cable (not explicitly shown). Each pushing-spring pushes a respective inner profile until the respective cable is fully stretched. Removal of the lifted cylindrical load from the brackets, e.g., onto car 202 of the rail, may be performed by compressing the inner profiles 342a and 344a into profiles 342b and 344b, respectively, using respective handles 342c and 344c. This creates a ramp enabling rolling of the load onto the desired location, and ensures that the load must only be slightly above the target location for it to roll onto the target location without requiring the load to be raised far above the target location. If the lifted load has a different shape, then appropriate brackets can be designed with an appropriate grabbing, releasing and pouring mechanism.

[0182] Reference is now made to Figure 7, which shows a perspective view of a system, in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosed technology, including cartridge 100 and conveyor 200. As seen, fork 252, located at the rear end of conveyor 200, is inserted around flat bar 117 of cartridge 100. As discussed hereinabove, in use, rail 201 of conveyor 200 is typically declined in a forward direction, such that car 202, when loaded with the load, moves forward under the force of gravity pulling on the weight of the load. The car 202 can return to its initial position near cartridge 100 by the returning -spring of conveyor 200, immediately after the load is unloaded.

[0183] The hydraulic system of cartridge 100 is used to align the height of the cartridge to the height of the conveyor. Similarly, the heights of legs 230 and 232 of the conveyor may also be adjusted, in accordance with the height of cartridge 100.

[0184] The length of front segment 151b of rail 150 of cartridge 100 is adjusted such that, when gripper 160 grips a load, the load can be moved along rail 150 to a position directly above tray 290 of car 202 of conveyor 200, for lowering of the load directly onto the tray. This arrangement enables the transfer of loads from cartridge 100 to car 202 without requiring manual labor of lifting the load. As discussed hereinabove, when conveyor 200 is not in use, it may be folded to the compact configuration, shown in Figure 3B, and stored within central beam 116 of cartridge 100, depicted in Figure 1.

[0185] Reference is now made to Figure 8, which shows a perspective view of a system, in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosed technology, including conveyor 200 and dolly 300.

[0186] A load, e.g., a cylindrical load standing on the ground, is lifted from the ground and placed onto dolly 300, when brackets 342 and 344 are positioned close to the standing load by leaning the load manually into the brackets, while stepping on axis 316 of dolly 300, to tilt the entire dolly. Handle 304 can then be used to raise arms 312 and 308, so that brackets 342 and 344 are disposed at a height suitable for transferring the load to tray 290 of car 202 of conveyor 200.

[0187] Rear leg 230 of conveyor 200 may serve as a location indicator for dolly 300, such that dolly 300 can be positioned adjacent tray 290 of car 202, for placement of the cylindrical load, for instance, carried by dolly 300, onto tray 290, while compressing profiles 342a and 344a of brackets 342 and 344, respectively. In this way, the worker does not have to lift the load manually from dolly 300 to car 202.

[0188] In some embodiments, brackets 342 and 344 of dolly 300 may be slightly higher than tray 290 of car 202, in order to enable the cylindrical load to be rolled from the dolly onto the tray.

[0189] Subsequently, pawl 239 can be pressed to raise the rear end of rail 201 to be higher than its front end. Disengaging car 202, together with the load, from its locked position relative to rail 201 enables the car to slide forward toward the front end of rail 201, until it is stopped by stopper 270.

[0190] At this stage, if necessary, car 202 can further be pulled out of rail 201 by pulling downward handle 286 of stopper 270, as explained hereinabove. Once the load has been unloaded from tray 290, handle 286 can be released, and the unloaded car 202 is automatically regressed to the rear end of rail 201. Subsequently, the body weight of the user may be used to lower the rear end of the rail and bring car 202 to a similar height to that of the load. This may be repeated, as needed, to transfer a plurality of loads.

[0191] Reference is now made to Figures 9A, 9B, 9C, 9D, 9E, 9F, and 9G, which show perspective views of steps extending walls from a tenting unit 400, associated with, and disposed above, cartridge 100 (Figure 1), to form a structure surrounding the cartridge.

[0192] Tenting unit 400 typically includes a cover 401, which is clearly seen in Figures 9A and 9G. However, in Figures 9B, 9C, 9D, 9E and 9F cover 401 is depicted as if it is transparent, to show the inner components of tenting unit 400 more clearly.

[0193] As seen in Figure 9A, cover 401 typically includes an upper surface and side surfaces, and is adapted to engage a top part of cartridge 100 to cover the top thereof.

[0194] As seen in Figure 9B, tenting unit 400 has multiple profiles disposed therein. Specifically, tenting unit 400 includes two pairs of profiles 402 and 403, such that each such pair of profiles serves as a leg, connecting cover 401 to cartridge 100. In such embodiments, profile 402, which is connected to cover 401 (typically by welding), slides telescopically relative to profile 403, which is connected (typically by welding) to cartridge 100. A pushing element, e.g., pushing -spring (not seen), may be located within both profiles 402 and 403, and can elevate cover 401 relative to cartridge 100. A cable (not seen), which is connected to cover 401, can pass through both profiles 402 and 403, and protrude into the inner chamber of cartridge 100, enabling the user to lower and lock cover 401 in its closed position.

[0195] Tenting unit 400 includes three sets of profiles. A first set of profiles, which are typically rectangular, defines a frame 420, depicted in Figure 9D. Frame 420 serves as a "skeleton" of tent 440, depicted in Figure 9G. A second set of profiles, which are typically round or cylindrical, function as spools of fabric, which fabric is adapted to form the ceiling and walls of tent 440. A third set of profiles includes additional round or cylindrical profiles, each of which is disposed within a channel at the edge of each length of fabric. For instance, profile 425, seen in enlargement I of Figure 9F, forms part of the third set of profiles.

[0196] Figures 9B, 9C and 9D, clearly illustrate the various sets of profiles, and steps of extending the rectangular profiles in the first set of profiles to form frame 420, depicted in Figure 9D.

[0197] As seen in enlargements III, IV and V, of Figure 9D, a pair of profiles 404, which are typically stored along the long side of tenting unit 400 and are extendable away from each long side of cartridge 100, are each connected to a pair of profiles

[0198] 405, fixed near and parallel to the short edges of the cartridge, by telescoping profiles

[0199] 406. Similarly, seen in enlargement VII and V, a pair of profiles 407, which are typically stored along the short side of tenting unit 400 and are extendable away from each short side of the cartridge, are each connected to a pair of profiles 408, fixed near and parallel to the long edges of cartridge 100, by telescopically sliding profiles 409. In addition, as seen from enlargements VII and VI, a pair of profiles 410 are extendable telescopically out of the interior of each profile 407, toward a comer of frame 420. Similarly, as seen in enlargement III, a spool of fabric 411 is extendable telescopically out of the interior of each profile 404, toward the comer of frame 420. Thus, each pair of profiles 410, may be connected to a spool 411 to form a corner of frame 420.

[0200] Extension of each pair of profiles 407 away from cartridge 100 is typically actuated by an electric piston as known in the art. For example, the electric piston may include a motor 412, seen in enlargement VIII, adapted to drive extension of telescopically extending profile 413 connected to each profile 407, typically by welding. In some embodiments, a screw-rod (not seen) may be located within profile 413 and connected to the shaft of motor 412, and a nut (not seen) may be connected to profile 413 from within, and may be driven by turning the screw-rod, thereby resulting in extension of profile 413 by operation of motor 412.

[0201] Similarly, extension of each pair of profiles 404 away from cartridge 100 is typically actuated by an electric double -piston as known in the art. For example, the electric double-piston may include a motor 416, seen in enlargement II, adapted to drive extension of telescopically extending double -profiles 417, seen in enlargement IX, connected to each profile 404, typically by welding.

[0202] It is to be appreciated that actuation of extension of profiles 404 and / or 407 away from cartridge 100 may also be accomplished using other mechanisms, such as by pushing elements (e.g., pushing-springs), which can be located inside profiles 413 and 417, respectively, or by any kind of actuators known in the art.

[0203] In some embodiments, tenting unit 400 includes four groups of spools of fabrics, where each spool includes, or is associated with, a fabric collecting and / or returning mechanism, e.g., torsional returning spring. A pair of spools 421, seen in enlargement I and forming the first group, are each adapted to form a roof segment extending between cartridge 100 and a profile 404, as well as an adjacent wall extending down from the profile 404. A pair of spools 422, seen in enlargement VIII and forming the second group, are each adapted to form a roof segment extending between cartridge 100 and a profile 407, as well as an adjacent wall extending down from the profile 407. Two pairs of spools 423, seen clearly in enlargement III, form a third group of spools. Spools 423 have a closed state shown in Figure 9B, in which they are parallel to long edges of cartridge 100, and an open state shown in Figure 9D, in which they are perpendicular to long edges of cartridge 100 and form extensions of short edges of the cartridge. Transition of spools 423 between the closed state and the open state is achieved by the spools pivoting, or swinging, approximately 90 degrees about their respective axes 424,. In the open state, each of spools 423 is adapted to form a roof segment between itself and a profile 410, in its extended position, as well as respective adjacent walls. Four spools 411, seen in enlargement III, form a fourth group of spools. Each spool 411 is telescopically extendable out of a corresponding profile 404, toward a respective corner, and form a wall continuing a wall formed by spool 421 and adjoining the wall formed by spool 423.

[0204] Figures 9A, 9B, 9C and 9D illustrate the sequence of forming frame 420, depicted in Figure 9D, from the initial state of cover 401 shown in Figure 9A. The sequence may be performed in two stages.

[0205] In a first stage, cover 401 is lifted to exposed the inner components of tenting unit 400, as seen in Figure 9B. Subsequently, as seen in Figure 9C, each pair of profiles 404 is extended away from cartridge 100 by the electric double- piston powered by motor 416 and by telescopically extending profiles 406. During the extension of each pair of profiles 404, profiles 410 are extended as well. In addition, spools of fabrics 423 are pulled out and / or pivoted from the footprint of cartridge 100 by cables (not seen), connected to the spools of fabric and to profiles 404 (not seen), until they become parallel to profiles 410.

[0206] In a second stage, each pair of profiles 407 is extended away from cartridge 100 by the electric piston powered by motor 412and by telescopically extending profiles 413. During the extension of each pair of profiles 407, spools of fabrics 411, seen in enlargement III of Figure 9D, are pulled out by profiles 410, thus completing the full extension of frame 420.

[0207] Figures 9D, 9E, 9F and 9G illustrate stages of forming a tent 440, depicted in Figure 9G, using the infrastructure of frame 420.

[0208] In some embodiments, an edge 426 (seen in Figure 9F) of fabric associated with spool 421 (seen in Figure 9D), is temporarily connected to profile 404 (seen in Figure 9D), and is readily releasable by the user. Such temporary connection is accomplished by magnetic connection, fasteners such as hooks or buttons, or in any other manner known in the art. Similarly, an edge 427 (seen in Figure 9F) of fabric associated with spool 422 (seen in Figure 9D) is temporarily connected to profile 407 (seen in Figure 9D) and is readily releasable by the user. When spool 423 (seen in Fig. 9D) is in its open state, an edge 428 (seen in Figure 9E) of fabric associated with spool 423 is temporarily connected to profile 410 (seen in Figure 9C), and is readily releasable by the user.

[0209] As a result, when profiles 404 are extended away from cartridge 100, the fabrics connected to the profiles are unrolled from their spools and stretched, forming roof segments 429 shown in Figure 9E. Similarly, when profiles 407 are extended away from cartridge 100, the fabrics connected to the profiles are unrolled from their spools and stretched, forming roof 430, depicted in Figure 9F.

[0210] Following the formation of roof 430, the user can then readily pull down, and anchor to the ground, the edge of each fabric, using the associated profile. Thus, completion of the formation of tent 440, depicted in Figure 9G, is simple and fast to accomplish. Tent 440 typically becomes well stretched due to the action of the return springs, or pulling torsional springs, associated with each of the spools, which constantly stretch the associated fabric.

[0211] The inverse procedure of building tent 440, i.e., folding it, can also be easily performed by releasing the anchoring edge of each fabric and lifting and connecting it to the associated profile of frame 420. Subsequently, the profiles may be pushed back into their positions, in an inverse order to that described hereinabove, using the respective electric pistons. In summary, tent 440 can very easily and very rapidly be opened and closed.

[0212] Reference is now made to Figure 10, which shows an implementation of the cartridge of Figure 1, useful for catering services. As seen in Figure 10, the cartridge is divided into two chambers 460, each adapted to store one or more catering carts 462. Typically, each of the chambers is sealable, to ensure that the food is not exposed to contaminants or pests. In some embodiments, each of the chambers is insulated, to preserve a temperature within the chamber.

[0213] In some embodiments, each of chambers 460 includes a heating element, and associated control mechanism, so that the chamber can function as an oven or heating unit. Similarly, in some embodiments, each of chambers 460 includes a cooling element, and associated control mechanism, so that the chamber can function as a refrigeration unit for storage of the food until it is ready to be used. As such, in some embodiments, a chamber can function as a refrigerator until the food is ready to be consumed, and is then converted into a heating unit for heating of the food for consumption.

[0214] In some embodiments, the power source or battery required for operating the heating and / or cooling systems may also be stored within the cartridge.

[0215] EXEMPLARY TRANSPORTING, CONVEYING AND / OR CARRYING TECHNIQUES

[0216] Exemplary Transporting Techniques

[0217] Every set of loads is usually designed here to be stored in cartridge 100, which may be stored in a primary whorehouse in rows of cartridges, where at least some cartridges 100 are elevated beyond the height of the transporting vehicle.

[0218] When the loads need to be transported toward one or more destination sites, a transporting vehicle backs-up beneath each row of cartridges 100, and the cartridges can be lowered onto the bed of the vehicle and seated thereon. The vehicle then transports the cartridges 100 toward the destination site(s).

[0219] When road conditions change, e.g., from paved to unpaved field roads, and a replacement vehicle must be used, the cartridges are moved from one vehicle to another in a similar manner - the cartridges may be placed such that the body of the cartridge is elevated and the legs are on the ground, the initial vehicle drives away from the cartridges, then the replacement vehicle drives under the cartridges and the cartridges are lowered onto the bed of the replacement vehicle. This process can be repeated until each cartridge 100 reaches its final destination.

[0220] Exemplary Conveying Techniques

[0221] Conveyor 200 can be used to convey loads with or without cartridge 100. When used with cartridge 100, the height of cartridge 100 is set such that the rear end of rail 201, connected to cartridge 100, is higher than the front end of rail 201. The forward decline of rail 201 is sufficient to cause car 202, when loaded with a load from cartridge 100, to slide forward as described hereinabove. Car 202 can be returned (e.g., automatically) to its initial position immediately after unloading the car, and after releasing stopper 270.

[0222] Conveyor 200 can also be used independently of cartridge 100, for example when the load needs to be conveyed from the ground. In such circumstance, the rear end of conveyor 200 can first be lowered by the worker's body-weight, utilizing the ratchet mechanism of rear leg 230. Subsequently, the load can be lifted from the ground, using dolly 300, and placed on car 202 of conveyor 200. Pawl 239 can be pressed to raise the rear end of rail 201 to be higher than the front end of rail 201. This causes car 202, loaded with the load, to slide forward to the front end of the rail.

[0223] Exemplary Carrying Technique

[0224] Dolly 300 can be used for lifting, carrying and placing loads at a desired location. Lifting of a load by dolly 300 may be carried out by attaching brackets 342 and 344 to the load, and pivoting arms 308 and 312 of dolly 300 together with the load, while simultaneously stepping on axis 316 to prevent wheels 318, and manually supporting the load. Once the load sits on dolly 300, it can be carried to a desired location.

[0225] If the load needs to be unloaded to the ground, or to a relatively low surface, it can then be unloaded pivoting arms 308 and 312 downward (in an opposite direction to the lifting action). If the load needs to be unloaded to an elevated surface, it can also be rolled sideways by compressing profiles 342a and 344a of respective brackets 342 and 344. In both circumstances, the load can be unloaded without having to lift it manually.

[0226] APPLICATIONS AND EXAMPLES

[0227] The disclosed technology eases and simplifies the process of loading, transporting and unloading of heavy loads. Using the disclosed technology, transferring the loads between vehicles, when necessary, is significantly easier and faster, and does not require use of forklifts and / or excessive manpower.

[0228] The disclosed technology enables the distribution of heavy loads at different destination sites, using a single truck or trailer with a single driver. Thus, most of the expensive working truck hours can be utilized for actual traveling, and is not wasted on long and tedious loading and unloading processes. The disclosed technology enables loading of many of cartridges by adapting their heights, using the cartridges' hydraulic legs, such that a single vehicle can be driven backwards underneath them, and seating the cartridges on the vehicle. This makes it easier for a single driver to load the cartridges without the aid of additional workers. Unloading or transferring of the cartridges (e.g., to different vehicles) can be performed in a similar manner. In this way, the disclosed technology enables loading and unloading large quantities of heavy loads fairly rapidly by an individual in a single trip. The raising and lowering functionality of the cartridges also eases the transfer of loads between surfaces of different heights or elevations.

[0229] In addition, this disclosed technology enables the preparation of sorted loads for each customer / destination site at the distributor's site, such that it becomes easier to transport and unload closed cartridges destined to multiple destinations by a single driver.

[0230] Transfer of loads from a cartridge onto an elevated surface at the destination site becomes simpler, faster, and safer. The disclosed technology enables the transfer of the loads between two surfaces of different heights (e.g., between the cartridge and a shelf in a warehouse), because of the ability of the cartridge to equate its height to that of the destination, and even higher, or to be slightly tilted toward the destination surface, so that the load can be removed from the cartridge with minimal effort, manually (e.g., rolling the load from the cartridge onto the shelf), using the conveyor, or using the dolly.

[0231] If the loads are fragile, it is much safer for them to be transferred from one location to another while their being well packed and protected within a cartridge and conveyed by a stable conveyor, rather than them being handled manually and repeatedly by workers. The excessive manual handling, therefore, further increases the costs of the distribution due to a certain percentage of breakage of loads during their distribution.

[0232] In some embodiments of the disclosed technology, sensors and wireless communication interfaces may be incorporated to facilitate communication between each cartridge and a control center, enabling the general manager of the distribution operation to monitor and record the location of each load, and to be updated in "real time" with the location of each cartridge and each specific load. Since the disclosed technology makes loading, transporting and unloading so easy, it enables inclusion of additional populations (e.g., women, older people) in loading and unloading work, additional populations.

[0233] EXAMPLE 1 - TRANSFER OF CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS

[0234] Heavy construction materials, such as Jerusalem lime stones (often used for wall coating), heavy bricks, packages of ceramic tiles, bags of cement or sand etc. are usually transferred from manufacturing sites, or from primary warehouses, to construction sites. The construction materials are usually loaded on trucks or trailers, while being scattered on the vehicle's floor or on wooden portable surfaces. Often, before being unloaded at the construction site, the loads must be transferred onto another vehicle that is capable of driving on rough terrain, common to large construction sites. Within the construction site, the construction materials are typically placed on the ground in piles or in a scattered manner, and are usually carried manually by construction workers to their specific final locations. Very often, each truck or trailer carries construction materials to a single construction site. This kind of transfer requires many trips of the same truck for reloading of construction materials for each customer.

[0235] The transfer between different vehicles, from the vehicle to the construction site, and within the construction site, requires significant time and manpower. The cost of these aspects is added to the physical cost of the workers' health (e.g., body injuries), and to the costs of many work accidents that occur at construction sites. For example, injuries may occur by carrying heavy loads on the back, which apply an overload on the worker's back, particularly the lower back. Manual lifting and carrying of the heavy construction materials cause frequent changes of workers and an increase in insurance costs for the employers. Thus, the entire distribution process of construction materials by the manufacturer is very cumbersome and inefficient, and involves high costs of gasoline, manpower and precious time.

[0236] Using the disclosed technology, a single driver can distribute many cartridges, full of different construction materials and / or destined for a number of construction sites, without any aid of additional workers, in a single trip. The disclosed technology enables loading, transporting and unloading of large quantities of different kinds of construction materials in parallel, in a simple and rapid manner, so that most of the working hours of the transporting vehicle are efficiently utilized for the trips themselves.

[0237] Transfer of the materials within the construction site, from the ground to an elevated surface, onto or between vehicles, or from a vehicle to a final location, which may be at different floors of the constructed building, becomes very efficient as well. This also minimizes safety risks involved in manual lifting and carrying of heavy construction materials in rough ground conditions.

[0238] This and more, keeping the construction materials in the cartridge enables efficient and safe storing of the materials inside the construction site. For example, this helps preventing theft and work accidents, and enables the transfer of the materials collectively to a desired location according to future needs. Finally, the location and the amount of the construction materials, at any given time and place, can be continuously monitored, tracked, recorded and telecommunicated by the system of the disclosed technology.

[0239] EXAMPLE 2 - TRANSFER OF FOOD SUPPLY BOXES

[0240] Nowadays, boxes of food supplies weighing dozens of kilograms, which are heavy for manual lifting and carrying, are transferred from the manufacturer or wholesaler to the costumers, such as supermarkets, by trucks or trailers. These heavy boxes are usually unloaded at the costumers' storages. In the storages themselves, the food supplies are usually transferred by workers also manually or by dollies or forklifts toward different locations inside the costumers' sites.

[0241] This entire transferring process is usually cumbersome, often requires a large amount of time at each discharging site, which causes the later sites to receive their orders very late, and requires large manpower. Frequently, this process exposes the workers to physical injuries and safety hazards, which are translated to both financial suits and high insurance costs for covering work accidents. In addition, the operations of the forklifts require professional training and licensing, so that the workers, operating these devices, are considered professional workers of high costs.

[0242] The present invention enables efficient packaging of the food supply boxes for each costumer in uniquely designed cartridges, which include uniquely coordinated conveying equipment. In this way, a single driver from the primary distributor can distribute groups of boxes of merchandise to each costumer in a rapid and efficient manner, so that no coordination is required between the driver and the workers at any discharging point. The present invention enables rapid loading and unloading of large quantities of boxes in parallel, such that most of the working hours of the truck or trailer are utilized for the transporting itself. Thus, in a single trip, the supplier can distribute food supplies to a large number of supermarkets in relatively short time. Similarly, it is possible to load and unload the cartridges in parallel, and also to transfer large quantity of cartridges simultaneously between different vehicles. All this can be performed without any additional professional manpower, such as forklift operators, or any physical effort, and enables the simple, easy and smooth transfer of the boxes while minimizing human efforts and reducing safety hazards. Finally, the location and the amount of the food supplies at any given time and place can be continuously monitored, tracked, recorded and telecommunicated by the device offered in the present invention.

[0243] EXAMLE 3 - MILLITA Y APPLICATION

[0244] There are several methods and systems for transporting and / or conveying heavy ammunition, i.e., artillery shells and explosive propellants, in various ground conditions. The most traditional method involves the use of big trucks for transporting the heavy ammunition from the primary bunker toward the battlefield along paved roads. Then, field vehicles, such as chained vehicle or Oshkosh, are used for bringing the heavy ammunition to its final destination, e.g., Howitzer M109 self-propelled cannon. In the field of artillery, the ammunition is usually brought to about 5-6 meters behind the self-propelled cannon, where the ammunition is usually piled on the ground before it is being used. Loading or unloading the trucks with the heavy ammunition, or transferring the ammunition from one vehicle to another, requires an extensive use of many forklifts.

[0245] At the environment of the self-propelled cannon, this heavy ammunition is usually handled by at least 4 soldiers, where 2 soldiers usually function outside the cannon and 2 soldiers operate inside the cannon. Outside the cannon, usually one soldier lifts the shells manually and carries them from the ground to the floor of the cannon throughout about 5-6 meters or more, whereas the other one carries the explosive propellants to the cannon throughout similar distance. On the other hand, inside the cannon, one soldier lifts the heavy shells manually from the cannon's floor to its barrel, whereas the other one places the explosive propellants inside the barrel. This global traditional process of transporting the heavy ammunition from the primary bunker to the ground of the cannon's environment, and then manually lifting and carrying it from the ground to the cannon's floor and then to its barrel, is very cumbersome, a lot of time consuming, physically difficult and harmful to the soldiers' bodies. Such practice, also excludes many female and disabled soldiers, or even many non-physically-strong male soldiers, from fulfilling these type of tasks. Furthermore, when the cannon is subjected to an attack by a hostile fire, it is very difficult and complicated to relocate the heavy ammunition sufficiently fast. In addition, in other circumstances, for instance, when one cannon fails to operate and its ammunition needs to be transferred to a neighboring one, it is usually done by hand, which is again very exerting, a lot of time consuming and harmful to the soldiers' bodies.

[0246] The present invention is therefore destined to substantially ease this entire process of transporting heavy ammunition from its origin, i.e., the primary bunker, to its final destination, i.e., self-propelled cannon, while switching vehicles becomes trivial and fast, without having to use forklifts. Furthermore, at the cannon's environment, the transfer of the heavy ammunition from the ground to the barrel of the cannon becomes much easier, faster and safer to the soldiers' bodies. In addition, only 2, as appose to 4 or more, soldiers can carry out this mission. If this ammunition needs to be relocated rapidly, it can readily be performed by the device offered in this invention.

[0247] Before firing each shell, a fuse is being screwed on it manually using a wrench. In the present invention, this fuse can be screwed-on rapidly and efficiently by an electric or pneumatic wrench, similar to an electric screwdriver, since in this invention cartridge 100 is usually equipped with electric and pneumatic resources.

[0248] Traditionally, both the shells and the explosive propellants are usually transported by unprotected vehicles, and in the battlefield, they are usually placed openly on the ground, without any protection. This huge amount of dangerous explosives expose its environment to a tremendous danger, particularly since it is often subjected to potential hostile fire. Storing huge amount of explosives inside protected cartridges 100 at all times, e.g., at the bunker, on any transporting vehicle and at the cannons' environment, raises the level of safety, at any stage of the combat operation very highly. The automatic fire extinguishing system, proposed in the present invention raises safety even higher. The maintenance of the cannon in the field, as well as other equipment in the cannon's environment, is traditionally performed using manual tools, which is cumbersome and time consuming. The availability of hydraulic, pneumatic and electric powers, offered in this invention, upgrades the maintenance ability of the cannon, as well as other military equipments in the battlefield, since this newly offered field conditions mimic, to a large extent, those existing in a permanent, civilized and stationary workshop. For instance, if the cannon's batteries fail during a combat activity, the electric power, available at cartridge 100, can back it up, using extension cables.

[0249] Returning to home-base from the battlefield, or more frequently, from the exercising field, usually requires reloading of the excessive packaging materials of the explosives, i.e., the large containers of the explosive propellants, and the unused explosives. In this invention, having all the explosives, together with their packaging materials, in the cartridge at all times, makes the logistics, related to shell handling, during and immediately after any combat activity, becomes a whole lot simpler and actually trivial.

[0250] Finally, the location of cartridge 100, as well as the amount of shells existing in it, at any given time and place can be continuously monitored, tracked, recorded and telecommunicated by the device offered in the present invention. Furthermore, the knowledge in "real-time" of every shell being fired, and how many shells are being left in each cartridge 100, bears indispensable combat importance for the commanders, of any command level, to manage the battle in the most sophisticated combat strategy.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A cartridge for storage and distribution of loads, the cartridge comprising:(a) a housing including a floor surface adapted to have the loads disposed thereon;(b) a plurality of legs, supporting the housing on a base surface;(c) a fluid-based vertical-motion assembly facilitating raising and lowering of the floor surface of the housing, relative to each of the plurality of legs;(d) a gripping assembly adapted to grip a load of the loads and to facilitate carrying of the load, for placement of the load within the cartridge or for removal of the load from the cartridge, the gripping assembly adapted to enable: horizontal motion of the gripped load between a position vertically above the floor of the housing and a position vertically outside of the housing; and vertical motion of the gripped load relative to the floor of the housing.

2. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the housing further includes at least one side wall, the at least one side wall having an open operative state and a closed operative state.

3. The cartridge of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the housing further includes a top wall having an open operative state and a closed operative state.

4. The cartridge of any one of claim 1 to 3, wherein the housing comprises a plurality of vertical hollow posts, each disposed within, and movable relative to, one of the plurality of legs, by the fluid-based vertical-motion assembly.

5. The cartridge of claim 4, wherein the fluid-based vertical-motion assembly comprises a plurality of hydraulic or pneumatic pistons coupling each of the plurality of legs to a corresponding one of the plurality of posts, and adapted to drive vertical motion between each leg and corresponding post.

6. The cartridge of claim 5, wherein the fluid-based vertical motion assembly further comprises at least one motor adapted to actuate a fluid-pump for delivery of fluid to and from the plurality of hydraulic or pneumatic pistons.

7. The cartridge of any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the height of a first of said plurality of posts relative to a first of said plurality of legs is adjustable independently of the height of a second of said plurality of posts relative to a second of said plurality of legs.

8. The cartridge of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the housing comprises at least one storage compartment for storing a conveyance or transportation device for conveyance of the loads.

9. The cartridge of any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a centering and optionally locking / fastening mechanism for centering and optionally locking / fastening the floor of the cartridge relative to a carrier surface onto which the cartridge is to be loaded.

10. The cartridge of claim 9, wherein the housing includes a pair of beams supporting the floor surface, each beam having a slit formed in a bottom aspect thereof, and wherein the centering mechanism comprises: a plurality of arms, each associated with a torsional spring causing the corresponding arm to continuously engage one of the plurality of legs; and a corresponding plurality of pushers, each disposed at an end of one the plurality of arms and being associated with a slider extending into the slit of one of the beams, wherein, when each leg is raised relative to the floor surface, a foot of the leg pushes a second end of the arm upward, causing the corresponding pusher to slide horizontally toward a center of the beam, thereby ensuring centering and optionally locking / fastening of the cartridge relative to the carrier surface.

11. The cartridge of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the gripping assembly comprises: a rail disposed substantially perpendicularly to the plurality of legs, the rail having a storage state in which the rail extends only within a footprint of the floor of the housing, and a delivery state in which the rail extends below the footprint of the floor of the housing; a body, slidable along the rail;a self-locking / fastening gripper, coupled to the body by one or more cables, the gripper including a self-locking / fastening gripping end adapted to grip one of the plurality of loads, wherein sliding of the body relative to the rail generates the horizontal motion of the gripped load, and raising or lowering of the cables generates the vertical motion of the gripped load.

12. The cartridge of claim 11, wherein the gripping end of the gripper comprises a magnetic gripping end.

13. The cartridge of claim 11, wherein the gripping end of the gripper comprises a cylindrical gripping end.

14. The cartridge of claim 11, wherein the gripping end of the gripper comprises a box gripping end.

15. The cartridge of any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the body is adapted to slide within a hollow profile of the rail, such that the gripper hangs beneath the rail.

16. The cartridge according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a positioning system, such as a GPS system, adapted to track a location of the cartridge, and / or to enable communication with the cartridge; one or more sensors to identify and / or count loads and to track of the quantity of loads remaining within the cartridge and / or the quantity of loads used; a processer functionally associated with sensor(s) to receive inputs therefrom; a transmitter and / or a receiver to communicate sensor data from the cartridge.

17. A conveyor for conveying a load, the conveyor comprising: a rail having first end, including a car locking stopper, and a second end; first and second adjustable -height legs, pivotable relative to the rail between an extended position and a folded position; a wheeled car, movable along the rail between the first end and the second end, the wheeled car including a load-delivery tray disposed externally to the rail and adapted to placement of a load thereon; anda biasing member, connecting an end of the wheeled car to the first end of the rail, the biasing member adapted to return the wheeled car to the first end of the rail following motion of the wheeled car to the second end of the rail.

18. The conveyor of claim 17, wherein the second end of the rail includes a unique stopping and shock- absorbing mechanisms, comprising of a shock-absorber, a vertically slidable stopper / tongue, a pre-loaded upward pushing spring, a roller, and a handle, adapted for: stopping the traveling loaded car, while shock-absorbing it, and, when necessary, manually pulling the loaded car forward partially outside the rail, while preventing it from being fully detached from the rail, for the purpose of inserting / disposing the loaded car into a limited destination location, where the rail cannot be positioned.

19. The conveyor of claim 17 or claim 18, wherein the first end of the rail further includes a connection member for connection of the conveyor to a surface from which loads are to be unloaded.

20. The conveyor of any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein: the rail comprises a hollow profile having a longitudinal slit in an upper aspect thereof; the wheeled car includes a body adapted to be disposed within the rail and move relative thereto; and the load-delivery tray is attached to the body of the wheeled car by a narrow plate configured to extend through the longitudinal slit, such that the load-delivery tray is disposed outside of the rail while the body is disposed within the rail.

21. The conveyor of any one of claims 17 to 20, wherein a height of the first leg is adjustable independently of adjustment of a height of the second leg, to facilitate the rail being disposed at a slant so as to allow gravitational force to drive the wheeled car along the rail.

22. The conveyor of claim 21, wherein the first leg is associated with a ratcheting mechanism adapted to facilitate adjustment of the height of the first leg, the ratcheting mechanism comprising: a plurality of asymmetrical teeth extending along an outer surface of the first leg; and a spring-loaded pawl adapted to engage the teeth, the spring loaded pawl adapted to slide against the teeth in a first direction, and to lock against the teeth to prevent motion in the opposing direction.23 A system comprising: the cartridge of any one of claims 1 to 16; and the conveyor of any one of claims 17 to 22, wherein the gripping assembly of the cartridge is adapted to enable horizontal motion of a gripped load to a location disposed above the load-delivery tray, when the load-delivery tray is at the first end of the rail.

24. The system of claim 23, wherein the first end of the conveyor is adapted to couple to the floor of the cartridge for transfer of loads from the cartridge to the conveyor by the gripping assembly.

25. A dolly for transporting a load, the dolly comprising: a longitudinal spine; first and second arms, each having a first end coupled to the spine and a second end coupled to a bracket, the first and second arms being pivotable relative to the spine, the brackets being configured to holding the load; at least two wheels, coupled to the spine; and a handle, coupled to the spine and adapted for (i) driving the dolly using the at least two wheels and (ii) pivoting the first and second arms relative to the spine, wherein the first and second arms are coupled to each other and are pivotable relative to the spine between an operative position in which the first and second arms are angled relative to the spine and a storage position in which the first and second arms are substantially parallel to the spine.

26. The dolly of claim 25, further comprising a leg, pivotable relative to the spine and extending away from the first and second arms, the leg being pivotable between an operative position and a storage position in which it is substantially parallel to the spine.

27. The dolly of claim 25 or claim 26, wherein the brackets include a first portion and a second portion movable relative to the first portion, wherein relative motion of the first and second portions enables gripping of the load in the brackets.

28. The dolly of any one of claims 25 to 27, wherein a length of each of the first and second arms, between the spine and the corresponding bracket, is adjustable, independently of adjustment of a length of the other arm.

29. A system for conveying a load, the system comprising: the conveyor of any one of claims 17 to 22; and the dolly of any one of claims 25 to 28.

30. The system of claim 19, further comprising the cartridge of any one of claims 1 to 16.

31. The cartridge of any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein an upper surface of the cartridge is functionally associated with at least one profile extendable away from an upper edge of the cartridge, each of the at least one profile being associated with a length of fabric, such that extension of the at least one profile away from the upper edge of the cartridge spreads the fabric to form an extension to the upper surface of the cartridge, thereby forming a roof supported by the cartridge.

32. The cartridge of claim 31, wherein the length of fabric is sufficiently long so as to reach the ground following extension of the at least one profile away from the upper edge of the cartridge, so as to form a side wall extending from the roof supported by the cartridge.

33. The cartridge of claim 31 or claim 32, wherein each of the at least one profile is associated with a dedicated motor adapted to extend the profile away from the upper edge of the cartridge.

34. The cartridge of any one of claims 31 to 33, wherein the at least one profile comprises four profiles, each extendable away from a different upper edge of the cartridge, such that extension of the fabric associated with each of the four profiles down to the ground forms a tent surrounding the cartridge.

35. A method of loading a plurality of loads disposed within the cartridge of any one of claims 1 to 16 onto a bed of a vehicle, the method comprising:(a) operating the fluid-based vertical-motion assembly to raise the floor of the cartridge to be higher than the bed of the vehicle;(b) driving the vehicle such that the bed of the vehicle is disposed between the legs of the cartridge and beneath the floor of the cartridge;(c) operating the fluid-based vertical-motion assembly to lower the floor of the cartridge onto the bed of the vehicle; and(d) operating the fluid-based vertical-motion assembly to retract the legs of the cartridge into the body of the cartridge, such that loading of the loads onto the bed of the vehicle is devoid of manual lifting of the loads.

36. The method of claim 35, further comprising automatically centering the body of the cartridge with respect to a longitudinal axis of the bed of the vehicle.

37. A method of transferring a plurality of loads disposed within the cartridge of any one of claims 1 to 16 on a bed of a first vehicle to a bed of a second vehicle, the method comprising:(a) operating the fluid-based vertical-motion assembly to extract the legs of the cartridge from the body of the cartridge onto a base surface;(b) operating the fluid-based vertical-motion assembly to raise the floor of the cartridge to be higher than the bed of the first vehicle;(c) driving the first vehicle away from the cartridge;(d) driving the second vehicle such that the bed of the second vehicle is disposed between the legs of the cartridge and beneath the floor of the cartridge;(e) operating the fluid-based vertical-motion assembly to lower the floor of the cartridge onto the bed of the second vehicle; and(f) operating the fluid-based vertical-motion assembly to retract the legs of the cartridge from the base surface into the body of the cartridge, such that transferring of the loads from the bed of the first vehicle to the bed of the second vehicle is devoid of manual lifting of the loads.

38. The method of claim 37, further comprising automatically centering the body of the cartridge with respect to a longitudinal axis of the bed of the second vehicle.

39. A method of conveying a load to a target location using the system of any one of claims 23 to 24, the method comprising;(a) coupling the first end of the rail of the conveyor, having the load-delivery tray adjacent thereto, to the floor of the cartridge;(b) adjusting a length of the rail of the conveyor such that the second end of the conveyor is disposed at the target location;(c) adjusting a height of at least one of the first and second legs of the conveyor such that the second end of the rail is disposed vertically lower than the first end of the rail;(d) using the gripping assembly, gripping the load from within the cartridge;(e) using the gripping assembly, moving the gripped load horizontally from the cartridge until the gripped load is disposed above the load-delivery tray;(f) using the gripping assembly, lowering the gripped load into the load delivery tray; and(g) enabling the wheeled car including the load-delivery tray having the load thereon to advance to the second end of the rail, under the force of gravity.

40. The method of claim 39, wherein the enabling comprises releasing the load from the gripping assembly.

41. The method of claim 39 or claim 40, wherein the enabling comprises decoupling the wheeled car from the rail of the conveyor.

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