Rack for container loading and method for container loading

Abstract

The invention relates to a container (1) having a device (2) for loading the container (1), in particular a standard container, with at least one vehicle (3), wherein the device (2) comprises a trolley (6K) which is movable along a container ceiling and which is suitable for transporting carriers (4) into and out of the container (1).

Description

[0001] 16837-PT-WO 1 January 23, 2026

[0002] Frame for container loading and methods for container loading

[0003] Description:

[0004] The invention relates to a frame for container loading, which has a part that can be extended from the container and a movable trolley, for example a trolley. The trolley is suitable for flexibly fixing vehicles, in particular cars, in space according to the dimensions of the vehicles by means of a support frame and insertion positions in the container walls.

[0005] Previous approaches to transporting cars in (standard) containers rely on foldable or collapsible racks on the bottom of the containers, as shown for example in CN108341172A or EP1676792A1.

[0006] IIS patent application US5525026A discloses a container with a movable gantry crane that allows vehicles mounted on beams to be loaded into the container. The beams have pins that can be inserted into a corresponding wall structure within the container. The beams are standardized and stacked in a designated section of the container. To connect a vehicle to the beam, it is driven onto designated wheel support surfaces and then secured with chains between the vehicle's chassis and lashing bars on the beam. The proposed container is intended for the delivery of vehicles from a manufacturing plant to a dealership.

[0007] European patent application EP1745981 A1 discloses a container comprising a lifting and transfer device located inside the container. During loading, the device extends outwards to grasp a transfer platform, lift the platform from outside into the container, and carry it to a designated location within the container. The system also enables the transport of vehicles directly from the assembly plant to the retailer. 16837-PT-WO 2 23 January 2026

[0008] European patent EP0153023B1 discloses a trailer hitch suitable for transporting vehicles or other types of cargo. The hitch comprises a pair of coordinated arm assemblies with several pivotably connected arms, which are moved by a hydraulic system. The arms are mounted on a carriage inside the trailer and are movable longitudinally. The arms can be extended outside the trailer to grasp vehicles and load them into the trailer. Telescopically arranged arms are proposed here to secure the vehicles and act as wheel carriers. V-shaped wheel carriers are welded to the arms. The telescopic arrangement allows for adjustment to different axle spacings.

[0009] The object of the invention is to propose an alternative rack in which the floor remains clear and the loading process can be carried out particularly conveniently. Furthermore, it is possible to position the integrated support rack for the cars in the container's ceiling in such a way that the container can alternatively be loaded like a standard container, particularly when it is not already loaded with one or more vehicles. A further object of the invention is to increase the number of vehicle models that can be secured in the container.

[0010] According to the invention, this problem is solved by a container having the features of independent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the container are described in dependent claims 2-9. The problem is further solved by a method according to claim 10. Advantageous embodiments of the method are described in dependent claim 11. Furthermore, the problem is solved by a system according to claim 12.

[0011] According to a first aspect of the invention, a container is provided with a device for loading the container with vehicles, wherein the device has at least one support and at least two opposing sections of a support structure located on container walls, wherein the device further comprises a lifting device with a trolley located on a container ceiling, wherein the trolley is movable between a position outside the container and a position inside the container and for this purpose 16837-PT-WO 3 23 January 2026

[0012] The device is designed to lift carriers with vehicles on them into the container from outside. This leaves the container floor clear and allows it to be used, for example, to accommodate additional goods alongside the vehicles being transported. It is further advantageous if the container's dimensions correspond to those of standard containers, such as a 30-foot container, a 40-foot container, or a 45-foot high-cube container. This enables the handling and transport of the container according to the invention together with conventional standard containers. The container and / or the device may also include safety features, such as a fire blanket, cameras, a fire extinguisher, or a tracker.

[0013] A particular advantage of the invention, especially of embodiments in which the container floor remains free, is that when the container is not loaded with one or more vehicles, it can be used for the transport of other goods, in particular loaded with standard pallets.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the container, the device further includes a control unit that generates electrical and / or sensory units for securing the loading and / or unloading as well as for monitoring components, in particular as signals for controlling the cat.

[0015] In a further embodiment, the support structure has a plurality of fixing positions, and the supports have laterally extendable fixing means. The fixing positions can, for example, be fixing holes integrated into the support structure into which the fixing means can be inserted. Sensors integrated into the supports, preferably communicating with the control unit, can assist in detecting the fixing positions, particularly the fixing holes.

[0016] According to another embodiment, the device can be connected to a computing unit, wherein the computing unit generates a loading plan for the fixing means of the 16837-PT-WO 4 23 January 2026

[0017] Carriers can determine optimal fixation positions or fixation holes, taking the following characteristics into account:

[0018] - Vehicle model, in particular vehicle size and dimensions,

[0019] - Container size,

[0020] - Size and dimensions of other goods to be transported in the container. The computing unit may be mounted locally on the container. Alternatively, the container or device may have a means of establishing a communication channel with a computing unit that transmits the determined fixing positions via this communication channel.

[0021] In another embodiment, the supports are adjustable in terms of track width and / or wheelbase and / or wheel size. This measure allows for a particularly high number of vehicle models that can be fixed in the container.

[0022] According to another embodiment, the section of the support structure covers the entire container wall. Alternatively or additionally, the support structure also fulfills a supporting function for the container wall.

[0023] In a further embodiment, the device has a graphical user interface with which a loading plan can be changed or created and / or with which a loading plan can be changed or created using an end device connected to the computing unit of the device.

[0024] According to another embodiment, the lifting device can be extended telescopically from the container. This embodiment is characterized by a particular space saving when retracted.

[0025] According to another aspect of the invention, a method for loading a container according to one of the preceding claims with vehicles is provided, comprising the following steps:

[0026] - Securing a vehicle to a carrier,

[0027] - Positioning the carrier outside the container, in particular directly in front of the container, 16837-PT-WO 5 23 January 2026

[0028] - Extending a cat to a position outside the container, above the carrier,

[0029] - Connecting the cat to the carrier,

[0030] - Lifting the carrier using the cat,

[0031] - Procedure of the carrier using the cat to move it into a position inside the container,

[0032] - Connecting the carrier to a supporting structure.

[0033] One embodiment of the method further comprises the following steps:

[0034] - Obtaining information on all vehicles to be transported in the container, the information including at least details about the dimensions of the goods,

[0035] - Creating a loading plan, preferably including an allocation of securing devices from carriers to securing holes. At least one part of the goods consists of one or more vehicles.

[0036] Another aspect of this invention relates to a system with a plurality of containers, wherein at least some of the containers are containers of the type described above, and this portion of the containers is used on a first trip to transport one or more vehicles and on a subsequent trip to transport other goods. The containers according to the invention are loaded with vehicles using the method described above.

[0037] Further advantages, special features and expedient further developments of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims and the following presentation of preferred embodiments with reference to the illustrations.

[0038] The illustrations show

[0039] Fig. 1 shows a semi-transparent side view of an exemplary embodiment of the container according to the invention with first vehicles;

[0040] Fig. 2 a semi-transparent side view of an exemplary embodiment of the container according to the invention with second vehicles; 16837-PT-WO 6 23 January 2026

[0041] Fig. 3 shows a semi-transparent side view of an exemplary embodiment of the container according to the invention during a loading process; and Fig. 4 shows a view from an oblique top of an exemplary embodiment of the container according to the invention during the loading process.

[0042] In the following figures, container 1 rests on a car trailer 7 and shows the loading of vehicles 3 of exactly one type. However, this should not be interpreted as a limitation. Any container-specific handling is possible with container 1, in particular the transport of container 1 by sea or rail. Likewise, container 1 can accommodate vehicles 3 of different types and models simultaneously. The distribution of the vehicles 3 inside container 1 is determined, for example, by an algorithm for determining optimal space utilization. A control unit, not shown in the figures, generates electrical signals to control the cat 6K.Furthermore, all the supports 4 shown below have laterally extendable fixing devices 4M for insertion into fixing positions (fixing holes 5L) of the support structures 5, although the fixing devices of the supports are not shown in detail due to the level of detail in the drawings. The supports 4 are also adjustable in length and width to the respective size of the wheels 3R ​​as well as the track width and axle spacing of different models. All containers 1 shown in the drawings can, for example, be connected to a computing unit that assists in determining the optimal space utilization. The computing unit, for example, creates a loading plan and specifies to which fixing positions the fixing devices 4M should be connected, taking the following characteristics into account:

[0043] - Vehicle model, in particular vehicle size and dimensions,

[0044] - Container size,

[0045] - Size and dimensions of other goods to be transported in Container 1.

[0046] The containers 1 shown in the drawings further feature a continuous section with fixing holes 5L as a support structure 5. Alternative support structures, which save weight compared to this design, can, for example, provide a fastening for the supports 4 via individual support structure sections that can be moved along the container 1. 16837-PT-WO 7 23 January 2026

[0047] Sections of the support structure 5 can be fixed at the required position, and the distance between sections is adjusted to the respective axle spacing of a vehicle 3 and its planned orientation in container 1. For example, the containers 1 can contain safety equipment such as fire blankets, cameras, fire extinguishers, and trackers.

[0048] Figure 1 shows a possible positioning of a first type of vehicle 3 in an exemplary embodiment of the container 1 according to the invention. The container 1 has a device for loading the container 1. The side facing the container 1 (with the support structure) is hidden to allow a view of the interior of the container 1. A continuous section of a support structure 5 is shown on the wall located behind the vehicles 3. This section covers the entire wall and provides stability by also acting as wall reinforcement. The container 1 also has a trolley 6K located on the container ceiling, which is movable between a position outside the container 1 (see Figures 3 and 4) and inside the container 1. The supports 4, which can be lifted by means of the trolley 6K, are inserted into the support structure 5.

[0049] The carriers 4 with the vehicles 3 on them were arranged offset from each other in such a way that four vehicles 3 can be accommodated in a common container 1, in particular by hanging / standing section by section over each adjacent vehicle 3.

[0050] The supports 4 shown are adjustable in their track width and length. Figure 2 shows another possible positioning of vehicles 3 of a second type in the container 1 according to the invention. These different vehicles 3, compared to those shown in Figure 1, are all arranged in the same orientation, such that the front of each vehicle 3 hangs over the rear of the vehicle 3 in front of it. As in Figure 1, the support structure 5 has fixing holes 5L into which the supports 4 are inserted.

[0051] To move a vehicle 3 into the container 1, the lifting device 6 is extended telescopically from the container 1, as shown in Figure 3. The trolley 6K is connected to the support 4 via a cable 6S. A vehicle 3 of a third type is attached to the support 4. The vehicle 3 is moved by means of the trolley 6K. 16837-PT-WO 8 23 January 2026

[0052] Carrier 4 is lifted and then moved into container 1 until vehicle 3 is suspended in the intended position in the intended orientation and the fixing means 4M of carrier 4 are connected to the fixing holes 5L.

[0053] A perspective view of container 1 is shown in Figure 4. The extendable trolley 6K is connected here to an empty carrier 4. Any type of vehicle 3 can be fixed to the carrier 4. Additional vehicles 3 to be picked up are lined up in front of container 1. To load container 1, the following steps, for example, are performed:

[0054] - Securing a vehicle 3 to a support 4,

[0055] -Provision of the carrier 4 in a position outside of container 1, in particular directly in front of container 1 ,

[0056] -Extension of a cat 6K to a position outside container 1, above support 4,

[0057] -Connecting cat 6K to carrier 4,

[0058] -Lifting carrier 4 using cat 6K,

[0059] -Method of moving carrier 4 by means of the cat 6K into a position inside container 1 ,

[0060] -Connecting the support 4 to a support structure 5.

[0061] For example, the loading process further includes the following steps:

[0062] -Obtaining information on all goods to be transported in container 1, the information including at least details about the dimensions of the goods,

[0063] -Creating a loading plan, wherein the loading plan preferably includes an assignment of fixing means 4M from carrier 4 to fixing holes 5L.

[0064] Similarly, unloading container 1 can be done via the following steps:

[0065] -Connecting the cat 6K to a carrier 4 inside the container 1, -Releasing the fixing devices 4M from the fixing positions,

[0066] -Lifting the support 4,

[0067] -Extension of cat 6K to a position outside container 1, 16837-PT-WO 9, January 23, 2026

[0068] -Deployment of carrier 4,

[0069] - Detaching cat 6K from carrier 4.

[0070] The embodiments shown here are merely examples of the present invention and should therefore not be interpreted as limiting. Alternative embodiments considered by a person skilled in the art are likewise covered by the scope of protection of the present invention. 16837-PT-WO 10 23 January 2026

[0071] Reference symbol list:

[0072] 1 container

[0073] 2 Device

[0074] 3 vehicles

[0075] 3R wheel

[0076] 4 carriers

[0077] 5 Support structure 5L Fixing holes 6 Lifting device 6K Cat

[0078] 6S cable pull

[0079] 7 car trailers

Claims

16837-PT-WO 11 January 23, 2026 Patent claims:

1. Container (1) with a device (2) for loading the container (1) with vehicles (3), wherein the device (2) has at least one support (4) and at least two opposing sections of a support structure (5) located on container walls, wherein the device (2) comprises a lifting device (6) located on a container ceiling with a trolley (6K), wherein the trolley (6K) is movable between a position outside the container (1) and a position inside the container (1) and is configured to lift carriers (4) with vehicles (3) located thereon from outside the container (1) into the container (1), characterized by that the supports (4) are adjustable in track width and wheelbase and / or wheel size.

2. Container (1) according to claim 1 , characterized by that the device (2) further comprises a control unit which generates electrical signals for controlling the cat (6K).

3. Container (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the support structure (5) has a multitude of fixing positions, in particular fixing holes (5L), and that the supports (4) have laterally extendable fixing means (4M).

4. Container (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by that a sensor system integrated into the carrier (4), which preferably communicates with the control unit, assists in detecting fixing positions, in particular fixing holes (5L). 16837-PT-WO 12 23 January 2026 5. Container (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by that the device (2) is connectable to a computing unit, wherein the computing unit can determine a loading plan for the fixing means (4M) of the carriers (4), in particular optimal fixing holes (5L), wherein the determination takes into account the following features: - Vehicle model, in particular vehicle size and dimensions, - Container size, -Size and dimensions of other goods to be transported with the container (1).

6. Container (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by that the section of the support structure (5) covers the entire container wall and / or the support structure (5) additionally fulfills a function supporting the container wall.

7. Container (1) according to claim 5, characterized by that the device (2) has a graphical user interface with which the loading plan can be changed and / or that the loading plan can be changed using a mobile phone connected to the computing unit of the device.

8. Container (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by this , that the lifting device (6) can be extended telescopically from the container (1).

9. Method for loading a container (1) according to one of the preceding claims with vehicles (3), characterized by this , that it includes the following steps: - Securing a vehicle (3) to a support (4), 16837-PT-WO 13 23 January 2026 -Providing the carrier (4) in a position outside the container (1), in particular directly in front of the container (1 ), -Extension of a cat (6K) to a position outside the container (1), above the carrier (4), -Connecting the cat (6K) to the carrier (4), -Lifting the carrier (4) using the cat (6K), -Method of moving the carrier (4) by means of the cat (6K) into a position inside the container (1), -Connecting the carrier (4) to a support structure (5).

10. Procedure according to the previous claim, characterized by this , that it further includes the following steps: -Obtaining information on all vehicles to be transported with the container (1), the information including at least details of the dimensions of the goods, -Creating a loading plan, wherein the loading plan preferably includes an assignment of fixing means of carriers (4) to fixing holes (5L).

11. System comprising a plurality of containers (1) wherein at least a part of the containers is a container (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9 and this part of the containers (1) is used on a first journey to transport one or more vehicles (3) and on a further journey to transport other goods.

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