Multi-directional cargo loading/unloading system
AssigneeGM Global Technology Operations LLC
InventorsAdhithya Ravishankar, Spencer C. Price
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A vehicle, cargo transfer device of the vehicle and a method of transferring a package between a vehicle to a delivery platform. A lift platform is extended from a floor of the vehicle via a support structure. The package is moved to the lift platform from one of the floor and the delivery platform. The lift platform is rotated via a turntable through a rotation angle. The support structure supports the turntable and the lift platform. The package is moved from the lift platform to the other of the floor and the delivery platform.
Claims17
A method of transferring a package between a vehicle and a delivery platform, comprising:
- folding down a lift platform and a turntable from a retracted position inside the vehicle to an extended position in which the lift platform and the turntable are extended outside of the vehicle via a support structure, wherein a slider rail mechanism is coupled to the support structure and the turntable;
- moving the package to the lift platform from one of a floor of the vehicle and the delivery platform;
- moving the lift platform along a transverse axis of the vehicle via the slider rail mechanism;
- rotating the lift platform through a rotation angle via the turntable;
- and
- moving the package from the lift platform to the other of the floor and the delivery platform.
A cargo transfer device for a vehicle, comprising:
- a lift platform;
- a slider rail mechanism configured to move the lift platform along a transverse axis of the vehicle;
- a turntable configured to rotate the lift platform through a rotation angle, wherein the turntable is coupled to the slider rail mechanism and the lift platform rests on the turntable;
- and
- a support structure configured to support the slider rail mechanism, wherein the lift platform and the turntable are configured to fold down from a retracted position inside the vehicle to an extended position in which the lift platform and the turntable are extended outside of the vehicle.
A vehicle, comprising:
- a cargo area;
- and
- a cargo transfer device located within the cargo area, the cargo transfer device including:
- a lift platform;
- a slider rail mechanism configured to move the lift platform along a transverse axis of the vehicle;
- a turntable configured to rotate the lift platform through a rotation angle, wherein the turntable is coupled to the slider rail mechanism and the lift platform rests on the turntable;
- and
- a support structure configured to support the slider rail mechanism, wherein the lift platform and the turntable are configured to fold down from a retracted position inside the vehicle to an extended position in which the lift platform and the turntable are extended outside of the vehicle.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.