Modular bi-level storage and transport assembly with collapsible frame (MTA)

A collapsible semi-rigid storage unit for loading onto a transport vehicle, comprising:

• a modular bi-level storage and transport assembly (MTA) comprising:
• an upper rigid layer and a lower rigid layer;
• and
• a scissor lift coupled to the upper rigid layer and the lower rigid layer, wherein:
• the scissor lift is operable to expand to increase a distance between the upper rigid layer and the lower rigid layer, thereby expanding the MTA and forming a space between the upper rigid layer and the lower rigid layer, and
• the scissor lift is operable to contract to reduce the distance between the upper rigid layer and the lower rigid layer, thereby collapsing the MTA;
• a semi-rigid containment vessel stored in the space formed between the upper rigid layer and the lower rigid layer, wherein the containment vessel is removably attached to the upper rigid layer and the lower rigid layer, and
• the lower rigid layer is configured to interface with a matching upper rigid layer of a matching MTA.

A modular bi-level storage and transport assembly (MTA) for loading onto and attaching to an aircraft comprising:

• an upper rigid layer and a lower rigid layer;
• and
• an adjustable support mechanism coupled to the upper rigid layer and the lower rigid layer, wherein:
• the support mechanism is operable to expand to increase a distance between the upper rigid layer and the lower rigid layer, thereby expanding the MTA and forming a space between the upper rigid layer and the lower rigid layer, and
• the support mechanism is operable to contract to reduce the distance between the upper rigid layer and the lower rigid layer, thereby collapsing the MTA;
• a containment vessel, wherein the containment vessel is configured to be stored in the space formed between the upper rigid layer and the lower rigid layer, wherein the containment vessel is removably attached to the upper rigid layer and the lower rigid layer;
• wherein the lower rigid layer is coupled to an inboard surface of the aircraft, and
• the lower rigid layer is configured to interface with a matching upper rigid layer of a matching MTA.

A set of modular bi-level storage and transport assemblies (MTAs) for loading into a transport vehicle, comprising:

• a first MTA comprising:
• a first upper rigid layer and a first lower rigid layer;
• and
• an adjustable first support mechanism coupled to the first upper rigid layer and the first lower rigid layer, wherein:
• the first support mechanism is operable to expand to increase a distance between the first upper rigid layer and first lower rigid layer, thereby expanding the first MTA and forming a space between the first upper rigid layer and the first lower rigid layer,
• the first support mechanism is operable to contract to reduce the distance between the first upper rigid layer and the first lower rigid layer, thereby collapsing the first MTA, and
• a first containment vessel is removable from the first MTA;
• and
• a second MTA, wherein the second MTA has features identical to the first MTA, and wherein a second lower rigid layer of the second MTA is configured to interface with the first upper rigid layer of the first MTA.