US 5,628,596 A · Vehicle-carrying frame

Abstract

An exemplary frame for carrying two or more tiers of vehicles within a standard cargo-carrying container includes frame-supporting wheels rotatably supported in interposed relation between the sides of the lower rail of the frame for streamlined operation. Installing structure included on the upper and lower rail of the frame, such as an upper and lower plate each having a toothed edge, enable selective coupling of a vertical tension member to the upper and lower rails either in a first suspended position in which longitudinal movement along the respective rails is possible or in a second suspended position locked against such movement. The exemplary frame also includes a storage mechanism where each vehicle-supporting wheel cradle is pivotable about a load-bearing hanger for securement in a storage position extending parallel to the sides of the frame. Also included is a mechanism for limiting longitudinal movement of the frame inside a container, which includes a head selectively extensible in a direction longitudinal of the frame toward an interior margin of the container. Preferably the head also pivots transversely for engagement of the head with a respective side wall of the container so that, in conjunction with a like mechanism operating on a separate frame, the ends of a number of collapsed frames may be securely held in transversely clamped condition within a single container.

Claims10

Dependent claims

A vehicle-carrying elongate frame having transversely-spaced upright sides and an elongate wheel support affixable between said upright sides to support at least a transversely-spaced pair of wheels of a vehicle, said frame comprising:

(a) transversely-spaced first and second upright post members on respective different ones of said sides;
(b) first means for securing said wheel support to said frame in a vehicle supporting position extending between and generally perpendicular to said upright sides of said frame, said first means including first and second devices for securing first and second end portions of said wheel support to said first and second upright post members, respectively, so that said first and second upright post members jointly support said wheel support;
(c) second means for securing said elongate wheel support to said frame in a storage position wherein said wheel support extends vertically along its length upward from said first device adjacent and generally parallel to a respective one of said upright sides of said frame;
and
(d) said first device being vertically adjustable relative to said first upright post member.

2 more elements

A vehicle-carrying elongate frame for supporting a plurality of vehicles having at least one pair of transversely-spaced wheels, said frame having transversely-spaced upright sides, said frame comprising:

(a) transversely-spaced first and second upright post members on respective different ones of said upright sides;
(b) at least one elongate wheel support affixable between said upright sides to support said pair of wheels;
(c) first means for securing said wheel support to said frame in a vehicle supporting position extending between and generally perpendicular to said upright sides of said frame, said first means including first and second devices for securing first and second end portions of said wheel support to said first and second upright post members, respectively, so that said first and second upright post members jointly support said wheel support;
(d) second means for securing said wheel support to said frame in a storage position wherein said wheel support extends vertically along its length upward from said first device adjacent and generally parallel to a respective one of said upright sides of said frame;
and
(e) said first device pivotably interconnecting said first end portion of said wheel support to said first upright post member;
(f) wherein said wheel support pivots on said first device between said vehicle supporting position and said storage position;
(g) wherein said first and second end portions are movable along said first and second upright post members, respectively, while said wheel support is being supported by means of said first and second devices.

5 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Vehicle-carrying frame

Life of this patent

Vehicle-carrying frame

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims10