Cargo elevator assembly

A delivery vehicle with multi-tier cargo storage, comprising:

• an elevator assembly for raising and lowering cargo between different storage tiers, said elevator assembly comprising:
• at least one platform movable between an intermediate position and a lowered position;
• a lift for raising and lowering the at least one platform to permit loading and unloading of cargo;
• and
• a lifting mechanism comprising a plurality of chains mated to a sprocketed cross shaft to raise and lower each of the plurality of chains by equal amounts;
• and
• a plurality of support members coupled to said elevator assembly for transferring substantially all cargo weight from the elevator assembly directly to an axle of the delivery vehicle.

A delivery vehicle with mult-tier cargo storage, comprising:

• an elevator assembly for raising and lowering cargo between different storage tiers, said elevator assembly comprising:
• at least one platform movable between an intermediate position and a lowered position;
• and
• a lift for raising and lowering the at least one platform to permit loading and unloading of cargo;
• a plurality of support members coupled to said elevator assembly for transferring substantially all cargo weight from the elevator assembly directly to an axle of the delivery vehicle;
• and
• a sliding rear access door comprising a plurality of panels that slide vertically between an open position and a closed position, wherein said panels overlap each other in said open position.

A delivery vehicle with multi-tier cargo storage, comprising:

• an elevator assembly for raising and lowering cargo between different storage tiers, said elevator assembly comprising:
• a platform movable between an intermediate position and a lowered position;
• and
• a lift for raising and lowering the platform to permit loading and unloading of cargo;
• and
• a plurality of side access doors in at least one side of the delivery vehicle, said access doors being positioned so as to permit cargo loading and unloading at the platform of the elevator assembly when said platform is in its lowered position.

A delivery vehicle for storing and transporting multiple tiers of cargo, comprising:

• an enclosed cargo section positioned generally above a plurality of weight-bearing axles, said cargo section further comprising:
• a roof;
• first and second side walls connected to said roof;
• a plurality of side doors collectively penetrating a substantial portion of a lower half of each side wall;
• a structural support frame disposed in said enclosed cargo section and having a center portion longitudinally bisecting the cargo section along a transverse dimension thereof, said center portion being in primary load-bearing communication with at least one of said plurality of weight-bearing axles;
• and
• at least one elevating platform located on either side of the center portion of said structural support frame within said enclosed cargo section.