CARGO SHIPPING PLATFORM FOR LIGHTWEIGHT CARGO CONTAINERS

Abstract

The low-weight design cargo shipping platform as an alternative to the conventional steel container for transportation of e-commerce cargo is provided which uses low-weight container modules enclosed within the cargo shipping platform. According to present embodiment, the cargo shipping platform of present invention is made of four corner upright members and a plurality of horizontal long and short members connected to form a rectangular cage like platform to accommodate and enclose any light weight container module. The shipping platform further includes a pair of central upright members to provide additional support to the platform and a plurality of side gate arms configured between top ends of the corner upright and bottom ends of the central upright member at an angle of 45 degree to form a zigzag wall at the sides of the platform to prevent displacement of the container module during shipping.

Claims

1. A cargo shipping platform for shipping of an e-commerce cargo comprising: A rectangular main frame made of: a four corner uprights configured at each corner of the rectangular main frame; a pair of a central upright members; a plurality of upper horizontal long members each of which are fastened lengthwise at a top end of at least one of the four corner uprights from one end while an opposite end of the plurality of upper horizontal members are fastened at a top end of one of the pair of the central upright from a respective side; a plurality of lower horizontal long members each of which are fastened lengthwise at a bottom end of at least one of the four corner uprights from one end while an opposite end of said plurality of lower horizontal members are fastened at a bottom end of one of the pair of the central upright from a respective side; and a pair of an upper short members and a pair of a lower short members horizontally connecting the top ends of the corner uprights and a bottom end of the corner uprights to form a width of the rectangular main frame; at least one side gate arm configured at each long side of the cargo shipping platform;

2. The cargo shipping platform of claim 1, wherein the at least one side gate arm is hinged from one end, at a corner being made between the top end of the corner upright and the horizontal long member.

3. The cargo shipping platform of claim 1, wherein each of the side gated arm is angled downwards towards a bottom end of the central upright.

4. The cargo shipping platform of claim 2, wherein the side gated arm is releasably fastened at the bottom end of the central upright from an opposite end.

5. The cargo shipping platform of claim 2, wherein the opposite end of the side gated arm includes an aperture through which a locking pin extend out to fasten the opposite end at the bottom of the central upright member.

6. The cargo shipping platform of claim 1, wherein the hinged connection of the side gated arm from one end and releasable fastening or locking at the opposite end allows easy opening and closing of the side gated arm.

7. The cargo shipping platform of claim 1, wherein the side gated arm at each long side of the cargo shipping platform is provided to prevent accidental removal of the small cargo container modules from the sides of the cargo shipping platform during shipping or transportation.

8. The cargo shipping platform of claim 1, wherein the central upright members divides the rectangular main frame into two equal sized chambers to allow accommodation of two small cargo container modules within the cargo shipping platform.

9. The cargo shipping platform of claim 1, wherein the central upright members of the cargo shipping platform is configured to provide additional support and durability to the cargo shipping platform during transportation.

10. The cargo shipping platform of claim 1, wherein the central upright members are removably coupled facilitating removal of the central upright during placement and removal of the small cargo container modules within the cargo shipping platform.

11. The cargo shipping platform of claim 1, wherein a central top junction where the top end of the central upright member and the horizontal long member meets includes a locking plate to lock the removable central upright member once configured on the main frame.

12. The cargo shipping platform of claim 1, wherein the upper ends of each of the plurality of corner uprights are provided with a standard connection cap.

13. The cargo shipping platform of claim 11, wherein the standard connection cap is configured to allow lifting of cargo shipping platform using a crane.

14. The cargo shipping platform of claim 1, wherein an inner side bottom junction where the bottom end of the central upright connects with the horizontal long member and central horizontal short member, the inner side bottom junction includes a plurality of arch shaped walls forming a semi-pyramid shaped design provided for easy placement of cargo container module within the platform.

15. The cargo shipping platform of claim 1, wherein the plurality of arch shaped wall is configured to guide and slide down the cargo container modules from said plurality of arch shaped walls and get placed over a bottom support frame.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0019] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of the invention is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, exemplary constructions of the invention are shown in the drawings. However, the invention is not limited to the specific methods and structures disclosed herein. The description of a method step or a structure referenced by a numeral in a drawing is applicable to the description of that method step or structure shown by that same numeral in any subsequent drawing herein.

[0020] FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric view of a cargo shipping platform of present invention.

[0021] FIG. 2 shows detailed view of node A of the cargo shipping platform of present invention shown in FIG. 1.

[0022] FIG. 3 shows detailed view of a node B of the cargo shipping platform of present invention shown in FIG. 1.

[0023] FIG. 4 shows detailed view of a node C of the cargo shipping platform of present invention shown in FIG. 1.

[0024] FIG. 5 shows detailed view of a node D of the cargo shipping platform of present invention shown in FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

[0025] The present invention overcomes the aforesaid drawbacks of the above, and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will now be described in greater detail. Also, the following description includes various specific details and are to be regarded as merely exemplary. Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that: without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure and its various embodiments there may be any number of changes and modifications described herein.

[0026] The invention provides a cargo shipping platform for light-weight cargo container modules that together works as a low-weight alternative to the conventional beefy steel containers currently being used in shipping business for transportation via ocean, rail or trucks. According to one embodiment, this low-weight alternative is provided to decrease the overall weight of the shipment while keeping the space for cargo, size and all the other features same as the conventional shipping containers. This decrease in weight, according to research, will also decrease the fuel consumption during transportation which will further result in decrease in CO2 emission and will also help the global shipping companies to achieve the objective of 0% carbon emission by 2050. Moreover, it will save hundreds of billions used for fuel by these shipping companies.

[0027] Instead of complete container made of a plated steel, the invention provides a shipping platform made in the shape of rectangular frame or cage according to standards and regulations established by the ISO which encloses any low-weight container modules made of any other material than steel or made with steel but with lower gauge compared to conventional containers, carbon fiber or any other lighter weight material. The lower weight of these materials compared to the conventional containers weighing approximately 10,000 pounds empty, ultimately reduces final weight of the loaded cargo shipping platform along with shipping containers to half of the weight of conventional shipping containers while keeping the same functionality or with additional functionality. Further, the lighter weight of the light container modules results in easier movement whenever needed during the journey from manufacturer to the last mile delivery location. Also, lighter weight reduces the need of heavy-duty forklifts and other equipment as well as makes it easier and less labor intensive to move containers onto trucks, railroad cars, or into warehouse thus leading to reduced labor and equipment costs.

[0028] According to present embodiment, the invention provides a cargo shipping platform for e-commerce cargo, where the platform is of the size same to the standard container size of 40′ feet, also with standard lifting corner top or corner cap to allow easy lifting of present cargo shipping platform of present invention using conventional cranes available at ports. Further, the cargo shipping platform of present invention includes a standard stacking corner bottom caps at each bottom corner of said cargo shipping platform to provide stackability to said platform so that platform may get stacked up to 8 high to meet ISO stacking standards.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the same size of present cargo shipping platform with standard container size makes it capable of being used as an alternative to the conventional steel containers without any limitations, thus it does not require any additional special equipment or machines and may be handled using conventional handling equipment and machines only. According to one embodiment, the cargo shipping platform of present invention accommodates two 20′ feet light weight container modules of present invention, where each container module has its own opening door allowing easy accessibility for checking and inspection purpose as every 20′ feet distance have its own opening compared to single opening in 40′ feet conventional container. Thus, the present cargo shipping platform along with the container modules provide more accessibility and ease of handling and management of cargo during transportation or during storage.

[0030] FIG. 1 illustrates isometric view of one exemplary embodiment of cargo shipping platform 100 of present invention. According to present embodiment, the cargo shipping platform 100 is made in the shape of rectangle to accommodate and enclose the low-weight containers, wherein the platform 100 is made of: a plurality of corner uprights 10 configured at each corner of the present cargo shipping platform 100; a plurality of horizontal long members 6 fastened lengthwise at each end of the plurality of corner uprights 10 forming upper node A and lower node B, where the upper horizontal long members 6 are fastened with the upper ends of the corner uprights 10 at node A while the lower horizontal long members 6 are fastened with bottom ends of the corner uprights 10 at node B from one end of the horizontal long members 6. According to one embodiment, the opposite ends of all said horizontal members 6 are fastened at respective end of a central upright members 20.

[0031] According to present embodiment, the central upright members 20 of the shipping platform 100 is provided for additional support and durability to the shipping platform 100 during transportation as well as to create a safety wall at the sides to prevent accidental removal of the container module from the shipping platform during ocean-trip or transportation, where the central upright members 20 are removably configured at a bottom node D to allow it to be removed during placement and removal of the cargo container module. According to one embodiment, the platform 100 further includes a plurality of horizontal short members 9 right angled with the horizontal long members 6 and connected horizontally with the corner uprights 10 to form a width of the shipping platform 100.

[0032] According to one embodiment, at least two side gate arms 30 are provided at each long side of the cargo container platform of present invention, wherein each side gate arm 30 is hinged at the top corner made between the corner uprights 10 and the horizontal long members 6 from one end. Further, each of the side gated arm is angled downward towards the bottom of the center upright 20 to releasably fasten the opposite end at the bottom node C of the center upright 20 and to allow easy opening or closing of each side gate arm during placement and removal of the cargo container module within the platform 100.

[0033] According to one embodiment, each of the plurality of the hinged side gate arms 30 at each side of the cargo shipping platform 100 of present invention is provided to prevent accidental removal of the cargo container module from the cargo shipping platform 100 during the transportation or shipping over the ship, train or any other vehicle. According to one embodiment, the side gate arm 30 connects at the node A using hinge connection from one end while the opposite end connects at the bottom of the central upright member 20 of respective side forming a zigzag shaped protective wall or gate when closed and fastened at the node C.

[0034] According to one embodiment, the cargo shipping platform 100 of present invention further includes a pair of central horizontal short member 2 configured to connect and support respective top and bottom ends of both the central upright members 20. According to one embodiment, the central top junction or node where the top end of the central uprights 20, horizontal long member 6 and horizontal short member 2 fastens together further includes a connection plate 18 which allows connection of horizontal long members 6 with the central uprights 20, a perpendicular extending plate 24 from the connection plate 18 to allow the horizontal short members 2 to get screwed using nut and bolt assembly. According to one embodiment, the central top junction further includes a locking plates 21 extending out of the connection plate 18 to lock the central upright members 20 once configured.

[0035] FIG. 2 shows detailed view of a node A where the upper end of the corner uprights is provided with a standard connection caps 36 recognized as the standard for lifting containers with cranes; Other members of the platform connecting at the junction forming a node A. According to one embodiment, the upper end of the corner upright 10, at least one end of longitudinal long member 17 and at least one end of horizontal short member 9 fastens/welded together with each other and with the standard connection cap 36 forming a junction point called node A. According to one embodiment, the node A further shows hinged connection of the side gated arm 30 fastened at the corner made between the corner upright 10 and the longitudinal long member 17 and configured angling downward so that the opposite end of the side gated arm may extend and align with the bottom end of the central upright 20.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the fastening mechanism of the side gated arm 30 at the corner includes a connection end of the angled side gated arm 30 having an extended horizontal plate 27 having an aperture to allow passing of the bolt member 32 through the aperture to hingedly couple the side gated arm 30. According to one embodiment, a U-shaped member 26 permanently fastened or welded at the wall of the corner upright 10, where both the arms of the U-shaped member 26 further includes holes aligned to each other which facilitates further aligning of the aperture of the extended horizontal plate 27 so that the bolt 32 may pass through both the arms of the U-shaped member 26 and the extended horizontal plate 27 and hingedly fasten the angled side gate arm 30.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the U-shaped member 26 of the fastening mechanism is further provided support using the support member 46. According to one embodiment, a locking pin 44 is coupled at the end of the bolt member 32 after passing it through the aligned apertures to lock and hold the side gate arm 30. According to one embodiment, the bolt member 32 is further passed through the washer 33 for additional grip.

[0038] Now, FIG. 3 shows a detailed view of Node B where the bottom end of the corner upright 10, bottom longitudinal long members 6 and horizontal short members 9 are fastened or permanently welded together as well as with the standard stacking cap 37 configured at each bottom end of the platform to allow easy stacking over other cargo container platform. According to one embodiment, a support frames 8 mounted over a vertical support member 7 which is fastened with the longitudinal long member 6 and horizontal short member 9 using the nut-bolt assembly 41, wherein the support frames 8 are configured to support the cargo container module when placed within the present cargo shipping platform 100.

[0039] FIG. 4 of present invention shows front end of the central junction point disclosed as a node C, where the bottom end of the central upright 20 fastens or connects with both the side gate arms 45 of one respective side, both the bottom longitudinal long members 5 and the central horizontal short member 2 forming a junction or node C. According to present embodiment, both the side gate arms 45 further includes an extended plates 31 at the ends of each side gate arm 45, where the extended plates 31 further includes an apertures which aligns with each other when the side gate arms 45 are closed so that the fastening member 12 may easily pass through the apertures to extend out and locked using the locking pin 40.

[0040] FIG. 5 shows detailed view of an opposite side of the node C which is explained herewith as a junction or node D for easy understanding. According to one embodiment, the inner junction D as shown in FIG. 5 of present invention includes a semi pyramid shaped design with plurality or arch walls which is provided for easy configuration or placement of cargo container modules within the present platform. According to present embodiment, the central upright member 20 is removable to allow easy removal during placement of the cargo container module. The central upright 20 is configured over the support member 22 and locked from the top end to prevent displacement during transportation.

[0041] According to one embodiment, all the junctions and/or nodes including node D includes a supporting plate 3 that is provided to place and hold or for additional support to the cargo container module when placed inside the present platform. A plurality of curved walls (13, 14 and 15) forming slopes facing the sides where the cargo container module gets placed to allow cargo container modules to easily slide down from said curved walls (13, 14 and 15) and gets placed over the support frame 3.

[0042] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.