EP4387883A1

EP4387883A1 - A cargo loader

Info

Publication number: EP4387883A1
Application number: EP22701699.5A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Michael Worley
Original assignee: Rail Cargoliner Ltd
Current assignee: Rail Cargoliner Ltd
Priority date: 2021-08-18
Filing date: 2022-01-02
Publication date: 2024-06-26

Abstract

The present invention relates to a cargo loader for providing a means of aiding users to easily load and unload cargo from a train carriage (100). The cargo loader for a train carriage has a platform 10 that forms a section of the carriage floor in a first position. The platform is arranged to move from the first position to a plurality of further positions, wherein the platform is supported on one or more arms (64), which arms are arranged to move the platform vertically, horizontally, and through inclinations with reference to the floor. The arm or arms are actuated by a plurality of hydraulic actuators.

Description

A CARGO LOADER

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a cargo loader, in particular a cargo loader for providing a means of aiding loading and unloading cargo from a vehicle; more particularly but not exclusively a train carriage.

Background

Increasing numbers of societies are recognising the potential and reasons for rail travel for goods and passengers.

There are environmental benefits to transporting freight, mail and other items by rail, as opposed to by road, as it reduces the amount of carbon emissions as well as offering other advantages. However, over time different systems of railways have led to development of a variety of loading and unloading systems where some stations or locations may have higher loading areas, some may have lower loading areas, and others may require a ramp as the loading area is further away from the carriage.

Prior Art

International patent application WO 2020 127 343 (DINLER et al) discloses a passenger transport vehicle comprising a car body, a vehicle floor which is provided in the car body in such a way that it can receive passengers such that a height difference is formed between a floor level of the vehicle floor and a floor level of a surrounding floor of a direct vehicle environment. The vehicle includes a lifting device for a passenger to overcome the height difference.

WO 9 207 731 (AOKI) discloses a wheelchair lift for railway passenger cars having a door opening, a car floor and a well extending below the door opening and the car floor. The lift comprises: an elongate guide frame to be secured to the passenger car on at least one side of the door opening so as to be positioned above, and extend downwardly into, the well.

US 4 930 969 (LANGER) discloses a rail type lift, suitable for attachment to a vehicle, comprising: opposed elongate members arranged in a substantially vertical manner.

International patent application WO-9207731 (AOKI) discloses a wheelchair lift for mounting in the stairwell of a railway carriage. The lift includes a vertical translation member which is attachable to one wall of the stairwell and a platform assembly attached to the translation mechanism so as to be movable between an upper position, where the platform assembly is substantially coplanar with the floor of the railway car and a lower position, adjacent a railroad bed.

US patent US 4 347 030 (IWAINSKY) discloses a loading and detraining apparatus for use by wheelchair users. A horizontal loading platform is pivotally connected to a pair of spaced apart and opposed linkage means.

German patent DD 262 009 (VEB Wagonbau) discloses a wheelchair lift for use in combination with a railway carriage.

International patent application WO-92/07731 (Hogan MFG Inc) discloses a wheelchair lift for mounting in a stairwell of a railway car. The wheelchair lift includes a vertical translation member, which is attached to one wall of the stairwell, and a platform assembly is attached to the translation mechanism to allow movement between an upper position to a lower position adjacent a railroad bed.

Many existing systems were not suitable for rapid loading and unloading of so- called roll cages, containers and pallets on which freight, parcels and other items were loaded. Furthermore systems were not always capable of being used to receive and deliver roll cages, containers and palleted goods from platforms and lorries at different heights and so were restricted for use with specific platforms or loading areas.

The present invention arose in order to overcome problems suffered by existing cargo loading and unloading systems. In particular the invention provides a cargo loader for use with train carriages enabling the delivery and receipt of roll cages, containers and palleted goods to and from different platform heights and ground level. of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a cargo loader that is slung in an opening defined by a payload door of a train carriage, the cargo loader comprises: a platform supported on at least one moveable strut mounted below a solebar of the train carriage, the platform, when in its stowed (home) position, lies within the carriage and flush with a portion of the carriage floor; when the at least one moveable strut articulates, the platform is displaced by at least one actuator which moves the platform from the stowed (home) position to one of a plurality of further positions, outside the train carriage; and a lift is operative to lower the platform to a deployed position, in which the platform rests on a surface and the lift is operative to raise the platform from the surface for subsequent retraction to its stowed (home) position.

In its deployed position the cargo loader therefore provides a means for unloading or loading into, or onto, a plurality of locations, suitable for platform loading, breach loading, or ground loading, as described below.

Ideally the carriage has a modified bulkhead with at least one cutaway carriage portion on a driver side and at least one cutaway carriage portion on a nondriver side. The cutaway carriage portions define the opening in which the platform is stowed. In some embodiments a pair of cargo loaders are slung, ideally one in each opening, defined by a payload door on opposite sides of the train carriage.

Preferably at least one actuator is a hydraulic actuator. The at least one actuator includes a linear rail mounted to a carriage bulkhead which is angled so that the platform is displaced away from the carriage to clear a railhead and a sleeper.

Preferably the at least one actuator is a hydraulic ram which operates a cantilever and the actuator and ram are operative to displace the platform to articulate to clear the railhead and sleeper and to lower the platform to rest on a level surface.

Optionally a secondary platform is adapted to extend from the platform to breach any void or gap between the platform and a loading surface, which may be a railway platform, a delivery vehicle or a footpath.

In a preferred embodiment at least one sensor and/or an electromechanical switch is operative to detect if a part of the cargo loader is ‘out of gauge’ with respect to the train carriage and to transmit a ‘break’ in a train brake continuity or safety system and/or to trigger an alert signal.

The at least one sensor and/or electromechanical switch when operative initiates a ‘break’ in a train brake continuity system and a brake application to the train is made and/or an alert signal, thereby preventing any train movement whilst the platform is in use and/or becomes inadvertently ‘out of gauge’ with reference to the train carriage.

Ideally at least one actuator is underslung below the carriage, in a self-contained housing. In some embodiments a continuity brake wire loop is also included which is operative to control a brake release system. Optionally a manual actuation mode permits manual deployment and manual stowage of the platform in the event of a power outage.

In some embodiments the platform pivots off a back edge of the cargo loader (which remains flush with the train carriage floor) by means of at least one underslung hydraulic ram, to form a pitched inclined ramp carriage floor section, integral within the train carriage.

An emergency stop control button and control handset and/or panel is provided for the associated loading device. The emergency stop control button may optionally also be provided in the driver’s cab to enable a train driver to oversee operational safety of the cargo loader.

In some embodiments an internal lining may be provided in the train carriage for improving thermal and/or acoustic insulation and so modify the carriage for transporting chilled or frozen goods, such as meat, fish, fruit, vegetables or flowers and chilled liquids, such as milk. Optionally at least one refrigeration unit is mounted to the chilled carriage in order to maintain its contents below a defined temperature. Optionally at least one air conditioning unit is also provided.

In some embodiments at least one humidifier unit may be provided in the train carriage for controlling the humidity of the carriage. This may be important when transporting foodstuffs or other perishable items which may degrade when exposed to particularly dry (or moist conditions).

In some embodiments, and in particular the aforementioned carriages, doorways are sealed by way of a hermetically sealed door. This ensures air does not leak into or from the carriage and this allows carriages to be overpressured or under-pressured which may be important for maintaining the quality of goods contained therein. A service duct is ideally provided within a bulkhead of the carriage, through which utility lines, including air lines, hydraulic power lines and electric power lines and control lines pass.

Ideally the platform is dimensioned to receive roll cages and/or palleted, containerised and trolleyed cargo that may be stowed within the carriage.

In some carriages smart technology may be provided to enable users to input a destination location on a tracking system which uses global positioning system (GPS) signals. The tracking system includes a receiver and a wireless transmitter for sending signals to, and receiving signals from, a logistics command centre. The tracking system may be used in combination with labelled roll cages or parcels, for example by way of an optical or radio frequency (RF) scanner, to program a roster of order in which roll cages are to be collected from or dropped off at specific locations.

In some embodiments, carriages may include a roller floor for the movement of heavier cargo items within the train carriage. In some embodiments, carriages may be fitted with integrated racking and/or caging and/or arrest means for the secure stowage of cargo or roll cages.

Ideally train carriages are suitably sized, with respect to the roll cages, to enable roll cages to be manoeuvred in the train carriages so that a desired series of roll cages can be arranged in a suitable first in first out (FIFO) order, whilst in transit, so that cages are arranged in a correct sequence when arriving at a station for rapid drop off and/or delivery. This ensures that minimum dwell time is experienced at a drop off or collection point. This capability is further enhanced by having carriages which have wide cargo vestibules between carriages when connected in multiple rakes. This configuration allows operators to walk through an entire rake of interconnected train carriages.

Modified train carriages are capable of being attached to existing rolling stock and passenger carriages if required by means of optional carriage body ends. A modular ‘container like body’ of the carriage may be designed to attach/detach to an existing ‘spine’ container rail vehicle/wagon.

The platform is fitted with a tilt means or an incline, for example from a reference point at an inner or rear edge of the platform from the first position which allows the platform to tilt into a plurality of second positions. The platform may alternatively or additionally, be capable of tilting at its rear edge and/or along its side.

Because the platform lies flush with a train carriage floor, prior to its deployment, when the platform is in the first position, it is straightforward to move roll-cages or the like around the carriage during transit. When a destination is reached, the cargo loader provides a rapidly deployable means for quick and safe off-loading of roll cages easily and effectively in whatever manner at a destination.

The platform includes a front edge or flap part, which extends from a hinge from the front edge of the platform, to provide an inclined entrance for the platform. The hinge accommodates uneven ground. In some embodiments the front edge or flap part may be capable of extending away from carriage to an operator defined distance. For example the front edge or flap part may extended by separate actuators, for example hydraulic rams.

In this way a preferred embodiment of the cargo loader comprises one or more platform parts that may extend from the top platform part to breach wider gaps.

In some embodiments the cargo loader may have rolling means, rollers or wheels below the platform, to enable the platform to roll on a subordinate surface. Such rolling means may be spring-locked castor wheels for example.

In some embodiments the cargo loader includes a guard, which prevents inadvertent toppling or rolling of the roll cage from the platform. For example the guard may comprise one or more members that are arranged to move from a first position below, or substantially level with, the platform upper surface to a second position elevated above the platform upper surface so as to retain the roll cage.

In this second position the guard may thereby prevent uncontrolled rolling of the roll cage and so enable safety and/or inclination of the platform.

A local control handset or panel system enables the payload door and/or cargo loader to operate as a self-contained unit and enables an operator to deploy the platform to a desired height quickly and easily.

The arm or arms of the cargo loader or cargo loaders may have main double acting ram actuators pivoted to intermediate joints and one or more auxiliary single acting ram actuators pivoted at its other end. The actuators are ideally hydraulically actuated. Hydraulic circuits are provided for operation of the main actuators, auxiliary actuators, lifting fasteners, and/or outriggers.

Further embodiments may have pulleys connected to supporting rods wherein a lifting part comprises a limiting column and a lifting plate is rotationally connected to the bottom of the limiting column.

In some embodiments of the system an air bridge is provided which is sized and arranged to fit the train carriage. The airbridge includes a payload door with a flexible canopy which surrounds a door opening. The canopy is dimensioned to co-exist, abut and surround a delivery hatch on a truck or bay of a delivery lorry. The air bridge thus ensures swift and secure transfer of cargo from the train carriage to the delivery lorry and helps to protect cargo against the elements and maintain cargo for example in a chilled temperature.

A system includes at least one of the cargo loaders and a payload door which is dimensioned and arranged to surround and abut a delivery hatch on a truck or bay of a delivery lorry. Optionally carriages are fitted with internal shelving which may be installed to create a mobile warehouse or sorting office.

It may be envisaged that drones could be deployed from the carriage to deliver to remote areas using the carriage as a mobile warehouse.

A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of examples only and with reference to the Figures in which:

Brief

Figures 1 show isometric views of an embodiment of a carriage with two embodiments of the cargo loader according to the present invention installed on opposing sides with one platform in a first position and one platform in a second position, respectively;

Figures 2A and 2B show reverse isometric vies of the embodiment of the carriage as shown in Figures 1 ;

Figures 3 show isometric and reverse isometric views respectively of the embodiment of the carriage shown in Figures 1 , with the platform exploded away from the carriage;

Figure 4 shows an isometric view of two opposing embodiments of the cargo loader as shown in Figures 1 ;

Figure 5 shows a reverse isometric view of two opposing embodiments of the cargo loader as shown in Figure 4;

Figure 6 shows an isometric view of the cargo loader according to the present invention, as shown in Figures 1 ; Figure 7 shows a reverse isometric view of the cargo loader as shown in Figure 6;

Figure 8 shows an isometric view of the cargo loader according to the present invention, as shown in Figure 1 B;

Figure 9 shows a reverse isometric view of the cargo loader as shown in Figure 8;

Figure 10 shows an exploded isometric view of the embodiment of the cargo loader shown in Figure 6;

Figure 11 shows a reverse isometric view of the cargo loader as shown in Figure 10;

Figure 12 shows an isometric view of a carriage module able to attach/detach to existing rail freight ‘spine’ vehicle/wagon;

Figures 13A and 13B show views from below and above of an example of a cargo loader and/or components comprising a top platform and an extending platform for breaching wider gaps;

Figure 14 shows a diagrammatical sectional view of the cargo loader and illustrates its trajectory for clearing the railhead and sleeper.

Figure 15 shows a diagrammatical sectional view of the cargo loader and illustrates its trajectory for bridging a gap and forming an integral ramp between the carriage 100 and a railway platform.

Figures 15, 16 and 17 show diagrammatical sectional views of the cargo loader and its pivot function to form an integral ramp; Figures 18 and 19 show overall diagrammatic views illustrating how the cargo loader is used for breach loading, for example directly onto (or from) a lorry trailer or a delivery vehicle;

Figures 20 are overall views illustrating how the cargo loader is used for ground loading, for example directly onto a platform, onto a concourse or onto a cargo transit park;

Figures 21 A and 21 B and 22A and 22B show diagrammatically the extension of hydraulic rams as actuators when the cargo loader is used for platform loading, breach loading and ground loading;

Figures 23 shows how the cargo loader and what may be included in particular types of carriage depending upon their intended purpose; and

Figures 24 shows an overall and side view of a carriage and a diagrammatical representation of three different types of unloading for which the railway carriage may be used with a single payload doorway.

Detailed Description of Figures

With reference to the Figures there is shown an embodiment of a cargo loader which is slung in an opening 50defined by a payload door of a train carriage, the cargo loader comprises: a platform supported on at least one moveable strut mounted below ‘solebar’ of the train carriage, the platform, when in its stowed (home) position, lies within the carriage and flush with a portion of the carriage floor; when the at least one moveable strut articulates, the platform is displaced by at least one actuator which moves the platform from the stowed (home) position to one of a plurality of further positions, outside the train carriage; and a lift is operative to lower the platform to a deployed position, in which the platform rests on a surface and the lift is operative to raise the platform from the surface for subsequent retraction to its stowed (home) position. Figure 1 shows a cargo loader 99 for a train carriage 100 comprising a steel platform 10 that forms a section of the carriage floor in its first position (shown in Figure 1A), which platform is arranged to move from the first position to a plurality of further positions, wherein the platform 10 is supported on one or more arms 64, which rigid support arms 64 are arranged to move the platform vertically, horizontally, and through inclinations with reference to the floor, said arm or arms being actuated by a plurality of tilt hydraulic actuators 62.

In particular reference to Figure 1 , there is shown a train carriage 100 with two embodiments of the cargo loader 99 installed on opposing sides with separate doors having roll-up payload doors 51. The pictured embodiment of the cargo loader 99 is incorporated into apparatus which comprises two loading cargo loaders, one on each side of the train carriage.

The platform 10 sits within the floor of the carriage and extend down to aid with the process of loading and unloading standard or known goods roll cages 400. The cargo loader enables loading and unloading in different scenarios, namely onto a station platform, straight into a good vehicles such as a van or lorry, and down to the ground.

The embodiment both pivots and extends the platform to allow for direct loading of roll cages 400 into the train or train carriage 100, wherein two sets of two hydraulic actuators allow the platform to tilt creating a ramp to speed up the loading process and a lowered platform, lower and extend.

A first set of actuators, or rams are connected to a main frame 63 at a first set of pivots 68 and the underside of the platform at a second set of pivots.

A second set of actuators, or rams, are connected to the main frame 63 at a third set of pivots and the underside of the platform at a fourth set of pivots 68.

Both sets of pivots are located on spurs extending away from a transverse bar. The transverse bar is arranged to slide away from the carriage on the frame, which frame comprises two linear rail spurs 61 extending away from the carriage. The tilt hydraulic actuators 62 work in unison with the linear rails 69 to tilt and adjust the platform height and control the angle of the platform.

The platform is further supported on rigid support arms 64 that extend from the frame to the underside of the platform, wherein such arms relate to a set of rams and are hinged on a fifth set of pivots 66 extending below the spurs, to allow for an offset mechanism when the rams extend, so as to permit tilting.

Referring to Figures 21 and 22 which illustrate the transition from the ‘home’ position to ground level in a single movement. From the home position (shown in Figure 21 A) in which an upper platform 3 forms part of the carriage floor. Figure 21 B shows how the upper platform 3 is operable to load and lower goods to ground level without the need to be de-stowed, folded, swung or hinged out. Guard 2 is shown raised to prevent the roll cage 400 from rolling off the platform sideways.

Figures 21 and 22 show diagrammatically the extension of hydraulic rams as actuators when the cargo loader is used for platform loading, for example whilst waiting at a railway station. Likewise the loader is able to be used for breach loading, for example loading between a container lorry; and for ground loading, for example for loading or unloading onto a concourse.

Figures 15, 16 and 17 shows how the platform is able to be angled and extended to form an integral ramp onto a railway platform 20 and how in this configuration the platform pitches onto the railway platform to form an integral ramp into the carriage, again without the need to be de-stowed, folded/swung or hinged out. Figures 17A and 17B show examples of ramp loading of a roll cage 400.

The extending lower platform can be extended without the aid of hinged or fold down extenders as can be seen from Figures 10 and 11 which show how the extending lower platforms breaches gaps by extending within itself to aid the loading of cargo without the need to be folded and swung or extended on a hinge.

The fact that the angled linear rail 69 for the platform travel trajectory enables is shown in Figures 14, 16, 21 and 22. For the loading platform to clear the railhead and railway sleepers when lowered on ground level, the downward travel trajectory is angled away from the carriage 100 for railway operations.

The construction and operation loading platform is to enable the lifting and/or lowering of high payload items, specifically for cargo use and not passenger.

As shown in Figure 18 an access door and platform are sized and located to meet and align with a loading bay on logistical vehicles. The loading platform and carriage doors (payload doors) is specifically sized to the same standard of that of the rear access to an articulated lorry trailer 600. This creates the seamless transition of cargo between vehicles.

The platform is integrated into a modified chassis which allows the platform to operate as mentioned above while keeping the structural rigidity of the carriage 100 and enabling air, power, hydraulics and utilities and control lines (not shown) to still run through the length of the train.

This train carriage and chassis design therefore provides a high payload, high speed carriage 100 capable of rapid collection and delivery of cargo. The platform can thereby be angled and extended to move roll cages 400 easily and quickly between large articulated lorries and the carriage 100.

The platform 10 is composed of multiple parts where an extending lower platform 5 extends out from under a portion of the upper platform 3 to breach larger gaps. The extending lower platform 5 has a front edge with an inclining flap 4 that is hinged longitudinally to permit a little movement on the edge to accommodate the ground when the platform is tilted or flat. Figure 13 show views from below and above of an example of a cargo loader comprising a top platform and an extending platform for breaching wider gaps.

Figure 18 is an overall view illustrating howe the cargo loader is used for breach loading, for example directly onto or from a container lorry 600. The upper platform 3 can be lowered to any height allowing a user to transfer goods between smaller vans and the carriage 100.

The embodiment shown in Figure 14 uses linear rail spurs 61 to create a travel trajectory to ensure the platform 10 clears the railhead and height adjusting hydraulic rams 65 are used to keep the platform 10 level whilst pivoting out away from the carriage 100.

A bulkhead 1 creates a structural enclosure (lift chamber) around the underside of the embodiment, protecting the lift chamber from dirt and debris. The bulkhead 1 carries service and utility lines including electrical control (not shown), communications and power lines (not shown), hydraulic control and power hoses (not shown), air and water (not shown), as well as providing structural rigidity to the carriage 100.

Safety guards 2, 12 extend from the platform 10 to its perimetric edge to prevent the roll cages 400 from falling rolling. The platform 10 has a tread plate that creates a gripping surface for the roll cage 400.

A main frame 63 allows the platform 10 to move along the linear rails 69. The platform 10 is ideally at least 2390mm wide by at least 21800mm deep.

Figure 20 is an overall view illustrating how the cargo loader is used for ground loading, for example directly onto a concourse or cargo transit park.

Figures 13A and 13B show views from below and above of an example of a cargo loader and/or components comprising a top platform and an extending platform for breaching wider gaps. Figure 14 shows diagrammatical sectional views of the cargo loader and its trajectory for clearing the railhead and sleeper and depicts a lifting chamber.

Figures 15, 16 and 17 are views illustrating how the cargo loader is used for railway platform loading.

Safety guards 2, 12 may be provided around edges or peripheries of the platforms, which lift and are bolted, to prevent roll cages 400 from falling from the platforms.

In Figures 21 and 22A and 22B; the extending lower platform 5 extends outward from the upper platform 3 so that inclining flap 4 defines a ramp which helps to remove roll cages 400 as well as extending across wider gaps. The tilted platform shown in Figures 21 and 22 is used for use with a railway platform 20 and breach loading. This is because the platform 10 is able to be lowered through a range of adjustable heights, from a breach loading and/or inclined integral ramp position to a ground level position, to enable roll cages 400 to be rolled onto and off the platform 10. In addition the platform 10 is adjustable to any desired height between the ground level and height of access door, so enabling the platform 10 to be used to load smaller vans or goods vehicles (not shown). Figure 22B shows the upper platform 3 in contact with the ground by way of ground support 56.

Figure 23 shows different features and systems which may be included in particular types of carriage 100 depending upon their intended purpose.

Figures 14, 21 and 22 show how the trajectory of the cargo loader, which is slung in an opening 50 defined by a payload door of a train carriage 100, clears a railhead by way of hydraulic rams sitting below the bulkhead. The cargo loader comprises is supported on at least one, preferably at least two, moveable struts mounted below a ‘solebar’ of the train carriage 100. At least one and ideally at least two sliding brackets move along an angled linear rail 69 which creates a trajectory so that the transit of the platform clears around the railhead.

These steps are shown diagrammatically in Figures 14, 21 and 22 respectively. The platform can be extended with the extending lower platform 5 which is situated below the upper platform 3. The extending lower platform 5 is activated using a separate set of extending hydraulic actuators 67 which help the platform bridge unusually wide gaps between the ramp and for example a railway platform.

Within the carriage automated devices, such as LOWPAD (RTM) autonomous mobile robot, may be used to manoeuvre roll cages 400 and goods inside the carriage 100 while in transit, ready for quick delivery in a predefined order in dependence upon arrival times at respective drop off and collection locations.

Figure 23 shows a thermal door 500 which may be used when in temperature controlled carriages, for example when working in multiple carriages with extra wide carriage vestibules. Roller floors 504 may be used for assisting movement of containers. A rooftop eco-electric reefer unit 506 may be used to provide temperature control within a carriage. Integrated racking systems 508 and/or caging systems 510 may be deployed within the carriage. Standard air freight payloads are able to access doors for air cargo containers 512 as well as rail cargo pallets and roll cages 400.

A GPS receiver 514, side CCTV cameras 515 and integrated smart system may also be provided as additional options. A solid blank end 516 as well as a driving cab 518 or a gang vestibule body 520 may also be fitted as additional optional features to one end of the carriage.

Figure 24 shows an overall and side view of a carriage and a diagrammatical representation of three different types of unloading for which the railway carriage may be used with a single payload doorway. The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments, without departing from the scope of protection, as defined by the claims.

1 bulkhead

2 safety guard

3 upper platform

4 inclining flap

5 extending lower platform

10 platform

12 safety guard

20 railway platform

50 door opening

51 roll-up payload door

56 ground support

61 linear rail spurs

62 tilt hydraulic actuators

63 main frame

64 rigid support arms

65 height adjusting hydraulic rams

66 fifth set of pivots

67 extending hydraulics

68 pivots

69 linear rail

99 cargo loader

100 train carriage

300 bogie axle

302 freight wagon spine

304 modular unit

400 roll cages

402 lifting chamber

404 railhead

500 thermal door

504 roller floor 506 reefer unit

508 integrated racking systems

510 caging systems

512 air cargo containers 514 GPS receiver

516 solid blank end

518 driving cab

520 gang vestibule body

600 lorry

Claims

1 . A cargo loader is slung in an opening defined by a payload door of a train carriage, the cargo loader comprises: a platform supported on at least one moveable strut mounted below ‘solebar’ of the carriage, the platform, when in its stowed (home) position, lies within the carriage and flush with a portion of the carriage floor; when the at least one moveable strut articulates, the platform is displaced by at least one actuator which moves the platform from the stowed (home) position to one of a plurality of further positions, outside the train carriage; and a lift is operative to lower the platform to a deployed position, in which the platform rests on a surface and the lift is operative to raise the platform from the surface for subsequent retraction to its stowed (home) position.

2. A cargo loader according to claim 1 wherein the carriage has a modified bulkhead with at least one cutaway carriage portion on a driver side and a at least one cutaway carriage portion on a non-driver side, the cutaway carriage portions define the opening in which the platform is stowed.

3. A cargo loader according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the at least one actuator is a hydraulic actuator.

4. A cargo loader according to claim 3 wherein the at least one actuator includes a linear rail mounted to a carriage bulkhead which is angled so that the platform is displaced away from the carriage to clear a railhead and a sleeper.

5. A cargo loader according to any preceding claim wherein the at least one actuator is a hydraulic ram which operates a cantilever which are operative to displace the platform to articulate to clear the railhead and sleeper and lower to rest on a level surface.

6. A cargo loader according to any preceding claim includes a secondary platform which is adapted to extend from the platform to breach voids between the platform and a loading surface, such as a railway platform.

7. A cargo loader according to any preceding claim wherein at least one sensor and/or electromechanical switch is operative to detect if a part of the cargo loader is ‘out of gauge’ with respect to the train carriage and to initiate a train brake application and/or transmit an alert signal.

8. A cargo loader according to claim 7 wherein the at least one sensor and/or electromechanical switch is operative to ‘break’ a trains brake continuity system and to initiate a train brake application.

9. A cargo loader according to any preceding claim wherein at least one actuator is slung below the carriage, in a self-contained housing.

10. A cargo loader according to any preceding claim includes a continuity brake wire loop is included which is operative to control a brake release system.

11. A cargo loader according to any preceding claim includes a manual actuation mode that permits manual deployment and manual stowage of the platform in the event of a power outage.

12. A cargo loader according to any preceding claim wherein the platform pivots off the back edge (which remains flush with the train carriage floor) by means of the at least one underslung hydraulic ram, to form a pitched inclined ramp carriage floor section, integral within the train carriage.

13. A cargo loader according to any preceding claim includes an emergency stop control button and control handset and/or panel.

14. A carriage includes at least one cargo loader according to any preceding claim.

15. A carriage according to claim 14 includes a thermally insulated body.

16. A carriage according to either claim 14 or 15 includes at least one refrigeration unit.

17. A carriage according to either claim 14 to 16 includes at least one humidifier unit.

18. A carriage according to any of claims 14 to 17 includes at least one air conditioning unit.

19. A carriage according to any of claims 14 to 18 includes a hermetically sealed door.

20. A carriage according to any of claims 14 to 19 includes a payload door with a dimensioned to align with a delivery hatch on a truck or bay of a delivery lorry.

21 .A carriage according to any of claims 14 to 20 includes a service duct in a bulkhead of the carriage through which utility lines, including air lines, hydraulic power lines, communications and control lines, pass.

22. A carriage according to any of claims 13 to 20 which is dimensioned to receive palleted, containerised and trolleyed cargo.

23. A carriage according to any of claims 14 to 22 includes smart technology such as a global positioning system (GPS) receiver and a wireless transmitter for sending to and receiving signals from a logistics command centre. A carriage according to any of claims 14 to 23 includes a roller floor for the movement of cargo internal of the train carriage. A carriage according to any of claims 14 to 24 includes integrated racking and/or caging for the stowage of cargo. A rake of carriages according to any of claims 14 to 25 capable of wide cargo vestibules and/or gangway vestibules between carriages when in multiple and/or solid/blank or driving cab body end. A carriage module according to any claims 14 to 25 capable of being detached/attached to an existing ‘spine’ container rail vehicle/wagon. A carriage according to any claims 14 to 27 includes a bodyside CCTV camera for the monitoring of loading/unloading of cargo. A carriage according to any claims 14 to 28 capable of highspeed operation due to solid aluminium aerodynamically designed body designed to withstand unfavourable side wind. A freight system for loading and unloading freight includes an air bridge which is sized and arranged to carriage according to any of claims 14 to 27 and further includes a payload door with a flexible canopy which surrounds a door opening, the canopy is dimensioned to co-exist abut and surround with a delivery hatch on a truck or bay of a delivery lorry.