Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of goods transportation. More specifically, the present invention relates to a cargo transferring system, for inter-bed transferring of a cargo between cargo decks of a pair of load-carrying vehicles and securing the cargo with the vehicles to prevent dislodging during transportation.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Efficient cargo handling and transportation are critical in industries such as logistics, freight transport, and supply chain management, as it impacts operational efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and overall productivity.

[0003] The transportation of cargo by vehicles plays a vital role in global logistics, supply chain management, and trade operations. Road transport, particularly using trucks, trailers, and specialized cargo vehicles, is one of the most common and efficient methods for moving goods over short and long distances. Ensuring that cargo is securely fastened to vehicle beds is critical for safety, stability, and damage prevention during transit.

[0004] To ensure that cargo remains stable and undamaged various securing techniques are typically employed. Tie-down straps and ratchet straps are commonly used for fastening cargo to anchor points on the vehicle bed, with ratchet mechanisms allowing for tight and adjustable securing. For heavier and industrial cargo, such as machinery and construction materials, chains and binders provide high-strength securing, with binders helping to adjust tension.

[0005] Implementation of the typical techniques including tie-down straps, ratchet straps involve exhaustive manual intervention which further increases the probability of human errors, leading to safety concerns. Hence, a demand is created for a solution that is capable of securing cargo with a vehicle while requiring minimal human intervention

[0006] Transportation and management of cargo often includes situation where the cargo is required to be shifted from one load-carrying vehicle to another load-carrying vehicle.

[0007] In long-haul logistics, a vehicle delivering goods over an extended distance may transfer cargo to another vehicle due to driver shift changes, route optimization, or regulatory restrictions, such as relating to different jurisdiction requirements for trucking operations. In e-commerce logistics, pre-loaded containers may be transferred from a large freight vehicle to smaller delivery vehicles for last-mile distribution, ensuring faster and more efficient delivery. Another situation demanding such an inter-vehicle transfer of goods is if a cargo vehicle breaks down mid-route, the container of the broken down vehicle is to be transferred to a backup vehicle to ensure timely delivery without delays.

[0008] Moreover, at international borders, cargo may need to be transferred from one vehicle to another due to differences in vehicle regulations, axle load limits, or customs processing. Furthermore, waste containers may be swapped from collection trucks to larger disposal trucks at designated points, enabling efficient urban waste management without delaying collection schedules. In construction logistics, materials including cement bags, steel rods, prefabricated panels, may be transferred between different trucks to optimize site deliveries based on project needs.

[0009] Conventional methods of transferring goods between the vehicles, as required by above-discussed scenarios, rely on manual labour, cranes, forklifts, or other lifting equipment, leading to increased costs, time consumption, and potential safety risks. The inefficiencies of these traditional systems hinder productivity and delay transportation schedules.

[0010] In industries such as e-commerce logistics, rapid delivery operations demand a quick and seamless method of shifting pre-loaded containers between vehicles to meet tight delivery schedules. Currently, loading and unloading processes require extensive manpower, causing delays and inefficiencies. Similarly, municipal waste collection services depend on container exchange systems for timely waste disposal, but existing solutions often involve complex mechanical lifting mechanisms that require substantial infrastructure and maintenance.

[0011] Another major concern in current container handling solutions is the lack of automated alignment and fastening during transfer. Improper positioning may lead to misalignment, instability, and even hazardous situations where containers might shift or fall during movement. Furthermore, many existing solutions do not include automated safety features, increasing the risk of unintended dismounting of cargo while the vehicle is in motion.

[0012] Therefore, there is a need for a reliable and secure implementation that allows for the efficient transfer of cargo between vehicles without requiring additional heavy lifting equipment.

[0013] The present invention addresses these challenges by providing an improved system for securing of cargo with a bed of load-carrying vehicle, which advantageously minimizes human intervention in the cargo loading and unloading processes. Additionally, the instant invention enables a convenient transfer of cargo from one load-carrying vehicle to another load-carrying vehicle.

[0014] By addressing the limitations in the existing implementations, the present invention represents a significant advancement in the art, offering a robust and efficient solution for management of cargo in the field of goods transportation.

[0015] None of the techniques presented by the prior art facilitate a secured loading of cargo with a load-carrying vehicle, or a convenient shifting of the loaded cargo from one load-carrying vehicle to another load-carrying vehicle.

[0016] Therefore, there is a need in the art to overcome aforementioned shortcomings of the mounting structures. More specifically, there is a demand in the art for a manner of mounting of the electrical drive unit, which ensures a minimized footprint, safety against environmental elements while allowing convenience for execution of maintenance activities.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0017] The principal object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0018] An object of the present invention is to develop a cargo handling and securing system that facilitates convenient loading and unloading of cargo onto a load-carrying vehicle while minimising manual intervention.

[0019] Another object of the present invention is to conceive a means that enables loading and unloading of cargo onto the vehicle in a rolling manner, to reduce the frictional forces associated with the loading and unloading of the cargo, thus reducing the external forces required to overcome the frictional forces for the loading and unloading.

[0020] Yet, another object of the instant invention is to design a locking means which is triggered in an automated manner to secure the cargo with the vehicle, during the loading of the cargo in the vehicle.

[0021] Another object of the present invention is to conceptualize a means of mounting cargo with load-carrying vehicles, which enables a convenient transfer of the cargo from one load-carrying vehicle to another load-carrying vehicle without a requirement of intermediate surfaces or additional equipment.

[0022] Yet another object of the instant invention is to provide a safety means which prevents an accidental dislocation or dismounting of the cargo from the vehicle during a motion of the vehicle, thus ensuring safety of the cargo, operators and humans in vicinity of the load-carrying vehicle.

[0023] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0024] This summary is provided to introduce concepts related to a handling of cargo carried by load-carrying vehicles, including mechanisms pertaining to the loading of cargo onto the vehicle, securely fastening the cargo with the vehicle and unloading the cargo from the vehicle, intended to minimising the required manual intervention. The concepts are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0025] The present invention relates to a cargo handling and securing system, for loading, securing and unloading of cargo on a cargo bed, the system including a platform for holding the cargo, a set of rollers mounted underneath the platform to facilitate translation of the platform across the cargo bed for loading and unloading, a set of recesses provided in the cargo bed, for the rollers to nest into the recesses, to stabilize the platform against the cargo bed for a secure loading of cargo, and a lifting arrangement incorporated with the cargo bed to lift the platform to bring the rollers in alignment with a plane of the cargo bed, to allow the translation of the platform over the cargo bed for unloading of cargo.

[0026] In an embodiment of the present invention, a pair of tracks is formed longitudinally over the cargo bed, to engage with the rollers to facilitate a guided rolling of the platform across the cargo bed for loading and unloading, to reduce the external forces required to overcome frictional forces associated with loading and unloading processes.

[0027] In another embodiment of the instant invention, the lifting arrangement aligns the rollers with the tracks to enable translation of the platform over the tracks, the lifting arrangement encompassing a linear actuator coupled with the cargo bed, positioned underneath each of the recesses, wherein a shaft of the linear actuator is provided with a flap at an upper end of the shaft, the flap fabricated with a profile equivalent to a cross-sectional profile of the tracks, to impart continuity to the tracks when the linear actuators are extended.

[0028] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a locking unit is incorporated with the cargo bed to secure the platform over the cargo bed, the locking unit including the locking unit comprises a bracket attached over the support member, a wedge biased by a spring, slidably housed within the bracket, a flange integrated underneath the platform, to slide over an inclined face of the wedge, against the biasing force of the spring to depress the wedge into the bracket, wherein upon a complete traversal of the flange past a straight face of the wedge, the spring is released to secure the flange against the straight face of the wedge, thus locking the platform over the cargo bed.

[0029] The present invention also relates to cargo transferring system, for inter-bed transferring of a cargo from a loaded cargo bed of a first vehicle to an empty cargo bed of a second vehicle, the cargo transferring system encompassing a platform for holding the cargo on the loaded cargo bed, a pair of longitudinally installed parallel tracks formed over each of the loaded and empty cargo beds, a set of rollers mounted underneath the platform to engage with the tracks to facilitate translation of the platform across the loaded cargo bed and the empty cargo bed, a set of recesses provided in the loaded cargo bed and the empty cargo bed and formed through the tracks, for the rollers to nest into the recesses, to stabilize the platform against one of the loaded cargo bed and the empty cargo bed, for a secure loading and of cargo onto to the empty cargo bed, and a lifting arrangement incorporated with the loaded cargo bed and the empty cargo bed to lift the platform to bring the rollers in alignment with the tracks, to allow the translation of the platform over the tracks for unloading of cargo from the loaded cargo bed and loading onto the empty cargo bed.

[0030] In an embodiment of the instant invention, a method for transferring the platform loaded with the cargo from the loaded cargo bed of the first vehicle to the empty cargo bed of the second vehicle, includes steps of positioning the loaded cargo bed and the empty cargo bed in alignment with one another, to establish a continuity between the tracks of the loaded cargo bed and the empty cargo bed, releasing the locking unit of the first vehicle by depressing the wedge against the biasing force of the spring, lifting the platform by actuating the linear actuator of the first vehicle to bring the rollers in alignment with the tracks of the loaded cargo bed, pushing the platform for causing the flange to traverse across the straight face of the wedge of the loaded cargo bed, and translating the platform along the tracks of the loaded cargo bed on to the tracks of the empty cargo bed, wherein the flange is traversed past the straight face of the locking unit of the second vehicle provided with the empty bed, for securing the platform on the empty cargo bed of the second vehicle to load the empty cargo bed with the cargo.

[0031] While the invention has been described and shown with particular reference to the preferred embodiment, it will be apparent that variations might be possible that would fall within the scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:

Figure 1 exemplarily illustrates a side view of a cargo handling and securing system configured with a vehicle;

Figure 2 exemplarily illustrates an isometric view of the cargo handling and securing system configured with the vehicle;

Figure 3 exemplarily illustrates a perspective view of a lifting arrangement associated with the cargo handling and securing system, wherein the lifting arrangement is in an extended position;

Figure 4 exemplarily illustrates a perspective view of the lifting arrangement associated with the cargo handling and securing system, wherein the lifting arrangement is in a retracted position;

Figure 5 exemplarily illustrates a perspective view of a locking assembly associated with the cargo handling and securing system;

Figure 6 exemplarily illustrates a perspective view of the locking assembly isolated from the cargo handling and securing system;

Figure 7 exemplarily illustrates a perspective view of the locking assembly associated with the cargo handling and securing system, wherein the locking assembly is shown in various stages of locking; and

Figure 8 exemplarily illustrates a side view of cargo transferring system, for inter-bed transferring of a cargo from a loaded cargo bed to an empty cargo bed.

[0033] Further, skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and may not have necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the flow charts illustrate the method in terms of the most prominent steps involved to help to improve understanding of aspects of the disclosure. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the device, one or more components of the device may have been represented in the drawings by conventional symbols, and the drawings may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the disclosure so as not to obscure the drawings with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0034] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is shown, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It will be clear from this description of the disclosure that the disclosure is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the disclosure also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the disclosure to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined in the claims.

[0035] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising," "comprises,” and the like (which are synonymous with "including," "having” and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of," consists essentially of," and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of," "consists of, the like.

[0036] As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.

[0037] The present invention relates to a cargo handling and securing system specifically designed to facilitate efficient loading and unloading of a cargo onto a cargo bed of a load-carrying vehicle while requiring minimised manual intervention. The specific configuration of the present invention enables an automatic securing of the cargo with respect to the cargo bed of the vehicle, when the cargo is loaded onto the cargo bed. Exemplarily, the present system is implemented in the form of a load-carrying vehicle having a cargo bed, specifically configured with the cargo handling and securing system, which enables the vehicle to execute the advantageous functions of the instant system.

[0038] The vehicle 101 as referred to herein, includes vehicles 101 with a storage space dedicated for transportation of goods. Such vehicles 101 include but are not limited to trucks, pickup trucks, trailers, small goods carrier, ferry boats, freight cars, tankers, hopper cars, and flat cars.

[0039] The instant system is specifically designed to particularly enable a rolling of the cargo onto the cargo bed 102 of the vehicle 101 and off the cargo bed 102, in order reduce the frictional forces associated with the loading and unloading of the cargo, thus reducing the external forces required to overcome the frictional forces associated with the loading and unloading.

[0040] The term cargo refers to goods, commodities, or materials that are transported from one location to another using various modes of transport, including trucks, ships, trains, and aircraft. Cargo may encompass a wide range of items, from raw materials like coal and steel to consumer goods such as electronics, food products, and pharmaceuticals. Cargo, as referred to herewith, includes loose goods and as well as containing enclosures such as containers, pallets, crates, bulk bags, Flexible Intermediate Bulk Containers (FIBCs), barrels, Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs), cargo nets & slings, flat racks, tanks, and skids etc.

[0041] In reference to the Figure 1 exemplarily illustrating a side view of a cargo handling and securing system configured with a vehicle 101 and the Figure 2 exemplarily illustrating an isometric view of the cargo handling and securing system configured with the vehicle 101, the cargo handling and securing system, for loading, securing and unloading of cargo on a cargo bed 102 primarily includes a platform 103 for holding the cargo, a set of rollers 104 mounted underneath the platform 103 to facilitate translation of the platform 103 across the cargo bed 102 for loading and unloading, a set of recesses 105 provided in the cargo bed 102, for the rollers 104 to nest into the recesses 105, to stabilize the platform 103 against the cargo bed 102 for a secure loading of cargo, and a lifting arrangement 106 incorporated with the cargo bed 102 to lift the platform 103 to bring the rollers 104 in alignment with a plane of the cargo bed 102, to allow the translation of the platform 103 over the cargo bed 102 for unloading of cargo.

[0042] The platform 103 is a rigid structure that provides a surface for the storage of the cargo, particularly adapted to hold the cargo over the platform 103. The bottom of the platform 103 is designed to engage with the cargo bed 102 associated with the load-carrying vehicle 101 in order to secure the cargo with respect to the vehicle 101.

[0043] In an embodiment of the present invention, the platform 103 is a rectangular structure constructed to span across an entire area of the cargo bed 102 to maximize the area available for the storage of cargo on the cargo bed 102 of the vehicle 101. Other embodiment of the instant system, employ platforms 103 of configurations compatible with the specific configurations of the cargo bed 102 and the load-carrying vehicle 101.

[0044] In an embodiment of the present invention, the upper surface of the platform 103 is crafted with an enclosed space for containing cargo within the enclosed space, thus eliminating the need of additional enclosures to be mounted onto the platform 103 for containing cargo. In another embodiment of the instant invention, the upper surface of the platform 103 is disposed with various means for the attachment of the cargo with the platform 103, including but not limited to tie-down straps and ratchet straps for fastening cargo to anchor points on the platform 103, with ratchets allowing for tight and adjustable securing, chains and binders. In an embodiment of the instant invention, the cargo is a container with the same cross-sectional area as the platform 103. In another embodiment, the platform 103 is permanently fabricated with the container, thus eliminating the requirement of fastening means necessitated for securing a separate container onto the platform 103.

[0045] A set of rollers 104 is installed underneath the platform 103 to facilitate a translation of the platform 103 across the cargo bed 102 for loading and unloading of the cargo. The rollers 104 enable rolling of the platform 103 on the cargo bed 102, instead of sliding, thus drastically reducing the frictional forces generated between the platform 103 and the cargo bed 102 during the translation of the platform 103 on the cargo bed 102.

[0046] In an embodiment of the present invention, the rollers 104 are cylindrical, wheel-like elements designed to facilitate the smooth movement of platform 103, over the cargo bed 102. In another embodiment of the present invention, the rollers 104 are permanently mounted rollers 104 that allow unidirectional movement along a specific path defined along a length of the cargo bed 102. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a pair of rollers 104 is provided along each lateral bottom edge of the platform 103.

[0047] In an embodiment of the instant invention, the rollers 104 are motorised to enable an automated motion to the platform 103. Motorized rollers 104 are self-contained rollers 104 with built-in electric motors designed to facilitate the automated rolling of the platform 103 on the cargo bed 102. The motorised rollers 104 are powered by AC or DC motors and include integrated speed controls, sensors, and braking systems to regulate movement and ensure safety. In yet another embodiment of the instant invention, a singular or a pair of rollers 104 cross-sectional profile are selected to be motorised, in accordance with the load intended to be carried.

[0048] For a guided translation of the platform 103 on the cargo bed 102, a pair of tracks 201 is formed over the cargo bed 102, to engage with the rollers 104 to facilitate a guided rolling of the platform 103 across the cargo bed 102 for loading and unloading. The pair of tracks 201 include a pair of tracks 201 arranged longitudinally on the cargo bed 102, in a parallel manner, to receive both the pairs of rollers 104 of the platform 103, ensuring the rolling of the platform 103 over the cargo bed 102 restricted to the longitudinal direction.

[0049] In an embodiment of the instant invention, each of the tracks 201 is constructed with a concave profile to receive the rollers 104 and preventing a lateral displacement of the rollers 104 with respect to the tracks 201. In another embodiment of the present invention, the tracks 201 are fabricated with convex profiles to engage with rollers 104 having concave peripheral profiles.

[0050] Moreover, a set of recesses 105 provided in the cargo bed 102, for the rollers 104 to nest into the recesses 105, to stabilize the platform 103 against the cargo bed 102 for a secure loading of cargo by allowing the rollers 104 to sink into the recesses 105. Each of the recess 105 is a hollow region carved into the cargo bed 102, extending throughout a height of the tracks 201. The recesses 105 are configured to receive the rollers 104 in order to lower the platform 103 and disengage the rollers 104 from the tracks 201, causing the platform 103 to rest directly against the upper surface of the cargo bed 102 thus stabilising the platform 103 and securely loading the cargo on the cargo bed 102.

[0051] The recesses 105 are positioned to stabilise the platform 103 in the final loaded position, i.e., when the platform 103 is completely accommodated within the cargo bed 102. In an embodiment of the instant invention, where the rollers 104 are installed towards the front and the rear ends of the platform 103, the recesses 105 are fabricated towards the front and rear ends of the cargo bed 102, in alignment with the rollers 104 i.e. the intermediate distance between the recesses 105 (either laterally or longitudinally) is identical to the intermediate distance between the rollers 104.

[0052] In reference to the Figure 3 exemplarily illustrating a perspective view of a lifting arrangement 106 associated with the cargo handling and securing system, wherein the lifting arrangement 106 is in an extended position and the Figure 4 exemplarily illustrating a perspective view of the lifting arrangement 106 associated with the cargo handling and securing system, wherein the lifting arrangement 106 is in a retracted position, the lifting arrangement 106 is incorporated with the cargo bed 102 to lift the platform 103 to bring the rollers 104 in alignment with a plane of the cargo bed 102, to reposition the rollers 104 over the tracks 201, to allow the translation of the platform 103 over the cargo bed 102 as required for unloading of cargo from the cargo bed 102.

[0053] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the lifting arrangement 106 is composed of a linear actuator 301 coupled with the cargo bed 102, positioned underneath each of the recesses 105. The linear actuators 301 lift the platform 103 by applying a force to the rollers 104, in a direction perpendicular to the cargo bed 102, thus lifting the platform 103 above the cargo bed 102. For the loading of the cargo, once the platform 103 has been accommodated over the cargo bed 102 and the rollers 104 are aligned with the recesses 105, the linear actuators 301 are retracted to cause the rollers 104 to sink into the recesses 105. The sinking of rollers 104 within the recess 105, locks the movement of the rollers 104, preventing dislodging of the platform 103 from the cargo bed 102.

[0054] In a preferred embodiment of the instant invention, the linear actuator 301 is a hydraulic actuator having a shaft 302 which is extended to apply the lifting force. The hydraulic actuator converts hydraulic pressure into linear motion to perform work. The hydraulic actuator consists of a cylinder, piston, hydraulic fluid, and control valves, operating based on fluid pressure differentials. The shaft 302 is integrated with the piston and extends outwards from the cylinder. When pressurized hydraulic fluid enters one chamber of the cylinder, the piston is forced to move, generating a pushing action to lift the rollers 104 which, in-turn, results in lifting of the platform 103.

[0055] In another embodiment of the instant invention the linear actuator 301 is a pneumatic actuator. The pneumatic actuator converts compressed air pressure into linear motion to cause an upward motion of the platform 103.

[0056] The shaft 302 of the linear actuator 301 is provided with a flap 303 at an upper end of the shaft 302. The flap 303 is fabricated with a profile equivalent to the cross-sectional profile and dimensions of the tracks 201, to impart continuity to the tracks 201 when the linear actuators 301 are extended. In the embodiment of the present invention with tracks 201 of concave profile, the flap 303 is crafted with a concave profile and in the embodiment of the instant invention, having tracks 201 of convex profile, the flap 303 is constructed with a convex profile, to ensure a continuity and uniformity along the entire lengths of the tracks 201 when the linear actuators 301 are in an extended position.

[0057] Furthermore, referring to the Figure 5 exemplarily illustrating a perspective view of a locking assembly associated with the cargo handling and securing system, and the Figure 6 exemplarily illustrating a perspective view of the locking assembly isolated from the cargo handling and securing system, to provide a second layer of security to the platform 103 and the cargo stored over the cargo bed 102, a wherein a locking unit 502 is incorporated with the cargo bed 102 to secure the platform 103 over the cargo bed 102. The locking unit 502 provides another point of fastening between the platform 103 and the cargo bed 102, thus ensuring a minimised likelihood of dislocation of the platform 103 from the cargo bed 102.

[0058] The Figure 7 exemplarily illustrating a perspective view of the locking assembly associated with the cargo handling and securing system, wherein the locking assembly is shown in various stages of locking, more specifically, the various stages of engagement between the wedge 602 and the flange 503.

[0059] The locking unit 502 is mounted with the cargo bed 102 by a support member 501 attached horizontally within the cargo bed 102. The support member 501 is a rigid elongated body fastened underneath the cargo bed 102. The locking unit 502 is composed of a bracket 601 rigidly attached over the support member 501, with a wedge 602 slidably housed within the bracket 601. The wedge 602 is biased in an extended position by means of a spring 606, thus the wedge 602 maintains an extended positon when no external force is applied over the wedge 602.

[0060] The spring 606 is coiled around a pin 605 extending from underneath the wedge 602 to insert into a guide hole 608 carved in the bracket 601, thus restricting a movement of the wedge 602 along a vertical axis. In an embodiment of the present invention, a pair of pins 605 extend underneath the wedge 602 and insert into a pair of guide holes 608 constructed in the bracket 601, to provide additional stability and sturdiness to the wedge 602.

[0061] In the preferred embodiment the wedge 602 is designed with an inclined face 603 on one side and a straight face 604 on the opposing side. Moreover, a flange 503 is integrated underneath the platform 103, wherein when the platform 103 is rolled over the cargo bed 102 for loading of the cargo, the flange 503 slides over the inclined face 603 of the wedge 602, against the biasing force of the spring 606, to depress the wedge 602 into the bracket 601. Upon a complete traversal of the flange 503 past the straight face 604 of the wedge 602, the spring 606 is released to cause the wedge 602 to move back to the extended positon, thus securing the flange 503 against the straight face 604 of the wedge 602, and locking the platform 103 over the cargo bed 102.

[0062] In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the flange 503 is composed of a plate attached perpendicularly underneath the platform 103, wherein a bottom end of the plate is bent with a curved corner, to enable a gradual depressing of the wedge 602 during the traversal of the flange 503 across the wedge 602.

[0063] Furthermore, a handle 607 is rigidly integrated with the wedge 602 enable a manual lowering of the wedge 602 to unlock the locking unit 502 to initiate unloading of the platform 103. When the cargo is required to be unloaded from the cargo bed 102, the platform 103 is required to be translated outwards over cargo, for which the locking unit 502 is necessitated to be unlocked to allow the outward translation.

[0064] The handle 607 enables an operator to acquire a grip and onto the wedge 602 in order to apply a force on the wedge 602, against the biasing force of the spring 606, to depress the wedge 602 and allow the flange 503 to crossover the wedge 602.

[0065] In an embodiment of the present invention, the handle 607 is a rigid angled rod integrated with the body of the wedge 602, designed to provide the required leverage to the operator for negating the biasing force of the spring 606.

[0066] Considering the criticality of safety in the good transportation operation, the present system provides a means for ensuring the cargo mounted with the load-carrying vehicle 101 is not displaced, i.e., more specifically, the lifting arrangement 106 is not actuated accidentally to cause the platform 103 to be lifted from the cargo bed 102 which may lead to the cargo sliding off the cargo bed 102.

[0067] An integrated circuit is configured with the linear actuator 301, which is configured to be in communication with a control unit associated with the vehicle 101. The communication between the integrated circuit and the control unit enables a continuous detection of the status of the vehicle 101. Particularly, the vehicle 101 being in motion is determined to prevent the actuation of the linear actuator 301 during motion of the vehicle 101, to prevent an unintended lifting of the platform 103 off the cargo bed 102.

[0068] An advantageous technical effect of the present system enables a seamless transfer of cargo between a pair of load-carrying vehicles 101, without requiring an intermediate storage or surface or additional lifting equipment such as forklifts, cranes etc., also eliminating the need of manual shifting of good between two vehicles 101.

[0069] In reference to the Figure 8 exemplarily illustrating a side view of cargo 805 transferring system, for inter-bed transferring of a cargo 805 from a loaded cargo bed 802 to an empty cargo bed 804, the present invention also relates to a cargo 805 transferring system, for inter-bed transferring of a cargo 805 from a loaded cargo bed 802 associated with a first vehicle 801 to an empty cargo bed 804 of a second vehicle 803. The cargo 805 carried by the loaded cargo bed 802 of the first vehicle 801 is in the form of container carrying goods to be transported.

[0070] The cargo 805 transferring system primarily comprises a platform 103 for holding the cargo 805 on the loaded cargo bed 802. A set of rollers 104 is mounted underneath the platform 103 to engage with the tracks 201 to facilitate rolling of the platform 103 across the loaded cargo bed 802 and the empty cargo bed 804

[0071] Furthermore, a pair of longitudinally installed parallel tracks 201 are formed over each of the loaded cargo bed 802 and empty cargo bed 804, facilitating the rolling of the platform 103 over the loaded cargo bed 802 and the empty cargo bed 804 in a guided manner. In an embodiment of the present invention, the set of rollers 104 comprise four rollers 104, with a pair of the rollers 104 mounted underneath each of the two longitudinal bottom edges of the platform 103.

[0072] Moreover, a set of recesses 105 is provided in the loaded cargo bed 802 and the empty cargo bed 804 and formed through the tracks 201, for the rollers 104 to nest into the recesses 105, to stabilize the platform 103 against one of the loaded cargo bed 802 and the empty cargo bed 804, for a secure loading of cargo 805 onto to the empty cargo bed 804.

[0073] Furthermore, a lifting arrangement 106 is incorporated with the loaded cargo bed 802 and the empty cargo bed 804 to lift the platform 103 to bring the rollers 104 in alignment with the tracks 201, to allow the translation of the platform 103 over the tracks 201 for unloading of cargo 805 from the loaded cargo bed 802 and loading onto the empty cargo bed 804, wherein the lifting arrangement 106 is actuated to lower the sink the rollers 104 into the recesses 105 for securing the platform 103 over the empty cargo bed 804.

[0074] The lifting arrangement 106 comprises a hydraulic linear actuator 301 with an extending shaft 302 coupled with each of the cargo beds 102, positioned underneath each of the recesses 105. The shaft 302 of the linear actuator 301 is provided with a flap 303 at an upper end of the shaft 302, the flap 303 fabricated with a profile equivalent to a cross-sectional profile of the tracks 201, to impart continuity to the tracks 201 when the linear actuators 301 are extended.

[0075] A locking unit 502 is incorporated with the loaded cargo bed 802 and the empty cargo bed 804, each by a support member 501 attached horizontally within each of the loaded cargo bed 802 and the empty cargo bed 804, to secure the platform 103. The locking unit 502 consists of a bracket 601 attached over the support member 501, a wedge 602 biased by a spring 606 coiled around a pin 605 extending from underneath the wedge 602 to insert into a guide hole 608 carved in the bracket 601, slidably housed within the bracket 601, a flange 503 integrated underneath the platform 103, to slide over an inclined face 603 of the wedge 602, against the biasing force of the spring 606 to depress the wedge 602 into the bracket 601, wherein upon a complete traversal of the flange 503 past a straight face 604 of the wedge 602, the spring 606 is released to secure the flange 503 against the straight face 604 of the wedge 602, thus locking the platform 103 over the empty cargo bed 804.

[0076] The flange 503 is composed of a plate attached perpendicularly underneath the platform 103, wherein a bottom end of the plate is bent with a curved corner, to enable a gradual depressing of the wedge 602 during the traversal of the flange 503 across the wedge 602.

[0077] The method followed for the transferring the platform 103 loaded with the cargo 805 from the loaded cargo bed 802 of the first vehicle 801 to the empty cargo bed 804 of the second vehicle 803, includes firstly, positioning the loaded cargo bed 802 and the empty cargo bed 804 in alignment with one another, to establish a continuity between the tracks 201 of the loaded cargo bed 802 and the empty cargo bed 804.

[0078] Followed by, releasing the locking unit 502 of the first vehicle 801 by depressing the wedge 602 against the biasing force of the spring 606 and subsequently, lifting the platform 103 by actuating the linear actuator 301 of the first vehicle 801 to bring the rollers 104 in alignment with the tracks 201 of the loaded cargo bed 802.

[0079] Next step involves pushing the platform 103 for causing the flange 503 to traverse across the straight face 604 of the wedge 602 of the loaded cargo bed 802 and finally, translating the platform 103 along the tracks 201 of the loaded cargo bed 802 on to the tracks 201 of the empty cargo bed 804, wherein the flange 503 is traversed past the straight face 604 of the locking unit 502 of the second vehicle 803 provided with the empty bed, for securing the platform 103 on the empty cargo bed 804 of the second vehicle 803 to load the empty cargo bed 804 with the cargo 805.

[0080] A use case of the present invention is in the e-commerce industry. The instant invention may be implemented for fast and efficient transportation of goods between warehouses, fulfillment centers, and delivery vehicles 101. The easy transfer of cargo 805 between vehicles 101 allows for quicker turnaround times in logistics, especially when handling high volumes of packages. In shipping, cargo 805 is capable of being efficiently swapped between vehicles 101 (trucks, trains, ships) to facilitate streamlined intermodal transportation, thus improving efficiency in cargo 805 handling, reducing downtime during transfers between different transportation modes.

[0081] Moreover, the automotive industry uses interchangeable containers for the transport of parts and components between factories, warehouses, and assembly plants. The present system enables these containers to be swapped quickly onto different transport vehicles 101, reducing production delays. In the agricultural industry, for transporting perishable goods, such as fruits, vegetables, or livestock, the cargo 805 is facilitated to be easily transferred between vehicles 101 to improve the speed and flexibility of the supply chain, ensuring goods are delivered fresh to the market.

[0082] Furthermore, in the construction industry, containers are used for storing construction materials and tools which maybe be swapped between vehicles 101, allowing rental companies to quickly move supplies to job sites. Such flexibility enables convenient management of multiple work sites. simultaneously. In waste management, containers maybe quickly shifted between vehicles 101 for the collection and transportation of the waste or recyclable materials, allowing for more efficient operations, especially when dealing with large-scale waste collection or recycling means.

[0083] Swapping containers between vehicles 101 as facilitated by the present invention, allows for greater flexibility in choosing the most suitable vehicles 101 for the specific transport needs. For instance, if one vehicle 101 breaks down, the container may be quickly shifted onto another functional vehicles 101, for avoiding delays.

[0084] In port operations and large warehouses, swapping containers between vehicles 101 enable reduction of the turnover time, as the process of loading and unloading is rendered more efficient, thus reducing waiting times for the vehicles 101 and enhances throughput. In another scenario, if one vehicle 101 is more cost-effective for a particular route, the cargo 805 maybe shifted onto the vehicles 101 to take advantage of cost-reduction allowed by the vehicles 101, reducing financial overheads. Additionally, the present system allows for optimal vehicles 101 utilization, minimization of unnecessary trips is imparted. In another scenario, if a vehicle 101 is unsuitable for certain terrain or conditions, shifting the cargo 805 onto a more suitable vehicles 101 would reduce the risk of damage to the cargo 805.

[0085] Although the field of the invention has been described herein with limited reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternate embodiments of the invention, will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention.

LIST OF REFERRAL NUMERALS WITH CORRESPONDING FEATURES:

• 101 – vehicle
• 102 – cargo bed
• 103 – platform
• 104 – rollers
• 105 – recess
• 106 – lifting arrangement
• 201 – tracks
• 301 – linear actuator
• 302 – shaft
• 303 – flap
• 501 – support member
• 502 – locking unit
• 503 - flange
• 601 - bracket
• 602 - wedge
• 603 – inclined face
• 604 – straight face
• 605 – pin
• 606 – spring
• 607 – handle
• 608 – guide hole
• 801 – first vehicle
• 802 – loaded cargo bed
• 803 – second vehicle
• 804 – empty cargo bed
• 805 – cargo , C , Claims:1) A cargo handling and securing system, for loading, securing and unloading of cargo on a cargo bed 102, the system comprising:

a platform 103 for holding the cargo;

a set of rollers 104 mounted underneath the platform 103 to facilitate a translation of the platform 103 across the cargo bed 102 for loading and unloading;

a set of recesses 105 provided in the cargo bed 102, for the rollers 104 to nest into the recesses 105, to stabilize the platform 103 against the cargo bed 102 for a secure loading of cargo; and

a lifting arrangement 106 incorporated with the cargo bed 102 that interfaces with the rollers 104 to lift the platform 103 and bring the rollers 104 in alignment with a plane of the cargo bed 102, to allow the translation of the platform 103 over the cargo bed 102 for unloading of cargo.

2) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein a pair of tracks 201 is formed over the cargo bed 102, to engage with the rollers 104 to facilitate a guided rolling of the platform 103 across the cargo bed 102 for loading and unloading.

3) The system as claimed in claim 2, wherein the pair of tracks 201 is installed longitudinally on the cargo bed 102.

4) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the recesses 105 is formed through the track 201, into the cargo bed 102, for the rollers 104 to sink into the recesses 105.

5) The system as claimed in claim 2, wherein the lifting arrangement 106 aligns the rollers 104 with the tracks 201 to enable translation of the platform 103 over the tracks 201.

6) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lifting arrangement 106 comprises a linear actuator 301 coupled with the cargo bed 102, positioned underneath each of the recesses 105.

7) The system as claimed in claim 6, wherein the linear actuator 301 is a hydraulic actuator with an extending shaft 302.

8) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the set of rollers 104 comprise four rollers 104.

9) The system as claimed in claim 6, wherein the linear actuators 301 extend vertically under the rollers 104 to lift the platform 103 and align the rollers 104 with the tracks 201.

10) The system as claimed in claim 6, wherein the shaft 302 of the linear actuator 301 is provided with a flap 303 at an upper end of the shaft 302, the flap 303 fabricated with a profile equivalent to a cross-sectional profile of the tracks 201, to impart continuity to the tracks 201 when the linear actuators 301 are extended.

11) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein a locking unit 502 is incorporated with the cargo bed 102 to secure the platform 103 over the cargo bed 102.

12) The system as claimed in claim 11, wherein the locking unit 502 is mounted with the cargo bed 102 by a support member 501 attached horizontally within the cargo bed 102.

13) The system as claimed in claim 11, wherein the locking unit 502 comprises a bracket 601 attached over the support member 501, a wedge 602 biased by a spring 606, slidably housed within the bracket 601, a flange 503 integrated underneath the platform 103, to slide over an inclined face 603 of the wedge 602, against the biasing force of the spring 606 to depress the wedge 602 into the bracket 601, wherein upon a complete traversal of the flange 503 past a straight face 604 of the wedge 602, the spring 606 is released to secure the flange 503 against the straight face 604 of the wedge 602, thus locking the platform 103 over the cargo bed 102.

14) The system as claimed in claim 13, wherein the spring 606 is coiled around a pin 605 extending from underneath the wedge 602 to insert into a guide hole 608 carved in the bracket 601.

15) The system as claimed in claim 13, wherein the flange 503 is composed of a plate attached perpendicularly underneath the platform 103, wherein a bottom end of the plate is bent with a curved corner, to enable a gradual depressing of the wedge 602 during the traversal of the flange 503 across the wedge 602.

16) The system as claimed in claim 13, wherein a handle 607 is rigidly integrated with the wedge 602 enable a manual lowering of the wedge 602 to unlock the locking unit 502 to initiate unloading of the platform 103.

17) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cargo bed 102 is associated with a load-carrying vehicle 101.

18) The system as claimed in claim 6, wherein an integrated circuit is configured with the linear actuator 301, in communication with a control unit associated with the vehicle 101, to detect the vehicle 101 being in motion to prevent actuation of the linear actuator 301 during motion of the vehicle 101.

19) A cargo transferring system, for inter-bed transferring of a cargo 805 from a loaded cargo bed 802 to an empty cargo bed 804, the cargo transferring system comprising:

a platform 103 for holding the cargo 805 on the loaded cargo bed 802;

a pair of longitudinally installed parallel tracks 201 formed over each of the loaded cargo bed 802 and empty cargo bed 804;

a set of rollers 104 mounted underneath the platform 103 to engage with the tracks 201 to facilitate translation of the platform 103 across the loaded cargo bed 802 and the empty cargo bed 804;

a set of recesses 105 provided in the loaded cargo bed 802 and the empty cargo bed 804 and formed through the tracks 201, for the rollers 104 to nest into the recesses 105, to stabilize the platform 103 against one of the loaded cargo bed 802 and the empty cargo bed 804, for a secure loading of cargo 805 onto to the empty cargo bed 804; and

a lifting arrangement 106 incorporated with the loaded cargo bed 802 and the empty cargo bed 804 to lift the platform 103 to bring the rollers 104 in alignment with the tracks 201, to allow the translation of the platform 103 over the tracks 201 for unloading of cargo 805 from the loaded cargo bed 802 and loading onto the empty cargo bed 804.

20) The system as claimed in claim 19, wherein the loaded cargo bed 802 is associated with a first vehicle 801 and the empty cargo bed 804 is associated with a second vehicle 803.

21) The system as claimed in claim 19, wherein the lifting arrangement 106 comprises a hydraulic linear actuator 301 with an extending shaft 302 coupled with each of the loaded cargo bed 802 and empty cargo bed 804, positioned underneath each of the recesses 105.

22) The system as claimed in claim 19, wherein the set of rollers 104 comprise four rollers 104, with a pair of the rollers 104 mounted underneath each of the two longitudinal bottom edges of the platform 103.

23) The system as claimed in claim 19, wherein the shaft 302 of the linear actuator 301 is provided with a flap 303 at an upper end of the shaft 302, the flap 303 fabricated with a profile equivalent to a cross-sectional profile of the tracks 201, to impart continuity to the tracks 201 when the linear actuators 301 are extended.

24) The system as claimed in claim 19, wherein a locking unit 502 is incorporated with the loaded cargo bed 802 and the empty cargo bed 804, each by a support member 501 attached horizontally within each of the loaded cargo bed 802 and the empty cargo bed 804, to secure the platform 103.

25) The system as claimed in claim 19, wherein the locking unit 502 comprises a bracket 601 attached over the support member 501, a wedge 602 biased by a spring 606 coiled around a pin 605 extending from underneath the wedge 602 to insert into a guide hole 608 carved in the bracket 601, slidably housed within the bracket 601, a flange 503 integrated underneath the platform 103, to slide over an inclined face 603 of the wedge 602, against the biasing force of the spring 606 to depress the wedge 602 into the bracket 601, wherein upon a complete traversal of the flange 503 past a straight face 604 of the wedge 602, the spring 606 is released to secure the flange 503 against the straight face 604 of the wedge 602, thus locking the platform 103 over the empty cargo bed 804.

26) The system as claimed in claim 19, wherein the flange 503 is composed of a plate attached perpendicularly underneath the platform 103, wherein a bottom end of the plate is bent with a curved corner, to enable a gradual depressing of the wedge 602 during the traversal of the flange 503 across the wedge 602.

27) The system as claimed in claim 19, wherein a method for transferring the platform 103 loaded with the cargo 805 from the loaded cargo bed 802 of the first vehicle 801 to the empty cargo bed 804 of the second vehicle 803, comprises steps of:
a) positioning the loaded cargo bed 802 and the empty cargo bed 804 in adjacent alignment with one another, to establish a continuity between the tracks 201 of the loaded cargo bed 802 and the empty cargo bed 804;
b) releasing the locking unit 502 of the first vehicle 801 by depressing the wedge 602 against the biasing force of the spring 606;
c) lifting the platform 103 by actuating the linear actuator 301 of the first vehicle 801 to bring the rollers 104 in alignment with the tracks 201 of the loaded cargo bed 802;
d) pushing the platform 103 for causing the flange 503 to traverse across the straight face 604 of the wedge 602 of the loaded cargo bed 802; and
e) translating the platform 103 along the tracks 201 of the loaded cargo bed 802 on to the tracks 201 of the empty cargo bed 804, wherein the flange 503 is traversed past the straight face 604 of the locking unit 502 of the second vehicle 803 provided with the empty bed, for securing the platform 103 on the empty cargo bed 804 of the second vehicle 803 to load the empty cargo bed 804 with the cargo 805.