COLLAPSIBLE ARRANGEMENT SYSTEM FOR TRANSPORT CONTAINER
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention generally relates to transport containers and
more specifically, to a collapsible/ foldable arrangement system of a transport container for transporting automobiles, such as A & B segment cars.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] With the steep increase in the demand for automobiles across the
country, the manufacturers are increasingly facing the challenge of supplying the automobiles to the customers within a short waiting period. The manufacturers generally transport automobiles mostly by road and to an extent by rail. It is pertinent to note that, at present, auto car production alone is in the range of 1.6 million per annum. The number is slated to grow at 10-15% per annum depending on the overall economic growth. Although the aforementioned numbers point to a lucrative market, the present markets share of rail transportation is negligible.
[0003] Car carrier trucks and trailers are presently monopolizing the entire
transportation scenario. However, given the increasing clogging of highways and steep increase in sales volumes, the dependence of the manufacturers on rail transport is increasing. Furthermore, the necessity remains with regard to transporting more automobiles, and specifically A & B segment cars within the available containers for transportation using railways and roads.
[0004] Accordingly, there persists a need for a transport container to be
used with rail transport. Specifically, there exists a need for a transport container having an arrangement capable of accommodating more cars within space available in the transport container.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the prior art, the
general purpose of the present invention is to provide a collapsible/ foldable arrangement system and a transport container having the collapsible/ foldable arrangement system, to include all advantages of the prior art, and to overcome the drawbacks inherent in the prior art.
[0006] Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to obviate the
above and other disadvantages from existing art and to provide a collapsible/ foldable arrangement system within a transport container for accommodating more cars within the space available in the transport container.
[0007] To achieve the above object, in an aspect of the present invention, a
collapsible arrangement system for a transport container is disclosed. The collapsible arrangement system includes at least one collapsible arrangement that includes a pair of vertical structures. Each vertical structure of the pair of vertical structures is configured to be disposed at a spaced apart distance from an adjacent vertical structure of the pair of vertical structures within the transport container. The each vertical structure includes a pair of vertical members having a first vertical member configured to be detachably attached to a first wall of the transport container, and a second vertical member configured at a spaced apart distance from the first vertical member and configured to be detachably attached to a second wall opposite to the first wall of the transport container. Further, the each vertical structure includes a cross member configured to be removably attached to each of the first vertical member and the second vertical member in order to be disposed between the pair of vertical members. The at least one collapsible arrangement also includes at least one pair of platforms configured to be disposed between the pair of vertical structures and over corresponding cross members of the pair of vertical structures for carrying an automobile.
[0008] In another aspect, the present invention provides a transport
container for automobiles. The transport container includes a first wall, a second wall opposite to the first wall, a base, a roof opposite to the base, and a collapsible arrangement system. The collapsible arrangement system includes at least one collapsible
arrangement that includes a pair of vertical structures. Each vertical structure of the pair of vertical structures is configured to be disposed at a spaced apart distance from an adjacent vertical structure of the pair of vertical structures within the transport container. The each vertical structure includes a pair of vertical members having a first vertical member configured to be detachably attached to the first wall of the transport container, and a second vertical member configured at a spaced apart distance from the first vertical member and configured to be detachably attached to the second wall opposite to the first wall of the transport container. Further, the each vertical structure includes a cross member configured to be removably attached to each of the first vertical member and the second vertical member in order to be disposed between the pair of vertical members. The at least one collapsible arrangement also includes at least one pair of platforms configured to be disposed between the pair of vertical structures and over corresponding cross members of the pair of vertical structures for carrying an automobile.
[0009] These together with the other aspects of the present invention,
along with the various features of novelty that characterize the present invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed hereto and form a part of the present invention. For a better understanding of the present invention, its operating advantages, and the specified object attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated exemplary embodiments of the present invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] The advantages and features of the present invention will become
better understood with reference to the following detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0011] FIG. 1 depicts a schematic diagram of a collapsible arrangement
system for a transport container for accommodating six cars therewithin, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0012] FIG. 2 depicts a collapsible arrangement for a transport container,
in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0013] FIG. 3 depicts the collapsible arrangement of FIG. 2, without any
platform;
[0014] FIG. 4 depicts the collapsible arrangement of FIG. 2, illustrating an
alternate arrangement of a pair of platforms of the collapsible arrangement;
[0015] FIG. 5 depicts a partial internal view of a transport container
including the collapsible arrangement of FIG. 2, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 6 depicts a perspective view of a vertical member of the
collapsible arrangement as included in the transport container of FIG. 5;
[0017] FIG. 7 depicts a partial internal view of the transport container of
FIG. 5, illustrating detachable engagement of a protruding portion of the vertical member of FIG. 6 within a groove of the wall of the transport container;
[0018] FIG. 8 depicts an internal view of a transport container having a
collapsible arrangement, in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and
[0019] FIG. 9 depicts the internal view of the transport container of FIG. 8
illustrating the collapsible arrangement in an operational condition.
[0020] Like reference numerals refer to like components throughout the
various Figures.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0021] The exemplary embodiments described herein in detail for
illustrative purposes are subject to many variations in structure and design. It should be emphasized, however, that the present invention is not limited to a particular collapsible/ foldable arrangement system and a transport container including the collapsible/ foldable
arrangement system, as shown and described. It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient, but these are intended to cover the application or embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
[0022] The use of "including," "comprising," or "having" and variations
thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Further, the terms, "a" and "an" herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item. Unless limited otherwise, the terms "attached", "coupled," and variations thereof herein are used broadly and encompass direct and indirect attachments and couplings. Also, the term "first," "second," and the like, herein do not denote any order, elevation or importance, but rather are used to distinguish placement of one element over another.
[0023] The present invention provides a collapsible/foldable arrangement
system for a transport container for accommodating more automobiles (hereinafter interchangeably referred to as 'cars') within the space available in the transport container. The collapsible arrangement system of the transport container is capable of increasing the carrying capacity for A & B segment cars from a lower number, such as three, to a higher number, such as five to six depending upon the dimensions of the cars and modification in the transport container allowed by manufacturers, in various combinations. Further, the collapsible arrangement system of the transport container of the present invention may be utilized for rail transportation purposes.
[0024] In one aspect, the present invention provides a collapsible
arrangement system 100 (hereinafter referred to as 'system 100') for a transport container, as depicted in FIG. 1. The system 100 includes at least one collapsible arrangement 10 (hereinafter referred to as 'arrangement 10') configured within a transport container for accommodating more automobiles. More specifically, FIGS. 2 and 3 depict the arrangement 10 in further detail. The arrangement 10 includes a pair of vertical structures, such as a vertical structure 40 and a vertical structure 80. Each vertical
structure of the pair of vertical structures is configured to be disposed at a spaced apart distance from an adjacent vertical structure of the pair of vertical structures within the transport container. Specifically, the vertical structure 40 is configured to be disposed at a spaced apart distance (based on the dimensions of cars that need to be accommodated within the transport container) from the adjacent vertical structure 80 within the transport container. The vertical structures 40 and 80 may be either of the same shape and dimension or of a different shape and dimension. In the present embodiment, the vertical structures 40 and 80 are of the same shape. However, the vertical structures 40 and 80 differ in dimensions, and specifically, in terms of length, width and height. More specifically, the vertical structure 80 is larger than the vertical structure 40. It will be understood that the shape and dimension of the vertical structures 40 and 80 may vary depending on the type of transport container and the type of cars that need to be accommodated within the transport container. Also, the vertical structures 40 and 80 may be made of robust materials that are known in the art and are capable of withstanding the weight of a car.
[0025] Further, the each vertical structure of the vertical structures 40 and
80 includes a pair of vertical members. Specifically, the vertical structure 40 includes a pair of vertical members, such as a first vertical member 42 and a second vertical member 62. The second vertical member 62 is configured at a spaced apart distance from the first vertical member 42 (based on the dimensions of the transport container). The first vertical member 42 is configured to be detachably attached to a first wall (not shown) of the transport container. Further, the second vertical member 62 is configured to be detachably attached to a second wall (not shown) opposite to the first wall of the transport container.
[0026] Similarly, the vertical structure 80 includes a pair of vertical
members, such as a first vertical member 82 and a second vertical member 102. The second vertical member 102 is configured at a spaced apart distance from the first vertical member 82 (based on the dimensions of the transport container). The first vertical member 82 is configured to be detachably attached to the first wall of the transport container. Further, the second vertical member 102 is configured to be detachably attached to the second wall opposite to the first wall of the transport container.
[0027] Accordingly, the first vertical members 42 and 82 are to be
disposed at a spaced apart distance from each other, while providing the arrangement 10 within the transport container. Similarly, the second vertical members 62 and 102 are to be disposed at a spaced apart distance from each other, when providing the arrangement 10 within the transport container. Further, the first vertical members 42 and 82 are configured to be attached to the first wall of the transport container, and the second vertical member 62 and 102 are configured to be attached to the second wall of the transport container.
[0028] Each of the first vertical members 42 and 82, and the second
vertical members 62 and 102, includes a first surface, a second surface opposite to the first surface, a top end portion, a bottom end portion, a horizontal member configured on the first surface and at the top end portion, a supporting member configured on the second surface and at the top end portion, and a base member configured at the bottom end portion.
[0029] Specifically, the first vertical member 42 includes a first surface 44
and a second surface 46 opposite to the first surface 44 (as depicted in FIG. 3). Further, the first vertical member 42 includes a top end portion 48 and a bottom end portion 50. Furthermore, the first vertical member 42 includes a horizontal member 52 configured on the first surface 44 and at the top end portion 48 (as depicted in FIGS. 2 and 3). The horizontal member 52 includes a protruding portion 54 configured to detachably engage within a groove, i.e., corrugation, (not shown) of the first wall of the transport container. The first vertical member 42 also includes a supporting member 56 configured on the second surface 46 and at the top end portion 48 (as depicted in FIGS. 2 and 3). In addition, the first vertical member 42 includes a base member 58 configured at the bottom end portion 50 to support the first vertical member 42 in an upright position (as depicted in FIGS. 2 and 3). Similarly, the first vertical member 82 includes a first surface 84 and a second surface 86 opposite to the first surface 84; a top end portion 88 and a bottom end portion 90; a horizontal member 92 configured on the first surface 84 and at the top end portion 88; a supporting member 96 configured on the second surface 86 and at the top end portion 88; and a base member 98 configured at the bottom end portion 90 to support the first vertical member 82 in an upright position (as depicted in FIGS. 2 and 3). The horizontal member 92 includes a protruding portion 94 configured to detachably engage
within a groove (not shown) of the first wall of the transport container (as depicted in FIGS. 2 and 3).
[0030] Further, the second vertical member 62 includes a first surface 64
and a second surface 66 opposite to the first surface 64; a top end portion 68 and a bottom end portion 70; a horizontal member 72 configured on the first surface 64 and at the top end portion 68; a supporting member 76 configured on the second surface 66 and at the top end portion 68; and a base member 78 configured at the bottom end portion 70 to support the second vertical member 62 in an upright position (as depicted in FIGS. 2 and 3). The horizontal member 72 includes a protruding portion 74 configured to detachably engage within a groove (not shown) of the second wall of the transport container (as depicted in FIGS. 2 and 3). Similarly, the second vertical member 102 includes a first surface 104 and a second surface 106 opposite to the first surface 104; a top end portion 108 and a bottom end portion 110; a horizontal member 112 configured on the first surface 104 and at the top end portion 108; a supporting member 116 configured on the second surface 106 and at the top end portion 108; and a base member 118 configured at the bottom end portion 110 to support the second vertical member 102 in an upright position (as depicted in FIGS. 2 and 3). The horizontal member 112 includes a protruding portion 114 configured to detachably engage within a groove (not shown) of the second wall of the transport container, referring to FIGS. 2 and 3 (as depicted through an enlarged view of an encircled portion 'C in FIG. 3).
[0031] Accordingly, the first vertical members 42 and 82 may be
removably disposed within the transport container by fastening corresponding base members 58 and 98 to the first wall of the transport container. Similarly, the second vertical members 62 and 102, may be removably disposed within the transport container by fastening corresponding base members 78 and 118 to the second wall of the transport container.
[0032] The first vertical members 42 and 82, and the second vertical
members 62 and 102, may be either of the same shape and dimension or of a different shape and dimension. In the present embodiment, first vertical members 42 and 82, and the second vertical members 62 and 102 are of the same shape, such as a shape of a
tripod. However, the first and second vertical members 42 and 62 are of the same dimension; and the first and second vertical members 82 and 102 are of the same dimension and are larger than the first and second vertical members 42 and 62. It will be understood that the shape and dimension of the first vertical members 42 and 82, and the second vertical members 62 and 102, may vary depending upon the configurational strength of the vertical members required for the type of automobile being accommodated within the transport container. Also, the first vertical members 42 and 82, and the second vertical members 62 and 102 may be made of robust materials that are known in the art and are capable of withstanding the weight of a car.
[0033] The each vertical structure of the vertical structures 40 and 80
further includes a cross member configured to be removably attached to each of the respective first vertical member (such as the first vertical members 42 and 82) and the respective second vertical member (such as the second vertical members 62 and 102) in order to be disposed between the respective vertical members. Specifically, the vertical structure 40 includes a cross member 120 configured to be removably attached to each of the first vertical member 42 and the second vertical member 62 in order to be disposed between the pair of vertical members, i.e., the first vertical member 42 and the second vertical member 62. Similarly, the vertical structure 80 includes a cross member 130 configured to be removably attached to each of the first vertical member 82 and the second vertical member 102 in order to be disposed between the pair of vertical members, i.e., the first vertical member 82 and the second vertical member 102.
[0034] Referring to FIG. 3, each of the cross members 120 and 130
include a base portion, such as a base portion 122 and a base portion 132, respectively. The base portion 122 has a first end portion 124 configured to be removably supported by the supporting member 56 of the first vertical member 42; and a second end portion 126 opposite to the first end portion 124 and configured to be removably supported by the supporting member 76 of the second vertical member 62 (as depicted in FIGS. 2 and 3). Similarly, the base portion 132 has a first end portion 134 configured to be removably supported by the supporting member 96 of the first vertical member 82; and a second end portion 136 opposite to the first end portion 134 and configured to be removably supported by the supporting member 116 of the second vertical member 102 (as depicted
in FIGS. 2 and 3). Specifically, the first end portions 124 and 134; and the second end portions 126 and 136 are removably fitted within/ upon respective supporting members 56, 96, and supporting members 76 and 116.
[0035] Further, the base portion 122 includes a plurality of engaging
members 128 configured on the base portion 122, and the base portion 132 includes a plurality of engaging members 138 configured on the base portion 132.
[0036] The each of the cross members 120 and 130 may be either of the
same shape and dimension or of a different shape and dimension, depending on the distance between the first and second vertical members 42 and 62, and between the first and second vertical members 82 and 102; and on the shape and size of the supporting members 56, 76, 96, and 116. In the present embodiment, the cross members 120 and 130 are of the same shape (such as a shape of a rectangular bar) and dimension. It will be understood that the shape and dimension of the cross members 120 and 130 may vary depending on the configurational strength of the cross members 120 and 130 and configurational aspects of the other components of the arrangement 10. Also, the cross members 120 and 130 may be made of robust materials that are known in the art and are capable of withstanding the weight of a car.
[0037] Referring again to FIG. 2, the arrangement 10 includes at least one
pair of platforms. For the purpose of this description, the arrangement 10 includes a single pair of platforms, such as a platform 140 and a platform 150. The platform 140 and the platform 150 is configured to be disposed between the vertical structures 40 and 80, and over corresponding cross members, such as the cross members 120 and 130, of the vertical structures 40 and 80 for carrying an automobile.
[0038] The platform 140 includes a plurality of attachment members 142.
Similarly, the platform 150 includes a plurality of attachment members (not numbered). Each attachment member of the attachment members 142 is configured to be removably engaged (removably received by) with one of an engaging member from the engaging members 128 of the cross member 120 and an engaging member from engaging members 138 of the cross member 130, as depicted in enlarged views of encircled portions 'A' and 'B' in FIG. 2. Similarly, each attachment member of the plurality of attachment members
of the platform 150 is configured to be removably engaged (removably received by) with one of an engaging member from the engaging members 128 of the cross member 120 and an engaging member from the engaging members 138 of the cross member 130. It may be understood that any other engagement mechanism may be employed for engaging the attachment members 142 and the plurality of attachment members of the platform 150 with corresponding engaging members from the engaging members 128 and 138.
[0039] The platforms 140 and 150 may be either of the same shape and
dimension or of a different shape and dimension, depending on the distance between the vertical structures 40 and 80, and on the type of car that needs to be supported by the platforms 140 and 150. In the present embodiment, the platforms 140 and 150 are of the same shape (such as a rectangular shape) and dimension, and include a slitted structure. Further, the platforms 140 and 150, as depicted, are straight platforms that are disposed at an inclination over the cross members 120 and 130 due to the difference in dimensions of the vertical structures 40 and 80. However, the shape, dimension and structure of the platforms 140 and 150 may vary depending on the configurational aspects of other components of the arrangement 10 and the type of car that needs to be supported. For example, the platforms 140 and 150 may be partially inclined platforms. Also, the platforms 140 and 150 may be made of robust materials that are known in the art and are capable of withstanding the weight of a car.
[0040] For the present embodiment, the platforms 140 and 150, as
depicted in FIG. 2, are detachable platforms that may be disposed over the cross members 120 and 130. In an alternate embodiment, the each pair of platforms may include a first platform 160 attached to the first vertical members 42 and 82 through an extending member (not numbered) in order to be folded along the first wall of the transport container, and a second platform 170 attached to the second vertical members 62 and 102 through an extending member (not numbered) in order to be folded along the second wall of the transport container, as depicted in FIG. 4. Specifically, the first platform 160 and the second platform 170 may be pivotally attached to the respective extending members between the first vertical members 42 and 82, and the second vertical members 62 and 102, through hinge mechanisms (not numbered). Further, the first platform 160 is configured to be detachably secured to the first wall in a folded state, and the second platform 170 is configured to be detachably secured to the second wall in a folded state.
[0041] In another aspect, the present invention provides a transport
container 1000 for automobiles, as depicted in FIG. 5. The transport container 1000 includes a first wall (sidewall) 1002, a second wall (sidewall) 1004 opposite to the first wall 1002, a base (floor) 1006, a roof (not shown) opposite to the base 1006, and a collapsible arrangement, such as the arrangement 10 of FIG. 2. The transport container 1000 may also include a front wall with a door (not shown) and a rear wall (not numbered).
[0042] As explained with reference to FIGS. 2-4, the arrangement 10
includes the pair of vertical structures, such as the vertical structure 40 and the vertical structure 80; and either the at least one pair of platforms 140 and 150 or the first and second platforms 160 and 170. The arrangement 10 and various components thereof are explained in reference to FIGS. 2-4; accordingly, a description thereof is avoided herein for the sake of brevity.
[0043] Referring to FIG. 5, the transport container 1000 is shown to
include the arrangement 10. Specifically, vertical structures 40 and 80 are configured to be disposed at a spaced apart distance from each other. Further, the first vertical members 42 and 82 are configured to be detachably attached to the first wall 1002 of the transport container 1000; and the second vertical members 62 and 102 are configured at a spaced apart distance from the respective first vertical members 42 and 82, and are configured to be detachably attached to the second wall 1004 opposite to the first wall 1002 of the transport container 1000.
[0044] In addition, the first vertical members 42 and 82 are removably
disposed within the transport container 1000 by fastening corresponding base members 58 and 98 of the first vertical members 42 and 82 to the first wall 1002 of the transport container 1000. Specifically, the base member 58 of the first vertical member 42 may be fastened to the first wall 1002 using a fastening member, such as a fastening member 1010 that may be received by an aperture (not shown) of the first wall 1002 through an aperture 60 of the first vertical member 42, and more specifically, the base member 58, as depicted in FIG. 6. Similarly, the base member 98 of the first vertical member 82; and the base members 78 and 118 of the second vertical members 62 and 102, may be
fastened to the first wall 1002 and the second wall 1004, respectively, using a fastening member, such as the fastening member 1010. A suitable example of the fastening member 1010 may include, but is not limited to, a bolt.
[0045] Furthermore and as depicted in FIGS. 5-7, each of the protruding
portions 54 and 94, of the respective first vertical members 42 and 82, is configured to detachably engage within a groove 1012 of the first wall 1002 of the transport container 1000. Similarly, each of the protruding portions 74 and 114, of the respective second vertical members 62 and 102, is configured to detachably engage within a groove (not shown) of the second wall 1004 of the transport container 1000.
[0046] The base 1006 of the transport container 1000 may also include a
plurality of depressions (not depicted) therewithin for receiving wheels of the automobiles. Depending on number of cars that need to be accommodated, the base 1006 may have depressions at various locations and each depression may have a suitable depth, such as a depth of about 120 millimeter, from the base 1006. Such depth may be selected based on the type of cars that need to be accommodated within the transport container 1000. Further, the depressions may be made in such a way that the cross members 120 and 130 are disturbed to minimum extent.
[0047] In use, during a loading operation, a first car (not depicted) may be
driven backward within the transport container 1000, and front and rear wheels of the first car may optionally be fixed in the depressions of the base 1006. Alternately, the first car may simply be allowed to rest over the base 1006, and between the vertical structures 40 and 80. The front and rear wheels of the first car may then be lashed as per standards prescribed by car manufacturers. Thereafter, the cross members 120 and 130 of the arrangement 10 may be fixed on the first vertical member 42 and the second vertical member 62, and the first vertical member 82 and the second vertical member 102, respectively. Subsequently, the platforms 140 and 150 may be rested on the cross members 120 and 130 to form a platform/ stand for cars. Thereafter, a portable ramp may be fixed on the lowest cross member among the cross members 120 and 130. A second car may then be driven on the platforms 140 and 150 passing over the portable ramp. The second car may be lashed as per prescribed norms of the car manufacturers. Accordingly, a car may easily be placed underneath the arrangement 10 on the base 1006 and another
car may be placed on top of the arrangement 10. Such a process may be repeated for any additional set of collapsible arrangements, such as the arrangement 10, and multiple cars may be loaded in this manner within the transport container 1000.
[0048] When the arrangement 10 includes the first and second platforms
160 and 170, then the first and second platforms 160 and 170 may exist in the folded state, i.e., secured to the respective first and second walls 1002 and 1004. Accordingly, the first and second platforms 160 and 170 may be detached from the respective first and second walls 1002 and 1004, in order to be disposed over the cross members 120 and 130 to form the platform/ stand for the cars.
[0049] During an unloading operation, the lashing of the car placed on top
of the arrangement 10 may be unsecured. The car may then be driven down using the portable ramp. Further, the platforms 140 and 150 may be removed from over the cross members 120 and 130. The cross members 120 and 130 may be removed. The car placed underneath the arrangement 10 may then be unlashed, and driven out of the transport container 1000. When the arrangement 10 includes the first and second platforms 160 and 170 instead of the platforms 140 and 150, then the first and second platforms 160 and 170 may be folded along the first and second walls 1002 and 1004 of the transport container 1000.
[0050] During the loading and unloading operation of cars using the
transport container 1000, no external equipments such as forklift, electrical driven equipments are required. Further, the transport container 1000 of the present invention may accommodate cars in the combination, as provided in Table 1, when three of such arrangements 10 are employed.
TABLE 1
(Table Removed)

[0051] Using the transport container 1000, the loading and unloading
operation may be achieved much faster as compared to the existing systems. Further, no movement of platform inside the transport container 1000 is required. Furthermore, workforce required for loading and unloading operation is very less compared to the existing systems.
[0052] FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate another transport container 2000 having a
single collapsible arrangement, capable of accommodating two, A & B segment cars in various combinations.
[0053] The transport container 2000 has a first wall (sidewall) 2002, a
second wall (sidewall) 2004, a front wall (not shown), a rear wall (not numbered), a base 2006 and a roof (not shown). The collapsible arrangement includes a vertical structure 240, similar to the vertical structure 40 of FIG. 2, having a first vertical member 242 and a second vertical member 262; and a second vertical structure 280, similar to the vertical structure 80 of FIG. 2, having a first vertical member 282 and a second vertical member 302. The first vertical members 242 and 282 are similar to the first vertical members 42
and 82; and the second vertical members 262 and 302 are similar to the second vertical members 62 and 102. However, the first vertical members 242 and 282 and the second vertical members 262 and 302 differ in shape and dimension from the first vertical members 42 and 82 and the second vertical members 62 and 102, respectively. Specifically, the first vertical members 242 and 282, and the second vertical members 262 and 302, are straight vertical structures without any base member, such as the base members 58, 78, 98 and 118. Further, the first vertical members 242 and 282 are fabricated to the first wall 2002 and the base 2006 of the transport container 2000. Similarly, the second vertical members 262 and 302 are fabricated to the second wall 2004 and the base 2006.
[0054] The collapsible arrangement also includes a pair of platforms, such
as a pair of horizontal platforms such as a platform 340 and a platform 350, operationally coupled to the first and second vertical members 242 and 262, and first and second vertical members 282 and 302, respectively. Further, the horizontal platforms 340 and 350 are capable of being folded along the first wall 2002 and the second wall 2004, respectively. It is evident to a person skilled in the art that a variety of mechanisms may be utilized for configuring a foldable arrangement of the horizontal platforms 340 and 350. In the present embodiment, hinges (not numbered) may be utilized for the above purpose. In a folded state/ position, the horizontal platforms 340 and 350 may be detachably secured to the first wall 2002 and the second wall 2004, respectively, by various mechanisms, such as clamp arrangement (not numbered) attached (either removably by means known in the art or fixedly by means such as welding) on the first wall 2002 and the second wall 2004 of the transport container 2000.
[0055] The collapsible arrangement further includes cross members, such
as cross members 320 and 330 (similar to the cross members 120 and 130 of FIG. 2), configured to be removably attached (detachably coupled) to each of the first and second vertical members 242 and 262; and each of the first and second vertical members 282 and 302, respectively. During an operational condition, the cross members 320 and 330 are laid over respective first and second vertical members 242 and 262, and the first and second vertical members 282 and 302 (as depicted in FIG. 8); and the horizontal
platforms 340 and 350 are unfolded and rested on the cross members 320 and 330 (as depicted in FIG. 9).
[0056] The present invention provides an efficient collapsible arrangement
system (such as the system 100) having one or more collapsible arrangements (such as the arrangement 10); and a transport container (such as the transport containers 1000 and 2000) that may easily accommodate cars of different combinations required to be transported. Further, during the loading and unloading operation of cars using the collapsible arrangement system and the transport container of the present invention, external equipments such as forklift, electrical driven equipments, and the like, are not required. Furthermore, the loading and unloading operation may be achieved much faster compared to the existing systems. In addition, movement of the platform/ stand as configured for supporting the cars inside the transport container is not required. Moreover, workforce required for the loading and unloading operation is very less compared to the existing systems.
[0057] The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present
invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omission and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but such are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.

CLAIMS We claim:
1. A collapsible arrangement system for a transport container, the collapsible
arrangement system comprising at least one collapsible arrangement comprising:
a pair of vertical structures, each vertical structure of the pair of vertical structures configured to be disposed at a spaced apart distance from an adjacent vertical structure of the pair of vertical structures within the transport container, the each vertical structure comprising,
a pair of vertical members comprising,
a first vertical member configured to be detachably attached to a first wall of the transport container, and
a second vertical member configured at a spaced apart distance from the first vertical member and configured to be detachably attached to a second wall opposite to the first wall of the transport container, and
a cross member configured to be removably attached to each of the first vertical member and the second vertical member in order to be disposed between the pair of vertical members; and
at least one pair of platforms configured to be disposed between the pair of vertical structures and over corresponding cross members of the pair of vertical structures for carrying an automobile.
2. The collapsible arrangement system of claim 1, wherein the first vertical member is configured to be attached to the first wall of the transport container, and the second vertical member is configured to be attached to the second wall of the transport container.
3. The collapsible arrangement system of claim 2, wherein the each of the first vertical member and the second vertical member comprises,
a first surface,
a second surface opposite to the first surface,
a top end portion,
a bottom end portion,
a horizontal member configured on the first surface and at the top end portion, the horizontal member comprising a protruding portion configured to detachably engage within a groove of a corresponding wall from the first wall and the second wall of the transport container,
a supporting member configured on the second surface and at the top end portion, and
a base member configured at the bottom end portion to support corresponding vertical member from the first vertical member and the second vertical member in an upright position.
4. The collapsible arrangement system of claim 3, wherein the cross member
comprises,
a base portion having,
a first end portion configured to be removably supported by a corresponding supporting member of the first vertical member, and
a second end portion opposite to the first end portion and configured to be removably supported by a corresponding supporting member of the second vertical member, and
a plurality of engaging members configured on the base portion.
5. The collapsible arrangement system of claim 4, wherein each platform of the at least one pair of platforms comprises a plurality of attachment members, each attachment member of the plurality of attachment members configured to be removably engaged with an engaging member from the plurality of engaging members of a respective cross member from the corresponding cross members of the pair of vertical structures.
6. The collapsible arrangement system of claim 3, wherein the first vertical member and the second vertical member are removably disposed within the transport container by fastening corresponding base member of the first vertical member to the first wall of the transport container and by fastening corresponding base member of the second vertical member to the second wall of the transport container.
7. The collapsible arrangement system of claim 1, wherein the at least one
pair of platforms comprises,
a first platform attached to corresponding first vertical members of the pair of vertical structures in order to be folded along the first wall of the transport container, the first platform further configured to be detachably secured to the first wall in a folded state, and
a second platform attached to corresponding second vertical members of the pair of vertical structures in order to be folded along the second wall of the transport container, the second platform further configured to be detachably secured to the second wall in a folded state.
8. A transport container for automobiles, the transport container comprising:
a first wall;
a second wall opposite to the first wall; a base;
a roof opposite to the base; and
a collapsible arrangement system comprising at least one collapsible arrangement comprising,
a pair of vertical structures, each vertical structure of the pair of vertical structures configured to be disposed at a spaced apart distance from an adjacent vertical structure of the pair of vertical structures within the transport container, the each vertical structure comprising,
a pair of vertical members comprising,
a first vertical member configured to be detachably attached to the first wall of the transport container, and
a second vertical member configured at a spaced apart distance from the first vertical member and configured to be detachably attached to the second wall opposite to the first wall of the transport container, and
a cross member configured to be removable attached to each of the first vertical member and the second vertical member in order to be disposed between the pair of vertical members, and
at least one pair of platforms configured to be disposed between the pair of vertical structures and over corresponding cross members of the pair of vertical structures for carrying an automobile.
9. The transport container of claim 8, wherein the base of the transport
container comprises a plurality of depressions therewithin for receiving wheels of the
automobiles.
10. The transport container of claim 8, wherein the each of the first vertical
member and the second vertical member comprises,
a first surface,
a second surface opposite to the first surface,
a top end portion,
a bottom end portion,
a horizontal member configured on the first surface and at the top end portion, the horizontal member comprising a protruding portion configured to detachably engage within a groove of a corresponding wall from the first wall and the second wall of the transport container,
a supporting member configured on the second surface and at the top end portion, and
a base member configured at the bottom end portion to support corresponding vertical member from the first vertical member and the second vertical member in an upright position.
11. The transport container of claim 10, wherein the first vertical member and
the second vertical member are removable disposed within the transport container by
fastening corresponding base member of the first vertical member to the first wall of the
transport container and by fastening corresponding base member of the second vertical
member to the second wall of the transport container.