Collapsible flat rack

Abstract

A collapsible dual deck ( 22, 42 ) platform deck or flat rack container ( 60 ), adapted for vehicle cargo ( 65, 66 ), has dual (40 fit and 45 ft) span capture and handling fittings ( 31, 33 ) upon twin or joint adjustable height corner support post modules ( 70 ), foldable transversely inward to overlie one another at platform deck ( 24 ) ends, with an underlying hinged end gate ( 28 ) upon one post; post modules ( 70 ) feature telescopic rams ( 35 ) with a pulley traveller ( 39 ) carrying a cable lift ( 41 ) to a movable deck ( 42 ).

1 - 26 . (canceled)  
   
   
       27 . A platform deck or flat rack container, with capture and handling fittings, disposed at different spans.  
   
   
       28 . A flat rack of  claim 27 , wherein the capture and handling fittings are grouped by different span standards.  
   
   
       29 . A flat rack of  claim 27 , with respective support posts, and attendant capture and handling fittings, at different spans.  
   
   
       30 . A flat rack of  claim 27 , with multiple support posts, grouped together in a post module at or adjacent deck ends.  
   
   
       31 . A flat rack of  claim 27 , with independently folding support post groups.  
   
   
       32 . A flat rack of  claim 27 , with capture and handling fittings at both 40 ft and 45 ft span, for conformity with dual handling standards.  
   
   
       33 . A flat rack of  claim 27 , with support posts at opposite sides pivot mounted for inward transverse fold, to overlie one another upon a platform deck.  
   
   
       34 . {Different height post pivots} A flat rack of  claim 33 , with support post pivots at different heights, to allow mutual collapse fold overlay.  
   
   
       35 . A flat rack of  claim 27 , with paired telescopic support posts, operable by joint ram and cable drive, with respective capture and handling fittings at different standard spans.  
   
   
       36 . A flat rack of  claim 27 , with a movable deck, carried at or adjacent each corner by paired adjustable span support posts with respective capture and handling fittings at different spans.  
   
   
       37 . A flat rack of  claim 36 , with on-board hydraulic rams, and cable pulley drive coupling, for support post extension and suspended deck movement.  
   
   
       38 . A flat rack of  claim 27 , with a movable upper deck, carried by support posts surmounting a base deck.  
   
   
       39 . A flat rack of  claim 27 , with a tapered deck end profile to create end ramps for a vehicle cargo to allow vehicle tilt for compact fit within flat rack deck confines.  
   
   
       40 . A flat rack of  claim 27 , with a hinged trap door in a deck floor intermediate deck ends to allow local tilt of a vehicle cargo disposed with wheels thereupon.  
   
   
       41 . A flat rack of  claim 27 , with multiple capture and handling fittings, carried by individual support posts.  
   
   
       42 . A flat rack of  claim 29 , with a support post extension ram disposed within post confines.  
   
   
       43 . A flat rack of  claim 29 , with a cable suspension disposed within support post confines.  
   
   
       44 . A flat rack of  claim 27 , with dual inter-fitting decks carried between adjustable span support posts pivotally mounted for inward transverse fold to allow a compact overall collapse fold with support posts within mutually inset decks.  
   
   
       45 . A flat rack of  claim 27 , with selectively operable collapse fold interlock, between inward folded support posts, gate carried thereby, and underlying deck.  
   
   
       46 . A flat rack of  claim 38 , with movable deck over-travel facility and lock, to facilitate under deck loading.