Intermodal devices and methods

Abstract

An intermodal device comprising: a base; a perimetric rectangular frame; the frame comprising a first rail mounted to the base, a second rail in spaced relation to the first rail and a plurality of posts connecting the first and second rail; the posts being pivotally mounted to the first rail and in sliding engagement with the second rail; wherein the posts are arranged to slide along the second rail from a position at right angles to the first and second rails to a position parallel to the rails, the frame arranged to move from an expanded position to a collapsed position as a result of the movement of the posts.

1 . An intermodal assembly comprising a plurality of trays, each tray having a removable dividing assembly, said dividing assembly comprising;
 a pair of end panels, a plurality of dividing panels parallel to the end panels and a plurality of articulated panels perpendicular to the end and dividing panels;   said panels interconnected to form an array of recesses to receive articles;   wherein each articulated panel includes a plurality of spaced hinged portions;   such that the dividing assembly is arranged to retract from an expanded position with the end panels distal from each other, for receiving the articles, to a retracted position such that the end panels are proximate to each other.   
     
     
         2 - 24 . (canceled) 
     
     
         25 . An intermodal device comprising
 a base;   a perimetric rectangular frame;   the frame comprising a first rail mounted to the base, a second rail in spaced relation to the first rail and a plurality of posts connecting the first and second rail;   the posts being pivotally mounted to the first rail and in sliding engagement with the second rail;   wherein the posts are arranged to slide along the second rail to a position parallel to the rails, the frame arranged to move from an expanded position to a collapsed position as a result of the movement of the posts.   
     
     
         26 . The intermodal device according to  claim 25 , wherein the post moves from a position at right angles to the first and second rails to the position parallel to the rails. 
     
     
         27 . The intermodal device according to  claim 25  or  26 , further including:
 a third rail intermediate the first and second rail, and; 
 a plurality of oblique members arranged in pairs; 
 
       such that a first oblique member projects from the first rail to the third rail and a second oblique member projects from the second rail to the third rail, said oblique members in sliding engagement with the third rail and pivotally mounted to the respective first and second rails. 
     
     
         28 . The intermodal device according to  claim 25 , further including a locking device associated with each post, said locking device arranged to lock the post in the right angle position;
 the locking device selectively releasable from a locked position to a release position such that the posts are movable to the parallel position, the locking device resiliently biased to the locked position.   
     
     
         29 . The intermodal device according to  claim 25 , wherein the sliding engagement between the post and the second rail includes a slotted hole in the second rail into which the post is coupled. 
     
     
         30 . The intermodal device according to  claim 25 , wherein the intermodal device is arranged to receive a dividing assembly having an array of rectangular storage recesses. 
     
     
         31 . The intermodal device according to  claim 30 , further including a cover in hinged engagement with the second rail and arranged to cover the dividing assembly. 
     
     
         32 . The intermodal device according to  claim 25 , wherein the first rail includes projections on a base of the first rail arranged to cooperatively engage with projections on the second rail so as to prevent lateral movement of the intermodal assemblies when stacked. 
     
     
         33 . The intermodal device according to  claim 25 , wherein the perimetric frame is arranged to be selectively disassembled into four walls. 
     
     
         34 . The intermodal device according to  claim 33 , further including connecting holes along at least one side of said base, said holes arranged to receive a dowel so as to connect the intermodal device to a second intermodal device. 
     
     
         35 . An intermodal device comprising:
 a rectangular base;   four walls arranged around the periphery of the base;   
       each of said walls in pivotal engagement, so as to selectively fold inwards into a space defined by said walls. 
     
     
         36 . The intermodal device according to  claim 35 , wherein said walls are pivotally connected to a perimetric wall mounted to said base, such that on folding inwards, the base, perimetric wall and folded walls define a clearance zone. 
     
     
         37 . The intermodal device according to  claim 35 , wherein said intermodal device is arranged to receive a collapsible dividing assembly. 
     
     
         38 . The intermodal device according to  claim 37 , wherein the intermodal device is arranged to contain said collapsible dividing assembly in the clearance zone. 
     
     
         39 . A dividing assembly for an intermodal device, the dividing assembly comprising:
 a plurality of dividers, said dividers cooperatively assemblable to form the dividing assembly and selectively disassemblable; each of said dividers being telescopic, such that in the assembled form the dividing assembly is arranged to move from an expanded position to a collapsed position.   
     
     
         40 . The dividing assembly according to  claim 39 , wherein each divider is telescopic. 
     
     
         41 . The dividing assembly according to  claim 39 , wherein each divider includes a male connector and/or female connector so as to be assembled and disassembled. 
     
     
         42 . The dividing assembly according to  claim 39 , wherein said dividers arranged to be assembled into an assembly having an array of recesses. 
     
     
         43 . The dividing assembly according to  claim 39 , wherein each divider includes either a male connector, a female connector or both a female and male connector. 
     
     
         44 . The dividing assembly according to  claim 43 , wherein either the male or female divider includes a spring, said spring arranged to bias the divider into the expanded position. 
     
     
         45 . The dividing assembly according to  claim 44 , wherein the female divider includes the spring. 
     
     
         46 . The dividing assembly according to  claim 39 , wherein the dividers are planar components. 
     
     
         47 . The dividing assembly according to  claim 41 , wherein the male and female connectors are located on a ridge, said ridge positioned such that when the dividing assembly is in use, the ridge is on an upper edge of the divider. 
     
     
         48 . The dividing assembly according to  claim 39 , wherein the dividers include projections in a base of the divider, said projections arranged engage corresponding apertures in a base on the intermodal device. 
     
     
         49 - 50 . (canceled)