Convertible cargo handling assembly for managing varied cargo types

Abstract

A cargo handling assembly for a transport container includes an adapter tray configured to fit within a gap between floor panels of the transport container, the adapter tray comprising a lower wall and side walls forming a recessed gutter. An anchor plate is attachable to the lower wall of the adapter tray. A roller tray is configured to nest within the recessed gutter of the adapter tray, the roller tray comprising an anchor block for attachment to the anchor plate. A tray cover is insertable into the recessed gutter when the roller tray is removed, the tray cover configured to span between the side walls of the adapter tray.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A cargo handling assembly for a transport container, the cargo handling assembly comprising:
 an adapter tray configured to fit within a gap between floor panels of the transport container, the adapter tray comprising a lower wall and side walls forming a recessed gutter;   an anchor plate attachable to the lower wall of the adapter tray;   a roller tray configured to nest within the recessed gutter of the adapter tray, the roller tray comprising an anchor block for attachment to the anchor plate; and   a tray cover insertable into the recessed gutter when the roller tray is removed, the tray cover configured to span between the side walls of the adapter tray.   
     
     
         2 . The cargo handling assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the adapter tray further comprises lateral flanges extending outward from lower edges of the side walls, the lateral flanges configured to extend at least partially underneath the floor panels. 
     
     
         3 . The cargo handling assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the roller tray comprises a plurality of roller units for facilitating movement of cargo and optionally comprises an electrical raceway for routing electrical components associated with the plurality of roller units. 
     
     
         4 . The cargo handling assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the tray cover comprises:
 a top wall configured to span between the side walls of the adapter tray; and   side feet extending downward from edges of the top wall.   
     
     
         5 . The cargo handling assembly of  claim 4 , wherein the tray cover further comprises a reinforcement rib positioned beneath the top wall. 
     
     
         6 . The cargo handling assembly of  claim 4 , wherein the tray cover further comprises an anchor plate cutout formed through the top wall, the anchor plate cutout configured to receive at least a portion of the anchor plate when the tray cover is installed. 
     
     
         7 . The cargo handling assembly of  claim 4 , wherein one or more of the side feet of the tray cover comprises a positive structure configured to frictionally engage a side wall of the adapter tray. 
     
     
         8 . A method of converting a cargo transport container between a containerized cargo mode and a bulk cargo mode, the method comprising:
 installing an adapter tray within a gap between floor panels of the cargo transport container, the adapter tray comprising a lower wall and side walls forming a recessed gutter;   securing an anchor plate to the lower wall of the adapter tray; and   selectively attaching either a roller tray or a tray cover to the adapter tray, wherein the roller tray is configured to nest within the recessed gutter and attach to the anchor plate for the containerized cargo mode, and wherein the tray cover is configured to insert into the recessed gutter for the bulk cargo mode.   
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein installing the adapter tray comprises:
 positioning lateral flanges of the adapter tray at least partially underneath the floor panels; and   securing the adapter tray to a sub-floor bracket of the cargo transport container.   
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein securing the anchor plate to the lower wall of the adapter tray comprises securing fasteners that extend through the anchor plate, the adapter tray, and into the sub-floor bracket. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein attaching the roller tray comprises:
 nesting a lower portion of the roller tray within the recessed gutter of the adapter tray; and   connecting an anchor block of the roller tray to the anchor plate via a quick-connect fastener.   
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the connecting the anchor block to the anchor plate via the quick-connect fastener is toolless. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein attaching the tray cover comprises:
 inserting side feet of the tray cover between the side walls of the adapter tray; and   at least one of: engaging a positive structure on one or more of the side feet with a corresponding side wall of the adapter tray or securing a fastener through a top wall of the tray cover and a mounting block affixed to the adapter tray.   
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the tray cover includes an anchor plate cutout, and attaching the tray cover further comprises aligning the anchor plate cutout with the anchor plate to maintain accessibility of the anchor plate for cargo securement in the bulk cargo mode. 
     
     
         15 . A cargo transport system comprising:
 a cargo transport container having a floor with a longitudinal gap between floor panels;   an adapter tray installed within the longitudinal gap, the adapter tray comprising a lower wall spanning the longitudinal gap and side walls extending upward from the lower wall to form a recessed gutter;   an anchor plate secured to the lower wall of the adapter tray; and   a roller tray for containerized cargo mode or a tray cover for bulk cargo mode, wherein the roller tray and tray cover are interchangeably attachable to the anchor plate.   
     
     
         16 . The cargo transport system of  claim 15 , wherein the adapter tray further comprises lateral flanges extending outward from lower edges of the side walls, the lateral flanges configured to extend at least partially underneath the floor panels. 
     
     
         17 . The cargo transport system of  claim 15 , wherein the roller tray comprises a plurality of roller units for facilitating movement of cargo and an electrical raceway for routing electrical components associated with the roller units. 
     
     
         18 . The cargo transport system of  claim 15 , wherein the tray cover comprises:
 a top wall configured to span between the side walls of the adapter tray; and   side feet extending downward from edges of the top wall.   
     
     
         19 . The cargo transport system of  claim 18 , wherein the tray cover further comprises an anchor plate cutout formed through the top wall, the anchor plate cutout configured to receive at least a portion of the anchor plate when the tray cover is installed. 
     
     
         20 . The cargo transport system of  claim 19 , wherein one or more of the side feet of the tray cover comprises a positive structure configured to frictionally engage a corresponding side wall of the adapter tray.