NL2035460B1 - Storing non-motorized trailers - Google Patents

Abstract

A system for storing non-motorized trailers is disclosed. The system comprises a plurality of modules. Each module out of the plurality of modules is configured to accommodate a non-motorized trailer. Further, the modules out ofthe plurality of modules are stackable onto each other while accommodating non-motorized trailers. Further, a method is disclosed for storing a non-motorized trailer. The method comprises positioning a non-motorized trailer in a module, on a base structure of the module, the base structure being configured to support the non-motorized trailer and being configured to connect to another module below it. The method also comprises lifting the module while 10 it accommodates the non-motorized trailer, preferably using a fork lift. The method also comprises placing the module onto another module, this other module accommodating a second non-motorized trailer, herein connecting the module with the other module.

Description

Storing non-motorized trailers

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This disclosure relates to a system for storing non-motorized trailers, in particular to such a system comprising modules that can be stacked onto each other while accommodating non-motorized trailers. This disclosure also relates to a module for storing a non-motorized trailer and to a module system that is configured to be assembled into such module. Further, this disclosure relates to a method for storing non-motorized trailers.

BACKGROUND

Non-motorized trailers, especially non-motorized trailers that are occasionally used, spend most of their time in a dedicated storage. Caravans, for example, are often stored in a shed and are only taken out by their owners during summer holidays. The person renting out the storage space aims to position the incoming non-motorized trailers as efficiently as possible in order to use the available storage space to the fullest.

The inventors of the present disclosure have recognized that in the context of storing non- motorized trailers, the available storage space can be used even more efficiently.

SUMMARY

To that end, a system for storing non-motorized trailers is disclosed. The system comprises a plurality of modules. Each module out of the plurality of modules is configured to accommodate a non- motorized trailer. Further, the modules out of the plurality of modules are stackable onto each other while accommodating non-motorized trailers.

This system advantageously enables to position non-motorized trailers one above the otherin a relatively simple manner. A non-motorized trailer can easily be positioned in a module, for example by simply driving the trailer into the module. Thereafter, the module can be stacked onto another module that may also accommodate a non-motorized trailer. Fortunately, non-motorized trailers are not very heavy. In most cases, a forklift can lift the module containing the non-motorized trailer and place it onto another module. Likewise, if the trailer is taken out of storage, then a forklift can typically lift the module from the module below it and place it on the ground so that the trailer can be driven out of the module. As such, the system enables to more efficiently use storage space if the storage is high enough to accommodate several trailers one above the other.

Non-limiting examples of non-motorized trailers are caravans, trailer tents, cattle trailers, horse trailers, box trailers, platform trailers, van trailers, vehicle transport trailers, such as boat trailers, et cetera.

The modules out of the plurality of modules are not necessarily identical. The plurality of modules may for example comprise three different types of modules, namely ground level modules, which are intended to be positioned at the ground level, top level modules, which are intended to be positioned at the highest level, and intermediate level modules, which are intended to be positioned between the ground level modules and top level modules. These types of modules may differ from each other because a ground level module need not connect to a module below it and a top level module need not support a module above it, whereas an intermediate level module should be stackable onto a module below it and should be able to support a further module that is stacked onto it.

In an embodiment, at least one module out of the plurality of modules comprises one or more forklift handles configured to receive one or more blades of a forklift tyne.

Such module is advantageous in that it enables to easily lift the module using a forklift.

Preferably, each intermediate level module and each top level module comprises one or more forklift handles configured to receive one or more blades of a forklift tyne.

In an embodiment, at least one module out of the plurality of modules comprises a tow hitch, such as a tow ball, for securing the non-motorized trailer to the module.

This embodiment eases securing the non-motorized trailer to the module. Typically, trailers have a connector element that is configured to engage a tow hitch in order the fix the trailer to a towing vehicle. This embodiment advantageously makes use of such already present connector elements.

Preferably, each intermediate level module and each top level module comprises a tow hitch for securing the non-motorized trailer to the module.

The tow hitch may comprise a tow ball. Additionally or alternatively, the tow hitch comprises a drawbar hitch.

In an embodiment, at least one module out of the plurality of modules comprises a base structure that is configured to support its non-motorized trailer and to connect to another module below it.

This embodiment allows for easily connecting the module with the other module below it.

Preferably, each intermediate level module and each top level module comprises such base structure.

In this disclosure, when two elements are said to be connectable to each other, then they may be connectable to each other by means of a form-fit connection.

In an embodiment, the tow hitch is releasably fixable to the base structure at different positions relative to the base structure.

This embodiment is advantageous in that it allows to easily control the position of the non- motorized trailer's center of gravity relative to the base structure. Preferably, the center of gravity is positioned somewhere in the middle of the module (as viewed from a top view) in order to reduce the risk of a stack of modules toppling.

In an embodiment, a length of the base structure extends in a longitudinal, horizontal direction, wherein the different positions are different positions along the longitudinal, horizontal direction.

This embodiment enables to specifically control the position of the non-motorized trailers center of gravity along the first horizontal direction.

The first horizontal direction may be understood to be parallel to a drive direction of the non- motorized trailer when the non-motorized trailer is positioned in the module.

In an embodiment, a width of the base structure extends in a transverse, horizontal direction and in this embodiment, at least one module out of the plurality of modules comprises wheel support structures, each wheel support structure being configured to support one or more wheels of the non- motorized trailer. The wheel support structures are movable with respect to each other in the transverse, horizontal direction.

This embodiment allows to properly position the wheel support structures such that the non- motorized trailer can be easily driven into the module, for example such that a distance between the wheel support structures, in the transverse direction, match the distance, in a direction perpendicular to a driving direction of the trailer, between the wheels of the non-motorized trailer.

Preferably, each intermediate level module and each top level module comprises such wheel support structures. Preferably, these wheel support structures are positioned on the base structure of the module. Preferably, motion of the wheel support structures in the longitudinal, horizontal direction relative to the base structure is limited. Preferably such motion is prevented so that the wheel support structures can only move in the transverse direction.

In an embodiment, at least one module out of the plurality of modules comprises a support structure that is configured to support and connect to a further module above it.

The support structure allows for easily stacking the modules on top of each other.

The support structure may be releasably connected to the base structure of its module.

Preferably, each ground level module and each intermediate level module comprises such support structure.

In particular, each support structure may be configured to connect to a base structure of another module.

In an embodiment, the support structure comprises a plurality of vertically extending elements, such as poles, wherein each vertically extending element out of the plurality of vertically extending elements is releasably connected to the module's base structure.

The vertically extending elements of a module may be releasably connected to the base structure of that module and releasably connected to the base structure of a further module above it.

In an embodiment, a first module out of the plurality of modules is stacked onto a second module out of the plurality of modules, wherein the first module accommodates a first non-motorized trailer and the second module accommodates a second non-motorized trailer.

In this embodiment, the modules are thus in a stacked state. The first module may be an intermediate level module, in which case the second module may be a ground level module or another intermediate level module. The first module may be a top level module, in which case the second module may be an intermediate level module or a ground level module.

One distinct aspect of this disclosure relates to a module that is configured to accommodate a non-motorized trailer. In this aspect, the module is stackable onto another module accommodating another non-motorized trailer and comprises a base structure that is configured to support the non-

motorized trailer and to connect to the other module below it, for example by means of a form-fit connection.

In this aspect, the module may comprise any of the features on any other module described herein. To illustrate, in this aspect, the module may comprise one or more forklift handles and/or a tow hitch and/or a support structure and/or wheel support structures, as described herein.

One aspect of this disclosure relates to a module system that is configured to be assembled into any of the modules described herein. The module system comprises a base structure that is configured to support a non-motorized trailer and to connect to another module below it. The module system also comprises a support structure that is configured to connect to the base structure such that it vertically extends so that it is connectable to a further module above it.

This aspect is advantageous in that the module system can be stored in a very compact manner and may only be assembled when the module is going to be used.

The support structure may comprises a number of, e.g. four, poles that can be releasably connected to the base structure, for example by simply inserting each pole into a matching cavity of the base structure.

One aspect of this disclosure relates to a method for storing a non-motorized trailer. The method comprises positioning a non-motorized trailer in a module, on a base structure of the module, the base structure being configured to support the non-motorized trailer and being configured to connect to another module below it. The method also comprises lifting the module while it accommodates the non-motorized trailer, preferably using a fork lift. The method also comprises placing the module onto another module, this other module accommodating a second non-motorized trailer, herein connecting the module with the other module.

Herewith, the non-motorized trailer is stored above the second non-motorized trailer. Hence, the storage space is efficiently used.

In an embodiment of the method, a width of the base structure extends in a transverse, horizontal direction and the module comprises a first wheel support structure and a second wheel support structure. Each wheel support structure is configured to support one or more wheels of the non-motorized trailer. The wheel support structures are movable with respect to each other in the transverse, horizontal direction. In this embodiment, the method comprises adjusting the position of the wheel support structures relative to each other so that the first wheel support structure is at a first position and the second wheel support structure is at a second position. The method also comprises positioning the non-motorized trailer in the module such that a first wheel of the non-motorized trailer is positioned on the first wheel support structure that is at the first position and such that a second wheel of the non-motorized trailer is positioned on the second wheel support structure that is at the second position.

In an embodiment of the method, the module comprises a tow hitch for securing the non- motorized trailer to the module. The tow hitch is releasably fixable to the base structure at different positions relative to the base structure. In this embodiment, the method comprises releasably fixing the tow hitch of the module at a selected position relative to the base structure and securing the non- motorized trailer to the tow hitch. As a side note, these last two steps may be performed in any order.

This method advantageously enables to position the center of gravity as desired in the module in order to prevent toppling of modules that are stacked on top of each other.

Preferably, the different positions are different positions along the longitudinal, horizontal direction. 5 Elements and aspects discussed for or in relation with a particular embodiment may be suitably combined with elements and aspects of other embodiments, unless explicitly stated otherwise.

Embodiments of the present invention will be further illustrated with reference to the attached drawings, which schematically will show embodiments according to the invention. It will be understood that the present invention is not in any way restricted to these specific embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Aspects of the invention will be explained in greater detail by reference to exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a module according to an embodiment;

FIG. 2 shows a top view, side view and front view of a module according to an embodiment;

FIG. 3 illustrates a stack of base structures according to an embodiment;

FIG. 4 illustrates how some elements of a base structure according to an embodiment can move;

FIG. 5 illustrates how the center of gravity of a trailer can be positioned according to an embodiment;

FIG. 6 illustrates how, according to an embodiment, a tow ball can be releasably fixed at different positions relative to a base structure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the figures, identical reference numbers indicate identical or similar elements.

Figure 1A illustrates a module 2 for accommodating a non-motorized trailer 4 according to an embodiment. Although the figures explicitly show a caravan as non-motorized trailer, it should be appreciated that the module 2 may be configured to accommodate any type of non-motorized trailer, including tent trailers, horse trailers, et cetera. The module 2 comprises a base structure 8 that supports the trailer 4 and that is connectable to another module below it. As such, the module 2 is stackable onto another module accommeodating another non-motorized trailer. This is shown on the right hand side of figure 1A, where a system 6 according to an embodiment is shown for storing non- motorized trailers. In figure 1A, the system 6 is depicted in assembled state.

The base structure 8 has a width W that extends in a transverse, horizontal direction, a length L that extends in a longitudinal, horizontal direction.

In the depicted embodiment, the base structure 8 comprises a plurality of feet 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d. (Foot 10d is not visible in figure 1.) Each foot 10 is configured to connect to a module below it.

Each foot 10 may comprise a cavity that is configured to receive for example a pole 12 of a module below it herewith establishing a form-fit connection between the module and the module below it, in particular between the feet 10 of the module and the support structure of the module below it.

Indeed, the depicted module 2 itself comprises a support structure that is configured to support and connect to a further module above it. Due to the support structure, the module 2 has a height H that extends in a vertical direction. In the depicted embodiment, the depicted support structure comprises a plurality of vertically extending elements 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d. In the depicted embodiment, these vertically extending elements are poles. The vertically extending elements 12 may be releasably connected to the base structure 8. Each foot 10 may comprise a cavity at its top side that is configured to receive a vertically extending element 12 thus establishing a form-fit connection between the base structure 8 and the vertically extending element. Alternatively, the vertically extending elements 12 may, of course, be permanently connected to the base structure 8.

The module 2 comprises two forklift handles 14a, 14b that are configured to receive the blades of a forklift tyne. These handles allow the module 2 to be lifted by a forklift while the module 2 is accommodating the non-motorized trailer 4.

The module further comprises wheel supports structures 18a and 18b. Wheel support structure 18a supports wheel 20a of trailer 4, while wheel support structure 18 supports another wheel of trailer 4.

The module 2 also comprises a tow ball 16 for securing the non-motorized trailer 4 to the module 2. Such tow balls are more clearly visible on the right hand side of figure 1. Here, a system 6 is shown that comprises a plurality of modules 2a, 2b, 2c, wherein the modules 2a, 2b, 2c are stackable onto each other while accommodating non-motorized trailers. Indeed, the depicted system 6 shows that the modules are stacked onto each other and that module 2a is accommodating trailer 4, while module 2b is accommodating trailer 4b and module 2c is accommodating trailer 4c. The system thus enables to store multiple trailers one above the other.

Module 2a does not comprise a base structure that is connectable to another module below it nor a tow ball. This is not per se required, because module 2a is at ground level. Modules 2b and 2¢ do comprise respective tow balls 16b and 16c for securing a non-motorized trailer to it. Trailer 4b is fixed to tow ball 16b and herewith trailer 4b is secured to module 2b. Likewise trailer 4c is fixed to tow ball 16c and herewith trailer 4c is secured to module 2c. It should be appreciated that almost all trailers are provided with a connection system 18 that is configured to fix to a tow ball of a vehicle so that the vehicle can tow the trailer. Hence, by using the already present connection system of trailers, in principle, no additional means are required for securing the trailer to the module, such as bands.

Module 2a comprises a support structure, in the form of four feet 10 and four poles 12, that is configured to support and connect to a module above it.

Figure 1B shows a projection of module 2 accommodating a trailer 4 according to an embodiment. In this projection, the front sides of the module 2 and trailer 4 are more clearly visible, including the tow ball 16.

The elements of a module as disclosed herein, such as the poles and/or base structure, et cetera may be made out of steel.

Figure 2 shows a top view (top left), a side view (bottom left) and a front view (bottom right) of a module 2 according to an embodiment that is accommodating a trailer 4.

A typical height H of the module 2 is between 3 and 4 meters, preferably between 3.2 and 3.6 meters, such as 3,4 meters. However, it should be appreciated that, in an embodiment in which the vertically extending elements 12 are releasably connected to the base structure 8, the height can be easily adapted or selected by using vertically extending elements 12 having a desired length. To illustrate, a trailer tent is not as high as a caravan. Thus, if a module according to an embodiment is to accommodate a trailer tent, then shorter vertically extending elements 12 can be releasably connected to the base structure 8, e.g. by inserting the poles into the feet as described above, whereas longer vertically extending element should be connected to the module if the module is to accommodate a caravan. This is advantageous in that it reduces the amount of dead space in a module, i.e. the space in a module that is not used for accommodating a trailer.

Thus, the system may comprise vertically extending element 12 of different lengths to maintain flexibility in terms of module height.

A typical length L of the module is between 5 and 8 meters, preferably between 6 and 7 meters, such as approximately 6.6 meters. This length enables to store most types of trailers. A typical width

W of the module is between 2.5 and 3.5 meters, such as approximately 3 meters.

Figure 3 shows a stack of base structures 8a, 8b, 8c. The vertically extending elements being releasably connected to the base structure enables to store the modules in a very compact manner when they are not used. The base structures 8 can be simply stacked on top of each other as shown, separate from the vertically extending elements 12.

Figure 4 shows three top views of a module 2 according to an embodiment, in particular of a base structure 8 according to an embodiment in which the base structure 8 comprises a plurality of wheel support structures 18, in particular wheel support structure 18a, wheel support structure 18b and wheel support structure 18c. The depicted module further comprises a tow ball 16.

The wheel support structures 18a and 18b are movable with respect to each other in the transverse horizontal direction as can be seen by comparing the top left figure with the top right figure.

Between these figures, the wheel support structure has moved over a distance d2 in the transverse horizontal direction and the wheel support structure 18a has moved over a distance d3 in the transverse horizontal direction. The wheel support structures 18 may be embodied as elongated plates having a hook-like structure at one or both ends that allow the plates to be slid in the transverse horizontal direction while the plates remain connected to the base structure 8. This is advantageous as it allows that a trailer having any track width can be positioned on the wheel support structures. A further advantage of the movable wheel support structures is that they obviate the need for the base structure to comprise a large bottom plate in order to be able to support trailer having any track width.

As such, the wheel support structures aid to keep the modules lightweight.

Further, the tow ball 16 is movable relative to the base structure 8 and releasably fixable at different positions relative to the base structure 8. This can be seen by comparing the top left figure with the bottom left figure. Between these figures, the tow ball 16 has moved in the longitudinal horizontal direction over a distance d1. It should be appreciated that the tow ball 16 is fixed to the base structure 8 both in the top left figure and in the bottom left figure. The tow ball 16 may for example be placed on a telescopic arm that can extend from and move into the base structure 8, for example extend from and move into a central beam of the base structure 9. The telescopic arm may be fixable to the base structure by a clamping mechanism, for example.

Figure 5 illustrates that by fixing the tow ball 16 at different positions relative to the base structure 8, the position of the center of gravity 22 of the trailer 4 within the module 2 can be controlled. This enables to safely position trailers having different lengths on top of each other.

Preferably, each center of gravity of the respective trailers in a stack of modules sits somewhere in the middle of the module in order to reduce the risk of the stack from toppling.

Figure 6 illustrates how the tow ball 16 is movable relative to the base structure 8 and releasably fixable at different positions relative to the base structure 8 according to an embodiment.

Figure 6A namely shows that the tow ball 16 is releasably fixed at a first position relative to the base structure 8 and figure 6B shows that the tow ball 16 is releasably fixed at another, second position relative to the base structure 8. In the depicted embodiment, the tow ball 16 is fixed to an element 31 that can slide back and forth in a shaft 34 that is fixed to the base structure 8. The element 31, which may be a steel rod, comprises a plurality of through holes 32a — 32h. The shaft 30 also comprises one or more through-holes. Once through holes of element 31 and through holes of the shaft 34 are aligned, a locking pin 30 can be inserted in order to lock the position of element 31 relative to the shaft 34. This mechanism allows to adjust the position of the tow ball 16 relative to the base structure 8 by simply removing the locking pin 30, sliding element 31 into or out of shaft 34, and inserting the locking pin again through the through holes of element 31 and the shaft 34 for locking the position of element 31 relative to shaft 34.

The following clauses concisely define a number of embodiments. 1. A system for storing non-motorized trailers, such as caravans, the system comprising a plurality of modules, wherein each module out of the plurality of modules is configured to accommodate a non-motorized trailer, wherein the modules out of the plurality of modules are stackable onto each other while accommodating non-motorized trailers. 2. The system according to clause 1, wherein at least one module out of the plurality of modules comprises one or more forklift handles configured to receive one or more blades of a forklift tyne. 3. The system according to clause 1 or 2, wherein at least one module out of the plurality of modules comprises a tow hitch, such as a tow ball, for securing the non-motorized trailer to the module. 4. The system according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein at least one module out of the plurality of modules comprises a base structure that is configured to support its non-motorized trailer and configured to connect to another module below it. 5. The system according to clauses 3 and 4, wherein the tow hitch is releasably fixable to the base structure at different positions relative to the base structure. 6. The system according to the preceding clause, wherein a length of the base structure extends in a longitudinal, horizontal direction, wherein the different positions are different positions along the longitudinal, horizontal direction. 7. The system according to any of the preceding clauses 4-6, wherein a width of the base structure extends in a transverse, horizontal direction, wherein at least one module out of the plurality of modules comprises wheel support structures, each wheel support structure being configured to support one or more wheels of the non-motorized trailer, wherein the wheel support structures are movable with respect to each other in the transverse, horizontal direction. 8. The system according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein at least one module out of the plurality of modules comprises a support structure that is configured to support and connect to a further module above it. 9. The system according to the preceding clause, wherein the support structure comprises a plurality of vertically extending elements, such as poles, wherein each vertically extending element out of the plurality of vertically extending elements is releasably connected to the module's base structure. 10. The system according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein a first module out of the plurality of modules is stacked onto a second module out of the plurality of modules, wherein the first module accommodates a first non-motorized trailer and the second module accommodates a second non-motorized trailer. 11. A module that is configured to accommodate a non-motorized trailer, wherein the module is stackable onto another module accommodating another non-motorized trailer, the module comprising a base structure that is configured to support the non-motorized trailer and to connect to the other module below it. 12. A module system that is configured to be assembled into a module according to clause 11, the module system comprising a base structure that is configured to support a non-motorized trailer and to connect to another module below it that is accommodating a second non-motorized trailer, and a support structure that is configured to connect to the base structure such that it vertically extends so that it is connectable to a further module above it. 13. A method for storing a non-motorized trailer, the method comprising positioning a non-motorized trailer in a module according to clause 11, on the base structure of the module, and lifting the module while it accommodates the non-motorized trailer, preferably using a fork lift, and then placing the module onto another module, this other module accommodating a second non- motorized trailer, herein connecting the module with the other module. 14. The method according to clause 13, wherein -a width of the base structure extends in a transverse, horizontal direction, wherein -the module comprises a first wheel support structure and a second wheel support structure, each wheel support structure being configured to support one or more wheels of the non-motorized trailer, wherein the wheel support structures are movable with respect to each other in the transverse, horizontal direction, the method comprising adjusting the position of the wheel support structures relative to each other so that the first wheel support structure is at a first position and the second wheel support structure is at a second position, and positioning the non-motorized trailer in the module such that a first wheel of the non-motorized trailer is positioned on the first wheel support structure that is at the first position and such that a second wheel of the non-motorized trailer is positioned on the second wheel support structure that is at the second position.

15. The method according to clause 13 or 14, wherein the module comprises a tow hitch for securing the non-motorized trailer to the module, the tow hitch being releasably fixable at different positions relative to the base structure, the method comprising releasably fixing the tow hitch of the module at a selected position relative to the base structure, and securing the non-motorized trailer to the tow hitch.

Claims (15)

CONCLUSIONS 1. A system for storing non-motorized trailers, such as caravans, the system comprising a plurality of modules, each module of the plurality of modules being adapted to have a non-motorized trailer within it, the modules of the plurality of modules being stackable on top of each other while having non-motorized trailers within them. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein at least one module of the plurality of modules comprises one or more forklift handles configured to receive one or more fork tines of a forklift fork. 3. The system of claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one module of the plurality of modules comprises a tow bar, such as a tow ball, for attaching the non-motorized trailer to the module. 4. The system of any preceding claim, wherein at least one module of the plurality of modules comprises a base structure configured to support the non-motorized trailer and configured to connect to another module underneath. 5. The system according to claims 3 and 4, wherein the tow bar is releasably attachable to the base structure at different positions relative to the base structure. 6. The system of any preceding claim, wherein a length of the base structure extends in a horizontal longitudinal direction, the different positions being different positions along the horizontal longitudinal direction. 7. The system of any one of the preceding claims 4-6, wherein a width of the base structure extends in a transverse, horizontal direction, at least one module of the plurality of modules comprising wheel support structures, each wheel support structure configured to support one or more wheels of the non-motorized trailer, the wheel support structures being movable relative to each other in the transverse, horizontal direction. 8. The system of any preceding claim, wherein at least one module of the plurality of modules comprises a support structure configured to support and connect to a further module above it. 9. The system of the preceding claim, wherein the support structure comprises a plurality of vertically extending elements, such as poles, each vertically extending element of the plurality of vertically extending elements being releasably connected to the base structure of the module. 10. The system of any preceding claim, wherein a first module of the plurality of modules is stacked on a second module of the plurality of modules, the first module having a first non-motorized trailer therein and the second module having a second non-motorized trailer therein. 11. A module adapted to accommodate a non-motorized trailer, the module being stackable on another module accommodating another non-motorized trailer, the module comprising a base structure adapted to support the non-motorized trailer and to connect to the other module below. 12. A module system adapted to be assembled together to form a module as claimed in claim 11, the module system comprising a base structure adapted to support a non-motorized trailer and to connect to another module below it having a second non-motorized trailer therein, and a support structure adapted to connect to the base structure so that it extends vertically so that it is connectable to a further module above it. 13. A method of storing a non-motorized trailer, the method comprising positioning a non-motorized trailer in a module according to claim 11, on the base structure of the module, and lifting the module while it has the non-motorized trailer within it, preferably using a forklift truck, and then placing the module on another module, said other module having a second non-motorized trailer within it, thereby connecting the module to the other module. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein -a width of the base structure extends in a transverse, horizontal direction, -the module comprises a first wheel support structure and a second wheel support structure, each wheel support structure being configured to support one or more wheels of the non- to support a motorized trailer, the wheel support structures being movable relative to each other in the transverse, horizontal direction, the method comprising adjusting the position of the wheel support structures relative to each other so that the first wheel support structure is at a first position and the second wheel support structure is at a second position, and positioning the non-motorized trailer in the module so that a first wheel of the non-motorized trailer is disposed on the first wheel support structure located at the first position and so that a second wheel of the non-motorized trailer is disposed on the second wheel support structure located at the second position. 15. The method of claim 13 or 14, wherein the module further comprises a tow bar for attaching the non-motorized trailer to the module, the tow bar being releasably attachable at different positions relative to the base structure, the method comprising releasably attaching the tow bar of the module at a selected position relative to the base structure, and attaching the non-motorized trailer to the tow bar.