HK1163617B - Container trailer - Google Patents

Description

Container trailer

Background

Containers are used to transport goods between different locations. The container is arranged at a source location and loaded with cargo, and the loaded container is transported to a destination location for discharge. Typically, to transport a container, the container is lifted by a fork lift and placed on a trailer that is towed to a destination location using a tractor. At the destination site, the container is again lifted by the fork lift to unload the container from the trailer.

Disclosure of Invention

To facilitate the transportation of containers with tractor-trailers, a trailer that can load a container onto the trailer without the need for a separate crane is desirable. The disclosed trailer includes a frame and a coupler. The frame may be positioned as a single unit around and attached to the container to lift the container and support the container during transport, including long haul transport, and to a tractor to haul the trailer during transport.

In one aspect, a trailer comprises: a coupler constructed and arranged to attach the trailer to a tractor; and a frame attached to the coupler. The frame may be positioned as a single unit around the container such that the frame is attached to the container in four regions of the container to lift the container.

This and other aspects can include one or more of the following features. The frame includes road wheels for long-distance transport of the trailer over conventional road systems. The frame is configured to laterally expand and retract. The frame is positionable as a single unit about the container by propulsion of the frame relative to the container when deployed. When retracted, the frame is arranged for transport of the container.

In the illustrated embodiment, the frame includes a frame member configured to pivot about an axis between a first position and a second position. The frame is positionable as a single unit about the container by propulsion of the frame relative to the container when in the first position. The frame is positioned for transport of the container when in the second position. The axis is a horizontal axis, and the frame member pivots upwardly toward the first position. The axis is a vertical axis, and the frame member pivots outwardly toward the first position. The frame members include two members that each pivot outwardly in opposite directions. The frame includes at least one support wheel that supports the frame when the road wheels are off the ground.

In another aspect, a method comprises: positioning the trailer as a single unit around the container; attaching a trailer to the area of the four lower corners of the container; the container is lifted off the ground using the trailer, and the trailer is attached to a tractor. The trailer has road wheels for long-distance transport of the trailer over conventional road systems.

This and other aspects may include one or more of the following features, the method further comprising: the frame is unfolded to position the trailer as a single unit around the container. Furthermore, the method comprises: the frame is pivoted to position the trailer as a single unit around the container. The frame pivots about a horizontal or vertical axis.

In another aspect, a trailer frame includes: two longitudinal members; and a third member connecting the two longitudinal members. The third member is actuatable to laterally expand and retract the frame such that the frame is positionable as a single unit about the container for attaching the frame to the container in four regions of the container to lift the container. The trailer frame includes at least two road wheels for long-distance transport of the trailer on a conventional road system.

This and other aspects can include one or more of the following features. The frame further includes at least one support wheel that supports the frame as the frame moves laterally.

In another aspect, a trailer frame includes: a member constructed and arranged to pivot about a horizontal axis such that the frame is positioned as a single unit around the container for attaching the frame to the container in four regions of the container to lift the container; and at least two road wheels for long-distance transport of the trailer on a conventional road system.

This and other aspects can include one or more of the following features. The frame further includes a support member to support the frame when the road wheels are off the ground. The support member is pivotable between a support position and a transport position.

In another aspect, a trailer frame includes a first member and a second member each constructed and arranged to pivot about a vertical axis such that the frame is positionable as a single unit around a container for attaching the frame to the container in four regions of the container to lift the container; and at least two road wheels for long-distance transport of the trailer on a conventional road system.

Other aspects of the invention are described below as A1 through A19.

A1. The trailer frame includes: two longitudinal members; a third member connected to the two longitudinal members, the third member being actuatable such that the frame is positionable as a single unit around the container for attaching the frame to the container in four regions of the container to lift the container; and at least two road wheels for long-distance transport of the trailer on a conventional road system.

A2. The trailer frame of aspect a1, wherein the third member comprises one or more cross members extending between two longitudinal members, the cross members being designed to laterally expand and retract, thereby laterally expanding and retracting the trailer frame.

A3. The trailer frame of any of the preceding aspects a1 through a2, wherein the cross members each comprise a fixed portion and a sliding portion, enabling the trailer frame to be laterally deployed and retracted, optionally controlled by a hydraulic or pneumatic actuator.

A4. The trailer frame of any one of the preceding aspects a1 through A3, wherein the third member comprises a frame member configured to pivot about an axis between a first position and a second position, the trailer frame being positionable as a single unit around the container by propulsion of the trailer frame relative to the container when the frame member is in the first position, and the trailer frame being arranged for transport of the container when the frame member is in the second position.

A5. The trailer frame of aspect a4, wherein the axis is a horizontal axis and the frame member pivots upwardly toward the first position, or wherein the axis is a vertical axis and the frame member pivots outwardly toward the first position.

A6. The trailer frame of aspect a4 or aspect a5, further comprising a front vertical member connected to the longitudinal member, wherein the frame member is designed to pivot about an axis at a rear end of the frame.

A7. The trailer frame of any one of aspects a 4-a 6, wherein the frame members include first and second frame members that each pivot outwardly in opposite directions about respective axes between respective first and second positions.

A8. The trailer frame of aspect a7, wherein the first frame member and the second frame member are vertical members that are each constructed and arranged to pivot about a vertical axis.

A9. The trailer frame of aspect a7 or aspect A8, further comprising a piston, such as a hydraulic piston or a pneumatic piston, engaged between each of the longitudinal members and a respective one of the first frame member and the second frame member such that the first frame member and the second frame member are pivotable outwardly and inwardly.

A10. The trailer frame of any of the preceding aspects a1 through a9, further comprising at least one support wheel that supports the trailer frame when the frame is laterally extended or retracted.

A11. The trailer frame of any of the preceding aspects a1 through a10, further comprising a support member to support the trailer road wheels when the road wheels are off the ground.

A12. The trailer frame of aspect a11, wherein the support member is pivotable between the support position and the transport position.

A13. The trailer frame of any of the preceding aspects a7 through a12, further comprising a first support wheel associated with the first frame member and a second support wheel associated with the second frame member to support the trailer frame when the road wheels are off the ground.

A14. A method, the method comprising: positioning a trailer as a single unit around a container, the trailer comprising a trailer frame according to any one of the preceding aspects; attaching a trailer to the area of the four lower corners of the container; lifting the container off the ground using the trailer; and attaching a trailer to the tractor, the trailer having road wheels for long-haul transport of the trailer over conventional road systems.

A15. The method of aspect a14, further comprising: the frame is unfolded to position the trailer as a single unit around the container.

A16. The method of aspect a14 or aspect a15, further comprising pivoting the frame member or the first frame member and the second frame member to position the trailer about the container as a single unit.

A17. The method of aspect a16, wherein the frame member or the first frame member and the second frame member pivot about a horizontal axis.

A18. The method of aspect a16, wherein the frame member or the first frame member and the second frame member pivot about a vertical axis.

A19. A trailer, the trailer comprising:

a coupler constructed and arranged to attach the trailer to a tractor, an

The trailer frame of any one of the preceding aspects a1 through a13.

This and other aspects can include one or more of the following features. The frame also includes a first support wheel associated with the first member and a second support wheel associated with the second member to support the frame when the road wheels are off the ground.

The details of one or more embodiments of the invention are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features and aspects of the invention will become apparent from the description, the drawings, and the claims.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a schematic view of a trailer for lifting and transporting a container.

Fig. 2A is a perspective view of the trailer shown in a retracted configuration.

Fig. 2B is a perspective view of the trailer shown in an expanded configuration and positioned around a container.

Fig. 2C is a perspective view showing a trailer lifting a container.

Fig. 2D is a perspective view of the trailer and container in position for transport.

Fig. 3A is a front view of a mechanism for connecting road wheels to a vehicle frame.

Fig. 3B is a perspective view of the mechanism of fig. 3A.

Fig. 3C is a side view of the mechanism of fig. 3A.

Fig. 4A is a front view of a mechanism for connecting road wheels to a vehicle frame.

Fig. 4B is a perspective view of the mechanism of fig. 4A.

Fig. 4C is a side view of the mechanism of fig. 4A.

Fig. 5A is a perspective view illustrating another embodiment of a trailer with the rear support members in an upright configuration.

Fig. 5B is a perspective view showing the trailer of fig. 5A with the rear support members in a horizontal configuration.

Fig. 5C is a perspective view showing the trailer of fig. 5A positioned around a container.

Fig. 5D is a perspective view of the container and trailer of fig. 5A in position for transport.

Figure 6A is a perspective view showing yet another embodiment of the trailer with the rear vertical members in an aligned configuration.

Fig. 6B is a perspective view showing the trailer of fig. 6A with the rear vertical members rotated out of alignment and positioned around the container.

Fig. 6C is a perspective view of the container and trailer of fig. 6A in position for transport.

Detailed Description

Referring to fig. 1, a trailer 110 for loading, unloading, and transporting a container 115 includes a coupler 125 that attaches the trailer 110 to a conventional tractor 105. The trailer 110 includes a frame 120 attached to a coupling 125. The frame 120 may be disposed as a single unit around the container 115 to attach the frame to the container 115 to transport the container 115. The coupling 125 is, for example, a conventional tractor-trailer truck that couples the tractor and trailer by, for example, a fifth wheel.

After the frame is positioned around the container, the container 115 is lifted by attaching the frame 120 to the container 115 in the areas 136, 138 of the lower four lower corners 132, 134 (only two corners are shown) of the container 115 and actuating the frame 120 to lift the container 115 off the ground, as described further below. When elevated, the frame 120 provides support to and secures the container 115 as the trailer 110 is pulled by the tractor 105 in conventional short and long haul cargo. To this end, in the embodiments described below, the frame 120 includes road wheels, casters, and interconnecting members that expand, retract, and/or pivot about a horizontal or vertical axis.

Referring to fig. 2A, in one embodiment, a trailer 110a is used to load, unload, and transport a container 115 (e.g., an ISO container), the trailer comprising: a frame 120a having a plurality of interconnecting members, such as two longitudinal members 205 and 210; four vertical members 244, 246, 248, and 250; three cross members 220, 270 and 272 connecting the longitudinal and vertical members; and another cross member 282. The cross member 282 is located between the respective front ends 207, 212 of the two longitudinal members 205, 210, and the coupler 125 is attached to the cross member 282. The cross members 220, 270, 272, and 282 are actuated, as described below, to laterally extend and retract the frame 120 a.

The frame 120a includes road wheels 215 connected to each of the two longitudinal members 205 and 210 to enable the trailer 105 to haul the trailer 110a during conventional transportation of the container 115 on a road or the like. To support the frame 110a during lateral expansion and retraction, the frame 110a includes two casters 240 and 242 that are attached to the first longitudinal member 205 and positioned in a lateral direction. During lateral expansion and retraction of the frame 120, the castor wheels 240 and 242 contact the ground and the road wheels 215 are raised off the ground. As the trailer 110a is pulled by the tractor 105, the casters 240 and 242 clear the ground while the road wheels 215 contact the ground.

Referring to fig. 2B, to position the frame 120a as a single unit around the container 115, the user aligns the rear end of the frame 120a adjacent the front of the container 115, raises the road wheels 215 on the longitudinal member 205, lowers the frame 120a onto the castor wheels 240 and 242, and lifts the road wheels 215 off the ground. The user then expands the frame 120a laterally, lowers the road wheels 215 to the ground, raises the castor wheels 240 and 242 off the ground, and backs the trailer 110a around the container 115. Referring to fig. 2C, to load the container 115 on the frame 120a, the user attaches cables 255 to the four lower corners of the container 115 and lifts the container 115 off the ground, as described below. Referring to fig. 2D, to prepare the container 115 for transport, the user raises the road wheels 215, lowers the castor wheels 240 and 242 to the ground, and retracts the frame 120a to position the frame below the container. The user then lowers the road wheels 215 to the ground, raising the castor wheels 240 and 242 off the ground. The user then lowers the container 115 onto the frame 120a, for example onto the longitudinal members 205 and 210, and secures the container 115 to the frame 120 a. For example, the user may use a device such as TANDEMLOCO^TMTwist locks of twist lock ties (TANDEMLOC, Havelock, NC) secure the container 115 to the frame 120 a.

To enable raising and lowering of the frame 120a and lowering and raising of the road wheels 215 to and from ground level, the frame 120a includes a mechanism (fig. 3 and 4, described below) that attaches the road wheels 215 to the longitudinal members 205 and 210. Cross members 220, 270, 272 and 282 each include a fixed portion 225 and a sliding portion 230 to enable controlled lateral deployment and retraction of frame 120a, e.g., frame 120a is controlled by hydraulic device 235. The coupler 125 is attached to the fixed portion 225 of the cross member 282.

To lift the container 115 and secure the container 115, the frame 120a includes cables 255 (see fig. 2A) attached to the four vertical members 244, 246, 248, and 250 for attaching the frame 120 to the container 115 to lift and lower the container 115. The cables 225 are terminated by hooks 257 that are received in standard couplers at the four lower corners of the container 115. The cable 225 travels around a pulley 260 attached at the upper end of each of the four vertical members and controlled by hydraulics 268. The cables and pulleys are attached such that the traction of the cables is uniform as the container 115 is lifted off the ground. Further, as the container 115 is raised and lowered, the bottom of the container 115 remains substantially parallel to the ground.

Techniques similar to those described with reference to fig. 2A-2D are used to unload the container 115. For example, using the tractor 105, the user places the trailer 110a where the container 115 is to be unloaded. The user raises the road wheels 215, lowers the frame 120a until the castor wheels 240, 242 contact the ground and the road wheels 215 are clear of the ground. The user then actuates the cross members 220, 270, 272 and 282 to laterally spread the frame 120a and lower the container 115 to the ground by actuating the hydraulic devices 268 that operate the cables 255. Once the container 115 is on the ground, the user detaches the cables from the container 115 and lowers the road wheels 215 raising the castor wheels 240, 242 off the ground. Then, using the tractor 105, the user pulls the trailer 110a away from the container 115 and retracts the frame 120a for transport.

Referring to fig. 3A-3C, in one embodiment, each road wheel 215 is attached to the longitudinal member 205 of the frame 120a by a mechanism to allow the road wheels 215 to be raised or lowered relative to the frame 120 a. The mechanism comprises a support element 505 pivotally connected to the longitudinal member 205. The axle 515, air bag 525, and actuator 510 are secured to the support member 505. The actuator 510 is also attached to the longitudinal member 205 such that extension and retraction of the actuator 510 acts to pivot the support element 505. The axle 515 is connected to the hub 520 of the road wheel 215 such that when the actuator 515 is actuated, the support element 505 pivots to raise or lower the axle 515, thereby raising or lowering the hub 520 and attached road wheel 215. Thus, to lower the frame 120a onto the castor wheels 240 and 242, the actuator 510 is retracted to raise the road wheels 215 into contact with the ground; and to raise the frame 120a onto the road wheels 215, the actuator 510 is extended to lower the road wheels 215. Another alternative embodiment of the mechanism may include a spring in addition to or in place of the air bag 325.

In another embodiment of the mechanism by which the road wheels 215 are attached to the longitudinal member 205 of the frame 120a, two hubs 520 are attached to the axle 515 at either end of the axle 515 such that at each axle, one road wheel is located outside the frame 120a and one road wheel is located inside the frame 120 a. In this configuration, the frame is further deployed to remove the container when compared to a frame using the mechanism of fig. 3.

Referring to fig. 5A and 5B, in another embodiment, rather than laterally expanding and retracting the frame, a trailer 110B for loading, unloading and transporting a container 115 is positioned as a single unit around the container by rotation of the rear frame member about a horizontal axis. Trailer 110b includes a frame 120b having two vertical members 355, 360 and a rear frame member 310. The rear frame member 310 pivots about the horizontal axis X such that with the rear frame member in the vertical position of fig. 5A, the frame 120B is in a position for transport, and with the rear frame member 310 in the horizontal position of fig. 5B, the frame 120B is in a position to be propelled around the container 115. The frame 120b includes: two longitudinal members 315 and 320 of connecting members 355, 360 and 310; and a support member 336 that supports the frame 120b when the rear frame member 310 is raised off the ground.

The support member 336 is pivotally connected to the longitudinal members 315 and 320 and includes casters 350 on which the frame 120b is movable. The rear frame member 310 includes two struts 305, 306 to which road wheels 322, 324, 326 and 328 are mounted to allow the tractor 105 to haul the trailer 110b, and contact wheels 366 which rest on top of the container as the frame is pushed around the container. To pivot the rear frame member 310 such that the road wheels 322, 324, 326 and 328 move out of the top surface of the container 115, the frame 120 includes a hydraulic piston 352 attached between the longitudinal members 315 and 320 and the rear frame member 310.

To position the frame 120B as a single unit around the container 115, the user aligns the rear end of the frame 120B adjacent the front of the container 115 and pivots the rear frame member 310 to the horizontal position of fig. 5B. The user then backs the trailer 110b so that the rear frame member 310 is positioned above the top of the container 115. Trailer 110b moves on casters 350 attached to housing 336. Referring to fig. 5C, when the user backs up, the contact wheels 366 engage the top of the container 115 to support the rear frame member 310, after which the container 115 contacts the support member 336 to pivot the support member upward and out of the way. The user backs the trailer 110b to position as shown in fig. 5D, lowers the rear support frame 310 so that the frame 120b rests on the road wheels, and loads the container 115 onto the frame 120b using the cables and pulleys as described above to secure the container 115 to the frame 120 b.

The user unloads the container 115 by lowering the container to the ground using the cables, raising the rear frame member 310, and driving forward. As the frame moves forward, the wheels 366 initially roll over the top surface of the container 115 and the support member 336 pivots downward so that the castor wheels 350 contact the ground to provide support for the frame 120 b. Once the frame 120b removes the container, the rear frame member 310 is lowered. The support member 336 may be biased toward the downward position, for example, by a spring structure (not shown).

Referring to fig. 6A-6C, in another embodiment, rather than a rear frame member that pivots about a horizontal axis, trailer 110C includes a frame 120C having two rear vertical members 415, 420 that each pivot about a vertical axis Y, Z, respectively. To load and unload the container 115, the members 415, 420 are pivoted outwardly using hydraulic pistons 448, 450 disposed between the rear vertical members and the longitudinal members 405, 410 to enable the trailer 110c to remove the container. To support the frame 120c during pivoting of the members 415, 420, the members each include casters 462 that can be extended into contact with the ground using actuators 466 to raise the road wheels 422 off the ground. For transport, the rear vertical members 415, 420 are pivoted inwardly on the castor wheels 462 which are raised so that the frame is on the road wheels and the container is secured to the frame as described above.

Other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims. For example, a first embodiment of trailer 110 may include a different number of road wheels than shown attached to frame 120. The cross members need not be connected to the ends of the longitudinal members. Alternatively, the cross members may be connected near the ends of the longitudinal members. Additional or fewer casters may be attached to the frame to facilitate lateral expansion and retraction. The pulleys coupled to the cables to lift the container may be attached at any location on the vertical members. Alternatively, the pulley may be connected to any member of the frame. Frame 120 may include fewer cross members. Alternatively, the frame may include additional vertical members connected by additional cross members to load and unload containers and facilitate lateral deployment and retraction. The container may be larger or smaller than an ISO container. The dimensions of the components of the frame may be selected based on the dimensions of the container to be transported. A hook or other fastener at the end of the cable may be attached to the bottom surface area of the container so that the container may be adequately supported. Such regions need not include only corner regions. Alternatively or additionally, the cable may be attached to an area near the corner. The longitudinal member may comprise a lip of the top surface of the frame against which the container may rest.

With respect to the second embodiment of the trailer 110, the upper ends of the vertical members need not be connected to the rear ends of the longitudinal members for pivoting. Alternatively, the region near the upper end of the vertical member may be connected to the region near the rear end. Based on the length of the longitudinal members, the frame 120 may include a plurality of support members, each including a respective caster to facilitate movement of the trailer. Additional hydraulic devices may be connected to the longitudinal members and attached to the support members to pivot the support members. Although fig. 5A-5D illustrate third and fourth vertical members in the shape of an "H," these vertical members may have any shape. Further, the third and fourth vertical members may be shorter than the first and second vertical members, in which case, to move the trailer, the road wheels of the tractor may be used. When the frame is lowered and the first and second vertical members are raised from the ground, the tractor may be moved away from the trailer to place the third and fourth vertical members on the ground.

In some cases, the first and second vertical members are included in the frame of the third embodiment of the trailer with the members attached to the upper end to provide an "L" shape or a "T" shape. These additional members may be connected to the longitudinal member to facilitate pivoting. In some cases, instead of, or in addition to, using cables to lift the container, electric and/or hydraulic winches may be used.

It should also be noted that certain aspects of the above-described embodiments may be combined. In fact, the trailer frame may comprise: deployable cross members 220, 270, 272, and 282 (as described in detail in the embodiment of FIGS. 2A-2D); and a pivotable frame disposed at one end of the trailer frame. The pivotable frame may be of the type disclosed in fig. 5A-5D, that is, of the type comprising a frame member pivotable about a horizontal axis between a vertical position (fig. 5A) and a lateral position (5B). Alternatively, the pivotable frame may include first and second vertical frame members (such as those described in fig. 6A-6C) that are outwardly pivotable about respective vertical axes (fig. 6C).

Various features of the embodiments may be combined.

Claims (9)

1. A trailer frame, comprising:

two longitudinal members;

a third member connected to the two longitudinal members, the third member being actuatable to enable the frame to be positioned as a single unit around the container for attaching the frame to the container in four regions of the container to lift the container; and

at least two road wheels for long transport of the trailer on a conventional road system, wherein the road wheels are raised off the ground during lateral deployment and retraction of the trailer frame.

2. The trailer frame of claim 1 wherein the third member comprises one or more cross members extending between the two longitudinal members, the cross members being designed to expand and retract laterally, thereby expanding and retracting the trailer frame laterally.

3. The trailer frame of claim 2 wherein the cross members each comprise a fixed portion and a sliding portion to enable the trailer frame to be laterally deployed and retracted.

4. The trailer frame of claim 2 further comprising at least one support wheel supporting the trailer frame when the frame is laterally extended or retracted.

5. The trailer frame of claim 1 or 2 further comprising a support member to support the trailer frame when the road wheels are off the ground.

6. The trailer frame of claim 5 wherein the support member is pivotable between the support position and the transport position.

7. A method for preparing a container for transport, the method comprising:

positioning a trailer as a single unit around a container, the trailer comprising a trailer frame according to any one of claims 1-6;

attaching a trailer to the area of the four lower corners of the container;

lifting the container off the ground using the trailer; and

a trailer is attached to the tractor, the trailer having road wheels for long-distance transport of the trailer over a conventional road system.

8. The method of claim 7, further comprising: the trailer frame is unfolded to position the trailer as a single unit around the container.

9. A trailer, the trailer comprising:

the trailer frame of any one of claims 1-6; and

a coupler attached to the trailer frame and constructed and arranged to attach the trailer to a tractor through the fifth wheel.