CA2550613A1 - Mobile storage system - Google Patents
Mobile storage system Download PDFInfo
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- CA2550613A1 CA2550613A1 CA 2550613 CA2550613A CA2550613A1 CA 2550613 A1 CA2550613 A1 CA 2550613A1 CA 2550613 CA2550613 CA 2550613 CA 2550613 A CA2550613 A CA 2550613A CA 2550613 A1 CA2550613 A1 CA 2550613A1
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- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- storage container
- chassis
- frame
- tiltable element
- storage
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- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60P—VEHICLES ADAPTED FOR LOAD TRANSPORTATION OR TO TRANSPORT, TO CARRY, OR TO COMPRISE SPECIAL LOADS OR OBJECTS
- B60P1/00—Vehicles predominantly for transporting loads and modified to facilitate loading, consolidating the load, or unloading
- B60P1/64—Vehicles predominantly for transporting loads and modified to facilitate loading, consolidating the load, or unloading the load supporting or containing element being readily removable
- B60P1/6418—Vehicles predominantly for transporting loads and modified to facilitate loading, consolidating the load, or unloading the load supporting or containing element being readily removable the load-transporting element being a container or similar
- B60P1/6454—Vehicles predominantly for transporting loads and modified to facilitate loading, consolidating the load, or unloading the load supporting or containing element being readily removable the load-transporting element being a container or similar the load transporting element being shifted by means of an inclined ramp connected to the vehicle
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Transportation (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Warehouses Or Storage Devices (AREA)
Description
MOBILE STORAGE SYSTEM
Field of the Invention This invention relates to mobile storage systems. More particularly, the invention relates to a mobile storage system comprising a storage container and a trailer chassis for receiving and transporting the storage container.
Background of Invention Traditional mobile storage systems involve the delivery of storage containers or pods to a customer's site by expensive crane type equipment, or on a small trailer that must stay with the pod at considerable cost to the customer. Additionally, once loaded, the pods may have to be transported to a remote storage location incurring further expenditure to the customer.
Attempts have been made to provide mobile storage systems in which the storage containers are transported on a trailer chassis which can be attached to a vehicle such as a passenger car or a pick-up truck. For instance, United States Patent No. 3,722,948 (Walsh et al.) describes a multi-use transport system comprising a main chassis frame and a plurality of interchangeable type trailer bodies each of which is mounted on a substantially identical sub-frame. The sub-frame can be mounted on the main frame such that different trailer bodies can be utilized with a common main trailer chassis frame. The trailer chassis includes a substantially rectangular or box-shaped frame portion composed of generally, longitudinal members along which the sub-frame is slidable for displacement to and from a nesting position. Walsh et al. also disclose securement devices for securing the sub-frame to the trailer chassis in a nesting position. However, the chassis frame is not pivotable which leads to difficulty in loading and unloading heavy trailer bodies.
The tiltable trailer device disclosed by Philstrom et al. in United States Patent No.
4,930,799 overcomes the aforementioned difficulty. Philstrom et al. describe a tiltable trailer for motor vehicles, especially passenger cars, comprising a wheel mounted chassis. The chassis has at least one frame element pivotable relative to the wheels between a substantially horizontal travelling position and a backwardly and downwardly inclined position in which the rear portion of the frame element rests against the ground or base. The frame element comprises longitudinal guides along which a basic frame is displaceable and locking members for securing the basic frame to the pivotable frame element. The trailer further comprises a winch or transfer device, by means of which the basic frame with add-on units such as containers can be hauled or otherwise conveyed up on the inclined frame from a position in which it stands on the ground behind the frame element. Traveling wheels are provided at the rear end of the basic frame for conveying the basic frame with add-on units along the longitudinal guides of the pivotable frame element. However, since the traveling wheels are provided at the rear of the basic frame, it becomes substantially difficult to load and unload the front end of the basic frame when equipped with heavy add-on units such as fully loaded storage containers.
Summarkof the Invention It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved mobile
Field of the Invention This invention relates to mobile storage systems. More particularly, the invention relates to a mobile storage system comprising a storage container and a trailer chassis for receiving and transporting the storage container.
Background of Invention Traditional mobile storage systems involve the delivery of storage containers or pods to a customer's site by expensive crane type equipment, or on a small trailer that must stay with the pod at considerable cost to the customer. Additionally, once loaded, the pods may have to be transported to a remote storage location incurring further expenditure to the customer.
Attempts have been made to provide mobile storage systems in which the storage containers are transported on a trailer chassis which can be attached to a vehicle such as a passenger car or a pick-up truck. For instance, United States Patent No. 3,722,948 (Walsh et al.) describes a multi-use transport system comprising a main chassis frame and a plurality of interchangeable type trailer bodies each of which is mounted on a substantially identical sub-frame. The sub-frame can be mounted on the main frame such that different trailer bodies can be utilized with a common main trailer chassis frame. The trailer chassis includes a substantially rectangular or box-shaped frame portion composed of generally, longitudinal members along which the sub-frame is slidable for displacement to and from a nesting position. Walsh et al. also disclose securement devices for securing the sub-frame to the trailer chassis in a nesting position. However, the chassis frame is not pivotable which leads to difficulty in loading and unloading heavy trailer bodies.
The tiltable trailer device disclosed by Philstrom et al. in United States Patent No.
4,930,799 overcomes the aforementioned difficulty. Philstrom et al. describe a tiltable trailer for motor vehicles, especially passenger cars, comprising a wheel mounted chassis. The chassis has at least one frame element pivotable relative to the wheels between a substantially horizontal travelling position and a backwardly and downwardly inclined position in which the rear portion of the frame element rests against the ground or base. The frame element comprises longitudinal guides along which a basic frame is displaceable and locking members for securing the basic frame to the pivotable frame element. The trailer further comprises a winch or transfer device, by means of which the basic frame with add-on units such as containers can be hauled or otherwise conveyed up on the inclined frame from a position in which it stands on the ground behind the frame element. Traveling wheels are provided at the rear end of the basic frame for conveying the basic frame with add-on units along the longitudinal guides of the pivotable frame element. However, since the traveling wheels are provided at the rear of the basic frame, it becomes substantially difficult to load and unload the front end of the basic frame when equipped with heavy add-on units such as fully loaded storage containers.
Summarkof the Invention It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved mobile
2 storage system comprising a storage container and a trailer chassis for receiving and transporting the storage container.
Accordingly, one aspect of the present invention provides a mobile storage system including a trailer chassis having a tiltable element that is attached to the wheels of the trailer and forms the rear part of the chassis, and a front element that is pivotally attached to the tiltable element by a pivot connection, and which contains attachment means at the front thereof for connection to a vehicle. The tiltable element includes roller means for facilitating operable engagement and loading of a storage container mounted on boards and also including roller means located at the front thereof. The storage container can thus be loaded onto the chassis by tilting the tiltable element below the storage container and moving the chassis rearward underneath the storage container until the tiltable element becomes substantially parallel to the storage container. The storage container can then be pulled toward the chassis on the roller means by a suitably selected driving arrangement such as a winch means and strap-connection.
Another aspect of the invention provides a method for hauling a storage container onto a trailer chassis including a tiltable element. The method includes the steps of: providing a storage container with roller means at the proximity of the front thereof; tilting the tiltable element to a position substantially below the storage container; moving the chassis rearward and underneath the storage container until the storage container assumes a position substantially parallel to the tiltable element;
hauling the storage container onto the tiltable element by a suitably selected driving
Accordingly, one aspect of the present invention provides a mobile storage system including a trailer chassis having a tiltable element that is attached to the wheels of the trailer and forms the rear part of the chassis, and a front element that is pivotally attached to the tiltable element by a pivot connection, and which contains attachment means at the front thereof for connection to a vehicle. The tiltable element includes roller means for facilitating operable engagement and loading of a storage container mounted on boards and also including roller means located at the front thereof. The storage container can thus be loaded onto the chassis by tilting the tiltable element below the storage container and moving the chassis rearward underneath the storage container until the tiltable element becomes substantially parallel to the storage container. The storage container can then be pulled toward the chassis on the roller means by a suitably selected driving arrangement such as a winch means and strap-connection.
Another aspect of the invention provides a method for hauling a storage container onto a trailer chassis including a tiltable element. The method includes the steps of: providing a storage container with roller means at the proximity of the front thereof; tilting the tiltable element to a position substantially below the storage container; moving the chassis rearward and underneath the storage container until the storage container assumes a position substantially parallel to the tiltable element;
hauling the storage container onto the tiltable element by a suitably selected driving
3 arrangement such as a winch means and strap-connection.
The trailer chassis may include second winch means for tilting the tiltable element between a substantially horizontal storage position, and an operable position in which the tiltable element is inclined.
The storage container may also include a set of rollers on the back thereof for facilitating mounting on the tiltable element. The back rollers may include locking means for locking the rollers, whereby the storage container can be inhibited or prevented from rolling backwards or forwards with the trailer when the back of the storage container contacts the ground and the operator moves the trailer forward for unloading the storage container.
Brief Description of Drawings Embodiments of the present invention will be further described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Fig.1 is a side view of the mobile storage system in a pre-loading stage;
Fig.2A is a side view of the mobile storage system during a first step of the loading process;
Fig.2B is a side view of the mobile storage system during a second step of the loading process;
Fig.2C is a side view of the mobile storage system when totally loaded on the chassis;
Fig.3 is a rear elevational view of the tiltable element showing the guide rails of the
The trailer chassis may include second winch means for tilting the tiltable element between a substantially horizontal storage position, and an operable position in which the tiltable element is inclined.
The storage container may also include a set of rollers on the back thereof for facilitating mounting on the tiltable element. The back rollers may include locking means for locking the rollers, whereby the storage container can be inhibited or prevented from rolling backwards or forwards with the trailer when the back of the storage container contacts the ground and the operator moves the trailer forward for unloading the storage container.
Brief Description of Drawings Embodiments of the present invention will be further described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Fig.1 is a side view of the mobile storage system in a pre-loading stage;
Fig.2A is a side view of the mobile storage system during a first step of the loading process;
Fig.2B is a side view of the mobile storage system during a second step of the loading process;
Fig.2C is a side view of the mobile storage system when totally loaded on the chassis;
Fig.3 is a rear elevational view of the tiltable element showing the guide rails of the
4 tiltable element;
Fig.4 is a top elevational view of the chassis in an idle storage position;
Fig.5A is exploded side view of the first winch means when detached from the chassis;
Fig.5B is a side view of the first winch means when attached to the chassis;
Fig.6A is a top elevational view of the frame 24;
Fig.6B is a rear elevational view of the storage container showing the door frame thereof;
Fig.7A is a top cross sectional view of the storage container along lines A-A
of Fig.6B;
Fig.7B is rear view of the back door frame;
Fig.8A is a rear elevational view of the storage container without the back door frame, showing the"J"shaped channel attaching the wall panels to the steel frame;
Fig.8B is a rear view of the "J" shaped channel; and Fig.9 is a side view of the storage container showing the "J" shaped channel attached to a wall panel.
Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments As illustrated in Figs.1 to 2C, the invention provides a mobile storage system comprising a storage container 3 adapted to be mounted on a trailer chassis 1.
The trailer chassis 1 includes two elements, a tiltable element 2 attached to the wheels of the chassis 1 and forming the rear part thereof, and a front element 4 that is attached to the tiltable element 2 by a pivot connection 5. The tiltable element 2 pivots between a storage position in which the tiltable element 2 is substantially parallel to and coplanar with the front element 4 as shown in Fig.1 and 2C, and an operable position in which the tiltable element 2 is inclined for loading or unloading the storage container 3 as
Fig.4 is a top elevational view of the chassis in an idle storage position;
Fig.5A is exploded side view of the first winch means when detached from the chassis;
Fig.5B is a side view of the first winch means when attached to the chassis;
Fig.6A is a top elevational view of the frame 24;
Fig.6B is a rear elevational view of the storage container showing the door frame thereof;
Fig.7A is a top cross sectional view of the storage container along lines A-A
of Fig.6B;
Fig.7B is rear view of the back door frame;
Fig.8A is a rear elevational view of the storage container without the back door frame, showing the"J"shaped channel attaching the wall panels to the steel frame;
Fig.8B is a rear view of the "J" shaped channel; and Fig.9 is a side view of the storage container showing the "J" shaped channel attached to a wall panel.
Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments As illustrated in Figs.1 to 2C, the invention provides a mobile storage system comprising a storage container 3 adapted to be mounted on a trailer chassis 1.
The trailer chassis 1 includes two elements, a tiltable element 2 attached to the wheels of the chassis 1 and forming the rear part thereof, and a front element 4 that is attached to the tiltable element 2 by a pivot connection 5. The tiltable element 2 pivots between a storage position in which the tiltable element 2 is substantially parallel to and coplanar with the front element 4 as shown in Fig.1 and 2C, and an operable position in which the tiltable element 2 is inclined for loading or unloading the storage container 3 as
5 shown in Figs. 2A and 2B.
The trailer chassis 1 includes first winch means 6 for hauling the storage container 3 onto the tiltable element 2 using a web-strap 8, and second winch means 7 with a web-strap 10 for tilting the tiltable element 2 to an inclined position for loading and unloading the storage container 3. The web-strap 10 runs on a pulley 9 positioned on a mast 16 provided on the front element 4, for minimizing friction when lifting the tiltable element 2.
As shown in Figs.3 and 4, the tiltable element 2 includes roller means 12 at the rear end thereof, and guide rails 14 along the longitudinal frame for guiding the storage container 3 and lining it up on the tiltable element 2 during the loading process. The tiltable element 2 may preferably include two first winch means 6 at the front of the tiltable element 2, in proximity of the guide rails 14. The first winch means
The trailer chassis 1 includes first winch means 6 for hauling the storage container 3 onto the tiltable element 2 using a web-strap 8, and second winch means 7 with a web-strap 10 for tilting the tiltable element 2 to an inclined position for loading and unloading the storage container 3. The web-strap 10 runs on a pulley 9 positioned on a mast 16 provided on the front element 4, for minimizing friction when lifting the tiltable element 2.
As shown in Figs.3 and 4, the tiltable element 2 includes roller means 12 at the rear end thereof, and guide rails 14 along the longitudinal frame for guiding the storage container 3 and lining it up on the tiltable element 2 during the loading process. The tiltable element 2 may preferably include two first winch means 6 at the front of the tiltable element 2, in proximity of the guide rails 14. The first winch means
6 may be removed from the chassis 1 during transportation for avoiding mud and salt found on the road especially in the winter. One way of removably attaching the winch means 6 to the chassis 1 is to mount the winch means 6 on a square tube to be fitted in a larger square tube that is welded to the tiltable element as illustrated in Figs. 5A
and 5B. The dimensions of the tubes are chosen in a way that allows the tube on which the winch means 6 is mounted to be tightly received by the larger tube that is welded on the chassis. It is also contemplated that a triangular shape or any other suitable polygonal shape can be chosen for the tubes as long as the shape chosen does not allow for any appreciable or substantial rotational movement of the smaller tube inside the large one.
The storage container 3 includes roller means 11 at the front thereof, and may be operably mounted on for example 4" x 4" boards 18 or any other suitable means that act as spacers from the ground for facilitating loading of the storage container 3 onto the chassis 1, and at the same time for avoiding rust and humidity.
For loading the storage container 3 onto the chassis 1, the tiltable element 2 is tilted using the second winch means 7 until the rear end of the tiltable element 2 is below the storage container 3. The second winch means 7 is then released and the chassis 1 is moved rearward underneath the storage container 3. When the tiltable element 2 contacts the roller means 11 of the storage container 3, the storage container slides on the tiltable element 2 and the load of storage container 3 is distributed between the boards on which the storage container 3 is mounted and the tiltable element 2. The chassis can be moved rearward until the storage container 3 assumes a position substantially parallel to the tiltable element 2. The tiltable element can be moved for example up to 1/3 or more underneath the storage container 3. The storage container can then be pulled onto the tiltable element 2 using the first winch means 6 and a web-strap 8 attached to the front of the storage container 3 by a hook or the like.
If the storage container 3 is mounted on the ground instead of the boards 18, the first winch means 6 with web-strap 8 can be used to lift the storage container 3 from the ground in order to haul it onto the chassis 1. In this case the web strap 8 may preferably run on the rear rollers means 12 of the tiltable element 2 for facilitating loading, and minimizing friction and deterioration of the web-strap 8.
and 5B. The dimensions of the tubes are chosen in a way that allows the tube on which the winch means 6 is mounted to be tightly received by the larger tube that is welded on the chassis. It is also contemplated that a triangular shape or any other suitable polygonal shape can be chosen for the tubes as long as the shape chosen does not allow for any appreciable or substantial rotational movement of the smaller tube inside the large one.
The storage container 3 includes roller means 11 at the front thereof, and may be operably mounted on for example 4" x 4" boards 18 or any other suitable means that act as spacers from the ground for facilitating loading of the storage container 3 onto the chassis 1, and at the same time for avoiding rust and humidity.
For loading the storage container 3 onto the chassis 1, the tiltable element 2 is tilted using the second winch means 7 until the rear end of the tiltable element 2 is below the storage container 3. The second winch means 7 is then released and the chassis 1 is moved rearward underneath the storage container 3. When the tiltable element 2 contacts the roller means 11 of the storage container 3, the storage container slides on the tiltable element 2 and the load of storage container 3 is distributed between the boards on which the storage container 3 is mounted and the tiltable element 2. The chassis can be moved rearward until the storage container 3 assumes a position substantially parallel to the tiltable element 2. The tiltable element can be moved for example up to 1/3 or more underneath the storage container 3. The storage container can then be pulled onto the tiltable element 2 using the first winch means 6 and a web-strap 8 attached to the front of the storage container 3 by a hook or the like.
If the storage container 3 is mounted on the ground instead of the boards 18, the first winch means 6 with web-strap 8 can be used to lift the storage container 3 from the ground in order to haul it onto the chassis 1. In this case the web strap 8 may preferably run on the rear rollers means 12 of the tiltable element 2 for facilitating loading, and minimizing friction and deterioration of the web-strap 8.
7 Since the storage container 3 is parallel to the tiltable element 2, the storage container 3 can roll on the front roller means 11 thereof and the rear roller means 12 of the tiltable element 2, when the pulling force exerted onto the first winch means 6 becomes greater than the friction force of the rear of the storage container with the ground. The deeper the tiltable element 2 moves underneath the storage container 3, the smaller is the pulling force required on the first winch means 6 for rolling the storage container 3 onto the tiltable element 2. Additionally, since the second winch means is released during the loading process, the tiltable element 2 tilts toward the storage position automatically following the position of the storage container 3 on the tiitable element 2.
Once the storage container 3 has rolled substantially onto to the chassis 1 and cleared the roller means 12 of the tiltable element 2, the roller means 11 of the storage container 3 fall into detents 15 formed into the chassis frame, thereby allowing the full length of the storage container to rest on the chassis frame. Four spring loaded pins are provided on the tiltable element to secure the storage container 3 to the chassis 1 by locking the pins into receiving holes on the storage container 3. The rear pins 18, as shown in Fig.4, hold the storage container 3 to the chassis 1, and the front pins 19 run through the tiltable element 2 and the front element 4 to reach the storage container 3, thereby, holding down the tiltable element 2 in a horizontal position substantially coplanar to the front element 4, as well as securing the storage container 3 in place.
For unloading the storage container 3 from the chassis 1, a lever is provided (not shown) to raise the front roller means 11 of the storage container 3 out of the detents
Once the storage container 3 has rolled substantially onto to the chassis 1 and cleared the roller means 12 of the tiltable element 2, the roller means 11 of the storage container 3 fall into detents 15 formed into the chassis frame, thereby allowing the full length of the storage container to rest on the chassis frame. Four spring loaded pins are provided on the tiltable element to secure the storage container 3 to the chassis 1 by locking the pins into receiving holes on the storage container 3. The rear pins 18, as shown in Fig.4, hold the storage container 3 to the chassis 1, and the front pins 19 run through the tiltable element 2 and the front element 4 to reach the storage container 3, thereby, holding down the tiltable element 2 in a horizontal position substantially coplanar to the front element 4, as well as securing the storage container 3 in place.
For unloading the storage container 3 from the chassis 1, a lever is provided (not shown) to raise the front roller means 11 of the storage container 3 out of the detents
8 15 such that the storage container rests on the front roller means 11 thereof and the rear roller means 12 of the tiltable element 2. If the trailer chassis 1 is parked on an incline, the position of storage container 3 can be adjusted to a desired position using the second winch means 7 which rotates the tiltable element 2. The storage container can then be unloaded by sliding the storage container 3 along the longitudinal frame of the chassis 1. When the storage container is off the chassis 1, it may rest on for example the standard 4" x 4" boards 18.
The provision of the wheels in the front of storage container also has a material effect on the unloading of the container. During the unloading process, the storage container moves backward on the roller means 11 and 12 until the rear thereof contacts the ground. The driver then moves the truck/car attached to the trailer chassis 1 slightly forward until the container rests completely one the ground, thus, requiring less effort by the person handling the matter. This method of operation is possible because the rear of the storage container does not easily slide on the ground. This is a major advantage over the prior art and in particular, over the system described by Philstrom et al. in United States Patent No. 4,930,799. The Philstorm et al. system includes the rollers at the back of the storage container, which renders the loading and unloading process difficult and requiring substantial physical effort. Accordingly, it is impossible to unload the storage container of Philstrom et al. with the same method of the present invention as the provision of the wheels on the back of the storage container will even make the latter slide on the ground to an uncontrolled position, or follow the trailer when the truck/car moves forward due to the fact that the wheels are provided at the back.
The provision of the wheels in the front of storage container also has a material effect on the unloading of the container. During the unloading process, the storage container moves backward on the roller means 11 and 12 until the rear thereof contacts the ground. The driver then moves the truck/car attached to the trailer chassis 1 slightly forward until the container rests completely one the ground, thus, requiring less effort by the person handling the matter. This method of operation is possible because the rear of the storage container does not easily slide on the ground. This is a major advantage over the prior art and in particular, over the system described by Philstrom et al. in United States Patent No. 4,930,799. The Philstorm et al. system includes the rollers at the back of the storage container, which renders the loading and unloading process difficult and requiring substantial physical effort. Accordingly, it is impossible to unload the storage container of Philstrom et al. with the same method of the present invention as the provision of the wheels on the back of the storage container will even make the latter slide on the ground to an uncontrolled position, or follow the trailer when the truck/car moves forward due to the fact that the wheels are provided at the back.
9 It is also contemplated that the storage container 3 may include a set of rollers at the front and the rear thereof (not shown). A locking mechanism is provided for at least the rear rollers for stopping the rear rollers from rotating when the storage container contacts the ground during the unloading process. Accordingly, the driver is able to cause the storage container to rest on the ground when moving the truck/car forward as described above.
The winch means 6 and 7 are described herein as being manual winches operated by handles. However, it is also possible to use motor driven winches controlled by switches or remote controllers. Additionally, it is also contemplated that the second winch means 7 can be replaced by a hydraulic lift or any other means known in the art for tilting the tiltable element 2.
Therefore, it is apparent that the mobile storage system of the present invention can be easily unloaded and reloaded onto the chassis by the customer with no special expertise or substantial physical strength.
The mobile storage system is easily and safely towed by almost any vehicle equipped with a hitch receiver due a self contained electric braking and signaling system 17 which copies the rear signaling lights (break light, reverse light, left and right lights ) of the car/truck to the lights provided at the rear of the trailer chassis 1. The braking system may use a special hydraulic hitch which translates the pressure placed thereon by a brake or a downhill to a brake in the wheels of the trailer.
Alternatively, the braking system may include an electro-mechanic module which inputs the electric signals of the rear lights of the car and employ these for applying brakes on the wheels of the trailer.
The storage container 3 may be constructed from a substantially rectangular steel frame 24 forming the base for the container, as shown in Fig.6A. The frame may include one or more forklift channels 25 for strengthening the frame against flexing and twisting during loading and unloading processes, and at the same time for facilitating handling and storage thereof. A "J" shaped channel is welded along the longitudinal sides of the fame for receiving and rigidly attaching the wall panels 21 to the frame 24, as shown in Figs. 8A and 9. The "J" shaped channel is shown in Fig.8B. It includes three sides, an inner side which contacts the inner side of the wall panel 21 and has a height "e", an outer side which contacts the wall panel 21 on the exterior side of the container and has a height "f', and a base which is dimensioned to receive the wall panel 21 and has a width "g" which is required to be slightly greater than the thickness of the wall panel 21. The length of the "J" shaped channel depends on the length of the wall panel 21.
The wall panel 21 is fitted along the "J" shaped channel and may be attached thereto by screws and silicone as shown in Fig.9 for isolating exterior water and humidity. The dimensions of the three sides of the "J"shaped channel may be as follows: e = 6", f= 1.5", and g=1.5". A frame 22 is provided at the back of the storage container 3 for receiving a door 23. The frame 22 includes an inner lip 27 which contacts the inner side of the door 23 circumferentially, as shown in Fig.6B
and 7A.
The frame 22 includes four sides, an outer side for attaching to the wall panels 21 as illustrated in Fig.7A and has a height "c", a base which is designed to be substantially coplanar with the door 23 when the latter is closed and has a width "a" and includes an inner side which contacts the door in its thickness direction and has a width "d", and the lip 27 having a width "b". The dimensions of the four sides of the frame 22 may be as follows: a=6", b=3/4", c=3", and d=1.5". It is also contemplated that several changes to the dimensions of the "J" shaped channel and the frame 22 are possible and may be apparent to the man skilled in the art without departing from the substance and essence of the invention.
A significant advantage of the mobile storage system of the present invention is that the customer only has to load and unload the contents once, instead of making several trips or renting a van to haul his goods to and from conventional mini storage designations or indeed paying a substantial amount to have pods delivered and collected. Since most pods are not waterproof, they must be stored inside which also increases the average cost of storage.
With the mobile storage system of the present invention, the customer can pick-up the container, drop it in their driveway, return the chassis, and take as long as they deem appropriate. Alternatively, the customer can load the container and transport it to a remote storage location for secure indoor or outdoor storage.
Moreover, conventional containers permanently attached to trailers are easier to steal, while the storage container of the present invention requires special equipment in order to effect loading thereof.
The winch means 6 and 7 are described herein as being manual winches operated by handles. However, it is also possible to use motor driven winches controlled by switches or remote controllers. Additionally, it is also contemplated that the second winch means 7 can be replaced by a hydraulic lift or any other means known in the art for tilting the tiltable element 2.
Therefore, it is apparent that the mobile storage system of the present invention can be easily unloaded and reloaded onto the chassis by the customer with no special expertise or substantial physical strength.
The mobile storage system is easily and safely towed by almost any vehicle equipped with a hitch receiver due a self contained electric braking and signaling system 17 which copies the rear signaling lights (break light, reverse light, left and right lights ) of the car/truck to the lights provided at the rear of the trailer chassis 1. The braking system may use a special hydraulic hitch which translates the pressure placed thereon by a brake or a downhill to a brake in the wheels of the trailer.
Alternatively, the braking system may include an electro-mechanic module which inputs the electric signals of the rear lights of the car and employ these for applying brakes on the wheels of the trailer.
The storage container 3 may be constructed from a substantially rectangular steel frame 24 forming the base for the container, as shown in Fig.6A. The frame may include one or more forklift channels 25 for strengthening the frame against flexing and twisting during loading and unloading processes, and at the same time for facilitating handling and storage thereof. A "J" shaped channel is welded along the longitudinal sides of the fame for receiving and rigidly attaching the wall panels 21 to the frame 24, as shown in Figs. 8A and 9. The "J" shaped channel is shown in Fig.8B. It includes three sides, an inner side which contacts the inner side of the wall panel 21 and has a height "e", an outer side which contacts the wall panel 21 on the exterior side of the container and has a height "f', and a base which is dimensioned to receive the wall panel 21 and has a width "g" which is required to be slightly greater than the thickness of the wall panel 21. The length of the "J" shaped channel depends on the length of the wall panel 21.
The wall panel 21 is fitted along the "J" shaped channel and may be attached thereto by screws and silicone as shown in Fig.9 for isolating exterior water and humidity. The dimensions of the three sides of the "J"shaped channel may be as follows: e = 6", f= 1.5", and g=1.5". A frame 22 is provided at the back of the storage container 3 for receiving a door 23. The frame 22 includes an inner lip 27 which contacts the inner side of the door 23 circumferentially, as shown in Fig.6B
and 7A.
The frame 22 includes four sides, an outer side for attaching to the wall panels 21 as illustrated in Fig.7A and has a height "c", a base which is designed to be substantially coplanar with the door 23 when the latter is closed and has a width "a" and includes an inner side which contacts the door in its thickness direction and has a width "d", and the lip 27 having a width "b". The dimensions of the four sides of the frame 22 may be as follows: a=6", b=3/4", c=3", and d=1.5". It is also contemplated that several changes to the dimensions of the "J" shaped channel and the frame 22 are possible and may be apparent to the man skilled in the art without departing from the substance and essence of the invention.
A significant advantage of the mobile storage system of the present invention is that the customer only has to load and unload the contents once, instead of making several trips or renting a van to haul his goods to and from conventional mini storage designations or indeed paying a substantial amount to have pods delivered and collected. Since most pods are not waterproof, they must be stored inside which also increases the average cost of storage.
With the mobile storage system of the present invention, the customer can pick-up the container, drop it in their driveway, return the chassis, and take as long as they deem appropriate. Alternatively, the customer can load the container and transport it to a remote storage location for secure indoor or outdoor storage.
Moreover, conventional containers permanently attached to trailers are easier to steal, while the storage container of the present invention requires special equipment in order to effect loading thereof.
Claims
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2550613 CA2550613A1 (en) | 2006-06-16 | 2006-06-16 | Mobile storage system |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2550613 CA2550613A1 (en) | 2006-06-16 | 2006-06-16 | Mobile storage system |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2550613A1 true CA2550613A1 (en) | 2007-12-16 |
Family
ID=38830203
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2550613 Abandoned CA2550613A1 (en) | 2006-06-16 | 2006-06-16 | Mobile storage system |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2550613A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN113525207A (en) * | 2021-06-24 | 2021-10-22 | 中车齐齐哈尔车辆有限公司 | Turning device and vehicle with same |
-
2006
- 2006-06-16 CA CA 2550613 patent/CA2550613A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN113525207A (en) * | 2021-06-24 | 2021-10-22 | 中车齐齐哈尔车辆有限公司 | Turning device and vehicle with same |
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