Abstract:
A method and system for providing a modular container for a utility trailer comprising a bottom panel assembly; an upper panel assembly stackable on the bottom panel assembly, the upper panel assembly and the bottom panel assembly defining a cavity therein when the modular container is in a disassembled state; a plurality of panels being substantially containable within the cavity and being removably securable to the bottom panel assembly and the upper panel assembly when the modular container is in an assembled state to define a substantially enclosed volume; and the bottom panel assembly defining a pair of slots sized to engage a portion of the utility trailer and a pair of apertures larger than the pair of slots sized to engage a portion of a fork lift.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation-in-part-of patent application Ser. No. 12/105,138, filed Apr. 17, 2008, which application claims priority to patent application Ser. No. 11/477,897, filed Jun. 28, 2006, which application is related to and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/694,717, filed Jun. 28, 2005, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference. The present application claims the benefit to U.S. Provisional 60912300, filed Apr. 17, 2007, the entirety of which is also hereby incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    n/a 
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    The present invention relates generally to modular containers used for transport and/or storage of goods, and specifically to a utility trailer system incorporating the same and a method of transporting the same. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    There are devices that allow for the storage and transportation of various bulky items and the like. Utility trailers, for example, are typically coupled to trucks, cars or other vehicles and are used to transport various types of goods including automobiles, motorcycles, furniture, household goods and other items. Some utility trailers have protective enclosures, and can include a trailer bed having an undercarriage, axles and wheels attached thereto. A hitch, for connecting the trailer to a towing vehicle, is often times attached to the front of the trailer bed chassis. The protective enclosure is typically a box-like structure covering the trailer bed and secured to the chassis, which would include doors which permit access to the interior of the enclosure. 
         [0005]    As an alternative to utility trailers, users may utilize rental trucks having permanently attached enclosures to transport items from location to location. There are, however, drawbacks in using utility trailers and rental trucks as previously described. In many instances, such utility trailers and trucks do not facilitate the extended storage of goods (rather, they facilitate the transportation of goods) and are bulky to situate in close proximity to, for example, a house or construction site. If a person desires to store goods for an extended period of time, such a person generally transports the person&#39;s goods to a storage facility and perhaps uses a utility trailer or rental truck to transport such goods. 
         [0006]    There are stand-alone storage containers, however, that can be rented for a period of time (e.g., week, month). Such storage containers are handled and transported through special carrier frames systems, which are complex to operate. A person handling such a carrier frame would be in need of specialized training. Thus, the renter of such a stand-alone storage container would not be capable of operating such a carrier frame system without specialized training. Instead, a operator with specialized training is needed to handle and transport (usually in conjunction with a vehicle) such a stand-alone container. Generally, the entity supplying a stand-alone container would employ such an operator to handle and transport the rented container. Thus, one drawback is that a user is constrained by time and availability limitations of the operators employed by the entity supplying the storage containers as well as that of the carrier frame systems. 
         [0007]    Another drawback is that normally such stand-alone containers are composed of a solid structure that takes up a significant amount of space. If such containers are no longer needed to store items, the containers cannot be easily dissembled. Instead the containers need to be both handled and removed by a specialty operator. Otherwise, the containers are not utilized and take up space. In addition, prior methods only contemplate the handling/transportation of one container per carrier frame system. For multiple containers, the carrier frame system and operator would have to repeat the process of securing the container at the original site, transporting the container to the new site, and returning the system to the original site for each container. 
         [0008]    Accordingly, there is a need to have an improved containment system capable of storing goods that is easily transportable by the user at the discretion of the user as can be easily handled by such user. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    The present invention advantageously provides a method and system for providing a modular container for a utility trailer comprising a bottom panel assembly; an upper panel assembly stackable on the bottom panel assembly, the upper panel assembly and the bottom panel assembly defining a cavity therein when the modular container is in a disassembled state; a plurality of panels being substantially containable within the cavity and being removably securable to the bottom panel assembly and the upper panel assembly when the modular container is in an assembled state to define a substantially enclosed volume; and the bottom panel assembly defining a pair of slots sized to engage a portion of the utility trailer and a pair of apertures larger than the pair of slots sized to engage a portion of a fork lift. 
         [0010]    In another embodiment a system for storing and transporting articles includes a container including: a floor section comprising a floor panel and a first perimeter frame connected to the floor panel; a roof section comprising a roof panel; a plurality of posts comprising a first end and a second end; a plurality of panels; at least one door having hinges; when the container is in a disassembled state, the roof section stacks atop the floor section forming a cavity between the floor panel and the roof panel, and the plurality of posts, the plurality of panels, and the at least one door, are disposable within the cavity; and when the container is in assembled state, the floor section, the roof section, the plurality of posts, the plurality of panels, the at least one door, and the plurality of wheels form a stand-alone container defining a substantially enclosed volume; the first perimeter frame defining a pair of slots and a pair of apertures larger than the pair of slots and sized to received a portion of a forklift; and a utility trailer sized to receive the container, the utility trailer including a coupling system securable to the slots. 
         [0011]    In another embodiment, a system for storing and/or transporting articles comprises a container comprising: a floor section comprising a floor panel and a first perimeter frame connected to the floor panel so as to form a ridge extending above a surface of the floor panel; a roof section comprising a roof panel and a second perimeter frame connected to the roof panel so as to form a ridge extending below a surface of the floor panel; a plurality of posts comprising a first end and a second end; a plurality of panels; at least one door having hinges; a plurality of wheels; wherein when the container kit is in a disassembled state, the roof section stacks atop the floor section forming a cavity between the floor panel and the roof panel, and the plurality of posts, the plurality of panels, the at least one door, and the plurality of wheels are positioned within the cavity; and wherein when the container kit is in an assembled state, the floor section, the roof section, the plurality of posts, the plurality of panels, the at least one door, and the plurality of wheels form a stand-alone container defining a substantially enclosed volume; the first perimeter frame defining a pair of curved slots and a pair of substantially rectangular apertures larger than the pair of slots and sized to received a portion of a forklift; and a trailer comprising: a base frame; an upper frame comprising a rear end, a forward end, and a support surface, the upper frame pivotally connected about a pivot point to the base frame; at least two channels in the support surface for engaging the plurality of wheels of the stand-alone container, the at least two channels extending from at or near the rear end of the upper frame to at or near the forward end of the upper frame; a winch assembly secured to the upper frame; a hydraulic assembly comprising a piston rod and a powered hydraulic cylinder, the hydraulic assembly mounted between the base frame and the upper frame so that the piston rod is connected to the upper frame at or near the forward end and the-powered hydraulic cylinder is connected to the base frame, the hydraulic assembly adapted to move the upper frame about the pivot point between a generally horizontal position and a tilted position; a first set of wheels and a second set of wheels connected to the upper frame, the first set of wheels contacting a ground surface both when the upper frame is in the generally horizontal position and when the tipper frame is in the tilted position. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]    A more complete understanding of the present invention, and the attendant advantages and features thereof, will be more readily understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein: 
           [0013]      FIG. 1  is a side view of a utility trailer according to one embodiment of the present invention in a transport position 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  is a bottom view of the utility trailer of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  is a side view of the utility trailer of  FIG. 1  in a loading/unloading position. 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  is a rear perspective view of the utility trailer of  FIG. 1  in the transport position. 
           [0017]      FIG. 5  is a side view of the utility trailer of  FIG. 1  in the loading/unloading position wherein a modular container is being loaded onto the utility trailer according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0018]      FIG. 6  is a close-up detailed view of the wheels of the modular container operatively engaging a guide channel of the utility trailer of  FIG. 1  during a loading/unloading procedure according to one aspect of the present invention. 
           [0019]      FIG. 7  is a side view of a modular container according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0020]      FIG. 8  is a rear view of the modular container of  FIG. 7 . 
           [0021]      FIG. 9  is a side view of the utility trailer of  FIG. 1  in the transport position wherein the modular container is fully loaded onto the utility trailer according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0022]      FIG. 10  is a rear perspective view of a modular and collapsible container according to another embodiment of the present invention in an assembled state. 
           [0023]      FIG. 11  is a bottom perspective view of the roof section of the modular and collapsible container of  FIG. 10 . 
           [0024]      FIG. 12  is a top perspective view of the floor section of the modular and collapsible container of  FIG. 10 . 
           [0025]      FIG. 13  is a side view of the modular and collapsible container in a disassembled/package state for shipping and/or transport. 
           [0026]      FIG. 14  is a cross-sectional view along line XIV-XIV of  FIG. 13  of the modular and collapsible container in the disassembled/package state. 
           [0027]      FIG. 15  is a perspective exploded and interior view of  FIG. 10 . 
           [0028]      FIG. 16  is a side view of the floor panel assembly with defined slots. 
           [0029]      FIG. 17  is another side view of the floor panel assembly with defined slots. 
           [0030]      FIG. 18  is a perspective view of the floor panel assembly shown in  FIG. 17 . 
           [0031]      FIG. 19  is a side view of the modular and collapsible container disposed and received on the utility trailer. 
           [0032]      FIG. 20  is a zoomed into view of the coupling system shown in  FIG. 19 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0033]    As explained in more detail below and referring to  FIGS. 1-6 , in one embodiment the present invention generally comprises a trailer frame  10  pivotally connected to an upper frame  32  along the intermediate length of the upper frame  32 . In one embodiment, a container  50  having castors  6  attached thereto can be removably secured to the upper frame  3 . 
         [0034]      FIG. 1  illustrates the trailer frame  10  of the present invention, which is designed to be pulled by a conventional car, truck or other vehicle. The trailer  10  includes a base frame  12  comprised of generally longitudinal extending members  80 ,  86  interconnected through generally horizontal bisecting members  82 ,  84 ,  88 ,  90 . The longitudinal extending members  80 ,  86  and horizontal bisecting members  82 ,  84 ,  88 ,  90  can be of any desired configuration. In addition to such members, however, the base frame  12  can be comprised of other structural members as desired or required to support a load thereon. 
         [0035]    Referring to  FIG. 2 , however, in a preferred embodiment, the base frame  12  comprises two first opposed and generally longitudinal members  80  bisected by a first horizontal member  82  at their rearward end and a second horizontal member  84  at their forward end. The second horizontal member  84  is shorter in length than the first horizontal member  86  which has the effect of causing the first opposed longitudinal members  80  to slant. The first opposed longitudinal members  80 , second horizontal member  84  and first horizontal member  86  are interconnected in such a way as to generally form a trapezoid shape. A third horizontal member  88  is secured to the upper portion of the second horizontal member  84  in an overlapping fashion, the third horizontal member  88  equal to or slightly shorter in length than the second horizontal member  84 . Two second opposed longitudinal members  86  at their rearward ends are connected to the third horizontal member  88 . The second opposed longitudinal members  86  at their forward ends are then connected to a fourth horizontal member  90 , the fourth horizontal member  90  shorter in length than the third horizontal member  88 . The second opposed longitudinal members  86 , third horizontal member  88  and fourth horizontal member  90  are interconnected in such a way as to generally form a trapezoid shape. 
         [0036]    Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 3 , the base frame  12  has a front end  48  and a rear end  46 . The front end  48  is capable of being removably secured to a portion of a vehicle (not shown) using a hitch  14  positioned on the front end of the base frame  12 . In one embodiment, a jack support  16  is operably connected to the base frame  12 . The jack support  16  comprises a sleeve  18 , a support member  20  partially or fully housed within the sleeve  18 , and a base  22  to engage the ground or other supporting reference such as a platform. Preferably, the support jack  16  is located substantially central to the base frame  12  such that both the second horizontal member  84  and the third horizontal member  88  are operably connected to the jack support  16 . In use, the base  22  is pivotally connected to the support member  20  so that the base  22  can substantially engage the ground even when the support member  20  is positioned at different angles relative to the ground or the base  22 . The support member  20  is capable of being extended from within the sleeve  18  to a length that allows the base to substantially engage the ground, a platform, or the like. 
         [0037]    As will be explained in greater detail below, the jack support  16  can be extended using the support member  20  (preferably when the upper frame  32  is tilted in relation to the base frame  12  because the jack support  16  can provide extra support for the trailer frame  10 ). The support member  20  can otherwise partially retract within the sleeve  18  such that the base  22  does not engage the ground, which is important when the trailer frame  10  with or without container  50  is moving or being towed by a vehicle. 
         [0038]    Referring back to the base frame  12 , the rear end  46  of the base frame  12  is pivotally connected at pivot point  30  to an upper frame  32  along the intermediate length of upper frame  32 . The upper frame  32  is comprised of longitudinal extending members interconnected through generally horizontal bisecting members, the interconnected upper frame members forming a substantially rectangular arrangement having a forward end  35  and a rear end  33 . It is understood, however, that the upper frame  32  can be comprised of other structural members as desired or required to support a load thereon. Optionally, an upper frame support surface can be secured to the interconnected upper frame members to provide added support for items loaded onto the upper frame  32 . 
         [0039]    The upper frame  32  incorporates a pair of spaced axles  36  having dual wheels  38  on both ends of the axles  36 . A suspension assembly (not shown) is capable of operably supporting and connecting the axles  36  such that the dual wheels  38  are provided on both sides of the upper frame  32 . The upper frame  32  can also incorporate a winch assembly  24 . The winch assembly  24  comprises a winch wire  28  that can be wound around a winch drum  26 , the winch wire  28  capable of extending in length past the length of the upper frame  32  and being secured to a container  50  or the like. The winch assembly  24  can be powered using an electrical source from an associated vehicle or through a separate power source. Alternatively, the winch assembly can be operated manually. 
         [0040]    The upper frame  32  also incorporates slidably moving means to move the container  50 , the slidably moving means comprising, in a preferred embodiment as illustrated in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , two channels  6  that extend parallel along the length of upper frame  32 . The channels  6  are preferably 1-5 inches deep and 1-5 inches wide. However, any depth and width of the channels  6  may be incorporated in the upper frame  32  that corresponds to castors  52  attached to the container  50 , which, when the castors  52  are engaged with the channels  6 , actuate movement of the container  50  along the length of the upper frame  32  for loading and loading of the container  50 . Although, in the preferred embodiment, two channels  6  are described, it is also within the scope of the invention to have only one channel or a plurality of channels, so long as the channel or channels in conjunction with the castors  52  actuate movement of the container  50  along the length of the upper frame  32 . It is also within the scope of the invention to provide for other ways to actuate movement of the container  50  along the length of the upper frame  32  for loading and unloading. The upper frame  32  can incorporate one or more propulsion tracks that engages a bottom portion of the container in a way such that the storage unit is propelled in a predetermined direction. The propulsion track can be comprised of a material which is preferably flexible yet sturdy enough to maintain engagement of the container. Material may include but is not limited to vulcanized rubber, steel, aluminum or composites. Such propulsion tracks are similar in operation to tank treads and may optionally have projecting cleats which will engage a bottom portion of the container and aid in propelling or driving the unit in a desired direction. 
         [0041]    A hydraulic assembly  40  as shown is  FIGS. 3 and 5 , comprised of a hydraulic cylinder  42  and a piston rod  44  capable of extending from the hydraulic cylinder  42 , is operably and pivotally mounted between the upper frame  32  and base frame  12 . The extension and retraction of the piston rod  44  from the hydraulic cylinder  42  enable the upper frame  32  to be moved between a first position (as illustrated in  FIG. 1 ) and a second position (as illustrated in  FIG. 3 ) relative to the base frame  12 . More specifically, the upper frame  32  is pivotally connected to the base frame  12  such that the upper frame  32  can tilt from a first position, the length of which is substantially parallel to the length of the base frame  12 , to a second position where the rear end  33  of the upper frame  32  can engage or be in close proximity to the ground or the like. The hydraulic assembly  40  can be of any variety including but not limited to a pneumatic hydraulic assembly or, in a preferred embodiment, a powered hydraulic assembly. 
         [0042]    Referring to  FIG. 5 , in the second position, a container  50  that is located at or in close proximity to ground level can be easily loaded onto the upper frame  32 . A forward portion of the container  50  engages the rear end  33  of the upper frame  32 . Referring to  FIG. 6 , castors  52  attached to the bottom of the container  50  engage the channels  6 , where the castors  52  moving along the channel allow for the container  50  to be displaced along the length of the upper frame  32 . The loading of the container  50  is performed using the winch assembly  24  where the winch wire  28  is extended to reach and to be secured to the container  50 , preferably, close to the base of the container  50 . The winch assembly  24  is then activated and the winch drum  26  spools the winch wire  28  back along with the container  50  towards the winch assembly  24 . Unloading the container  50  can also be performed in a similar fashion where the winch drum  26  unspools the winch wire  28  from the winch assembly  24  at a controlled rate. Aided by the effect of gravity, the container  50  can roll down the length of the upper frame  32 , which is in the tilted position, through use of the castors  52  operatively engaging the channels  6 . 
         [0043]    The container  50  is comprised of two side walls  60 , a front wall  62  having a securing device  63  to secure the winch wire  28 , a rear wall  66 , a roof  64  and a floor  68 . The rear wall  66  may be comprised of a door, a plurality of doors, sealable apertures or the like. In the preferred embodiment, the container  50  of present invention is substantially formed as a single piece in order to minimize the occurrence of breaches in the protective covering afforded by the container  50 . It is within the scope of the present invention, however, to include a container  50  that is constructed in a modular fashion that may include individually formed walls  60 ,  62 ,  66 , roof  64 , floor  68  or a combination thereof and that are joined together through a variety of methods including but not limited to welding. The container  50  can be constructed of material that protects the contents of the trailer, such as fiberglass, aluminum, metal, composites or other suitable materials. The shape of the container  50  can be any shape suitable for enclosing and protecting its contents. Furthermore, the container  50  may incorporate a variety of devices to facilitate movement of the storage unit including, but not limited to, skids, castors, steel bearing wheels, omni wheels, or other suitable devices. Preferably, castors  52  are located on the underside of the container  50 , secured to the exposed exterior portion of the floor  68 . It is preferred that four casters  52  are positioned generally around the four corners of the floor  68  such that the pair of castors  52  running along the length of the container are in line with one of the channels  6 . 
         [0044]    The container  50  allows for storage of items when the container is either loaded onto the trailer frame  10  or when the container unit is not loaded onto and separate from the trailer frame  10  as a stand-alone unit. Furthermore, the trailer frame  10  and container  50  of the present invention affords the user the convenience of placing items within the storage unit at the user&#39;s leisure as well as transporting the storage unit at the user&#39;s leisure, since the present invention allows for a user to releasably attach the utility trailer to a vehicle for towing. Accordingly, the user does not have to drive or hire a third party to drive bulky storage trucks or the like and may, instead, utilize the user&#39;s private vehicle or a similar type of vehicle. Additionally, the user does not have to rely on a storage container moving services, which are many times unreliable and are limited in their availability. 
         [0045]    Referring now to  FIG. 10 , an alternative embodiment of a container  100  that can be used in conjunction with the trailer  10  and methods described above is illustrated. It is to be understood that in some aspects the container  100  itself can constitute an embodiment of the present invention while. The container  100  is a modular and collapsible apparatus that can be used for storage and transport of articles when assembled and can be self-contained kit when disassembled. 
         [0046]    In  FIG. 10 , the container  100  is illustrated in the assembled state. The container  100  generally comprises a roof panel assembly  110 , a floor panel assembly  120 , a plurality of posts  130 - 131 , a plurality of wall panels  140 , a plurality of casters  150  and two doors  160 . When in the assembled state, the roof panel assembly  110 , the floor panel assembly  120 , the plurality of posts  130 - 131 , the plurality of wall panels  140 , the plurality of casters  150  and the two doors  160  are removable secured together (as illustrated) to form a stand-alone modular container  10  having a substantially enclosed volume for receiving articles for transport or storage. The removable connection between components can be achieved by screws, nuts and bolts, tab-slot mating, flange-groove interlock techniques or combinations thereof. 
         [0047]    The roof panel assembly  110  is connected to the floor panel assembly  120  by a plurality of vertical posts  130 - 131 . More specifically, the tope ends of the posts  130 - 131  are removably secured to the roof panel assembly  110  while the bottom ends of the posts  130 - 131  are removably secured to the floor panel assembly  120 . Preferably there are four corner posts  130  removably connected at the corners of the roof and floor panel assemblies  110 ,  120 . Two center posts  131  are removably connected at the mid-point length of the roof and floor panel assemblies  110 ,  120 . Of course, any number and positioning of posts can be used. Together, the roof panel assembly  110 , the floor panel assembly  120  and the posts  130 - 131  form the framework structure for the container  100 . Optionally, rub rails (not visible) can be connected to the posts  130 - 131  in a horizontal arrangement along the length of the container&#39;s interior volume. 
         [0048]    A plurality of wall panels  140  are removably secured to the framework  110 ,  120 ,  130 - 131  to provide housing and protection (e.g., protection from external elements such as wind, rain and sun) for contents within the container  100 . The panels can be removably secured to the vertical posts  130 - 131  via bolts or other means. Similarly, a roof panel  111  and a floor panel  121  ( FIG. 12 ) are also be removably secured to the perimeter frames of the roof and floor panel assemblies  110 ,  120 . 
         [0049]    The vertical members can be constructed of any suitable materials including but not limited to steel, aluminum, any other metal or composites thereof, plastic, wood or any other suitable material. Preferably the panels are made from a lightweight, flexible materials including but not limited to fiberglass, aluminum, plastic and the like. 
         [0050]    The container  100  also comprises two doors  160  having hinges  161 . The hinges  161  are removably secured to the rear corner posts  130  to form the back wall of the container  100 . The hinges facilitate pivotal connection between the doors and the posts  130  for opening and closing. 
         [0051]    Preferably, all bolt holes are pre-drilled in the posts  130 - 131 , panel assemblies  110 ,  120 , panels  140  and other components of the container  100  to facilitate ease of assembly. 
         [0052]    Referring now to  FIG. 1 , the roof panel assembly  10  is illustrated from beneath. The roof panel assembly  110  is preferably provided as a single component. The roof panel assembly comprises a perimeter frame consisting of beams  112 - 115 . The roof panel assembly  110  likewise comprises joist/bow members  116  connecting and traversing the (lateral) perimeter beams  113 ,  115  for structural integrity. Preferably, all connections between the beams  112 - 115  and the joist members  116  are welded. The roof panel  111  is connected by fasteners or the like atop the framework created by the beams  112 - 115  and the joist members  116 , such as rivets, bolts, screws, etc. Of course, other connection techniques can be used. 
         [0053]    The perimeter beams  112 - 115  form a ridge surrounding and extending downward from the bottom surface of the roof panel  111 . Importantly, the roof joists  116  have a height that is less than the height of the perimeter beams  112 - 115 . As will be described below, this is important for shipping the container  100  as a kit. If desired, the perimeter beams  112 - 115  can have a flange at their edges or other structural and functional details such as slots, C-channels, holes, etc for facilitating removable connections or stacking. 
         [0054]    Referring now to  FIG. 12 , the floor panel assembly  120  is illustrated from above. The floor panel assembly  120  is preferably provided as a single component. The floor panel assembly  120  comprises a perimeter frame consisting of beams  122 - 125 . The roof panel assembly  120  likewise comprises joist/bow members (not visible) connecting and traversing the (lateral) perimeter beams  123 ,  125  for structural integrity. Preferably, all connections between the beams  122 - 125  and the floor joist members are welded. A floor panel  121  is connected by fasteners or the like atop the framework created by the floor joists and nests within the beams  122 - 125 . Rivets, bolts, screws, or other connection techniques can be used. 
         [0055]    The perimeter beams  122 - 125  form a ridge surrounding and extending upward from the top surface of the floor panel  121 . Importantly, the floor joists (not visible) have a height that is less than the height of the perimeter beams  122 - 125 . As will be described below, this is important for shipping the container  100  as a kit. If desired, the perimeter beams  122 - 125  can have a flange at their edges or other structural and functional details such as slots, C-channels, holes, etc for facilitating removable connections o stacking. 
         [0056]    It is preferred that the modular container  100  may be delivered as a kit, which may be transported in conjunction with the trailer described above. 
         [0057]    Referring now to  FIGS. 13-14  concurrently, the modular container  100  is illustrated in a disassembled state and packaged as an easily transportable fully self-contained kit. When in the disassembled state, the roof panel assembly  110  is stacked atop the floor panel assembly  120  as illustrated, thereby forming a cavity  190  between the floor panel  121  and the roof panel  111 . In a preferred embodiment, the height of the stacked panel assemblies  110 ,  120  combined are less than or equal to 10 inches. 
         [0058]    The cavity  190  is sufficiently large enough to accommodate all of the remaining components of the container  100 , including the posts  130 - 13 , doors  160 , panels  140 , casters  150 , and all necessary hardware (generically illustrated as a box). Thus, the entirety of the remaining components of the container  100  are located within the spaced formed by the housing formed by the floor and roof panel assemblies  110 ,  120 . In other words, the panels and posts are sandwiched between the stacked floor and roof panel assemblies  110 ,  120  such that the total height of the entire kit does not exceed 10 inches. The modular container in this preferred embodiment can be assembled in less than two hours by two technicians. 
         [0059]    Approximately 19-21 modular container kits  100  can be delivered on a conventional tractor trailer bed (3 stacks of approximately 7 modular container kits each). As stated above, the container kits are devised of vertical members, support posts and “panels.” The upper and bottom panels all come to be aligned and assembled using support posts. The composite panel inserts slip into place to completely enclose the unit. In such an embodiment, the modular container is assembled quickly using bolts and screws. This simplified design saves time and product weight. (Which addresses problem typical of prior art containers, which are assembled using six panels—top, bottom, side walls, door(s) and end wall. The modular container according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, however, utilizes only two complete panels and upright supporting posts.) 
         [0060]    Multiple bottom and upper panels can be stacked on top of each other to minimize container space when more than one modular container is being utilized. Vertical members can also be stored adjacent to or within the stacked upper and bottom panels. Panels can likewise be contained within or placed on top of the stacked bottom and upper panels. 
         [0061]    Such ease of storage allows a user to store and utilize multiple modular containers when desired, as well as facilitates the ease by which a user can move/transport goods. For example, when a user has a need to move a substantial amount of goods, such user is capable of assembling the desired number of modular containers and storing the user&#39;s goods in the modular containers. Then, using the trailer assembly of the present invention, the user can transport each modular container to a desired site until all the modular containers have been moved to such site. The user can then remove all the goods from the modular containers. At this point, however, the user need not move each empty modular container back to the original site. Instead, the user can disassemble the modular containers, stack the parts thereof, and transport more than one, substantially all, or all of the modular containers back to the original site, thus, saving valuable time and effort. 
         [0062]    Referring now to  FIGS. 16-20  in which alternative embodiments of the utility trailer  10  and containers  50  and  100  are shown. In particular, the floor assembly  120  of the container  100  may define a plurality of slots  192  and apertures  194 . For example, a pair of slots  192  may be defined by any or all of beams  122 - 125  of the floor assembly  120  of container  100  or by container  50 . The slots  192  may be sized to receive a hook or clasp  196  coupled to a strap, chain, belt, or other tethering element  198  ( FIG. 20 ) coupled to the utility trailer  10 . The slots  192  may define any shape or size, and in an exemplary embodiment, define a substantially elongate ovular shape. The elongate ovular shape of slots  192  may facilitate the secure attachment of the hook  196  to the slots  192 , such that when the hook  196  is coupled to the slot  192  the slot  192  provides resistance to the movement and disconnection of the hook  196 . 
         [0063]    Any number of slots  192  may be disposed distal to or between the one or more apertures  194  defined by the floor assembly  120 , which are sized to received forklift stakes or forks for lifting and transporting the container  100  from the utility trailer  10 . The apertures  194  may be larger than the slots  192  and substantially rectangular in shape to accommodate standard forklift stakes. As shown in  FIG. 16  a pair of slots  192  is defined distal to interior apertures  194  and in  FIGS. 17-18 , the slots  192  are disposed between apertures  194 . 
         [0064]    Referring now to  FIG. 19  where container  100  is shown tethered to utility trailer  10  by one or more coupling systems  200 . As shown in  FIG. 20 , each coupling system  200  may include the hook  196  and the tethering element  198  as well adjustment mechanism  202  operable to tighten or loosen the tethering element  198  to the slot  192 . In particular, the tethering element  198  may be tightened by rotation or actuation of the adjustment mechanism  202 , which may include, for example, a ratcheting element for one way movement or a buckle or winch for two way adjustments. 
         [0065]    It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described herein above. In addition, unless mention was made above to the contrary, it should be noted that all of the accompanying drawings are not to scale. A variety of modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention, which is limited only by the following claims.