Abstract:
A modular trailer system is described, wherein a gooseneck, deck, and dolly are attachable to each other in a variety of ways. One configuration allows the gooseneck and dolly to be attached to either end of the deck. Another configuration allows the gooseneck and dolly to be attached directly to each other. This permits the method of transporting a deck to a site, and then returning the gooseneck and dolly to another location.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention generally relates to trailers, and more particularly to a modular trailer system and method of using the system. 
     2. Discussion of the Background 
     Transporting very large equipment, such as drilling equipment, required specially designed large flatbed trailers. Typical of such trailers are “lowboy” trailers, which have a gooseneck at the front for attaching to a tractor, a dolly at the rear with wheels, and a large flat deck that extends between the gooseneck and dolly. 
     It is common for a load to be transported and left at a remote site for long periods of time. It is also common for a load to be integrated into the trailer deck, requiring that the trailer also be left at the remote site. This may be problematic since the trailer cannot be used for any other purpose. In addition, the trailer is often left exposed to the environment for long periods of time and components, such as the brakes, cannot be serviced. 
     There is a need for a trailer that can be used to transport loads to remote sites while permitting the use or servicing of trailer components. Such a trailer should be compatible with other trailer systems, such as being pitchable to a standard truck hitch. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention overcomes the disadvantages of prior art trailers by providing a system of modular trailer components. In one embodiment, the components can form a trailer for hauling a load, such as a lowboy. In another embodiment, the deck of the trailer may be detached from a gooseneck and dolly, permitting the deck to be left at a remote location. In yet another embodiment, the gooseneck and dolly may be attached to each other without the deck, permitting the gooseneck and dolly to be returned for servicing or storage, or for use to haul other decks. 
     In certain embodiments, a deck is provided for use with a modular trailer assembly. The deck includes a first deck end, a second deck end, one or more structural elements extending longitudinally along the length between the first deck end to the second deck end, a first cross-member member located near the first deck end, where the first cross-member is joined to at least one of the one or more structural elements and a second cross-member located near the second deck end, where the second cross-member is joined to at least one of the one or more structural elements. 
     In certain other embodiments, at least a portion of the first cross-member and the second cross-member have a cross-sectional shape of the arc of a circle, and the portion of the first cross-member and the second cross-member is accessible through the deck. 
     In certain embodiments, a modular trailer assembly is provided comprising a deck, a gooseneck and a dolly. The deck include a first deck end, a second deck end, one or more structural elements extending longitudinally along the length between the first deck end to the second deck end, a first cross-member located near the first deck end, where the first cross-member is joined to at least one of the one or more structural elements, and a second cross-member located near the second deck end, where the second cross-member is joined to at least one of the one or more structural elements. The gooseneck includes a hook, where the hook of the gooseneck is removably connectable the first cross-member. The dolly includes a hook, where the hook of the dolly is removably connectable to the second cross-member. 
     In certain other embodiments, trailer components for attaching to a tractor are provided, including a gooseneck and a dolly. The gooseneck and the dolly are both removably attachable to a deck, and the gooseneck and the dolly are removably connectable to each other. 
     In certain embodiments, a method of transporting modular trailer system components are provided comprising: transporting a trailer, where the trailer includes separable gooseneck, deck, and dolly components; decoupling the deck from the gooseneck and the dolly; coupling the gooseneck to the dolly; and transporting the coupled gooseneck and dolly separate from the deck. 
     In certain other embodiments, a method of transporting modular trailer system components is provided comprising: transporting a coupled gooseneck and dolly to a deck; decoupling the gooseneck and the dolly; coupling the gooseneck to a first end of the deck; and coupling the dolly to a second end of the deck. 
     These features together with the various ancillary provisions and features which will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, are attained by the trailer system and method of the present invention, preferred embodiments thereof being shown with reference to the accompanying drawings, by way of example only, wherein: 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING 
         FIGS. 1A-1C  are views of a first and second configuration of a first embodiment trailer system, where  FIG. 1A  is a side view of a first configuration,  FIG. 1B  is a side view of a second configuration, and  FIG. 1C  is a top left perspective view of the first or second configuration; 
         FIGS. 2A and 2B  are views of the trailer system of  FIG. 1A  in a third configuration, where  FIG. 2A  is a side view, and  FIG. 2B  is a top right perspective view; 
         FIGS. 3A-3F  are views of a first embodiment deck of the trailer system of  FIG. 1A , where  FIG. 3A  is a top left perspective view,  FIG. 3B  is a bottom right perspective view,  FIG. 3C  is a top view,  FIG. 3D  is sectional side view  3 D- 3 D of  FIG. 3C ,  FIG. 3E  is a side view, and  FIG. 3F  is an end view; 
         FIGS. 4A-4E  are views of a first embodiment gooseneck of the trailer system of  FIG. 1A , where  FIG. 4A  is bottom left perspective view,  FIG. 4B  is a top view,  FIG. 4C  is a bottom view,  FIG. 4D  is a left side view, and  FIG. 4E  is a back view; 
         FIG. 5A-5D  are views of a first embodiment dolly of the trailer system of  FIG. 1A , where  FIG. 5A  is bottom left perspective view,  FIG. 5B  is left side view,  FIG. 5C  is a front view, and  FIG. 5D  is a bottom side view; 
         FIGS. 6A-6F  are views of the trailer system of  FIG. 1A or 1C , where  FIG. 6A  is a disassembled trailer system, and  FIGS. 6B and 6C  are side views illustrating the gooseneck and dolly being attached to the deck,  FIG. 6D  is a side view of the trailer system being attached to a tractor,  FIG. 6E  is a bottom view  6 E- 6 E of  FIG. 61 ) of the attached gooseneck and deck, and  FIG. 6F  is a bottom view  6 F- 6 F of  FIG. 6D  of the attached deck and dolly; and 
         FIGS. 7A-7D  are views of the third configuration of  FIG. 2A , where  FIG. 7A  is a side view illustrating connecting the gooseneck and dolly,  FIG. 7B  is a front left perspective view illustrating connecting the gooseneck and dolly,  FIG. 7C  is a detailed view of  FIG. 2B , and  FIG. 7D  is bottom view  7 D- 7 D of  FIG. 7C  of the attached gooseneck and dolly. 
     
    
    
     Reference symbols are used in the Figures to indicate certain components, aspects or features shown therein, with reference symbols common to more than one Figure indicating like components, aspects or features shown therein. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       FIG. 1A  is a side view of a tractor trailer  10  including a first embodiment trailer system  100  in a first configuration  100 A attached to a tractor  12 . Tractor  12 , is in general, a prior art tractor which is sometimes referred to as the road tractor portion of a tractor trailer truck. Tractor  12  may, for example, include a fifth wheel  13  adapted to couple tractor  12  to a component of trailer system  100 . 
     Trader system  100  is modular and may be used in several configurations. In the example of  FIG. 1A , a first configuration  100 A is a lowboy that is formed by connecting the following components: a gooseneck  110 , a deck  120 , and a dolly  130 . With first configuration  100 A attached to tractor  12 , as in  FIG. 1A , a load L may be transported on a road on the ground C. 
     The component names (gooseneck, deck, and dolly) are not limiting and are chosen in reference to their place in the configuration  100 A. As discussed subsequently, these individual components may be arranged as in  FIG. 1A , or in different configurations by attaching the components differently. 
     More specifically, as described in greater detail below: gooseneck  110  includes a coupling pin  111  for attaching to a tractor and a gooseneck connector  113 ; deck  120  includes a first deck connector  121 , a second deck connector  123 , and a deck portion  125 ; and dolly  130  includes a dolly connector  131  and wheels  133 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 1A , gooseneck connector  113  is attached to first deck connector  121  and second deck connector  123  is attached to dolly connector  131 . 
     In certain embodiments, gooseneck  110  and dolly  130  are adapted to be connected to either one of first deck connector  121  or second deck connector  123 , permitting either end of the deck to face the trailer. Thus, for example,  FIG. 1B  is a side view of a second configuration  100 B of the trailer system  100  of  FIG. 1A , where deck  120  is arranged for transport in a direction opposite that of  FIG. 1A . The difference configuration  100 A of  FIG. 1A  and configuration  100 B of  FIG. 1B  is that, in configuration  100 A, gooseneck connector  113  is attached to first deck connector  121  and second deck connector  123  is attached to dolly connector  131 , while in configuration  100 B, gooseneck connector  113  is attached to second deck connector  123  and first deck connector  121  is attached to dolly connector portion  131 . 
       FIG. 1C  is a perspective view of the trailer of  FIGS. 1A and 1B , showing that either deck connector ( 121  or  123 ) may be attached to either of gooseneck connector  113  or dolly connector  131 . 
     In certain other embodiments, gooseneck connector  113  is adapted to be connected directly to dolly connector  131 . Thus, for example,  FIG. 2A  is a side view of the trailer system  100  of  FIG. 1A  in a third configuration  100 C, where the gooseneck  110  and dolly  130  are connected directly to each other (that is, gooseneck connector  113  is attached to dolly connector  131 ) to form a dolly transport  140 , permitting for transport of the gooseneck and dolly separately from deck  120 , and  FIG. 2B  is a perspective view of the trailer of  FIG. 2A . 
     Configuration  100 C permits trailer system  100  to leave deck  120  at a location, as shown in  FIG. 2A . By separating trailer system  100  components into deck  120  and dolly transport  140 , the gooseneck and dolly may be, for example and without limitation: 1) transported elsewhere for storage; or 2) used at a later date to retrieve deck  120 , or a different deck; at some later time. In addition, configuration  100 C allows the servicing and/or replacement of individual components of trailer system  100 . 
     Details of one embodiment of the components of trailer system  100  will now be described in greater detail. 
       FIGS. 3A-3D  are views of deck  120 , where  FIG. 3A  is a top left perspective view,  FIG. 3B  is a bottom right perspective view,  FIG. 3C  is a top view,  FIG. 3D  is sectional side view  3 D- 3 D of  FIG. 3C ,  FIG. 3E  is a side view, and  FIG. 3F  is an end view. 
     As shown in  FIG. 3A , deck  120  has a first deck end  302  that includes deck connector  121  and a second deck end  304  that includes second deck connector  123 . An outer skin  301  covers top and bottom surfaces of deck  120 . As shown in  FIG. 3B , the interior of deck  120  includes structural elements for supporting load L, where the structural elements may be, for example and without limitation, one or more I-beams  322  that extend longitudinally from a first deck end  302  to a second deck end  304 , and transverse cross-members  327  that extend between beams  321 . Cross tubes  315  and  325 , sometimes referred to herein as “cross-members,” are joined to structural element  322  by welding, for example, to provide torsional strength to deck  120 . 
     Deck  120  can have any size, but is generally sized for highway transport, and has a length DL from 20 feet to 50 feet and a width DW of from 8 feet to 12 feet, as shown in  FIG. 3C . 
     First deck connector  121  and second deck connector  123  have the same configuration of components. Deck connectors  121  and  123  each include a cross-tube and one or more protruding tabs that facilitate the mating of the deck to gooseneck connector  113  or dolly connector  131 . Thus for example, and without limitation, first deck connector  121  includes four tabs  311 , each with a hole  313 , and cross tube  315 . Second deck connector  123  includes four tabs  321 , each with a hole  323 , and cross tube  325 . The sizes and spacing of the elements of connectors  121  and  123  are the same to permit a suitably designed connector to connect to either one of connectors  121  or  123 . 
     In one embodiment, there are four tabs associated with each deck connector: tabs  311   a ,  311   b ,  311   c , and  311   d  at deck connector  121  and tabs  321   a ,  321   b ,  321   c , and  321   d  at deck connector  123 , as shown in  FIG. 3F . Tabs  311  and  321  are located symmetrically about the centerline of deck width, as indicated by the distances L1 and S as shown in  FIG. 3F . Each one of tabs  311  and  321  has a hole  313  and  323  located a distance A from the tab end, as shown in  FIG. 3D . Deck connectors  121 ,  123  also includes cross tubes  315 ,  325 , which have a diameter of 6 inches and are located a distance B from center of holes  313 ,  323 .  FIG. 3D  also shows that the centerline of cross tube  315 ,  325  is a distance T higher than the centerline of the corresponding holes  313 ,  323 . A is approximately 4 inches, B is approximately 20 inches, and T is approximately 2 inches. 
       FIGS. 4A-4D  are views of gooseneck  110 , where  FIG. 4A  is a bottom perspective view,  FIG. 4B  is a top view,  FIG. 4C  is a bottom view,  FIG. 4D  is a side view, and  FIG. 4E  is a back view. 
     Gooseneck connector  113  has a width G1 from which tabs  401  protrude a distance G6. The present invention includes one or more tabs  401 .  FIGS. 4A-4D  illustrate, for example and without limitation, four tabs  401   a ,  401   b ,  401   c , and  401   d , which each have the same shape, shown in side view  4 D, including a corresponding surface  405 , or specifically  405   a ,  405   b ,  405   c , and  405   d , each having a cross-sectional shape of the arc of a circle with a center C and a radius R. The radius R is the same or slightly larger than the radius of cross tube  315 ,  325 . In an alternative embodiment, for example, gooseneck connector  113  may have only two tabs, which may be for example and without limitation, those indicated as tab  401   a  and  401   c , or those indicated as tab  401   b  and  401   c , or may be one tab in a position between tab  401   a  and  401   b  and second tab in a position between tabs  401   c  and  401   d.    
     Gooseneck connector  113  also includes a pair of coupling sockets  407   a  and  407   b  (or collectively, coupling socket  407 ) each having a corresponding hole  403 , shown and holes  403   a ,  403   b , which have approximately the same diameter as holes  313 ,  323 . The distance from the center of holes  403  to the center C is B, matching the hole to cross tube distance of deck connectors  121 ,  123 , and the height difference T between the center of holes  403  and center C match the height difference T between the center of holes  313 ,  323  and the center of the corresponding cross tube  315 ,  325 . Gooseneck  110  also includes a pair of pins  409 , shown and pin  409   a  and  409   b , that are used in forming dolly transport  140 , as described subsequently. 
       FIG. 4B  also shows that the tabs  401  are distributed unevenly about the center of gooseneck  110 . The distance G5 between tabs  401   a  and  401   b  is the same as the distance between  401   c  and  401   d . The distance between the innermost tabs (tab  401   b  and  401   c ) is equal to G3, which tab  401   b  a distance G4 from the centerline. In one embodiment, G1=48 inches, G3=16 inches, G4=9 inches, G5=4 inches, and G6=7 inches. 
     Gooseneck connector  113  can thus mate with either one of deck connector  121  or  123  by placing one of cross tube  315 ,  325  within surfaces  405  of each of tabs  401 , and aligning holes  403  with holes  313  or  315 . As described subsequently, pins may then be placed through the aligned pinholes to secure gooseneck  110  with deck  120 . 
       FIGS. 5A-5D  are views of dolly  130 , where  FIG. 5A  is a bottom perspective view,  FIG. 5B  is a side view,  FIG. 5C  is a front view, and  FIG. 5D  is a bottom view. 
     Dolly connector  131  is generally similar to gooseneck connector  113 . Dolly connector  131  has a width D1 from which tabs  501  protrude a distance G6. The present invention includes one or more tabs  501 .  FIGS. 5A-5D  illustrate, for example and without limitation, four tabs  501  as tabs  501   a ,  501   b ,  501   c , and  501   d , which each have the same shape, shown in side view  5 B, including a surface  505  having a cross-sectional shape of the arc of a circle with a center C and a radius R. In an alternative embodiment, for example, dolly connector  131  may have only two tabs, which may be for example and without limitation, those indicated as tab  501   a  and  501   c , or those indicated as tab  501   b  and  501   c , or may be one tab in a position between tab  501   a  and  501   b  and second tab in a position between tabs  501   c  and  501   d.    
     For each tab  501 , the radius of surface  505  similar to that of surface  405  is the same or slightly larger than the radius of cross tube  315 ,  325 . Dolly connector  131  also includes a pair of coupling sockets  507   a  and  507   b  (or collectively, coupling socket  507 ) each having a corresponding hole  503 , shown and holes  503   a ,  503   b , which have approximately the same diameter as holes  313 ,  323 . The distance from the center of holes  503  to the center C is B, matching the hole to cross tube distance of deck connectors  121 ,  123 , and the height difference T between the center of holes  403  and center C match the height difference T between the center of holes  313 ,  323  and the center of the corresponding cross tube  315 ,  325 . Dolly  130  also includes a pair of recesses  509 , shown and recess  509   a  and  509   b , that are used in forming dolly transport  140 , as described subsequently. 
       FIGS. 6A-6F  are views of the trailer system of  FIG. 1A or 1C , where  FIG. 6A  is a disassembled trailer system, and  FIGS. 6B and 6C  are side views illustrating the gooseneck and dolly being attached to the deck,  FIG. 6D  is a side view of the trailer system being attached to a tractor,  FIG. 6E  is a bottom view  6 E- 6 E of  FIG. 6D  of the attached gooseneck and deck, and  FIG. 6F  is a bottom view  6 F- 6 F of  FIG. 6D  of the attached deck and dolly. 
     As shown in  FIG. 6A , assembly of configuration  100 A or  100 B may be accomplished starting with gooseneck  110 , deck  120 , and dolly  130  on the ground, with gooseneck connector  113  near deck end  121  (or  123 ), and dolly connector  131  near the opposite deck end. As shown in  FIGS. 6B and 6C , gooseneck  110  is rotated so that tabs  401  move under cross tube  315  (or  325 ) such that surface  405  engages the cross tube. Also shown in  FIGS. 6B and 6C  is the rotation of dolly  130  such that tabs  501  move under cross tube  325  (or  315 ) such that surface  505  engages the cross tube. 
     By rotating the raised end of gooseneck  110  relative to dolly  130 , as shown in  FIG. 6C  raises deck  120 , holes  313 ,  403 , and  503  come into alignment. Pins may then be placed through the holes to secure gooseneck  110 , deck  120 , and dolly  130 . Thus for example, at gooseneck connector  113  and deck connector  121  (or  123 ), a first pin (not shown) may be inserted through holes  403   a  and  313   a  (or  315   a ), and a second pin  613  may be inserted through holes  403   b  and  313   b  (or  315   b ), as show in  FIGS. 6D and 6E . In addition, at dolly connector  131  and deck connector  123  (or  121 ), a third pin (not shown) may be inserted through holes  503   a  and  315   a  (or  313   a ), and a fourth pin  617  may be inserted through holes  503   b  and  313   b  (or  315   b ), as show in  FIGS. 6D and 6F . The assembled configuration  100 A or  100 B may then be connected to truck  12 , as shown in  FIG. 6D . 
     One method of facilitating the assembly illustrated in  FIGS. 6A-6F  is to use a crane (not shown) to balance, rotate, and move gooseneck  110  and dolly  130  as shown. It may also be necessary to lift up slightly on deck  120  to align holes  313 ,  315 ,  403 , and  503  for inserting the pins  611 ,  613 ,  615 , and  617 . 
     Gooseneck  110 , deck  120 , and dolly  130  may be disassembled by reversing this procedure. 
       FIGS. 7A-7D  are views of the third configuration of  FIG. 2A , where  FIG. 7A  is a side view illustrating connecting the gooseneck and dolly,  FIG. 7B  is a front left perspective view illustrating connecting the gooseneck and dolly,  FIG. 7C  is a detailed view of  FIG. 2B , and  FIG. 7D  is bottom view  7 D- 7 D of  FIG. 7C  of the attached gooseneck and dolly. 
     By moving gooseneck connector  113  towards dolly connector  131 , as shown in  FIG. 7A , tabs  401  move into the dolly connector and tabs  501  move into the gooseneck connector. Further movement, as shown in  FIG. 7B , causes pin  409   a  to rest inside recess  509   a  and pin  409   b  to rest inside recess  509   b . Next, as shown in  FIGS. 7C and 7D , a linkage  701   a  is used to connect hole  402   a  and  503   a  and a linkage  701   b  is used to connect hole  402   b  and  503   b , and a ratchet binder  703  is used to connect the top portions of gooseneck connector  113  towards dolly connector  131 , forming dolly transport  140 . Electrical and air connections may then be made. 
     Reference throughout this specification to “certain embodiments,” “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in certain embodiments,” “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments. 
     Similarly, it should be appreciated that in the above description of exemplary embodiments of the invention, various features of the invention are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following the Detailed Description are hereby expressly incorporated into this Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of this invention. 
     Thus, while there has been described what is believed to be the preferred embodiments of the invention, those skilled in the art will recognize that other and further modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention, and it is intended to claim all such changes and modifications as fall within the scope of the invention. For example, any formulas given above are merely representative of procedures that may be used. Functionality may be added or deleted from the block diagrams and operations may be interchanged among functional blocks. Steps may be added or deleted to methods described within the scope of the present invention.