Abstract:
A plurality of trailer arrangements, configurations and assemblies are provided in combination with a tractor to transport wheeled vehicles over the highway, in compliance with current state and federal regulatory requirements and with a view toward future modification of those requirements.

Description:
This application is a continuation of and claim priority benefit from U.S. application Ser. No. 09/743,557 now abandoned, filed May 11, 2001 and PCT Application No. PCT/US99/15523 filed date Jul. 9, 1999 which was a continuation in part of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/113,804 filed Jul. 9, 1998 now abandoned, each of which is incorporated herein in its entirety. 

   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
   The present invention relates generally to trailer apparatus typically transported over the highway, pulled by tractor vehicles. In particular, the invention relates to over the highway trailers and related assemblies configured and arranged for the transportation of trucks and truck chassis, all the while meeting various industry standards and complying with state and federal highway, transportation and related regulatory requirements. 
   Trucks can be transported to a delivery site by using one of the trucks to tow the others. In such an arrangement, the towing truck has a saddle arrangement on which the first towed truck can be mounted. The first towed truck, in turn, also has a saddle arrangement by which a second towed truck can be mounted. Typically, the axle of each towed truck is coupled to the corresponding saddle arrangement on the truck towed before it. Any frame member of a towed truck can also be used to accomplish the same purpose. 
   Such a decking arrangement has associated with it, however, a number of problems and deficiencies. The number or size of the towed trucks is limited by existing state and federal regulations. Handling problems abound as the number of towed trucks and/or chassis lengths increase. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
   This invention provides a trailer apparatus and/or assembly for the transportation of wheeled vehicles. The invention overcomes certain well-known problems and deficiencies, but also with a view toward future revisions to the regulated transport of such vehicles. 
   Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a trailer suitable for the transportation of extended length truck chassis. A corollary objective is to provide such a trailer and/or assembly for the transportation of wheeled vehicles in a number or having an overall length which exceeds existing regulatory standards. 
   It will be understood by those skilled in the art one or more aspects of this invention can meet certain objectives, while one or more other aspects can meet certain other objectives. Each objective may not apply equally, in all instances, to every aspect of the present invention. In this regard, the aforementioned objects—as well as those aspects and features which follow—can be viewed in the alternative with respect to any one aspect of the present invention. 
   Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following to those skilled in the art having knowledge of the design and manufacture of truck transportation trailers. Such objects, features, benefits and advantages will be apparent from the above as taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures, data and all reasonable inferences to be drawn therefrom. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       FIG. 1  is a schematic representation of a trailer and/or assembly depicted, in accordance with this invention, as hauling a number of trucks. 
       FIG. 2  is another representation showing, in particular, a trailer and/or assembly with ramp extension members. 
       FIG. 3  is a schematic representation of a trailer and/or assembly, in accordance with this invention. 
       FIG. 4  shows the trailer/assembly of  FIG. 3  loaded with a number of extended chassis trucks. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
   Referring to  FIG. 1 , tractor  10  is shown with bed  12  on which pivots ramp  14 . Bed ramp  14  is positioned relative to bed  12  with elevator  16 . In preferred embodiments, elevator  16  is a component of a hydraulic mechanism secured to bed  12  and movable along a length of ramp  14 . Ramp  14  can conform to the surface structure of bed  12  when elevator  16  is retracted. 
   Bed extender  18  can be used to attach bed  12  to trailer  20 . A coupling mechanism  22  includes corresponding components of extender  18  and trailer  20 . In preferred embodiments, such a component of extender  18  is a fifth wheel assembly, which can couple to a corresponding component of trailer  20 . 
   Trailer ramp  24  is connected to trailer  20  at pivot  26 . Ramp  24  can be elevated and positioned relative to trailer  20  by way of elevator  28 . In preferred embodiments, elevator  28  is a hydraulic mechanism secured to bed  20  and moveable along a length of ramp  24 . Ramp  24  can conform to the surface of structure of trailer  20  when elevator  28  is retracted. 
     FIG. 1  also shows, schematically, bed  12  and trailer  20  loaded with truck chassis. Using mechanisms well-known to those skilled in the art, the chassis are either secured to the bed or trailer ramps and/or one to another. Various coupling or saddle mechanisms  30 , including those of the sort described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,722,677, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, can be utilized effectively. Such mechanisms can also include skid mounts of the type known to those skilled in the art. Such mechanisms can be, as illustrated in  FIG. 1 , secured to an underlying truck chassis T 1 , to couple chassis T 2  therewith. Positioning chassis T 2  on chassis T 1 , can be accomplished using auxiliary skids as, likewise, would be well known to those skilled in the art and made aware of this invention. The present invention also contemplates use of rigid supports in conjunction with elevators  16  and/or  28 . Such supports can have a linear configuration corresponding to the elevators shown and be placed adjacent thereto prior to loading. 
     FIG. 2  shows another embodiment of the trailer and/or assembly of  FIG. 1 . In particular, bed ramp  14  can be lengthened with bed ramp extension member  32 . In a similar fashion, trailer ramp  24  can be lengthened using trailer ramp extension member  34 . Various mechanical mechanisms can be used effectively to lengthen each respective ramp. In preferred embodiments, each extension member has a telescopic relationship and operation relative to the respective ramp. Likewise, in preferred embodiments each ramp can be thereby extended hydraulically. 
   While not shown in  FIG. 2 , the present invention contemplates an assembly including ramp  24  and extension member  34  positioned relative to bed  12  and trailer  20  such that wheeled access is provided to bed  12  from trailer  20 . In preferred embodiments, extension member  34  can be secured to the rear surface portion of bed  12  to permit such wheeled access. 
   Preferred embodiments of the assemblies shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2  provide a length of about 75 feet, as measured from the front end of tractor  10  to the rear end of trailer  20 . While standard tractor and bed assemblies can be used effectively, a preferred trailer embodiment has a length of about 34 feet, as measured from the rear wheel axle of trailer  20  to coupling mechanism  22 . Preferably, in such embodiments, bed extender  18  has a length of about 60 inches, as measured from the rear wheel axle of tractor  10  to coupling mechanism  22 . As shown in both  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the trucks loaded on trailer  20  extend past the rear portion thereof at a permissible distance in compliance with applicable regulations. As shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , and more fully discussed below, the trailer component of this invention can be used in conjunction with retractable rear extension  48 , a preferred embodiment of which can be positioned within supporting framework of such a trailer when not used to extend the effective length thereof. 
   As best shown in  FIG. 3 , the present invention also includes, in part, connector  36  coupling tractor bed  12  and trailer  40 . In preferred embodiments, connector  36  further includes fifth wheel assembly  38 . Other coupling mechanisms well-known to those skilled in the art can also be used effectively. Such connectors and related assemblies include but are not limited to those described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,326,123 which is incorporated herein in its entirety. Likewise, in preferred embodiments, connector  36  can assist in steering and/or the directional control and stability of trailer  40 . Those skilled in the art would refer to a stinger-steered trailer as one having such an embodiment of connector  36  used in conjunction with trailer  40 . 
   Regardless, trailer  40  is extended with gooseneck  42 , which terminates with end portion  44 . Adjustment of the angular relationship of end portion  44  with gooseneck  42  imparts an increment of stability with relationship to any truck or chassis loaded onto gooseneck  42 . Alternatively, as shown in  FIG. 4 , end portion  44  can be positioned on gooseneck  42  and used secure a loaded truck thereon. As shown schematically in  FIG. 3 , securing members  46  can be incorporated into the frame of trailer  40  to further secure the position of trucks and chassis thereon. One embodiment of such a member, as would be well-known to those skilled in the art, can comprise a tie hole for placement of a chain other fastener therethrough. 
   With reference to the embodiments illustrated by  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the overall length of such an assembly can be up to about and beyond 95 feet, as measured from the front end of tractor  10  to the rear end of trailer  40 . While any commercially-available tractor/bed combination can be used, a preferred tractor is one having a length of about 32 feet, as measured from the front end of tractor  10  to the rear wheel axle of trailer  12 . With such a tractor/bed combination, trailer  40  can have a length of about 46 feet, as measured from the point of coupling with connector  36 . 
   With respect to either a trailer or an assembly of the present invention, the connectors, tractor beds, trailers and/or ramps and related mechanisms can suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of the aforementioned components. Each such component is distinguishable, characteristically contrasted and can be practiced in conjunction with the present invention separate and apart from another. Accordingly, it should also be understood that the inventive trailers and/or assemblies, as illustratively disclosed herein, can be practiced or utilized in the absence of any one component which may or may not be disclosed, referenced or inferred herein, the absence of which may or may not be specifically disclosed, referenced or inferred herein. 
   While the principles of this invention have been described in connection with the specific embodiments, it should be understood clearly that these descriptions, along with the chosen figures and data referenced therewith, are made only by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of this invention, in any manner. Other advantages and features of the invention will become apparent from the following claims, with the scope thereof determined by the reasonable equivalents, as understood by those skilled in the art.