Patent Abstract:
A system of the present disclosure has a housing that has at least two female indentations, and each indentation has tapered walls that form a cavity. The system further has a trailer that has at least two protrusions, including a first protrusion on a first leg of the trailer and a second protrusion on a second leg of the trailer, and the protrusions are arranged to mate with the at least two female indentations when the housing is placed on the trailer. Each protrusion has a lock slat slidably moveable in a slot formed in a side of the protrusion and the lock slats are adapted to engage one of the tapered walls of the protrusions thereby retaining the housing on the trailer.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/060,861 entitled Bike Box Systems and Methods filed on Oct. 7, 2014, which incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Many people ride motorcycles for entertainment as opposed to everyday transportation. Oftentimes, motorcyclists store their motorcycles in a garage or other building. When the motorcyclists do not have a garage or other storage facility, they may store them outside where the motorcycle is exposed to the elements. 
         [0003]    Additionally, due to the entertainment use of motorcycles, a motorcyclist often enjoys taking their motorcycles on trips. The motorcyclist may not use the motorcycle as his/her primary mode of transportation in making the trip. Thus, the motorcyclist may desire to tow the motorcycle on the back of a primary vehicle and use the motorcycle at the motorcyclist&#39;s destination. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0004]    A system of the present disclosure has a housing that has at least two female indentations, and each indentation has tapered walls that form a cavity. The system further has a trailer that has at least two protrusions, including a first protrusion on a first leg of the trailer and a second protrusion on a second leg of the trailer, and the protrusions are arranged to mate with the at least two female indentations when the housing is placed on the trailer. Each protrusion has a lock slat slidably moveable in a slot formed in a side of the protrusion and the lock slats are adapted to engage one of the tapered walls of the protrusions thereby retaining the housing on the trailer. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0005]    The present disclosure can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The elements of the drawings are not necessarily to scale relative to each other, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the disclosure. Furthermore, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views. 
           [0006]      FIG. 1  is a side view of a vehicle containment system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0007]      FIG. 2  is a back view of the vehicle containment system of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0008]      FIG. 3A  is a perspective view of a trailer of the containment system of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0009]      FIG. 3B  is a top view of a protrusion of the trailer depicted in  FIG. 3A . 
           [0010]      FIG. 3C  is a side view of the protrusion depicted in  FIG. 3B  with a lock slat in a closed position. 
           [0011]      FIG. 3D  is a side view of the protrusion depicted in  FIG. 3B  with the lock slat in a lock position. 
           [0012]      FIG. 3E  is a top view of the protrusion depicted in  FIG. 3B  with a lock slat in a closed position. 
           [0013]      FIG. 3F  is a top view of the protrusion depicted in  FIG. 3B  with the lock slat in a lock position. 
           [0014]      FIG. 4A  is an bottom view of a housing of the system depicted in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0015]      FIG. 4B  is a top view of an indentation of the housing depicted in  FIG. 4A . 
           [0016]      FIG. 4C  is a side view of an indentation of the housing depicted in  FIG. 4A . 
           [0017]      FIG. 4D  is a side view of an indentation of the housing depicted in  FIG. 4A  mated with a protrusion. 
           [0018]      FIG. 5  is an bottom view of the housing depicted in  FIG. 1  with a lift system attached thereto and in a stowed position. 
           [0019]      FIG. 6  is a back view of the system  100  depicted in  FIG. 1  showing the lift system in a protracted position. 
           [0020]      FIG. 7  is a side view of the housing of the system depicted in  FIG. 1  with the lift system in a protracted position and the housing decoupled from the trailer. 
           [0021]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the interior of the housing depicted in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0022]      FIG. 9  is a front view of a chock stand used in the interior of the housing depicted in  FIG. 8  with the clamps in an open position. 
           [0023]      FIG. 10  is a front view of the chock stand depicted in  FIG. 9  with the clamps in a clamping position. 
           [0024]      FIG. 11  is a block diagram of an exemplary system depicted in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0025]      FIG. 12  is a block diagram of a computing device of the system depicted in  FIG. 11 . 
           [0026]      FIG. 13A  is an exemplary adapter bracket in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0027]      FIG. 13B  is a bottom view of a housing for use with the adapter of  FIG. 13A . 
           [0028]      FIG. 13C  is a side view a lift system for use with the adapter bracket of  FIG. 13A . 
           [0029]      FIG. 13D  is a back view of the housing and adapter bracket with a trailer in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0030]    The present disclosure describes systems and methods for containment and transport of vehicles. 
         [0031]      FIG. 1  depicts a side view of a vehicle containment and transport system  100  in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The system  100  comprises a vehicle housing  105  that is coupled to a trailer  101 . 
         [0032]    In the embodiment depicted, the housing  105  is rectangular. However, the housing  105  may be other shapes in other embodiments. 
         [0033]    The trailer  101  comprises a frame  102  and a set of side wheels  103  coupled thereto. Note that the embodiment depicted has two wheels  103  on each side of the trailer  101 . However, more or fewer wheels  103  may be used in other embodiments. 
         [0034]    Additionally, the system  100  comprises a motorized front wheel  104  coupled to the frame  102  via a shaft  107 . In one embodiment, the housing  106  houses a motor (not shown) that powers the wheel  104 . Note that the power supplied may be from a battery within the housing in on embodiment. In another embodiment, the motor within the housing may be electrically connected to central power source located in the housing  105  via electrical wires. 
         [0035]      FIG. 2  depicts a backend view of the system  100  depicted in  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 2  depicts the housing  105  coupled to the frame  102  of the trailer  101 . Further,  FIG. 2  depicts the motorized wheel  104 . 
         [0036]      FIG. 3A  is a perspective view of the trailer  101  with the housing  105  removed for clarity of description. In operation, the housing  105  is coupled to the trailer  101 , which is described further herein. 
         [0037]    The trailer  101  comprises the frame  102 . The frame  102  comprises a substantially triangle-shaped A-frame member  303  and a substantially rectangular member  304  that comprises a pair of legs  301  and  302 , which extend from the A-frame member  303 . During use, a hitch  305  couples to a towing vehicle (not shown), and the trailer  101  is transported via the wheels  103 . 
         [0038]    Each leg  301  and  302  comprises one or more male protrusions  300  that project from the legs  301  and  302 . In one embodiment, these protrusions are substantially rectangular yet comprise slightly tapered surfaces  310 - 313  on a top portion of the protrusions  300 . 
         [0039]      FIG. 3B  depicts a top view of the protrusion  300 . In this regard, the top portion of the protrusion comprises tapered surfaces  310 - 313 . Further, the protrusion  300  comprises a slot  315  that houses a lock slat  314 . The lock slat  314  is described further herein. 
         [0040]      FIG. 3C  is an end view of the protrusion  300 . The end view of the protrusion  300  shows three tapered surfaces  310 ,  312 , and  313 . Further, the end view depicts the slot  315  that opens to the tapered surface  313 . The protrusion comprises a lock slat  314  that fits within the slot  315  when the system  100  is in an unlocked state. 
         [0041]      FIG. 3D  is the end view of the protrusion  300  such as is depicted in  FIG. 3C  with the lock slat actuated.  FIG. 3C  depicts what is referred to hereinafter as the “unlocked state.” Whereas,  FIG. 3D  depicts what is referred to hereinafter as the “locked state.” 
         [0042]    In one embodiment, the lock slat  314  is mechanically actuated. In this regard, the system  100  may comprise one or more handles (not shown) that coupled to each of the respective protrusions  300  and to the lock slat  314 . Thus, when the handle is actuated, the lock slat  300  extends from the surface  313  and is coupled to an opening in the housing  105  ( FIG. 1 ), which is described further herein. 
         [0043]    In another embodiment, the lock slat  314  is coupled to a motor (not shown) that is powered by a battery (not shown). The battery may be one that is in the vehicle (not shown) that is towing the trailer  101 , or the power source may be housed in the housing  105 . 
         [0044]    Whether manually and mechanically actuated or electrically actuated, the lock slat  314  that is housed in the slot  315  extends to the locked state when activated. Further, the lock slat  314  retracts into the unlocked state when activated. 
         [0045]      FIG. 3E  is a top view of the protrusion  300  in the unlocked state. In this regard, the lock slat  314  is fully seated in the slot  315 .  FIG. 3F  is a top view of the protrusion  300  in the locked state. In this regard, a portion of the lock slat extends from the slot  315 . 
         [0046]      FIG. 4A  depicts a bottom surface  425  of the housing  105 , which is described with reference to  FIG. 1 . In one embodiment, the bottom surface  425  of the housing  105  comprises a plurality of openings  421  in which are retracted a plurality of wheels  403  that when extended, raises the housing  105  upward and mobile on the ground. In one embodiment, the wheels  403  are powered by a motor (not shown), which is described further herein with reference to  FIGS. 11 and 12 . 
         [0047]    Additionally, the bottom surface  425  of the housing  105  comprises a plurality of female substantially rectangular indentations  401  with openings  430 . Note that the female openings  403  receive the male protrusions  300  when the housing  105  ( FIG. 1 ) is situated atop the trailer  101 . 
         [0048]      FIG. 4B  is a top view of the female opening  401 . The opening  401  comprises a plurality of tapered walls  410 - 413 . The tapered walls define a cavity  414 , which receives the male protrusion  300 . 
         [0049]      FIG. 4C  depicts a cross-sectional view taken along A-A in  FIG. 4B . Notably, the tapered walls  410 - 412  define the cavity  414 , which receives the male protrusion. 
         [0050]      FIG. 4D  depicts an end view of the mating of the male protrusion  300  with the female indentation  401 . In this regard, the male protrusion  300  sits within the cavity  414 . In the locking state, the locking slat  314  extends from the slot  315 , and the locking slat  314  retains the male protrusion  300  within the female cavity  414  by abutting an inside surface  431  of the tapered wall  411 . 
         [0051]    Note that in the embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 3A and 4A , there are six (6) male protrusions  300  shown on the trailer  101  and six (6) corresponding female indentations  401  with openings  430 . While six (6) are shown, there may be more or fewer protrusions  300  and more or fewer corresponding openings  430  in other embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         [0052]    With further reference to  FIG. 4A , the bottom surface  425  further comprises a substantially rectangular opening  402 . Further, there are four channels  404  extending from the rectangular opening  402 . The opening  402  receives a lift system (not shown), and the channels  404  receive locking bars (not shown) coupled to the lift system, as further described herein. 
         [0053]      FIG. 5  depicts the bottom surface  425  of the housing  105  with lift system  501  installed in the substantially rectangular opening  402 . In this regard, the lift system  501  is removeable from the housing  105 . Thus, the lift system  501  may be installed in another housing (not shown) when the lift system  501  is not in use with the housing  105 . 
         [0054]    The lift system  501  comprises four legs  506 - 509 . Each leg  506 - 509  is coupled to wheels  502 - 505 , respectively. Further, leg  506  is rotatably coupled to leg  507 , and leg  508  is rotatably coupled to leg  509 .  FIG. 5  shows the lift system  501  with the legs retracted, which is hereinafter referred to as the “stowed position.” When in the stowed position, the lock bars  500  may be actuated so as to remove the lock bars  500  from the channels  404 . Thus, the lift system  501  can be used on other implements when the lift system  501  is not being used with the housing  105 . 
         [0055]      FIG. 6  depicts the lift system  501  with the legs  507 - 508  protracted, which is hereinafter referred to as the “protracted position.” When changing the lift system to the protracted position from the stowed position, the locking slats  314  ( FIGS. 3A-3F ) are actuated so that the locking slats  314  rest entirely in the slots  315  ( FIGS. 3A-3F ). Thus, the housing is no longer coupled to the trailer  101  ( FIG. 3A ). As described hereinabove, the locking slats  314  may be manually, hydraulically, or electrically decoupled from the female indentions  401  ( FIG. 4A ). 
         [0056]    When the male protrusions  300  ( FIG. 3A-3F ) are decoupled from the female indentations  401 , the housing  105  is decoupled from the trailer  105 . The housing  105  may then be moved from the trailer  101  via the lift system  501 . 
         [0057]    In one embodiment, the lift system  501  may be protracted via a manual actuator. For example, the lift system  501  may comprise a handle (not shown) that when actuated lets down the legs  506 - 509 . In another embodiment, each leg  506 - 509  may be coupled to respective motors that when switched on let down the legs  506 - 509 . In another embodiment, the legs  506 - 509  may be controlled by a hydraulic system (not shown) that when switched on lets down the legs  506 - 509 . 
         [0058]    When the legs  506 - 509  are in the protracted position, the trailer  101  may be driven out from underneath the housing  105 . Once the trailer  101  is driven out from underneath the housing  105 , the housing is then moveable on wheels  502 - 505 , as is depicted in  FIG. 7 . 
         [0059]    Note that the wheels  502 - 505  may also be powered by motors (not shown). In this regard, the wheels  502 - 505  may move at the direction of the user and powered by the motors. This is further described with reference to  FIGS. 11 and 12 . 
         [0060]      FIG. 8  depicts an exemplary interior of the housing  105  of  FIG. 1  in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In a floor  807  of the housing  105  are channels  801  and  802 . Coupled to the channels  801  and  802  are chock stands  803  and  806 . 
         [0061]    In one embodiment, a motorcycle (not shown) is secured to the housing  105  via the chock stands  803  and  806 . In another embodiment, the chock stands  803  and  806  may be removed by sliding the chock stands  803  and  806  from the channels  801  and  802 . 
         [0062]    In one embodiment, the floor  807  of the interior of the housing  105  comprises additional channels  820 ,  821  and  822 ,  823 . In such an embodiment, two sets of chock stands  803  and  806  may be slidably coupled to the channels  820 ,  821  and  822 ,  823  so that two motorcycles can be installed in the housing  105 . 
         [0063]    Further, the interior of the housing  105  comprises a plurality of storage compartments  810 . In one of the compartments  810 , an actuation source, e.g., an electrical or hydraulic system, may be installed to control the lift system  501  ( FIG. 5 ), the lock slats  314  ( FIGS. 3A-3F ) 
         [0064]      FIG. 9  depicts an exemplary chock stand  803  in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The chock stand  803  is slidably installed by manual insertion of two feet  912  and  913  into channels  801  and  802  of the floor  807  ( FIG. 8 ). 
         [0065]    In one embodiment, the chock stand  803  may comprise a bracket  920  that has channels similar to  801  and  802 . In such an embodiment, the bracket  920  would be installed onto a floor of a housing so that the chock stand  803  could be installed therein. 
         [0066]    The chock stand  803  comprises two sets of clamps, including  900 ,  901  and  904 ,  905 . Each set of clamps clamp to a front wheel of a motorcycle. 
         [0067]    The chock stand  803  comprises two mounting brackets  902  and  903  to which the clamps  900  and  901  are slidably mounted. The mounting brackets  902  and  903  are respectively coupled to a mounting bar  910 . 
         [0068]    The chock stand  803  further comprises mounting brackets  906  and  907  to which the clamps  904  and  905  are slidably mounted. The respective mounting brackets  906  and  907  are respectively coupled via a mounting plate  911 . 
         [0069]    In operation, a wheel (not shown) of a motorcycle (not shown) is rolled up onto the floor  807  of the housing  105  and moved between the clamps  900 ,  901  and  904 ,  905 . When the wheel is fully inserted between the clamps  900 ,  901  and  904 ,  905 , the tire (not shown) of the wheel presses against a pressure plate  910 . When pressure is applied by the tire to the pressure plate  910 , the clamps  900 ,  901  move inward as indicated by reference arrows  950 ,  951 , respectively, thereby securing the tire, the wheel and the motorcycle. Also, when pressure is applied by the tire to the pressure plate  910 , the clamps  904 ,  905  move inward as indicated by reference arrows  950 ,  951 , respectively, thereby securing the tire, the wheel and the motorcycle. 
         [0070]    In one embodiment, the pressure plate  910  comprises one or more pressure sensors. When the pressure sensor detects a pressure above a threshold, a hydraulic system (not shown) is activated thereby causing the clamps  900 ,  901  and  904 ,  905  to move inward and grasp the tire of the wheel of the motorcycle being loaded on the housing  105 . 
         [0071]    In another embodiment, the pressure plate  910  may rest on its back surface against an electrical switch. When pressure is applied to the pressure plate  910 , the switch is activate, and the hydraulic system is activated thereby causing the clamps  900 ,  901  and  904 ,  905  to move inward and grasp the tire of the wheel of the motorcycle being loaded on the housing  105 . 
         [0072]    In the embodiment of a hydraulic system, one of the compartments  810  ( FIG. 8 ) comprises a hydraulic system that is coupled via air conduits to the clamps  900 ,  901  and  906 ,  907 . 
         [0073]      FIG. 10  depicts the chock stand  803  when the clamps  900 ,  901  and  904 ,  905  have been actuated. As indicated, the clamps  900 ,  901  and  904 ,  905  are actuated inward to grasp the tire of a wheel of a motorcycle. 
         [0074]    In this regard, the clamp  900  is slidably coupled to the mounting bracket  902  via one or more slidable shafts  1002 ,  1003 . Further clamp  901  is slidably coupled to the mounting bracket  903  via slidable shafts  1000 ,  1001 . Additionally, clamp  904  is slidably coupled to the mounting bracket  906  via slidable shaft  1005 , and clamp  905  is slidably coupled to the mounting bracket  907  via slidable shaft  1004 . 
         [0075]      FIG. 11  depicts a system  1100  in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The system  1100  comprises a central computing device  1104  that is communicatively coupled to chock stand motors  1101 , lock slat motors  1106 , wheel motors  1109 , and a lift system motor  1108  via communication links  1103 ,  1105 ,  1107 , and  1110 , respectively. 
         [0076]    In one embodiment, the communication links  1103 ,  1105 ,  1107 , and  1110  are cables that run from the central computing device  1104  to the chock stand motors  1101 , the lock slat motors  1106 , the wheel motors  1109 , and the lift system motor  1108 . In another embodiment, the central computing device  1102  may be communicatively coupled to the chock stand motors  1101 , the lock slat motors  1106 , the wheel motors  1109 , and the lift system motor  1108  via a wireless link. 
         [0077]    During operation, a user  1102  provides input to the central computing device  1104  to activate the lock slat motors  1106 . The central computing device  1104  transmits a signal via the communication link  1105  to the lock slat motors  1106  indicative of activation. In response, the lock slat motors  1106  activate and move the lock slats  314  ( FIG. 3A-3F ) to a locked position engaging a tapered wall  410 - 413  ( FIG. 4A-4C ) of the female indentation  401  ( FIG. 4A ). 
         [0078]    Additionally, as indicated hereinabove, in response to an input from a pressure sensor (not shown) or a switch (not shown), the central computing device  1104  transmits a signal via the communication link  1103  to the chock stand motors  1101  indicative of activation. In response, the chock stand motors  1101  activate closing the clamps  803  and  806  ( FIG. 8 ) on a wheel of a vehicle, e.g., a motorcycle. 
         [0079]    Further, the user  1102  provides input to the central computing device  1104  to activate the lift system motor  1108 . The central computing device  1104  transmits a signal via the communication link  1107  to the lift system motor  1108  indicative of activation. In response, the lift system  501  ( FIG. 5 ) activates moving to the stowed position or the protruded position. 
         [0080]    In addition, the user  1102  provides input to the central computing device  1104  to activate the wheel motors  1109 . The central computing device  1104  transmits a signal via the communication link  1110  to the wheel motors  1109  indicative of activation. In response, the wheels  403  ( FIG. 4A ),  105  ( FIGS. 1 ), and  502 - 505  ( FIG. 6 ) thereby moving the housing  105  ( FIG. 1 ) separate and apart from the trailer  101  ( FIG. 1 ). 
         [0081]    In regards to the wheel motors, the user  1102  may also input data indicative of direction of the wheels  502 - 505  and  403 . In such an embodiment, the central computing device  1104  transmits data indicative of direction to the wheel motors  1109 . 
         [0082]      FIG. 12  is a block diagram depicting an exemplary central computing device  1104  in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The exemplary computing device  1104  comprises processor  1200 , output interface  1208 , and input interface  1207 . Additionally, the exemplary computing device  1104  comprises a chock stand motor interface  1209 , a lock slat motor interface  1210 , a lift system motor interface  1216 , a wheel motor interface  1220 , and a pressure sensor interface  1211 . Each of these components communicates over local interface  1206 , which can include one or more buses. 
         [0083]    The central computing device  1104  further comprises control logic  1202 . Control logic  1202  can be software, hardware, or a combination thereof. In the exemplary central computing device  1104  shown in  FIG. 12 , control logic  1202  is software stored in memory  1201 . Memory  1201  may be of any type of memory known in the art, including, but not limited to random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, and the like. 
         [0084]    As noted hereinabove, the control logic  1202  is shown as stored in memory  1201 . When stored in memory  1201 , the control logic  1202  can be stored and transported on any computer-readable medium for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device, such as a computer-based system, processor-containing system, or other system that can fetch the instructions from the instruction execution system, apparatus, or device and execute the instructions. 
         [0085]    In the context of the present disclosure, a “computer-readable medium” can be any means that can contain, store, communicate, propagate, or transport the program for use by or in connection with the instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. The computer readable medium can be, for example but not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, device, or propagation medium 
         [0086]    Processor  1200  may be a digital processor or other type of circuitry configured to run the control logic  1202  by processing and executing the instructions of the control logic  1202 . Further, the processor  1200  communicates with and drives the other elements within the central computing device  1104  via the local interface  1206 . 
         [0087]    The output interface  1208  is any type of device for providing information to the operator  1102  ( FIG. 11 ). In this regard, the output interface may be, for example, a backlit liquid crystal display (LCD) screen (not shown). Other types of output interfaces  1208  may be, for example, an audio device that provides instructions to the operator  1202  audibly, light emitting diodes (LED) that show status of the system  1100  ( FIG. 11 ), or any other type of output interface that provides sensory information to the operator. While some examples have been given, other types of output interfaces may be used in other embodiments of the present disclosure 
         [0088]    The input interface  1207  is any device that enables the operator to input data into the central computing device  1104 . In one embodiment, the input interface  1207  is a touchscreen that allows the operator  1102  to provide information to the central computing device  1104  by selecting areas on the touch screen. In another embodiment, the input interface may be, for example, a keyboard or a microphone. In this regard, the user  1102  may use the keyboard to type data into the central computing device  1104 . In one embodiment, the input interface  1207  may comprise a plurality of buttons, that when selected operate the system  1100 . While some examples have been given, other types of input interfaces may be used in other embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         [0089]    The lock slat motor interface  1210  transmits signals to a plurality of lock slat motors  1105 . As indicated hereinabove, each lock slat  314  ( FIGS. 3A-3F ) is controlled by a respective lock slat motor  1106 . Note that there may be a plurality of lock slat motors  1106  controlling each of the identified lock slats  314 ; however, for simplicity, the plurality of lock slat motors are shown as a single component, lock slat motors  1106 . 
         [0090]    As noted hereinabove, the plurality of lock slat motors  1106  interface with the lock slats  314  ( 3 A- 3 F). In this regard, each lock slat  314  interfaces with a separate lock slat motor  1106 . Thus, in operation, the user  1102  may select an input indicative of actuating the lock slats  314 . In response, the control logic  1202  transmits data indicative of activation to the lock slat motor interface  1210 , which transmits an activation signal to the lock slat motors  1106 . In response, the lock slat motors  1106  activate and actuate the lock slats  314 . 
         [0091]    The chock stand motor interface  1209  transmits signals to a plurality of chock stand motors  1101 . As indicated hereinabove, each chock stand  803  and  806  ( FIG. 8 ) is controlled by a respective chock stand motor  1101 . Note that there may be a plurality of chock stand motors  1101  controlling each of the identified chock stands  803  and  806 ; however, for simplicity, the plurality of chock stand motors  1101  are shown as a single component, chock stand motors  1101 . 
         [0092]    As noted hereinabove, the plurality of chock stand motors  1101  interface with the chock stands  803  and  806 . In this regard, each chock stand  803  and  806  interfaces with a separate chock stand motor  1101 . 
         [0093]    Further, the pressure sensor interface  1211  receives data indicative of pressure applied to the pressure plate  910  ( FIG. 9 ). The data may be indicative of the pressure that is being applied to the plate. In response, the control logic  1202  compares the data indicative of the pressure applied to a threshold pressure. If the data indicates that the threshold is met or exceeded, the control logic  1202  activates the chock stand motors  1101  via the chock stand interface  1209 . 
         [0094]    The lift system motor interface  1216  transmits signals to a lift system motor  1108 . As indicated hereinabove, the lift system  501  ( FIG. 5 ) is controlled by a lift system motor  1108 . In one embodiment, the user  1102  ( FIG. 11 ) may provide input via the input interface  1207  to let down the lift system, i.e., move it to a protracted position. In response, the control logic  1202  transmits a signal via the lift system motor interface  1216  to the lift system motor  1108 , thereby activating the motor  1108 . When the lift system  501  is in a protracted position, the user  1102  may provide input via the input interface  1207  to stow the lift system  501 . In response, the control logic  1202  transmits a signal via the lift system motor interface  1216  to the lift system motor  1108  to stow the lift system  501 . 
         [0095]    The wheel motor interface  1212  transmits signals the wheels  403  ( FIG. 4A ),  502 - 505  ( FIGS. 6 ), and  105  ( FIG. 1 ). In one embodiment, the user  1102  ( FIG. 11 ) may provide input via the input interface  1207  to let activate the wheels  403 ,  502 - 505 , and  105 . In response, the control logic  1202  transmits a signal via the wheel motor interface  1212  to the wheel motors  1109 , thereby activating the motor  1109 . 
         [0096]    The disclosure herein has been describing a system wherein a housing  105  ( FIG. 1 ) comprises an opening  402  ( FIG. 4A ) for receiving the lift system  501  ( FIG. 5 ). In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a lift system may be adapted to interface with an adapter plate. The adapter plate may be installed on any type of housing so that the housing can be lifted and place on a trailer. 
         [0097]      FIG. 13A  depicts an adapter bracket  1300 . The adapter bracket  1300  may be installed on an underside of any type of housing that a user (not shown) desires to be transported on a trailer  101  ( FIG. 3A ). 
         [0098]    The adapter bracket  1300  is substantially U-shaped comprising a two legs  1350  and  1351  integral with a bridge member  1352  that connects the upper end of the legs  1350  and  1351 . The legs  1350  and  1351  and the bridge member  1352  define a space  1310  for sliding a lift system onto the adapter bracket  1300 . The adapter bracket  1300  further comprises female indentations  1301  for receiving protrusions  300  ( FIG. 3A ) on the trailer  101 . 
         [0099]    Additionally, the adapter bracket  1300  comprises a plurality of channels  1303 . The channels  1303  are adapted to receive locking bars, as described further herein. 
         [0100]    The adapter bracket  1300  may be coupled to the underside of the housing using any type of fastening means, such as, for example, bolts. 
         [0101]      FIG. 13B  depicts a bottom view of the adapter bracket  1300 . The adapter bracket  1300  comprises the female indentations  1301  with openings  1302 . Note that six (6) female indentations  1301  are shown on the adapter bracket  1300 . However, more or fewer indentations  1301  are possible in other embodiments. 
         [0102]    The adapter bracket  1300  comprises a substantially rectangular opening  1360  adapted for receiving a lift system, which is shown in  FIG. 13C . The adapter bracket  1300  further comprises one or more channels  1303  for receiving lock bars coupled to the lift system, which are shown in  FIG. 13C . 
         [0103]      FIG. 13C  depicts a lift system  1390  that can be installed in opening  1360  ( FIG. 13B ). The lift system  1390  comprises a substantially rectangular box  1311  that is coupled to one or more lock bars  1312 . The lock bars  1312  actuate from inside the box outward in the positions shown in  FIG. 13C . 
         [0104]    Further, the lift system  1390  comprises a plurality of legs  1391 - 1394 . The legs  1391 - 1394  are coupled to wheels  1395 - 1398 . As described hereinabove with reference to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the lift system  1390  may be in a stowed position, i.e., the legs are contained within the housing  1311 . In  FIG. 13C , the legs  1391 - 1393  are shown in the protracted position. 
         [0105]      FIG. 13D  depicts a housing  1357  coupled to the adapter bracket  1300 . Further, the lift system  1390  is installed in the bracket  1300 .  FIG. 13D  shows the lift system in the protracted position. In operation, the bracket couples to the protrusions  300  of the trailer  101 . 
         [0106]    Note that in using the adapter bracket, any housing may be adapted with a lift system and coupled to the trailer  101 .

Technology Classification (CPC): 1