Patent Document

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application claims priority under 35 USC §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/494,774, filed Aug. 13, 2003, the entirety of which is incorporated herein. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     The present invention is directed to a self contained mobile storage container. The invention also includes a method for transporting the storage container between locations.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     The moving and storage industry often serves consumers who need to store large amounts of material for varying lengths of time. This situation arises when families are changing jobs and moving to different cities, remodeling their current home, and more. Customers who need off-site storage are often in the throes of a stressful situation made even more so by the inconvenience, expense and inefficiency of traditional moving and storage options.  
         [0004]     Traditionally, moving and storage options consist of a warehouse divided into multiple units which can be rented for expensive fees. To use traditional storage units, the customer must either pay someone to load the material requiring storage or do so themselves and bring it to the storage facility. The material is then unloaded and packed away in the storage unit. When storage is no longer needed, the material must be removed from the storage facility, reloaded into a truck, transported back to the desired location and finally unloaded yet again. The material to be stored is handled a total of four times, resulting in great inefficiency and rising costs.  
         [0005]     Another inconvenience with traditional mini-storage and moving options is the location of the storage units. Traditional moving and storage units are often located in out of the way neighborhoods, as space for storage units is rarely found in downtown areas. Space for long-term storage is hard to find in any situation, but especially in large metropolitan areas where even space for parking is at a premium. In the rare instance storage space is conveniently located, it is often exorbitantly expensive.  
         [0006]     A search of relevant prior art shows several patents relate to storage containers. U.S. patent application No. 2001/0038009 A1 to Payne describes a transport and storage system comprising a cargo container with multiple compartments containing a variety of storage modules. These storage modules can be cabinets, boxes, chests, racks, closets or other containers. In addition, the cargo container can be used without the storage modules. U.S. patent application No. 2002/0180179 A1 to Krauss describes a transportable storage container a well as a specialized transportation assembly. U.S. Pat. No. 3,666,312 to Harris describes a mobile storage box designed for cleaning up pollutants, such as oil spills, from bodies of water. U.S. Pat. No. 3,612,568 to Stensrud describes a steerably-wheeled, transportable cargo container comprising a covered flatbed, accessed by removing the container&#39;s cover. U.S. Pat. No. 6,056,122 to Takeuchi describes a large transportable storage container with a boxlike cover. U.S. Pat. No. 3,788,683 to Rumell describes a transport vehicle with a portable cargo container and a transport vehicle with a wheel bed and a removable and reusable freight hauling and storing container. U.S. Pat. No. 6,439,131 to Higgins describes a convertible highway and rail freight vehicle. U.S. Pat. No. 5,749,234 to Takano describes a transportable storage closet with an insulated container.  
         [0007]     However, the prior art does not provide the unique alternative to traditional mini-storage and moving options offered by the present invention wherein the storage space is delivered directly to the consumer. It is an object of this invention to provide a mobile storage container that can be transported directly to the consumer for loading, and then stored anywhere that has the required machinery. When storage is no longer needed, the entire storage container is transported directly to the customer for unloading. This reduces the work load by half because the stored material is only handled twice instead of the typical four times using traditional storage options. It is an object of this invention to provide a mobile storage container that is readily convertible from an immobile storing container to a mobile wheeled hauling container for easy transfer or placement. It is a further object of this invention to provide a mobile storage container that can be stored in any space large enough for the container to stand. Further, it is an object of this invention to provide a secure, weatherproof storage container that increases efficiency and reduces costs.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0008]     The invention described herein addresses these and other drawbacks of conventional transport and storage units by providing a mobile storage container and a method for transporting that container. The invention comprises a storage container with a door (rear door or side door and/or front door) and a set of long, parallel tracks running underneath the length of the storage container. The storage container also contains portable dolly wheels which slide into rear corner shafts of the container, which are secured by locking pins when the container is being moved on the ground for loading or unloading. A pintle ring hitch is attached to the front of the storage container to move the container for loading or unloading. The pintle ring hitch and the portable dolly wheels are removed from the container when not in use.  
         [0009]     The present invention is also directed to a mobile transport and storage system, comprising a truck having a platform such as a trailer. A storage container comprising a first front end, a second rear end, first and second parallel sides, a top end and a bottom end is removably placed on the trailer using a means to secure the storage container to the trailer. A means to lift and remove the storage container from the trailer is also provided, as is a means to maneuver the storage container to a different geographical location.  
         [0010]     The means to maneuver the storage container comprises removable dolly wheels which support the rear of the storage container, wherein the storage container includes slots for receiving the dolly wheels. A removable connecting means is attached to the front of the storage container to attach a transportation device for moving the storage container.  
         [0011]     The present invention is further directed to a mobile storage container adapted to be supported by and transported with a truck, wherein the truck includes a platform for supporting the cargo container. The storage container comprises at least two runners extending parallel to each other on the underside of the storage container and extends from the front to the rear of the storage container and is adapted to flank the track of the platform. In addition, a means to secure the storage container to the platform is provided comprising at least one locking pin for each runner.  
         [0012]     A preferred embodiment of the invention is a mobile transport and storage system, comprising, in combination: a vehicle having a platform defined thereon; a storage container removably disposed on the platform, the storage container including a front end, a rear end, first and second parallel sides, a top side and a bottom side; at least one lock-down unit dimensioned and configured to releasibly secure the storage container to the platform; a lift dimensioned and configured to lift and remove the storage container from the platform; and releasible means to aid movement of the storage container when it is removed from the platform, wherein the means are releasibly attached to the storage container.  
         [0013]     Yet another preferred embodiment of the invention is a mobile storage container adapted to be supported by and transported by a vehicle, wherein the vehicle defines a platform for supporting the storage container. Here, the storage container comprises: a storage container comprising a front end, a rear end, first and second parallel sides, a top side, and a bottom side; at least two slides defined in, or disposed on, the bottom side of the storage container, wherein the two slides are substantially parallel to one another, and wherein the two slides run lengthwise in a direction extending from the front end of the storage container toward the rear end of the storage container; at least one locking hitch to secure the storage container to the platform; at least one removable dolly wheel assembly supporting the storage container; and removable connecting means attached to the storage container.  
         [0014]     In practice, the storage container of the present invention is chosen based on the storage needs of the customer. Portable dolly wheels are secured to the rear of the storage container with locking pins. A pintle ring is connected to the front of the storage container by inserting the pintle ring into the parallel tubes on the underside of the storage container and is secured to the storage container with locking pins. The pintle hitch on a fork-lift is also secured to the pintle ring on the front of the storage container. After the pintle ring and hitch are connected to the fork lift, the fork lift raises the front of the storage container off the ground to the minimum height required for the fork lift to safely pull or tow the container to the lift area. The fork lift transports the storage container to a lift, where the storage container is placed onto the lift and the pintle ring on the storage container is disconnected from the pintle hitch connected to the forklift. The pintle ring and the portable dolly wheels are then removed from the storage container until needed again. While a forklift is described herein, any sort of industrial lift known to the art can be used, including a tractor or tow-truck. The storage container is lifted to the desired height and a trailer or truck is moved into position underneath the container. The storage container is then lowered onto the trailer or truck for transport and secured to the truck or trailer frame. The storage container is then ready for transport to a customer for loading. Upon return, the process is reversed and the filled container is stored until needed.  
         [0015]     While most of the mobile storage systems of the prior art require heavy machinery, e.g., tractor trailers, large cranes and large forklifts, and professional drivers to operate the system, one advantage of the present invention is the simplicity of the system. The present invention advantageously allows home-owners and individuals to move the storage containers without requiring outside professionals. Further, the advantages of this invention include the increased efficiency of a mobile storage container. A mobile storage container requires half the work load of traditional storage units. An additional advantage is that this storage container is secure, weatherproof and can be moved multiple times. Also, this mobile storage container can be stored anywhere that has the required fork-lifts and lifts. Further, an advantage of this invention is 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES  
       [0016]      FIG. 1  is a side elevation view of the mobile transport and storage system of the present invention.  
         [0017]      FIG. 2  is a partial perspective and exploded view of the rear section of the storage container illustrating the placement of the portable dolly wheels.  
         [0018]      FIG. 3  is an exploded rear view of the truck or trailer bed platform and storage container.  
         [0019]      FIG. 3   a  is a partially exploded side elevation view of the truck or trailer bed.  
         [0020]      FIG. 4  is a side elevation view of the mobile transport and storage system illustrating the action of a lift on the cargo box.  
         [0021]      FIG. 5  is a partially exploded, side elevation view of the storage container of the present invention on the lift.  
         [0022]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the portable dolly wheels of the present invention.  
         [0023]      FIG. 7  is a partial perspective and exploded view of the front section of the storage container illustrating the placement of the pintle hitch and pintle ring.  
         [0024]      FIG. 8  is a side elevational view of the storage container illustrating the placement of the portable wheel dollies and the pintle hitch and ring.  
         [0025]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view illustrating the movement of the storage container via a forklift.  
         [0026]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the pintle ring and hitch mechanism illustrating additional wheel dollies. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0027]     Referring now more particularly to the drawings, a mobile transport and storage system  10  in the form of a truck  12  and a flatbed trailer  14  is shown in  FIG. 1 . The trailer  14  is supported by wheels  18  and may be removably attached to the truck  12  by a conventional hitch  21 . The trailer  14  can also support a steel box  35  (shown in  FIG. 3 ) in which can be stored a portable loading ramp (not shown) for accessing the storage container  22 . The flatbed trailer  14  used in the present invention can be one of several designs commonly known to the trailer industry, such as those manufactured by Hudson Trailers (Indian Trail, N.C.). Further, it will be understood that while a trailer truck  12  is shown in the illustrated embodiment, the invention is similarly applicable to other forms of transport vehicles. For example, it is within the scope of the present invention to provide the system  10  with a truck  12  which supports the storage container  22  without the need of a trailer  14 . In other words, the truck  12  can include an integrated trailer section that is not reversibly detachable.  
         [0028]     Referring now to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a removable and reusable storage container  22  is supported on the flatbed trailer  14 . (The trailer is obscured from view in  FIG. 2 .) The storage container  22  includes a rectangular base and frame construction with a rear wall  23  comprising a movable door  37 , two side walls  24 , a front wall  25  (see  FIG. 1 ) and a roof  26 . The rear wall  23  of the storage container  22  includes openings  54  for locking pins  56  to secure portable dolly wheels  46 .  
         [0029]     As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the storage container  22  preferably includes at least one, and preferably a pair of parallel slides  42 , which traverse the underside  40  of the storage container  22 . The slides  42  extend substantially from the front  25  of the container to the rear  23  of the container. Although the dimensions of the slides  42  may be adjusted depending on the needs of the operator or the system  10 , the slides are preferably fabricated from 2 inch×6 inch steel tubes. The storage container  22  is typically sized to accommodate the needs of the operator or customer. Preferably, the height of the container  22  can range from about six feet to about nine feet with about seven feet, seven inches being preferred. The width of the container  22  can preferably ranges from about eight feet to about eight feet six inches, with about eight feet being most preferred. The length of the container  22  is again dependent on the needs of the customer. Preferably, a variety of lengths of container  22  can be used, ranging from about eight or less feet to about twenty four or more feet. Containers parting from these preferred dimensions are explicitly within the scope of the claimed invention.  
         [0030]     When preparing to transport the storage container  22 , the truck  12  containing the trailer  14  is backed underneath the lifted storage container  22 . The storage container  22  is aligned on the trailer  14  by aligning the slides  42  with a plurality of the parallel guides  44  along the length of the trailer  14 . (See  FIG. 3   a  for a closer view of the guides  44 ). The guides  44  are dimensioned and configured to include a first portion fixed to the trailer and extending some distance therefrom, such that the first portion of each guide will closely abut the slides  42  when the storage container  22  is placed upon the trailer. The guides  44  also include a second portion extending outwardly at an obtuse angle from the first portion, thereby defining a channel slightly wider in width than the width across the slides  42 . In this fashion, when the container is lowered upon the trailer, the second portion of each guide  44  can act to direct the slides  42  of the container to come to rest squarely between the first portions of the guides.  
         [0031]     With the storage container securely disposed between the guides  44 , the storage container  22  is then secured to the trailer  14  by at least one and preferably at least four side lock down units  19  (see  FIG. 3   a ). Suitable lock downs of various designs are well known to the art. The lock downs are dimensioned and configured to secure the cargo body  22  to the trailer  14  in a releasable fashion. A rear lock down unit comprising flange  29  and corresponding bracket  28  can also be used to secure the container  22  to the rear bumper  17  of the trailer  14 .  
         [0032]     Referring now to  FIGS. 3 and 3   a,  there is illustrated an exploded view of the storage container  22  and trailer  14 . The trailer  14  is preferably defined by an elongated steel box  35  extending longitudinally from the rear of the trailer  14  forward to a desired length needed to house a portable loading ramp (not shown). Situated on either side of the box  35  are frame-runners  38 . The underside  40  of the storage container  22  contains two parallel disposed slides  42  extending longitudinally from the front  25  of the storage container  22  to the rear  23 . The slides  42  are preferably formed of steel, iron or some other hardened material and are further designed to be placed on either side of the box  35  directly on top of the frame-runners  38 .  
         [0033]     Situated externally to the frame-runners  38  are the guides  44 . As noted earlier, the guides comprise extensions extending upwardly from the frame-runners  38  and serve to situate the container squarely upon the trailer. The guides  44  are dimensioned, configured, and positioned to receive and direct the slides  42  to the frame-runners  38  as the storage container  22  is placed on top of the trailer  14 .  
         [0034]     The components of the trailer  14  are shown in more detail in  FIG. 3   a.  At least one, but preferably four lock down units  19 , are located on the frame-runners  38 . As shown in  FIG. 3   a,  each lock down unit is attached to the frame-runners  38  through via a lock down slide  15 . The lock down unit  19  attaches to the frame-runners  38  over the lock down slide  15 , thereby allowing the position of the lock down unit  19  to be adjusted based on the needs of the operator. For instance, if the underside  40  of the storage container  22  contains immovable metal struts, the lock down units  19  may need to be moved to secure the container  22  to the trailer  14 . The lock down slide  15  allows for this adjustment to the position of the lock down unit  19 . Also shown in  FIG. 3   a  is the rear lock down bracket  28  which (in cooperation with flange  29 ) further secures the rear  23  of the container  22  to the trailer bumper  17 , thereby preventing the container  22  from moving forward or backwards on the trailer  14 . Rear slide locking pins  30  are used to secure the flange  29  to the trailer  14 . Each lock down unit  19  is dimensioned and configured to engage either a slide  42  or the container  22  itself in releasable fashion. Thus, in operation, the container  22  is lowered onto the trailer  14 . The guides  44  direct the container to sit squarely on the frame runners  38 . The lock down units  19  are then engaged to a slide  44  (or to the container  22 ) and tightened, thereby releasably securing the container to the trailer.  
         [0035]     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , the storage container  22  is illustrated as it is being separated from the trailer  14 . The storage container  22  is removed from the trailer  14  using a lift  32  such as a winch, scaffold hook or other lifting device known to the art. Ideally, the process for separating the storage container  22  from the trailer  14  involves the use of a heavy-duty lift designed to elevate heavy bodies. Such lifts  32  are well-known to the art, particularly in the automotive industry. A representative example of a lift suitable for use in the present invention is manufactured by Rotary Lifts of Madison, Ind. The lifts  32  can be hydraulic, pneumatic, or mechanical in design.  
         [0036]     As is illustrated in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the lift  32  typically comprises a pair of upright supports  34  positioned on either side of the storage container  22 . One of the supports  34  is illustrated in  FIGS. 4 and 5 . The other (unseen) support is typically an identical mirror image of the first support and is located on the opposite side of the storage container  22 . The lift  32  typically includes a pair of extendable arms  36  which are hingedly attached to the upright support  34  for movement and placement under the storage container  22 .  
         [0037]     The storage container  22  is removed from the trailer  14  by detaching the side lockdown unit(s)  19 , and disengaging the flange  29  from the rear lock down bracket  28 . Detaching the lockdown units  19 ,  28  and  29  separates the storage container  22  from the trailer  14 . The storage container  22  is then lifted via the action of the lift  32 . Once the storage container  22  has been released and elevated from the trailer  14 , the trailer  14  is moved out of the way, typically by the truck  12 .  
         [0038]     Referring now to  FIGS. 5 through 8 , removing the storage container  22  from the trailer  14  is described. The unit  10  comprising the truck  12 , trailer  14  and storage container  22  on the trailer  14  is typically pulled into a shop area and positioned adjacent to the lift  32 . The lift arms  36  of the lift  32  are placed in position on the underside  40  of the storage container  22 . The lockdown units  19  on the trailer  14 , which hold the storage container  22  to the trailer  14 , are then released. The lift  32  is then activated to elevate the lift arms  36 , which in turn elevate the storage container  22  from the trailer  14  to the desired height. The truck  12  and trailer  14  are removed from under the storage container  22 , and the storage container  22  is lowered to the desired height.  
         [0039]     Referring now to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , portable dolly wheel assemblies  46  are inserted into rear corner shafts  48  of the storage container  22  via extensions  50 . The dolly wheel assemblies allow for easier portability of the storage container  22  once it has been lowered to the ground  20 . The portable dolly wheel assemblies  46  are preferably trailer wheels dimensioned and configured in a very robust and sturdy fashion. The wheel assemblies must be sufficiently sturdy to transport a large and completely filled container  22  over potentially rough terrain (e.g., up and down curbs, over broken pavement, etc.).  
         [0040]     As illustrated in  FIG. 6 , each the dolly wheel assembly  46  preferably comprises a set of wheels  47  attached by an axle  49  to a forked support  51 . As shown in the figure, the forked support  51  is attached to an extension  50  which is designed to fit matingly within the rear corner shaft  48  (see  FIG. 5 ) of the storage container  22 . Alternatively, as illustrated in  FIG. 6 , the extension  50  is slidably supported within an opening  53  in the forked support  51 . In this embodiment, the extension  50  can be extended and retracted within the opening  53 . Thus, when the dolly assembly is to be attached to the container, the extension  50  is extended, and then secured by a locking pin  56  passing through aperture  54 ′ to the forked support  51 . The slidably supported center post extension  50  reduces the height the rear  23  of the container  22  needs to be lifted to insert or remove the dolly wheel assemblies  46 , thereby increasing the utility of the invention. In this manner, the support container  22  advantageously does not have to raised as high by the lift either to place the dolly wheels  46  in the rear corner shafts  48  of the storage container  22  or to remove the dolly wheel assemblies  46  from the rear corner shafts. The extensions  50  may simply be raised or lowered to the desired height.  
         [0041]     The extensions  50  also include at least one opening  52 . The opening(s)  52  are designed to align in registration with corresponding openings  54  in the rear corner shafts  48 . Once the dolly wheel assemblies  46  have been inserted within the shaft  48 , a locking pin  56  (as shown in  FIG. 6 ) is placed through the openings  54  and  52  to secure the dolly wheels  46  to the storage container  22 . It is within the scope of the present invention to have other means of securing the dolly wheels  46  to the storage post  48 , such as clips, friction fittings, and the like. Further, although dolly wheel assemblies  46  are described here, it is also within the scope to have other attachments to aid moving the container  22  after it is removed from the trailer  14 . For example, the dolly wheel assemblies  46  can be replaced by sleds.  
         [0042]      FIG. 7  partially illustrates the front  25  of the storage container  22 . A separable pintle ring mechanism  60  is provided which fits within openings  62  of the slides  42 . The pintle ring  60  must be made of strong material, such as steel, iron or the like in order to withstand heavy pressures from pulling the storage container  22 . The pintle ring  60  is defined by two arms  64 , each of which are provided with one or more openings  66  for receiving a locking pin  68 . In operation, the arms  64  are placed within the openings  62  of the slides  42 . Corresponding openings (not shown) alongside the slides  42  are aligned with the openings  66  in the arms  64  of the pintle ring  60  in similar manner to the locking procedure of the dolly wheel assemblies  46  as illustrated in  FIG. 5 . The locking pin  68  or a similar mechanism locks the pintle ring  60  into the slides  42 . In this manner, a pintle ring  60  is attached to the storage container  22 . The pintle ring can then be used to attach a transportation device to the container (thereby to transport the container to a desired location).  
         [0043]     Referring now to  FIGS. 7, 8 , and  9 , the storage container  22 , ready for transport with the rear dolly wheel assembly  46  and pintle ring mechanism  60  in place, is illustrated. Once the storage container  22  with the pintle ring  60  and portable dolly wheel assembly  46  are in place, the storage container  22  is lowered to ground level. At this point, the storage container  22  can be moved to a storage location. One means of moving the storage container  22  is by means of a forklift  70  (see  FIG. 9 ) which includes standard arms or tines  72 , known to the art. The forklift  70  is preferably modified to receive a pintle hitch  74 , which attaches to the fork arms  72 . The pintle hitch is dimensioned and configured to engage the pintle. The only augmentation required for a standard forklift  70  is to provide openings  76  in the fork arms  72  (see  FIG. 7 ) to secure a forklift pintle hitch  74  with locking pins  78  (see  FIG. 7 ) in corresponding traversing openings  80  in the forklift pintle hitch  74  and openings  76  in the fork arms  72 . Coupler  82  (see  FIG. 7 ) is dimensioned and configured to engage the pintle ring  80  in a releasible fashion. In this manner, a forklift can be used to maneuver the container  22 .  
         [0044]     Referring now to  FIG. 9 , the forklift  70  with the pintle hitch  74  attached is positioned in front of the storage container  22  such that the pintle hitch  74  (which is connected to fork arms  72 ) connects with the pintle ring  60  to secure the forklift  70  to the storage container  22 . The fork arms  72  on the forklift  70 , which include the forklift pintle hitch  74  attached to the pintle ring  60 , are raised such that the front of the storage container  22  is elevated to a desired height for towing. The forklift  70  then maneuvers the storage container  22  to a desired location. Once at the desired location, the forklift  70  lowers the front end of the storage container to the ground. The forklift pintle hitch  74  is removed from the fork arms  72  on the forklift  70 . At this point, the storage container  22  can remain in storage in its current condition.  
         [0045]     Alternatively, the storage container  22  can be manipulated such that the dolly wheel assembly  46  and the pintle ring  60  are removed. One means for accomplishing this is to place the forklift  70 , without the forklift pintle hitch  74 , under the front of the storage container  22  such that the fork arms  72  of the forklift  70  raise the storage container  22  to an elevation sufficient to allow the removal of the pintle ring  60  from the front of the container. Once the pintle ring  60  has been removed, the fork arms  72  on the forklift  70  are lowered to lower the storage container to the ground. The forklift  70  is then transported to the rear  23  of the storage container  22 . The fork arms  72  on the forklift  70  are then placed under the storage container  22  to elevate the storage container  22  to a height which will allow the dolly wheel assemblies  46  to be removed from each rear corner shaft  48 . Once the dolly wheel asemblies  46  are removed, the rear  23  of the storage container  22  is lowered to ground level.  
         [0046]     The storage container  22  may stay in this position indefinitely. A customer or owner can then have access to the cargo disposed within the storage container at will. If the container is no longer needed, or is required at a different location, the container can be moved to the new location. This is accomplished by reversing the steps recited above and then moving the container to another location.  
         [0047]     Referring now to  FIG. 10 , a pintle ring  60  with a set of portable dolly wheel assemblies  90  attached is shown. As shown in  FIG. 7 , the pintle ring  60  attaches to the slides  42  located on the front  23  of container  22 ; the slides  42  run from the front  25  to the rear  23  of the container  22  (as shown in  FIG. 3 ). The pintle ring  60  can also be inserted into the slides  42  and attached by locking pins  68  on the rear  23  of body  22  if needs be. By inserting and attaching a pintle ring  60  into the slides  42  on the rear  23  of the container  22 , as well as to the front  25  of container  22 , the container can have pintle ring at both its front end and at its rear end. This allows the container  22  to be towed from either the front or the the rear  23 . Further, when the dolly wheel assemblies  90  are attached to the pintle ring mechanism  60 , they can be attached to either end of the container  22 . This results in two pintle rings  60  with portable wheels  90  attached connected to the front  25  and rear  23  of the container  22  at the same time, fully supporting the container  22  by dolly wheel assemblies  90  on both ends.  
         [0048]     The pintle ring mechanism  60 , with its own set of portable dolly wheel assemblies  90 , can also be secured to the front  25  of the storage container  22  alone. The portable dolly wheel assemblies  90  can be attached with locking pins  94  for quick removal or can be attached by nuts and bolts (not shown) for a more permanent arrangement. The pintle ring dolly wheel assemblies  90  can be attached to the pintle ring  60  through shafts  92  on the pintle ring  60  and secured by locking pins  94  placed through openings  96  on the pintle ring shaft  92  and corresponding openings  98  on the portable dolly wheel assemblies  90 . The pintle ring  60  is then placed onto the storage container  22  as described previously. Each portable dolly assembly  90  preferably contains two wheels  91 , as illustrated in  FIG. 10 . When the container  22  is supported at all 4 lower corners by a dolly wheel assmbly, the storage container  22  can be transported by means other than the forklift  70  as described above, or several containers can be linked together in a train.  
         [0049]     In addition, when supported at all four lower comers by a dolly wheel assembly, the storage container  22  can be rolled onto a carrier trailer, typically called a rollback car carrier or trailer. The storage container  22  can then be secured to the trailer for transportation via a truck or trailer mechanism.  
         [0050]     The steps to deliver a storage container  22  to a specified location are as follows. The storage container  22  is moved to a position between the lift  32  as described previously and illustrated in  FIG. 4 . The lift  32  raises the storage container  22  to a desired height so that the portable dolly wheels  46  and  90  can be attached to both ends of the storage container  22  via shafts  62  and  92 . A rollback truck or trailer  14  is then moved into position under the storage container  22  with the portable dolly wheels  46  and  90  attached on both ends. The storage container  22  is lowered onto the trailer  14  and secured for transport to a desired customer location. At that location, the storage container  22  is released from the trailer  14 . The trailer  14  is then tilted, allowing the storage container  22  to roll off the trailer  14 . After removing the storage container  22  from the trailer  14 , a hydraulic jack or other lifting mechanism may be placed in front of the storage container  22  to raise the front  25  of the storage container  22  to a height whereby the pintle ring  60  engages with the portable dolly wheels  46  to be removed from the front  25  of the storage container  22 . The front  25  is then lowered to the ground  20  by the same lifting mechanism. The mechanism is then placed under the rear  23  of the storage container  22  to raise the rear  23  of the storage container  22  to a height which will allow the portable dolly wheels  46  to be removed. The lifting mechanism then lowers the rear of the storage container  22  to the ground  20 . At this point, the storage container  22  remains in this position until it is time to be removed, when the above-referenced steps are reversed.  
         [0051]     It is understood that the invention is not confined to the particular construction and arrangement of parts herein illustrated and described, but embraces all such modified forms thereof as come within the scope of the following claims.

Technology Category: 7