Transportable storage facility

• US 20050053442A1
• Filed: 08/12/2004
• Published: 03/10/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 08/13/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: The Rosemyr Corporation
• Original Assignee: Lisa K. Taylor, Mark Rash
• Inventors: Taylor, Lisa K., Rash, Mark
• Granted Patent: US 7,704,032 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 410/3
• CPC Class Codes: B60P 1/6445 the load-transporting element being shifted only vertically
• CPC Class Codes: B60P 1/649 Guiding means for the load-transporting element
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 88/121 ISO containers
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 88/129 Transporter frames for containers
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 90/18 Castors, rolls, or the like; e.g. detachable castors in general B60B

Abstract

A self-contained mobile storage container includes a truck having a platform with a track, a storage container removably placed on the track on the platform, wherein the storage container includes a front end, a rear end and parallel sides. In addition, there are devices to secure the storage container to the platform, as well as a lift to elevate the storage container and remove it from the platform. Other devices are included to maneuver the storage container to a different geographical location for storage.

Claims

1. 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.

2. The mobile transport and storage system of claim 1, wherein the vehicle having the platform defined thereon comprises a semi-tractor and detachable trailer combination.

3. The mobile transport and storage system of claim 1, wherein the platform further comprises a track defined therein or disposed thereon, wherein the track is dimensioned and configured to position the storage container on a desired location on the platform.

4. The mobile transport and storage system of claim 3, wherein the storage container further comprises 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, and further wherein the two slides are dimensioned and configured to abut the track.

5. The mobile transport and storage system of claim 4, wherein the at least one lock-down unit comprises at least one locking hitch having a first end and a second end, wherein the end of the locking hitch is attached to the platform and the second end of the hitch is dimensioned and configured to releasibly engage at least one of the two slides.

6. The mobile transport and storage system of claim 5, comprising at least two locking hitches, wherein one of the locking hitch releasibly engages one of the two slides, and the other of the locking hitches releasibly engages the other of the two slides.

7. The mobile transport and storage system of claim 1, wherein the lift is selected from the group comprising hydraulic lifts, pneumatic lifts, and mechanical lifts.

8. The mobile transport and storage system of claim 1, wherein the storage container further comprises 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;

wherein the platform further comprises a track defined therein or disposed thereon;

and further comprising at least two runners located disposed adjacent to the track;

wherein the two slides are dimensioned and configured to abut the track when the storage container is disposed on the platform.

9. The mobile transport and storage system of claim 8, further comprising a plurality of guides affixed to the runners.

10. The mobile transport and storage system of claim 9, wherein each guide comprises a first portion attached to a runner and extending therefrom, and a second portion extending outwardly at an obtuse angle from the first portion.

11. The mobile transport and storage system of claim 1 wherein the means to aid movement of the storage container comprises at least one removable dolly wheel assembly supporting the storage container;

and removable connecting means attached to the storage container.

12. The mobile transport and storage system of claim 11, wherein the removable connecting means comprises a pintle hitch.

13. The mobile transport and storage system of claim 12, further comprising, in combination, a fork lift dimensioned and configured to releasibly engage the pintle hitch.

14. The mobile transport and storage system of claim 12, wherein the pintle hitch further comprises at least one dolly wheel assembly.

15. 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, the storage container comprising:

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.

16. The mobile transport and storage system of claim 15, wherein the removable connecting means comprises a pintle hitch.

17. The mobile transport and storage system of claim 16, wherein the pintle hitch is attached to the slides of the storage container.

18. The mobile transport and storage system of claim 16, wherein the pintle hitch further comprises at least one dolly wheel assembly.

19. The mobile transport and storage system of claim 16, further comprising, in combination, a fork lift dimensioned and configured to releasibly engage the pintle hitch.

20. The mobile transport and storage system of claim 20 wherein the forklift comprises a pair of lifting arms, and wherein the lifting arms are dimensioned and configured to releasibly engage the pintle hitch.