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 Apparatus and method for transporting chassisUSPTO Application #: 20080014038Title: Apparatus and method for transporting chassis Abstract: A method and apparatus for the hauling of chassis. The chassis hauler presents a front support system which supports multiple chassis. The chassis are stacked on top of one another in such a manner that their wheels face the same direction. (end of abstract) Agent: Hovey Williams LLP - Kansas City, MO, US Inventor: ANTHONY L. NICHOLS USPTO Applicaton #: 20080014038 - Class: 410056000 (USPTO) Related Patent Categories: Freight Accommodation On Freight Carrier, Load Bearer Accommodation, Semitrailer Accommodation The Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20080014038. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] The present application is continuation application and claims priority benefit, with regard to all common subject matter, of earlier-filed U.S. non-provisional patent application titled "APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR TRANSPORTING CHASSIS", Ser. No. 11/070,537, filed Mar. 2, 2005, which in turn claims priority benefit of provisional application Ser. No. 60/649,026 filed on Feb. 1, 2005. The identified earlier-filed applications are hereby incorporated by reference into the present application. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] The present invention relates generally to an improved apparatus and method for transporting chassis. In one aspect, the invention concerns a chassis hauler with a front support system comprising upright and lateral supports. In another aspect, the invention concerns a system of transporting chassis involving a chassis hauler and at least two chassis. In another aspect, the invention concerns a method of transporting chassis involving stacking at least two chassis on a chassis hauler. [0004] 2. Discussion of the Prior Art [0005] Chassis are traditionally employed to support box containers and are pulled by trucks in order to haul freight over the road. They are frequently transported on rail cars over long distances in order to provide a means of delivery for containers from the terminal to local locations. Within a given local area, however, there is sometimes a discrepancy between the number of needed chassis between two or more terminals. In cases such as this, it is often more feasible to transport the chassis over the road than to use the rail system. However, transporting chassis over the road is an inefficient process. Typically, only one chassis is hauled by truck at a time. Loading the chassis onto a trailer involves several people, as well as the use of a crane. If more than one chassis is loaded at a time, loading the chassis necessitates that one chassis be flipped upside down using a mechanical chassis flipper. This necessitates more people, more equipment, and more time. Also, there is more risk in this process, as there are increased dangers involved in flipping and loading additional chassis. Additionally, the process of flipping the chassis at both the starting terminal and ending terminal frequently results in damage to the chassis, which may necessitate repair. OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0006] Responsive to these and other problems, an object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus that enables more efficient loading and transporting of chassis. [0007] A further object of the present invention is to provide a system for the safe and effective transportation of chassis. [0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide for a safe, efficient, and cost-effective method of loading chassis for transportation. [0009] It should be noted that not all of the above-listed objects need be accomplished by the invention claimed herein and other objects and advantages of this invention will be apparent from the following description of the invention and the appended claims. [0010] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a hauler for the transportation of chassis. The hauler comprises a main body, which has a length measured in a longitudinal direction and a width measured in a transverse direction. The main body also defines a longitudinally-extending centerline and presents longitudinally-spaced front and rear portions. The hauler also comprises a plurality of wheels rotatably coupled to the main body proximate the rear portion and a front support system coupled to the main body proximate the front portion. The front support system comprises a first upright support member extending upwardly from the main body and a first lateral support member shiftably coupled to the first upright support member. The first lateral support member is shiftable between an extended position, where the first lateral support member extends over the centerline, and a retracted position, where the first lateral support member does not extend over the centerline. [0011] In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a hauler for the transportation of chassis. The hauler comprises a main body, which has a length measured in a longitudinal direction and a width measured in a transverse direction. The main body also defines a longitudinally-extending centerline and presents longitudinally-spaced front and rear portions. The hauler also comprises a plurality of wheels rotatably coupled to the main body proximate the rear portion and a front support system coupled to the main body proximate the front portion. The front support system comprises first and second upright support members extending upwardly from the main body and disposed on opposite sides of the centerline. The front support system also comprises first and second lateral support members shiftably coupled to the first and second upright support members, respectively. The first and second lateral support members are shiftable between extended and retracted positions, and the first and second lateral support members extend at least 6 inches further towards the centerline when in the extended position than when in the retracted position. [0012] In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a system for the transportation of chassis including a chassis hauler, a first chassis, and a second chassis. The chassis hauler includes a front support system which comprises at least one upright support member. The front support system also includes at least two lateral support members, which are adjustably coupled to the upright support member. The lateral support members are adjustable between an extended and retracted position. The first chassis is supported by a first lateral support member in the extended position. The second chassis is supported by a second lateral support member in the extended position. Both the first and second chassis are positioned so that their rear wheels face downward. [0013] In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method of transporting a chassis that includes the steps of loading a first chassis onto a chassis hauler such that it is at least partially supported by a first lateral support member. Following the loading of the first chassis, a second lateral support member is shifted such that it is in an extended position; and a second chassis is loaded onto the chassis hauler such that the second chassis is placed over the first chassis and is at least partially supported by the second lateral support member. Both of the chassis are positioned such that their rear wheels face downward. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES [0014] Preferred embodiments of the invention are described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, wherein: [0015] FIG. 1 is a schematic drawing of a side view of a chassis hauler according to one embodiment of the present invention that illustrates the chassis hauler loaded with three chassis; [0016] FIG. 2A is an isometric view of the chassis hauler of FIG. 1 wherein the chassis hauler is not loaded; [0017] FIG. 2B is an isometric view of the chassis hauler of FIG. 1 loaded with one chassis and illustrating a second chassis being loaded; [0018] FIG. 3 is a top view of a chassis hauler of FIG. 1 that is not loaded with any chassis; [0019] FIG. 4 is a partial side view of the chassis hauler of FIG. 1 particularly illustrating the front support system loaded with two chassis; [0020] FIG. 5A is a partial top view of the chassis hauler of FIG. 1 illustrating one of the lateral support members of the front support system in a retracted position; Continue reading... Full patent description for Apparatus and method for transporting chassis Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Apparatus and method for transporting chassis patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. Start now! - Receive info on patent apps like Apparatus and method for transporting chassis or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: cap for palletised loads Next Patent Application: Side mounted truck tie-down rail Industry Class: Freight accommodation on freight carrier ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Apparatus and method for transporting chassis patent info. 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