MXPA96005961A

MXPA96005961A - Elevator mechanism for a platform system

Info

Publication number: MXPA96005961A
Application number: MXPA/A/1996/005961A
Authority: MX
Inventors: S Smidler Francis
Original assignee: Wabash National Corporation
Priority date: 1995-11-30
Filing date: 1996-11-29
Publication date: 1998-04-01

Abstract

The present invention describes a trailer for transporting cargo, such as cargo in general, automobiles, small trucks and the like, having a platform element therein. The platform element is capable of being raised or lowered by the lift assembly in a variety of positions within the trailer and can be secured to the side walls of the trailer by members of cam brackets. A guide assembly is provided to prevent forward and backward movement of the platform element during the transportation of the trailer. The trailer can be tilted back until the rear end of the trailer is in contact with the ground, so that the load can be easily loaded onto the trailer. The load can be loaded on the platform element and under the platform element on the floor of the trailer. The elevator assembly is substantially horizontally disposed along the top of the trailer, so that when the cars are loaded on the platform element and the platform element is lifted, the elevator assembly does not interfere with the space occupied by the elevators. car

Description

ELEVATOR MECHANISM FOR A PLATFORM SYSTEM BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention is generally directed to a novel cargo truck trailer for transporting cargo in general, automobiles, small trucks and the like on the road or by rail. More particularly, the invention contemplates a cargo truck type trailer which can be efficiently adapted to transport a variety of cargo, such as automobiles, cargo in general and the like to transport them. In a conventional boarding procedure, when automobiles or the like are manufactured in a manufacturing plant, cars must be loaded onto the trailer to transport cars on the road. In case the cars are shipped a greater distance, to minimize costs, the cars are usually shipped by rail. To reach the final destination, such as the place of commercial activities of the merchant, the cars are unloaded from the railroad van and are reloaded in a trailer that drives the cars to the final destination. Trailers that are designed to transport and drive automobiles are usually open-trellis configuration, which is specifically designed to transport automobiles. Often, cars are shipped from one side of the country to another side of the country, for example, from Detroit, Michigan to Los Angeles, California. Once the cars are unloaded in California, the manufacturer generally wishes to transport a cargo load back through the country to efficiently use the trailer. Since the trailer is specifically designed to transport automobiles, only automobiles can be transported back to Detroit, and other types of items, such as cargo in general, can not be transported in the trailer. With this type of trailer, the trailer is often returned empty across the country, therefore, consuming gasoline and operator time. This boarding procedure can cause delays and possible damage to cars due to the repeated loading and unloading of cars on trailers and rail cars. The procedure is also labor-intensive, which increases the transportation costs of automobiles. Additionally, the open lattice configuration exposes automobiles to external elements and possibly be damaged by road debris. The novel cargo truck trailer of the present invention aims to avoid or minimize these problems, as well as having several improvements and advantages over the trailers of the prior art.

A general object of the present invention is to provide a novel cargo truck trailer, which efficiently transports cargo in general, automobiles, trucks or the like. An object of the present invention is to provide a trailer that reduces the cost of transportation of the cargo. Another object of the present invention is to provide a novel trailer structure and the method for loading and unloading cargo in the trailer. Briefly, and in accordance with the foregoing, the present invention discloses a novel cargo truck type trailer for transporting or driving cargo, such as cargo in general, automobiles, small trucks and the like. The trailer has a floor, an upper part, side walls extended between the floor and the top, a front wall and rear doors. The wheels are adapted below the floor by a system of road suspension and a landing gear is adapted below the floor ahead of the center of gravity of the trailer. A platform element is mounted within the trailer and is capable of being lifted or lowered into the trailer by a lift assembly. The platform element includes platform beams that are mutually parallel and a plurality of lifting beams that are mutually parallel and perpendicular to the beams of the platform. The platform beams and the lifting beams are mutually secured by suitable means. The platform element further includes a passageway along which the operator can enter or exit the cars or trailer. The corridor is parallel to the beams of the platform and secured in the lifting beams. A first embodiment of the lift assembly includes two tension bar members that run along the top of each sidewall of the trailer, two threaded screws, nuts internally threaded, a motor and connection members, preferably chains, which connect the tension bars and the platform element together. The members of the tension bars and the screws are arranged horizontally along the top of the trailer. The screw is connected to the tension bar member and to the motor. The nut is fixed between the tension bar member and the screw. The nut is fixed to the tension bar member and is not rotatable with respect thereto. The screw is rotatable with respect to the nut. The motor rotates the screw, which due to the threaded coupling between the screw and the nut, causes the tension bar member to move relative to the side wall of the trailer in the direction of one end of the trailer which, at its Once, it causes the chains to retract and lift the platform element up from the floor of the trailer. The elevator assembly is also used to lower the platform element by the motor by turning the screw in the opposite direction, thereby causing the tension bar member to move in the direction of the opposite end of the trailer. A second embodiment of the lift assembly includes two members of the tension bar, which run along the top of each side wall of the trailer, two threaded screws, internally threaded nuts, a motor, a collecting or distribution beam that connects the threaded screws to the tension bars, and the connection elements preferably chains, which connect together the tension bars and the platform element. The members of the tension bar, the screws and the distribution beam are arranged horizontally along the top of the trailer. The screw is connected to the distribution beam and the motor.

The nut is fixed between the distribution beam and the screw. The nut is fixed to the distribution beam and is not rotatable with respect to it. The screw is rotatable with respect to the nut. The motor rotates to the screw which, due to the threaded coupling between the screw and the nut, causes the distribution beam to move relative to the side wall of the trailer in the direction of one end of the trailer which, in turn, causes the beams of tension move and the chains retract and lift the platform element up from the floor of the trailer. The elevator assembly is also used to lower the platform element by the motor that turns the screw in the opposite direction, thus causing the distribution beam and the connected tension bar to move in the direction of the opposite end of the trailer. Initially, the platform element rests and rests against the floor of the trailer and the weight of the platform element rests on it. When the platform element is lifted by the elevator assembly, the lifting beams are secured to the cam brackets on the side walls of the trailer to absorb the full weight of the platform, on the chains in the elevator assembly. Each bracket is removable and has a lock mechanism therein that locks and secures the bracket on the side wall of the trailer to prevent the bracket from detaching unintentionally from the side wall. To load the cargo truck trailer with the load, the trailer wheels are locked against rotation by a conventional brake. The trailer is driven rearward to move the suspension system and the wheels forward approximately to the midpoint of the trailer, but preferably behind the center of gravity of the trailer. Therefore, the suspension system is uncoupled to tilt or tilt the trailing end of the trailer in the direction of the terrain around the suspension system. The suspension system can be a conventional suspension system that includes an airbag between the floor and the wheels of the trailer to allow relative movement up and down between the trailer and the wheel axle. To uncouple the suspension system, the air is released from the air bag. The landing gear is lowered to the ground to tilt the rear end of the trailer around the suspension system and in the direction of the terrain until the rear end of the trailer is in contact with the ground. After the trailer has been tilted, the ramps are placed between the interior of the trailer and the ground.

The load is then loaded into the platform element. Then, the platform element is raised by the elevator assembly at a height sufficient to load the load under the platform element and is secured to the side walls of the trailer by means of the cam brackets. The load is then loaded onto the floor of the trailer under the platform element. If desired, the load can be loaded on the trailer with the load on the platform element displaced on one side of the trailer and the load on the floor displaced on the other side of the trailer from which the load on the trailer element is loaded. platform. Since the tension bars, the threaded screws and the distribution beam comprising the elements of the first or second embodiment of the lifting mechanism are arranged horizontally along the upper wall of the trailer, the interior space of the trailer above the Platform element is substantially unobstructed. Therefore, a car that is loaded on the platform element in the trailer has enough room therein. When the car is unloaded into the platform element, the roof of the car sits between the tension bars and the rear parts of the distribution beam. So the roof of the car is able to be very close to the top wall of the trailer, so that the maximum space of load in tow is used. The platform element can be raised to be generally close to the top of the trailer without any load being loaded on the platform element. In case the platform element is raised to the top of the trailer, the load is loaded on the floor of the trailer. In this configuration, a sufficient site is provided without obstruction within the interior of the trailer for a general load or the like. When the platform element is raised to be generally close to the top of the trailer, the platform element need not be secured to the side walls of the trailer by the cam brackets. The chains between the tension bar and the platform element are shortened by a short enough length so that the platform element is not substantially able to move relative to the lifting mechanism. Furthermore, when the platform element is raised to be generally close to the top of the trailer, the ramps and cam brackets can be stored on the upper part of the platform element between the platform element and the upper part of the trailer. This allows the ramps and brackets to always be loaded on the trailer, so that they can not be lost, and also allows the ramps and brackets to be available for use whenever the platform element is used to carry cargo. The load on the trailer can be unloaded using the same bending procedure as for loading the load on the trailer. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The organization and manner of the structure and operation of the invention, together with additional objects and advantages thereof, can be better understood with reference to the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, where similar reference numbers identify similar elements in which: Figure 1 is a side elevational view of a cargo truck trailer and a tractor connected thereto, which incorporates the characteristics of the invention with the wheels of the trailer in a first position in which the trailer can be driven on the roads; Figure IA is a partially fragmented elevation side view of a plurality of cargo truck trailers according to Figure 1, mounted on railroad platform wagons in which the trailers can be transported on the track; Figure 2 is a side elevation view of a cargo truck trailer and the tractor shown in Figure 1, with the trailer wheels in a second position; Figure 2A is a side elevational view of a wheel suspension system of the load truck trailer with the suspension system in an inflated configuration when the wheels of the trailer are in the position shown in Figures 1 and 2; Figure 3 is a side elevational view of the cargo truck trailer and the tractor shown in Figure 1, with the trailing end of the trailer tilted in the direction of the ground; Figure 3A is a side elevation view of the suspension system shown in Figure 2A with the suspension system in a decoupled configuration when the trailing end of the trailer is tilted in the direction of the ground shown in Figure 3; Figure 4 is a side elevational view of the cargo truck trailer and the tractor shown in Figure 1, with the landing gear extended on the ground, the tractor is disconnected from the steering pivot and the rear fender at the rear end of the trailer in contact with the ground; Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the cargo truck trailer showing the loading sequence for a first group of automobiles, shown in the top floor view, to be unloaded in the trailer, and on the platform element; Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the cargo truck trailer showing the loading sequence for a second group of automobiles, two of which are shown on the dotted line and one of which is shown in the plant view upper, which will be loaded on the floor of the trailer after the platform element is raised, with the first group of cars shown in Figure 5 in the top floor view; Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the cargo truck trailer showing the view of the upper floor of the platform assembly incorporating the features of the invention within the trailer; Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the platform assembly along line 8-8 of Figure 7; Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the platform assembly along the line -9 of Figure 7; Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the cargo truck trailer showing the platform member and a first embodiment of the elevator assembly, with the platform member in a lowered position; Figure 10A is an enlarged side view in elevation of a first embodiment of the elevator assembly and a drive mechanism for the elevator assembly incorporating the features of the invention for raising or lowering the platform element; Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of the cargo truck trailer showing the platform member and the first embodiment of the elevator assembly similar to that of Figure 10 with the platform member in an elevated position; Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of the cargo truck trailer showing the platform member and the first embodiment of the elevator assembly similar to Figure 10 with the platform member in an alternating raised position; Figure 13 is a side elevational view of a cam bracket incorporating the features of the present invention with the bracket that is secured to the side wall of the trailer, shown in a cross section, to secure the platform in the walls side of the trailer; Figure 14 is a side elevational view of a cam bracket similar to that shown in Figure 13 with the platform element secured thereto; Figure 15 is a fragmentary elevational side view of the bracket shown in Figure 1, in an unlocked or unsecured position; Figure 16 is a schematic rear elevational view of a cargo truck trailer with the platform element raised approximately to the midpoint of the trailer; Figure 17 is a fragmentary view partly in cross section of a longitudinal assembly to prevent longitudinal movement of the platform element when the platform element is being lifted; Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view of the cargo truck trailer showing the platform member and a second embodiment of the elevator assembly with the platform member in a lowered position; Figure 19 is a cross-sectional view of the trailer with the platform element in an elevated position, with the automobiles shown on the dotted line loaded on the floor and the platform element within the trailer; Figure 20 is a view of the upper floor of the trailer showing the details of the second embodiment of the lift assembly with a car shown in dotted lines loaded on the platform element; Figure 21 is a partial rear view in elevation of a trailer showing a car loaded on the platform element; Figure 22 is an enlarged side elevation view of a second embodiment of a lift assembly with the raised platform element that is adjacent to the top wall of the trailer; Figure 23 is a partial rear elevational view of the trailer showing the platform element in an elevated position that is next to the upper wall of the trailer, with the ramps and brackets resting on the upper part of the platform element; and Figure 24 is a schematic view of the second embodiment of the elevator assembly that has been schematized to show the details of the second embodiment of the elevator assembly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODALITY While the invention may be susceptible to incorporation in different ways, as shown in the drawings, and in the present a specific embodiment will be described in detail, with the understanding that the present disclosure will be considered an exemplification of the principles of the invention, and it is not intended to limit the invention to what is illustrated and described herein. In Figure 1, a novel trailer truck type 20 is shown, which incorporates characteristics of the present invention. The trailer 20 of the present invention is used to transport cargo, such as cargo in general, automobiles, small trucks and the like, on roads, highways and the like or by rail. The trailer 20 of the present invention can be connected to a conventional tractor 24 by known means, such as a fifth wheel. The trailer 20 has a floor 26, a top portion 28, a front wall 30, a rear wall 32 and vertical side walls 34, 34a extending between the floor 26 and the top 29 to form an elongated structure. The rear wall 32 has doors 36, shown schematically in Figures 5 and 6, to provide access to the interior of the trailer 20, so that the load can be loaded onto the trailer 20. A rear fender 38 extends downward from the rear most end of the trailer 20. The sidewalls 34, 34a of the trailer 20 may have various known constructions, but preferably a construction such as that disclosed in US Pat. Nos. 4,685,721 and 4,810,027. The structure of such walls of the plate trailer formed from an aluminum plate is well known and is not described herein. The side walls 34, 34a of the trailer 20 can have front cuts 40 that are approximately at the midpoint of the trailer 20 close to the longitudinal center of gravity., but preferably slightly backwards from the longitudinal center of gravity of the trailer. The trailer 20 can have backward cuts 42, which are close to the rear end of the trailer 20. They can provide multiple subsequent cuts. The upper part 28 of the trailer 20 of the present invention is separated from the floor 26 farther than the stops in the conventional plate trailers for the reasons described herein. In the trailer 20 of the present invention, the upper part 28 is preferably 299.72 cm (118 inches) or more from the floor 26. A platform member 44, which is described in more detail herein with respect to Figures 7 -9, is placed inside the trailer 20. The platform member 44 has a length and a width that is preferably smaller than the internal length and width of the trailer 20. The platform member 44 can rest horizontally on the floor 26 of the trailer 20 or platform member 44 can be raised or lowered to a variety of horizontal positions relative to vertical sidewalls 34, 34a of trailer 20 by an elevator assembly, which is described in more detail herein. The platform element 44 can be raised by the elevator assembly in order to be placed close to the top 28 of the trailer 20. When the platform member 44 is in an elevated position, the platform member 44 is secured to the walls laterals 3, 34a of the trailer 20 by the cam bracket members 48, each of which is described in detail herein with respect to Figures 13-15. When the platform member 44 is raised to be adjacent to the upper part 28 of the trailer 20, the platform member 44 is preferably not secured to the side walls 34, 34a of the trailer 20, as described herein. Special wheels or rims for conventional roads 50 are fixed below the floor 26 by a road suspension system 52 as described herein with respect to Figures 2A and 3A. A landing gear device 54 is fixed below the floor 26 and is positioned approximately midway between the front end and the trailer 20 and the longitudinal center of gravity of the trailer. The landing gear device 54 can be extended or retracted. During transit on the roads, the rims 50 are placed below the rear cut-outs 42 on the trailer and the landing gear device 54 in a retracted position as shown in Figure 1. A known, suitable, skid frame assembly. (not shown) is fixed between the floor 26 and the suspension system 52. The sliding frame extends generally from the rear end of the trailer 20 to the longitudinal center of gravity of the trailer 20. The sliding frame assembly allows the wheels 50 and its associated road suspension system 52 move relative to the 26th floor for the reasons described herein. Such a sliding frame assembly can include a sliding rail and sliding pads fixed between the suspension system 52 and under the trailer 20. The sliding frame assembly can be locked or secured to prevent relative movement between the elements or can be locked to allow the relative movement between the elements. The suspension system 52, as shown in Figures 2A and 3A, includes a wheel axle 56 for transporting the rims 50 and that is supporting in a U-shaped channel 58. The channel configured in U is supported by suitable means, for example, bolts, generally at the end of the arm or cantilever lever 60. The opposite end of the cantilever arm 60 is rotatable about a fixed pivot, such as a bolt or pin, which is fixed to the sliding frame assembly. Other conventional suspensions can be used to support the axle of the wheel 56. A brake 62 of known structure is provided to each wheel axle to prevent rotation of the rim 50 relative to the axle 56 by the application of the brake 62. A air bag 64 of conventional structure is located between the sliding frame assembly and thus to the floor of the trailer 20, and the axis of the wheel 56 allows the spring action so that the relative up and down movement is allowed between the axle 56 and the floor 26 during the transportation of the trailer 20. The air bag 64 is fixed to the trailer 20 by known suitable means.

The air bag 64 is made of a flexible material that can be expanded or compressed. A tank of compressed air (not shown) is provided on trailer 20 and a valve (not shown) is connected between the tank and the air bag 64, in order to adjust the pressure in the air bag 64 to support the weight of the trailer 20. While the airbag suspension is shown, it is understands that other suspensions of known construction may be used, such as a spring suspension. An impact absorber of a vehicle 66 for damping relative upward and downward movement between the trailer 20 and the axle of the wheel 56 permitted by the air bag 64, has a first end connected by a pivot, such as a pin or bolt, in a plate 68 that is fixed in the sliding frame assembly. The second end of the impact absorber 66 is connected to the axle of the wheel 56 and the cantilever arm 60 in a pivot, such as a pin. As shown in Figure 1, the trailer 20 is attached to the tractor 24. When the trailer 20 is attached to the tractor 24, the trailer 20 can be driven on roads, roads 70 and the like to transport cargo. The trailer 20 can be fixed to the tractor 24 by a mounting of the steering pivot. Alternatively, as shown in Figure IA, the trailer 20 can be attached to railroad platform carts 72 by a suitable mechanism 73, such as a transverse pin system at the rear end of the trailer, and driven on track 74. A example, such railway platform cart is disclosed in the US Patent No. 5,040, 466. The trailer 20 is releasable from the mechanism 73, so that the trailer 20 can be driven on the roads. The front part of the trailer 20 is supported by a rail platform car 72 under the trailer at the front thereof. The arrangement features a single articulated rail car. Alternatively, imagine that a single platform car 72 can be shared between two trailers. The trailers are fixed to each other by a suitable coupling mechanism 78, such as a conventional coupling without play, to form a train of trucks or freight cars. Couplings without play and are not described in detail herein. Briefly, the front end of the trailer 20 has a front tab 80, which protrudes outwardly thereof. The rear end of the trailer 20 has a groove or cavity 82 therein which is configured in complementarity with the tongue 80. The tongue 80 at the front end of the trailer 20 is locked or secured in the groove 82 in the preceding trailer 20. A tongue 80 at the front end of the next trailer is locked in the slot 82 at the rear end of the trailer 20. The locking mechanisms for locking or securing the tabs in the slots in a play-free coupling are well known and are not described herein . Now that the structure of the trailer has been generally described, the method for loading the trailer 20 with the load is described. For purposes of simplicity, the loading procedure is described in relation to the automobiles where indicated. It is understood that a load other than automobiles may be transported in the trailer 20. First, the wheels 50 of the trailer 20 are locked against rotation by the application of the brakes 62 and the sliding mechanism is unlocked. An operator drives the tractor 24 backwards, thus driving the fixed trailer 20 backwards, which causes the suspension system 52 and the locked wheels 50 to slide and move forward relative to the floor 26 of the trailer 20 throughout of the sliding frame assembly. As shown in Figure 2, the trailer 20 is supported until the suspension system 52 and the wheels 50 are placed forwardly forward at the midpoint of the trailer 20, but preferably it does not pass the longitudinal center of gravity of the trailer 20. At this point, the suspension system 52 and the wheels 50 are placed below the front cuts 40 in the trailer 20. When the wheels 50 are in this forward position, the rear end of the trailer 20 can be tilted or tilted slightly in the direction of the ground 86 around the suspension system 52. The trailer 20 does not tilt completely in the direction of the ground 86 since the air bag 64 in the suspension system 52 is inflated as shown in Figure 2A, and maintains a predetermined separation between the axle of the wheel 56 and the trailer 20. Once the wheels 50 are placed forward, approximately to the midpoint of the trailer 20, as shown In Figure 3 and 3A, the tractor 24 is disconnected from the trailer 20, and the sliding frame assembly is locked. Subsequently, the air suspension 52 is uncoupled and deflated, which causes the trailer 20 to rotate on its pivot around the suspension system 52. The air suspension 52 can be deflated until the front cuts 40 on the side walls 34, 34a of the trailer 20, are generally in contact and friction the tires 50 of the trailer 20. Specifically, as shown in Figure 3A, the air in the air bag 64 is ventilated or released from the air bag 64 by known methods of so that the trailer 20 collapses downwards in the direction of the cantilever arm 60 and the axis of the wheel 56 and rotates on its pivot around the suspension system 52. Then, as shown in Figure 4, the landing gear device 54 extends and descends to the ground 86. The landing gear 54 acts to tilt or tilt the trailer 20 around a fulcrum provided by the suspension system 52 and the wheels 50, the rest on the Rreno 86 until the trailer stabilizes and the rear bumper 38 of the trailer is in contact with the ground 86, at which time the rear end of the floor of the trailer 26 is only a one-foot joint above the ground 86. Afterwards the rearward defense 38 of the trailer hits the ground 86, an operator places small ramps 88 between the terrain 86 and the dropped platform element 44 within the trailer 20, as shown in Figure 5. The loading sequence for loading cars in the trailer 20 with reference to Figures 5 and 6. First a first group of cars 90 is loaded on the lowered platform member 44, which rests on the floor 26 of the trailer 20 in a lowered position. The platform element 44 is only shown schematically in Figures 5 and 6 and is described in more detail herein with reference to Figures 7-9. The platform member 44 is then lifted by the elevator assembly to an elevated position and a second group of automobiles 92 is loaded on the floor 26 of the trailer 20, below the platform member 44. As shown in Figure 5, when the first group of automobiles 90 is loaded on the trailer 20 and on the platform element 44, the ramps 88 move to one side of the trailer 20 and the automobiles 90 are led to the trailer 20 first the cover with the passenger door next to the side wall 34a. When the cars 90 are loaded, the cars 90 often move to the same side of the trailer 20 as the ramps 88. Since the cars 20 move to one side of the trailer 20, sufficient room is provided within the trailer 20 for the operator opens his door and leaves the car 90 and the trailer 20. After the first group of cars 90 is fully loaded into the platform member 44, the platform member 44 is raised approximately to the midpoint of the trailer 20, as is shown in Figure 11, by means of an elevator assembly, which is described herein, and secured to the side walls 34, 34a of the trailer 20 by means of the cam bracket members 48. As illustrated in Figure 6 , the ramps 88 are moved by the operator to be moved to the other side of the trailer 20, from where the ramps 88 are, in Figure 5. The lower car group 92, is subsequently driven first to or the trunk to the trailer 20 to the 26th floor of the trailer 20 with the passenger side door next to the other side wall 34. Since the cars 92 are moved back to the side of the trailer 20, sufficient room is provided within the trailer 20 for the operator to open his door and exit the car 92 and the trailer 20. While the previous loading sequence of the automobiles 90, 92 is described with the first group of automobiles 90 being driven to the trailer 20 first the cover and the second group of cars 92 is driven to trailer 20 first by the trunk, it is understood that the first group of automobiles 90 can be driven to the trailer first by the trunk and the lower group of automobiles 92 can be driven to trailer 20 first by the cover, if desired The displacement of the upper group of cars 90 on one side of the trailer 20 and the lower group of cars 92 on the other side of the trailer 20 helps in balancing the trailer 20, when the trailer is transported by rail. Also within the scope of the invention is that the automobiles 90 can be loaded on the intermediate portion of a suitable platform element, which a person of ordinary skill in the art can provide. After the load has been loaded onto the trailer 20, the ramps 88 are removed and the air suspension 52 inflated, which causes the trailer 20 to rotate about its axis around the suspension system 5 and raise the rear end of the trailer 20. The sliding frame assembly is unlocked and the tractor 24 is driven forward to move the trailer 20 forward in relation to the wheels 50 until the wheels 50 are placed in the backward cuts 42. Afterwards, the assembly Sliding frame is locked and tractor-trailer is ready to be transported. The platform element 44, as shown in Figures 7-9, includes a passageway 94, platform beams 96 and a plurality of lifting beams 98. The passageway 94, the platform beams 96 and the lifting beams 98 are fabricated from Rigid materials, high strength, light weight, suitable, such as aluminum or steel. The platform beams 96 and the passage 94 are mutually parallel and the platform beams 96 move to one side of the passage 9. The lifting beams 98 are mutually parallel and are perpendicular to the platform beams and to the passageway 94. The passageway 94, the platform beams 96 and the lifting beams 98 are jointly secured by suitable elements such as welding or bolts. The platform beams 96 receive the wheels of the automobiles therein. The aisle 94 allows an operator to access the cars and exit them on the trailer 20. As shown in Figure 8, the platform beams 96 are generally U-shaped. The U-configuration has a base portion or channel 100, the channels or vertical side wall portions 102 extending upwardly from the base portion 100 and the channels or portions thereof. upper members 104 extending outwardly from the top of the side wall portions 102. The passageway 94 is flat and can be connected to one of the platform beams 96. As illustrated in Figure 9, the lifting beams 98 are square tubes and, as shown in Figure 7, are connected together with the platform beams 96 configured in U. The lifting beams 98 extend through the openings in the side wall portions 102 of the platform beams 96. Lifting beams 98 and platform beams 96 are jointly secured by suitable means, such as bolts or welds. The upper surface 106 of the lifting beam 98 is generally aligned with the upper portions 104 of the platform beams 96. The triangular ramps 105, which are provided on each side of the lifting beam 98, allow a car to be driven safely and securely. Gently on the lifting beam 98 without damaging the rims of the cars. The triangular ramps 105 are connected to the platform beam 96 by suitable means, such as welding or bolts.

To load cars, each car is driven along the length of platform beams 96 with the rims on one side of the car moving along the U-shaped channel and the tires on the other side of the car it moves along the other U-shaped channel. The car is driven on triangular ramps 105 and lifting beams 98 when it is driven along the length of the platform element 44. When the car is parked on the platform element 44 and secured by known means, suitable to the platform member 44, the tires of the automobile rest within the respective U-shaped channels of the platform beam 96. The ends 108 of the lifting beams 98 are connected to the elevator assembly as described in the present below. This platform member 44 minimizes the weight of the trailer 20 since the platform member 44 is specifically designed to transport automobiles, trucks or the like and is not a sold sheet. While platform element 44 is described herein, it is specially configured for automobiles, trucks or the like, it is within the scope of the invention that a platform element 44 which is capable of accommodating a variety of load can be used in the trailer 20. For example, a meta vein sheet can be used for the element of the sun. A first embodiment of the elevator assembly 46, 46a is shown in Figures 7, 10, II and 12 and in detail in Figure I0A. A second embodiment of the elevator assembly 246, 246a is shown in Figures 18-24 and in detail in Figure ISA. The specific elements of the first embodiment of the lifting assembly are described first and then the details of the second embodiment of the lifting assembly are described. Attention is directed to the first embodiment of the elevator assembly 46, 46a, as shown in Figures 7-12, a lift assembly 46, 46a is provided on each side of the trailer 20 for lifting the platform member 44. The elevator assembly it is described with respect to the lift assembly 46 on one side of the trailer 20. The lift assembly 46a on the other side of the trailer 20 is identical to the lift assembly 46 except for the differences described herein. The elevator assembly 46 generally includes a tension bar or channel 110 which extends a predetermined distance along the length of the trailer 20, a drive assembly 112 retracts the tension bar 110 in the direction of the forward end of the trailer 20. and a plurality of flexible, elongate connecting elements 114 such as chains, operatively coupled to the tension bar 110, and thereby the drive assembly 112, by the pulley assemblies and the platform member 44. The tension bar 110 may be an elongated bar or may be a series of loosely bolted bars. A mounting flange (not shown) is attached to the inner surface of the side walls 34 to mount the tension bar 110 thereto. The tension bar 110 slides relative to the mounting flange. An anti-friction pad! 15 can be mounted between the upper part 28 of the trailer 20 and the upper part of the tension bar 110. The anti-friction pad allows the tension bar 110 to slide easily relative to the walls of the trailer 20. The tension bar 110 is arranged horizontally along the length of the trailer 20 and is next to the upper part 28 of the trailer and the side wall of the trailer 20 and is bounded therewith, so that the tension bar 110 is mounted on the joint of the side wall 34 of the upper part 28 of the trailer 20. Attention is drawn to Figure I0A, each pulley assembly 116 includes a first pulley 120 which is secured to an upper margin of the side wall 34 of the trailer 20 and a second pulley 122 which is secured to the tension bar 110 by a sliding member 124. The first pulley 120 is rotatable with respect to the side wall 34 of the trailer 20. The second pulley 122 is rotatable with respect to the sliding member 1 2 . Each chain 114 is interconnected between each pulley assembly 116 and the platform member 44. Each chain 114 is next to the side wall 34 and closely spaced from the same wall of the trailer 20. SpecificallyIn each assembly of pulleys 116, one end of the chain 114 is secured by suitable means to the side wall 34 of the trailer 20, next to the first pulley 120. The other end of the chain 114 is secured by means suitable to the end IOS. of the lifting beam 96. In the present invention, a chain 114 is preferably used in place of a cable since the chain 114 is pulled around the pulleys 120, 122 and a relatively intense flexion of the small pulleys is subjected to a 120 , 122, which a cable could not resist. For each pulley assembly 116, a base rail 126 is provided along which the sliding member 124 can slide. Each base rail 126 is mounted by suitable means on the side wall 34 of the trailer 20 at a predetermined distance downstream from the tension bar 110 which is sufficient to provide space for the sliding member 12. The lower end of the sliding member 124 is in contact with the base rail 126 and slides relative to the base rail 126 when the tension bar 110 is retracted by the drive assembly 112. The drive assembly 112 includes a member. screw screw 128 connected to an internally threaded nut 13 generally at one end of the screw member 128 and in a CD motor 132 at the opposite end of the screw member 128. The nut 130 is fixed to the tension bar 110 and The threaded screw member 128 extends a predetermined distance along the length of the trailer 20 and is connected to the tension bar 110 through the nut 130 by means of the relative rotation to the tension bar 110. of a threaded coupling with the nut 130. The screw member 128 and the motor 132 are arranged horizontally and are close to the side wall 34 and the upper part 28 of the trailer, of ma The screw member 128 and the motor 132 are positioned at the junction between the sidewall 34 and the top 28 of the trailer 20. The screw member 128 is rotatable with respect to the nut 130. A gearbox of ninety degrees 134 is connected to the CD motor 132 by means of a horizontal arrow 136. A common arrow 138 is connected to the ninety degree gearbox 134 at one end and the other ninety degree gearbox 134 at its opposite end. The common arrow 138 is horizontal and runs adjacent the front wall 30 and the upper part 28 of the trailer 20, so that it is positioned close to the junction between the front wall 30 and the top 28. As shown in Figure 7 With the elevator assembly 46a on the opposite side of the trailer 20, the CD motor 132 is removed. Instead, the screw member 128a is directly connected to the ninety degree gearbox 134 which is connected to the common arrow. 138. The elevator assembly 46a is driven by the CD motor 132 by means of the ninety degree gearboxes 134, 134a, and the common arrow 138. Initially, as shown in Figure 10, horizontal platform element 44 In this position, the chains extend completely and extend generally from the floor 26 to the upper part 28 of the trailer 20. To lift the platform element 44, the engine of CD 13 2 rotates the screw member 128 to one of the trailer 20. The CD motor 132 is driven by a known, suitable circuit system (not shown). By the action of the ninety-degree gearboxes 134 and the common arrow xjt-, former member of the trailer? -: ßa in the other trailer laao also rotates. The screw members 126, 128a rotate in relation to the fixed nuts 130, I30a, which cause the nuts 130, 130a and the fixed tension rods 110, 110a to travel along the length of the screw members 128. , I28a due to the threaded coupling between the nuts 130, I30a and the associated screw members 128, I28a. At each stroke of the trailer 20, the sliding members 124 slide along the base rails 126 as the tension bars 110 move, which causes the distance between the pulleys 120, 122 to increase. This action causes the chains 114 on each side of the trailer 20 to advance respectively around the first and second pulley 120, 122. Since the end of each chain 114 is secured to the side wall 34, 34a of the trailer 20, close to the First pulley 120, the chain 114 is collected in the upper part of the trailer 20 and the chain 114 is bent over itself. That is, the length of the chain is picked up between the fixed end (the fixed end on the side wall 34) of the chain 114 and the pulley 122 and another chain length is picked up between the pulley 122 and the pulley 120. For each When the tension bars 110, Ilua, are moved, the platform element 44 carries two feet. The cover element 44 is lowered by the same method. By rotating the screw members 128, I28a in the opposite direction by the action of the CD motor 132, the threaded assembly causes the tension bars 110, 110a to move in the opposite direction to which they were initially moved causing it to decrease. The distance between the pulleys 120, 122. Attention is directed to the second mode of the elevator assembly 246, 246a, as shown in Figures 18-24, a lift assembly 246, 246a is provided on each of the trailer 20 for lifting the platform element 44. The second mode of the elevator assembly 246, 246a is identical to the first mode except where the differences are mentioned. Similar elements in the second embodiment of the elevator assembly 246, 246a with those of the first embodiment are indicated by similar reference numbers, similar elements in the second embodiment are indicated by the two hundred numbers. The elevator assembly is described with respect to the elevator assembly 246 on one side of the trailer 20. The elevator assembly 246a on the other side of the trailer 20 is identical to the elevator assembly 246 except for the differences described herein. The elevator assembly 246 generally includes a tension bar or channel 210 extending a distance previously determined at xo x to x xxtxtxt a trailer 20, a distribution beam 251 extending through the trailer 20 and is perpendicular to the bar 20. tension 210, a drive assembly 212, a plurality of elongate flexible connecting members 214, such as chains, and a single elongate flexible connecting member 255 such as chains. The chains 214 are operatively interleaved with the distribution beam 251 and the tension bar 210, and thereby with the drive assembly 212, by the pulley assemblies, and with the platform member 44. The drive assembly 212 retracts. The distribution beam 251 and thus the tension bar 210 in the direction of the front end of the trailer 20, by shortening or contracting the connecting elements 214, 255 to raise the platform element 44. The tension bar 210 is arranged horizontally. along the length of the trailer 20 and this next and abuts the top 28 of the trailer and the sidewall 34 of the trailer 20 so that the tension bar 210 is mounted at the junction of the side wall 34 and the top of the trailer 20. The distribution beam 251 is connected to the forward end of the tension bar member 210 by means of suitable elements, such as welding or bolts, and is arranged horizontally. nte a io xargo aex ancno aex remoxque zu. The girder beam is extended across the width of the trailer 20 with the tension rod on the opposite side of the trailer 20, and a predetermined distance extends downwardly from the top 28 of the trailer 20. The attention is directed to the Figures ISA and 24, each assembly of pulleys 216 rearwardly of the distribution beam 251 is similar in construction and operation as the assembly of pulleys 116 described in the first embodiment, and is used to lift the rear portion of the platform element 44. Each assembly 216 includes a first pulley 220 which is secured to the top margin of the side wall 34 of the trailer 20 and a second pulley 22 which is secured to the tension bar. 210 by a sliding member 22. The sliding member 22a can slide or roll along the base rail or by a roller 226. The sliding member 224 can be formed integrally with the tension bar 210 or separately therefrom and joined together in a suitable manner. A second pulley assembly 217 is provided to lift the forward end of the platform member 44 and includes a first sheave or guide pulley 221, which is secured to the top margin of the side wall 34 of the trailer 20 in front of the distribution beam 251 , a second pulley or guide pulley 223, which is secured at the upper margin to the xaterax line J *. The former is removed from the distribution beam 251, and a third pulley 225, which is secured to the distribution beam 251 by a connecting member 253. The first and second pulleys 221 and 223 can rotate relative to the sidewall 34 of the trailer 20. The third pulley 225 can rotate relative to the connecting member 253 and thereby to the distribution beam 251. A chain 255 is interconnected between the pulley assembly 217 and the platform member 4. The chain 217 is next to the pulley assembly 216 and to the side wall 34 and spaced a small distance from the front of the same assembly of pulleys 216 and from the side wall 34 of the trailer 20. One end of the chain 255 is secured by means Suitable for the side wall 34 of the trailer 20 next to the second pulley 223. The other end of the chain 255 is secured by suitable means to the IOS end of the lifting beam 98. As more clearly shown in the schematic form of Figure 24 , the chain 255 extended upwards from the platform element 44 in front of the distribution beam 251, is wound on the first pulley 221, through a suitable passage in the distribution beam 251, around a second pulley 223, around a third pulley 225 in its fixed connection with the side wall 34 of the trailer 20. It is thought that the chain 255 can pass over the distribution beam 251 instead of through the beam 251. In the present in In this case, a chain 255 is preferably used in place of a cable, since the chain 255 is pulled around the pulleys 221, 223, 225 and subjected to a relatively intense flexion of the small pulleys 221, 223, 225, which a cable is not capable of supporting. The drive assembly 212 includes a threaded screw member 228 connected to an internally threaded nut 230 and a ninety degree gearbox 234 at the forward end of the screw member 228. The CD 232 motor is connected to the gearbox 234 by an arrow. The nut 230 is fixed to the distribution beam 251 and fixed against rotation relative to the distribution beam 251. The threaded screw member 228 extends a predetermined distance along the length of the trailer 20, and is connected to the the distribution beam 251 through the nut 230 by a threaded assembly with the nut 230. The screw member 228 and the motor 232 are horizontally disposed and are close to the upper part 28 of the trailer 20. The screw member 228 it can rotate relative to the nut 230. A common arrow 238 is connected to the ninety degree gearbox 234 at one end and at the other ninety degree gearbox 234 it is connected at the other end. The common arrow 238 is horizontally disposed and runs adjacent to the front wall 30 and the upper part 28 of the trailer 20, so that it is positioned close to the junction between the front wall 20 and the top 26. As shown in FIG. Figure 20, with the elevator assembly 246a, on the opposite side of the trailer 20, the CD 232 motor is removed. The screw member 228a is connected directly to the ninety degree gearbox 234a, which is connected to the common arrow 238. The elevator assembly 246, 246a is driven by the CD motor. 232 by means of the ninety degree gearboxes 234, 234a and the common arrow 238. Initially, the horizontal platform element 44 is in contact with and rests against the floor 26 of the trailer 20. In this position, the chains 214, 255 are fully extended and extend generally from the floor 216 to the upper part 28 of the trailer 20. To lift the platform element 44 , the CD 232 motor imparts rotation to the common arrow 238, which rotates the screw members 228, 228a by means of the gear boxes 234, 234a. The CD 232 motor is driven by a known circuit system, suitable (not shown;) The toroidal members are rotated in relation to the fixed nuts 230, 230a, which causes the nuts 230, 230a and the fixed distribution beam 251 is moved along the length of the screw members 226, 228a, due to the threaded assembly between the nuts 230, 230a and the associated screw members 226, 228a. 251 is moved forward, the tension bars 210, 210a are pulled forward and move along the length of the trailer 20. On each tow side 20, the sliding members 224 slide along the rails of the trailer. base 226 when the tension bars 210, 2I0a slide, which causes the distance between the pulleys 220, 22 in the pulley assemblies 216 to increase.This action causes the chains 214 in each stroke of the trailer 20 to advance respectively around the and the first and second pulleys 220, 22. Since the end of each chain 214 is secured to the side wall 34, 34a of the trailer 20, next to the first pulley 220, the chain 214 is collected at the top of the trailer 20. and the chain 214 is bent over itself. That is, the length of the chain is picked up between the fixed end (the fixed end on the side wall 34) of the chain 214 and the pulley 22 and the other length of the chain is picked up between xa poxea zzz and xa poxea zzu. For each foot moving the tension bar 210, 210a, the platform element 44 rises two feet. Additionally, in relation to the assembly of pulleys 217 in each of the trailer 20, the third pulley 225 moves forward in the trailer 20 with the distribution beam 251 since the pulley 225 is fixed thereto. This causes the distance between the second and third pulleys 223, 225 to increase and the distance between the first and third pulleys 221 and 223 to decrease. This action causes the chains 255 on each side of the trailer 20 to advance on the first pulley 221, moving through the distribution beam 2251, moving around the second pulley 223 and then around the first pulley 225. Since the end of each chain 255 is secured to the side wall 34, 34a of the trailer 20 next to the second pulley 223, the chain 255 is collected at the top of the trailer 20, and the chain 214 is folded on itself. That is, the length of the chain is picked up between the fixed end (the fixed end on the side wall 34) of the chain 255 and the third pulley 225 and the other length of the chain is collected between the second pulley 223 and the first pulley. pulley 221. In this way, for each foot that moves the distribution beam, the platform element rises two feet.

The platform element 44 is lowered by rotating the screw members 228, 228a in the opposite direction, by the action of the CD 232 motor, and due to the threaded assembly with the nut, causes the distribution beam 251 to move in the direction of rotation. opposite direction, and consequently, to the tension bars 21, 210a, with which they moved initially, causing the distance between the second and third pulleys 223, 225 to decrease and the distance between the first and third pulleys 221, 225 increase. and the distance between the first and second pulleys 220, 222 decrease and the length of the chains 214, 255 between the platform member 44 and the pulleys 222, 225 decrease. The platform element 44 can be lifted in a variety of positions relative to the side walls 34.34a of the trailer 20. As shown in Figure II, the platform member 44 is raised to the intermediate point of the side walls 34, 34a. This allows the two levels of automobiles 90, 92 or similar to be loaded on the trailer 20, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, maximizing the interior space of the cargo within the trailer 20. As shown in Figure 12 , the platform element 44 is raised to be in proximity to the upper part 28 of the trailer 20. The platform element 44 is shown spaced a distance from the upper part 28 at xa Figure xz for proposals xxustracion. In practice, when the platform element 44 is raised to be close to the upper part 28 of the trailer 20, there is a minimum space between the platform element 44 and the upper part 28. This allows loading in general (not shown). ) is loaded in the interior space without obstruction in the trailer 20, since the platform element 44 is lifted up and off the road. When the platform member 44 rests on the 26th floor of the trailer 20, the weight of the platform member 44 is on the floor 26. When the platform member 44 is in the raised position, the weight of the chains 114 is removed, or at least minimized, to lock the platform element 44 on the side walls 34, 34a, of the trailer 20. To lock or secure the platform element 44 on the side walls 34, 34a of the trailer 20, the ends 108 of the beams Lifting devices 98 are fixed to the members of the cam brackets 48, which are secured to the side walls 34, 34a of the trailer 20, as described hereinafter. The cam brackets 48 can be moved to a variety of positions relative to the sidewalls 34, 34a of the trailer 20. As shown in Figure 19, when the platform member 44 is raised to the midpoint of the trailer 20, a group of automobiles can be loaded on ex exements e platform 44 and a group of automobiles can be loaded on the floor, under platform element 44, as described herein. The horizontal arrangement of the novel lifting mechanism described herein allows a car to be loaded into the trailer 20 without interfering with the space needed for automobiles, while maximizing the amount of space provided for the automobiles. In case the first mode of the lifting mechanism 46, 46a is used, since the tension bars 110, the threaded screw members 128, the DC 132 motor and the common arrow are placed along the top of the trailer 20 and are arranged horizontally in a general manner at the junction between upper part 28 and side walls 34, 34a or upper part 28 and front wall 30, when platform element 44 is raised, the roofs of the automobiles are placed a small distance away from the upper part of the trailer 20. The roof of the automobiles rests between the tension bars 110 and the associated pulley assemblies 116 so that the tension bars 110 and the pole assemblies 116 do not enter the space. that occupies the automobile. If, in the event that the second embodiment of the elevator assembly 246, 246a, the tension bars 210, the threaded bolt members 226, the DC 232 motor and the common arrow 238 are placed horizontally along the length of the upper part of the trailer 20 and are generally arranged at the junction between the upper part 28 and the side walls 3, 34a or the upper part and the front wall 30 and do not enter the space occupied by the automobiles when the platform element 44 is raised . In addition, the distribution beam 251 moves forward in the direction of the front of the trailer 20, as described herein, at the point where the roof of the automobile is later placed behind the distribution beam 251, So that the distribution beam 251 does not enter the space needed for the automobiles within the trailer 20. This allows the roof of the automobile to be placed a small distance away from the top of the trailer 20. The stretch of the automobile rests between The tension bars 110 and the associated pole assemblies 116 and the roof of the automobile later rest behind the distribution beam 251. As shown in Figure 12When the platform member 44 is raised to be close to the upper part 28 of the trailer 20, the load can generally be loaded on the 26th floor of the trailer 20. The trailer 20 is expanded higher than the trailer type truck. conventional loading to provide a supreme space for the platform element 44 to approach the upper part 26 of the trailer 20, while leaving a sufficient location without obstructions in the trailer 20, to load cargo in general. Since the height of the floor 26 to the top 28 of the trailer is 299.72 cm (118 inches) or more, the platform member 44 is completely outside the space and does not obstruct the space of the load provided for loading in general or similar to being loaded onto the trailer 20. When the platform member 44 rises towards the top 25 of the trailer 20, the brackets 48 need not be used to secure the platform member 44 on the side walls 34, 34a of the trailer 20. When platform element 44 is in this position, the chain length between the platform element and the pulley assemblies is minimal. This substantially prevents the platform member 44 from oscillating or moving relative to the pulley assemblies. It is assumed that the brackets 48 can be used when the platform element 44 is in this position, if desired. When the platform member 44 is raised to the upper part 28 of the trailer 29, the ramps 68 and the brackets 48 can be stored in the upper part of the platform element 44 in the platform beams configured in ü 96. This prevents the ramps 86 and brackets 48 are lost, since items are always stored within trailer 20, even when not in use. In addition, it is provided for the use of ramps 68 and brackets 46, when the items are not needed. When the automobiles that are transported in the trailer 20, the ramps 86 can be stored under the automobiles on the floor or under the automobiles in the platform element 44. Turning now to Figures 13-15, the bracket member 48 is described. The bracket member 46 projects into the sidewalls 34, 34a of the trailer 20, when attached to it or detached from it. ia Each bracket member 48 is made of a highly resistant, rigid, suitable material, such as steel. Ex member of bracket 46 has a lower cam surface 140, an upper cam surface 142 and a flat surface 144, which is integrally joined together with the cam surfaces 140, 142. The lower cam surface 142 extends towards the inside and down. The flat surface 144 joins the lower and upper cam surfaces 140, 142 at their innermost points. An aperture 146 is provided proximate to the superinjection pxana X to fix the extreme xuo to xa to vxga elevator 98 to it. When the end 108 of the lifting beam 98 is aligned with the flat portion 144 of the bracket member, a locking member 146, such as a pin, is inserted through the aligned openings (not shown) in the lifting beam 98. for securing the lifting beam 98 to the bracket member 48. A split or two-legged pin 150, a spring or other similar suitable means, may be attached to the pin 146 to prevent the pin 148 from being pulled out of the aligned openings at the end. 108 of the lifting beam 98. The lower cam surface 140 is inclined at various angles relative to the vertical axis and provides a surface, at which end IOS of the lifting beam 98 travels, when the platform element 44 is raised. by the lift assembly 46. Since the platform member 44 is only smaller than the width of the trailer 20, when the platform member 44 travels the length of the lower cam surface 140, the width of the lower cam surface 140 is increased. Vertical side panels 3434a of the trailer 20 are tilted towards the outside and subjected to a laterally outward force. When the platform member 44 is placed between the cam brackets 46 at either end 108 of the lifting beams 98 with each end 108 of the lifting beam in assembly with a bracket member 48, the vertical side walls 34, 34a maintain the configuration. inclined as shown in Figure 16. When the vertical side walls 34, 34a of the trailer 20 are subjected to laterally outward stress, a significant amount of rigidity is added to the structure. The inclination of the side walls 34, 34a the spring loads the platform element 44 between them and does not allow the platform element 44 to move laterally from one side to the other. The upper cam surface 142 of the bracket member 48 also provides a surface on which the end 108 of the lifting beam 98 can run when the platform member 44 is down from its raised position. As shown in Figures iu, 11 and 12, a plurality of spaced openings 152 are provided in a vertical row along the length of the side walls 34, 34a, to which the bracket member 46 can be fixed. The bracket member 48 and, consequently, the platform element 44, can be placed in a variety of heights in relation to the floor of the trailer 20. To secure the bracket member 48 to the openings 152 provided in the side walls 34, 34a of the trailer 20, the bracket member 48 includes an upper retainer or ratchet congruent to the gannet 10, and a lower detent or ratchet configured as a hook 156, each of which is separate from the other and projects outward from the surface. of the bracket member 48, which is opposite the cam surfaces 140, 142. Each retainer 154, 156 has a length, which is slightly smaller than the openings 152 in the side walls 34, 34a and the hook 158, 16 0 at each retainer 154, 156 holds the bracket 48 on the side wall 34, 34a. When the detents 154, 156 are fixed to the walls 34, 34a, a space 157 is provided between the upper part of the detents 154, 156 and the upper part of the opening 152. To prevent the cantilever member 48 from separating inadvertently. of the wall 34, 34a, a lock mechanism 162 for securing the bracket member 48 on the wall 34, 34a is provided on the lower detent 156. The lock mechanism 162 includes a pin 164, which is spring-loaded. 166. The diameter of the pin 164 is the same as the length of the space 157 between the upper part of the lower detent 156 and the upper part of the opening 152 in the side wall 34, 34a, and the detents 165, 156 are projected through the openings 152 in the walls 34, 34a, the pin 164 is between the upper part of the retainer 156 and the upper part of the opening 152 and fills the space 157.

This secures the bracket 48 on the side wall 34, 34a and the bracket 48 can not be removed from the side wall 34, 34a, without unlocking the lock mechanism 162. The spring 166 has an end which is fixed to the pin 164 to io length of the pin 164. The opposite end of the spring 166 is fixed on the inner surface of the lower cam surface of the bracket member 48. Normally, the spring 166 urges the pin 164 to the locked or secured position. To remove the bracket member 48 from the wall 34, 34a the pin 164 is retracted by pulling the pin 164 back away from the side wall 34, 34a, to overcome the driving force of the spring 166. In the first embodiment of the bracket member 48 shown in Figure 13, a The elongated opening 168 is provided on the side of the bracket member 48 about the center of the pin 164. A protrusion 170 for an operator's finger is provided along the length of the pin 164. In the second embodiment shown in FIGS. 15, the nose for the finger 172 extends through an elongated opening 174 in the side of the cam bracket member 48 and is perpendicular to the pin 164. To retract the pin 164 in any of the modes, an operator places his finger against the projections 170, 172, and pull the pin 164 away from the side wall 34, 34a of the trailer 20 to overcome the driving force of the spring 166. The pin 164 is then pulled in a remote direction. of the side wall 34, 34a of the trailer 20 until the pin 164 is withdrawn and removed from the opening 152. When the pin 164 is retracted, the end of the pin 164 which is opposite to the side wall 34, 34a protrudes towards the rear wall. of the lower cam surface 140 through an opening in the surface, shown in Figure 15. Once the pin 164 is removed from the opening, the bracket member 46 can be removed since there is sufficient space for the detents 154, 156 to be lifted upwards and outwards with respect to the wall 34, 34a to remove the hook portions 158, 160 from the detents and remove the detents 154, 156 from the side wall 34, 34a . While the lock or lock mechanism 162 is provided only by the lower detent 156, the locking mechanism can instead be provided only by the upper detent 156. Alternatively, a lock or lock mechanism can provide for both detents. The cover plates 176 are mounted on the outer surfaces of the side walls 34, 34a, over the openings 152 to prevent ingress of dirt, moisture or similar into the interior of the trailer 20. Each cover plate 176 is secured to the outer surface of the sidewall 34, 34a by suitable means, such as welding or by the use of rivets or the like. While two separate cover plates 176 are shown, a single cover plate can be used for each two groups of openings or a single cover plate covers all openings in the side wall. While the platform element 44 is illustrated and described standing against the floor 26 and top 36 and the intermediate point of the trailer 20, it is understood that the platform element 44 can be placed in a variety of positions relative to the the side walls 34, 34a of the trailer 20 ai lift the platform element 44 to a desired position and then secure the ends 106 of the lifting beams 98 to the brackets 48. For example, the platform element 44 can be raised to be three quarters upward of the side walls 34, 34a of the trailer 20. This will allow a smaller load to be placed on the upper part of the platform element 44 with a larger load down on the floor 26. For example, they can be co-located lawn mowers in the upper part of the platform element and minicamions can be placed below the platform element. So if the two groups of cars are shipped across the country in the trailer 20, once the cars are unloaded from the trailer 20, the platform member 44 can be repositioned to provide space for a variety of cargo, such as mini-trucks and lawn mowers. Therefore, trailer 20 does not have to return through the empty country since it can be configured to transport other items that are not automobiles. Turning now to Figure 17, a length retention assembly of platform 178 is illustrated, which is connected to the front end of platform member 44. The platform length retention assembly 178 prevents the platform from being held in place. Platform member 44 moves forward in the direction of the front wall 30 of the remox 20, or rearward in the direction of the rear doors 36 during the transport of the trailer 20. The vertical rails or channels 180 are provided in the nose 162 of the trailer 20, which is adjacent to the front wall 30 of the trailer 20. Each vertical channel 160 includes a vertical opening 164 along the length of the channel 180. The channel 180 can be made of metal and the nose 182 the trailer 20 can be made of wood with racnapaaa. For each vertical channel 180 provided in the nose 162 of the trailer 20, the retainer assembly of the platform 176 includes a guide assembly 166, which is directed to the vertical channel 160. The guide assembly 186 includes a nylon insert 188. having a first end that sits within the vertical channel 180, a second end that sits outside the vertical channel 160 and an intermediate portion. The intermediate portion of the nyion insert 168 is enclosed in a sliding or anti-friction pad! 190 and the combination sits inside the opening 184 in the channel 180. The nyion insert 188 and the surrounding sliding pad 190 are approximately the same width as the opening 184 in the vertical channel 180. A sliding or anti-slip pad. -Fractional 192, 194 is fixed to the first and second ends of the insertion element 188. The first and second sliding plates 196, 198 are fixed respectively to the first and second ends of the insertion element I8S, and come up against the respective stripping pads 192, 194. The runner plates 196, 198 are secured by suitable means to the ends of the insert 188, such as bolts (only one of which is shown). The sliding pads 190, x and x, used in the former assembly of the X-axis platform 178 are of a well-known conventional structure. The sliding pads 190, 192, 194 allow the insert 188 to slide easily up and down in the vertical channel 180. Alternatively, rollers may be used, instead of the sliding pads. A stiff reinforcing member 200 is fixed to the second sliding pin 198 around generally the second end of the insert 188. A post-tensioned rigid member 202 extends from the end of the reinforcing member 200 in opposite manner to the secured member in the sliding pin 198 at the front end of platform element 4. Post-tensioning member 202 is fixed to plate 198 and platform member 44 by suitable means, such as welding. Thus, the length retention assembly of the platform 178 provides a rigid interconnection between the platform member 44 and the nose 182 of the trailer 20, and resists the forward and backward movement of the platform member 44 relative to the floor. 26 during the transport of the trailer 20. The retention assembly of the platform 178 also determines the distance between the platform member 44 and the nose 182 of the trailer 20 and is exoxed from the trailer 44, while it is lifted. When the platform element 44 is raised or lowered by the elevator assembly as described in the present previously, the sliding pads 190, 192, 194 allow the insert 188 to slide easily in relation to the vertical channel 180. The novel trailer 20 of the present invention has several advantages. Since the cargo is only loaded and unloaded because the transportation capabilities of the new trailer 20 by roads or rail, a small amount of labor is needed to transport the cargo to the final destination, which reduces transportation costs. . Also, the possibility of damaging the load is reduced since the load is not repeatedly loaded and discharged. In addition, the load is transported from the plant to the fine destination! in a closed trailer, which also minimizes the possibility of damaging the load. While a preferred embodiment of the present invention has been shown and described, it is assumed that those skilled in the art can devise various modifications of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims. The invention is not intended to be limited by the above disclosure.

Claims

NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION Having described the invention as above it is considered of our property to be contained in the following: CLAIMS 1. A vehicle for transporting cargo comprising: an elongated structure including a floor and opposite vertical side members; a platform member supported within the elongated structure for receiving and supporting the load, said platform member is moveable relative to said floor of said elongated and moveable structure to approach an upper margin of said side members; a lifting mechanism for supporting said platform member in said elongated structure, said lifting mechanism raising and lowering the platform member in relation to said floor of said elongated structure, wherein the platform member is raised in order to be close to the margin. At the top of said side members, said side members of said elongated structure are generally uncovered by any structure so that the load can be easily loaded on the floor of said elongated structure.
2. A vehicle as defined in claim 1, wherein said lifting mechanism comprises at least one tornixxo member gxratorxamen e, a threaded member movable along said screw member to the rotation of said screw member, and a plurality of elongate flexible elements interacted operatively with said threaded elements and connected with said platform member to move the platform member relative to the floor of the elongated structure, said screw member being aligned horizontally along the upper margin of one of said lateral members and said flexible elements are aligned substantially vertically along the lateral members of said elongated structure, when the platform member is in a position not close to said upper margin of said lateral members, wherein said flexible elements are aligned substantially horizontally along the upper margin of the elongated structure when the platform member is close to said upper margin of said lateral members of said elongated structure.
3. A vehicle as defined in the claim 2, wherein said lifting mechanism further includes a distribution beam member extending across the width of the elongated structure, said threaded member is mounted on the distribution beam, said screw member being rotatably fixed to amber member and beam ae distribution.
A vehicle as defined in claim 4, characterized in that when said platform member comprises a chain, each chain has one end operatively connected to said rotating screw member and an opposite end connected to said platform member, said lifting mechanism. it also includes a plurality of poieas mounted adjacent to an upper margin of said lateral member of said elongated structure, each chain passing at least one around a pulley.
A vehicle as defined in claim 4, characterized in that when said platform member is close to the upper margin of said lateral members of the elongated structure, a vertical portion of each chain is reduced in length to minimize any relative movement between said platform member and said side members of said elongated structure.
6. A vehicle as defined in claim 2, wherein said lifting mechanism includes two screw members, each screw member being aligned horizontally along the upper margin of one of the side members of the elongated structure, so that When a car is loaded on said platform member and said member of the vehicle is exempted, the former automobile is placed between the members of the screw.
7. A vehicle as defined in claim 6, wherein said lifting mechanism further includes a distribution beam member that generally extends across the width of the elongated structure, said threaded member being interacopied with said distribution beam member, said screw members being coupled with said member of said beam. distribution beam and rotates in relation to itself, said distribution beam member moves to a position, which is forward of the roof of the automobile further in said elongated structure, when the automobiles are loaded on the platform member and said member The platform is raised so that said distribution beam member does not interfere with the space occupied by the automobiles in the platform member.
8. A vehicle as defined in claim 1, further comprising movable ramps between said floor and the ground to facilitate the unloading of the load in the elongate structure, and characterized in that said platform member is raised to be next to the upper margins of said lateral members, said ramps are movably stored in the upper part of said platform member for the purpose of exposing ex ternal structure to an argaaa structure.
9. A vehicle as defined in claim 8, wherein said platform member comprises a channel structure for receiving the tires of the automobiles to be transported, said channel structure receiving said ramps when the platform member. it is raised to be close to the upper margins of said side members.
A vehicle as defined in claim 8, further including a plurality of brackets for securing said platform member to said side members, said brackets being removable from said side members, and characterized in that when said platform member is raised to be close to the upper margins of said lateral members, said brackets are removably stored in the upper part of the platform member, in order to leave the inside of said elongated structure uncovered.
11. A vehicle as defined in claim iu, wherein said platform member comprises a channel structure for receiving the tires of the automobiles to be transported when said platform member is raised to be close to the upper margins of the vehicle. said lateral members. x.
A venxcuxo that comprenae; an aiargaao enclosure that includes a floor and vertical side walls, a suspension of road wheels mounted in an insurable manner and separable below said enclosure to adjust between a first position in the direction of a rear end of the floor and in contact with the ground and a second position adjacent to the center of gravity iongitudinai of said enclosure and in contact with the ground, said road wheel suspension includes wheels, an air pocket between the enclosure and the wheels, and a landing gear mounted below said enclosure forward of said center of gravity and extend towards the ground to descend the enclosure in relation to said suspension and inclining the enclosure around a point of support formed in said suspension to rise and fall at the end of the floor in the direction of the ground, when said suspension of The wheels are in the second position and when said suspension is removed it will release the air from the bag. air.
13. A vehicle as defined in claim 12, wherein said wheel suspension comprises a structure suitable for traveling on a road, said vehicle further includes a structure connectable with a railroad platform car to adapt to the vehicle in the car of platform to travel on roads.
14. A vehicle as defined in claim 12, wherein said vehicle has an upper part and further includes a platform member for receiving and supporting the load and can move between a lower position on said floor and an elevated position, said member platform is capable of being elevated to be close to the top of the vehicle.
15. A vehicle as defined in claim 14, further including a cam member mounted on at least one of the side walls adjacent said raised position of said platform member and the structure on said platform member coupled with said platform member. Cam member when the platform member is in an elevated position to laterally exert laterally to said side walls and thus resist lateral movement of the platform member.
16. A vehicle as defined in claim 15, wherein said cam member further includes a releasable safety structure thereon, for selectively securing said cam member to said side wall.
17. A vehicle as defined in claim 14, further including a vertical rail secured to the front end of the floor, a guide rail mounted at the front end of said mteracopiabie platform member with said rail to resist movement towards forward and backward of the platform member on the floor.
18. A vehicle as defined in claim 14, further including a lifting mechanism for raising and lowering said platform member, said lifting mechanism comprising a rotatably mounted screw member, a threaded member movable along said screw member. by the rotation of the screw member, and a plurality of elongate flexible elements interacopied operatively with said threaded member and connected with said platform member to move the platform member between said raised and lowered position.
19. A vehicle as defined in claim 14, said platform member further includes a laterally displaced structure in the direction of a side of the platform member to receive the wheels of the loaded products, such as cars, trucks or the like, and a passageway on a opposite side of the platform member to allow access and access to the operator of said load.
20. A method for loading a vehicle with a load comprising: providing a vehicle having a rear end, an insurable, detachable suspension connected to and below a vehicle, and generally initiating near the rear end of the vehicle, said road wheel suspension includes wheels, an airbag between said vehicle and said wheels; driving said vehicle backwards to move the suspension forward to finally reach the suspension close to the center of gravity of the vehicle; lowering and tilting the rear end of the vehicle in the direction of the ground by releasing the air from said air pocket in the suspension causing the vehicle to descend and rotate about its axis around said suspension; and loading the load in said vehicle through the rear end of the lowered vehicle.
21. A method as defined in claim 20, said vehicle further includes a landing gear device fixed below the vehicle, in front of the center of gravity of the vehicle, and wherein said step of tilting the rear end of the vehicle comprises extending the vehicle. landing gear device in the field to cause the vehicle to rotate on its axis around the suspension.
22. A method as defined in claim 20, wherein the vehicle includes a floor, opposing side members extended upwardly from said floor, and a stop, said vehicle having a platform element therein, and wherein the step of loading ia Load on the vehicle comprises elevating the platform element in a manner close to the top of the vehicle and loading the cargo, such as cargo in general or similar, on the floor of the vehicle.
23. A method as defined in claim 20, wherein the vehicle includes a floor and a platform element on the vehicle, and wherein the step of loading the load on the vehicle comprises loading the load on said platform element; elevating the platform element to a height sufficient to load the load under the platform element; and then load the load on the vehicle floor below the platform element.
24. A method as defined in claim 23, wherein the step of loading the load into the vehicle further comprises loading the load into the platform element moved to one side of the vehicle and loading the load onto the floor of the vehicle moved in. The other part of the vehicle from which the load is loaded on the platform element.