BACKGROUND
Most tiny houses built on trailers are registered as recreational vehicles in order to bypass municipal zoning laws that require occupied housing structures be affixed to a permanent foundation. Although recreational vehicle parks are only now permitting tiny homes upon their premises, most of these parks are not open year-round and/or they allocate a maximum time someone can locate a tiny home structure on their premise. Owners of tiny houses also are opting to locate a tiny house in a backyard of a properly zoned home. However, even these areas must be zoned by the municipality to allow for full-time camping, and most jurisdictions allow only permit a limited number of days occupancy accordingly.
The present disclosure presents systems and methods for aligning a wheeled trailer frame that may support such a tiny home structure to be quickly and easily located upon a permanent excavated or slab foundation. As such, these systems and methods attempt to address and comply with municipal zoning for housing foundation requirements.
SUMMARY
It should be appreciated that this Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.
In an embodiment disclosed herein, an alignment system includes a foundation having at least three contiguous vertical walls, and a trailer frame guide system including a pair of opposing guides on corresponding opposing walls of the at least three contiguous vertical walls, and a stop guide on the other of the at least three vertical walls between the corresponding opposing walls. The pair of opposing guides on the corresponding opposing walls include a tapered portion having a first distance defined between the pair of opposing guides at distal ends of the pair of opposing guides from the stop guide, the first distance being greater than a second distance defined between the pair of opposing guides between the distal ends of the pair of opposing guides and the stop guide.
In another embodiment disclosed herein, a trailer frame alignment system includes a foundation having at least three contiguous vertical walls, and a trailer frame guide system including a pair of opposing guides on corresponding opposing walls of the at least three contiguous vertical walls, and a stop guide on the other of the at least three vertical walls between the corresponding opposing walls. The pair of opposing guides on the corresponding opposing walls include a tapered portion having a first distance defined between the pair of opposing guides at distal ends of the pair of opposing guides from the stop guide, the first distance being greater than a second distance defined between the pair of opposing guides between the distal ends of the pair of opposing guides and the stop guide. The alignment system further includes a trailer frame including a set of attached wheels having an overall wheel width in a transverse direction with respect to the trailer frame less than an overall trailer frame width in the transverse direction, and at least one bearing surface on the trailer frame configured to contact the trailer frame guide system as the trailer frame is aligned and positioned on top of the foundation.
In another embodiment disclosed herein, a method of aligning a trailer frame upon a foundation includes providing a trailer frame including a set of attached wheels, providing a foundation having at least three contiguous vertical walls, the foundation configured to receive the trailer frame, and providing a trailer frame guide system including a pair of opposing guides on corresponding opposing walls of the at least three contiguous vertical walls, and a stop guide on the other of the at least three vertical walls between the corresponding opposing walls. The method further includes aligning a longitudinal axis of the trailer frame to be substantially parallel with a longitudinal axis of the foundation, lowering a leading edge of the trailer frame to contact the pair of opposing guides on the corresponding opposing walls of the at least three contiguous vertical walls, translating the leading edge of the trailer frame between the pair of opposing guides until the set of attached wheels becomes at least partially unloaded upon the foundation, and positioning the leading edge of the trailer frame proximate the stop guide on the other of the at least three vertical walls between the corresponding opposing walls.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
The embodiments of the invention will be better understood from the following detailed description with reference to the drawings, which are not necessarily drawing to scale and in which:
FIG. 1A illustrates a perspective view of an excavated foundation with a substantially half-length formed trailer frame guide system;
FIG. 1B illustrates a perspective view of an excavated foundation with a substantially full-length formed trailer frame guide system;
FIG. 2A illustrates a perspective view of an excavated foundation with a substantially half-length rigid plate trailer frame guide system;
FIG. 2B illustrates a perspective view of an excavated foundation with a substantially full-length rigid plate trailer frame guide system;
FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a substantially full-length rigid plate trailer frame guide system as depicted in FIG. 2B;
FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of an assembly including a trailer frame, subflooring and a housing structure;
FIG. 5 illustrates an end view of the assembly of FIG. 4 including the trailer frame, subflooring and the housing structure;
FIG. 6A illustrates an initial first stage of aligning a trailer upon a first embodiment of a foundation with a trailer frame guide system;
FIG. 6B illustrates a second stage of aligning the trailer upon the first embodiment of the foundation with the trailer frame guide system;
FIG. 6C illustrates a third stage of aligning the trailer upon the first embodiment of the foundation with the trailer frame guide system;
FIG. 6D illustrates a fourth and final stage of aligning the trailer upon the first embodiment of the foundation with the trailer frame guide system;
FIG. 7 illustrates a logic flowchart diagram of the method of aligning the trailer frame upon the first embodiment of the foundation via the trailer frame guide system of FIGS. 6A-6D;
FIG. 8A illustrates an initial first stage of aligning a trailer upon a second embodiment of a foundation with a trailer frame guide system;
FIG. 8B illustrates a second stage of aligning the trailer upon the second embodiment of the foundation with the trailer frame guide system;
FIG. 8C illustrates a third stage of aligning the trailer upon the second embodiment of the foundation with the trailer frame guide system;
FIG. 8D illustrates a fourth and final stage of aligning the trailer upon the second embodiment of the foundation with the trailer frame guide system;
FIG. 9 illustrates a logic flowchart diagram of the method of aligning the trailer frame upon the second embodiment of the foundation via the trailer frame guide system of FIGS. 8A-8D;
FIG. 10A illustrates an initial first stage of aligning a trailer upon a third embodiment of a foundation with a trailer frame guide system;
FIG. 10B illustrates a second stage of aligning the trailer upon the third embodiment of the foundation with the trailer frame guide system;
FIG. 10C illustrates a third stage of aligning the trailer upon the third embodiment of the foundation with the trailer frame guide system;
FIG. 10D illustrates a fourth and final stage of aligning the trailer upon the third embodiment of the foundation with the trailer frame guide system;
FIG. 11 illustrates a logic flowchart diagram of the method of aligning the trailer frame upon the third embodiment of the foundation via the trailer frame guide system of FIGS. 10A-10D;
FIG. 12A illustrates an initial first stage of aligning a trailer upon a fourth embodiment of a foundation with a trailer frame guide system;
FIG. 12B illustrates a second stage of aligning the trailer upon the fourth embodiment of the foundation with the trailer frame guide system;
FIG. 12C illustrates a third stage of aligning the trailer upon the fourth embodiment of the foundation with the trailer frame guide system;
FIG. 12D illustrates a fourth and final stage of aligning the trailer upon the fourth embodiment of the foundation with the trailer frame guide system;
FIG. 13 illustrates a logic flowchart diagram of the method of aligning the trailer frame upon the fourth embodiment of the foundation via the trailer frame guide system of FIGS. 12A-12D;
FIG. 14A illustrates an initial first stage of aligning a trailer upon a fifth embodiment of a foundation with a trailer frame guide system;
FIG. 14B illustrates a second stage of aligning the trailer upon the fifth embodiment of the foundation with the trailer frame guide system;
FIG. 14C illustrates a third stage of aligning the trailer upon the fifth embodiment of the foundation with the trailer frame guide system;
FIG. 14D illustrates a fourth and final stage of aligning the trailer upon the fifth embodiment of the foundation with the trailer frame guide system; and
FIG. 15 illustrates a logic flowchart diagram of the method of aligning the trailer frame upon the fifth embodiment of the foundation via the trailer frame guide system of FIGS. 14A-14D.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
FIG. 1A illustrates a perspective view of a foundation (1) with a substantially half-length formed trailer frame guide system (20). The foundation (1) includes a first end wall (2), a first side wall (4), a second opposing side wall (6) and a second end wall (8). The foundation (1) may be concrete cinder block and mortar construction, concrete poured wall construction or any other equivalent below-grade foundation construction. The first end wall (2), first side wall (4), second opposing side wall (6) and second end wall (8) together define a below-grade excavated portion (10) that contains a slab floor (12) at the bottom of the foundation (1) surrounding by each of the respective walls. The foundation (1) has a foundation longitudinal axis (14), a foundation transverse axis (16) orthogonal to the foundation longitudinal axis (14), and a foundation longitudinal width (18).
The half-length formed trailer frame guide system (20) includes a pair of opposing guides (22) disposed on the first side wall (4) and the corresponding second opposing side wall (6). A stop guide (24) is disposed on the first end wall (2) opposite distal ends (26) of the pair of opposing guides (22). Each of the pair of opposing guides (22) further includes a tapered portion (28) between the opposite distal ends (26) and the stop guide (24), such that a first distance (30) between the opposite distal ends (26) is greater in length than a second distance (32) disposed between the opposite distal ends (26) and the stop guide (24). The tapered portion (28) allows for trailer frame to be aligned by the half-length formed trailer frame guide system (20) along the foundation transverse axis (16) while a trailer frame, (not pictured), is moved in a direction along the foundation longitudinal axis (14) upon the foundation (1) between the pair of opposing guides (22).
FIG. 1B illustrates a perspective view of the foundation (1) of FIG. 1A with a substantially full-length formed trailer frame guide system (40). The full-length formed trailer frame guide system (40) includes a pair of opposing guides (42) disposed on the first side wall (4) and the corresponding second opposing side wall (6) of the foundation (1). A stop guide (44) is disposed on the first end wall (2) opposite distal ends (46) of the pair of opposing guides (42). Each of the pair of opposing guides (42) further includes a tapered portion (48) between the opposite distal ends (46) and the stop guide (44), such that a first distance (50) between the opposite distal ends (46) is greater in length than a second distance (52) disposed between the opposite distal ends (46) and the stop guide (44). The tapered portion (48) allows for trailer frame to be aligned by the full-length formed trailer frame guide system (40) when translating in a direction of the foundation transverse axis (16) upon the foundation (1) between the pair of opposing guides (42). In this embodiment, the pair of opposing guides (42) runs substantially along the entire length of the first side wall (4) and the second opposing side wall (6). FIG. 1B further illustrates the tapered portion (48) running between the distal ends (46) of the pair of opposing guides (42) and proximate a mid-point of the pair of opposing guides (42).
In FIGS. 1A and 1B, both the half-length formed trailer frame guide system (20), and the full-length formed trailer frame guide system (40), respectively, may be constructed on the foundation walls (2, 4 and 6) via a separate casting or form tied into each corresponding wall, or may be integrally formed at the same time the foundation (1) is poured or constructed. Furthermore, bearing services of high-density polymer or rigid metal plates may be placed proximate the top of the foundation walls and on the vertical portions of the trailer frame guide systems (20 and 40) configured to contact a trailer frame as it is slide into position on top of the foundation (1).
FIG. 2A illustrates a perspective view of the foundation (1) of FIG. 1A with a substantially half-length plate trailer frame guide system (60). The half-length plate trailer frame guide system (60) includes a pair of opposing guides (62) disposed on the first side wall (4) and the corresponding second opposing side wall (6). A stop guide (64) is disposed on the first end wall (2) opposite distal ends (66) of the pair of opposing guides (62). Each of the pair of opposing guides (62) further includes a tapered portion (68) between the opposite distal ends (66) and the stop guide (64), such that a first distance (70) between the opposite distal ends (66) is greater in length than a second distance (72) disposed between the opposite distal ends (66) and the stop guide (64). In a similar manner to FIGS. 1A and 1B, the tapered portion (68) allows for trailer frame to be aligned by the half-length plate trailer frame guide system (60) along the foundation transverse axis (16) while a trailer frame, (not pictured), is moved in a direction along the foundation longitudinal axis (14) upon the foundation (1) between the pair of opposing guides (62). The half-length plate frame guide system (60) further illustrates horizontal bearing surfaces (94) disposed on top of the first end wall (2), the first side wall (4) and the corresponding second opposing side wall (6) and joined to the vertical plate structure of the pair of opposing guides (62) and the stop guide (64).
FIG. 2B illustrates a perspective view of the foundation (1) of FIG. 1A with a substantially full-length plate trailer frame guide system (80). The full-length plate trailer frame guide system (80) includes a pair of opposing guides (82) disposed on the first side wall (4) and the corresponding second opposing side wall (6) of the foundation (1). A stop guide (84) is disposed on the first end wall (2) opposite distal ends (86) of the pair of opposing guides (82). Each of the pair of opposing guides (82) further includes a tapered portion (88) between the opposite distal ends (86) and the stop guide (84), such that a first distance (90) between the opposite distal ends (86) is greater in length than a second distance (92) disposed between the opposite distal ends (86) and the stop guide (84). The tapered portion (88) allows for trailer frame to be aligned by the full-length plate trailer frame guide system (80) along the foundation transverse axis (16) while a trailer frame, (not pictured), is moved in a direction along the foundation longitudinal axis (14) upon the foundation (1) between the pair of opposing guides (82). In this embodiment, the pair of opposing guides (82) runs substantially along the entire length of the first side wall (4) and the second opposing side wall (6). FIG. 2B further illustrates the tapered portion (88) running between the distal ends (86) of the pair of opposing guides (82) and proximate a mid-point of the pair of opposing guides (82). The full-length plate trailer frame guide system (80) further illustrates horizontal bearing surfaces (94) disposed on top of the first end wall (2), the first side wall (4) and the corresponding second opposing side wall (6) and joined to the vertical plate structure of the pair of opposing guides (82) and the stop guide (84).
FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the substantially full-length plate trailer frame guide system (80) as depicted in FIG. 2B that includes indentations (96) disposed in the horizontal bearing surfaces (94) and a portion of the stop guide (84). The indentations (96) allow for bearing services on a leading edge of the trailer frame to fit into the indentations (96) such that the trailer frame may fit snugly against the stop guide (84) without any interference by the bearing surfaces.
In FIGS. 2A, 2B and 3, both the half-length formed trailer frame guide system (20) and the full-length formed trailer frame guide system (40) may be constructed with joined rigid metal plates or bars and fixedly connected into each corresponding wall (2, 4 and 6) of the foundation (1).
FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a trailer and house assembly (100) including a trailer (102) having a trailer frame (104), trailer wheelset (106), neck section (108), trailer hitch receiver (110), and bearing surface, a subflooring section (120), and a housing structure (130). The trailer (102) has a trailer width (114) and a trailer length (116) running along a trailer frame longitudinal axis (118).
FIG. 5 illustrates an end view of the trailer and house assembly (100) of FIG. 4 including the trailer (102), subflooring (120) and housing structure (130). FIG. 5 more particularly illustrates the trailer wheelset (106) having a wheelset width (140) less than the overall width of the trailer (114). More particularly, the wheelset width (140) is at least equal to or less than a dimension between the exterior frame portions of the trailer frame (104) that substantially rest upon the top of the foundation walls (2, 4 and 6) and/or the horizontal bearing surfaces (94) of the trailer frame guide systems (60 and 80). FIG. 5 additionally illustrates the bearing surface (112) integrated into the end or leading edge of the trailer frame (104) that may include rollers capable of allowing the trailer and house assembly (100) to contact any of the trailer frame guide systems (20, 40, 60 or 80) and the corresponding top of the foundation walls (2, 4 and 6).
In summary, an alignment system generally described herein includes a foundation (1) having at least three contiguous vertical walls (2, 4 and 6), and a trailer frame guide system (20, 40, 60 or 80) including a pair of opposing guides (e.g., 22) on corresponding opposing walls (4 and 6) of the at least three contiguous vertical walls, and a stop guide (e.g., 24) on the other (2) of the at least three vertical walls between the corresponding opposing walls (4 and 6). The pair of opposing guides (e.g. reference number 22 in the first embodiment of FIG. 1A) on the corresponding opposing walls (4 and 6) include a tapered portion (28) having a first distance (30) defined between the pair of opposing guides (22) at distal ends (26) of the pair of opposing guides (22) from the stop guide (24), the first distance (30) being greater than a second distance (32) defined between the pair of opposing guides (22) between the distal ends (26) of the pair of opposing guides (22) and the stop guide (24).
Furthermore, the pair of opposing guides (22) comprises either an aggregate-based cement form, a rigid metal plate or bar form, or any other equivalent structure and material sufficient to guide and locate a trailer frame upon excavated walls of foundation (1). The alignment system may further include at least one indentation (96) proximate the stop guide (64 or 84) configured to receive a bearing surface (112), where the at least one indentation may be either disposed in the stop guide (64 or 84), or disposed in the stop guide and the other of the at least three vertical walls (2) between the corresponding opposing walls (4 and 6). The alignment system may further include the pair of opposing guides (e.g., 22) being disposed substantially along the entire length of each corresponding opposing wall (4 and 6).
FIG. 6A illustrates an initial first stage (200) of aligning a trailer and house assembly (100) upon the first embodiment of a foundation (1) with a full-length plate trailer frame guide system (80) of FIG. 3. In FIG. 6A, the trailer frame longitudinal axis (118), (see FIG. 4), is substantially aligned with the foundation longitudinal axis (14), (see FIG. 1A), and the trailer wheelset (106) is rolled across a horizontal ground portion (201) proximate an edge of the foundation (1) such that a leading axle of the wheels (106) impinges upon the top of the second end wall (8).
FIG. 6B illustrates a second stage (202) of aligning the trailer and house assembly (100) upon the first embodiment of the foundation (1) with the full-length plate trailer frame guide system (80) of FIG. 3, where the trailer hitch receiver (110) is raised above the initial position as depicted in the initial first stage (200) where the trailer wheelset (106) is in full contact with the horizontal ground portion (201). As the trailer hitch receiver (110) is raised, the trailer frame (104) of the trailer and house assembly (100) rotates about the leading wheel axle of the trailer wheelset (106) until the bearing surfaces (112) of leading edge of the trailer frame (104) contact the full-length plate trailer frame guide system (80), and more particularly the horizontal bearing surfaces (94) between the tapered portion (88) of each of the pair of opposing guides (82).
FIG. 6C illustrates a third stage (204) of aligning the trailer and house assembly (100) upon the first embodiment of the foundation (1) with the full-length plate trailer frame guide system (80) of FIG. 3, where the trailer frame (104) of the trailer and house assembly (100) may be translated in a direction toward the stop guide (84) of the full-length plate trailer frame guide system (80). While the trailer frame bearing surfaces (112) of the leading edge of the trailer frame (104) slide across the horizontal bearing surfaces (94) between the tapered portion (88) on the pair of opposing guides (82), any misalignment between the trailer frame longitudinal axis (118) and the foundation longitudinal axis (14), (see FIG. 1A), may be adjusted by the tapered portion (88) on the pair of opposing guides (82) impinging upon a side portion of the leading edge of the trailer frame (104), such that trailer frame longitudinal axis (118) and the foundation longitudinal axis (14), (see FIG. 1A), may be brought into substantial alignment as the trailer frame (104) approaches and/or contacts the stop guide (84). The trailer hitch receiver (110) may be lowered in the third stage (204) in the direction of the excavated portion (10) of the foundation (1) such that the trailer wheelset (106) clears the second end wall (8) of the foundation (1).
FIG. 6D illustrates a fourth and final stage (206) of aligning the trailer and house assembly (100) upon the first embodiment of the foundation (1) with the full-length plate trailer frame guide system (80) of FIG. 3. FIG. 6D illustrates the final resting position of the trailer frame (104) upon the top walls (2, 4, 6 and 8) of the foundation (1) when the leading edge of the trailer frame (104) comes into substantial contact with the stop guide (84) of the full-length plate trailer frame guide system (80). Additionally, the bearing surfaces (112) on the leading edge of the trailer frame (104) may engage and/or be disposed within the indentations (96) of the full-length plate trailer frame guide system (80) as depicted in FIG. 3.
FIG. 7 illustrates a logic flowchart diagram of the method of aligning the trailer frame (104) upon the first embodiment of the foundation (1) via the full-length plate trailer frame guide system (80) of FIG. 3 as depicted in FIGS. 6A-6D. (Note also, that each of the embodiments of the trailer frame guide system, (i.e., 20, 40, 60 and 80), may be substituted for any of the methods described herein.) The method of aligning a trailer frame (104) upon a foundation (1) includes providing (300) a trailer frame (104) including a trailer wheelset (106), providing (302) a foundation (1) having at least three contiguous vertical walls (2, 4 and 6), the foundation configured to receive the trailer frame (104) thereon, and providing (304) a trailer frame guide system (e.g., 80), including a pair of opposing guides (e.g., 82) on corresponding opposing walls (4 and 6) of the at least three contiguous vertical walls, and a stop guide (e.g., 84) on the other (2) of the at least three vertical walls between the corresponding opposing walls (4 and 6). The method further includes aligning (306) a trailer frame longitudinal axis (118) of the trailer frame (104) to be substantially parallel with a foundation longitudinal axis (14), (see FIG. 1A), of the foundation (1), lowering (308) a leading edge of the trailer frame (104) to contact the pair of opposing guides (e.g., 82) on the corresponding opposing walls (4 and 6) of the at least three contiguous vertical walls, translating (310) the leading edge of the trailer frame (104) between the pair of opposing guides (e.g., 82) until the trailer wheelset (106) becomes at least partially unloaded upon the foundation (1), and positioning (312) the leading edge of the trailer frame (104) proximate the stop guide (e.g., 84) on the other of the at least three vertical walls (2) between the corresponding opposing walls (4 and 6).
The method may further include positioning the trailer frame (104) substantially upon the foundation (1) having the at least three contiguous vertical walls (2, 4 and 6), and within the trailer frame guide system (e.g., 80). The method may further include adjusting a position of the trailer frame (104) within the trailer frame guide system (e.g., 80) in at least one direction transverse to the foundation longitudinal axis (14), (see FIG. 1A), of the foundation (1), wherein adjusting the position of the trailer frame (104) is provided by a tapered portion (e.g., 88) on each of the pair of opposing guides (e.g., 82), the tapered portion (e.g., 88) having a first distance (e.g., 90) defined between the pair of opposing guides (e.g., 82) at distal ends (e.g., 86) of the pair of opposing guides from the stop guide (e.g., 84), the first distance (e.g., 90) being greater than a second distance (e.g., 92) defined between the pair of opposing guides (e.g., 82) between the distal ends (e.g., 86) of the pair of opposing guides (e.g., 82) and the stop guide (e.g., 84).
FIG. 8A illustrates an initial first stage (402) of aligning a trailer and house assembly (100) upon a second embodiment of a foundation (400) with a full-length plate trailer frame guide system (80) of FIG. 3. The foundation (400) in this embodiment includes an exterior ramp (410) located outside the perimeter of the excavated portion (412) of the foundation (400). The exterior ramp (410) provides for a trailer wheelset (106) of the trailer and house assembly (100) to be lowered before the trailer wheelset (106) enters the excavated portion (412) of the foundation (400). In FIG. 8A, the trailer frame longitudinal axis (118), (see FIG. 4), is substantially aligned with the foundation longitudinal axis (14), (see FIG. 1A), and the trailer wheelset (106) is rolled across a horizontal ground portion (414) proximate the exterior ramp (410) such that a leading axle of the trailer wheelset (106) approaches exterior ramp (410).
FIG. 8B illustrates a second stage (404) of aligning the trailer and house assembly (100) upon the second embodiment of the foundation (400) with the full-length plate trailer frame guide system (80) of FIG. 3, where the trailer hitch receiver (110) is raised above the initial position as depicted in the initial first stage (402) where the trailer wheelset (106) is in full contact with the exterior ramp (410). As the trailer hitch receiver (110) is raised, the trailer frame (104) of the trailer and house assembly (100) rotates about the leading wheel axle of the trailer wheelset (106) as the trailer wheelset (106) begins to travel down the exterior ramp (410).
FIG. 8C illustrates a third stage (406) of aligning the trailer and house assembly (100) upon the second embodiment of the foundation (400) with the full-length plate trailer frame guide system (80) of FIG. 3, where the bearing surfaces (112) of leading edge of the trailer frame (104) contact the full-length plate trailer frame guide system (80), and more particularly the horizontal bearing surfaces (94) between the tapered portion (88) of each of the pair of opposing guides (82). The trailer frame (104) of the trailer and house assembly (100) may then be translated in a direction toward the stop guide (84) of the full-length plate trailer frame guide system (80). While the trailer frame bearing surfaces (112) of the leading edge of the trailer frame (104) slide across the horizontal bearing surfaces (94) between the tapered portion (88) on the pair of opposing guides (82), any misalignment between the trailer frame longitudinal axis (118) and the foundation longitudinal axis (14), (see FIG. 1A), may be adjusted by the tapered portion (88) on the pair of opposing guides (82) impinging upon a side portion of the leading edge of the trailer frame (104), such that trailer frame longitudinal axis (118) and the foundation longitudinal axis (14), (see FIG. 1A), may be brought into substantial alignment as the trailer frame (104) approaches and/or contacts the stop guide (84). The trailer hitch receiver (110) is lowered in the third stage (204) in the direction of the excavated portion (412) of the foundation (400) until that the trailer wheelset (106) clears the exterior ramp (410) and enters into the excavated portion (412) of the foundation (400).
FIG. 8D illustrates a fourth and final stage (408) of aligning the trailer and house assembly (100) upon the second embodiment of the foundation (400) with the full-length plate trailer frame guide system (80) of FIG. 3. FIG. 8D illustrates the final resting position of the trailer frame (104) upon the top walls (2, 4, 6 and 8) of the foundation (400) when the leading edge of the trailer frame (104) comes into substantial contact with the stop guide (84) of the full-length plate trailer frame guide system (80). Additionally, the bearing surfaces (112) on the leading edge of the trailer frame (104) may engage and/or be disposed within the indentations (96) of the full-length plate trailer frame guide system (80) as depicted in FIG. 3.
In summary, the alignment system foundation (400) may further include an excavated portion (412) defined by the at least three contiguous vertical walls (2, 4 and 6), and an inclined exterior ramp (410) disposed substantially outside of the excavated portion (412), where the inclined exterior ramp (410) configured to provide a path for aligning a trailer frame (104) of a wheeled trailer (102) between the distal ends (e.g., 86) of the pair of opposing guides (e.g., 88).
FIG. 9 illustrates a logic flowchart diagram of the method of aligning the trailer frame (104) upon the second embodiment of the foundation (400) via the full-length plate trailer frame guide system (80) of FIG. 3 as depicted in FIGS. 8A-8D. The method of aligning a trailer frame (104) upon a foundation (400) includes providing (500) a trailer frame (104) including a trailer wheelset (106), providing (502) a foundation (400) having at least three contiguous vertical walls (2, 4 and 6) and an exterior ramp (410) outside of the excavated portion (412) of the foundation (400), the foundation configured to receive the trailer frame (104) thereon, and providing (504) a trailer frame guide system (e.g., 80), including a pair of opposing guides (e.g., 82) on corresponding opposing walls (4 and 6) of the at least three contiguous vertical walls, and a stop guide (e.g., 84) on the other (2) of the at least three vertical walls between the corresponding opposing walls (4 and 6). The method further includes aligning (506) a trailer frame longitudinal axis (118) of the trailer frame (104) to be substantially parallel with a foundation longitudinal axis (14), (see FIG. 1A), of the foundation (400), lowering (508) a leading edge of the trailer frame (104) via the exterior ramp (410) to contact the pair of opposing guides (e.g., 82) on the corresponding opposing walls (4 and 6) of the at least three contiguous vertical walls, translating (510) the leading edge of the trailer frame (104) between the pair of opposing guides (e.g., 82) until the trailer wheelset (106) becomes at least partially unloaded upon the foundation (400), and positioning (512) the leading edge of the trailer frame (104) proximate the stop guide (e.g., 84) on the other of the at least three vertical walls (2) between the corresponding opposing walls (4 and 6).
FIG. 10A illustrates an initial first stage (602) of aligning a trailer and house assembly (100) upon a third embodiment of a foundation (600) with a full-length plate trailer frame guide system (80) of FIG. 3. The foundation (600) in this embodiment includes an exterior ramp (610) located outside the perimeter of the excavated portion (614) of the foundation (600) and opposing interior ramp sections (612) located within the perimeter of the excavated portion (614) of the foundation (600). The exterior ramp (410) provides for a trailer wheelset (106) of the trailer and house assembly (100) to be lowered before the trailer wheelset (106) enters the excavated portion (614) of the foundation (600). The opposing interior ramp sections (612) provide for the trailer wheelset (106) of the trailer and house assembly (100) to be further lowered after the trailer wheelset (106) enters the excavated portion (614) of the foundation (400).
In FIG. 10A further illustrates the trailer frame longitudinal axis (118), (see FIG. 4), being substantially aligned with the foundation longitudinal axis (14), (see FIG. 1A), and the trailer wheelset (106) is rolled across a horizontal ground portion (616) proximate the exterior ramp (610) such that a leading axle of the trailer wheelset (106) impinges upon the top of the exterior ramp (610).
FIG. 10B illustrates a second stage (604) of aligning the trailer and house assembly (100) upon the third embodiment of the foundation (600) with the full-length plate trailer frame guide system (80) of FIG. 3, where the trailer hitch receiver (110) is slightly raised above the initial position as depicted in the initial first stage (602) where the trailer wheelset (106) is in full contact with the horizontal ground portion (616). As the trailer hitch receiver (110) is raised, the trailer frame (104) of the trailer and house assembly (100) rotates about the leading wheel axle of the trailer wheelset (106) and rolls down the exterior ramp (610) and the opposing interior ramp sections (612) and until the bearing surfaces (112) of leading edge of the trailer frame (104) contact the full-length plate trailer frame guide system (80), and more particularly the horizontal bearing surfaces (94) between the tapered portion (88) of each of the pair of opposing guides (82).
FIG. 10C illustrates a third stage (606) of aligning the trailer and house assembly (100) upon the third embodiment of the foundation (600) with the full-length plate trailer frame guide system (80) of FIG. 3, where the trailer frame (104) of the trailer and house assembly (100) may be translated in a direction toward the stop guide (84) of the full-length plate trailer frame guide system (80). While the trailer frame bearing surfaces (112) of the leading edge of the trailer frame (104) slide across the horizontal bearing surfaces (94) between the tapered portion (88) on the pair of opposing guides (82), any misalignment between the trailer frame longitudinal axis (118) and the foundation longitudinal axis (14), (see FIG. 1A), may be adjusted by the tapered portion (88) on the pair of opposing guides (82) impinging upon a side portion of the leading edge of the trailer frame (104), such that trailer frame longitudinal axis (118) and the foundation longitudinal axis (14), (see FIG. 1A), may be brought into substantial alignment as the trailer frame (104) approaches and/or contacts the stop guide (84). The trailer hitch receiver (110) may be lowered in the third stage (204) in the direction of the excavated portion (614) of the foundation (600) such that the trailer wheelset (106) clears the opposing interior ramp sections (612) within the foundation (600).
FIG. 10D illustrates a fourth and final stage (608) of aligning the trailer and house assembly (100) upon the third embodiment of the foundation (600) with the full-length plate trailer frame guide system (80) of FIG. 3. FIG. 10D illustrates the final resting position of the trailer frame (104) upon the top walls (2, 4, 6 and 8) of the foundation (600) when the leading edge of the trailer frame (104) comes into substantial contact with the stop guide (84) of the full-length plate trailer frame guide system (80). Additionally, the bearing surfaces (112) on the leading edge of the trailer frame (104) may engage and/or be disposed within the indentations (96) of the full-length plate trailer frame guide system (80) as depicted in FIG. 3.
In summary, the alignment system foundation (600) further comprises an excavated portion (614) defined by the at least three contiguous vertical walls (2, 4 and 6), and an inclined exterior ramp (610) section disposed outside of the excavated portion (614) and opposing interior ramp sections (612) disposed inside of the excavated portion (614), where the inclined ramp section (610) and the opposing interior ramp sections (612) are configured to provide a path for aligning a trailer frame (104) of a wheeled trailer (102) between the distal ends (e.g., 86) of the pair of opposing guides (e.g., 88).
FIG. 11 illustrates a logic flowchart diagram of the method of aligning the trailer frame (104) upon the third embodiment of the foundation (600) via the full-length plate trailer frame guide system (80) of FIG. 3 as depicted in FIGS. 10A-10D. The method of aligning a trailer frame (104) upon a foundation (600) includes providing (700) a trailer frame (104) including a trailer wheelset (106), providing (702) a foundation (600) having at least three contiguous vertical walls (2, 4 and 6), an exterior ramp (610) outside of the excavated portion (614) of the foundation (600), and opposing interior ramp sections (612) inside of the excavated foundation, the foundation configured to receive the trailer frame (104) thereon, and providing (704) a trailer frame guide system (e.g., 80), including a pair of opposing guides (e.g., 82) on corresponding opposing walls (4 and 6) of the at least three contiguous vertical walls, and a stop guide (e.g., 84) on the other (2) of the at least three vertical walls between the corresponding opposing walls (4 and 6). The method further includes aligning (706) a trailer frame longitudinal axis (118) of the trailer frame (104) to be substantially parallel with a foundation longitudinal axis (14), (see FIG. 1A), of the foundation (600), lowering (708) a leading edge of the trailer frame (104) via the exterior ramp (610) and the opposing interior ramp sections (612) to contact the pair of opposing guides (e.g., 82) on the corresponding opposing walls (4 and 6) of the at least three contiguous vertical walls, translating (710) the leading edge of the trailer frame (104) between the pair of opposing guides (e.g., 82) until the trailer wheelset (106) becomes at least partially unloaded upon the foundation (600), and positioning (712) the leading edge of the trailer frame (104) proximate the stop guide (e.g., 84) on the other of the at least three vertical walls (2) between the corresponding opposing walls (4 and 6).
FIG. 12A illustrates an initial first stage (802) of aligning a trailer and house assembly (100) upon a fourth embodiment of a foundation (800) with a full-length plate trailer frame guide system (80) of FIG. 3. The foundation (800) in this embodiment includes opposing interior ramp sections (810) located substantially inside the perimeter of the excavated portion (812) of the foundation (800). The opposing interior ramp sections (810) provides for a trailer wheelset (106) of the trailer and house assembly (100) to be lowered when trailer wheelset (106) enters the excavated portion (812) of the foundation (800). In FIG. 12A further illustrates the trailer frame longitudinal axis (118), (see FIG. 4), being substantially aligned with the foundation longitudinal axis (14), (see FIG. 1A), and the trailer wheelset (106) is rolled across a horizontal ground portion (814) proximate the opposing interior ramp sections (810) such that a leading axle of the trailer wheelset (106) impinges upon the top of the opposing interior ramp sections (810).
FIG. 12B illustrates a second stage (804) of aligning the trailer and house assembly (100) upon the fourth embodiment of the foundation (800) with the full-length plate trailer frame guide system (80) of FIG. 3, where the trailer hitch receiver (110) is slightly raised above the initial position as depicted in the initial first stage (802) where the trailer wheelset (106) is in full contact with the horizontal ground portion (814). As the trailer hitch receiver (110) is raised, the trailer frame (104) of the trailer and house assembly (100) rotates about the leading wheel axle of the trailer wheelset (106) and rolls down the opposing interior ramp sections (810) until the bearing surfaces (112) of leading edge of the trailer frame (104) contact the full-length plate trailer frame guide system (80), and more particularly, the horizontal bearing surfaces (94) between the tapered portion (88) of each of the pair of opposing guides (82).
FIG. 12C illustrates a third stage (806) of aligning the trailer and house assembly (100) upon the fourth embodiment of the foundation (800) with the full-length plate trailer frame guide system (80) of FIG. 3, where the trailer frame (104) of the trailer and house assembly (100) may be translated in a direction toward the stop guide (84) of the full-length plate trailer frame guide system (80). While the trailer frame bearing surfaces (112) of the leading edge of the trailer frame (104) slide across the horizontal bearing surfaces (94) between the tapered portion (88) on the pair of opposing guides (82), any misalignment between the trailer frame longitudinal axis (118) and the foundation longitudinal axis (14), (see FIG. 1A), may be adjusted by the tapered portion (88) on the pair of opposing guides (82) impinging upon a side portion of the leading edge of the trailer frame (104), such that trailer frame longitudinal axis (118) and the foundation longitudinal axis (14), (see FIG. 1A), may be brought into substantial alignment as the trailer frame (104) approaches and/or contact the stop guide (84). The trailer hitch receiver (110) may be lowered in the third stage (806) in the direction of the excavated portion (812) of the foundation (800) such that the trailer wheelset (106) clears the opposing interior ramp sections (810) of the foundation (800).
FIG. 12D illustrates a fourth and final stage (808) of aligning the trailer and house assembly (100) upon the fourth embodiment of the foundation (800) with the full-length plate trailer frame guide system (80) of FIG. 3. FIG. 12D illustrates the final resting position of the trailer frame (104) upon the top walls (2, 4, 6 and 8) of the foundation (800) when the leading edge of the trailer frame (104) comes into substantial contact with the stop guide (84) of the full-length plate trailer frame guide system (80). Additionally, the bearing surfaces (112) on the leading edge of the trailer frame (104) may engage and/or be disposed within the indentations (96) of the full-length plate trailer frame guide system (80) as depicted in FIG. 3.
In summary, the alignment system foundation (800) further comprises an excavated portion (812) defined by the at least three contiguous vertical walls (2, 4 and 6), and inclined opposing interior ramp sections (810) disposed substantially inside of the excavated portion (812), the inclined opposing interior ramp sections (810) configured to provide a path for aligning a trailer frame (104) of a wheeled trailer (102) between the distal ends (e.g., 86) of the pair of opposing guides (e.g., 88).
FIG. 13 illustrates a logic flowchart diagram of the method of aligning the trailer frame (104) upon the fourth embodiment of the foundation (800) via the full-length plate trailer frame guide system (80) of FIG. 3 as depicted in FIGS. 12A-12D. The method of aligning a trailer frame (104) upon a foundation (800) includes providing (900) a trailer frame (104) including a trailer wheelset (106), providing (902) a foundation (800) having at least three contiguous vertical walls (2, 4 and 6), and opposing interior ramp sections (810) inside of the excavated portion (812), the foundation (800) configured to receive the trailer frame (104) thereon, and providing (904) a trailer frame guide system (e.g., 80), including a pair of opposing guides (e.g., 82) on corresponding opposing walls (4 and 6) of the at least three contiguous vertical walls, and a stop guide (e.g., 84) on the other (2) of the at least three vertical walls between the corresponding opposing walls (4 and 6). The method further includes aligning (906) a trailer frame longitudinal axis (118) of the trailer frame (104) to be substantially parallel with a foundation longitudinal axis (14), (see FIG. 1A), of the foundation (800), lowering (908) a leading edge of the trailer frame (104) via the opposing interior ramp sections (810) to contact the pair of opposing guides (e.g., 82) on the corresponding opposing walls (4 and 6) of the at least three contiguous vertical walls, translating (910) the leading edge of the trailer frame (104) between the pair of opposing guides (e.g., 82) until the trailer wheelset (106) becomes at least partially unloaded upon the foundation (800), and positioning (912) the leading edge of the trailer frame (104) proximate the stop guide (e.g., 84) on the other of the at least three vertical walls (2) between the corresponding opposing walls (4 and 6).
FIG. 14A illustrates an initial first stage (1002) of aligning a trailer and house assembly (100) upon a fifth embodiment of a foundation (1000) with a full-length plate trailer frame guide system (80) of FIG. 3. The foundation (1000) in this embodiment includes an exterior ramp (1010) located outside the perimeter of a slab portion (1014) of the foundation (1000) and opposing interior ramp sections (1012) located within the perimeter of the slab portion (1014) of the foundation (1000). The exterior ramp (1010) provides for a trailer wheelset (106) of the trailer and house assembly (100) to be lowered before the trailer wheelset (106) enters the slab portion (1014) of the foundation (1000). The opposing interior ramp sections (1012) provide for the trailer wheelset (106) of the trailer and house assembly (100) to be further lowered after the trailer wheelset (106) enters the perimeter of the foundation (1000) immediately above the slab portion (1014).
In FIG. 14A further illustrates the trailer frame longitudinal axis (118), (see FIG. 4), being substantially aligned with the foundation longitudinal axis (14), (see FIG. 1A), and the trailer wheelset (106) is rolled across a horizontal ground portion (1016) proximate the exterior ramp (1010) such that a leading axle of the trailer wheelset (106) impinges upon the top of the exterior ramp (1010).
FIG. 14B illustrates a second stage (1004) of aligning the trailer and house assembly (100) upon the fifth embodiment of the foundation (1000) with the full-length plate trailer frame guide system (80) of FIG. 3, where the trailer hitch receiver (110) is slightly raised (not shown in FIG. 14B, but similar to FIG. 10B), above the initial position as depicted in the initial first stage (1002) where the trailer wheelset (106) is in full contact with the horizontal ground portion (1016). As the trailer hitch receiver (110) is raised, the trailer frame (104) of the trailer and house assembly (100) rotates about the leading wheel axle of the trailer wheelset (106) and rolls down the exterior ramp (1010) and the opposing interior ramp sections (1012) and until the bearing surfaces (112) of leading edge of the trailer frame (104) contact the full-length plate trailer frame guide system (80), and more particularly, the horizontal bearing surfaces (94) between the tapered portion (88) of each of the pair of opposing guides (82).
FIG. 14C illustrates a third stage (1006) of aligning the trailer and house assembly (100) upon the fifth embodiment of the foundation (1000) with the full-length plate trailer frame guide system (80) of FIG. 3, where the trailer frame (104) of the trailer and house assembly (100) may be translated in a direction toward the stop guide (84) of the full-length plate trailer frame guide system (80). While the trailer frame bearing surfaces (112) of the leading edge of the trailer frame (104) slide across the horizontal bearing surfaces (94) between the tapered portion (88) on the pair of opposing guides (82), any misalignment between the trailer frame longitudinal axis (118) and the foundation longitudinal axis (14), (see FIG. 1A), may be adjusted by the tapered portion (88) on the pair of opposing guides (82) impinging upon a side portion of the leading edge of the trailer frame (104), such that trailer frame longitudinal axis (118) and the foundation longitudinal axis (14), (see FIG. 1A), may be brought into substantial alignment as the trailer frame (104) approaches and/or contacts the stop guide (84). The trailer hitch receiver (110) may be lowered in the third stage (1006) in the direction of the slab portion (1014) of the foundation (1) such that the trailer wheelset (106) clears the opposing interior ramp sections (1012) within the foundation (1).
FIG. 14D illustrates a fourth and final stage (1008) of aligning the trailer and house assembly (100) upon the fifth embodiment of the foundation (1000) with the full-length plate trailer frame guide system (80) of FIG. 3. FIG. 14D illustrates the final resting position of the trailer frame (104) upon the top walls (2, 4, 6 and 8) of the foundation (1) when the leading edge of the trailer frame (104) comes into substantial contact with the stop guide (84) of the full-length plate trailer frame guide system (80). Additionally, the bearing surfaces (112) on the leading edge of the trailer frame (104) may engage and/or be disposed within the indentations (96) of the full-length plate trailer frame guide system (80) as depicted in FIG. 3. Further, the trailer wheelset (106) may either be completely suspended above the slab portion (1014) of the foundation (1000), similar to FIG. 10D, or the trailer wheelset (106) may be partially loaded and resting upon the slab portion (1014) of the foundation (1000).
In summary, the alignment system foundation (1000) further comprises an slab portion (1014) defined by the at least three contiguous vertical walls (2, 4 and 6), and an inclined exterior ramp (1010) section disposed outside of the foundation (1000) and opposing interior ramp sections (1012) disposed inside the perimeter of the foundation (1000), where the inclined ramp section (1010) and the opposing interior ramp sections (1012) are configured to provide a path for aligning a trailer frame (104) of a wheeled trailer (102) between the distal ends (e.g., 86) of the pair of opposing guides (e.g., 88).
FIG. 15 illustrates a logic flowchart diagram of the method of aligning the trailer frame (104) upon the fifth embodiment of the foundation (1000) via the full-length plate trailer frame guide system (80) of FIG. 3 as depicted in FIGS. 14A-14D. The method of aligning a trailer frame (104) upon a foundation (1000) includes providing (1100) a trailer frame (104) including a trailer wheelset (106), providing (1102) a foundation (1000) having at least three contiguous vertical walls (2, 4 and 6), an exterior ramp (1010) outside of the foundation (1000), and opposing interior ramp sections (1012) inside of the foundation (1000), the foundation configured to receive the trailer frame (104) thereon, and providing (1104) a trailer frame guide system (e.g., 80), including a pair of opposing guides (e.g., 82) on corresponding opposing walls (4 and 6) of the at least three contiguous vertical walls, and a stop guide (e.g., 84) on the other (2) of the at least three vertical walls between the corresponding opposing walls (4 and 6). The method further includes aligning (1106) a trailer frame longitudinal axis (118) of the trailer frame (104) to be substantially parallel with a foundation longitudinal axis (14), (see FIG. 1A), of the foundation (1000), lowering (1108) a leading edge of the trailer frame (104) via the exterior ramp (1010) and the opposing interior ramp sections (1012) to contact the pair of opposing guides (e.g., 82) on the corresponding opposing walls (4 and 6) of the at least three contiguous vertical walls, translating (1110) the leading edge of the trailer frame (104) between the pair of opposing guides (e.g., 82) until the trailer wheelset (106) becomes at least partially unloaded upon the foundation (1000), and positioning (1112) the leading edge of the trailer frame (104) proximate the stop guide (e.g., 84) on the other of the at least three vertical walls (2) between the corresponding opposing walls (4 and 6).
In summary, a trailer frame alignment system is disclosed herein to include a foundation having at least three contiguous vertical walls, a trailer frame guide system including a pair of opposing guides on corresponding opposing walls of the at least three contiguous vertical walls, and a stop guide on the other of the at least three vertical walls between the corresponding opposing walls, wherein the pair of opposing guides on the corresponding opposing walls include a tapered portion having a first distance defined between the pair of opposing guides at distal ends of the pair of opposing guides from the stop guide, the first distance being greater than a second distance defined between the pair of opposing guides between the distal ends of the pair of opposing guides and the stop guide, and a trailer frame including a set of attached wheels having an overall wheel width in a transverse direction with respect to the trailer frame less than an overall trailer frame width in the transverse direction, and at least one bearing surface on the trailer frame configured to contact the trailer frame guide system as the trailer frame is aligned and positioned on top of the foundation.
The trailer frame alignment system may further include the at least one bearing surface having a roller bearing configured to roll along a portion of a longitudinal length of the trailer frame guide system.
The trailer frame alignment system may further include the trailer frame guide system further having a horizontal bearing surface configured to receive thereupon at least a portion of the trailer frame.
The trailer frame alignment system may further include the trailer frame being configured to support a one of a mobile home or a tiny home.
The trailer frame alignment system may further include the foundation further having an excavated portion defined by the at least three contiguous vertical walls, and an inclined ramp section disposed substantially outside of the excavated portion, the inclined ramp section configured to provide a path for aligning the trailer frame between the distal ends of the pair of opposing guides.
The trailer frame alignment system may further include the foundation further having an excavated portion defined by the at least three contiguous vertical walls, and an inclined ramp section disposed both outside of and inside of the excavated portion, the inclined ramp section configured to provide a path for aligning the trailer frame between the distal ends of the pair of opposing guides.
The trailer frame alignment system may further include the foundation further having an excavated portion defined by the at least three contiguous vertical walls, and an inclined ramp section disposed substantially inside of the excavated portion, the inclined ramp section configured to provide a path for aligning the trailer frame between the distal ends of the pair of opposing guides.
Thus, the above disclosure provides new and improved devices, systems and methods of use for a foundation-based trailer alignment system. While the invention has been shown and described with respect to the above described embodiments, it is not thus limited. Numerous modifications, changes and enhancements will now be apparent to the reader.
Patent Application
20190234062
