REFRIGERATED TRAILER

Abstract

A refrigerated trailer adapted for towing by a tow vehicle is provided. The refrigerated trailer can include an insulated enclosure with a door for accessing an interior space and a refrigeration system to maintain a predetermined temperature. The insulated enclosure can be supported by a frame equipped with multiple wheels for mobility. A height adjustment system can be mounted on the frame, and a track system is integrated into the insulated enclosure. The height adjustment system can work in conjunction with the track system to adjust the height of the insulated enclosure between a first and a second height relative to the frame. Advantageously, the refrigerated trailer can enable users to efficiently load and unload cargo without the need for auxiliary equipment or excessive manual effort.

Description

FIELD

The present technology relates generally to a transportation device and, more particularly, to a ground-level loading refrigerated trailer adapted for towing by a tow vehicle.

INTRODUCTION

This section provides background information related to the present disclosure which is not necessarily prior art.

Utility trailers, such as those towed behind pick-up trucks, cars, vans, and other vehicles, may be used to transport tools, machines, recreational vehicles (e.g., motorcycles and personal watercraft), and various cargo loads of differing weights. However, known utility trailers require auxiliary ramps, additional loading/unloading equipment, or significant manual labor to load and unload cargo. This auxiliary equipment can be cumbersome to transport, take up unnecessary space, and can be time-consuming to set up. As a result, there is a need for utility trailers with improved designs that simplify the loading and unloading process.

Ground-loading utility trailers offer a significant advantage by allowing the user to lower the trailer platform from its ride level above ground down to ground level. This design eliminates the need for additional auxiliary ramps, steps, or manually lifting the cargo to an elevated height, thereby simplifying the loading and unloading process. This concept of a ground-loading utility trailer can be applied to a number of specialty utility trailers, including a refrigerated trailer.

Refrigerated trailers provide a practical solution for transporting cargo such as perishable goods, including refrigerated foods, pharmaceutical products, cosmetic items, flowers, and other temperature-sensitive materials. These refrigerated trailers may be equipped with temperature-controlled environments to protect cargo from deterioration, spoilage, and loss of value, regardless of external environmental conditions. Efficient and safe loading and unloading of perishable goods are critical, particularly given their sensitivity to time and environmental exposure. Additionally, refrigerated trailers may serve as temporary storage units for perishable items during events such as catering operations, food truck services, or restaurant supply deliveries, offering convenience and flexibility for users.

Accordingly, there is a continuing need for a ground-loading refrigerated trailer adapted for towing by a tow vehicle that enables users to efficiently load and unload cargo without the need for additional auxiliary equipment or excessive manual effort.

SUMMARY

In concordance with the instant disclosure, a ground-loading refrigerated trailer adapted for towing by a tow vehicle that enables users to efficiently load and unload cargo without the need for auxiliary equipment or excessive manual effort, has surprisingly been discovered. The present technology includes articles of manufacture, systems, and processes that relate to a refrigerated trailer adapted for towing by a tow vehicle.

In certain embodiments, a refrigerated trailer adapted for towing by a tow vehicle is provided. The refrigerated trailer can include an insulated enclosure having at least one door configured to provide entry to an interior space of the insulated enclosure. The refrigerated trailer can include a refrigeration system operably coupled to the insulated enclosure for maintaining a predetermined temperature within the interior space of the insulated enclosure. The refrigerated trailer can include a frame having a base portion. The base portion can have opposing ends and a first arm extending from one opposing end and a second arm extending from the other opposing end. The first arm and the second arm can be parallel to one another and perpendicular to the base portion, forming a U-shaped frame. The refrigerated trailer can include two or more wheels coupled to the frame for supporting the frame. The refrigerated trailer can include a height adjustments system configured to adjust the insulated enclosure between a first height and a second height. The height adjustment system can include one of an actuator, a linear motion actuator, a pneumatic arm and hydraulic motor, or a combination thereof. The first height can be a position for transporting the insulated enclosure and the second height can be a position lower than the first height, where the second height can be a position substantially at ground level for loading cargo into the insulated enclosure. The refrigerated trailer can further include a track system disposed on the insulated enclosure. The track system can cooperate with the height adjustment system to facilitate adjusting the insulated enclosure between the first height and the second height relative to the frame.

In certain embodiments, a method of using a refrigerated trailer adapted for towing by a tow vehicle to transport cargo can include the step of providing the refrigerated trailer adapted for towing by the tow vehicle.

In certain embodiments, the method can include the step of setting a predetermined temperature for the interior space of the insulated enclosure. The method can include the step of adjusting the insulated enclosure from the first height to the second height relative to the frame. The method can include the step of opening the door. The method can include the step of loading cargo into the interior space of the insulated enclosure. The method can also include the step of closing the door. The method can include the step of adjusting the insulated enclosure from the second height to the first height relative to the frame. The method can further include the step of coupling the refrigerated trailer to the tow vehicle for transportation of the refrigerated trailer.

In certain embodiments, the method can further include the step of adjusting the insulated enclosure from the first height to the second height relative to the frame. The method can include the step of opening the door. The method can also include the step of unloading cargo from the interior space of the insulated enclosure. The method can also include the step of closing the door. The method can include the step of adjusting the insulated enclosure from the second height to the first height relative to the frame.

Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. The description and specific examples in this summary are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

DRAWINGS

The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a refrigerated trailer adapted for towing by a tow vehicle and showing an insulated enclosure at a first height, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the refrigerated trailer of FIG. 1 showing the insulated enclosure at a second height;

FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the refrigerated trailer of FIG. 1 showing the insulated enclosure at the first height;

FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the refrigerated trailer of FIG. 1 showing the insulated enclosure at the second height;

FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of a frame of the refrigerated trailer shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of the refrigerated trailer of FIG. 1 showing a door in an open position and an interior space of the refrigerated trailer;

FIG. 7 is a rear perspective view of the refrigerated trailer of FIG. 1 showing a door in an open position and an interior space having cargo disposed therein;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a user interface for controlling an operation of the refrigerated trailer of FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the interior space of the insulated enclosure showing a light and a refrigeration unit of the refrigerated trailer of FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is a rear elevational view of the refrigerated trailer of FIG. 1 showing the insulated enclosure at a first height and the door of the insulated enclosure in an open position;

FIG. 11 is a side elevational view of a refrigerated trailer adapted for towing by a tow vehicle coupled to a tow vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 12A-C are a side elevational schematic view of the refrigerated trailer of FIG. 1 showing the movement of the insulated enclosure during transition from the first height to the second height; and

FIGS. 13-14 are a flow chart illustrating a method of using a refrigerated trailer adapted for towing by a tow vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description of technology is merely exemplary in nature of the subject matter, manufacture and use of one or more inventions, and is not intended to limit the scope, application, or uses of any specific invention claimed in this application or in such other applications as may be filed claiming priority to this application, or patents issuing therefrom. Regarding methods disclosed, the order of the steps presented is exemplary in nature, and thus, the order of the steps can be different in various embodiments, including where certain steps can be simultaneously performed, unless expressly stated otherwise. “A” and “an” as used herein indicate “at least one” of the item is present; a plurality of such items may be present, when possible. Except where otherwise expressly indicated, all numerical quantities in this description are to be understood as modified by the word “about” and all geometric and spatial descriptors are to be understood as modified by the word “substantially” in describing the broadest scope of the technology. “About” when applied to numerical values indicates that the calculation or the measurement allows some slight imprecision in the value (with some approach to exactness in the value; approximately or reasonably close to the value; nearly). If, for some reason, the imprecision provided by “about” and/or “substantially” is not otherwise understood in the art with this ordinary meaning, then “about” and/or “substantially” as used herein indicates at least variations that may arise from ordinary methods of measuring or using such parameters.

Although the open-ended term “comprising,” as a synonym of non-restrictive terms such as including, containing, or having, is used herein to describe and claim embodiments of the present technology, embodiments may alternatively be described using more limiting terms such as “consisting of” or “consisting essentially of.” Thus, for any given embodiment reciting materials, components, or process steps, the present technology also specifically includes embodiments consisting of, or consisting essentially of, such materials, components, or process steps excluding additional materials, components or processes (for consisting of) and excluding additional materials, components or processes affecting the significant properties of the embodiment (for consisting essentially of), even though such additional materials, components or processes are not explicitly recited in this application. For example, recitation of a composition or process reciting elements A, B and C specifically envisions embodiments consisting of, and consisting essentially of, A, B and C, excluding an element D that may be recited in the art, even though element D is not explicitly described as being excluded herein.

As referred to herein, disclosures of ranges are, unless specified otherwise, inclusive of endpoints and include all distinct values and further divided ranges within the entire range. Thus, for example, a range of “from A to B” or “from about A to about B” is inclusive of A and of B. Disclosure of values and ranges of values for specific parameters (such as amounts, weight percentages, etc.) are not exclusive of other values and ranges of values useful herein. It is envisioned that two or more specific exemplified values for a given parameter may define endpoints for a range of values that may be claimed for the parameter. For example, if Parameter X is exemplified herein to have value A and also exemplified to have value Z, it is envisioned that Parameter X may have a range of values from about A to about Z. Similarly, it is envisioned that disclosure of two or more ranges of values for a parameter (whether such ranges are nested, overlapping or distinct) subsume all possible combination of ranges for the value that might be claimed using endpoints of the disclosed ranges. For example, if Parameter X is exemplified herein to have values in the range of 1-10, or 2-9, or 3-8, it is also envisioned that Parameter X may have other ranges of values including 1-9, 1-8, 1-3, 1-2, 2-10, 2-8, 2-3, 3-10, 3-9, and so on.

When an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “engaged to,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly engaged to,” “directly connected to” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments.

Spatially relative terms, such as “inner,” “outer,” “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

The present technology relates to a refrigerated trailer 100 adapted for towing by a tow vehicle 102, as shown in FIGS. 1-12. Advantageously, the refrigerated trailer 100 can enable users to efficiently load and unload cargo without the need for auxiliary equipment or excessive manual effort. A method 200 of using the refrigerated trailer 100 adapted for towing by a tow vehicle 102 is provided in FIGS. 14 and 15.

With reference to FIGS. 1-11, certain embodiments of a refrigerated trailer 100 are illustrated. The refrigerated trailer 100 can include an insulated enclosure 104. The insulated enclosure 104 can have at least one door 106 configured to provide entry to an interior space 108 of the insulated enclosure 104. The refrigerated trailer 100 can include a refrigeration system 110. The refrigeration system 110 can be operably coupled to the insulated enclosure 104 for maintaining a predetermined temperature within the interior space 108 of the insulated enclosure 104.

With reference to FIG. 1-5, the refrigerated trailer 100 can include a frame 112 having a generally U-shape. The frame 112 can include a base portion 114 having opposing ends 115, 116 and a first arm 117 extending from opposing end 115 and a second arm 118 extending from opposing end 116. The two arms 117, 118 can each be coupled to the respective opposing ends 115, 116 of the base portion 114 such that the two arms 117, 118 are substantially parallel to one another and substantially perpendicular to the base portion 114, thereby forming the generally U-shaped frame 112.

In certain embodiments, the insulated enclosure 104 can be disposed within the frame 112 such that the frame 112 is disposed around three sides of a perimeter of the insulated enclosure 104. The U-shape of the frame 112 can allow the insulated enclosure 104 to move horizontally and vertically with respect to the frame 112 without interfering with the frame 112. This horizontal and vertical movement will be further described herein below.

In certain embodiments, the frame 112 can include a hitch assembly 122 including a jack for supporting the frame 112 when the refrigerated trailer 100 is not hitched to a tow vehicle 102. The hitch assembly 122 can be disposed on or adjacent the base portion 114 of the frame 112. In yet another embodiment, the frame can also include a storage portion 124 or storage container such as a toolbox, for example, disposed on the base portion 114.

With reference to FIGS. 1-7, the refrigerated trailer 100 can include two or more wheels 126 rotatably coupled to the frame 112. In certain embodiments, the wheel can be rotatably coupled to the arms 117, 118 of the frame 112. It should be understood that the size of the wheels and/or tires can be selected to provide a desired load capacity, ride characteristics, and other performance characteristics for various applications. It should also be understood that half-axles, trailer axle hubs, hub assemblies, and the like can be used to rotatably couple the wheels 126 to the arms 117, 118. Furthermore, a suspension system and/or suspension components can be provided to facilitate the coupling of the wheels 126 to the frame 112. The suspension system and/or suspension components can also facilitate providing a desired load capacity, ride characteristics, and other performance characteristics for various applications. Non-limiting examples of suitable suspension systems can include torsion axle suspension, leaf spring axle suspension, air ride suspension, slipper spring suspension, and walking beam suspension. A person having ordinary skill in the art can select an appropriate suspension system and/or suspension components within the scope of the present disclosure.

The refrigerated trailer 100 can include a height adjustment system 128. The height adjustment system 128 can be operably mounted to the frame 112. The height adjustment system 128 can be disposed on one or both of the arms 118 of the frame. Alternatively, the height adjustment system 128 can be disposed on the base portion 114 of the frame 112. The height adjustment system 128 can include one or more actuators such as a linear motion actuator, a pneumatic arm and a hydraulic motor, or a combination thereof, for example.

The height adjustment system 128 can allow the refrigerated trailer 100 to be adjusted from a first height 130 or ride height to a second height 132 or ground height. The first height 130 can be a position optimized for towing the refrigerated trailer 100. The second height 132 can be a loading/unloading height position lower than the first height 130. The second height 132 can be substantially at ground level to facilitate loading and unloading of cargo. It should be understood that a height can also be set to a position between the first height 130 and the second height 132.

With reference to FIGS. 12A, 12B, and 12C, and as further described herein below, the height adjustment system 128 can cooperate with a track system 134 disposed on the insulated enclosure 104 and/or with the suspension system to adjust the refrigerated trailer 100 from the first height 130 to the second height 132 and from the second height 132 to the first height 130. In the illustrated embodiment, the actuator 135 is shown coupled to the arms 117, 118 of the frame 112. It should be understood that actuator 135 can be coupled to the base portion 114 of the frame 112 or the suspension of the frame 112, as desired. The height adjustment system 128 can be controlled via a remote, which can enable a user to adjust the height of the insulated enclosure 104 with respect to the frame 112. The remote can be wired or wireless, allowing flexibility in operation. A wireless remote can provide additional convenience by enabling control from a distance, while a wired remote can offer a reliable connection without the need for battery power or wireless signal strength.

It should be understood that the height adjustment system 128 can allow a user to select more than the first height and the second height, enabling adjustments to intermediate positions between the first height 130 and the second height 132 or to other heights beyond these two. This flexibility can accommodate a variety of loading, unloading, or operational scenarios. It should be understood that the height adjustment system 128 can include sensors, limit switches, and the like to stop the movement of the insulated enclosure 104 upon sensing of an object in the path of movement or reaching a desired position with respect to the frame 112 or the track system 134.

With reference to FIGS. 1-7, in certain embodiments, the refrigerated trailer 100 can include the track system 134 disposed on the insulated enclosure 104. The height adjustment system 128 can be configured to cooperate with the track system 134 to cause a relative motion between the frame 112 and the insulated enclosure 104 and adjust the insulated enclosure 104 to a desired height relative to the frame 112. The relative motion can include both horizontal and vertical components, allowing the insulated enclosure 104 to move both horizontally and vertically as it transitions between the first height 130 and the second height 132. The track system 134 can also be configured to cooperate with the frame 112. The frame can include a connecting portion 120 that can cooperate with the track system and/or tracks to support and guide the insulated enclosure 104 during transition in height.

The track system 134 can be made of one or more tracks or guide rails. The track system 134 can be made of various types of tracks, racks, or guide rails, such as C-rail tracks, or any other suitable type of track or rack. One having ordinary skill in the art can select a suitable track system or tracks within the scope of the present disclosure. The tracks or guide rails of the track system 134 can be disposed at an angle relative to the interior deck 136, for example, 45 degrees. This angle can determine the path of the horizontal and vertical motion of the insulated enclosure 104. Specifically, the angled orientation of the tracks can guide the insulated enclosure 104 along a combined horizontal and vertical trajectory as it moves between the first height 130 and the second height 132. A steeper angle of the tracks may result in a greater vertical motion relative to the horizontal motion, while a shallower angle may emphasize horizontal motion over vertical motion. One having ordinary skill in the art can select a suitable angle for the tracks within the scope of the present disclosure. The tracks or guide rails can help facilitate the controlled and stable horizontal and vertical movement of the insulated enclosure 104, ensuring precise alignment and smooth transitions between the first height 130 and the second height 132.

In certain embodiments, the insulated enclosure 104 can be movably coupled to an interior perimeter or any other suitable part of the frame 112 between the two or more wheels 126 and the arms 117, 118. The height adjustment system 128 can be configured to cooperate with track system 134 to cause a relative motion of the insulated enclosure 104 with respect to the frame 112.

In operation, for example, a hydraulic motor and the actuator or pneumatic arm 135 of the height adjustment system 128 can adjust the height of the insulated enclosure. When the hydraulic motor extends the actuator or the pneumatic arm 135, the actuator or the pneumatic arm 135 can push the insulated enclosure 104 along the tracks of the track system 134, causing it to transition from the first height 130 to the second height 132. Conversely, when the hydraulic motor retracts the actuator or the pneumatic arm 135, the actuator or the pneumatic arm 135 pulls the insulated enclosure 104 along the tracks of the track system 134, transitioning it from the second height 132 back to the first height 130.

With reference to FIGS. 6-7 and 9-10, the insulated enclosure 104 can include an interior space 108. The interior space 108 can include an interior deck 136, one or more walls 138, and a ceiling 140. Each of the interior deck 136, the one or more walls 138, and the ceiling 140 can include an insulating material. The insulating material can serve to regulate a predetermined temperature within the interior space 108, reduce thermal transfer, and maintain a consistent environment suitable for preserving cargo. As non-limiting examples, the insulating material can include polyurethane foam, polystyrene foam, fiberglass insulation, vacuum-insulated panels, or composite materials specifically designed for thermal resistance. One having ordinary skill in the art can select a suitable insulating material within the scope of the present disclosure.

With reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, the interior deck 136 of the insulated enclosure 104 can include an abrasive non-stick surface. Each of the walls 138 of the interior space 108 can include a kick plate 144. The kick plate 144 can be positioned along a lower portion of the walls 138 to provide a protective barrier against impacts or abrasions caused by cargo or equipment during loading and unloading. The kick plate 144 can be made of durable materials such as stainless steel, aluminum, or reinforced polymer to resist wear and tear. The interior space 108 can further include a rail 146. The rail 146 can act as an anchor point to secure cargo using straps, load bars, or other restraining devices. These tracks provide flexibility in tying down loads to prevent shifting during transit, which is especially critical in refrigerated trailers to maintain even air circulation and protect the cargo and/or goods.

The refrigerated trailer 100 can include an outer portion 148 to shield the insulated enclosure 104 from adverse weather conditions, road debris, and other external impacts that can compromise the integrity of the insulated enclosure 104 or cargo. As shown in FIGS. 1-4, the outer portion 148 of the insulated enclosure 104 can be constructed from durable and lightweight materials, such as aluminum, fiberglass, or carbon fiber. These materials can militate against external factors while contributing to the overall efficiency of the trailer by minimizing its weight and adding structural integrity. One of ordinary skill in the art can select a suitable material for the outer portion 148 of the insulated enclosure 104 within the scope of the present disclosure.

With reference to FIGS. 3-4, 6-7, and 10, the insulated enclosure 104 can include at least one door 106. The door 106 can define an opening 150 for access into the interior space 108 of the insulated enclosure 104. The door 106 can be disposed on one or more of the walls 138 of the insulated enclosure 104 and can be configured to pivot outward or inward from the insulated enclosure 104 to allow controlled ingress and egress. In the illustrated embodiment, the door 106 can be disposed on a rear side of the insulated enclosure. The width of the door 106 can be designed such to permit the removal of a pallet from the interior space 108 of the insulated enclosure 104. The size of the pallet can depend on the industry and location. For example, the pallet size can be anywhere from 36 inches by 24 inches to 56 inches by 44 inches. One typical pallet size in the United States is 48 inches by 40 inches. Additionally, the width of the door 106 can enable one or more of a pallet jack 152 or a forklift to enter the interior space 108 for loading cargo into and removing cargo from the insulated enclosure 104.

Advantageously, the width of the door 106 can span any predetermined width or the entirety of one of the walls 138 of the insulated enclosure 104. For example, the width of the door 106 can measure approximately 57 inches to accommodate a range of pallets used across the world. The door 106 can include stainless-steel or another suitable material selected by one having ordinary skill in the art within the scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the door 106 can be configured to form a substantially airtight seal when in a closed position, thereby militating thermal exchange with the external surroundings.

The insulated enclosure 104 can include a ramp 156 disposed adjacent the opening 150, The ramp 156 can be coupled to the frame 112 with a leading edge 157 for contacting a ground surface. The ramp can facilitate the movement of objects into and out of the interior space 108 of the insulated enclosure 104.

With reference to FIG. 7, the insulated enclosure 104 can include a barrier 154. The barrier 154 can provide an insulation barrier covering the opening 150 into the interior space 108 when the door 106 is in an open position. Additionally, the barrier 154 can function to militate against the ingress of dust, debris, and other external contaminants, thereby helping to preserve the cleanliness and integrity of the interior space 108 and its contents, including cargo. The interior space 108 can further include a light source 142 adapted to provide illumination within the interior space 108.

The barrier 154 can include one or more curtains. The one or more curtains can be made of a transparent plastic material or another suitable material designed to militate the ingress of dust, debris, and other external contaminants. The curtain can include a plurality of vertical strips that can be displaced to allow a person and/or an object to pass therethrough and then return to a substantially vertical orientation. The one or more curtains can also be designed to allow visibility into the interior space 108 while helping to retain cooled air and maintain insulation when the door 106 is open. Alternatively, the barrier 154 can include a mesh screen. The mesh screen can include a zipper to enable controlled ingress and egress while preventing the entry of dust, debris, and other external contaminants.

With reference to FIGS. 1-2 and 9-11, the refrigeration system 110 can be operably coupled to the interior space 108 of the insulated enclosure 104 for maintaining a predetermined temperature within the interior space 108 of the insulated enclosure 104. The refrigeration system 110 can be a vapor-compression refrigeration system, or any other suitable system capable of efficiently maintaining the predetermined temperature within the insulated enclosure 104. For example, the refrigeration system 110 could include an absorption refrigeration system or thermoelectric cooling. One having ordinary skill in the art can select a suitable refrigeration system 110 within the scope of the present disclosure.

The refrigeration system 110 can be configured to be electrically coupled to an external power source, enabling operation when connected to stationary or mobile power supplies. The external power source can be mounted to the frame 112 of the refrigerated trailer 100 or to the tow vehicle 102. For example, the external power source can be an electrical outlet, a shore power, or a generator. The generator can include a gas-powered generator, a diesel generator, or a hybrid generator that combines gas and battery power. These mobile generators can help ensure uninterrupted operation of the refrigeration system 110 regardless of the availability of stationary power sources. One having ordinary skill in the art can select an external power source within the scope of the present disclosure. Additionally, the refrigerated trailer 100 can include an internal power system that can supply power to the refrigeration system 110, ensuring continued operation during operation or transportation or in situations where an external power source is unavailable. It should be understood that the power source used to power the refrigeration system 110 can also be used to power the height adjustment system 128.

The refrigeration system 110 can further include a user interface 158, as shown in FIG. 8, disposed on the outer portion 148 of the insulated enclosure 104. Alternatively, the user interface 158 can be disposed on one of the walls 138 of the interior space 108. The user interface 158 can enable a user to control various aspects of the refrigeration system 110, such as temperature settings, power modes, and system diagnostics, providing ease of operation and monitoring. It should be understood that the user interface can also be utilized for controlling the height adjustment system 128.

With reference to FIGS. 13 and 14, a method 200 of using refrigerated trailer 100 adapted for towing by a tow vehicle 102 to transport cargo is provided. The method 200 of using a refrigerated trailer 100 adapted for towing by a tow vehicle 102 to transport cargo can include a step 202 of providing the refrigerated trailer 100 adapted for towing by the tow vehicle 102 as described hereinabove.

The method 200 can include a step 204 of setting a predetermined temperature for the interior space 108 of the insulated enclosure 104. The method 200 can include a step 206 of adjusting the insulated enclosure 104 from the first height 130 to the second height 132 relative to the frame 112. The method 200 can include a step 208 of opening the door 106. The method 200 can include a step 210 of loading cargo into the interior space 108 of the insulated enclosure 104. The method 200 can also include a step 212 of closing the door 106. The method 200 can include a step 214 of adjusting the insulated enclosure 104 from the second height 132 to the first height 130 relative to the frame 112. The method 200 can further include a step 216 of coupling the refrigerated trailer 100 to the tow vehicle 102 for transportation of the refrigerated trailer 100.

In certain embodiments, the method 200 can further include a step 218 of adjusting the insulated enclosure 104 from the first height 130 to the second height 132 relative to the frame 112. The method 200 can then include a step 220 of opening the door 106. The method 200 can also include a step 222 of unloading cargo from the interior space 108 of the insulated enclosure 104. The method 200 can also include a step 224 of closing the door 106. The method 200 can include a step 226 of adjusting the insulated enclosure 104 from the second height 132 to the first height 130 relative to the frame 112.

Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope to those who are skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example embodiments may be embodied in many different forms, and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail. Equivalent changes, modifications and variations of some embodiments, materials, compositions and methods can be made within the scope of the present technology, with substantially similar results.

Claims

1. A refrigerated trailer adapted for towing by a tow vehicle, comprising: an insulated enclosure having at least one door configured to provide entry to an interior space of the insulated enclosure;a refrigeration system operably coupled to the insulated enclosure for maintaining a predetermined temperature within the interior space of the insulated enclosure;a frame configured to support the insulated enclosure;a plurality of wheels coupled to the frame for supporting the frame; anda height adjustment system configured to adjust the insulated enclosure between a first height and a second height.

2. The refrigerated trailer of claim 1, wherein the frame includes a base portion having opposing ends and a first arm extending from one opposing end and a second arm extending from the other opposing end.

3. The refrigerated trailer of claim 2, wherein the first arm and the second arm are parallel to one another and perpendicular to the base portion, forming a U-shape.

4. The refrigerated trailer of claim 1, wherein the height adjustment system comprises one of an actuator, a linear motion actuator, a pneumatic arm and hydraulic motor, or a combination thereof.

5. The refrigerated trailer of claim 1, wherein the first height comprises a position for transporting the insulated enclosure and the second height comprises a position lower than the first height, wherein the second height comprises a position substantially at a ground level.

6. The refrigerated trailer of claim 1, further comprising: a track system disposed on the insulated enclosure, the track system configured to cooperate with the height adjustment system to facilitate adjusting the insulated enclosure between the first height and the second height relative to the frame.

7. The refrigerated trailer of claim 6, wherein the track system is comprised of a plurality of tracks disposed on the insulated enclosure.

8. The refrigerated trailer of claim 6, wherein the track system can include tracks, C-rail tracks, racks, and guide rails.

9. The refrigerated trailer of claim 6, wherein the frame includes a connecting portion configured to couple with the track system to support and guide the insulated enclosure during transition from the first height to the second height.

10. The refrigerated trailer of claim 1, wherein an outer portion of the insulated enclosure is configured to shield the insulated enclosure from weather conditions, road debris, and other external impacts.

11. The refrigerated trailer of claim 1, wherein the insulated enclosure includes a barrier configured to insulate the interior space of the insulated enclosure when the at least one door is displaced in an open position.

12. The refrigerated trailer of claim 1, wherein the at least one door is disposed on a rear side of the insulated enclosure.

13. The refrigerated trailer of claim 12, wherein a width of the at least one door is configured to permit a removal of a pallet from the interior space of the insulated enclosure.

14. The refrigerated trailer of claim 12, wherein a width of the at least one door is configured to enable one or more of a pallet jack and a forklift to enter the interior space of the insulated enclosure for placing an object within or removing an object from the insulated enclosure.

15. The refrigerated trailer of claim 1, wherein the interior space of the insulated enclosure comprises an interior deck, a plurality of walls, and a ceiling, and wherein each of the interior deck, the plurality of walls, the ceiling, and the at least one door include an insulating material.

16. The refrigerated trailer of claim 1, further comprising a user interface configured to enable a user to control the refrigeration system, the user interface disposed on the insulated enclosure.

17. The refrigerated trailer of claim 1, wherein the refrigeration system is configured to be electrically coupled to an external power source.

18. A refrigerated trailer adapted for towing by a tow vehicle, comprising: an insulated enclosure having at least one door configured to provide entry to an interior space of the insulated enclosure;a refrigeration system operably coupled to the insulated enclosure for maintaining a predetermined temperature within the interior space of the insulated enclosure;a frame configured to support the insulated enclosure;a plurality of wheels coupled to the frame for supporting the frame;a height adjustment system configured to adjust the insulated enclosure between a first height and a second height; anda track system disposed on the insulated enclosure, the track system configured to cooperate with the height adjustment system to facilitate adjusting the insulated enclosure between a first height and a second height relative to the frame,wherein: the frame includes a connecting portion configured to couple to the track system and guide the insulated enclosure as it transitions from a first height to a second height,the height adjustment system includes an actuator configured to push and pull the insulated enclosure along the track system, andthe track system is comprised of a plurality of tracks disposed on the insulated enclosure.

19. A method of using a refrigerated trailer adapted for towing by a tow vehicle to transport cargo, the method comprising steps of: providing the refrigerated trailer adapted for towing by the tow vehicle of claim 1;adjusting the insulated enclosure from the first height to the second height relative to the frame;loading cargo into the interior space of the insulated enclosure; andadjusting the insulated enclosure from the second height to the first height relative to the frame.

20. The method claim 19, further comprising steps of: adjusting the insulated enclosure from the first height to the second height relative to the frame;unloading cargo from the interior space of the insulated enclosure; andadjusting the insulated enclosure from the second height to the first height relative to the frame.