Container trailer

Abstract

A trailer includes a coupling to attach the trailer to a tractor, and a frame attached to the coupling. The frame is positionable as a single unit about a container such that the frame can be attached to the container in four regions of the container to lift the container. The trailer has road wheels for long-haul transportation over road systems. The trailer frame can be positioned about the container by laterally expanding and retracting, pivoting about a horizontal axis, and pivoting about a vertical axis.

1 . A trailer, comprising:
 a coupling configured and arranged to attach the trailer to a tractor; and   a frame attached to the coupling, the frame being positionable as a single unit about a container such that the frame can be attached to the container in four regions of the container to lift the container.   
     
     
         2 . The trailer of  claim 1  wherein the frame comprises road wheels for long-haul transportation of the trailer over conventional road systems. 
     
     
         3 . The trailer of  claim 1  wherein the frame is configured to laterally expand and contract, the frame being positionable as a single unit about the container by advancement of the frame relative to the container when expanded, and the frame being positioned for transport of the container when retracted. 
     
     
         4 . The trailer of  claim 1  wherein the frame comprises a frame member configured to pivot about an axis between a first position and a second position, the frame being positionable as a single unit about the container by advancement of the frame relative to the container when in the first position, and the frame being positioned for transport of the container when in the second position. 
     
     
         5 . The trailer of  claim 4  wherein the axis is a horizontal axis and the frame member pivots upward toward the first position. 
     
     
         6 . The trailer of  claim 4  wherein the axis is a vertical axis and the frame member pivots outward toward the first position. 
     
     
         7 . The trailer of  claim 6  wherein the frame member comprises two members that each pivot outward in opposite directions. 
     
     
         8 . The trailer of  claim 2  wherein the frame comprises at least one supporting wheel that supports the frame when the road wheels are off the ground. 
     
     
         9 . A method comprising:
 positioning a trailer as a single unit about a container;   attaching the trailer to regions of four lower corners of the container;   lifting the container off the ground using the trailer; and   attaching the trailer to a tractor, the trailer having road wheels for long-haul transportation of the trailer over conventional road systems.   
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9  further comprising expanding the frame to position the trailer about the container as a single unit. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 9  further comprising pivoting the frame to position the trailer about the container as a single unit. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11  wherein the frame is pivoted about a horizontal axis. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 11  wherein the frame is pivoted about a vertical axis. 
     
     
         14 . A trailer frame comprising:
 two longitudinal members,   a third member connecting the two longitudinal members, the third member being actuatable to laterally expand and retract the frame such that the frame is positionable as a single unit about a container for attaching the frame to the container in four regions of the container to lift the container; and   at least two road wheels for long-haul transportation of the trailer over conventional road systems.   
     
     
         15 . The trailer frame of  claim 14  wherein the frame further comprises at least one support wheel supporting the frame when the frame moves laterally.