Conveyor

Abstract

According to a first aspect of the subject matter of the present disclosure, a transport apparatus adapted to be transported by a flatbed truck includes a chassis having a bottom and an engagement mechanism, and a plurality of extendable legs operably connected to the bottom of the chassis for raising and lowering the transport apparatus, the engagement mechanism configured to engage with the flatbed truck to secure the transport apparatus to the flatbed truck.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The subject matter of the present disclosure relates to transportation. More specifically, the subject matter of the present disclosure relates to heavy goods accessories for road transportation.

[0002] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 289,679, entitled “METHOD, SYSTEM, AND PRODUCT-PORTABLE STRUCTURE,” filed December 15, 2021, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein. [Background technology]

[0003] The transportation of odd-shaped or heavy loads that do not fit into the dimensions of a standard trailer requires transportation by flatbed trucks, flatbed trailers, or flatbed semi-trailers. Such loads cannot be loaded or unloaded from a dock and therefore require a crane, forklift, or both.

[0004] Flatbed hauls offer dimensional flexibility for larger cargo because they have no side walls. Flatbed trucks can also be loaded from both sides and from above and below. Flatbed trailer lengths can range from 48 feet long by 8.5 feet wide, with various deck lengths for step decks. The loading process for flatbed hauls depends on the specifics of the shipping location and the type of load being handled.

[0005] Loading heavy and irregular cargo requires appropriate equipment such as cranes, forklifts, etc. Such equipment is usually available at the source. However, the process of unloading and reloading the cargo at the destination can be a logistical and financial challenge, especially when the destination is far away. Summary of the Invention

[0006] According to a first aspect of the subject matter of the present disclosure, a transport apparatus adapted to be transported by a flatbed truck includes a chassis having a bottom and an engagement mechanism, and a plurality of extendable legs operably connected to the bottom of the chassis for raising and lowering the transport apparatus, the engagement mechanism configured to engage with the flatbed truck to secure the transport apparatus to the flatbed truck.

[0007] In some exemplary embodiments, the chassis is made from a combination of trusses and rafters covered with sheet metal, and the chassis includes a number of hooks located along the sides of the chassis for tying loads carried by the carrier to the carrier.

[0008] In some exemplary embodiments, the chassis has a shape with at least two opposing sides that can be used as loading ends for loading the transport device onto a flatbed truck, each loading end including a pair of extendable legs spaced apart a distance greater than the width of the flatbed truck.

[0009] In some exemplary embodiments, the engagement mechanism comprises a plurality of twist lock sockets configured to engage with matching twist lock pins on the flatbed truck.

[0010] In some exemplary embodiments, the transport apparatus further comprises a generator utilized to power the plurality of telescoping legs, the generator being selected from the group consisting of an electric generator, a hydraulic generator, a pneumatic generator, and combinations thereof.

[0011] In some exemplary embodiments, the generator includes a controller having a global positioning system (GPS) sensor and a wireless transceiver, and the controller uses the GPS sensor to determine information indicative of the location of the transport apparatus, transmits the information to a remote computing device, and receives instructions for separately operating each telescoping leg of the multiple telescoping legs.

[0012] In some exemplary embodiments, each telescoping leg of the plurality of telescoping legs comprises a linear actuator configured to extend and retract the telescoping leg to respectively raise and lower the transport device, the linear actuator being powered and controlled by a generator.

[0013] In some exemplary embodiments, each telescoping leg of the plurality of telescoping legs further comprises a rotary actuator, a shaft, and a wheel, the rotary actuator configured to pivot and rotate the wheel by the shaft to maneuver the transport device to a required position, the rotary actuator being powered and controlled by a generator.

[0014] In some exemplary embodiments, the load is integrated with the carrier, thereby forming a portable structure.

[0015] In some exemplary embodiments, the portable structure is selected from the group consisting of a home, an office, a warehouse, a laboratory, a military command and control room, a medical emergency station, and combinations thereof.

[0016] In certain exemplary embodiments, the generator is an external auxiliary generator.

[0017] According to another aspect of the subject matter of the present disclosure, there is provided a method for loading a transport device as described in claim 10 onto a flatbed truck, the method including the steps of extending telescoping legs to raise the transport device, driving the flatbed truck under a chassis, moving the transport device so that an engagement mechanism aligns with a matching engagement mechanism on the flatbed truck, lowering the transport device by shortening the telescoping legs so that the chassis rests on the flatbed truck, and engaging the engagement mechanism with the matching engagement mechanism.

[0018] In some exemplary embodiments, the moving step includes pivoting and rotating the wheel.

[0019] In some exemplary embodiments, the ascent, descent, slewing, and rotation are controlled by a remote computing device including a dedicated software application, the computing device being selected from the group consisting of a laptop computer, a tablet, a desktop computer, a smartphone, and any combination thereof.

[0020] According to yet another aspect of the subject matter of the present disclosure, there is provided a method for unloading a transport device as described in claim 10 from a flatbed truck onto a surface at a site, the method including the steps of disengaging an engagement mechanism from a matching engagement mechanism of the flatbed truck, extending telescoping legs against the surface to raise the transport device above the flatbed truck, driving the flatbed truck away from the transport device, and moving the transport device on the surface to a location within the site by pivoting and rotating the wheels.

[0021] In some exemplary embodiments, the moving step includes pivoting and rotating the wheels to thereby move the transport apparatus or portable structure on the surface to a desired location within the site.

[0022] In some exemplary embodiments, the extension, pivoting, and rotation are controlled by a remote computing device including a dedicated software application, the computing device being selected from the group consisting of a laptop computer, a tablet, a desktop computer, a smartphone, and any combination thereof.

[0023] In some exemplary embodiments, at least two portable structures are mechanically connected to one another. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0024] Some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter are described herein, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. Referring now specifically to the drawings in detail, it is emphasized that the particulars shown are exemplary and are presented solely for the purpose of illustrating preferred embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, and to provide what is believed to be the most useful and easily understood explanation of the principles and conceptual aspects of the disclosed subject matter. In this regard, no attempt has been made to show the structural details of the disclosed subject matter in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding of the disclosed subject matter, and by referring to the description in conjunction with the drawings, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art how some forms of the disclosed subject matter can be embodied in practice. In the drawings, [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a transport device and a load, according to some example embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a portable structure according to some example embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a telescoping leg, according to some exemplary embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. [Figure 4A] FIG. 4A is a side view of a flatbed truck and loaded transport device in a pre-load / post-load position, according to some exemplary embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. [Figure 4B] FIG. 4B is a rear view of a flatbed truck and loaded transport device in a pre-load / post-load position, according to some exemplary embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. [Figure 4C] FIG. 4C is a side view of a transport apparatus with a load loaded onto a flatbed truck, according to some example embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. [Figure 4D] FIG. 4D is a rear view of a transport apparatus with a load loaded onto a flatbed truck, according to some exemplary embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. [Diagram 5]FIG. 5 is a layout of multiple transport devices deployed at a site, according to some example embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0025] One object of the subject matter of the present disclosure is to provide a transport device adapted to be transported by a flatbed truck. In some exemplary embodiments, the transport device eliminates the need for lifting equipment for loading and unloading a load onto and from the flatbed truck.

[0026] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a portable structure for a home, office, warehouse, laboratory, etc. In some exemplary embodiments, the portable structure may be an integral part of a transport device, thereby eliminating the need for lifting equipment required for loading, unloading and positioning the portable structure at a remote site.

[0027] Referring now to FIG. 1, a perspective view of a conveying device and load is shown in accordance with some example embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.

[0028] The transport apparatus 100 may be a transport accessory configured to carry and secure (tie down) heavy and wide (irregular) loads, such as the baggage 20. In some exemplary embodiments, the transport apparatus 100 may be utilized to place the baggage / load it carries at various sites. In some exemplary embodiments, the transport apparatus 100 is designed to be loaded, unloaded, and secured onto a flatbed truck, flatbed trailer, flatbed semi-trailer, or the like, for transportation. The baggage 20 may be, for example, a generator, a large transformer, a house, an office, a large satellite dish, a laboratory, or the like, or any combination thereof.

[0029] It should be noted that the terms cargo and luggage are referred to interchangeably herein and refer to at least one load carried by the transport apparatus 100. Additionally, the term "flatbed truck" as used throughout this disclosure also refers to flatbed trailers and flatbed semi-trailers.

[0030] In some exemplary embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, the transport apparatus 100 may be comprised of a chassis 110 , at least four telescoping legs 120 , a generator 130 , and at least four engagement mechanisms 111 .

[0031] In some exemplary embodiments, the chassis 110 can be made of a rigid material such as steel, a polymeric material, or a combination of materials having similar or better strength. The structure of the chassis 100 may be constructed of a combination of trusses and rafters that together form a structure (chassis 100) having the strength to carry the maximum total load that can be carried by a flatbed truck. In some exemplary embodiments, the top surface of the chassis 110 may be covered by a steel plate (skin). Additionally or alternatively, the chassis 110 may include a number of hooks and rings (not shown) disposed along the sides of the chassis 110 and used to tie (tie) a load, such as load 20, to the chassis 110. It will be understood that the chassis 110 may be provided in various sizes, i.e., different lengths and widths. It will also be understood that the longitudinal axis of the chassis 110, and therefore the longitudinal axis of the transport device 100, overlaps with the longitudinal axis of a standard flatbed truck.

[0032] It should be noted that the chassis 110 may be a symmetric platform, i.e., a platform in which opposing sides are mirror images of one another. In some exemplary embodiments, two of the four opposing sides may be used as loading ends, i.e., sides from which the transport apparatus 100 may be loaded onto a flatbed truck. However, in some particular embodiments, all four sides may be used as loading ends.

[0033] The engagement mechanism 111 is utilized to secure (tether) the transport device 100 to a flatbed truck for transportation. In some exemplary embodiments, the engagement mechanism 111 may be a commercially available twist lock socket configured to engage with a commercially available twist lock pin of a flatbed truck to secure the transport device 100 to the flatbed truck, similar to how a shipping container is tethered to a flatbed truck. The chassis 110 may include at least one pair of twist lock sockets at each loading end. In some exemplary embodiments, the chassis 110 may include additional pairs of twist lock sockets disposed along its length. It should be noted that the distance between the pair of twist lock sockets and the distance between the pairs of twist lock sockets conform to the standard distance between the pair of twist lock pins and the standard distance between the pairs of twist lock pins of any standard flatbed truck.

[0034] Additionally or alternatively, the engagement mechanism 111 may be comprised of a number of chains, binders, and straps adapted to tether the transport apparatus 100 to hooks and rings on the flatbed.

[0035] In some exemplary embodiments, at least one telescoping leg 120 may be connected to the bottom of each corner of the chassis 110 such that the telescoping leg 120 protrudes toward the ground. Optionally, additional telescoping legs 120 may be connected near the longitudinal sides of the chassis 110. In some exemplary embodiments, each telescoping leg 120 may be configured such that its length can be changed, i.e., made longer or shorter, separately, either manually or by a force generating device. In some exemplary embodiments, the telescoping legs 120 may be extended to load / unload the transport device 100 onto a flatbed truck. Alternatively, the telescoping legs 120 may be shortened to place the transport device 100 on a site surface, e.g., the ground, and when tying the transport device 100 onto a flatbed truck prior to transportation.

[0036] It should be noted that two opposing sides of the transport apparatus 100 may be configured as loading ends. In some exemplary embodiments, a loading end may not include more than two telescoping legs 120 to allow for driving a flatbed under the chassis 110 and between the telescoping legs 120. Additionally or alternatively, the spacing between the two telescoping legs 120 on each loading end must be greater than the width of a standard flatbed.

[0037] In some exemplary embodiments, the generator 130 may be an electric generator, a hydraulic generator, a pneumatic generator, etc., or any combination thereof. The generator 130 may be utilized to provide energy to the linear and rotary actuators (described in further detail below) of each telescoping leg 120 for purposes of raising / lowering and moving the transport apparatus 100. In some exemplary embodiments, the generator 130 may be powered by a commercially available diesel or other fossil fuel generator. Additionally or alternatively, the generator 130 may be powered by a rechargeable battery.

[0038] In some exemplary embodiments, generator 130 may be an external auxiliary generator that may be connected to transport apparatus 100 as needed.

[0039] The generator 130 may be configured to individually (separately) control each telescoping leg 120 and its components. Note that the terms extend / retract are interchangeably referred to as raise / lower herein.

[0040] In some exemplary embodiments, the generator 130 may include a controller (not shown) that holds program code that operates to cause actions related to determining the location of the transport apparatus 100, propelling it, and communicating with external devices. In some exemplary embodiments, the controller comprises a global positioning system (GPS) sensor configured to determine information indicative of the location of the transport apparatus 100. Additionally or alternatively, the controller is adapted to control, i.e., propel, all functionality of all telescoping legs (described in further detail below) of the transport apparatus 100, thereby controlling the lift and movement of the transport apparatus 100 within the site. Additionally or alternatively, the controller is configured to wirelessly communicate with a remote computing device (not shown), such as a laptop computer, tablet, desktop computer, smartphone, or the like, or any combination thereof.

[0041] The computing device (not shown) may employ a dedicated software application utilized as a control interface to transmit and receive information and instructions to and from the computing device by wireless transceiver. In some exemplary embodiments, an operator of the transport apparatus 100 may use the computing device (not shown) to provide instructions for separately activating each of the multiple telescoping legs 120, thereby raising, lowering and moving, i.e., maneuvering, the transport apparatus 100 within the site based on GPS information indicating the location of the transport apparatus 100. Additionally or alternatively, the computing device may be configured to output visualized results, reports, and the like. It will be appreciated that the computing device (not shown) may be used as a control interface for multiple transport apparatuses 100 simultaneously.

[0042] In some exemplary embodiments, the generator 130 includes a controller incorporating a GPS sensor and a wireless transceiver. The controller may use the GPS sensor to determine information indicative of the location of the transport apparatus 100 and transmit the information to a remote computing device using the wireless transceiver. Additionally or alternatively, the controller may use the wireless transceiver to receive instructions from the remote computing device for separately activating each telescoping leg of the plurality of telescoping legs.

[0043] Referring now to FIG. 2, a perspective view of a portable structure is shown, in accordance with some example embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.

[0044] The portable structure 200 may be comprised of the transport apparatus 100 of Figure 1 and structures integrated therewith. In some exemplary embodiments, the portable structure 200 may be a house, an office, a warehouse, a laboratory, a military command and control room, a laboratory, a medical emergency station, or the like, or any combination thereof. A goal of providing the portable structure 200 of the present disclosure is to address the need for rapid and low-cost deployment of ready-to-use equipment contained within the portable structure 200.

[0045] Referring now to FIG. 3, a cross-sectional view of a telescoping leg is shown, according to some example embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.

[0046] The telescoping leg 120 may be comprised of a piston 122, a linear actuator 123, a rotary actuator 124, a shaft 125, a wheel 126, and a cylinder 121. In some exemplary embodiments, the cylinder 121 is operably coupled to the bottom of the chassis 110 by means such as welding, bolts, commercially available connectors, or the like, or any combination thereof.

[0047] In some exemplary embodiments, the linear actuator 123 may be configured to slide the piston 122 up and down within the cylinder 121, thereby making the entire telescoping leg 120 longer or shorter. Both the cylinder 121 and the piston 122 may have a similar cross-sectional geometry, which allows the piston 122 to be contained inside the cylinder 121 such that the piston 122 can slide inside the cylinder 121 upon actuation of the linear actuator 123. In some exemplary embodiments, the linear actuator 123 may be a hydraulic actuator, an electric actuator, a pneumatic actuator, or the like, or any combination thereof, which may be controlled and energized by the generator 130 of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2.

[0048] In some exemplary embodiments, the rotary actuator 124 may be configured to pivot the wheels 126 about the axis 127. Additionally or alternatively, the rotary actuator 124 may also be configured to rotate the wheels 126 clockwise (CW) and counterclockwise (CCW). In some exemplary embodiments, the rotary actuator 124 may be a hydraulic actuator, an electric actuator, a pneumatic actuator, or the like, or any combination thereof, which may be controlled and energized by the generator 130 of FIGS. 1 and 2. Additionally or alternatively, the wheels 126 may be locked in position to prevent movement of the transport apparatus 100. This is typically done after placing the transport apparatus 100 in a desired position.

[0049] It will be appreciated that by pivoting and rotating the wheels 126, the transport apparatus 100 can be steered to a position required to either place the transport apparatus 100 in a desired location or load onto a flatbed truck. It will be appreciated that steering the transport apparatus 100 allows the transport apparatus 100 to be driven forward, backward, and sideways, as well as rotated about its axis.

[0050] Referring now to Figures 4A and 4B, side and rear views of a flatbed truck and a transport device with a load in pre-loading / post-loading positions are shown in accordance with some exemplary embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, and referring to Figures 4C and 4D, side and rear views of a transport device with a load loaded on a flatbed truck are shown.

[0051] In some exemplary embodiments, the transport apparatus 100 may be loaded onto the flatbed truck 10. Loading may be a process that includes the following steps:

[0052] To raise the transport apparatus 100 to a height that allows the flatbed truck 10 to pass underneath the chassis 110 , the telescoping legs 120 are extended and then the flatbed truck 10 is driven underneath the chassis 110 .

[0053] The transport 100 is moved into a position where the engagement feature 111 on the chassis 110, such as a twist lock socket, is aligned directly over a matching engagement feature 111 on the flatbed truck, such as a twist lock pin.

[0054] The transport apparatus 100 is then lowered by shortening the telescoping legs 120 so that the chassis 110 rests on the flatbed and all the matching engagement features 11 overlap the engagement features 111 .

[0055] In some exemplary embodiments, loading may be completed by engaging and locking all twist lock pins with associated twist lock sockets, i.e., by engaging and locking engagement features 111 with matching engagement features 11.

[0056] In some exemplary embodiments, the process of unloading the transport apparatus 100 from the flatbed truck 10 may consist of the following steps.

[0057] All engagement mechanisms 111 are disengaged from the matching engagement mechanisms 11 of the flatbed truck 10.

[0058] The telescoping legs 120 are extended toward the ground to elevate the transport apparatus 100 above the height of the flatbed truck 10 .

[0059] The flatbed truck 10 is driven away from the chassis 110.

[0060] Rotary actuators 124 on the telescoping legs 120 are used to pivot and rotate the wheels 126 to move the transport apparatus 100 to a position above a ground surface.

[0061] Referring now to FIG. 5, there is shown a layout of multiple transport apparatuses 100 and / or portable structures 200 deployed at a site, according to some example embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.

[0062] In some exemplary embodiments, multiple transport apparatus 100 (FIG. 1) and / or portable structures 200 (FIG. 2) may be deployed at a site 500 to form a colony such as a military camp, a settlement, a resort, a labor camp, a city-like complex, or the like, or any combination thereof. Additionally or alternatively, at least two transport apparatus 100 (FIG. 1) and / or portable structures 200 (FIG. 2) may be mechanically connected to each other by commercially available means to create a larger structure and / or combined complex.

[0063] In some exemplary embodiments, an operator may utilize a computing device that is used to remotely control the generators 130 of each transport apparatus 100 ( FIG. 1 ) and / or portable structure 200 ( FIG. 2 ) to maneuver each transport apparatus 100 ( FIG. 1 ) and / or portable structure 200 ( FIG. 2 ) to any desired position within the site 500 and set its height.

[0064] It is to be understood that the disclosed subject matter is not limited in application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the description or illustrated in the drawings. The disclosed subject matter is capable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways. It is also to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The drawings are generally not to scale. For clarity, some elements may be omitted from some of the drawings.

[0065] The terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes," "including," and "having," along with their derivatives, mean "including but not limited to." The term "consisting of" has the same meaning as "including and limited to."

[0066] As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, the term "a compound" or "at least one compound" may include a plurality of compounds, including mixtures thereof.

[0067] Throughout this application, various embodiments of the subject matter of the present disclosure may be presented in a range format. It should be understood that the description in range format is merely for convenience and brevity and should not be construed as an inflexible limitation on the scope of the subject matter disclosed. Thus, the description of a range should be considered to have all possible subranges specifically disclosed as well as individual numerical values ​​within that range.

[0068] It should be understood that certain features of the disclosed subject matter that are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the disclosed subject matter that are briefly described in the context of a single embodiment may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination or as suitable with any other described embodiment of the disclosed subject matter. Certain features described in the context of various embodiments are not to be construed as essential features of those embodiments, unless the embodiment is inoperable without those elements.

[0069] Although the disclosed subject matter has been described in conjunction with its specific embodiments, it is apparent that many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be obvious to those skilled in the art. Therefore, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims. All publications, patents, and patent applications mentioned in this specification are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent, or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated herein by reference. Furthermore, citation or identification of any reference in this application should not be construed as an admission that such reference is available as prior art to the subject matter of this disclosure.

Claims

1. 1. A transport apparatus adapted to be transported by a flatbed truck, the transport apparatus comprising: a chassis having a base and an engagement mechanism; a plurality of telescoping legs operatively coupled to the bottom of the chassis for raising and lowering the transport apparatus; The transport apparatus, wherein the engagement mechanism is configured to engage with the flatbed truck to secure the transport apparatus to the flatbed truck.

2. 10. The transport device of claim 1, wherein the chassis is made from a combination of trusses and rafters covered with sheet metal, the chassis including a plurality of hooks disposed along the sides of the chassis for tying loads to be carried by the transport device to the transport device.

3. 2. The transport device of claim 1, wherein the chassis has a shape with at least two opposing sides that can be used as loading ends for loading the transport device onto the flatbed truck, each loading end having a pair of extendable legs spaced apart a distance greater than the width of the flatbed truck.

4. The transport apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the engagement mechanism is comprised of a plurality of twist lock sockets configured to engage with matching twist lock pins of the flatbed truck.

5. 10. The transport apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a generator utilized to power the plurality of telescoping legs, the generator being selected from the group consisting of an electric generator, a hydraulic generator, a pneumatic generator, and combinations thereof.

6. 2. The transport device of claim 1, wherein the generator comprises a controller having a global positioning system (GPS) sensor and a wireless transceiver, the controller using the GPS sensor to determine information indicative of the location of the transport device, transmitting the information to a remote computing device, and receiving instructions for separately operating each telescoping leg of the plurality of telescoping legs.

7. 7. The transport device of claim 6, wherein each telescopic leg of the plurality of telescopic legs comprises a linear actuator configured to extend and retract the telescopic leg to respectively raise and lower the transport device, the linear actuator being powered and controlled by the generator.

8. 8. The transport device of claim 7, wherein each telescoping leg of the plurality of telescoping legs further comprises a rotary actuator, a shaft, and a wheel, the rotary actuator configured to pivot and rotate the wheel by the shaft to maneuver the transport device to a required position, the rotary actuator being powered and controlled by the generator.

9. The transport apparatus of claim 8 , wherein a load is integrated with the transport apparatus, thereby forming a portable structure.

10. 10. The transport apparatus of claim 9, wherein the portable structure is selected from the group consisting of a home, an office, a warehouse, a laboratory, a military command and control room, a medical emergency station, and combinations thereof.

11. The transport apparatus of claim 5 , wherein the generator is an external auxiliary generator.

12. 11. A method for loading a transport device as claimed in claim 10 onto the flatbed truck, the method comprising: extending the telescoping legs to raise the transport device; driving the flatbed truck underneath the chassis; moving the transport device so that the engagement feature is aligned with a matching engagement feature of the flatbed truck; lowering the transport apparatus by retracting the telescoping legs so that the chassis rests on the flatbed truck; and engaging the engagement feature with the matching engagement feature.

13. The method of claim 12 , wherein the moving step includes pivoting and rotating the wheel.

14. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the ascent, descent, slewing, and rotation are controlled by a remote computing device including a dedicated software application, said computing device being selected from the group consisting of a laptop computer, a tablet, a desktop computer, a smartphone, and any combination thereof.

15. 11. A method for unloading a transport device from the flatbed truck onto a site surface as recited in claim 10, the method comprising: disengaging the engagement mechanism from a matching engagement mechanism of the flatbed truck; extending the telescoping legs relative to the surface to elevate the transport apparatus above the flatbed truck; driving the flatbed truck away from the transport device; and moving the transport device on the surface to a location within the site by pivoting and rotating the wheels.

16. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the moving step includes pivoting and rotating the wheels to thereby move the transport apparatus or the portable structure on the surface to a desired location within the site.

17. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the extension, pivoting, and rotation are controlled by a remote computing device including a dedicated software application, said computing device being selected from the group consisting of a laptop computer, a tablet, a desktop computer, a smartphone, and any combination thereof.

18. The method of claim 16 , wherein at least two of the portable structures are mechanically connected to one another.

Images