Modular trailer kit and accessory system

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a modular trailer kit and accessory system, including a base trailer and a trailer kit for forming the base trailer. The base trailer and trailer kit include a plurality of modular rails and a plurality of carriages. To form a trailer frame without welding or drilling, a plurality of modular rails are interconnected by a plurality of brackets. The base trailer and trailer kit accommodate an accessory mounting system, at least one accessory carrier, and / or one or more accessories, depending on the desired trailer configuration, the type of load carried, or the task to be performed. The base trailer and the trailer kit allow a single trailer frame to be modified and customized to one or more trailer configurations.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Non-Provisional Application No. 18 / 928,827 filed on October 28, 2024 and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 546,507 filed on October 30, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Background Art

[0003] The present disclosure generally relates to a base trailer configuration and a modular trailer kit including a plurality of modular tracks and a plurality of brackets.

[0004] Most trailers require welding or drilling to form a complete chassis or frame. It is common to supply these trailers in a pre-assembled configuration designed for a specific purpose. However, due to the bulkiness of the complete trailer frame, these trailers can be difficult to package and transport domestically or internationally. Therefore, it would be advantageous to provide a trailer or trailer kit having a trailer frame that can be assembled using readily available tools without requiring specialized skills (such as welding).

[0005] Additionally, current trailers and trailer kits that are built from tracks and brackets are limited in their applications. For example, a trailer may be limited to a specific configuration, such as a trailer having an upper railing system or a wall system to enclose the bed of the trailer. Other trailers assembled from a kit may include brackets designed for a specific location on the trailer frame, or brackets designed for a single specific purpose, thereby limiting the type of loads carried or tasks performed.

[0006] Users often require different trailer configurations to carry different types of loads, or may need various accessories mounted to the trailer for different tasks. Users may also desire to change or modify an existing trailer configuration to avoid purchasing separate trailers with different configurations. Thus, it is beneficial for a single trailer to have a wide range of applications so that it can be used to accomplish a variety of tasks. Therefore, it would be advantageous to provide a trailer or trailer kit that includes selectively mountable brackets that allow the trailer frame to be modified and customized depending on the desired trailer configuration, the type of load being carried, and the tasks being performed. Summary of the invention

[0007] A trailer kit is disclosed, constructed from a plurality of modular tracks and a plurality of brackets, as illustrated by and described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of this disclosure, and as set forth in the claims.

[0008] Specifically, an exemplary trailer kit is disclosed. The trailer kit includes a plurality of modular tracks, wherein the plurality of modular tracks form a trailer frame. The trailer frame includes at least one cross member. The trailer kit further includes a plurality of brackets. The plurality of brackets include a frame bracket operable to couple at least two modular tracks. The plurality of brackets further include a tongue bracket operable to secure a trailer tongue assembly to the trailer frame. The plurality of brackets further include an axle bracket operable to secure an axle and wheel assembly to the trailer frame. The plurality of brackets further include a cross member bracket operable to secure at least one cross member to the trailer frame.

[0009] In one example, each of the plurality of modular rails defines a first end, a second end, and a channel extending between the first end and the second end. In another example, the trailer kit further includes at least one fastener, wherein at least a portion of the at least one fastener is received within the channel such that the at least one fastener is operable to be fastened to any of the plurality of modular rails. In one example, the at least one fastener includes a nut and a bolt, wherein the nut is received within the channel, and the at least one fastener is operable to fasten any of the plurality of brackets to any of the plurality of modular rails.

[0010] In another example, the channel of each of the plurality of modular tracks is operable to receive an electrical harness, the electrical harness being operable to power a trailer lighting system. In one example, the trailer kit further includes a channel cover secured within the channel of each of the plurality of modular tracks, the channel cover being operable to at least partially seal the channel.

[0011] In one example, each of the plurality of brackets includes: a body; at least one tab extending from the body, the at least one tab operable to couple the body to any one of a plurality of modular rails; and at least one fastener receiver formed in the body, the at least one fastener receiver operable to receive at least one fastener for fastening the body to any one of the one or more brackets of the plurality of modular rails. In another example, the trailer frame includes a set of upper modular rails and a set of lower modular rails.

[0012] In another example, the at least one tab includes at least one upper tab and at least one lower tab. In this example, the at least one fastener receiver includes at least one upper fastener receiver and at least one lower fastener receiver. Also in this example, the at least one upper tab is operable to couple the body to the set of upper modular rails, and the at least one lower tab is operable to couple the body to the set of lower modular rails. Also in this example, the at least one upper fastener receiver is operable to receive a fastener for fastening the body to the set of upper modular rails, and the at least one lower fastener receiver is operable to receive a fastener for fastening the body to the set of lower modular rails, thereby coupling the set of upper modular rails to the set of lower modular rails.

[0013] In one example, the plurality of brackets further includes at least one accessory bracket operable to secure one or more accessories to the trailer frame, at least one cross member, and / or at least one of the plurality of uprights. In another example, the frame bracket includes: a corner bracket operable to couple at least one of the plurality of modular tracks to another of the plurality of modular tracks at a 90 degree angle; and a longitudinal bracket operable to couple at least one of the plurality of modular tracks to another of the plurality of modular tracks. In yet another example, the corner bracket further includes a light receiver operable to receive a light and mount it to the corner bracket.

[0014] In another example, the tongue bracket includes: a front bracket operable to secure at least one tongue track to a front end of a trailer frame; and a tongue track bracket operable to secure at least one tongue track to a side of the trailer frame. In one example, the cross member bracket includes at least one opening in at least one tab formed on the body such that a fastener inserted through the at least one opening is operable to secure the cross member bracket to any one of a plurality of brackets.

[0015] Another example of a base trailer is also disclosed. The base trailer includes a plurality of modular tracks, wherein the plurality of modular tracks form a trailer frame. The base trailer further includes a plurality of brackets operable to strengthen the trailer frame. In this example, the base trailer can be configured into one or more trailer configurations, and the trailer configurations are interchangeable.

[0016] In one example, a plurality of trailer configurations can be configured on the trailer frame. In another example, the base trailer further includes an accessory mounting system. In yet another example, the accessory mounting system includes one or more accessory brackets. In one example, the trailer configuration includes one or more accessories.

[0017] In one example, the accessory bracket and / or accessory is interchangeably fastened to the trailer frame by at least one fastener. In one example, each of the trailer configurations is interchangeably configured to the trailer frame without welding or drilling into the trailer frame.

[0018] An exemplary method of assembling a trailer kit is also disclosed. The method includes providing a trailer kit having a plurality of modular tracks and a plurality of brackets. The plurality of brackets include a frame bracket, a tongue bracket, an axle bracket, and a cross member bracket. The method further includes forming a trailer frame and at least one cross member from the plurality of modular tracks. The method further includes attaching the frame bracket to the trailer frame, wherein the frame bracket is operable to connect at least two modular tracks. The method further includes attaching the cross member bracket to the trailer frame and at least one cross member. The method further includes attaching a trailer tongue assembly to the trailer frame with the at least one tongue bracket. The method further includes attaching an axle and wheel assembly to the trailer frame with the axle bracket.

[0019] In one example, the method further includes attaching at least one accessory mounting system, at least one accessory bracket, one or more accessories to at least one of the trailer frame and / or the plurality of uprights. In another example, the method further includes removing at least one accessory mounting system, at least one accessory bracket, one or more accessories from the trailer frame and / or the plurality of uprights. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] The following is a brief description of the drawings related to the present disclosure, which will be discussed in more detail in the following detailed description section:

[0021] Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of a modular base trailer is illustrated.

[0022] Figure 2 A perspective view of an assembled modular base trailer is illustrated.

[0023] Figure 3 A perspective view of a track and at least one nut and at least one bolt is illustrated.

[0024] Figure 4 A perspective view of a nut is shown.

[0025] Figure 4A A top perspective view of another embodiment of a nut is illustrated.

[0026] Figure 4B A side perspective view of another embodiment of a nut is illustrated.

[0027] Figure 4CA top perspective view of another embodiment of a nut inserted into a portion of a track is illustrated.

[0028] Figure 4D A top perspective view of another embodiment of a nut inserted into a portion of a track is illustrated, the nut being rotated approximately 90 degrees.

[0029] Figure 5 A perspective view of an assembled modular base trailer is shown. Figure 7 , Fig. 9 , Fig.13 , Fig.15 and Fig.18 's reference numerals.

[0030] Figure 6 A top rear perspective view of a corner bracket is shown.

[0031] Figure 7 An exploded detailed view of a corner bracket is shown.

[0032] Figure 8 A top rear perspective view of a longitudinal bracket is shown.

[0033] Fig. 9 An exploded detailed view of the longitudinal bracket is shown.

[0034] Fig.10 A bottom rear perspective view of the front end bracket is shown.

[0035] Fig.11 A top rear perspective view of a tongue track bracket is shown.

[0036] Fig.12 A top front perspective view of a tongue track is shown.

[0037] Fig.13 An exploded detailed view of the front end bracket, tongue track bracket, and tongue assembly is shown.

[0038] Fig.14 A top rear perspective view of an axle bracket is shown.

[0039] Fig.15 An exploded perspective view of at least one axle bracket and an axle and wheel assembly is shown.

[0040] Fig.16 A partial top and rear perspective view of a cross-member bracket, specifically an axle bracket and a cross-member rail, secured to a modular base trailer is illustrated, with certain components shown as transparent for clarity of illustration.

[0041] Fig.17 A top rear perspective view of a cross-member bracket is shown.

[0042] Fig.18 Illustrated is a bottom rear perspective detail view of a cross-member bracket secured to a modular base trailer, specifically to the cross-member rails and longitudinal brackets.

[0043] Fig.19 A partial top rear perspective view of a cross-member bracket, specifically a corner bracket and a cross-member rail, secured to a modular base trailer is illustrated, with certain components shown as transparent for clarity of illustration.

[0044] Fig. 20 Illustrated is a partial top rear perspective view of at least a portion of a trailer lighting system including a channel cover protecting an electrical wiring harness of the trailer lighting system, which is shown in phantom behind the channel cover.

[0045] Fig.21 A top rear perspective view of the channel cover is shown.

[0046] Fig. 22 Channel cover and track edge shown Fig. 20 A cross-sectional view taken along line 22-22.

[0047] Fig.23 A top front perspective view of a modular base trailer having a deck, fairing system, ramp storage system, and stabilizer jacking assembly is illustrated.

[0048] Fig.24 Figure shows an exploded detailed view of the fairing system.

[0049] Fig.25 A top front perspective view of the ramp storage system in a closed configuration is illustrated.

[0050] Fig.26 A top rear perspective view of the ramp storage system is illustrated in a closed configuration and showing the ramp stowed.

[0051] Fig. 27 A top rear perspective view of the ramp storage system is illustrated in an open configuration and showing the ramp deployed.

[0052] Fig.28 A top front perspective view of a modular base trailer having a deck and frame extension system is illustrated.

[0053] Fig.29 A partially exploded top front perspective view of a frame extension system secured to a trailer frame is illustrated.

[0054] Fig.30 A partially exploded bottom perspective view of a frame extension system secured to a trailer frame is illustrated.

[0055] Fig.31 A partial top perspective view of a modular base trailer having a deck and frame extension system is illustrated.

[0056] Fig.32 A partially exploded bottom perspective view of a frame extension system secured to a trailer frame is illustrated.

[0057] Fig.33 A partial top rear perspective view of a frame extension system secured to a trailer frame is illustrated.

[0058] Fig.34 A partial bottom perspective view of a frame extension system secured to a trailer frame is illustrated.

[0059] Fig.35 A top front perspective view of a modular base trailer having a deck and rail system is illustrated.

[0060] Fig.36 A partially exploded top rear perspective view of a tailgate system is illustrated.

[0061] Fig.37 A partial top perspective view of a latch assembly of a tailgate system is illustrated in a closed configuration.

[0062] Fig.38 A partial top right perspective view of a latch assembly of a tailgate system is illustrated in an open configuration.

[0063] Fig.39 A bottom rear perspective view of the tailgate system in a closed configuration and the landing gear ramp storage system partially exploded is illustrated.

[0064] Fig.40 A partially exploded top right perspective view of a spare tire carrier is illustrated.

[0065] Fig.41 A partial top right perspective view of a spare tire secured to a spare tire carrier of a fence system is illustrated, with certain components shown as transparent for clarity of illustration.

[0066] Fig.42 A top rear perspective view of a modular base trailer having a deck, a portion of a rail system, a hitch assembly, a plurality of rack assemblies, a plurality of tool box assemblies, and a tongue pallet is illustrated.

[0067] Fig.43 An exploded top rear perspective view of one of the frame assemblies is illustrated.

[0068] Fig.44A partially exploded bottom front perspective detail view of a hook assembly is illustrated.

[0069] Fig.45 A partial top right perspective view of a modular base trailer having a deck, longitudinal brackets, tie-down brackets, and stabilizer jacking assembly is illustrated.

[0070] Fig.46 An exploded top right perspective view of one of the stabilizer jacking assemblies is illustrated.

[0071] Fig.47 A bottom right perspective view of one of the tool box assemblies is illustrated.

[0072] Fig.48 A top front perspective view of a tongue tray is shown.

[0073] Fig.49 A top front perspective view of a tongue tray secured to a trailer frame is illustrated.

[0074] Fig.50 is a flow chart illustrating example steps for assembling a modular base trailer.

[0075] The foregoing summary and the following detailed description of certain features of the present application are better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. For illustrative purposes, certain features are shown in the accompanying drawings. However, it should be understood that the claims are not limited to the arrangements shown in the accompanying drawings. Although specific features of various embodiments may be shown in some drawings and not in other drawings, this is only for convenience. Any feature of any drawing may be referenced and / or claimed in conjunction with any feature of any other drawing.

[0076] Unless otherwise indicated, the drawings provided herein are intended to illustrate features of the embodiments of the present disclosure. These features are believed to be applicable to a wide variety of applications, including one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Therefore, the drawings are not intended to include all conventional features known to those of ordinary skill in the art required for practicing the embodiments disclosed herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0077] Figure 1Components of a trailer kit 1 for assembling a modular base trailer 2 are shown. The trailer kit 1 includes a trailer tongue assembly 3, a plurality of corner brackets 40, a plurality of longitudinal brackets 50, a plurality of front brackets 60, a plurality of tongue track brackets 70, a plurality of axle brackets 90, a plurality of cross member brackets 100, an axle and wheel assembly 4, a plurality of tracks 20, at least one cross member track 19, and a trailer lighting system 110. The corner brackets 40 and the longitudinal brackets 50 may be referred to as frame brackets. The frame brackets couple at least two tracks together. The front brackets 60 and the tongue track brackets 70 may be referred to as tongue brackets. The tongue bracket couples the tongue assembly 3 to a trailer frame 10 (e.g., Figure 2 The modular base trailer 2 has a payload capacity of at least 2,100 pounds. The trailer tongue assembly 3 is operable to hitch the modular base trailer 2 to a vehicle (not shown). The axle and wheel assembly 4 is operable to withstand various road conditions and facilitate payload capacity. The trailer lighting system 110 meets safety and compliance requirements for all types of roads, such as city streets, interstate highways, paved roads, unpaved roads, etc. Figure 1 Also shown are the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis to help describe the various movements and relationships of the components of the trailer kit 1. A key advantage of the trailer kit 1 is that the modular base trailer 2 can be assembled by interconnecting any and each of the rails 20 and cross member rails 19 with any bracket (such as the corner brackets 40, longitudinal brackets 50, front brackets 60, tongue rail brackets 70, axle brackets 90, and cross member brackets 100) without the use of welding or drilling.

[0078] Figure 2 An assembled view of a modular base trailer 2 is shown. The rails 20 and the cross member rails 19 are interconnected to form a trailer frame 10 by using corner brackets 40, longitudinal brackets 50, and cross member brackets 100. The trailer frame 10 can be assembled by interconnecting the rails 20 to form an upper track frame 20a in a rectangular shape and a lower track frame 20b in a rectangular shape. When extending along the same side or opposite sides of the trailer frame 10, the rails 20 forming the upper track frame 20a are generally parallel to the rails 20 forming the lower track frame 20b. When the rails 20 of the upper track frame 20a and the lower track frame 20b extend in different directions, the rails 20 forming the upper track frame 20a and the rails 20 forming the lower track frame 20b are generally perpendicular to each other. For example, when the rails 20 form a corner on the trailer frame 10, the rails 20 are generally vertical. In other embodiments, the trailer frame 10 forms a rectangular or quadrilateral structure in a square shape or other different configurations.

[0079] See also Figure 2, the upper track frame 20a and the lower track frame 20b include a front end 13, a rear end 14, a first side 15, and a second side 16. The upper track frame 20a has substantially the same structure and size as the lower track frame 20b. The upper track frame 20a is vertically displaced from the lower track frame 20b so that the upper track frame 20a is located above the lower track frame 20b. The front end 13 of the trailer frame 10 extends between two corner brackets 40 located on opposite ends of the track 20 (i.e., the first track end 7 and the second track end 8). The track 20 extending between the first track end 7 and the second track end 8 forms the front end 13 of the upper track frame 20a and the lower track frame 20b. The first side 15 of the trailer frame 10 extends between two corner brackets 40 located on opposite ends of the track 20 (i.e., the first track end 7 and the third track end 9). The track 20 extending between the first track end 7 and the third track end 9 forms a first side 15 of the upper track frame 20a and the lower track frame 20b. The second side 16 of the trailer frame extends between two corner brackets 40 located on opposite ends of the track 20, namely the second track end 8 and the fourth track end 11. The track 20 extending between the second track end 8 and the fourth track end 11 forms the second side 16 of the upper track frame 20a and the lower track frame 20b. The first side 15 is located on the opposite lateral side to the second side 16. The rear end 14 of the trailer frame 10 extends between two corner brackets 40 located on opposite ends of the track 20, namely the third track end 9 and the fourth track end 11. The track 20 extending between the third track end 9 and the fourth track end 11 forms the rear end 14 of the upper track frame 20a and the lower track frame 20b. The rear end 14 is located on the opposite longitudinal side to the front end 13.

[0080] See also Figure 2, the first track end 7 includes a corner bracket 40 that couples the track 20 of the front end 13 of the upper track frame 20a and the lower track frame 20b to the track 20 of the first side 15 of the upper track frame 20a and the lower track frame 20b. The corner bracket 40 couples the track 20 of the front end 13 to the track 20 of the first side 15 to form an angle of approximately 90 degrees. The second track end 8 includes a corner bracket 40 that couples the track 20 of the front end 13 of the upper track frame 20a and the lower track frame 20b to the track 20 of the second side 16 of the upper track frame 20a and the lower track frame 20b. The corner bracket 40 couples the track 20 of the front end 13 to the track 20 of the second side 16 to form an angle of approximately 90 degrees. The third track end 9 includes a corner bracket 40 that couples the track 20 of the rear end 14 of the upper track frame 20a and the lower track frame 20b to the track 20 of the first side 15 of the upper track frame 20a and the lower track frame 20b. The corner bracket 40 couples the track 20 of the rear end 14 to the track 20 of the first side 15 to form an angle of approximately 90 degrees. The fourth track end 11 includes a corner bracket 40 that couples the track 20 of the rear end 14 of the upper track frame 20a and the lower track frame 20b to the track 20 of the second side 16 of the upper track frame 20a and the lower track frame 20b. The corner bracket 40 couples the track 20 of the rear end 14 to the track 20 of the second side 16 to form an angle of approximately 90 degrees.

[0081] See also Figure 2, a cross member rail 19 may be located between the first side 15 of the trailer frame 10 and the second side 16 of the trailer frame 10. In a preferred embodiment, the cross member rail 19 may be coupled to a portion of the first side 15 of the trailer frame and extend to and coupled to a portion of the second side 16 of the trailer frame 10. More than one cross member rail 19 may be located between the first side 15 and the second side 16 of the trailer frame 10. The cross member rails 19 may be longitudinally spaced apart from one another along the first side 15 and the second side 16 of the trailer frame 10. The cross member rails 19 extending between the first side 15 and the second side 16 of the trailer frame 10 are coupled to a cross member bracket 100. The cross member bracket 100 is located on the first side 15 of the trailer frame 10 and the second side 16 of the trailer frame. The cross member bracket 100 is configured to couple the cross member rail 19 to other brackets included to form the modular base trailer 2, such as the corner brackets 40, the longitudinal brackets 50, the tongue rail brackets 70, and the axle brackets 90. One of the advantages can be that all the rails 20 included to form the modular base trailer 2 have the same size to form a portion of the trailer frame 10, such as the upper track frame 20a, the lower track frame 20b. In another embodiment, the rails 20 can have different sizes, such as different lengths. In a preferred embodiment, each of the plurality of rails 20 and the cross member rail 19 is constructed of an elongated metal extrusion. In other embodiments, each of the rails 20 and the cross member rails 19 is constructed of any suitable material that provides strength and rigidity to the modular base trailer 2. The present disclosure contemplates that the rails 20 and the cross member rails 19 are interchangeable with each other, so that any one of the rails 20 or the cross member rails 19 can form any side or cross member rail of the trailer frame 10.

[0082] See also Figure 2, the axle and wheel assembly 4 includes a plurality of wheels 5, a plurality of fenders 6, and an axle 12. An axle bracket 90 couples the axle and wheel assembly 4 to the trailer frame 10. One of the axle brackets 90 is located on the first side 15 of the trailer frame 10, and another of the axle brackets 90 is located on the second side 16 of the trailer frame 10. The axle brackets 90 located on the first side 15 and the second side 16 are mirror images of each other. One of the fenders 6 is located on the first side 15 of the trailer frame 10, and another fender 6 is located on the second side 16 of the trailer frame 10. The axle bracket 90 couples one of the fenders 6, one of the wheels 5, and a portion of the axle 12 to the trailer frame 10. Another axle bracket 90 couples another fender 6, another wheel 5, and a portion of the axle 12 to the trailer frame 10. The axle 12 extends between the axle and wheel assemblies 4 coupled to the trailer frame 10. In the preferred embodiment, there are two axle and wheel assemblies 4. In alternative embodiments, there may be more axle and wheel assemblies 4 to accommodate trailer frames 10 of larger sizes and configurations, such as four axle and wheel assemblies 4.

[0083] See also Figure 2, the trailer tongue assembly 3 is shown coupled to the trailer frame 10. The trailer tongue assembly 3 includes a hook 86 and a plurality of tongue rails 80. One of the tongue rails 80 is coupled to the first side 15 of the trailer frame 10, and another tongue rail 80 is coupled to the second side 16 of the trailer frame 10. The tongue rails 80 coupled to the first side 15 and the second side 16 are mirror images of each other. The modular base trailer 2 can be formed by coupling a plurality of tongue rail brackets 70 and a plurality of front end brackets 60 to the trailer frame 10. One of these tongue rail brackets 70 is coupled to the first side 15 of the trailer frame 10, and another of these tongue rail brackets 70 is coupled to the second side 16 of the trailer frame 10. The tongue rail brackets 70 coupled to the first side 15 and the second side 16 are mirror images of each other. One of the front end brackets 60 is located near the first rail end 7 and is coupled to the front end 13 of the trailer frame 10. Another of the front end brackets 60 is located near the second rail end 8 and is coupled to the front end 13 of the trailer frame 10. One of the front end brackets 60 couples one of the tongue rails 80 to the front end 13 of the trailer frame 10 near the first rail end 7. Another of the front end brackets 60 couples another tongue rail 80 to the front end 13 of the trailer frame 10 near the second rail end 8. The tongue rail bracket 70 located on the first side 15 couples one of the tongue rails 80 to the first side 15 of the trailer frame 10 between the first rail end 7 and the axle bracket 90 located on the first side 15. The tongue rail bracket 70 located on the second side 16 of the trailer frame couples the tongue rail 80 to the second side 16 of the trailer frame 10 between the second rail end 8 and the axle bracket 90 located on the second side 16.

[0084] Modular Track

[0085] Figure 3 One of the tracks 20 is shown. Each track 20 is formed of an elongated body having a top wall 22, a first end 23, a second end 24, a bottom wall 25, and a rear wall 18. The top wall 22, the bottom wall 25, and the rear wall 18 form a channel 21. The channel 21 extends between the first end 23 and the second end 24 of the track 20. The bottom wall 25 includes a first inwardly turned edge 26. The top wall 22 includes a second inwardly turned edge 27. The channel 21 is sized to allow a nut 31 to be inserted into the channel 21.

[0086] refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4, each track 20 is operable to slidably receive a nut 31 within the channel 21. An advantage of the track 20 is that the nut 31 can be slidably placed at any position along the channel 21 by inserting the nut 31 into the channel 21 near the first end 23 or the second end 24. The nut 31 can be slightly compressed to slide into the first end 23 or the second end 24 to fit under the first inwardly turned edge 26 and the second inwardly turned edge 27. Once the nut 31 is slidably received in the channel 21, the nut 31 is biased to contact the first inwardly turned edge 26 of the bottom wall 25 and the second inwardly turned edge 27 of the top wall 22. In alternative embodiments, the nut 31 can be received in the channel 21 at any position between the first end 23 or the second end 24. In a preferred embodiment, the nut 31 includes a rectangular head 33 shaped to be inserted into the channel 21 and rotated at any point along the length of the track 20. The rectangular head 33 includes a threaded hole 34 that is operable to receive the first bolt 32. The rectangular head 33 further includes a first groove 36 and a second groove 37 corresponding to the first inwardly turned edge 26 and the second inwardly turned edge 27 of each of the rails 20. The first groove 36 is configured to receive the first inwardly turned edge 26 or the second inwardly turned edge 27. The second groove 37 is configured to receive the first inwardly turned edge 26 or the second inwardly turned edge 27. The nut 31 further includes a biasing member 35 attached to a bottom portion 38 of the rectangular head 33, which is operable to bias the rectangular head 33 at the first inwardly turned edge 26 and the second inwardly turned edge 27 of the rail 20.

[0087] refer to FIG. 4A to FIG. 4D, the nut 31a may also be incompressible and include a retaining member 437 and a threaded nut 438. The retaining member 437 includes at least two support flanges 439, a cylindrical base 452, and a first opening 440 extending through the cylindrical base 452. The retaining member 437 also includes a second opening 447 located between the two support flanges 439. The support flange 439 includes a gripping portion 451. The gripping portion 451 extends away from the support flange 439 at an angle of approximately 90 degrees. The threaded nut 438 includes a first channel sidewall 443, a second channel sidewall 444, a first engaging sidewall 445, a second engaging sidewall 446, a top surface 449, a channel surface 450, and a threaded hole 448. The threaded hole 448 may be located between the first channel sidewall 443 and the second channel sidewall 444. The threaded hole 448 extends from the top surface 449 to the channel surface 450 and is configured to receive the first bolt 32. The first opening 440 is configured to receive the threaded nut 438. The first engaging sidewall 445 or the second engaging sidewall 445 of the threaded nut 438 can be inserted into the first opening 440 of the retaining member 437. The threaded nut 438 is received in the retaining member 437 so that the threaded hole 448 can be substantially concentric with the second opening 447. The nut 31a can be inserted into the channel 21 of the track 20, wherein the first channel sidewall 443 and the second channel sidewall 444 of the threaded nut 438 are parallel to the top wall 22 and the bottom wall 25 of the track 20. Two support flanges 439 of the retaining member 437 extend on the first inwardly turned edge 26 and the second inwardly turned edge 27. To retain the nut 31a in the channel 21, the user may grasp the gripping portion 451 extending from the support flange 439 and rotate the nut 31a approximately 90 degrees in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, or until the first engagement sidewall 445 and / or the second engagement sidewall 446 are in contact with or adjacent to the top wall 22 and / or the bottom wall 25 of the track 20. When the nut 31a is retained in the channel 21 of the track 20, the first channel sidewall 443 and the second channel sidewall 444 of the threaded nut 438 may be substantially perpendicular to the top wall 22 and the bottom wall 25 of the track 20. When the nut 31a is retained in the channel 21 of the track 20, the two support flanges 439 on the retaining member 437 may be parallel to the top wall 22 and the bottom wall 25 of the track 20. The retaining member 437 may be constructed of a flexible material, such as plastic or another flexible composite material. The threaded nut 438 may be made of steel (eg, stainless steel, carbon steel, alloy steel) or aluminum, titanium, copper, brass, nickel, or various other alloys.

[0088] Figure 5 The illustration shows an assembled modular base trailer 2 showing the various brackets of the present invention.

[0089] Corner bracket

[0090] refer to Figure 6, the corner bracket 40 includes a first planar panel 42 and a second planar panel 43 connected at approximately 90 degrees by an elbow 44. In alternative embodiments, the elbow 44 can connect the first planar panel 42 and the second planar panel 43 at an angle that is not substantially 90 degrees. The first planar panel 42 and the second planar panel 43 include a trailer surface 29, a front corner surface 30, a corner top edge 39, a corner bottom edge 41, a tab edge 49, and an elbow edge 54. The trailer surface 29 is adjacent to the trailer frame 10 when coupled to the modular base trailer 2, see Figure 2 The front corner surface 30 is located on the side of the first planar panel 42 opposite the trailer surface 29 (see Figure 7). The corner top edge 39 extends between the trailer surface 29 and the front corner surface 30. The corner top edge 39 also extends between the elbow edge 54 and the tab edge 49. The tab edge 49 extends downward from the corner top edge 39 toward the corner bottom edge 41. The elbow edge 54 extends downward from the corner top edge 39 toward the corner bottom edge 41. The corner bottom edge 41 extends between the elbow edge 54 and the tab edge 49. The first planar panel 42 and the second planar panel 43 include at least one upper tab 45a and at least one lower tab 45b. The upper tab 45a and the lower tab 45b extend from the tab edge 49 and have a curved or arcuate shape. The first planar panel 42 includes one of the upper tabs 45a and one of the lower tabs 45b. The second planar panel 43 includes one of the upper tabs 45a and one of the lower tabs 45b. The upper tab 45a extends from the tab edge 49 near the corner top edge 39 of the first planar panel 42. The upper tab 45a extends from the tab edge 49 near the corner top edge 39 of the second planar panel 43. The lower tab 45b extends from the tab edge 49 near the corner bottom edge 41 of the first planar panel 42. The lower tab 45b extends from the tab edge 49 near the corner bottom edge 41 of the second planar panel 43. The first planar panel 42 also includes at least one fastener receiver 46. More specifically, the first planar panel 42 includes at least one upper fastener receiver 46a and at least one lower fastener receiver 46b. The upper fastener receiver 46a of the first planar panel 42 is located near the corner top edge 39. The lower fastener receiver 46b of the first planar panel 42 is located near the corner bottom edge 41. The second planar panel 43 also includes at least one fastener receiver 46. More specifically, the second planar panel 43 includes at least one upper fastener receiving member 46a and at least one lower fastener receiving member 46b. The upper fastener receiving member 46a of the second planar panel 43 is located near the corner top edge 39. The lower fastener receiving member 46b of the second planar panel 43 is located near the corner bottom edge 41. The first planar panel 42 also includes at least one secondary fastener receiving member 47 and a lamp hole 48. The secondary fastener receiving member 47 is located between the upper fastener receiving member 46a and the lower fastener receiving member 46b. The size of the secondary fastener receiving member 47 can be slightly smaller than the upper fastener receiving member 46a and the lower fastener receiving member 46b. In an alternative embodiment, the secondary fastener receiving member 47 can be substantially the same as or larger than the upper fastener receiving member 46a and the lower fastener receiving member 46b. The first planar panel 42 can include one secondary fastener receiving member 47 located near the elbow edge 54 and another secondary fastener receiving member 47 located near the tab edge 49. In an alternative embodiment, the secondary fastener receiver 47 may be formed in the second planar panel 43 of the corner bracket 40. A light hole 48 is also located between the upper fastener receiver 46a and the lower fastener receiver 46b.Light holes 48 may also be located between secondary fastener receivers 47. More specifically, light holes 48 may be closer to secondary fastener receivers 47 located near elbow edge 54 than secondary fastener receivers 47 located near tab edge 49. In alternative embodiments, upper fastener receivers 46a, lower fastener receivers 46b, secondary fastener receivers 47, and light holes 48 may have different numbers, sizes, and configurations.

[0091] See also Figure 7, the corner bracket 40 is operable to couple the track 20 of the upper track frame 20a to the track 20 of the lower track frame 20b at an angle of approximately 90 degrees or at another angle substantially close to 90 degrees. In the illustrated embodiment, the upper tab 45a and the lower tab 45b of the corner bracket 40 can be inserted into the channel 21 of the track 20. More specifically, the upper tab 45a of the first planar plate 42 and the upper tab 45a of the second planar plate 43 can be inserted into the channel 21 of the track 20, thereby forming a portion of the upper track frame 20a. The lower tab 45b of the first planar plate 42 and the lower tab 45b of the second planar plate 43 can be inserted into the channel 21 of the track 20, thereby forming a portion of the lower track frame 20b. The corner bracket 40 is coupled to the trailer frame 10 by inserting first bolts 32 through the upper fastener receivers 46a and the lower fastener receivers 46b and into corresponding nuts 31 located in the channels 21 of the tracks 20 forming part of the upper track frame 20a and the lower track frame 20b. In a preferred embodiment, two first bolts 32 are inserted through the upper fastener receivers 46a located on the first planar plate 42 and two first bolts 32 are inserted through the lower fastener receivers 46b located on the first planar plate 42 to couple the corner bracket 40 to the trailer frame 10. In a preferred embodiment, two first bolts 32 are inserted through the upper fastener receivers 46a located on the second planar plate 43 and two first bolts 32 are inserted through the lower fastener receivers 46b located on the second planar plate 43 to couple the corner bracket 40 to the trailer frame 10. In alternative embodiments, a different number of first bolts 32 may be used to couple the corner bracket 40 to the trailer frame 10. The corner bracket 40 is also coupled to the trailer frame 10 by inserting a second bolt 28 through each of the secondary fastener receivers 47 and into corresponding holes in the cross member brackets 100 located on the trailer frame 10 between the upper track frame 20a and the lower track frame 20b. In a preferred embodiment, two second bolts 28 are inserted into corresponding secondary fastener receivers 47. In alternative embodiments, more or less than two second bolts 28 may be used to couple the corner bracket 40 to the trailer frame 10. A corner light 58 may be coupled to the corner bracket 40. The corner light 58 may be inserted into or mounted to the light hole 48. It should be understood that the present disclosure contemplates the corner bracket 40 rigidly securing any corner formed by the upper track frame 20a and / or the lower track frame 20b of the trailer frame 10.

[0092] Longitudinal bracket

[0093] Figure 8A longitudinal bracket 50 is shown. The longitudinal bracket 50 includes a planar panel 51. The planar panel 51 includes a longitudinal trailer surface 52, a front longitudinal surface 53, a longitudinal top edge 59, a longitudinal bottom edge 78, a first tab edge 79, and a second tab edge 104. The longitudinal trailer surface 52 is adjacent to the trailer frame 10 when coupled to the modular base trailer 2, see Figure 2 The front longitudinal surface 53 is located on the side of the planar plate 51 opposite to the longitudinal trailer surface 52 (see Fig. 9 ). The longitudinal top edge 59 extends between the longitudinal trailer surface 52 and the front longitudinal surface 53. The longitudinal top edge 59 also extends between the first tab edge 79 and the second tab edge 104. The first tab edge 79 extends downwardly from the longitudinal top edge 59 toward the longitudinal bottom edge 78. The second tab edge 104 extends downwardly from the longitudinal top edge 59 toward the longitudinal bottom edge 78. The first tab edge 79 and the second tab edge 104 are located on opposite sides of the longitudinal top edge 59 and the longitudinal bottom edge 78. The longitudinal bottom edge 78 extends between the first tab edge 79 and the second tab edge 104. The longitudinal bracket 50 also includes at least one upper tab 55a and at least one lower tab 55b. The upper tab 55a and the lower tab 55b extend from the first tab edge 79 and the second tab edge 104, having a curved or arcuate shape. One of the upper tabs 55a extends from the first tab edge 79 near the longitudinal top edge 59, while the other upper tab 55a extends from the second tab edge 104 near the longitudinal top edge 59. One of the lower tabs 55b extends from the first tab edge 79 near the longitudinal bottom edge 78, while the other lower tab 55b extends from the second tab edge 104 near the longitudinal bottom edge 78.

[0094] See also Figure 8 , the longitudinal bracket 50 also includes at least one upper fastener receiving member 56a and at least one lower fastener receiving member 56b located on the planar plate 51. The upper fastener receiving member 56a is located near the longitudinal top edge 59. The lower fastener receiving member 56b is located near the longitudinal bottom edge 78. The longitudinal bracket 50 also includes at least one secondary fastener receiving member 57 located on the planar plate 51. The secondary fastener receiving member 57 is located between the upper fastener receiving member 56a and the lower fastener receiving member 56b. The size of the secondary fastener receiving member 57 can be slightly smaller than the upper fastener receiving member 56a and the lower fastener receiving member 56b. In an alternative embodiment, the secondary fastener receiving member 57 can be substantially the same as or larger than the upper fastener receiving member 56a and the lower fastener receiving member 56b. In a preferred embodiment, one of the secondary fastener receiving members 57 is located near the first tab edge 79, and the other secondary fastener receiving member 57 is located near the second tab edge 104.

[0095] refer to Fig. 9 , the longitudinal bracket 50 is operable to couple the track 20 forming part of the upper track frame 20a to the track 20 forming part of the lower track frame 20b. In a preferred embodiment, the upper tab 55a and the lower tab 55b of the longitudinal bracket 50 can be inserted into the channel 21 of the track 20. More specifically, the upper tab 55a of the longitudinal bracket 50 can be inserted into the channel 21 of the track 20, thereby forming a part of the upper track frame 20a. The lower tab 55b of the longitudinal bracket 50 can be inserted into the channel 21 of the track 20, thereby forming a part of the lower track frame 20b. The longitudinal bracket 50 is coupled to the trailer frame 10 by inserting the first bolt 32 through the upper fastener receiver 56a and the lower fastener receiver 56b and into the corresponding nut 31 located in the channel 21 of the track 20. In a preferred embodiment, two first bolts 32 are inserted through each upper fastener receiver 56a located on the planar plate 51 to couple the longitudinal bracket 50 to the trailer frame 10. Additionally, in a preferred embodiment, two first bolts 32 are inserted through each lower fastener receiver 56b located on the planar plate 51 to couple the longitudinal bracket 50 to the trailer frame 10. In alternative embodiments, a different number of first bolts 32 may be used to couple the longitudinal bracket 50 to the trailer frame 10. The longitudinal bracket 50 is also coupled to the trailer frame 10 by inserting a second bolt 28 through each of the secondary fastener receivers 57 and into corresponding holes in the cross member brackets 100 located on the trailer frame 10 between the upper track frame 20a and the lower track frame 20b. In a preferred embodiment, two second bolts 28 are inserted into corresponding secondary fastener receivers 57. In alternative embodiments, more or less than two second bolts 28 may be used to couple the longitudinal bracket 50 to the trailer frame 10. The longitudinal bracket 50 is advantageous in that it is selectively mounted on the trailer frame 10 at locations where reinforcement may be required, or selectively mounted to allow space for mountable accessories.

[0096] Front bracket

[0097] Fig.10 An example of a front end bracket 60 to be coupled to the first side portion 15 of the trailer frame 10 is shown (see Figure 2). The following description describes a front end bracket located near the first side 15 of the trailer frame 10. It should be understood that the front end bracket 60 coupled to the second side 16 of the trailer frame 10 is a mirror image of the front end bracket 60 located near the first side 15. The front end bracket 60 includes a front end planar panel 61 and a wing panel 62. The front end bracket 60 includes a front end trailer surface 68 and a front end front surface 69. The front end planar panel 61 includes a front end top edge 108, a front end short edge 109, a front end long edge 113, a front end bottom edge 114, and a front end tongue track edge 127. The wing panel 62 includes a wing panel top edge 128, a wing panel side edge 129, and a wing panel bottom edge 139. The front end trailer surface 68 is adjacent to the trailer frame 10 and the trailer tongue assembly 3 when coupled to the modular base trailer 2, see Figure 2 The front end front surface 69 is located on the side opposite to the front end trailer surface 68 of the front end bracket 60, see Fig.13The front end top edge 108 extends between the front end trailer surface 68 and the front end front surface 69. The front end top edge 108 also extends between the front end elongated edge 113 and the front end short edge 109. The front end elongated edge 113 extends downwardly from the front end top edge 108 toward the front end tongue track edge 127. The front end short edge 109 extends downwardly from the front end top edge 108 toward the front end bottom edge 114. The front end elongated edge 113 and the front end short edge 109 are located on opposite sides of the front end top edge 108. The front end bracket 60 further includes an inclined portion 137. The inclined portion 137 extends downwardly from the front end elongated edge 113 toward the front end tongue track edge 127 at a certain angle. The front end tongue track edge 127 extends toward the wing bottom edge 139. The front end tongue track edge 127 is parallel to the front end top edge 108. The wing bottom edge 139 extends away from the front tongue rail edge 127 to extend at an angle to the front front surface 69, so that the wing bottom edge 139 is closer to the front long edge 113 than the front short edge 109. The wing side edge 129 extends upward from the wing bottom edge 139 toward the wing top edge 128. The wing top edge 128 extends from the wing side edge 129 toward the front plane panel 61. The wing top edge 128 and the wing bottom edge 139 are parallel to each other. The wing top edge 128 extends away from the wing side edge 129 and toward the middle edge 138. The middle edge 138 is located between the front bottom edge 114 and the wing top edge 128. The front bottom edge 114 and the wing top edge 128 are vertically spaced apart by a distance that is substantially the same as the length of the middle edge 138. The front bracket 60 includes at least one upper tab 65a and at least one lower tab 65b. The upper tab 65a and the lower tab 65b extend from the front end long edge 113 and the front end short edge 109, and have a curved or arcuate shape. One of the upper tabs 65a extends from the front end long edge 113 near the front end top edge 108, and the other upper tab 65a extends from the front end short edge 109 near the front end top edge 108. One of the lower tabs 65b extends from the front end long edge 113 between the inclined portion 137 and the upper tab 65a. The other lower tab 65b extends from the front end short edge 109 near the front end bottom edge 114.

[0098] See also Fig.10, the front bracket 60 also includes at least one upper fastener receiving member 66a and at least one lower fastener receiving member 66b located on the front planar plate 61. The upper fastener receiving member 66a is located near the front top edge 108. The lower fastener receiving member 66b is located near the front bottom edge 114. The front bracket 60 also includes at least one slot 64 formed in the wing plate 62 between the wing plate top edge 128 and the wing plate bottom edge 139. One of the slots 64 is located near the wing plate side edge 129, and the other slot 64 can be located near the front planar plate 61. The slot 64 can be oval. In a preferred embodiment, there are two oval slots 64, and the shape of the slot 64 can be different from the upper fastener receiving member 66a and the lower fastener receiving member 66b. In alternative embodiments, the slots 64 can be different shapes, or there can be more than two slots 64 or less than two slots 64. Additionally, in alternative embodiments, upper fastener receiver 66 a and / or lower fastener receiver 66 b may have the same configuration as slot 64 .

[0099] Tongue rail bracket

[0100] See also Fig.11 , one example of a tongue track bracket 70 is shown. The following description describes a tongue track bracket 70 that may be located on the first side 15 of the trailer frame 10. It should be understood that the tongue track bracket 70 coupled to the second side 16 of the trailer frame is a mirror image of the tongue track bracket 70 coupled to the first side 15. The tongue track bracket 70 includes a trailer plane plate 71 and a tongue track plane plate 72. The tongue track bracket 70 includes a tongue track trailer surface 73 and a tongue track front surface 74. The trailer plane plate 71 includes a trailer track first top edge 67, a trailer track long edge 147, a trailer track short edge 148, a trailer track bottom edge 149, and a trailer track second top edge 152. The tongue track plane plate 72 includes a tongue track top edge 155, a tongue track side edge 156, and a tongue track bottom edge 157. The tongue track trailer surface 73 is adjacent to the trailer frame 10 and trailer tongue assembly 3 when coupled to the modular base trailer 2, see Figure 2The tongue track front surface 74 is located on a side of the tongue track plane plate 72 and the trailer plane plate 71 opposite the tongue track trailer surface 73. The trailer track first top edge 67 extends between the tongue track front surface 74 and the tongue track trailer surface 73. The trailer track first top edge 67 also extends between the trailer track long edge 147 and the trailer track short edge 148. The trailer track long edge 147 extends downwardly from the traction track first top edge 67 toward the trailer track bottom edge 149. The trailer track short edge 148 extends downwardly from the trailer track first top edge 67 toward the trailer track second top edge 152. The trailer track long edge 147 and the trailer track short edge 148 are located on opposite sides of the traction track first top edge 67. The trailer track second top edge 152 extends from the trailer track short edge 148 at a downward angle. The trailer track first top edge 67 and the trailer track second top edge 152 may not be parallel to each other. In an alternative embodiment, the trailer track first top edge 67 and the trailer track second top edge 152 can be parallel to each other. The tongue trailer plane panel 72 extends from the trailer plane panel 71 at a non-zero angle. More specifically, the tongue trailer plane panel 72 extends from the trailer plane panel 71 at an angle toward the trailer frame 10. The tongue track top edge 155 extends from the trailer track second top edge 152 at a non-zero angle. Similarly, the tongue track bottom edge 157 extends from the trailer track bottom edge 149 at a non-zero angle. The tongue track top edge 155 and the tongue track bottom edge 157 can be substantially parallel to each other. The tongue track side edge 156 extends between the tongue track top edge 155 and the tongue track bottom edge 157. The tongue track bracket 70 includes at least one upper tab 75a and at least one lower tab 75b. The upper tab 75a and the lower tab 75b extend from the trailer track elongated edge 147 and the trailer track short edge 148 and have a curved or arcuate shape. One of the upper tabs 75a extends from the trailer track elongated edge 147 near the trailer track first top edge 67, while the other upper tab 75a extends from the trailer track short edge 148 near the trailer track first top edge 67. The lower tab 75b extends from the trailer track elongated edge 147 near the trailer track bottom edge 149.

[0101] See also Fig.11, the tongue track bracket 70 also includes at least one upper fastener receiver 76a and at least one lower fastener receiver 76b located on the trailer plane panel 71. The upper fastener receiver 76a is located near the first top edge 67 of the trailer track. The lower fastener receiver 76b is located near the bottom edge 149 of the trailer track. The tongue track bracket 70 also includes at least one secondary fastener receiver 77 located on the trailer plane panel 71 and the tongue trailer plane panel 72. The secondary fastener receiver 77 is located between the upper fastener receiver 76a and the lower fastener receiver 76b on the trailer plane panel 71. The tongue trailer plane panel 72 includes a set of upper secondary fastener receivers 77 and a set of lower secondary fastener receivers 77. The set of upper secondary fastener receivers 77 is located near the tongue track top edge 155. The set of lower secondary fastener receivers 77 is located near the tongue track bottom edge 157. The secondary fastener receivers 77 are generally circular in shape and may be slightly smaller in size than the upper fastener receivers 76a and the lower fastener receivers 76b. In alternative embodiments, the secondary fastener receivers 77 may be substantially the same size or larger than the upper fastener receivers 76a and the lower fastener receivers 76b. In a preferred embodiment, one of the secondary fastener receivers 77 on the trailer plane panel 71 is located near the trailer track long edge 147 and another secondary fastener receiver 77 is located near the trailer track short edge 148. In a preferred embodiment, four secondary fastener receivers 77 are located on the tongue trailer plane panel 72, with two secondary fastener receivers located near the tongue track top edge 155 and two secondary fastener receivers located near the tongue track bottom edge 157.

[0102] Trailer tongue assembly

[0103] See also Fig.12, a tongue track 80 is shown. The tongue track 80 may have a c-shaped shape formed by a first side wall 88, a second side wall 89, and an attachment side wall 82. The first side wall 88 and the second side wall 89 extend from opposite sides of the attachment side wall 82. The first side wall 88 extends from the attachment side wall 82, forming an angle of approximately 90 degrees. The second side wall 89 extends from a side of the attachment side wall 82 opposite to the first side wall 88, forming an angle of approximately 90 degrees. The first side wall 88 and the second side wall 89 are spaced apart from each other by approximately the same length as the attachment side wall 82. The first side wall 88 and the second side wall 89 are substantially parallel to each other. The tongue track 80 also includes a hook end 83 and a trailer end 84, which is located on an end opposite to the hook end 83. The first side wall 88 and the second side wall 89 extend between the hook end 83 and the trailer end 84. The tongue track 80 further includes at least one secondary fastener receiver 87 formed in the attachment side wall 82 and the first side wall 88 of the tongue track 80. More specifically, one secondary fastener receiver 87a is located near the hook end 83, four secondary fastener receivers 87b are located near the trailer end 84, and at least one secondary fastener receiver 87c is located between the secondary fastener receivers 87a and the secondary fastener receivers 87b along the attachment side wall 82. At least one secondary fastener receiver 87d may be located in the first side wall 88 between the hook end 83 and the trailer end 84. The secondary fastener receiver 87a is located on the attachment side wall 82 between the first side wall 88 and the second side wall 89. The secondary fastener receiver 87c is located between the secondary fastener receiver 87a and the secondary fastener receiver 87b. The secondary fastener receiver 87c may be located in the attachment side wall 82 between the first side wall 88 and the second side wall 89. The secondary fastener receiving members 87b include two secondary fastener receiving members 87b located near the first side wall 88 and two secondary fastener receiving members 87b located near the second side wall 89. The secondary fastener receiving members 87b located near the first side wall 88 are located at the same distance from the first side wall 88. The secondary fastener receiving members 87b located near the second side wall 89 are located at the same distance from the second side wall 89. The secondary fastener receiving members 87b located near the first side wall 88 are above the corresponding secondary fastener receiving members 87b located near the second side wall 89. The shape of the secondary fastener receiving members 87 is circular. In alternative embodiments, there may be a different number of secondary fastener receiving members 87 located along the attachment side wall 82, and these secondary fastener receiving members are non-circular shapes.

[0104] See also Fig.13, the two front end brackets 60 coupled to the trailer frame 10 are mirror images of each other. Each front end bracket 60 is operable to couple one of the tongue rails 80 to the trailer frame 10. One of the front end brackets 60 is proximate the first side 15 of the trailer frame 10, and the mirrored second front end bracket 60 is proximate the second side 16 of the trailer frame 10. In a preferred embodiment, the upper tab 65a and the lower tab 65b of the front end bracket 60 can be inserted into the channel 21 of the track 20. More specifically, the upper tab 65a of the front end bracket 60 can be inserted into the channel 21 of the track 20, thereby forming a portion of the front end 13 of the upper track frame 20a. The lower tab 65b of the front end bracket 60 can be inserted into the channel 21 of the track 20, thereby forming a portion of the front end 13 of the lower track frame 20b. The front end bracket 60 may be coupled to the trailer frame 10 by inserting the first bolts 32 through the upper fastener receivers 66a and the lower fastener receivers 66b and into corresponding nuts 31 located in the channels 21 of the tracks 20 forming part of the front ends 13 of the upper track frames 20a and the lower track frames 20b. In a preferred embodiment, four first bolts 32 may be used to couple the front end bracket 60 to the trailer frame 10. More specifically, the first bolts 32 may be inserted through each of the upper fastener receivers 66a and the lower fastener receivers 66b located on the front end planar plate 61 to couple the front end bracket 60 to the trailer frame 10. In alternative embodiments, a different number of first bolts 32 may be used to couple the front end bracket 60 to the trailer frame 10. The front bracket 60 is also coupled to the trailer frame 10 by inserting a second bolt 28 through each of the corresponding slots 64 located on the wing plate 62 and through the corresponding secondary fastener receiver 87c located in the attachment side wall 82 of the tongue track 80. In a preferred embodiment, two second bolts 28 are inserted into the corresponding slots 64 and secondary fastener receivers 87c and secured to the second bolts 28 adjacent the attachment side wall 82 by nuts 252 (not shown). In alternative embodiments, more or less than two second bolts 28 may be used to couple the front bracket 60 to the trailer frame 10. In a preferred embodiment, the wing plate 62 extends from the front planar plate 61 at substantially the same angle as the tongue track 80. In an alternative embodiment, the wing plate 62 extends from the front planar plate 61 at a different angle than the tongue track 80.

[0105] See also Fig.13, the two tongue track brackets 70 coupled to the trailer frame 10 are mirror images of each other. Each tongue track bracket 70 is operable to couple one of the tongue tracks 80 to the trailer frame 10. One of these tongue track brackets 70 may be near the first side 15 of the trailer frame 10, and the mirrored second tongue track bracket 70 may be near the second side 16 of the trailer frame 10. In a preferred embodiment, the upper tab 75a and the lower tab 75b of the tongue track bracket may be inserted into the channel 21 of the track 20. More specifically, the upper tab 75a of the tongue track bracket 70 may be inserted into the channel 21 of the track 20, thereby forming a portion of the first side 15 of the upper track frame 20a. The lower tab 75b of the tongue track bracket 70 may be inserted into the channel 21 of the track 20, thereby forming a portion of the first side 15 of the lower track frame 20b. The tongue track bracket 70 may be coupled to the trailer frame 10 by inserting a first bolt 32 through the upper fastener receiver 76a and the lower fastener receiver 76b and into a corresponding nut 31 located in the channel 21 of the track 20 forming part of the first side 15 of the upper track frame 20a and the lower track frame 20b. In a preferred embodiment, four first bolts 32 may be used to couple the tongue track bracket 70 to the trailer frame 10. More specifically, the first bolt 32 may be inserted through each of the upper fastener receiver 76a and the lower fastener receiver 76b located on the trailer planar plate 71 to couple the tongue track bracket 70 to the trailer frame 10. In alternative embodiments, a different number of first bolts 32 may be used to couple the tongue track bracket 70 to the trailer frame 10. The tongue track bracket 70 is also coupled to the trailer frame 10 by inserting a second bolt 28 through each of the secondary fastener receivers 77 and into corresponding holes in the cross member brackets 100 located on the trailer frame 10 between the upper track frame 20a and the lower track frame 20b. In a preferred embodiment, two second bolts 28 are inserted into corresponding secondary fastener receivers 77. In alternative embodiments, more or less than two second bolts 28 may be used to couple the tongue track bracket 70 to the trailer frame 10. The tongue track bracket 70 may be coupled to the tongue track 80 by inserting a second bolt 28 through each of corresponding secondary fastener receivers 87b located on the attachment side wall 82 of the tongue track 80. In a preferred embodiment, four second bolts 28 are inserted into the secondary fastener receivers 77 and through the secondary fastener receivers 87b and secured to the second bolts 28 adjacent the attachment side wall 82 by nuts 252 (not shown). In alternative embodiments, various numbers of second bolts 28 may be used to couple the tongue track bracket 70 to the trailer frame 10. In a preferred embodiment, the tongue track plane plate 72 extends from the trailer plane plate 71 at substantially the same angle as the tongue track 80.In an alternative embodiment, the tongue track plane panel 72 extends from the trailer plane panel 71 at a different angle than the tongue track 80 .

[0106] Axle bracket

[0107] Fig.14 An example of an axle bracket 90 to be coupled to a first side portion 15 of a trailer frame 10 is shown. The following description describes the axle bracket 90 coupled to the first side portion 15 of the trailer frame 10. It should be understood that the axle bracket 90 coupled to the second side portion 16 of the trailer frame 10 is a mirror image of the axle bracket 90 coupled to the first side portion 15. The axle bracket 90 includes an axle plate 91, a frame 92, a joint cap 93, a set of hanger brackets 94, and an axle track 167. The axle plate 91 is rectangular in shape and includes an axle trailer surface 98 and an axle tire surface 99 located on a side of the axle bracket 90 opposite the axle trailer surface 98. The axle plate 91 includes a first longitudinal edge 158, a second longitudinal edge 159, a first axle side edge 164, and a second axle side edge 166. The second longitudinal edge 159 is vertically spaced from the first longitudinal edge 158. When the axle bracket 90 is coupled to the modular base trailer 2, the axle trailer surface 98 is adjacent to the trailer frame 10, see Figure 2 . The axle tire surface 99 is located on the side of the axle plate 91 opposite to the axle trailer surface 98. The first longitudinal edge 158 extends between the axle trailer surface 98 and the axle tire surface 99. The first longitudinal edge 158 also extends between the first axle side edge 164 and the second axle side edge 166. The first axle side edge 164 extends downward from the first longitudinal edge 158 toward the second longitudinal edge 159. The second axle side edge 166 extends downward from the first longitudinal edge 158 toward the second longitudinal edge 159. The first axle side edge 164 and the second axle side edge 166 are located on opposite sides of the first longitudinal edge 158 and the second longitudinal edge 159. The axle bracket 90 includes at least one upper tab 95a and at least one lower tab 95b. The upper tab 95a and the lower tab 95b extend from the first axle side edge 164 and the second axle side edge 166, having a curved or arcuate shape. One of the upper tabs 95a extends from the first axle side edge 164, and the other upper tab 95a extends from the second axle side edge 166. One of the lower tabs 95b extends from the first axle side edge 164, and the other lower tab 95b extends from the second axle side edge 166.

[0108] See also Fig.14, the axle bracket 90 also includes at least one upper fastener receiver 96a and at least one lower fastener receiver 96b located on the axle plate 91. The upper fastener receiver 96a is located near the first longitudinal edge 158. The lower fastener receiver 96b is located near the second longitudinal edge 159. The axle bracket 90 also includes at least one secondary fastener receiver 97 located on the axle plate 91. The secondary fastener receiver 97 is located between the upper fastener receiver 96a and the lower fastener receiver 96b on the axle plate 91. The secondary fastener receiver 97 is generally circular in shape and may be slightly smaller in size than the upper fastener receiver 96a and the lower fastener receiver 96b. In an alternative embodiment, the secondary fastener receiver 97 may be substantially the same as or larger than the upper fastener receiver 96a and the lower fastener receiver 96b.

[0109] See also Fig.14 , the axle bracket 90 includes a frame 92 that extends from the second longitudinal edge 159 at an angle of approximately 90 degrees between the first axle side edge 164 and the second axle side edge 166. The frame 92 has an upper surface 168 and a lower surface 169. The lower surface 169 is located on a side of the frame 92 opposite to the upper surface 168. The hanger bracket 94 is connected to the lower surface 169 of the frame 92 on opposite ends of the axle bracket 90. More specifically, one of the hanger brackets 94 is located near the first axle side edge 164, and the other hanger bracket 94 is located near the second axle side edge 166. The hanger bracket 94 is integrally attached to the lower surface 169 of the frame 92. The hanger bracket 94 includes a first hanger side wall 186, a second hanger side wall 187, and a hanger top wall 188. The hanger bracket 94 is generally U-shaped and is configured to receive a portion of the axle and wheel assembly 4, see Fig.15 . The hanger top wall 188 is coupled to and may be integral with the lower surface 169 of the frame 92. The first hanger side wall 186 and the second hanger side wall 187 extend downwardly and away from the hanger top wall 188. The first hanger side wall 186 and the second hanger side wall 187 are substantially parallel to each other and are spaced apart by a distance of the width of the hanger top wall 188. The first hanger side wall 186 and the second hanger side wall 187 each include an engagement hole 432. The engagement hole 432 is circular in shape. The engagement hole 432 on the first hanger side wall 186 is aligned with the engagement hole 432 on the second hanger side wall 187.

[0110] See also Fig.14, the axle track 167 is integrally attached to the axle trailer surface 98 of the axle plate 91 and extends away therefrom. The axle track 167 includes an axle track top wall 199, an axle track bottom wall 214, and an axle track side wall 217. The axle track top wall 199 and the axle track bottom wall 214 are substantially parallel to each other and extend from the axle trailer surface 98 of the axle plate 91. The axle track side wall 217 extends between the axle track top wall 199 and the axle track bottom wall 214. The axle track 167 is generally U-shaped. The axle track top wall 199 includes an inwardly curved top edge 218 adjacent to the axle trailer surface 98. The axle track bottom wall 214 includes an inwardly curved bottom edge 219 adjacent to the axle trailer surface 98. The attachment structure of the inwardly curved top edge 218 and the inwardly curved bottom edge 219 to the axle trailer surface 98 strengthens the attachment between the axle plate 91 and the axle track 167. The joint cap 93 is generally L-shaped. A portion of the joint cap 93 is located on the axle tire surface 99 of the axle bracket 90, see Fig.15 A portion of the joint cap 93 overlaps and contacts the axle plate first longitudinal edge 158. The joint cap 93 is located between the first axle side edge 164 and the second axle side edge 166 on the axle plate first longitudinal edge 158. A portion of the joint cap 93 can be adjacent to the top wall 22 of the track 20 of the upper track frame 20a to provide additional structural support to the trailer 10, see Fig.16 .

[0111] See also Fig.15, the axle bracket 90 couples the axle and wheel assembly 4 to the trailer frame 10. In addition, the axle bracket 90 couples at least two tracks 20 coaxially arranged in an end-to-end manner. More specifically, the axle bracket 90 is configured to couple at least two tracks 20 coaxially to each other of the upper track frame 20a and to couple at least two tracks 20 coaxially to each other of the lower track frame 20b. Therefore, the axle bracket 90 can couple four tracks 20 to the trailer frame 10. Therefore, in a preferred embodiment, the upper tab 95a and the lower tab 95b of the axle bracket 90 can be inserted into the channel 21 of the track 20. More specifically, the upper tab 95a of the axle bracket 90 can be inserted into the channel 21 of the track 20, thereby forming the upper track frame 20a. The lower tab 95b of the axle bracket 90 can be inserted into the channel 21 of the track forming the lower track frame 20b. The axle bracket 90 is coupled to the trailer frame 10 by inserting the first bolts 32 through the upper fastener receivers 96a and the lower fastener receivers 96b and into the corresponding nuts 31 located in the channels 21 of the tracks 20. In a preferred embodiment, twelve first bolts 32 are inserted through each of the fastener receivers 96 located on the axle plate 91, namely, six upper fastener receivers 96a and six lower fastener receivers 96b, to couple the axle bracket 90 to the trailer frame 10. In alternative embodiments, a different number of first bolts 32 may be used to couple the axle bracket 90 to the trailer frame 10. The axle bracket 90 is also coupled to the trailer frame 10 by inserting the second bolts 28 through each secondary fastener 97 and into corresponding holes located in the cross member brackets 100 located on the trailer frame 10 between the upper track frame 20a and the lower track frame 20b. The secondary fastener receiving member 97 is located between the upper fastener receiving member 96a and the lower fastener receiving member 96b. In a preferred embodiment, four second bolts 28 are inserted into corresponding secondary fastener receiving members 97. In alternative embodiments, more or less than four second bolts 28 may be used to couple the axle bracket 90 to the trailer frame 10.

[0112] See also Fig.15, the axle bracket 90 further includes a leaf spring system 424. The leaf spring system 424 includes a first eyelet 425, a second eyelet 426, a leaf spring bracket 427, a plurality of spring leaves 428 extending between the first eyelet 425 and the second eyelet 426, and at least one axle support 429. The first eyelet 425 is configured to be received in a hanger bracket 94 located near the first axle side edge 164 of the axle bracket 90 and / or near the front end 13 of the trailer frame 10. The leaf spring bracket 427 includes two bracket plates 430. Each bracket plate 430 includes two holes 431 and is a mirror image of each other. The distance between the bracket plates 430 is less than the length of the first bolt 32. The two holes 431 located on the lower portion of each bracket plate 430 are configured to be adjacent to the second eyelet 426. The bracket plates 430 can be coupled to the leaf spring system 424 by inserting a first bolt 32 through a hole 431 located on one of the bracket plates 430, wherein the first bolt 32 extends through the second eyelet 426 to the hole 431 located on the other bracket plate 430. The two holes 431 located on the upper portion of each bracket plate 430 are aligned with the engagement holes 432 located on the hanger bracket 94 near the second axle side edge 166 and / or near the rear end 14 of the trailer frame 10. More specifically, the bracket plates 430 are coupled to the lateral sides of the first hanger side wall 186 and the second hanger side wall 187. The second bolt 28 can be inserted into one of the holes 431 located on the upper portion of the bracket plate 430 and extend through the engagement holes 432 located in both the first hanger side wall 186 and the second hanger side wall 187 and through to the hole 431 located on the upper portion of the other bracket plate 430. A fastening device, such as a nut 252 (not shown), can be fastened to the second bolt 28 to secure the leaf spring system 424 to the axle bracket 90. At least one axle support 429 is coupled to the leaf spring system 424 by a center bolt (not shown). More specifically, the center bolt can be inserted into the underside of the plurality of leaf springs 428 and extend through a hole (not shown) located on the axle support 429. The axle support 429 helps to position the axle 12 in a suitable position to position at least one wheel 5 of the axle and wheel assembly 4. The axle support 429 is welded to the axle 12 of the axle and wheel assembly 4. It should be understood that the present disclosure contemplates both an upper suspension configuration and a lower suspension configuration for the axle and wheel assembly 4. The baffle 6 is mounted above the at least one wheel 5 to prevent debris from being thrown into the air and to prevent the wheel 5 from being punctured or damaged in any other manner. It should be understood that the present disclosure contemplates the axle bracket 90 rigidly securing the upper track frame 20a and / or the lower track frame 20b at select locations on the trailer frame 10 .Further, it should be understood that the present disclosure contemplates an axle bracket 90 rigidly securing at least two tracks 20, one of which is part of an upper track frame 20a of the trailer frame 10 and one of which is part of a lower track frame 20b of the trailer frame 10. In another embodiment, the axle bracket 90 is selectively mounted at multiple locations on the trailer frame 10 to allow space for additional axle and wheel assemblies 4 so that the modular base trailer 2 includes at least four axle and wheel assemblies 4 for heavier or larger loads.

[0113] See also Fig.16 , the axle bracket 90 is shown coupled to the trailer frame 10 and the axle and wheel assembly 4. The bottom wall 25 of the track 20 forming the lower track frame 20b is adjacent to the upper surface 168 of the frame 92 of the axle bracket 90. The joint cap 93 is adjacent to the top wall 22 of at least two tracks 20 forming part of the upper track frame 20a. The joint cap 93 extends above and beyond the top wall 22 of the track 20, thereby forming a part of the upper track frame 20a. When the axle bracket 90 is fixed to the trailer frame 10, the axle track 167 is configured to be located between the bottom wall 25 of the track 20 of the upper track frame 20a and the top wall 22 of the track 20 of the lower track frame 20b. In addition, the axle track 167 can be adjacent to the cross member bracket 100 coupled to the trailer frame 10, so that a portion of the axle track 167 is located above a portion of the cross member bracket 100. The axle bracket 90 couples four tracks 20 together, two adjacent tracks 20 forming part of an upper track frame 20a and two adjacent tracks 20 forming part of a lower track frame 20b. A 0 degree joint 17 is formed where the two ends of the separated tracks 20 are adjacent to each other on the upper frame 20a and / or the lower track frame 20b. More specifically, a 0 degree joint 17 is formed when the first end 23 of one track 20 is adjacent to the second end 24 of another track 20. The axle track 167 provides structural support to the trailer frame 10 at the 0 degree joint 17. The location of the axle track 167 and / or the joint cap 93 increases resistance to stress at the 0 degree joint 17 where the two tracks 20 of the upper track frame 20a are adjacent to the two tracks 20 of the lower track frame 20b. The cross member bracket 100 is shown coupled to the axle bracket 90 by a second bolt 28 inserted through the secondary fastener receiver 97. The nut 252 is coupled to the second bolt 28, or some other fastening means is used to secure the cross member bracket 100 to the axle bracket 90. The cross member bracket 100 is located between the upper frame 20a and the lower frame 20b. The cross member bracket 100 is also secured to the axle bracket 90 by using the nut 31 and the first bolt 32 (see FIG. Fig.15 ) is connected to the first side portion 15 of the trailer frame 10 (see Figure 2) and the second side 16 of the trailer frame 10. This arrangement provides structural support for the trailer frame 10 and the axle and wheel assembly 4 because at least one track 20 is secured between the first side 15 and the second side 16 of the trailer frame 10, near the 0 degree joint 17 of the at least two coaxially arranged tracks 20, and near the axle and wheel assembly 4 (which absorbs shock).

[0114] Cross member bracket

[0115] Fig.17 A cross member bracket 100 is shown. The cross member bracket 100 includes a non-planar plate 101, which includes an elevated platform 102, a first lower end 103a, a second lower end 103b, a first tab 105a and a second tab 105b. The first tab 105a and the second tab 105b extend substantially vertically from the first lower end 103a and the second lower end 103b, respectively. The elevated platform 102 is located between the first lower end 103a and the second lower end 103b. The non-planar plate 101 includes a first ramp portion 239 and a second ramp portion 240. The first lower end 103a is adjacent to the first ramp portion 239. The first ramp portion 239 extends from the first lower end 103a at an upward angle toward the elevated platform 102. The second lower end 103b is adjacent to the second ramp portion 240. The second ramp portion 240 extends from the second lower end 103b at an upward angle toward the elevated platform 102. The first lower end 103a and the second lower end 103b are located in the same plane. The non-planar panel 101 includes an upward surface 228, a downward surface 229, a trailer frame edge 230, a first lateral edge 231, a second lateral edge 232, and a crossbar edge 233. The upward surface 228 is located in a different plane than the first lower end 103a and the second lower end 103b. When coupled to the modular base trailer 2, the downward surface 229 is adjacent to the trailer frame 10, see Figure 2 . The upward surface 228 is located on a side of the non-planar plate 101 opposite the downward surface 229. The crossbar edge 233 extends between the upward surface 228 and the downward surface 229. The crossbar edge 233 also extends between the first lateral edge 231 and the second lateral edge 232. The first lateral edge 231 extends away from the crossbar edge 233 at an angle of approximately 90 degrees. The second lateral edge 232 extends away from the crossbar edge 233 at an angle of approximately 90 degrees. The first lateral edge 231 and the second lateral edge 232 are substantially parallel to each other. The trailer frame edge 230 extends between the first lateral edge 231 and the second lateral edge 232. In alternative embodiments, the first lateral edge 231 and the second lateral edge 232 may extend at different angles from the crossbar edge 233 and / or the trailer frame edge 230.

[0116] See also Fig.17, the cross member bracket 100 also includes at least one opening 107 formed in each of the first tab 105a and the second tab 105b. The cross member bracket 100 also includes at least one fastener receiver 106 formed in the raised platform 102 of the non-planar plate 101. The fastener receiver 106 is located near the cross bar edge 233. In alternative embodiments, the fastener receiver 106 can be located in another area on the raised platform 102.

[0117] See also Fig.18 , the cross member bracket 100 is operable to couple the tracks 20 of the upper track frame 20a and the lower track frame 20b to the cross member rail 19 extending from the first side 15 of the trailer frame 10 to the second side 16 of the trailer frame 10, see Figure 2 For example, the openings 107 on the first tab 105a and the second tab 105b of the cross member bracket 100 are aligned with the secondary fastener receivers 57 on the longitudinal bracket 50. The second bolt 28 is inserted through the secondary fastener receiver 57 on the longitudinal bracket 50 and through the openings 107 on the first tab 105a and the second tab 105b on the cross member bracket 100. Nuts 252 or another type of securing device are used to secure the second bolt 28 to the longitudinal bracket 50 and the cross member bracket 100. The fastener receivers 106 on the raised platform 102 of the cross member bracket 100 can be aligned with the nuts 31 located in the channel 21 of the cross member rail 19 extending from the first side 15 of the trailer frame 10 to the second side 16 of the trailer frame. The first bolt 32 may be used to secure the cross member bracket 100 to the cross member rail 19 extending between the first side 15 of the trailer frame 10 and the second side 16 of the trailer frame by extending through the fastener receiver 106 to the nut 31. Use of the cross member bracket 100 positions the cross member rail 19 extending between the first side 15 of the trailer frame and the second side 16 of the trailer frame 10 at a perpendicular angle relative to the first side 15 or the second side 16 of the trailer frame 10 to provide structural support to the trailer frame 10. When the first bolt 32 secures the cross member bracket 100 to the cross member rail 19 extending between the first side 15 and the second side 16 of the trailer frame 10, the first inwardly turned edge 26 and the second inwardly turned edge 27 of the cross member rail 19 are adjacent to the upwardly facing surface 228 of the cross member bracket 100. More specifically, the first inwardly turned edge 26 and the second inwardly turned edge 27 are adjacent to the raised platform 102. The first and second bottom ends 103 a , 103 b of the cross member bracket 100 are positioned above a top wall 22 of a track 20 forming part of a lower track frame 20 b of the trailer frame 10 .

[0118] like Fig.19As shown, the cross member bracket 100 is coupled to the corner bracket 40 in a manner similar to that described above with respect to the longitudinal bracket 50. The bottom end 103 of the cross member bracket 100 (specifically, the first bottom end 103a and the second bottom end 103b) is positioned above the top wall 22 of the track 20 that forms the lower track frame 20b. Specifically, the first bottom end 103a and the second bottom end 103b straddle two different tracks 20 that are connected at an angle of approximately 90 degrees and form a portion of the lower track frame 20b. More specifically, the first bottom end 103a or the second bottom end 103b can be adjacent to the cross member track 19 extending between the first side 15 and the second side 16 of the trailer frame 10 near the front end 13 of the trailer frame 10 or the rear end 14 of the trailer frame 10. The first bottom end 103a or the second bottom end 103b can be adjacent to the track 20 that extends longitudinally and forms a portion of the lower track frame 20b. As shown in FIG. Fig.19 As shown, the first bottom end 103a can be adjacent to the cross member rail 19 extending between the first side 15 and the second side 16 of the trailer frame 10 near the front end 13. The second bottom end 103b can be adjacent to the rail 20 extending longitudinally and forming a portion of the lower frame 20b. The openings 107 located on the tabs 105 (the first tab 105a and the second tab 105b) are aligned with the secondary fastener receivers 47 located on the corner bracket 40. The second bolt 28 is inserted through each secondary fastener receiver 47 and the opening 107 and is secured with a nut 252 or some other fastening device to secure the corner bracket 40 to the cross member bracket 100. The portion of the cross member rail 19 extending between the first side 15 and the second side 16 of the trailer frame 10 is positioned atop the raised platform 102 and adjacent to the first rail end 7, the second rail end 8, the third rail end 9 and / or the fourth rail end 11 of the trailer frame 10. The nut 31 is received into the channel 21 of the cross member rail 19 extending between the first side 15 and the second side 16 of the trailer frame 10. The first bolt 32 is inserted through the fastener receiver 106 formed in the raised platform 102 and is threaded into the nut 31 located in the channel 21. The cross member bracket 100 vertically connects at least one of the cross member rails 19 extending between the first side 15 and the second side 16 to the lower rails 20 that form the first side 15 or the second side 16 of the upper track frame 20a or the lower track frame 20b of the trailer frame 10 and are parallel to the rails 20 that form the front end 13 or the rear end 14 of the upper track frame 20a or the lower track frame 20b of the trailer frame 10. This arrangement provides structural support for the first rail end 7, the second rail end 8, the third rail end 9, and the fourth rail end 11 of the trailer frame 10.

[0119] Trailer lighting system

[0120] Fig. 20At least a portion of a trailer lighting system 110 is shown, the trailer lighting system including a first tail light 112a, a second tail light 112b, a plurality of corner lights 112c, and an electrical harness 111. In some embodiments, the trailer lighting system 110 includes an electrical harness 111 that is electrically connected to an electrical system of a vehicle (not shown) pulling the base trailer 2 in a conventional manner. In other embodiments, the trailer lighting system 110 includes an electrical harness 111, a first tail light 112a, a second tail light 112b, a plurality of corner lights 112c, and a battery (not shown) mounted to the trailer frame 10. The battery is operable to power the trailer lighting system 110. The electrical harness 111 is capable of reaching a power source, such as a vehicle's electrical system or a battery mounted to the trailer frame 10. The electrical harness 111 can extend from a power source (such as a battery or a vehicle electrical system) within the channel 21 of the track 20 to around the trailer frame 10. Channel covers 115 are coupled to the rails 20 forming the trailer frame 10 to cover the channels 21. The channel covers 115 seal or partially seal the channels 21 and can prevent fluids and debris that may be harmful to the electrical harness 111 and other aspects of the trailer lighting system 110 from entering the channels 21. Portions of the rails 20 not covered by the channel covers 115 are covered by the plurality of brackets coupled to the trailer frame 10, such as the longitudinal brackets 50 or the corner brackets 40. The electrical harness 111 is routed through each of the plurality of brackets and behind the channel covers 115, thereby providing continuous coverage of the electrical harness 111 within the channels 21. It should be understood that the present disclosure contemplates that the trailer lighting system 110 is operable to power any lighting configuration supported by the base trailer 2.

[0121] See also Fig. 20, the first tail light 112a and the second tail light 112b are located between the upper track frame 20a and the lower track frame 20b. The first tail light 112a and the second tail light 112b are recessed relative to the corner bracket 40 and the portion of the track 20 that forms the rear end 14 of the trailer frame 10. The recessed first tail light 112a and the second tail light 112b on the rear end 14 of the trailer frame 10 limit exposure to damage by debris, fluids and / or other objects that may contact the rear end 14 of the trailer frame 10. More specifically, the first tail light 112a is located on the rear end 14, near the first side 15 of the trailer frame 10. The second tail light 112b is located on the rear end 14, near the second side 16 of the trailer frame 10. In alternative embodiments, the first tail light 112a and the second tail light 112b may extend along the entire length of the rear end 14 of the trailer frame 10 between the upper track frame 20a and the lower track frame 20b. In alternative embodiments, additional lights, such as the first tail light 112a and the second tail light 112b, may be recessed on other sides of the trailer frame 10, such as the front end 13, the first side 15, and / or the second side 16. The corner lights 112c are located on the first planar panel 42 of each corner bracket 40 used to form the base trailer 2. More specifically, two corner lights 112c are located on the first side 15 of the trailer frame 10, and two corner lights are located on the second side 16 of the trailer frame. Fig. 20 As shown, one corner light 112c is located in a corner bracket 40 coupling the rear end 14 to the first side 15. One corner light 112c is located in a corner bracket 40 coupling the front end 13 to the first side 15 (not shown). One corner light 112c is located in a corner bracket 40 coupling the front end 13 to the second side 16 (not shown). One corner light 112c is located in a corner bracket 40 coupling the rear end 14 to the second side 16 (not shown).

[0122] Fig.21 A channel cover 115 is shown. The channel cover 115 can be selectively mounted to and removed from the track 20 and includes a front surface 118 and a rear surface 119, with a first deformable arm 116 and a second deformable arm 117 protruding from the rear surface 119. Each of the first deformable arm 116 and the second deformable arm 117 of the illustrated embodiment extends from the rear surface 119 of the channel cover 115 in a generally parallel orientation relative to each other and generally orthogonal to the rear surface 119 of the channel cover 115. The first deformable arm 116 and the second deformable arm 117 are mirror images of each other. The channel cover 115 covers and seals or partially seals the channel 21 that forms the track 20 of the trailer frame 10.

[0123] See also Fig. 22Each of the first deformable arm 116 and the second deformable arm 117 includes a first wall 116a, 117a, an outwardly angled section 116b, 117b, and an inwardly angled section 116c, 117c. The first wall 116a, 117a defines a length that is approximately equal to or greater than the length of each of the first inwardly turned edge 26 and the second inwardly turned edge 27. The first walls 116a, 117a are substantially parallel to each other and extend from the rear surface 119 of the channel cover 115 at an angle of approximately 90 degrees. The first walls 116a, 117a terminate and extend into the outwardly angled sections 116b, 117b. The outwardly angled sections 116b, 117b terminate and extend into the inwardly angled sections 116c, 117c. The channel cover 115 is placed on the track 20 so that the inwardly angled sections 116c, 117c extend beyond the first and second inwardly turned edges 26, 27 and are located within the channel 21. The channel cover 115 is coupled to the track 20 by applying sufficient force to the front surface 118 of the channel cover 115. When the channel cover 115 is installed on the track 20, a force is applied to the front surface 118 of the channel cover 115. The first and second deformable arms 116, 117 will bend slightly inwardly or deflect inwardly toward each other to allow the inwardly angled sections 116, 117 to move beyond the first and second inwardly turned edges 16, 27. When the channel cover 115 is installed on the track 20, the outwardly angled sections 116b, 117b remain in contact with portions of the first and second inwardly curved edges 26, 27. The positioning of the outwardly angled sections 116b, 117b relative to the first inwardly turned edge 26 and the second inwardly turned edge 27 prevents the channel cover 115 from inadvertently sliding out of the channel 21 of the track 20. The first deformable arm 116 and the second deformable arm 117 maintain contact with the first inwardly turned edge 26 and the second inwardly turned edge 27 by a friction-type fit or a snap-type fit. The outwardly angled sections 116b, 117b are then tightly engaged with the first inwardly turned edge 26 and the second inwardly turned edge 27 to prevent the channel cover 115 from being unselectively removed from the track 20. It should be understood that the present disclosure contemplates that the channel cover 115 includes a length that can be changed, such as by cutting with a utility knife, so that the length of the channel cover 115 corresponds to the length of the channel 21 to be covered or sealed.

[0124] See also Fig. 22 , the electrical harness 111 may be located within the channel 21 of the track 20. The channel cover 115 protects the electrical harness 111 by covering the channel 21 and preventing unwanted fluids and debris from entering the channel 21. Thus, the channel cover 115 at least partially protects the electrical harness 111 from exposure to water, debris, and other elements to which the trailer frame 10 may be exposed during operating and non-operating periods.

[0125] Interchangeable trailer configurations

[0126] Another key aspect of the present invention is that the modular base trailer 2 and trailer kit 1 are designed to accommodate various accessory mounting systems, accessory brackets and / or one or more accessories that form various trailer configurations on a single trailer frame 10. In this way, the modular base trailer 2 can be configured into one or more trailer configurations. These trailer configurations are interchangeable so that the user can modify the trailer frame 10 from one trailer configuration to another by selectively installing or removing certain accessory mounting systems, accessory brackets and / or one or more accessories to or from the modular base trailer using the trailer frame 10. Each of these trailer configurations can be interchangeably configured to the trailer frame 10 without welding or drilling holes to the modular base trailer 2 and the accessory mounting systems, accessory brackets or accessories that can be coupled to the trailer frame 10.

[0127] See also Fig.23 , the modular base trailer 2 is shown with a deck 242. The user can assemble all of the parts of the trailer kit 1 to construct the assembled modular base trailer 2, and can further install the deck 242. The accessory mounting system, at least one accessory bracket, and / or one or more accessories are interchangeably fastened to the trailer frame 10 using the first bolt 32 and nut 31 and / or the second bolt 28 and corresponding nut 252 or other fastening methods. In a preferred embodiment, the plurality of brackets further includes at least one accessory bracket operable to secure one or more accessories to the trailer frame 10. The accessory bracket is also operable to secure the accessory mounting system to the trailer frame 10 and thus to the base trailer 2.

[0128] Each of these trailer configurations can be interchangeably configured to the trailer frame 10 without requiring modification to the trailer frame 10. Although the modular base trailer 2 is one trailer configuration, the modular base trailer 2 is used in combination with at least one of each of the accessory mounting system, accessory bracket, and / or one or more accessories described below to define other trailer configurations. In some embodiments, multiple trailer configurations can be configured at once on the modular base trailer 2. Therefore, the modular base trailer 2 and trailer kit 1 described in the present disclosure provide the user with maximum flexibility in selecting and combining multiple trailer configurations.

[0129] Fairing system and rear ramp storage system

[0130] Fig.23An example of an accessory mounting system is shown, where the accessory mounting system can be a fairing system 120 or a rear ramp storage system 130. The fairing system minimizes drag and prevents wind from displacing cargo carried by the trailer frame 10. The fairing system 120 is mounted to the trailer tongue assembly 3, the front end 13 of the trailer frame 10, and portions of the bed 242. The fairing system 120 includes a bottom panel 122, a front panel 121, a first side panel 123, a second side panel 124, a first bed panel 125, and a second bed panel 126. The first side panel 123 is coupled to a first side wall 88 of a tongue track 80 located near the first side 15. The second side panel 124 is coupled to a first side wall 88 of another tongue track 80 located near the second side 16. The front panel 121 extends between the first side panel 123 and the second side panel 124 near the hook 86. The first bed panel 125 is coupled to the first side panel 123. A first deck panel 125 sits atop the deck 242 and a portion of the upper track frame 20a. The first deck panel 125 extends diagonally from a portion of the front side 13 to a portion of the first side 15 of the trailer frame 10. A second deck panel 126 mirrors the orientation of the first deck panel 125 and extends diagonally from a portion of the front side 13 to a portion of the second side 16 and atop the deck 242 and a portion of the upper track frame 20a.

[0131] See also Fig.23 , the rear ramp storage system 130 includes at least one front storage bracket 133, at least one rear storage bracket 134, a stabilizing jack assembly 220, at least one pivoting ramp cover 132, and a ramp 131. In a preferred embodiment, the two ramp covers 132 receive respective ends of the ramp 131 in the storage configuration. The ramp 131 is foldable and is selectively stored or selectively removed and extended to facilitate loading or unloading of cargo near the rear end 14 of the trailer frame 10. In an alternative embodiment, the ramp 131 can be removed and extended on other sides or portions of the trailer frame 10, such as the front end 13, the first side 15, and / or the second side 16. The ramp cover 132 is pivotally coupled to the front storage bracket 133 and the rear storage bracket 134 to move between the storage configuration and the deployed configuration. The stabilizing jack assembly 220 is adjacent to at least one of the corner brackets 40. In a preferred embodiment, a stabilizing jack assembly is located on the first side 15 and another stabilizing jack assembly is located on the second side 16 near the rear end 14 of the trailer frame 10 .

[0132] See also Fig.24, the bottom panel 122 of the fairing system 120 is trapezoidal in shape and is adjacent to the front side 13 of the trailer frame 10 and is located on top of the tongue rails 80 and extends the distance between the tongue rails 80. The bottom panel 122 includes at least one tongue hole 250. The tongue hole 250 is operable to receive the second bolts 28, which extend from the bottom panel 122 to the corresponding tongue rail holes 87d located on the tongue rails 80. The bottom panel 122 also includes a plurality of fastener edges 122a, 122b, 122c and 122d, which extend upward from the periphery of the bottom panel 122 at an angle of approximately 90 degrees. The fastener edges 122a, 122b and 122c include a plurality of secondary fastener receivers 244. The fastener edge 122d includes a plurality of fastener receivers 245. In an alternative embodiment, the fastener edges 122a, 122b, 122c, and 122d may include secondary fastener receivers 244 and / or fastener receivers 245. The plurality of secondary fastener receivers 244 and fastener receivers 245 are operable to receive the second bolts 28 and the first bolts 32, respectively, for fastening a portion of the fairing system 120 to the trailer frame 10. For example, the first bolt 32 couples the bottom panel 122 to the front end 13 of the trailer frame 10. More specifically, the first bolt 32 extends through the fastener receiver 245 located in the fastener edge 122d of the bottom panel 122 and is threaded into a nut 31 located in the channel 21 of the track 20 forming part of the lower track frame 20b. The nut 31 is positioned in the channel 21 to receive a corresponding first bolt 32 extending through the fastener receiver 245 located in the fastener edge 122d of the bottom panel 122. In alternative embodiments, the bottom panel 122 may be a different shape and coupled to a different portion of the trailer frame 10 and / or tongue track 80 .

[0133] like Fig.24As shown, the front panel 121 is substantially rectangular in shape and includes a top fastener edge 121d, a bottom fastener edge 121a, a first side fastener edge 121b, and a second side fastener edge 121c. The front panel 121 also includes a plurality of secondary fastener receivers 246 positioned along the periphery of the front panel 121. Specifically, the secondary fastener receivers 246 are located near the top fastener edge 121d, the bottom fastener edge 121a, the first side fastener edge 121b, and the second side fastener edge 121c. The front panel 121 also includes a corner gusset 121g. The corner gusset 121g also includes a secondary fastener receiver 246. The secondary fastener receiver 246 located in the corner gusset 121g is aligned with the secondary fastener receiver 246 located in the front panel 121 near the top fastener edge 121d. Second bolts 28 may be inserted through aligned secondary fastener receivers 246 of front panel 121 near top fastener edge 121d and corner gussets 121g and secured to one another by corresponding nuts 252 or other fastening devices or means. Corner gussets 121g provide structural reinforcement to fairing system 120.

[0134] like Fig.24As shown, the first side panel 123 is substantially rectangular in shape and includes a top fastener edge 123d, a bottom fastener edge 123a, a first side fastener edge 123b, and a second side fastener edge 123c. The first side panel 123 also includes a plurality of secondary fastener receivers 246 positioned along a portion of the periphery of the first side panel 123. Specifically, the secondary fastener receivers 246 are located near the bottom fastener edge 123a. The first side fastener edge 123b and the second side fastener edge 123c extend from the first side panel 123 at an angle toward the second side 16 of the trailer frame 10. The first side fastener edge 123b and the second side fastener edge 123c are substantially perpendicular to the bottom fastener edge 123a. The first side fastener edge 123b and the second side fastener edge 123c include secondary fastener receivers 246 spaced apart from each other along the length of the first side fastener edge 123b and the second side fastener edge 123c. The first side fastener edge 123b includes an extension bracket 247 located adjacent the bottom fastener edge 123a. The extension bracket 247 includes at least one fastener receiver 245 operable to receive a first bolt 32 for coupling the first side fastener edge 123b to the upper track frame 20a. More specifically, the first bolt 32 can pass through the fastener receiver 245 located on the extension bracket 247 and inserted into a corresponding nut 31 located in the channel 21 of the track 20 forming a portion of the front side 13 of the upper track frame 20a. This arrangement provides additional structural support to the fairing system 120 by securing the fairing system 120 to the trailer frame 10.

[0135] like Fig.24As shown, the second side panel 124 is substantially rectangular in shape and includes a top fastener edge 124d, a bottom fastener edge 124a, a first side fastener edge 124b, and a second side fastener edge 124c. The second side panel 124 also includes a plurality of secondary fastener receivers 246 positioned along a portion of the periphery of the second side panel 124. Specifically, the secondary fastener receivers 246 are located near the bottom fastener edge 124a. The first side fastener edge 124b and the second side fastener edge 124c extend from the second side panel 124 at an angle toward the first side 15 of the trailer frame 10. The first side fastener edge 124b and the second side fastener edge 124c are substantially perpendicular to the bottom fastener edge 124a. The first side fastener edge 124b and the second side fastener edge 124c include secondary fastener receivers 246 spaced apart from each other along the length of the first side fastener edge 124b and the second side fastener edge 124c. The first side fastener edge 124b includes an extension bracket 248 located adjacent the bottom fastener edge 124a. The extension bracket 248 includes at least one of the fastener receivers 245 operable to receive a first bolt 32 for coupling the second side fastener edge 124b to the upper track frame 20a. More specifically, the first bolt 32 can pass through the fastener receiver 245 located on the extension bracket 248 and be inserted into a corresponding nut 31 located in the channel 21 of the track 20 forming a portion of the front side 13 of the upper track frame 20a. This arrangement provides additional structural support to the fairing system 120 by securing the fairing system 120 to the trailer frame 10.

[0136] See also Fig.24, the first deck panel 125 is substantially quadrilateral and includes a top fastener edge 125d, a bottom fastener edge 125a, a first side fastener edge 125b, and a second side fastener edge 125c. The bottom fastener edge 125a, the first side fastener edge 125b, the second side fastener edge 125c, and the top fastener edge 125d extend from the first deck panel 125 at an angle toward the second side 16 of the trailer frame 10. The bottom fastener edge 125a is adjacent to the deck 242. The bottom fastener edge 125a includes at least one of the secondary fastener receivers 246 that is operable to receive a second bolt 28 for coupling the first deck panel 125 to the deck 242. More specifically, the second bolt 28 can pass through the secondary fastener receiver 246 located in the bottom fastener edge 125a and be inserted into a corresponding deck hole 249 located in the deck 242. Nuts 252 are secured to second bolts 28 inserted through bottom fastener edge 125a and deck 242 to secure first deck panel 125 to trailer frame 10. This arrangement provides additional structural support to fairing system 120 by securing it to trailer frame 10.

[0137] See also Fig.24 , the second deck panel 126 is substantially quadrilateral and includes a top fastener edge 126d, a bottom fastener edge 126a, a first side fastener edge 126b, and a second side fastener edge 126c. The bottom fastener edge 126a, the first side fastener edge 126b, the second side fastener edge 126c, and the top fastener edge 126d extend from the second deck panel 126 at an angle toward the first side 15 of the trailer frame 10. The bottom fastener edge 125a is adjacent to the deck 242. The bottom fastener edge 126a includes at least one of the secondary fastener receivers 246 that is operable to receive a second bolt 28 for coupling the second deck panel 126 to the deck 242. More specifically, the second bolt 28 can pass through the secondary fastener receiver 246 located in the bottom fastener edge 126a and be inserted into a corresponding deck hole 249 located in the deck 242. Nuts 252 are secured to second bolts 28 inserted through bottom fastener edge 126a and deck 242 to secure second deck panel 126 to trailer frame 10. This arrangement provides additional structural support to fairing system 120 by securing it to trailer frame 10.

[0138] See also Fig.24, portions of the bottom panel 122 are coupled to the front side 13 of the trailer frame 10, the first side panel 123, the front panel 121, and the second side panel 124. The rear fastener edge 122d includes a fastener receiver 245. The first bolt 32 can be inserted through the fastener receiver 245 located in the rear fastener edge 122d and inserted and fastened to a corresponding nut 31 located in the channel 21 of the track 20 that forms a portion of the front side 13 of the lower track frame 20b. The front panel 121 is coupled to the bottom panel 122. More specifically, the front panel 121 includes a secondary fastener receiver 246 near the bottom fastener edge 121a, and the front fastener edge 122a includes the secondary fastener receiver 246. The secondary fastener receivers 246 of the front fastener edge 122a on the bottom panel 122 and the bottom fastener edge 121a of the front panel 121 are aligned with each other to allow the second bolt 28 to be inserted through the aligned secondary fastener receivers 246 and secured with the nut 252. When the front panel 121 is coupled to the bottom panel 122, the front fastener edge 122a is adjacent to the bottom fastener edge 121a.

[0139] See also Fig.24, the first side fastener edge 122c extends upward from the bottom panel 122 at an angle of approximately 90 degrees. The first side fastener edge 122c includes a secondary fastener receiver 246. The first side fastener edge 122c is adjacent to the front fastener edge 122a and forms an angle greater than 90 degrees. The first side fastener edge 122c extends from the front fastener edge 122a at a certain angle to allow the entire length of the first side fastener edge 122c to be located above and adjacent to the first side wall 88 of one of the tongue-shaped tracks 80. The first side panel 123 includes a secondary fastener receiver 246 located near the bottom fastener edge 123a. The secondary fastener receivers 246 of the first side fastener edge 122c near the bottom panel 122 and the bottom fastener edge 123a of the first side panel 123 are aligned with each other to allow the second bolt 28 to be inserted through the aligned secondary fastener receivers 246 and secured with a nut 252. When the first side panel 123 is coupled to the bottom panel 122, the first side fastener edge 122c is adjacent to the bottom fastener edge 123a. The second side fastener edge 123c includes secondary fastener receivers 246 spaced apart from each other. The secondary fastener receivers 246 located near the first side fastener edge 121b of the front panel 121 can be aligned with the secondary fastener receivers 246 located in the second side fastener edge 123c. The second side fastener edge 123c extends from the first side panel 123 at a certain angle to allow the second side fastener edge 123c to be adjacent to the first side fastener edge 121b when the front panel 121 is coupled to the first side panel 123. The second bolt 28 can be inserted through the aligned secondary fastener receivers 246 located near the first side fastener edge 121b of the front panel 121 and the secondary fastener receivers 246 located in the second side fastener edge 123c. The nut 252 may be fixed to the second bolt 28 to couple the front panel 121 to the first side panel 123 .

[0140] See also Fig.24, the second side fastener edge 122b extends upward from the bottom panel 122 at an angle of approximately 90 degrees. The second side fastener edge 122b includes a secondary fastener receiver 246. The second side fastener edge 122b is adjacent to the front fastener edge 122a and forms an angle greater than 90 degrees. The second side fastener edge 122b extends from the front fastener edge 122a at a certain angle to allow the entire length of the second side fastener edge 122b to be located above and adjacent to the first side wall 88 of one of the tongue-shaped tracks 80. The second fastener edge 122b is a mirror image of the first fastener edge 122c. The second side panel 124 includes a secondary fastener receiver 246 located near the bottom fastener edge 124a. Secondary fastener receiving pieces 246 of the second side fastener edge 122b near the bottom panel 122 and the bottom fastener edge 124a of the second side panel 124 are aligned with each other to allow the second bolt 28 to be inserted through the aligned secondary fastener receiving pieces 246 and secured with the nut 252. When the second side panel 124 is coupled to the bottom panel 122, the second side fastener edge 122b is adjacent to the bottom fastener edge 124a. The second side fastener edge 124c includes secondary fastener receiving pieces 246 spaced apart from each other. The secondary fastener receiving pieces 246 located near the second side fastener edge 121c of the front panel 121 can be aligned with the secondary fastener receiving pieces 246 located in the second side fastener edge 124c. The second side fastener edge 124c extends from the second side panel 124 at a certain angle to allow the second side fastener edge 124c to be adjacent to the second side fastener edge 121c when the front panel 121 is coupled to the second side panel 124. Second bolt 28 may be inserted through aligned secondary fastener receivers 246 located near second side fastener edge 121c of front panel 121 and secondary fastener receiver 246 located in second side fastener edge 124c. Nut 252 may be secured to second bolt 28 to couple front panel 121 to second side panel 124.

[0141] See also Fig.24, the first deck panel 125 can be coupled to the first side panel 123. The second side fastener edge 125c and the first side fastener edge 125b are substantially perpendicular to the bottom fastener edge 125a. The second side fastener edge 125c includes secondary fastener receivers 246 spaced apart from each other along the length of the second side fastener edge 125c. The secondary fastener receivers 246 located on the first side fastener edge 123b of the first side panel 123 are aligned with the corresponding secondary fastener receivers 246 located on the second side fastener edge 125c on the first deck panel 125. The second bolt 28 can be inserted through the aligned secondary fastener receivers 246 of the first side fastener edge 123b of the first side panel 123 and the second side fastener edge 125c of the first deck panel 125. The nut 252 can be fixed to the second bolt 28 to couple the first side panel 123 to the first deck panel 125.

[0142] See also Fig.24 , the second deck panel 126 can be coupled to the second side panel 124. The second side fastener edge 126c and the first side fastener edge 126b are substantially perpendicular to the bottom fastener edge 126a. The second side fastener edge 126c includes secondary fastener receivers 246 spaced apart from each other along the length of the second side fastener edge 126c. The secondary fastener receivers 246 located on the first side fastener edge 124b of the second side panel 124 are aligned with the corresponding secondary fastener receivers 246 located on the second side fastener edge 126c on the second deck panel 126. The second bolt 28 can be inserted through the aligned secondary fastener receivers 246 of the first side fastener edge 124b of the second side panel 124 and the second side fastener edge 126c of the second deck panel 126. The nut 252 can be fixed to the second bolt 28 to couple the second side panel 124 to the second deck panel 126. The bottom panel 122, the front panel 121, the first side panel 123, the second side panel 124, the first deck panel 125 and the second deck panel 126 can be manufactured by folding the metal sheet or alternatively by welding the edges to the bottom panel 122, the front panel 121, the first side panel 123, the second side panel 124, the first deck panel 125 and the second deck panel 126.

[0143] See also Fig.25 and Fig.26, two ramp covers 132 are provided to engage and retain each end of the ramp 131. The ramp covers 132 include an end panel 132a, a top panel 132b, a first side panel 132c, and a second side panel 132d, which is located on a side of the end panel 132a opposite the first side panel 132c. The ramp covers 132 are configured to receive the respective ends of the ramp 131 to secure the ends of the ramp 131 within the ramp covers 132. The width and height of the ramp covers 132 are at least as large as the corresponding dimensions of the ramp 131. The top panel 132b extends inwardly toward each other from the end panel 132a at an angle of substantially 90 degrees. The top panel 132b includes an anchor 132f. The anchor 132f extends from the top panel 132b toward the opposite side of the trailer 10 at an upward angle. The anchor 132f includes a tie-down opening 132g. The tie opening 132g is configured to receive a tie (not shown) extending between an anchor 132f located on one of the top panels 132b and another anchor 132f located on the other top panel 132b on the opposite side of the trailer frame 10 to assist in securing the ramp storage system 130 in the storage configuration. The end panel 132a is substantially perpendicular to the top panel 132b. The first side panel 132c and the second side panel 132d of the ramp cover 132 on the first side 15 of the trailer frame 10 extend inwardly toward the corresponding first side panel 132c and the second side panel 132d of the ramp cover 132 on the second side 16 of the trailer 10. The first side panel 132c extends from the end panel 132a at a substantially 90 degree angle. The first side panel 132c is substantially perpendicular to the top panel 132b and the end panel 132a. The first side panel 132c extends between the top panel 132b and the deck 242. The first side panel 132c is positioned further toward the front end 13 of the trailer frame 10 than the second side panel 132d. The second side panel 132d extends from the end panel 132a at a substantially 90 degree angle. The second side panel 132d is substantially perpendicular to the top panel 132b and the end panel 132a. The second side panel 132d extends between the top panel 132b and the top wall 22 of the track 20 forming the rear end 14 of the upper track frame 20a. The second side panel 132d is located near the rear end 14 of the trailer frame 10. The top panel 132b, the end panel 132a, the first side panel 132c and the second side panel 132d cooperate to define a volume that closely receives a portion of the ramp 131 when the ramp is in the storage configuration. The first side panel 132c includes a secondary fastener receiver 246 located near the deck 242. The second side panel 132d includes a secondary fastener receiver 246 located near the third track end 9. The end panel 132a includes a slot 132e located between the first side panel 132c and the second side panel 132d. The slot 132e is configured to receive a portion of the stabilizing jack assembly 220.

[0144] See also Fig.25 , the front storage bracket 133 may be pivotally coupled to the first side panel 132c of the ramp cover 132 and coupled to the trailer frame 10. The front storage bracket 133 includes a trailer plate 133a and a ramp cover 133b. The trailer plate 133a is substantially perpendicular to the ramp cover 133b. The trailer plate 133a includes a fastener receiver 245. The ramp cover 133b includes a secondary fastener receiver 246. The fastener receivers 245 are spaced a distance apart so that one of the fastener receivers 245 is aligned with a channel 21 of one of the rails 20 forming a portion of the upper track frame 20a, and the other fastener receiver 245 is aligned with a channel 21 of one of the rails 20 forming a portion of the lower track frame 20b. The front storage bracket 133 is coupled to the trailer frame 10 using a first bolt 32 and a nut 31 located in the channel 21 of the track 20 forming part of the upper track frame 20a and the lower track frame 20b. The first bolt 32 can be inserted through a fastener receiver 245 located on the trailer plate 133a of the front storage bracket 133 and into a corresponding nut 31 located in the channel 21 of the track 20 forming part of the upper track frame 20a and the lower track frame 20b. The second bolt 28 can be inserted through a secondary fastener receiver 246 located on the ramp cover plate 133b and through the secondary fastener receiver 246 located on the first side panel 132c of the ramp cover 132 and secured within the ramp cover 132 with a nut 252.

[0145] See also Fig.26, the rear storage bracket 134 can be pivotally coupled to the second side panel 132d of the ramp cover 132 and coupled to the trailer frame 10. The rear storage bracket 134 is substantially L-shaped. The rear storage bracket 134 includes a fastener receiver 245 spaced a certain distance apart to align with the upper fastener receiver 46a located in the corner bracket 40. The rear storage bracket 134 includes a secondary fastener receiver 246. The secondary fastener receiver 246 is vertically spaced apart from the fastener receiver 245 located in the rear storage bracket 134. The secondary fastener receiver 246 is located above the fastener receiver 245 and is located closer to the third rail end 9 than the fastener receiver 245. The secondary fastener receiver 246 on the rear storage bracket 134 can be aligned with the corresponding secondary fastener receiver 246 located on the second side panel 132d of the ramp cover 132. The rear storage bracket 134 is also coupled to the trailer frame 10 using first bolts 32 and nuts 31 located in the channels 21 of the tracks 20 forming part of the upper track frame 20a and the lower track frame 20b. The first bolts 32 may be inserted through the fastener receivers 245 located on the rear storage bracket 134, through the upper fastener receivers 46a on the corner bracket 40, and into the corresponding nuts 31 located in the channels 21 of the tracks 20 forming part of the upper track frame 20a. The second bolts 28 may be inserted through the secondary fastener receivers 246 located on the rear storage bracket 134, through the secondary fastener receivers 246 located on the second side panel 132d of the ramp cover 132, and secured within the ramp cover 132 with nuts 252.

[0146] See also Fig. 27, showing a rear ramp storage system 130 in an expanded configuration. A ramp cover 132 located near both the first side 15 and the second side 16 is rotated to expose an end portion of the ramp 131. The ramp 131 can be deployed from the storage configuration to the expanded configuration. The ramp 131 includes a plurality of ramp panels 81. In a preferred embodiment, the ramp 131 includes at least three ramp panels 81: a first side ramp panel 81a, an intermediate ramp panel 81b, and a second side ramp panel 81c. Each ramp panel includes a trailer end 266, a ground end 267, a trailer flange 268, a ground support 269, a plurality of hinges 270, a ramp surface 271, and a lower side surface (not shown). The trailer flange 268 is movable relative to the ramp panel 81 and can be coupled to the trailer end 266 of the ramp panel 81. The ground support 269 is movable relative to the ground end 267 and can be coupled to the ground end 267. In the deployed configuration, the trailer flange 268 is adjacent to the deck 242 and the upper track frame 20a. The ground support 269 is placed on the ground to provide stability for the ramp 131 when an object (not shown) is moved onto and / or off the trailer frame 10 in use. The ramp surface 271 provides a surface for moving an object onto and / or off the trailer frame 10. The ramp surface may include a plurality of grips 272 to prevent the object from sliding off the ramp 131 or slipping on the ramp. The lower side surface (not shown) is located on the side of the ramp panel 81 opposite to the ramp surface 271. In the deployed configuration, the lower side surface faces the ground. The ramp 131 includes a plurality of hinges 270. The ramp panel 81 rotates around the hinges 270 to move between the storage configuration and the deployed configuration. The ramp 131 is foldable and can collapse and extend in an S-shaped manner. In the storage configuration, the first side ramp panel 81a can overlap the middle panel 81b so that the ramp surfaces 271 of the first side ramp panel 81a and the middle ramp panel 81b are adjacent to each other. Likewise, in the storage configuration, the second side ramp panel 81c can overlap the middle panel 81b so that the lower side surfaces of the second side ramp panel 81c and the middle ramp panel 81b are adjacent to each other. In the deployed configuration, the first side ramp panel 81a and the second side ramp panel 81c are rotated away from the middle ramp panel 81b to their respective deployed positions. In alternative embodiments, the ramp panel 81 can be oriented in different configurations so that the ramp panel 81 can be extended and / or folded in a variety of ways.

[0147] Frame extension system

[0148] Fig.28An accessory mounting system is shown, wherein the accessory mounting system includes a frame extension system 140 to extend the overall width of the base trailer 2 for various purposes. The frame extension system 140 includes a first side extension frame 141 and a second side extension frame 274. The first side extension frame 141 and the second side extension frame 274 allow for loading and / or unloading of wide loads. The first side extension frame 141 and the second side extension frame 274 provide access for wide loads that require a wider footprint than the modular base trailer 2 to be driven or moved onto and / or off the trailer frame 10. The first side extension frame 141 extends from the front end 13 to the rear end 14 on the first side 15 of the trailer frame 10. The second side extension frame 274 extends from the front end 13 to the rear end 14 on the second side 16 of the trailer frame 10. The first side extension frame 141 is a mirror image of the second side extension frame 274. It should be understood that the following description of the first side extension frame 141 applies to the second side extension frame 274, but as a mirror image thereof. The first side extension frame 141 includes a front extension 142, a rear extension 143, a fender extension 144, a front corner extension bracket 145, a rear corner extension bracket 275, and a D-ring 273. The front corner extension bracket 145 may be coupled to a portion of the trailer frame 10 located on the front end 13 and the first side 15. The front extension 142 may be coupled to the front corner extension bracket 145 and the fender extension 144. The fender extension 144 may be coupled to the front extension 142 and the rear extension 143. The rear extension 143 may be coupled to the fender extension 144 and the rear corner extension bracket 275. The rear corner extension bracket 275 may be coupled to a portion of the trailer frame 10 located on the rear end 14 and the first side 15. The D-ring 273 may be coupled to portions of the front extension 142 and the rear extension 143. More specifically, D-ring 273 may be coupled to front extension 142 near front end 13 and to rear extension 143 near rear end 14. In alternative embodiments, D-ring 273 may be coupled to front extension 142 and / or rear extension 143 at different locations along the front extension 142 and / or rear extension 143.

[0149] like Fig.29As shown, the front corner extension bracket 145 includes a front plate 276, a shelf 277 and a lip plate 278. The front plate 276 includes at least one upper fastener receiving member 279a and at least one lower fastener receiving member 279b. In a preferred embodiment, the front plate 276 includes two upper fastener receiving members 279a and two lower fastener receiving members 279b. These upper fastener receiving members 279a are spaced apart similarly to the upper fastener receiving members 46a of the corner bracket 40. These lower fastener receiving members 279a are spaced apart similarly to the lower fastener receiving members 46b of the corner bracket 40. The front plate 276 also includes a lamp hole 280. The lamp hole 280 is configured to receive the corner lamp 112c. The lamp hole 180 and the upper fastener receiving member 279a and the lower fastener receiving member 279b are located on opposite sides of the front plate 276. The shelf 277 extends from the front plate 276 at an angle of approximately 90 degrees and is adjacent to the top wall 22 of the track 20 forming the upper track frame 20a and the deck 242. The shelf 277 includes a secondary fastener receiver 281. In a preferred embodiment, the shelf 277 includes two secondary fastener receivers 281. The secondary fastener receivers 281 are located distally relative to the front plate 276. The lip plate 278 extends from the front plate 276 at an angle of approximately 90 degrees, extending in a direction along the first side 15 of the trailer frame 10. The lip plate 278, the shelf 277 and the front plate 276 are all approximately perpendicular to each other. The lip plate 278 includes a light hole 280. The light hole 280 is configured to receive a corner light 112c.

[0150] See also Fig.29 , the front extension 142 includes a plurality of secondary fastener receivers 282 positioned along the length of the front extension 142. In a preferred embodiment, the D-ring 273 can be coupled to the front extension 142 by inserting a second bolt 28 through a D-ring bracket 283 having a pair of bracket holes 284 and into the secondary fastener receiver 282 located near the front end 13 of the trailer frame 10. The nut 252 is secured to the second bolt 28 inserted through the bracket hole 284 and the front extension 142 to secure the D-ring 273 to the front extension 142.

[0151] refer to Fig.29, the front corner extension bracket 145 may be coupled to the trailer frame 10 by inserting a first bolt 32 through the aligned upper fastener receiver 279a of the front corner extension bracket 145, the upper fastener receiver 46a of the corner bracket 40, and into a corresponding nut 31 located in the channel 21 of the track 20 forming part of the upper track frame 20a. The first bolt 32 may also be inserted through the aligned lower fastener receiver 279b of the front corner extension bracket 145, the lower fastener receiver 46b of the corner bracket 40, and into a corresponding nut 31 located in the channel 21 of the track 20 forming part of the lower track frame 20b. The front extension 142 may be coupled to the front corner extension bracket 145. The secondary fastener receiver 282 on the front extension 142 can be aligned with the secondary fastener 281 on the shelf 277 of the front corner extension bracket 145 to allow the second bolt 28 to be inserted through the secondary fastener receiver 282 and the secondary fastener receiver 281 and secured with the nut 252, see Fig.30 .

[0152] See also Fig.30 , the front extension 142 further includes an extension plate 285 having an upper surface 286 and a lower surface 287, the lower surface being located on a side of the extension plate 285 opposite the upper surface 286. The front extension 142 is located above the upper track frame 20a and the deck 242. The front extension 142 also includes an overhang plate 288. The overhang plate 288 extends downwardly at an angle of approximately 90 degrees from the extension plate 285 toward the upper track frame 20a and the lower track frame 20b. The front extension 142 includes a secondary fastener receiver 282 positioned along the length of the front extension 142. The secondary fastener receiver 282, which is located closest to the front end 13 of the trailer frame 10, can receive a second bolt 28 to couple the front extension 142 to the front corner extension bracket 145. The second bolt 28 coupling the front extension 142 and the front corner extension bracket 145 together can be secured with a nut 252.

[0153] See also Fig.30, the first side extension frame 141 also includes at least one outrigger bracket 146. The outrigger bracket 146 is adjacent to the lower surface 287 of the extension plate 285. The outrigger brackets 146 each include a track plate 289, a shelf 290, and a diagonal arm 291. The shelf 190 extends from the track plate 289 away from the trailer frame 10 at an angle of approximately 90 degrees. The track plate 289 can be substantially perpendicular to the shelf 290. The diagonal arm 291 extends from the middle portion of the track plate 289 toward the shelf 290 at an upward angle. The track plate 289, the shelf 290, and the diagonal arm 291 form a triangular shape. The track plate 289 also includes at least one upper fastener receiving member 292a and at least one lower fastener receiving member 292b. The upper fastener receiving member 292a is operable to receive the first bolt 32 for connecting the outrigger bracket 146 to the upper track frame 20a on the first side 15 of the trailer frame 10. The lower fastener receiver 292b is operable to receive a first bolt 32 for coupling the outrigger bracket 146 to the lower track frame 20b on the first side 15 of the trailer frame 10. The first bolt 32 can be inserted through the upper fastener receiver 292a and the lower fastener receiver 292b and into a corresponding nut 31 located in the channel 21 of the track 20 forming a corresponding portion of the upper track frame 20a and the lower track frame 20b to secure the outrigger bracket 146 to the first side 15 of the trailer frame 10. The shelf 290 includes at least one secondary fastener receiver 299. The secondary fastener receiver 299 is operable to receive a second bolt 28 for coupling the front extension 142 to the outrigger bracket 146 and / or other accessories of the trailer frame 10, such as the D-ring 273, see Fig.29 The nut 252 may be tightened to the second bolt 28 to secure the front extension 142 to the outrigger brackets 146 . In the illustrated embodiment, the front extension 142 is coupled to the front corner extension bracket 145 and the three outrigger brackets 146 .

[0154] See also Fig.31, the front extension 142 is coupled and fixed to the fender extension 144. The fender extension 144 may also be coupled and fixed to the rear extension 143. The fender extension 144 may be fixed to the wheel 5 of the axle and wheel assembly 4. The fender extension 144 includes a front flap 293, a front ramp portion 294, a horizontal portion 295, a rear ramp portion 296, and a rear flap 297. The front flap 293 may be coupled to a portion of the front extension 142 located near the wheel 5. One of the outrigger brackets 146 may be used to couple and fix the front flap 293 and the front extension 142 to each other by using a second bolt 28. One of the outrigger brackets 146 may be used to couple and fix the front flap 293 and the front extension 142 to the first side 15 of the trailer frame 10. The front ramp portion 294 may extend from the front flap 293 at an upward angle toward the rear end 14 of the trailer frame 10. The horizontal portion 295 extends from the front ramp portion 294 at an angle such that the horizontal portion 295 is parallel to the deck 242. The horizontal portion 295 can be the uppermost portion of the frame extension system 140. The rear ramp portion 296 extends from the horizontal portion 295 at a downward angle toward the rear end 14 of the trailer frame 10. The rear ramp portion 296 can be a mirror image of the front ramp portion 294, with the horizontal portion 295 located between the front ramp portion 294 and the rear ramp portion 296. The rear flap 297 can extend from the rear ramp portion 296 toward the rear end 14 of the trailer frame 10. The rear flap 297 and the front flap 293 can extend in the same plane along the trailer frame 10. The rear flap 297 can be coupled to a portion of the rear extension 143 located near the wheel 5. One of the outrigger brackets 146 can be used to couple and fix the rear flap 297 and the rear extension 143 to each other by using the second bolt 28. One of the outrigger brackets 146 can be used to couple and secure the rear flap 297 and the rear extension 143 to the first side 15 of the trailer frame 10. The front flap 293, the front ramp portion 294, the horizontal portion 295, the rear ramp portion 296, and the rear flap 297 form a generally arcuate shape. In an alternative embodiment, the fender extension 144 can also be a non-arc shape.

[0155] See also Fig.32, the front flap 293 includes at least one secondary fastener receiver 298. In an exemplary embodiment, the secondary fastener receiver 298 located on the front flap 293 can be aligned with the secondary fastener receiver 282 located on the front extension 142 closest to the rear end 14 of the trailer frame 10. The secondary fastener receiver 298 located on the front flap 293 can also be aligned with the secondary fastener receiver 299 located on the shelf 290 of the outrigger bracket 146. The second bolt 28 can be inserted through the aligned secondary fastener receiver 282 located in the front extension 142, the secondary fastener receiver 298 located in the front flap 293, and the secondary fastener receiver 299 located in the shelf 290 of the outrigger bracket 146. The second bolt 28 can be tightened to the nut 252 to secure the front extension 142, the front flap 293, and the outrigger bracket 146 to each other. The rear flap 297 includes at least one secondary fastener receiver 300. The rear extension 143 may include a plurality of secondary fastener receivers 301 spaced apart from one another along the length of the rear extension 143. In an exemplary embodiment, the secondary fastener receiver 300 located on the rear flap 297 may be aligned with the secondary fastener receiver 301 located on the rear extension 143 closest to the front end 13 of the trailer frame 10. The secondary fastener receiver 300 located on the rear flap 297 may also be aligned with the secondary fastener receiver 299 located on the shelf 290 of the other outrigger bracket 146. The second bolt 28 may be inserted through the aligned secondary fastener receivers 301 located in the rear extension 143, the secondary fastener receiver 300 located in the rear flap 297, and the secondary fastener receiver 299 located in the shelf 290 of the outrigger bracket 146. The second bolt 28 may be fastened to the nut 252 to fix the rear extension 143 , the rear flap 297 , and the outrigger bracket 146 to each other.

[0156] See also Fig.33, the rear corner extension bracket 275 includes a rear-facing plate 302, a shelf 303, and a lip plate 304. The rear-facing plate 302 includes at least one upper fastener receiving member 305a and at least one lower fastener receiving member 305b. In a preferred embodiment, the rear-facing plate 302 includes two upper fastener receiving members 305a and two lower fastener receiving members 305b. These upper fastener receiving members 305a are spaced similarly to the upper fastener receiving members 46a of the corner bracket 40. The lower fastener receiving members 305b are spaced similarly to the lower fastener receiving members 46b of the corner bracket 40. The rear-facing plate 302 also includes a lamp hole 306. The lamp hole 306 is configured to receive the corner lamp 112c. The lamp hole 306 and the upper fastener receiving members 305a and the lower fastener receiving members 305b are located on opposite ends of the rear-facing plate 302. The rearward facing plate 302 also includes at least one slot 312. In a preferred embodiment, the rearward facing location 302 includes two slots 312 spaced horizontally along the length of the rearward facing location 302. The slot 312 is located between the lower fastener receiver 305b and the lip 304. The slot 312 can be configured to receive a license plate (not shown) or some other accessory that can be coupled to the rearward facing plate 302 using the slot 312. The shelf 303 extends from the rearward facing plate 302 at an angle of approximately 90 degrees and is adjacent to the top wall 22 of the track 20 forming the upper track frame 20a and the deck 242 near the rear end 14 of the trailer frame 10. The shelf 303 includes a secondary fastener receiver 307. In a preferred embodiment, the shelf 303 includes two secondary fastener receivers 307. The secondary fastener receivers 307 are located distally relative to the rearward facing plate 302. The lip plate 304 extends from the rearward facing plate 302 at an angle of approximately 90 degrees, extending in a direction along the first side 15 of the trailer frame 10. The lip plate 304, the shelf 303 and the rearward facing plate 303 are all approximately perpendicular to each other. The lip plate 304 includes a light hole 306. The light hole 306 is configured to receive a corner light 112c.

[0157] See also Fig.33 , the rear extension 143 includes a plurality of secondary fasteners 301 positioned along the length of the rear extension 143. In a preferred embodiment, the D-ring 273 can be coupled to the rear extension 143 by inserting the second bolt 28 through a D-ring bracket 283 having a pair of bracket holes 284 and into a secondary fastener receiver 301 located near the rear end 14 of the trailer frame 10. The nut 252 (see Fig.34 ) can secure the second bolt 28 inserted through the bracket hole 284 and the rear extension 143 to secure the D-ring 273 to the rear extension 143.

[0158] See also Fig.33The rear corner extension bracket 275 may be coupled to the trailer frame 10 by inserting a first bolt 32 through an upper fastener receiver 305a of the rear corner extension bracket 275, an upper fastener receiver 46a of the corner bracket 40, and into a corresponding nut 31 located in a channel 21 of the track 20 forming part of the upper track frame 20a. The first bolt 32 may also be inserted through a lower fastener receiver 305b of the rear corner extension bracket 275, a lower fastener receiver 46b of the corner bracket 40, and into a corresponding nut 31 located in a channel 21 of the track 20 forming part of the lower track frame 20b. The rear extension 143 may be coupled to the rear corner extension bracket 275. The secondary fastener receiver 301 on the rear extension 143 and the secondary fastener receiver 307 on the shelf 303 of the rear corner extension bracket 275 can be aligned with each other to allow the second bolt 28 to be inserted through the secondary fastener receiver 301 and the secondary fastener receiver 307 and secured with the nut 252, see Fig.34 .

[0159] See also Fig.34 , the rear extension 143 further includes an extension plate 308 having an upper surface 309 and a lower surface 310, the lower surface being located on a side of the extension plate 308 opposite the upper surface 309. The rear extension 143 is located above the upper track frame 20a and the deck 242. The rear extension 143 also includes an overhang plate 311. The overhang plate 311 extends downwardly at an angle of approximately 90 degrees from the extension plate 308 toward the upper track frame 20a and the lower track frame 20b. The rear extension 143 includes a secondary fastener receiver 301 located along the length of the rear extension 143. The secondary fastener receiver 301 located closest to the rear end 14 of the trailer frame 10 can receive a second bolt 28 to couple the rear extension 143 to the rear corner extension bracket 275. The second bolt 28 coupling the rear extension 143 and the rear corner extension bracket 275 together can be secured with a nut 252.

[0160] See also Fig.34, the outrigger bracket 146 may also couple the rear extension 143 to the trailer frame 10, proximate the rear end 14 on the first side 15. The upper fastener receiver 292a is operable to receive a first bolt 32 for coupling the outrigger bracket 146 to the upper track frame 20a on the first side 15 of the trailer frame 10. The lower fastener receiver 292b is operable to receive a first bolt 32 for coupling the outrigger bracket 146 to the lower track frame 20b on the first side 15 of the trailer frame 10. The first bolt 32 may be inserted through the upper fastener receiver 292a and the lower fastener receiver 292b and into a corresponding nut 31 located in a channel 21 of the track 20 forming a corresponding portion of the upper track frame 20a and the lower track frame 20b to secure the outrigger bracket 146 to the first side 15 of the trailer frame 10. The secondary fastener receiver 299 is operable to receive the second bolt 28 for coupling the rear extension 143 to the outrigger bracket 146 and / or other attachments to the trailer frame 10, such as the D-ring 273, see Fig.33 . The nut 252 can be tightened to the second bolt 28 to secure the rear extension 143 to the outrigger bracket 146. In the illustrated embodiment, the rear extension 143 is fastened to one rear corner extension bracket 275 and at least one outrigger bracket 146. In some embodiments, the outrigger bracket 146 includes a shelf 290 having a longer length than shown in the illustrated embodiment, and therefore includes a longer diagonal arm 291 so that the outrigger bracket 146 can support a wider frame extension. It should be understood that the present disclosure contemplates multiple outrigger brackets that are selectively mounted at locations on the trailer frame 10 and sufficient to support frame extensions to accommodate cargo of various lengths, widths, and weights.

[0161] Fence system

[0162] Fig.35An accessory mounting system is shown, wherein the accessory mounting system includes a full rail system 150 secured to a trailer frame 10, the full rail system operable to prevent unwanted displacement of cargo. The full rail system 150 includes a plurality of tracks 20 forming a top rail 151, a plurality of upright tracks 313, at least one T-plate bracket 153, and at least one I-plate bracket 154. The upright tracks 313 may be vertically coupled to the top rail 151. The upright tracks 313 may also be coupled to the upper track frame 20a and the lower track frame 20b. The upright tracks 313 may extend between the top rail 151 and the trailer frame 10. The top rail 151 is vertically spaced apart from the upper track frame 20a and extends the entire circumference of the trailer frame 10. In a preferred embodiment, the top rail 151 may have the same size and configuration as the upper track frame 20a and / or the lower track frame 20b. In alternative embodiments, the top rail 151 can have a different configuration and size than the upper track frame 20a and / or the lower track frame 20b. The T-plate bracket 153 can couple a portion of the top rail 151 to the vertical rail 313. The T-plate bracket 153 includes a horizontal portion 314 and a vertical portion 315. The horizontal portion 314 includes at least one fastener receiver 316, and the vertical portion 315 includes at least one fastener receiver 316. These vertical rails 313 include C-shaped sidewalls 317 that form a channel 318 that extends the length of these vertical rails 313. The channel 318 is configured to receive the nut 31, similar to the track 20. The vertical rails 313 have similar sizes and configurations as the cross member rails 19 and the rails 20, except that the length is different. For example, the channel 21 and the channel 318 are each configured to receive the nut 31 at different locations along the length of the channel 21 and the channel 318. The first bolt 32 may be inserted through a fastener receiver 316 located in a horizontal portion 314 of the T-shaped bracket 153 and into a corresponding nut 31 located in a channel 21 in the track 20 forming part of the top rail 151. The first bolt 32 may be inserted through a fastener receiver 316 located in a vertical portion 315 of the T-shaped bracket 153 and into a corresponding nut 31 located in a channel 318 in the upright track 313. The upright track 313 also includes at least one fastener receiver 319 located in the channel 318. The upright track 313 may be coupled to the trailer frame 10 by inserting the first bolt 32 through one of the fastener receivers 319 aligned with the upper track frame 20a and into a corresponding nut 31 located in the channel 21 of the track 20 forming part of the upper track frame 20a. A first bolt 32 may be inserted through another fastener receiver 319 aligned with the lower track frame 20b and into a corresponding nut 31 located in the channel 21 of the track 20 forming part of the lower track frame 20b.The I-shaped plate bracket 154 can be coupled to two adjacent tracks 20 that form a portion of the top rail 151. The I-shaped plate bracket 154 includes at least two fastener receivers 320. The fastener receivers 320 on the I-shaped plate bracket 154 can be aligned with corresponding nuts 31 located in the channels 21 of the tracks 20 that form part of the top rail 151. The I-shaped plate bracket 154 is secured to the top rail 151 by inserting a first bolt 32 through the fastener receivers 320 and into a corresponding nut 31 located in the channels 21 of the tracks 20 that form part of the top rail 151. The upright tracks 313 can be located on the front end 13, the rear end 14, the first side 15, and the second side 16 of the trailer frame 10.

[0163] Tailgate system

[0164] See also Fig.36, the trailer frame 10 may also include an accessory mounting system having a tailgate system 170. The tailgate system 170 may be selectively lowered to provide access to the rear end 14 of the trailer frame 10 for loading and unloading cargo, and selectively raised to prevent unwanted displacement of cargo. The tailgate system 170 includes a tailgate 171, a first upright bracket 322, a second upright bracket 323, and a latch assembly 324. The first upright bracket 322 and the second upright bracket 323 are located on the rear end 14. More specifically, the first upright bracket 322 is located closer to the first side 15 of the trailer frame 10, and the second upright bracket 323 is located closer to the second side 16 of the trailer frame. The following description of the first upright bracket 322 may also be applied to the second upright bracket 323. The first upright bracket 322 and the second upright bracket 323 are similar in structure and function, except for the location on the rear end 14 of the trailer frame 10. The first upright bracket 322 includes a first side L-shaped bracket 177 and a second side L-shaped bracket 178. The first side L-shaped bracket 177 includes a trailer attachment portion 179 and an upright track portion 180. The second side L-shaped bracket 178 is a mirror image of the first side L-shaped bracket 177. The trailer attachment portion 179 includes at least one fastener receiver 181. In a preferred embodiment, the trailer attachment 179 includes two fastener receivers 181. The first side L-shaped bracket 177 and the second side L-shaped bracket 178 can be coupled to the trailer frame 10 by inserting a first bolt 32 through the fastener receiver 181 and into a corresponding nut 31 located in the channel 21 of the track 20 forming the lower track frame 20b. The upright track portion 180 may include a secondary fastener receiver 325 located above the fastener receiver 181 on the trailer attachment portion 179. The first side L-shaped bracket 177 and the second side L-shaped bracket 178 are horizontally spaced a distance apart on the lower track frame 20b to receive the upright track holder 182. The upright track holder 182 forms a C-shaped channel that is configured to receive a portion of the upright track 313 located on the rear end 14 of the trailer frame 10. Each of the parallel side walls of the upright track holder 182 includes a secondary fastener receiver (not shown) to align with the secondary fastener receiver 325 located on the upright track portion 180. The upright track portion 180 of both the first L-shaped bracket 177 and the second side L-shaped bracket 178 can be coupled to the upright track holder 182 by inserting a pin 183 or another type of fastening device into the secondary fastener receiver 325 and the secondary fastener receiver located in the upright track holder 182. Upright track retainer 182 also includes a fastener receiver 184 (not shown) located on a side wall perpendicular to the side wall of the secondary fastener receiver having receiving pin 183 .The upright rail 313 may be coupled to the upright rail retainer 182 by inserting a first bolt 32 through the fastener receiver 184 and into a corresponding nut 31 located in the channel 318 of the upright rail 313. The upright rail retainer 182 may be pivotable relative to the upright rail portion 180. In a preferred embodiment, a first upright bracket 322 is pivotably coupled to one of the upright rails 313 located on the rear end 14 of the trailer frame 10, and a second upright bracket 323 is pivotably coupled to the other of the upright rails 313 located on the rear end 14 of the trailer frame 10. Each of the upright rails 313 coupled to the first upright bracket 322 and the second upright bracket 323 at one end may be coupled to the track 20 forming a portion of the top rail 151, with the T-plate bracket 153 at the opposite end. The pin 183 inserted through the secondary fastener receiver in the upright rail retainer 182 and the secondary fastener receiver 325 in the first upright rail portion 180 forms a pivot joint having limited rotational movement to allow the tailgate 171 to be selectively lowered to provide access to the rear end 14 of the trailer frame 10 for loading and unloading cargo, and to be selectively raised to prevent unwanted shifting of cargo.

[0165] See also Fig.37 and Fig.38 , the latch assembly 324 is shown in a closed configuration. The latch assembly 324 can be in an open configuration ( Fig.38) and a closed configuration. The tailgate system 170 may include a plurality of latch assemblies 324. For example, a latch assembly 324 may be located near the first side 15 of the trailer frame 10, and another latch assembly 324 may be located near the second side 16. The latch assembly 324 includes an attachment joint 415, a latch 416, and a post 417. The post 417 may extend from a portion of the top rail 151 near the rear end 14 of the trailer frame 10. The post 417 is generally circular in shape and includes a screw 418 at the center of the post 417. The post 417 includes a lip 419 extending from an upper portion of the post 417. The attachment joint 415 may be coupled to one of the tracks 20 forming a portion of the tailgate system 170. The attachment joint 415 may be fastened and fixed to the track 20 forming a portion of the tailgate 171 using a set of screws 418. The attachment joint 415 includes a hole configured to receive a portion of the latch 416. The latch 416 can pivot about the attachment joint 415, thereby allowing the latch 416 to move between an open configuration and a closed configuration. The latch 416 includes a latch portion 420 and a handle portion 421. The latch portion 420 includes a column opening 422 for receiving a portion of the column 417. A lip 419 extending from the column 417 overlaps a portion of the latch portion 420, thereby fixing the latch 416 in a closed position. The handle portion 421 extends upward from the latch portion 420 away from the top rail 151. The handle portion 421 includes a grip portion 423. The user can use the grip portion 423 to hold and pull the latch 416 in an upward direction to release the latch portion 420 from the column 417, or push the latch 416 in a downward direction to fix the latch portion 420 to the column 417. The latch 416 and post 417 may be constructed of a flexible material, thereby allowing a user to manually push and / or pull the latch 416 from the open configuration to the closed configuration.

[0166] Landing Gear Ramp Storage System

[0167] Fig.39An accessory mounting system is shown, wherein the accessory mounting system includes a gear ramp storage system 185 positioned adjacent to the cross member rail 19 supporting the bedplate 242. The gear ramp storage system 185 includes at least two gear ramps 327, at least two gear ramp brackets 328, a first retention bracket 329, and a second retention bracket 330 that is a mirror image of the first retention bracket 329. During travel, each of the gear ramps 327 is selectively stored in each of the gear ramp brackets 328 or is selectively removed to facilitate loading or unloading of cargo at the rear end 14 of the trailer frame 10. Each undercarriage ramp bracket 328 includes a first elongated C-shaped body 331 and a second elongated C-shaped body 334. The first elongated C-shaped body 331 is a mirror image of the second elongated C-shaped body 334. The following description of the first elongated c-shaped body 331 can be applied to the mirror image of the second elongated c-shaped body 334. The first elongated c-shaped body 331 includes a front end 332, a rear end 333, a top wall 337, a bottom wall 338, and a side wall 339 extending between the top wall 337 and the bottom wall 338, and a plurality of ramp bracket extensions 335 extending beyond the top wall 337 of the first elongated c-shaped body 331 along the length of the first elongated c-shaped body 331. Each of the ramp bracket extensions 335 includes a track attachment flange 336 extending from the ramp bracket extension 335 at an angle of approximately 90 degrees. The track attachment flanges 336 are parallel to the top wall 337 and the bottom wall 338 of the first elongated c-shaped body 331. Each track attachment flange 336 may include a slot 340. Each rail attachment flange 336 can be coupled to the cross member rail 19 by being configured to receive a first bolt 32 through a slot 340 and into a corresponding nut 31 located in a channel 21 of the cross member rail 19 extending between the first side 15 and the second side 16 of the trailer frame 10. The front end 332 of the first elongated c-shaped body 331 includes an end wall 341. The end wall 341 is located between the top wall 337 and the bottom wall 338. The end wall 341 extends from the side wall 339 at an angle of approximately 90 degrees toward another elongated c-shaped body (such as the second elongated c-shaped body 334). The end wall 341 prevents the chassis ramp 327 from extending beyond the end wall 341 or shifting during transportation or other forms of use. For example, one of the landing gear ramps 327 can be inserted into the first elongated c-shaped body 331 and the second elongated c-shaped body 334 of the landing gear ramp bracket 328 from the rear end 333 and pushed toward the end wall 341 of each of the first elongated c-shaped body 331 and the second elongated c-shaped body 334. The top wall 337 is spaced apart from the bottom wall 338 by a distance to receive the undercarriage ramp 327, receiving a portion of the height of the undercarriage ramp 327. The front end 332 is spaced apart from the rear end 333 by a distance to receive the entire length of the landing gear ramp 327.In alternative embodiments, the ramp bracket 328 may be configured to receive only a portion of the length of the chassis ramp 327 .

[0168] See also Fig.39 , during the transport or storage period, the landing gear ramp 327 is retained in the landing gear ramp bracket 328 by the first retaining bracket 329 and the second retaining bracket 330. The second retaining bracket 330 is a mirror image of the first retaining bracket 329. The following description is for the first retaining bracket 329. It should be understood that the same description can apply to the mirror image of the second retaining bracket 330. The first retaining bracket 329 includes a hinge plate 342, a retaining plate 343 and a fastening plate 344. The hinge plate 342 includes a fastener receiver for receiving a first bolt 32 to couple the hinge plate 342 to the track 20 forming part of the lower track frame 20b. The first bolt 32 can be inserted through the fastener receiver located in the hinge plate 342 and into a corresponding nut 31 located in the channel 21 of the track 20 forming the rear end 14 of the lower track frame 20b. The hinge plate 342 also includes a pivot point 345 to receive a pivot pin 346 to allow the retaining plate 343 and the hinge plate 342 to be pivotable relative to each other. The pivot point 345 includes a gap configured to receive a pivot portion 347 of the retaining plate 343. The pivot point 345 and the pivot portion 347 both include openings. These openings are aligned to allow the pivot pin 346 to extend between the two pivot portions 345, while allowing the retaining plate 343 to be pivotable relative to the hinge plate 342. The fastening plate 344 includes a fastener receiver for receiving a first bolt 32 to couple the fastening plate 344 to the track 20 forming a portion of the lower track frame 20b. The first bolt 32 can be inserted through the fastener receiver located in the fastening plate 344 and into a corresponding nut 31 located in the channel 21 of the track 20 forming the rear end 14 of the lower track frame 20b. The fastening plate 344 also includes a locking flange 348. The locking flange 348 extends from the fastening plate 344 away from the lower track frame 20b at an angle of approximately 90 degrees. The locking flange 348 includes a locking hole 349. The locking hole 349 is configured to receive a locking device (not shown) such as a cotter pin, a lock, etc. through the locking hole 349. The retaining plate 343 includes a fastening plate opening 350. The fastening plate opening 350 is configured to allow the locking flange 348 to pass through to allow the retaining plate 343 to be adjacent to the fastening plate 344 when in the closed position. In the closed position, as shown in FIG. Fig.39As shown, the retention plate 343 is adjacent to the fastening plate 344, wherein the locking flange 348 extends through the fastening plate opening 350. A locking device (not shown) can be inserted through the locking hole 349 to maintain the retention plate 343 in the closed position and prevent the retention plate 343 from pivoting away from the fastening plate 344. The locking device can be removed from the locking hole 349 to allow the retention plate 343 to pivot to the open position. The retention plate 343 in the open position can allow the landing gear ramp 327 to be inserted into the corresponding landing gear ramp bracket 328. Once the landing gear ramp 327 is fully inserted into the corresponding landing gear ramp bracket 328, the retention plate 343 can be pivoted from the open position to the closed position and locked by inserting the locking device through the locking hole 349 to keep the landing gear ramp 327 in the landing gear ramp bracket 328 during transportation and / or storage. By removing the locking device from the locking hole 349, the retention plate 343 can be pivoted from the closed position to the open position to allow access to the landing gear ramp 327. During transportation and / or storage, the first retention bracket 329 and the second retention bracket 330 maintain the landing gear ramp 327 within the landing gear ramp bracket 328.

[0169] Spare wheel carrier

[0170] Fig.40Another example of an accessory mounting system is shown, namely a spare tire carrier 190. The spare tire carrier includes a top upright rail attachment portion 191, a top plate 192, a mounting plate 193, a bottom plate 194, and a bottom upright rail attachment portion 195. The top upright rail attachment portion 191 includes at least one fastener receiver 196 and at least one tab 197 extending from a top edge 198. The tabs 197 are configured to be inserted into a channel 318 of an upright rail 313 extending between the top rail 151 and the lower track frame 20b. In a preferred embodiment, there are two fastener receivers 196 located near the top edge 198. The fastener receivers 196 are configured to receive a first bolt 32. The top plate 192 extends from the top upright rail attachment portion 191 at an angle of approximately 90 degrees on a side opposite the top edge 198. The top plate 192 extends away from the trailer frame 10. The mounting plate 193 extends from the top plate 192 at an angle of approximately 90 degrees. The top upright rail attachment portion 191 and the mounting plate 193 are substantially parallel to each other in different planes. The mounting plate 193 extends from the top plate 192 to the bottom plate 194. The bottom plate 194 extends from the mounting plate 193 at an angle of approximately 90 degrees. The bottom plate 194 extends from the mounting plate 193 to the bottom upright rail attachment portion 195. The bottom plate 194 extends from the mounting plate 193 to the trailer frame 10. The bottom plate 194 and the top plate 192 are substantially parallel to each other. The bottom plate 194 and the top plate 192 are spaced apart from each other by the length of the mounting plate 193. The bottom upright rail attachment portion 195 extends from the bottom plate 194 away from the top plate 192 in a downward direction at an angle of approximately 90 degrees. The bottom upright rail attachment portion 195 is substantially parallel to and in substantially the same plane as the top upright rail attachment portion 191. The bottom upright rail attachment portion 195 includes at least one fastener receiver 351 and at least one tab 352 extending from a bottom edge 353. The tabs 352 are configured to be inserted into the channel 318 of the upright rail 313 extending between the top rail 151 and the lower track frame 20b. In a preferred embodiment, there are two fastener receivers 351 located near the bottom edge 353. The fastener receivers 351 are configured to receive the first bolt 32. The mounting plate 193 further includes a rectangular hole 354 and an oval hole 355. The rectangular hole 354 and the oval hole 355 are configured to receive the second bolt 28. In alternative embodiments, the rectangular hole 354 and the oval hole 355 can have different shapes and be configured to receive the first bolt 32 or another type of fastening device.

[0171] See also Fig.40, the spare tire carrier 190 can be coupled to at least one upright rail 313 extending between the top rail 151 and the track 20 forming part of the lower track frame 20b. The upright rail 313 for securing the spare tire carrier 190 is coupled to the lower track frame 20b and the upper track frame 20a by inserting a first bolt 32 into a corresponding nut 31 located in a channel of the track 20 forming part of the upper track frame 20a and the lower track frame 20b. The spare tire carrier 190 can be coupled to the trailer frame 10 by inserting a first bolt 32 through a fastener receiver 196 located in the top upright rail attachment portion 191 and into a corresponding nut 31 located in a channel 318 of the upright rail 313. The spare tire carrier 190 can also be coupled to the trailer frame 10 by inserting the first bolt 32 through the fastener receiver 351 located in the bottom upright rail attachment portion 195 and into the corresponding nut 31 in the channel 318 of the upright rail 313 located near the lower track frame 20b. The tabs 197 can be inserted into the channel 318 of the upright rail 313 at a position above the nut 31 in which the first bolt 32 inserted through the fastener receiver 196 will be positioned. The tabs 352 can be inserted into the channel 318 of the upright rail 313 at a position below the nut 31 in which the first bolt 32 inserted through the fastener receiver 351 will be positioned.

[0172] See also Fig.41, the spare tire carrier 190 is shown coupled to the trailer frame 10 and the wheel 5. Each of the tabs 197 is configured to be inserted into one of the channels 318 of the upright rail 313 near the top rail 151. Each of the tabs 352 is configured to be inserted into one of the channels 318 of the upright rail 313 near the lower track frame 20b. To secure the wheel 5 to the spare tire carrier 190, a second bolt 28 may be inserted through a lug hole located on the wheel 5 and inserted through a rectangular hole 354 located on the mounting plate 193. A nut 252 may be used to secure the wheel 5 to the mounting plate 193 by tightening the second bolt 28 between the mounting plate 193 and the upright rail 313. Another second bolt 28 may be inserted through another lug hole located on the wheel 5 and inserted through an oval hole 355 located on the mounting plate 193. The wheel 5 may be secured to the mounting plate 193 using nuts 252 by fastening second bolts 28 between the mounting plate 193 and the upright rail 313. The spare tire carrier 190 may be coupled to the upright rail 313 using first bolts 32. In a preferred embodiment, four first bolts 32 are used to couple the spare tire carrier 190 to the upright rail 313. More specifically, two first bolts 32 are inserted through the top upright rail attachment portion 191 and coupled to the upright rail 313 near the top rail 151. Two additional first bolts 32 are inserted through the bottom upright rail attachment portion 195 and coupled to the upright rail 313 near the track 20 that forms part of the lower track frame 20b. The heights of the top plate 192 and the bottom plate 194 correspond to the relative widths of the wheel 5 so that the wheel does not press against the trailer frame 10, including portions of the top rail 151. In a preferred embodiment, when the wheel 5 is mounted and secured to the spare tire carrier 190 , there is a gap between the wheel 5 and the trailer frame 10 and the top rail 151 .

[0173] See also Fig.42 , the modular base trailer 2 can be further modified with additional accessories or configurations, such as a hitch assembly 200, a rack assembly 234, a tool box assembly 235, and / or a tongue tray assembly 236. The hitch assembly 200 can be coupled to the rear end 14 of the trailer frame 10. The rack assembly 234 can be coupled to portions of the top rail 151 near the front end 13 and the rear end 14 of the trailer frame 10. The tool box assembly 235 can be coupled to the first side 15 and / or the second side 16 of the trailer frame 10. The tool box assembly 235 can be located between the front end 13 and the axle and wheel assembly 4. The tongue tray assembly 236 can be coupled to the front end 13 of the trailer frame 10 near the trailer tongue assembly 3. All or some of the above accessories or configurations can be coupled to the base trailer 2 based on user preferences.

[0174] Rack components

[0175] Fig.42 An accessory mounting system is shown, wherein the accessory mounting system includes a rack assembly 234 having a first rack 237 and a second rack 238. The rack assembly 234 provides the user with the option of storing items or tools, such as a ladder (not shown) extending between the first rack 237 and the second rack 238. Additionally, items or tools may also be attached to the first rack 237 or the second rack 238 by using fastening devices or coupling together. The first rack 237 is located near the front end 13 and extends between the first side 15 and the second side 16 of the trailer frame. The second rack 238 is located near the rear end 14 and extends between the first side 15 and the second side 16 of the trailer frame 10. The first rack 237 is a mirror image of the second rack 238. It should be understood that the following description of the first rack 237 applies to the second rack 238, but as a mirror image thereof. The first frame 237 includes at least two base plates 241, at least two lower column brackets 243, a first column support 253, a second column support 254, at least two upper column brackets 255, at least two frame rails 435, and a crossbar support 256. Each of these base plates 241 can be coupled to a frame rail 435 that forms part of the top rail 151 with a clamp 257. In a preferred embodiment, each base plate 241 can be fixed to the top rail 151 with at least two clamps 257. The frame rail 435 extends between one of the upright rails 313 and the rail 20 that forms a portion of the top rail 151 near the rear end 14 of the trailer frame 10. In addition to the length, the frame rail 435 has similar dimensions and configurations at the rail 20, the cross member rail 19, and the upright rail 313. The frame rail 435, the cross member rail 19, the rail 20, and the upright rail 313 only vary in length. Thus, the frame rails 435 , cross member rails 19 , rails 20 , and upright rails 313 may be interchanged at different locations on the trailer frame 10 .

[0176] See also Fig.42, the first frame 237 can be coupled to a portion of a frame rail 435 that forms a portion of the top rail 151. The frame rail 435 can be coupled to the trailer frame 10 via the upright rail 313. The upright rail 313 can be coupled to a portion of the frame rail 435 via an L-shaped bracket 433. The L-shaped bracket 433 provides stability and structural reinforcement between the trailer frame 10 and the frame rail 435 when the first frame 237 and / or the second frame 238 are coupled to the trailer frame 10. The L-shaped bracket 433 includes a fastener receiver 434 configured to receive the first bolts 32. In a preferred embodiment, the L-shaped bracket 433 includes three fastener receivers 434. Two of the first bolts 32 can be inserted through the fastener receivers 434 and into corresponding nuts 31 located in a channel 436 of the frame rail 435 that forms a portion of the top rail 151. At least one of the first bolts 32 can be inserted into the fastener receiver 434 and into a corresponding nut 31 located in the channel 318 of the upright rail 313 extending between the top rail 151 and the trailer frame 10. One of the L-shaped brackets 433 can be located on the first side 15, near the lower post bracket 243, and the other L-shaped bracket 433 can be located on the second side 16, near the lower post bracket 243. In alternative embodiments, different elements of the first rack 237 or the second rack 238 can be adjustable so that items or tools can be stored in multiple height positions relative to the deck 242 of the trailer frame 10. It should be understood that the present disclosure contemplates that the rack assembly 234 can be selectively mounted at a certain position on the trailer frame 10 so that the distance between the first post support 253 and the second post support 254 can be adjusted to accommodate items or tools of different lengths. It should be understood that the present disclosure contemplates that the rack assembly 234 can be selectively mounted at various locations on the trailer frame, so that the distance between the first rack 237 and the second rack 238 can be adjusted to accommodate items and tools of different lengths and configurations. It should also be understood that one or more accessories can be mounted to the rack assembly 234 via fasteners, hooks, tie-downs, ratchet straps, or any other means for securing one or more accessories to the rack assembly 234.

[0177] See also Fig.43, showing the first frame 237. The base plate 241 includes a guardrail plate 258 and a guardrail flange 259. The guardrail plate 258 and the guardrail flange 259 are substantially perpendicular to each other, forming an angle of approximately 90 degrees. The guardrail plate 258 includes a recess 260, a guide rail 261, a first top wall 262, and a second top wall 263. The guardrail flange 259 extends downward from the second top wall 263. The second top wall 263 is adjacent to the recess 260. The second top wall 263 and the recess 260 extend in different planes along the base plate 241. The recess 260 is located between the guide rail 261 and the second top wall 263. The guide rail 261. The guide rail 261 extends between the recess 260 and the first top wall 262. The guide rail 261 includes an angled surface 264, which extends toward the first top wall 262 at an upward angle. The first top wall 262 extends from a portion of the guide rail 261 and may be parallel to the top rail 151. The first top wall 262 and the second top wall 263 are substantially parallel to each other and extend in different planes along the base plate 241. Each of the lower column brackets 243 includes a bottom wall 265 from which at least two column flanges 356 extend at an angle of approximately 90 degrees. Each of the column flanges 356 includes a secondary fastener receiver 366 configured to receive a second bolt 28 to couple the first column support 253 to one of the lower column brackets 243. The lower column bracket 243 also includes a lower side profile 360. The lower column bracket 243 is secured to the base plate 241 by inserting a portion of the lower side profile 360 ​​of the lower column bracket 243 into the recess 260 located on the railing plate 258. The lower profile 360 ​​mates with portions of the recess 260, the angled surface 264 of the rail 261, and the first top wall 262. The lower column bracket 243 can be configured to be coupled to the base plate 241 by a snap fit or a friction fit, or another method that can be used to secure the lower column bracket 243 to the base plate 241. In an alternative embodiment, the lower column bracket 243 can be integrally attached to the base plate 241.

[0178] See also Fig.43, the first column support 253 can be inserted between two column flanges 356 located on the lower column bracket 243. The first column support 253 includes a top end 357, a bottom end 358, and a plurality of secondary fastener receivers 359. When aligned, the second bolt 28 can be inserted through the secondary fastener receiver 366 located in the lower column bracket 243 and through the secondary fastener receiver 359 located near the bottom end 358 of the first column support 253. The first column support 253 can be fixed to the lower column bracket 243 by tightening the nut 252 on the bolt 28 extending through the secondary fastener receiver 359 located near the bottom end and the secondary fastener receiver 366 located in the lower column bracket 243. The first column support 253 can extend between the lower column bracket 243 and the upper column bracket 255. First column support 253 may be coupled to lower column bracket 243 proximate bottom end 358 and to upper column bracket 255 proximate top end 357 .

[0179] See also Fig.43 , the first column support 253 can be coupled and fixed to the upper column bracket 255 near the top end 357. The upper column bracket 255 includes a crossbar plate 361, and at least two column flanges 362 extending from the crossbar plate 361 at an angle of approximately 90 degrees. The column flanges 362 are substantially perpendicular to the crossbar plate 361. Each column flange 362 includes a secondary fastener receiver 363. The first column support 253 can be inserted between the two column flanges 362 located on the upper column bracket 255. When aligned, the second bolt 28 can be inserted through the secondary fastener receiver 363 located in the upper column bracket 255 and through the secondary fastener receiver 359 located near the top end 357 of the first column support 253. The first column support 253 may be secured to the upper column bracket 255 by tightening the nut 252 to the bolt 28 extending through the secondary fastener receiver 359 located near the top end 357 and the secondary fastener receiver 363 located in the upper column bracket 255. The first column support 253 may extend between the lower column bracket 243 and the upper column bracket 255. The first column support 253 may be coupled to the lower column bracket 243 near the bottom end 358 and to the upper column bracket 255 near the top end 357. The crossbar plate 361 is configured to be coupled to the crossbar support 256. In a preferred embodiment, the crossbar plate 361 may be coupled and secured to the crossbar support 256 with fasteners, such as the second bolt 28 and the nut 252 (not shown). In an alternative embodiment, the crossbar support 256 may be integrally formed with the crossbar plate 361.

[0180] See also Fig.43, the crossbar support 256 includes a first end 364 and a second end 365. The first end 364 of the crossbar support 256 can be coupled to the upper column bracket 255 on the first column support 253. The second end 365 of the crossbar support 256 can be coupled to the upper column bracket 255 coupled to the second column support 254. The second column support 254 includes a top end 367 and a bottom end 368. The upper column bracket 255 can be coupled to the top end 367 of the second column support 254 and a portion of the crossbar support 256 located near the second end 365. The top end 367 of the second support column 254 can be inserted between the column flanges 362. The second bolt 28 can be inserted through the secondary fastener receivers 363 located on the column flanges 362, which can be aligned with the secondary fastener receivers 359 near the top end 367 of the second column support 254. The upper column bracket 255 may be fixed to the second column support 254 by tightening the nut 252 to the second bolt 28 inserted through the secondary fastener receiver 363 located on the column flange 362 and the secondary fastener receiver 359 near the top end 367 of the second column support 254. The bottom end 368 of the second support column 254 may be inserted between the column flanges 356 of the lower column bracket 243. The bottom end 368 of the second column support 254 may be coupled to the lower column bracket 243 by inserting the second bolt 28 through the secondary fastener receiver 359 near the bottom end 368 and the secondary fastener receiver 366 located in the lower column bracket 243. The second bolt 28 may be tightened and fixed to the lower column bracket 243, and the bottom end 368 of the second support column 254 by tightening the nut 252 to the second bolt 28. The lower column bracket 243 coupled to the second support column 254 can also be coupled to another base plate 241 separate from the first support column 253. In the illustrated embodiment, the frame assembly 237 includes four upper column brackets 255, each of which is operable to secure the top end 357 of the first column support 253 and the top end 367 of the second column support 254 to the crossbar support 256. Objects or tools can be selectively mounted on the first column support 253, the second column support 254, and / or the crossbar support 256.

[0181] Hook component

[0182] Fig.44An accessory mounting system is shown, wherein the accessory mounting system includes a hitch assembly 200 that provides a means for a user to hook an accessory to a trailer frame 10. The hitch assembly 200 is selectively mounted to the rear end 14 of the trailer frame 10. The hitch assembly 200 includes a hitch bracket 175 and a hitch device 201, such as a cargo rack as shown. The hitch device 201 includes a hitch 202. The hitch bracket 175 includes a hitch receiving portion 203 and a hitch trailer attachment portion 204. The hitch receiving portion 203 includes a rectangular hitch receiver 171 and a hitch receiving bracket 205. The hitch receiver 171 is a rectangular channel with openings at both ends, which is configured to receive a hitch 202 that may have different lengths. In alternative embodiments, the hitch receiver 171 can be other shapes, such as a round tubular structure. The hitch receiver 171 also includes a set of pin holes 215. The pin holes 215 are openings located in two opposing side walls of the rectangular hitch receiver 171. The pin hole 215 can be aligned with a pin hole located on the hitch to allow a pin or another type of fastening device to secure the hitch bracket 175 to the hitch device 201. The hitch receiving bracket 205 includes an upper hitch plate 206 and a chain plate 172. The chain plate 172 and the upper hitch plate 206 are substantially perpendicular to each other. The chain plate 172 extends downwardly from the upper hitch plate 206 toward the hitch receiver 171. The chain plate 172 partially surrounds the hitch receiver 171 near the end closest to the rear end 14 of the trailer frame 10. The chain plate 172 includes chain holes 173 located on both sides of the hitch receiver 171. In a preferred embodiment, one of the chain holes 173 is located near the first side 15 of the trailer frame 10, and the other chain hole 173 is located near the second side 16 of the trailer frame 10. The upper hitch plate 206 includes a plurality of secondary fastener receivers 207. In a preferred embodiment, the upper hitch plate 206 may include one of the secondary fastener receivers 207 in each corner. The trailer attachment portion 204 may be located above and adjacent to the upper hitch plate 206. The trailer attachment portion 204 includes a C-shaped plate 208, a trailer frame attachment portion 209, an extension plate 210, and a cross member attachment plate 211. The C-shaped plate 208 includes a secondary fastener receiver 212. The secondary fastener receiver 212 located on the C-shaped plate 208 may be aligned with the secondary fastener receiver 207 located on the upper hitch plate 206. The second bolt 28 may be inserted through the aligned secondary fastener receivers 207 on the upper hitch plate 206 and the secondary fastener receiver 212 located on the C-shaped plate 208. The c-shaped plate 208 and the upper hitch plate 206 can be coupled and fixed to each other by tightening the nut 252 to the second bolt 28 extending through the upper hitch plate 206 and the c-shaped plate 207. The trailer attachment portion 209 extends from the c-shaped plate 208 away from the upper hitch plate 206 at an angle of approximately 90 degrees. The trailer attachment portion 209 includes a pair of fastener receivers 326 configured to receive the first bolt 32, see Fig.39. The first bolt 32 can be inserted through the trailer attachment portion 209 and into a corresponding nut 31 located in the channel 21 of the track 20 forming the lower track frame 20b. The extension plate 210 is adjacent to the trailer attachment portion 209 and the C-shaped plate 209. The extension plate 210 extends from the C-shaped plate 209 in an upward direction away from the upper hitch plate 206. The extension plate 210 extends in an upward direction beyond the trailer attachment portion 209. The extension plate 210 is substantially perpendicular to the cross member attachment plate 211. The cross member attachment plate 211 extends from the extension plate 210 at an angle of approximately 90 degrees. The cross member attachment plate 211 includes a fastener receiver 213. The cross member attachment plate 211 can be located between the upper track frame 20a and the lower track frame 20b. The cross member attachment plate 211 may extend through a portion of the trailer frame 10 so that the fastener receivers 213 may align with nuts 31 located in the channels 21 of the cross member rails 19 extending between the first side 15 and the second side 16. The first bolts 32 may be inserted in an upward direction through the cross member attachment plate 211 and into corresponding nuts 31 located in the channels 21 of the rails 20.

[0183] Tie-down bracket

[0184] Fig.45An accessory mounting system is shown, wherein the accessory mounting system includes a tie down bracket 216 coupled to a trailer frame 10 for securing a tie down. The tie down bracket 216 includes a body 221 and an anchor plate 222. The anchor plate 222 includes an opening 223 for a tie down or ratchet strap of a different size and / or configuration to be fastened to or extended therethrough to another opening 223 (not shown) of another anchor plate 222 located on the trailer frame 10. The anchor plate 222 extends from the body 221 at an upward angle, toward an opposite side of the trailer 10. More specifically, when the anchor plate 222 extends from the body 221 of the tie down bracket 216 coupled to the first side 15 of the trailer frame 10, the anchor plate 222 extends toward the second side 16 of the trailer frame 10. The body 221 includes at least one upper tab 224a and at least one lower tab 224b. The upper tabs 224a extend from opposite sides of the body 221 of the tie bracket 216 and are operable to couple the body 221 to the track 20 forming part of the upper frame 20a. The lower tabs 224b extend from opposite sides of the body 221 of the tie bracket 216 and are operable to couple the body 221 to the track 20 forming part of the lower frame 20b. The tie bracket 216 also includes at least one upper fastener receiver 226a and at least one lower fastener receiver 226b. The upper fastener receiver 226a is operable to receive a first bolt 32 for fastening the body 221 to one of the tracks 20 forming part of the upper track frame 20a. The lower fastener receiver 226b is operable to receive a first bolt 32 for fastening the body 221 to one of the tracks 20 forming part of the lower track frame 20b. The first bolt 32 may be inserted through the upper fastener receiver 226a and into a corresponding nut 31 located within the channel 21 of the track 20 forming a portion of the upper track frame 20a. The first bolt 32 may be inserted through the lower fastener receiver 226b and into a corresponding nut 31 located within the channel 21 of the track 20 forming a portion of the lower track frame 20b. The tie bracket 216 may be coupled to the trailer frame 10 at different locations. There may be more than one tie bracket 216 coupled to the trailer frame 10. An advantage of the tie bracket 216 is that it is selectively installed at different locations on the trailer frame 10 depending on the load or cargo that may need to be secured to the trailer frame 10. It should be understood that the present disclosure contemplates multiple tie brackets 216 being selectively installed at locations on the trailer frame 10.

[0185] Stabilizing jack assembly

[0186] Fig.45 and Fig.46An accessory mounting system is shown, wherein the accessory mounting system includes a stabilizing jack assembly 220 coupled to a trailer frame 10. The stabilizing jack assembly 220 provides a user with a means to stabilize a modular base trailer 2 by eliminating rocking or tipping of the base trailer 2 during loading or unloading. The stabilizing jack assembly 220 includes a stabilizing jack bracket 225, a jack 227, and a securing pin 369. The jack 227 can slide within a portion of the stabilizing jack bracket 225. The jack 227 includes a standard member 370 and a base 371. The standard member 370 includes a top end 372, a bottom end 373, and a plurality of adjustment holes 374 located between the top end 372 and the bottom end 373. During use, the base 371 can engage the ground or another type of surface. The stabilizing jack bracket 225 can be coupled to a corner bracket 40 located near the rear end 14 of the trailer frame 10. For example, the stabilizing jack bracket 225 can be coupled to a corner bracket 40 that couples the rear end 14 and a portion of the first side 15 of the trailer frame 10. Another stabilizing jack bracket 225 can be coupled to a corner bracket 14 (not shown) that couples the rear end 14 and a portion of the second side 16 of the trailer frame 10. It should be understood that the present disclosure contemplates that the stabilizing jack assembly 220 can be selectively installed at a certain location on the trailer frame 10 or the trailer tongue assembly 3. It should also be understood that the present disclosure contemplates that multiple stabilizing jack assemblies 220 can be selectively installed at different locations on the trailer frame 10.

[0187] See also Fig.46 , the stabilizing jack bracket 225 includes a top plate 375, a bottom plate 376, and a U-shaped channel 377. The top plate 375 includes a set of fastener receivers 378a. The fastener receivers 378a are configured to receive the first bolts 32. The fastener receivers 378a are horizontally spaced apart from each other so that one of the fastener receivers 378a can be positioned closer to the rear end 14 of the trailer frame 10, and the other fastener receiver 378a can be positioned closer to the front end 13 of the trailer frame 10. The fastener receivers 378a can be aligned with corresponding fastener receivers 46a located on the corner bracket 40. The stabilizing jack assembly 220 is coupled to the trailer frame 10 by using the first bolts 32 and nuts 31. The first bolt 32 can couple the stabilizer jack bracket 225 to the trailer frame 10 by being inserted through the fastener receiver 378a located on the stabilizer jack bracket 225 and through the fastener receiver 46a located on the corner bracket 40 and into the corresponding nut 31 located in the channel 21 of the track 20 forming part of the upper track frame 20a.

[0188] See also Fig.46, the bottom plate 376 is spaced apart from and below the top plate 375. The bottom plate 376 includes a set of fastener receivers 378b. The fastener receivers 378b are configured to receive the first bolts 32. The fastener receivers 378b are horizontally spaced apart from each other so that one of the fastener receivers 378b can be positioned closer to the rear end 14 of the trailer frame 10 and the other fastener receiver 378b can be positioned closer to the front end 13 of the trailer frame 10. The fastener receivers 378b can be aligned with corresponding fastener receivers 46b located on the corner bracket 40. The first bolts 32 can couple the stabilizing jack bracket 225 to the trailer frame 10 by being inserted through the fastener receivers 378b located on the stabilizing jack bracket 225 and through the fastener receivers 46b located on the corner bracket 40 and into corresponding nuts 31 located in the channels 21 of the tracks 20 forming part of the lower track frame 20b.

[0189] See also Fig.46 , U-shaped channel 377 extends between top plate 375 and bottom plate 376. U-shaped channel 377 includes a set of parallel side walls 379 and lateral walls 380 extending between parallel side walls 379. U-shaped channel 377 includes a first end 381 and a second end 382. The portion of the parallel side walls 379 near the first end 381 is integrally formed with top plate 375. The portion of the parallel side walls 379 near the second end 382 is integrally formed with bottom plate 376. In an alternative embodiment, the parallel side walls 379 can be coupled to top plate 375 and bottom plate 376 by some type of fastening device (such as a bolt / nut arrangement, a screw, or a snap-fit ​​arrangement). The parallel side walls 379, the lateral walls 380, top plate 375, and bottom plate 376 are configured to form an opening 383 to receive standard part 370. Standard part 370 can be movable within opening 383. Parallel side walls 379 include pin holes 384. The pin hole 384 is configured to receive the securing pin 369 .

[0190] See also Fig.46The standard part 370 for stabilizing the jack assembly 220 may include at least four side walls 385 having an exposed end 387 and a base end 388, which form a square shape. The base end 388 is coupled to the base 371. The base end 388 may extend from the base 371 and be formed integrally with the base 371. The exposed end 387 may be located on the end opposite to the base end 388. The standard part 370 may be hollow. The standard part 370 includes a plurality of holes 386 located on at least two side walls 385 opposite to each other. The holes 386 on the opposite side walls 385 are aligned with each other and longitudinally spaced apart from each other, extending between the exposed end 387 and the base end 388. The standard part 370 also includes a storage hole 389. The storage hole 389 is located on the same opposite side wall 385 as the hole 386. The storage hole 389 is configured to align with the pin hole 384 located on the U-shaped channel 377 to receive the fixing pin 369. During periods when the stabilized jack assembly 220 is not in use, the securing pin 369 can be inserted through the storage holes 389 and the pin holes 384 to prevent the jack 227 from sliding out of position and maintaining a position elevated from the ground. To allow the standard 370 to slide and / or move within the U-shaped channel 377, the user can remove the securing pin 369 from the storage holes 389 and the pin holes 384 to allow the standard 370 to move. Once the user selectively places the jack 227 in the appropriate and / or desired position, the user can insert the securing pin 369 into one of the pin holes 384, then through the selected hole 386 and through the remaining pin holes 384 to secure the standard 370 in place at the desired position / height during use. In a preferred embodiment, the jack 227 can be locked in multiple height positions along the length of the standard 370 to stabilize and / or lift the rear end 14 of the trailer frame 10 during loading or unloading of the trailer frame.

[0191] See also Fig.46 , the base 371 of the jack 227 is coupled to the base end 388 of the standard member 370. The base 371 includes a ground engaging portion 390, a first angled flange 391, and a second angled flange 392. The ground engaging portion 390 is substantially perpendicular to the standard member 370. The ground engaging portion 390 is relatively horizontal and can engage the ground to stabilize the trailer frame 10. The first angled flange 391 extends from the ground engaging portion 390 at an upward angle near the front end 13 of the trailer frame 10. The second angled flange 392 extends from the ground engaging portion 390 at an upward angle near the rear end 14 of the trailer frame. The first angled flange 391 and the second angled flange 392 can extend from the ground engaging portion 390 at substantially the same upward angle or extend at different angles at an upward angle or a downward angle.

[0192] Tool box assembly

[0193] Fig.47 An accessory mounting system is shown, wherein the accessory mounting system includes a tool box assembly 393 that provides a user with a means to store a plurality of tools coupled to the trailer frame 10 on the first side 15. The tool box assembly 393 includes a tool box 394 and the outrigger brackets 146. More than one tool box 394 can be coupled to the trailer frame 10. The tool box 394 includes secondary fastener receivers (not shown) on a bottom surface 395 of the tool box 394. The outrigger brackets 146 can be coupled to the trailer frame 10 at selected locations, as discussed previously in this disclosure. The tool box 394 can be selectively positioned on the trailer frame 10 by a user. At least two secondary fastener receivers located on the bottom surface 395 of the tool box 394 can be aligned with secondary fastener receivers 299 located on the shelf 290 of one of the outrigger brackets 146. Another set of secondary fastener receivers on the bottom surface 395 of the tool box 394 can be aligned with the secondary fastener receivers 299 on the shelf 290 of the other outrigger bracket 146. The outrigger bracket 146 coupled to the trailer frame 10 can be spaced the same distance as the secondary fastener receivers on the bottom surface 395 of the tool box 394. Secondary bolts 28 can secure the tool box 394 to the outrigger bracket 146. More specifically, these second bolts 28 can be inserted through the bottom surface 395 of the tool box 394 and through the secondary fastener receivers 299 on the shelf 290 of the outrigger bracket 146 and secured with nuts 252, see Fig.30 It should be understood that the present disclosure contemplates multiple outrigger brackets being selectively mounted at various locations on the trailer frame 10 and sufficient to hold or mount accessories of varying lengths, widths, and weights.

[0194] Tongue Tray

[0195] Fig.48An accessory mounting system is shown, wherein the accessory mounting system includes a tongue-shaped tray 396. The tongue-shaped tray 396 includes a trailer wall 397, a first side wall 398, a second side wall 399, a front wall 400, and a tray plate 401. The tray plate 401 is substantially planar. The tray plate 401 includes a plurality of secondary fastener receivers 413. One of the secondary fastener receivers 413 may be located proximate to the first side wall 398, and another secondary fastener receiver may be located proximate to the second side wall 399. The trailer wall 397 extends upward from the tray plate 401. The trailer wall 397 and the tray plate 401 are substantially perpendicular to each other. The trailer wall 397 includes a plurality of fastener receivers 402. The fastener receivers 402 are horizontally spaced apart from each other by the length of the trailer wall 397. The front wall 400 extends upward from the tray plate 401. The front wall 400 and the tray plate 401 are substantially perpendicular to each other. The first side wall 398 is a mirror image of the second side wall 399. The first side wall 398 extends upward from the pallet plate 401. The first side wall 398 and the pallet plate 401 are substantially perpendicular to each other. The first side wall 398 includes a first trailer flange 403, a front wall end 404, and a trailer end 405. The front wall end 404 is adjacent to the front wall 400. The trailer end 405 is adjacent to the first trailer flange 403. The first trailer flange 403 extends from the first side wall 398 at an angle of approximately 90 degrees near the front wall end 404. The first trailer flange 403 is substantially perpendicular to the first side wall 398. The first trailer flange 403 extends upward from the pallet plate 401. The first trailer flange 403 includes a fastener receiving member 406. The first side wall 398 includes a plurality of slots 407. The slots 407 are spaced apart from each other along the length of the first side wall 398. The second side wall 399 extends upward from the pallet plate 401. The second side wall 399 and the pallet plate 401 are substantially perpendicular to each other. The second side wall 399 includes a second trailer flange 408, a front wall end 409, and a trailer end 410. The front wall end 409 is adjacent to the front wall 400. The trailer end 410 is adjacent to the second trailer flange 408. The second trailer flange 408 extends from the second side wall 399 at an angle of approximately 90 degrees near the front wall end 404. The second trailer flange 408 is substantially perpendicular to the second side wall 399. The second trailer flange 408 extends upward from the pallet plate 401. The second trailer flange 408 includes a fastener receiving member 411. The second side wall 399 includes a plurality of slots 412. These slots 412 are spaced apart from each other along the length of the second side wall 399. The first trailer flange 403 and the second trailer flange 408 extend toward each other from the first side wall 398 and the second side wall 399, respectively.

[0196] See also Fig.49, the tongue tray 396 is shown arranged on the trailer tongue assembly 3 and mounted to the front end 13 of the trailer frame 10 to accommodate cargo. The secondary fastener receivers 413 located in the pallet plate 401 can be aligned with the secondary fastener receivers 414 located in the first side wall 88 of the tongue track 80. More specifically, the secondary fastener receivers 413 located near the second side wall 399 can be aligned with the secondary fastener receivers 414 located in the first side wall 88 of the tongue track 80 near the second side 16. The secondary fastener receivers 413 located near the first side wall 398 can be aligned with the secondary fastener receivers 414 located in the first side wall 88 of the tongue track near the first side 15. The second bolt 28 (not shown) can be inserted through the aligned secondary fastener receivers 413 and secondary fastener receivers 414 and secured with the nut 252 (not shown) to couple the tongue tray 396 to the tongue assembly 3. The first trailer flange 403 can be adjacent to one of the upright rails 313. The second trailer flange 408 can be adjacent to another of the upright rails 313. The first trailer flange 403 can be coupled to the upright rail 313 with a first bolt 32. The first bolt 32 can be inserted through the fastener receiver 406 and into a corresponding nut 31 located in the channel 318 of the upright rail 313. The second trailer flange 408 can be coupled to the upright rail 313 with a first bolt 32. The first bolt 32 can be inserted through the fastener receiver 411 and into a corresponding nut 31 located in the channel 318 of the upright rail 313. The fastener receiver 402 located in the trailer wall 397 can be aligned with a corresponding nut 31 located in the channel 21 of the track 20 forming part of the lower track frame 20b. The tongue tray 396 can be coupled to the front end 13 of the lower track frame 20b by inserting the first bolt 32 into the fastener receiver 402 and into the corresponding nut 31 located in the channel 21 of the track 20 forming part of the lower track frame 20b. The slot 407 located on the first side wall 398 and the slot 412 located on the second side wall 399 are operable to receive fasteners (not shown), tie-downs, bungee cords or any other accessories. In an alternative embodiment, the trailer wall 397, the first side wall 398, the second side wall 399 and the front wall 400 extend upward away from the tray plate 401 and can support a lid (not shown), thereby forming a box (not shown). In this embodiment, the lid can be fixed to at least one hinge on the trailer wall 397. Also in this embodiment, the tongue tray 396 can be arranged on the two tongue tracks 80, or alternatively, arranged between the tongue tracks 80. It should be understood that the present disclosure contemplates that the tongue tray 396 may include different shapes and sizes to accommodate cargo of different shapes and sizes.

[0197] It should be understood that the present disclosure contemplates that the trailer kit 1 and the modular base trailer 2 are not limited to Figures 23 to 49 Similarly, the present disclosure contemplates that the accessory mounting systems, brackets, and one or more accessories described above may be interchangeably secured to the trailer frame 10. For example, Fig.39 The landing gear ramp storage system 185 shown in FIG. 1 is selectively mounted to a trailer frame 10 with a full fence system 150. In one embodiment, the landing gear ramp storage system 185 is selectively mounted to a trailer frame 10 with a frame extension system 140. In another embodiment, the fairing system 120 with the rear ramp storage system 130 is selectively mounted to the trailer frame 10. Similarly, Fig.42 and Fig.44 The hook assembly 200 shown in the figure as being selectively mounted to the trailer frame 10 with the full fence system 150 can also be selectively mounted to the trailer frame 10 with the fairing system 120. Further, Fig.45 and Fig.46 The stabilizer jack assembly 220 shown in the drawings as selectively mounted to the trailer frame 10 can also be selectively mounted to the trailer frame 10 with the fairing system 120 or the full fence system 150. In this way, the accessory mounting system, accessory bracket, and the one or more accessories are interchangeable with each other and do not limit the modular base trailer 2 or trailer kit 1 to the one or more trailer configurations shown in the figures. In fact, the present disclosure contemplates that the multiple tracks, the multiple posts, the multiple brackets, these accessory mounting systems, these accessory brackets, and the one or more accessories can support additional accessories that are secured to the modular base trailer 2 via a variety of fasteners, tie-downs, brackets, hooks, clamps, wedges, etc.

[0198] Assembly Method

[0199] The present disclosure also contemplates a method of assembling a trailer kit 1 to form a modular base trailer 2. Fig.50 , the exemplary method steps may start from step 501. At step 502, the method includes providing a trailer kit 1 having tracks, and the plurality of front end brackets 60, the plurality of cross member brackets 100, the plurality of corner brackets 40, the plurality of tongue track brackets 70, the plurality of longitudinal brackets 50, and the plurality of axle brackets 90.

[0200] At step 503, the method also includes forming the trailer frame 10 and at least one cross member rail 19 extending between the first side 15 and the second side 16. The rails 20 and the cross member rails 19 are selectively interconnected by the cross member bracket 100 so that any one of the rails 20 and any one of the cross member rails 19 can be selected to form the trailer frame 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the trailer frame 10 is formed in a rectangular shape and includes an upper track frame 20a and a lower track frame 20b.

[0201] At step 504, the method further includes attaching a corner bracket 40 and a longitudinal bracket 50 to the trailer frame 10. The longitudinal bracket 50 may be operable to couple at least two rails 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the longitudinal bracket 50 of the frame bracket is operable to coaxially couple at least one of the rails 20 to another rail 20. Additionally, the corner bracket 40 of the frame bracket is operable to couple at least one of the rails 20 to another rail 20 at a 90 degree angle on a different axis.

[0202] At step 505, the method also includes attaching a cross member bracket 100 to the trailer frame 10 and a cross member rail 19 extending from the first side 15 to the second side 16. In the illustrated embodiment, the at least one cross member rail 19 extending between the first side 15 and the second side 16 is positioned perpendicular to the first side 15 and the second side 16 of the trailer frame 10. For example, the method includes securing the cross member bracket 100 to any one of the plurality of brackets, such as the longitudinal bracket 50, the corner bracket 40, or the axle bracket 90, with a first bolt 32. The method also includes securing the cross member rail 19 extending between the first side 15 and the second side 16 to the cross member bracket 100 with a fastener receiver 32.

[0203] At step 506, the method further includes attaching the trailer tongue assembly 3 to the trailer frame 10 with the tongue track bracket 70. In the illustrated embodiment, the trailer tongue assembly 3 includes at least one tongue track 80 and a hook 86 operable to join the tongue track 80 at a fixed angle. The method includes securing the front bracket 60 to the tongue track 80 at an angle relative to the front end 13 of the trailer frame 10. The method also includes securing the tongue track bracket 70 to the tongue track 80 at an angle relative to the first side 15 (or the second side 16) of the trailer frame 10. The method further includes securing the hook 86 to the hook end 83 and the tongue track 80. Thus, the method includes forming an A-frame with the tongue track 80.

[0204] At step 507, the method further includes attaching the axle and wheel assembly 4 to the trailer frame 10 with the axle bracket 90. In the illustrated embodiment, the axle bracket 90 is operable to provide structural support between at least two tracks 20 selectively interconnected at a 0 degree joint 17. For example, the method includes fastening the axle bracket 90 to the upper track frame 20a and the lower track frame 20b at the joint 17 with the first bolt 32 and the nut 31. The method also includes fastening the axle and wheel assembly 4 to the axle bracket 90 with the first bolt 32 and the nut 31. The example steps may proceed to an end step 511. It should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to a particular order of steps 501-507 and ending at step 511.

[0205] The method optionally includes mounting the trailer lighting system 110 on the trailer frame 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the electrical harness 111 provides power to the trailer lighting system 110 and at least one lamp 112a, b, c. Thus, the method may optionally include mounting the lamp 112a, b, c to any one of the plurality of brackets, such as the corner bracket 40 or at the rear end 14 of the trailer frame 10. The method optionally includes securing the deck 242 to the trailer frame 10.

[0206] The method further includes attaching the accessory mounting system, at least one accessory bracket, and / or one or more accessories to the trailer frame 10, the rails 20, the cross member rails 19 extending between the first side 15 and the second side 16, and / or the upright rails 313. Similarly, the method further includes removing the accessory mounting system, at least one accessory bracket, and / or one or more accessories from the trailer frame 10, the rails 20, the cross member rails 19 extending between the first side 15 and the second side 16, and / or the upright rails 313. Thus, the method includes configuring the modular base trailer 2 into one or more trailer configurations. Similarly, the method further includes configuring the modular base trailer 2 to include multiple trailer configurations on the trailer frame 10. For example, the method includes attaching and / or removing one or more trailer configurations, such as the fairing system 120, the rear ramp storage system 130, the frame extension system 140, the full rail system 150, the tailgate system 170, the undercarriage ramp storage system 185, the spare tire carrier 190, the hitch assembly 200, the tie-down bracket 216, the stabilizer jack assembly 220, the rack assembly 234, the tool box assembly 393, and the tongue tray 396. In the illustrated embodiment, the accessory mounting system and one or more accessories include at least one accessory bracket operable to selectively mount the accessory mounting system and one or more accessories on the trailer frame 10, on the cross member rail 19 extending between the first side 15 and the second side 16, and / or at a location on the upright rail 313. For example, the method includes selectively installing or removing the spare tire carrier 190 or the tie-down bracket 216. As such, the method optionally includes securing at least one accessory bracket to the trailer frame 10, the cross member rail 19 extending between the first side 15 and the second side 16, the upright rail 313, and / or any one of the plurality of brackets with the first bolt 32 and nut 31 and / or the second bolt 28 and nut 252.

[0207] It should be understood that the term “at least one” means that there must be at least one of the components modified by the term “at least one”, and it should be further understood that if the specification mentions “a” component or “the” component, these words (“a” or “the”) have the same meaning as “at least one”, and the present disclosure is not limited to only one of the components, but also contemplates that multiple components may be included.

[0208] The present disclosure currently described is described in such complete, clear, concise and accurate terms so that any technician in the field to which the present disclosure relates can practice the present disclosure. It should be understood that the preferred aspects of the present disclosure are described above, and modifications can be made in the present disclosure without departing from the spirit of the scope of the present disclosure set forth in the appended claims. The scope of the appended claims will be given the broadest interpretation to cover all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions. Therefore, the application is not intended to be limited to the specific aspects disclosed, but the application will include all aspects falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A trailer kit, comprising: a plurality of modular tracks, wherein the plurality of modular tracks form a trailer frame, the trailer frame comprising at least one cross member; and A plurality of brackets, wherein the plurality of brackets comprises: a frame bracket operable to couple at least two modular rails, a tongue bracket operable to secure a trailer tongue assembly to the trailer frame, an axle bracket operable to secure an axle and wheel assembly to the trailer frame, and A cross member bracket is operable to secure the at least one cross member to the trailer frame.

2. The trailer kit of claim 1, wherein: Each of the plurality of modular rails defines a first end, a second end, and a channel extending between the first end and the second end.

3. The trailer kit of claim 2, further comprising at least one fastener, wherein: At least a portion of the at least one fastener is received within the channel such that the at least one fastener is operable to be fastened to any one of the plurality of modular tracks.

4. The trailer kit of claim 3, wherein: The at least one fastener includes a nut and a bolt, wherein the nut is received within the channel, and the at least one fastener is operable to fasten any one of the plurality of brackets to any one of the plurality of modular rails.

5. The trailer kit of claim 2, wherein: The channel of each of the plurality of modular tracks is operable to receive an electrical wiring harness operable to power a trailer lighting system.

6. The trailer kit of claim 5, further comprising a channel cover secured within the channel of each of the plurality of modular rails, the channel cover operable to at least partially seal the channel.

7. The trailer kit of claim 3, wherein: Each of the plurality of brackets comprises: ontology; at least one tab extending from the body, the at least one tab operable to couple the body to any one of the plurality of modular tracks; and At least one fastener receiver is formed in the body, the at least one fastener receiver being operable to receive the at least one fastener for fastening the body to any one of the plurality of modular rails or any one of the plurality of brackets.

8. The trailer kit of claim 7, wherein: The trailer frame includes a set of upper modular rails and a set of lower modular rails.

9. The trailer kit of claim 8, wherein: The at least one tab includes at least one upper tab and at least one lower tab; the at least one fastener receiver comprising at least one upper fastener receiver and at least one lower fastener receiver; The at least one upper tab is operable to couple the body to the set of upper modular rails, and the at least one lower tab is operable to couple the body to the set of lower modular rails; as well as The at least one upper fastener receiver is operable to receive the fasteners for fastening the body to the set of upper modular rails, and the at least one lower fastener receiver is operable to receive the fasteners for fastening the body to the set of lower modular rails, thereby coupling the set of upper modular rails to the set of lower modular rails.

10. The trailer kit of claim 1, wherein: The plurality of brackets further includes at least one accessory bracket operable to secure one or more accessories to at least one of the trailer frame, the at least one cross member, and / or the plurality of uprights.

11. The trailer kit of claim 1, wherein: The frame bracket comprises: a corner bracket operable to couple at least one of the plurality of modular rails to another of the plurality of modular rails at a 90 degree angle; and A longitudinal bracket is operable to couple at least one of the plurality of modular rails to another of the plurality of modular rails.

12. The trailer kit of claim 11, the corner bracket further comprising a light receiver operable to receive and mount a light to the corner bracket.

13. The trailer kit of claim 1, wherein: The tongue bracket comprises: a front end bracket operable to secure at least one tongue rail to a front end of the trailer frame; and A tongue track bracket is operable to secure the at least one tongue track to a side of the trailer frame.

14. The trailer kit of claim 1, wherein: The cross member bracket includes at least one opening in at least one tab formed on the body such that the fastener inserted through the at least one opening is operable to fasten the cross member bracket to any one of the plurality of brackets.

15. A basic trailer comprising: a plurality of modular tracks, wherein the plurality of modular tracks form a trailer frame; and a plurality of brackets operable to reinforce the trailer frame, Wherein, the basic trailer can be configured into one or more trailer configurations, and the trailer configurations are interchangeable.

16. The base trailer of claim 15, wherein: A plurality of trailer configurations can be configured on the trailer frame.

17. The base trailer of claim 15, further comprising an accessory mounting system.

18. The base trailer of claim 17, wherein: The accessory mounting system includes one or more accessory brackets.

19. The base trailer of claim 18, wherein: The trailer configuration includes one or more accessories.

20. The base trailer of claim 19, wherein: The accessory bracket and / or accessory is interchangeably fastened to the trailer frame by at least one fastener.

21. The base trailer of claim 15, wherein: Each of the trailer configurations can be interchangeably configured to the trailer frame without requiring welding or drilling into the trailer frame.

22. A method of assembling a trailer kit, comprising: A trailer kit is provided, the trailer kit having a plurality of modular tracks and a plurality of brackets, wherein the plurality of brackets comprises: Frame bracket, Tongue bracket, Axle brackets, and Cross member brackets; forming a trailer frame and at least one cross member from the plurality of modular rails; attaching the frame bracket to the trailer frame, wherein the frame bracket is operable to join at least two modular tracks; attaching the cross-member bracket to the trailer frame and the at least one cross-member; attaching a trailer tongue assembly to said trailer frame with said at least one tongue bracket; and An axle and wheel assembly is attached to the trailer frame using the axle bracket.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein: The method further includes attaching at least one accessory mounting system, at least one accessory bracket, one or more accessories to the trailer frame and / or at least one of a plurality of uprights.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein: The method further includes removing the at least one accessory mounting system, the at least one accessory bracket, the one or more accessories from the trailer frame and / or the plurality of uprights.

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