Refrigerated trailer

Abstract

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

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A refrigerated trailer adapted for towing by a tow vehicle, comprising:
 an insulated enclosure having at least one door configured to provide entry to an interior space of the insulated enclosure;   a refrigeration system operably coupled to the insulated enclosure for maintaining a predetermined temperature within the interior space of the insulated enclosure;   a frame configured to support the insulated enclosure;   a plurality of wheels coupled to the frame for supporting the frame; and   a height adjustment system configured to adjust the insulated enclosure between a first height and a second height.   
     
     
         2 . The refrigerated trailer of  claim 1 , wherein the frame includes a base portion having opposing ends and a first arm extending from one opposing end and a second arm extending from the other opposing end. 
     
     
         3 . The refrigerated trailer of  claim 2 , wherein the first arm and the second arm are parallel to one another and perpendicular to the base portion, forming a U-shape. 
     
     
         4 . The refrigerated trailer of  claim 1 , wherein the height adjustment system comprises one of an actuator, a linear motion actuator, a pneumatic arm and hydraulic motor, or a combination thereof. 
     
     
         5 . The refrigerated trailer of  claim 1 , wherein the first height comprises a position for transporting the insulated enclosure and the second height comprises a position lower than the first height, wherein the second height comprises a position substantially at a ground level. 
     
     
         6 . The refrigerated trailer of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a track system disposed on the insulated enclosure, the track system configured to cooperate with the height adjustment system to facilitate adjusting the insulated enclosure between the first height and the second height relative to the frame.   
     
     
         7 . The refrigerated trailer of  claim 6 , wherein the track system is comprised of a plurality of tracks disposed on the insulated enclosure. 
     
     
         8 . The refrigerated trailer of  claim 6 , wherein the track system can include tracks, C-rail tracks, racks, and guide rails. 
     
     
         9 . The refrigerated trailer of  claim 6 , wherein the frame includes a connecting portion configured to couple with the track system to support and guide the insulated enclosure during transition from the first height to the second height. 
     
     
         10 . The refrigerated trailer of  claim 1 , wherein an outer portion of the insulated enclosure is configured to shield the insulated enclosure from weather conditions, road debris, and other external impacts. 
     
     
         11 . The refrigerated trailer of  claim 1 , wherein the insulated enclosure includes a barrier configured to insulate the interior space of the insulated enclosure when the at least one door is displaced in an open position. 
     
     
         12 . The refrigerated trailer of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one door is disposed on a rear side of the insulated enclosure. 
     
     
         13 . The refrigerated trailer of  claim 12 , wherein a width of the at least one door is configured to permit a removal of a pallet from the interior space of the insulated enclosure. 
     
     
         14 . The refrigerated trailer of  claim 12 , wherein a width of the at least one door is configured to enable one or more of a pallet jack and a forklift to enter the interior space of the insulated enclosure for placing an object within or removing an object from the insulated enclosure. 
     
     
         15 . The refrigerated trailer of  claim 1 , wherein the interior space of the insulated enclosure comprises an interior deck, a plurality of walls, and a ceiling, and wherein each of the interior deck, the plurality of walls, the ceiling, and the at least one door include an insulating material. 
     
     
         16 . The refrigerated trailer of  claim 1 , further comprising a user interface configured to enable a user to control the refrigeration system, the user interface disposed on the insulated enclosure. 
     
     
         17 . The refrigerated trailer of  claim 1 , wherein the refrigeration system is configured to be electrically coupled to an external power source. 
     
     
         18 . A refrigerated trailer adapted for towing by a tow vehicle, comprising:
 an insulated enclosure having at least one door configured to provide entry to an interior space of the insulated enclosure;   a refrigeration system operably coupled to the insulated enclosure for maintaining a predetermined temperature within the interior space of the insulated enclosure;   a frame configured to support the insulated enclosure;   a plurality of wheels coupled to the frame for supporting the frame;   a height adjustment system configured to adjust the insulated enclosure between a first height and a second height; and   a track system disposed on the insulated enclosure, the track system configured to cooperate with the height adjustment system to facilitate adjusting the insulated enclosure between a first height and a second height relative to the frame,   wherein:
 the frame includes a connecting portion configured to couple to the track system and guide the insulated enclosure as it transitions from a first height to a second height, 
 the height adjustment system includes an actuator configured to push and pull the insulated enclosure along the track system, and 
 the track system is comprised of a plurality of tracks disposed on the insulated enclosure. 
   
     
     
         19 . A method of using a refrigerated trailer adapted for towing by a tow vehicle to transport cargo, the method comprising steps of:
 providing the refrigerated trailer adapted for towing by the tow vehicle of  claim 1 ;   adjusting the insulated enclosure from the first height to the second height relative to the frame;   loading cargo into the interior space of the insulated enclosure; and   adjusting the insulated enclosure from the second height to the first height relative to the frame.   
     
     
         20 . The method  claim 19 , further comprising steps of:
 adjusting the insulated enclosure from the first height to the second height relative to the frame;   unloading cargo from the interior space of the insulated enclosure; and   adjusting the insulated enclosure from the second height to the first height relative to the frame.