DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART The manufacturing of completed or partially completed houses within a factory (referred to herein as a"house"or"houses") or other location for subsequent transport to the installation location of the house, for example in a subdivision, is well-known. Additionally, the use of a transporter for moving a house from one location to another is well known.

When the manufacturing of a house has been completed at a factory location or other location, it is necessary to transfer the completed house to a transporter, for subsequent transportation to and installation onto a foundation.

United States Patent Number 5,402, 618 (Biffis et al.) discloses the manufacturing of a house within the factory, the house being manufactured on a manufacturing flatbed having rollers thereon, and upon completion of the house, the house is rolled onto a delivery flatbed truck, also having rollers thereon, the flatbed of the delivery flatbed truck being positioned directly adjacent to the manufacturing flatbed, allowing the house to be rolled from the manufacturing flatbed, to the delivery flatbed truck, for subsequent installation on a foundation. The process described in Biffis et al. utilizes a steel base member upon which the house is assembled to support the house during movement so that the house will not flex or bend during movement or transfer. This technology is disadvantageous, requiring significant structural upgrades to the house to ensure that it does not wrack of become damaged during the transfer process. Furthermore, this technology does not permit convenient adjustment to the lateral or rotational alignment of the house relative to the delivery flatbed truck during thet, : ansfer of the house from the manufacturing fled to the delivery flatbed truck.

United States Patent Number 4,187, 659 (Blachura) also discloses the transfer of a house within a factory onto a trailer or transporter, the house being manufactured on stationary jacks, a trailer or transporter thereafter being positioned beneath the house when the house is ready to be moved outside of the factory for installation onto a foundation. With the trailer or transporter positioned beneath the house, the jacks are lowered to position the house onto the trailer or transporter.

Disadvantageously, this technology requires the house to be built or completed in a raised and stationary location and does not readily permit significant or convenient lateral or rotational alignment of the house relative to the trailer or transporter during the transfer of the house to the trailer or transporter.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The object of the present invention is to provide an improved device and process for transferring a house to a transporter which obviates or reduces the limitations described above with reference to the above-referenced prior art.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a simple and safe method and device for transferring a house from a factory or other location to a transporter, without requiring the house to be raised or lowered in the process, while permitting rotational flexibility of the house, to thereby facilitate the alignment of the house relative to the transporter.

Accordingly, the invention relates to a method for the transfer of a house which is positioned on factory skate beams, to a transporter upon which are positioned runner beams, comprising the steps of, aligning the runner beams with the factory skate beams, securing the runner beams to the factory skate beams, moving the house from the factory skate beams to the runner beams until the house is positioned on the runner beams directly above the transporter, securing the house to the transporter, and disconnecting the runner beams from the factory skate beams.

According to a fartherwect of the present invention, there is provided7method for the transfer of a house which is positioned on factory skate beams, to a transporter upon which are positioned runner beams, comprising the steps of aligning the runner beams with the factory skate beams; securing the runner beams to the factory skate beams, the runner beams being adapted to be supported by the transporter, and adapted to pivot about a substantially vertical axis and to move relative to the transporter in a substantially horizontal plane, and each of the runner beams are detachably securable to a corresponding skate beam; moving the house from the factory skate beams to the runner beams until the house is positioned on the runner beams directly above the transporter; securing the house to the transporter ; and disconnecting the runner beams from the factory skate beams.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system for the transfer of a house which is positioned on factory skate beams, to a transporter upon which are positioned runner beams, comprising supporting means for supporting the house, the supporting means being engageable with the house; skate means having an upper and lower surface, the lower surface being adapted to move along a length of the factory skate beams, and the upper surface being adapted to receive and securely support the supporting means and the house; movement means adapted for connection to the skate means, whereby the skate means and the house can be transferred along the skate beams by use of the movement means, the movement means being engageable with the skate beams; aligning the runner beams with the factory skate beams; securing the runner beams to the factory skate beams; moving the skate means and the house along the skate beams to the runner beams, characterized in that the house is repositioned by means of the skate means moving along the length of the runner beams and the skate beams with a minimum of lateral movement, to a position on the transporter; securing the house on the transporter; and disconnecting the runner beams from the skate beams ; characterized in that the runner beams are adapted to be supported by the transporter9 and adapted to pivot about a substantially vertical axis and to move relative to the transporter in a substantially horizontal plane, and each of the runner beams arc detachably securable to a corresponding skate beam.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a device for positioning a house which is positioned on factory skate beams, to a transporter upon which are positioned runner beams, comprising supporting means for supporting the house, sucgsupporting means being engageable with the house; at least three upper skates having an upper and lower body, the lower body adapted to move along the length of the runner beams and the factory skate beams with a minimum of lateral movement, and adapted to support the upper body of the upper skate, and to permit the upper skate to pivot relative the lower body about a substantially vertical axis, the upper body being adapted to receive and securely support the supporting means and the house, and to allow t he s upporting m eans and the house to m ove 1 ongitudinally r elative t o the upper skate, whereby the house is repositioned onto the transporter by means of the at least three upper skates ; and movement means adapted for connection to the at least three upper skates, whereby the at least three upper skates and the house can be transferred along the factory skate beams by use of the movement means, the movement means being engageable with the factory skate beams.

Advantageously, the present invention allows the house to be in close proximity to the factory floor during the transfer of the house to the transporter permitting taller houses to be manufactured in an enclosed factory, and p ermitting increased f lexibility in the m ovement o f the h ouse as it is transferred to the transporter, the house being movable through a wide range of positions prior to and during the loading of the house onto the transporter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS A preferred embodiment of the present invention is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 illustrates a factory which is positioned proximate to a subdivision in which houses manufactured in factory are to be installed; Figure 2 illustrates an embodiment of a transporter, including the tractor and trailer unit.

Figure 3 illustrates an embodiment of a transporter, including the tractor and trailer unit with lower skates positioned on the outer beams of the trailer unit; Figure 4 illustrs an embodiment of a transporter, the trailer umt having a flat metal load bearing platform ; Figure 5 illustrates an embodiment of a transporter, the trailer unit having a flat metal load bearing platform with lower skates positioned on the trailer unit; Figures 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D and 6E illustrate an embodiment of front and rear dollies which may be used for supporting and transporting the trailer unit, and a hydraulic jack which may be integrated into and form part of the dollies; Figure 7 illustrates an embodiment of a transporter unit, including the tractor and trailer unit, with lower skates positioned on the outer beam of the trailer unit, and runner beams positioned upon the lower skates ; Figure 8 illustrates an embodiment of a transporter unit, including the tractor and trailer unit, with lower skates positioned on the trailer unit, and runner beams positioned upon the lower skates; Figure 9 illustrates a house positioned upon carrier beams which are supported by upper skates and by factory skate beams; Figure 10 illustrates a cross-section of an embodiment of a carrier beam; Figure 11 illustrates an embodiment of a transporter unit, including the tractor and trailer unit, with lower skates positioned on the outer beam of the trailer unit, runner beams positioned upon the lower skates, upper skates positioned on the runner beams, and carrier beams and a house positioned thereon ; Figure 12 illustrates a trailer unit and movement of the trailer unit in the horizontal plane; Figure 13 illustrates a trailer unit and movement of the trailer unit in the horizontal plane; Figure 14 illustrates a trailer unit and movement of the trailerslt in the horizontal plane ; Figure 15 illustrates a trailer unit and movement of the trailer unit in the horizontal plane; Figure 16 illustrates a cross-section of an embodiment of a runner beam (and/or factory skate beam) in the form of an"I"beam ; Figure 17 illustrates a cross-section of an embodiment of a runner beam (and/or factory skate beam) in the form of a double'T'beam ; Figure 18 illustrates a cross-section of an embodiment of a runner beam (and/or factory skate beam) in the form of an upright"I"beam upon which is securely positioned a horizontally oriented"I"beam; Figures 19A, 19B and 19C illustrate an embodiment of a runner beam (and/or factory skate beam) in the form of two upright"I"beams in spaced relation to one another, securely positioned upon a flat beam with a portion of a lower skate positioned thereon; Figures 20A and 20B illustrate two embodiments of an upper skate; Figures 21A and 21B illustrate two additional embodiments of an upper skate ; Figures 22A and 22B illustrate two additional embodiments of an upper skate ; Figures 23 illustrates an embodiment of a lower skate ; Figure 24 illustrates an embodiment of a lower skate attached to a runner beam ; Figure 25A, 25B and 25C illustrate embodiments of the connections between the runner beams and the factory skate beams; Figure 26 illuswes an embodiment of the movement of the house onto the trailer unit; Figures 27A, 27B, and 27C illustrate embodiments of the movement of the house onto the trailer unit; Figure 28 illustrates an embodiment of the movement of the house onto the trailer unit ; Figure 29A and 29B illustrate an embodiment of the movement of the house onto the trailer unit; Figure 30 illustrates a cross-section of one embodiment of a typical upper skate loaded with a carrier beam, and resting upon a runner beam and lower skate; Figure 31 illustrates a cross-section of another embodiment of a typical upper skate loaded with a carrier beam, and resting upon a runner beam and lower skate; Figures 32 and 33 illustrate an embodiment of a runner beam (and/or factory skate beam) having ratchet mechanism and hydraulic jack to move the skate relative to the runner beam (and/or factory skate beam) ; Figure 34 illustrates an embodiment of a house loaded onto a transporter, being moved from the factory; Figures 35A, 35B and 35C illustrate embodiment of a skid shoe resting upon a runner beam (and/or factory skate beam)..

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT In the preferred embodiment, a house manufacturing factory 1 is established within, or in close proximity to a subdivision 3 which is being built as illustrated in Figure 1. The proximity of the factory to the subdivision may beneficially allow for the manufacture of complete or substantially complete houses withnfa factory for subsequent delivery of the houto the subdivision, with reduced or entirely eliminated likelihood of interference during the delivery of the house from the factory 1 to its foundation 9 in the subdivision due to bridges, overhead wires, narrow roads or other impediments and with reduced or entirely eliminated need to utilize public access roads and highways (that is, roads and highways to which the public generally has access) during the transport of the house from the factory to its installation location in the subdivision. It is also understood that the present invention may be utilized in circumstances where the manufacturing facility is located physically remote from the subdivision or installation location of the house.

Referring to Figure 9, a completed or substantially completed house 2 is illustrated, ready for transportation from the factory 1, the house 2 resting upon parallel or substantially parallel carrier beams 4, the carrier beams 4 resting upon six way upper skates 60 (as more fully described herein), the six way upper skates 60 resting upon and being supported by factory skate beams 94 (as more fully described herein), the factory skate beams 94 being stably positioned upon the factory floor 6.

In the preferred embodiment, the house 2 is supported by carrier beams 4 which are positioned beneath the house 2, and which carrier beams 4 travel with the house 2 during transportation and installation onto a foundation 9. In one embodiment, the carrier beams 4 are securely engaged with the underside of the house 2 during the manufacturing of the house 2 prior to the loading of the house 2 for transportation to the installation location for the house. In another embodiment, the carrier beams 4 are integrated into and form part of the house 2.

Referring to Figure 10, in the preferred embodiment, the carrier beams 4 are upright"I"beams having an upper flange 91 and a lower flange 92 as illustrated in Figure 10, it being understood that various different configurations or cross-sections of carrier beams may be utilized, depending for example on the unique characteristics of a particular house, or house manufacturing process.

The factory skate beams 94 permit the house 2 to move across the factory floor 6, for example, to the factory loading area 5 (which conveniently may be located outside of the factory, or inside of the factory), which in the preferred embodiment is a concrete pad that is adapted to receive the factory skate beams 94 and the house 2, and to receive the runner beams 40 from the transporter 8 as more fully described herein.

In the preferred embodiment, six way upper skates 60 (as more fully described herein) are then positioned on the factory skate beams 94, and upon which are positioned the carrier beams 4, the house 2 thereafter being constructed on top of the carrier beams 4. The six way upper skates 60 are adapted to engage with the underside of the carrier beams 4.

Referring to Figure 2, one embodiment of a transporter 8 includes a tractor unit 10 and a trailer unit 12, which together are capable of moving a house 2 from one location to another, for example, from a manufacturing facility in which the house 2 is manufactured, to the foundation, footing or like support (any of which may be herein referred to as the"foundation") upon which the house 2 will be installed. In one embodiment, the tractor unit 10 is a truck, it being understood that the tractor unit 10 may take a wide range of alternative forms known to persons skilled in the art.

Referring to Figure 2, in one embodiment, the trailer unit 12 of the transporter 8 includes a frame 14 having an opening 16 therein to permit easy access to the underside of house 2 when positioned on the trailer unit 12. In this embodiment, the frame 14 includes two substantially parallel outer beams 18 which are capable of supporting a loaded house 2, and its carrier beams 4 and the runner beams, as more fully described herein.

In another embodiment as illustrated in Figure 4, the frame 14 of the trailer unit 12 securely supports a substantially flat metal platform 20 capable of supporting a loaded house 2, and its carrier beams 4 and runner beams as more fully described herein, the metal platform 20 being supported from beneath by the frame 14 of the trailer unit 12. In the preferred embodiment, the flat metal platform 20 is comprised of sheet steel having a thickness of between l/2 inch and 1 inch.

The frame 14 of the trailer unit 12 is securely supported by dollies 22 or wheels, embodiments of which are illustrated in Figures 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D and 6E, which permit the trailer unit 12, the runner beams and the loaded house 2 to be readily positioned as described herein.

As illustrated in Figures 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D and 6E, the dollies 22 or wheels may be attached to the underside of the trailer t 12 or frame 14 by a plate 24 bolted to the un ! Mrside of the trailer unit 12, or by other suitable means of attachment known to persons skilled in the art. The dollies 22 may pivot in relation to the trailer unit 12 about a substantially vertical axis, by means, for example, of a ball and socket or similar arrangement 28 allowing the trailer unit 12 to be moved forward and backward, from side to side, and diagonally, and to pivot clockwise or counterclockwise, as generally shown in Figures 12,13, 14 and 15.

The tractor unit 10 or other vehicle or mechanical device may be used to provide horizontal and rotational movement of the trailer unit 12 and the house 2. It is understood that more than 3 dollies 22 may be utilized, and the dollies 22 may have as few as one wheel and tire, or may have 2 or more axles, and as many wheels and tires as are required to support the trailer unit 12 loaded with a house 2. In addition, in one embodiment, rather than utilizing wheels and tires, tracks such as those used on bulldozers can be utilized instead of wheels to decrease the ground pressure exerted by the loaded trailer unit 12.

Furthermore, as illustrated in Figures 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D and 6E, in one embodiment, each of the dollies 22 has a hydraulic j ack 26 positioned on the dolly 22 for raising and lowering, or re-aligning or leveling the frame 14 or metal platform 20 of the trailer unit 12. When each of the hydraulic j acks 26 is raised or lowered the same distance, the elevation of the frame 14 is raised or lowered correspondingly. If one (or more) of the hydraulic jacks 26 is not raised or lowered to the same extent as at least one of the other hydraulic jacks 26, the levelness and angle of the frame 14 or metal platform 20 will accordingly be adjusted, the ball and socket or similar arrangements 28 on the dollies permitting the frame 14 or metal platform 20 of the trailer unit 12 to tilt relative to the dollies 22. By selectively raising or lowering the hydraulic j acks 26, the trailer unit 12 may be leveled in all directions (relative to the factory floor) and raised and/or lowered to facilitate the alignment of the runner beams 40 with the factory skate beams 94 referred to herein so that the house 2 may be moved from the factory loading area 5 onto the trailer unit 12 as described more fully herein. in the case of the trailer units 12 having the configuration as shown in Figure 2, and in the case of the trailer units 12 having the configuration as shown in Figure 4, lower skates 30, one embodiment of which is illustrated in Figure 23, may be utilized, as illustrated in Figures 3 and 5 respectively which are capable of pivoting and rotating about a substantially verticasxis, and moving along the outer beams 18 of the frame 14 as shown in Figure 3, or capable of moving about the flat metal platform 20 of the trailer unit 12 in the case of the trailer unit 12 having the configuration shown in Figure 4. As illustrated in Figure 23, the lower skate 30 has a lower Teflon pad 32 to allow the lower skate 30 to move smoothly along the outer beam 18 or across the flat metal platform 20 of the trailer unit 12. In one embodiment, a metal plate 36 is affixed with bolts 34 to the Teflon pad 32 for securely supporting the Teflon pad 32. In the preferred embodiment, the metal plate 36 is a steel plate of 1'/2 inch to 2 inches thickness, the steel plate 36 being bolted to the Teflon pad 32. As illustrated in Figures 23 and 24, the lower skate 30 may be securely attached to a runner beam 40 by means of nuts 39 and bolts 38 or by other suitable means, it being understood that a wide variety of different methods could be used to securely attach the lower skate 30 to the runner beam 40.

It is understood that in place of the Teflon pad 32, lower skates 30 may alternatively be fabricated using one of many readily available devices known to any person skilled in the art including wheels, rollers, bearings, casters or other well-known means to enable the lower skates 30 to pivot and to move freely along the outer beams 18, in the case of the trailer units 12 having the configuration shown in Figure 2, and on the flat metal platform 20, in the case of trailer units 12 having the configuration shown in Figure 4.

As illustrated in a Figures 7 and 8, runner beams 40 are positioned on the trailer unit 12, securely affixed to lower skates 30, the runner beams 40 being positioned generally parallel to one another and being oriented generally laterally relative to the principal direction of travel (forward) of the transporter unit 8, in such a way that when the trailer unit 12 is positioned alongside the factory loading area 5, the runner beams 40 will be in substantial alignment with the factory skate beams referred to herein as illustrated in Figure 28. The runner beams 40 are positioned in spaced relation to one another so as to stably bear the weight of the house 2 and so that the center of gravity of the house 2 when loaded on the trailer unit 12 is safely between the outermost runner beams 40.

In one embodiment, the runner beams 40 (and factory skate beams) are upright"I"beams 42, a cross- section of one such runner beam being illustrated in Figure 16. In another embodiment, the runner beams 40 (and factory skate beams) are double upright"I"beams 42, a cross-section of which is illustrated in Figure 17, Me upper flanges 52 of the"I"beams being we ? Fed 53 or securely fastened together, and the lower flanges 54 of the"I"beams also being welded 55 or securely fastened together for additional strength and stability. In another embodiment, the runner beams 40 (and factory skate beams) comprise two"I"beams, a first vertically oriented"I"beam 42, upon which is positioned a horizontally oriented"I"beam 44, the top of the vertically oriented"I"beam 42 being welded 57 or securely fastened to the horizontally oriented"I"beam 44 as illustrated in Figure 18.

In the preferred embodiment, the runner beams (and factory skate beams) include two parallel upright"I"beams 42 which are in spaced relation to each other, the bases of which"I"beams are welded 41 or securely fastened to a flat beam 46, a cross-section of which embodiment is illustrated in Figure 19.

It is understood that in the preferred embodiment, the factory skate beams 94 will have a substantially identical structure, cross-section and configuration as the runner beams 40 to allow the house 2 to be readily and smoothly transferred by means of the upper skates 60 from the factory skate beams 94 to the runner beams 40 as more fully described herein.

As illustrated in Figure 9, the house 2 is assembled and ready for transport from the factory, the factory skate beams 94 being positioned on the factory floor 6, substantially parallel to one another.

In one embodiment, the factory skate beams 94 are permanently positioned on the factory floor 6.

In the preferred embodiment, the factory skate beams 94 are temporarily positioned in a suitable location on the factory floor 6 in an area convenient to the manufacture or assembly of a house 2.

As illustrated in Figures 20A, 20B, 21A, 21B, 22A and 22B, the six way upper skates 60 have a lower body 62 and an upper body 64, the upper body 64 being pivotable in relation to the lower body 62, such that the upper body 64 maybe capable of rotating through 360 degrees about a substantially vertical axis. It is understood that the precise configuration and shape of the lower body 62 of the upper skate is such that it must conform to the embodiment of the factory skate beams 94 and runner beams 40 being utilized and that the lower bodies 62 of the upper skates 60 may be interchanged with different upper bodies as the circumstances of a particular project or house dictate.

The lower body 62 of the upper skate 60 illustrated in Figures 20A and 20B may be utilized when the single I beam illustwd in Figure 16 or the double I beam illustratea~Figure 17 is utilized, the lower body 62 of the upper skates 60 illustrated in Figures 20A and 20B having a lips 72 to engage beneath the upper flanges 52 of the upright and double upright"I"beams. In this configuration, the lower body 62 of the upper skate 60 utilizes a plurality of rollers 74 which allow the upper skate 60 to roll along the factory skate beams 94 (and thereafter the runner beam 40), it being understood that a wide variety of different mechanisms can be utilized for this purpose, including wheels or casters.

In an alternative configuration, a smooth lubricated load bearing contact surface may be presented on the underside of the lower body 62 of the upper skate 60, the contact surface being in contact with the upper surface 48 of the upper flange 52 of the single or double upright"I"beam configurations of the factory skate beam 94 and runner beam 40 illustrated in Figure 16 and 17 respectively, which may also be lubricated with Teflon, graphite or a similar lubricant to ensure the smooth travel of the skate along the factory skate beams 94 and thereafter the runner beam 40.

The lower body 62 of the upper skate 60 depicted in Figure 21 may be used in conjunction with the embodiment of the factory skate beam 94 or runner beam 40 illustrated in Figure 18, with the lower body 62 of the upper skate 60 being able to move within and along the channel 56 of the horizontally oriented"I"beam. In this configuration, the lower body 62 of the upper skate 60 utilizes a plurality of rollers 74 which allow the skate to roll along the lower surface of the channel 56 of the factory skate beam 94 or runner beam 40, it being understood that a wide variety of different mechanisms can be utilized for this purpose, including wheels or casters. In an alternative embodiment of the lower body 62 of the upper skate 60, a smooth lubricated load bearing contact surface is presented on the underside of the lower body of the upper skate, the contact surface shaped to rest within the channel 56 presented by the horizontal"I"beam. In this embodiment, both the contact surface and the lower and side surfaces of the channel 56 may also be lubricated with Teflon, graphite or a similar lubricant to ensure the smooth travel on the skate along the factory skate beam 94 (and thereafter the runner beam 40).

In the preferred embodiment, a"T"shaped lower body 78 to the upper skate is utilized as illustrated in Figure 22, the lower end 80 of the"T"being capable of being positioned between the two"I" beams as illustrated in Figure 19A, 19B and 19C, and the underside 82 of the upper part of the"T" resting upon the upper flanges 48 of the"I"beams as illustrated in Figures 19B and 19C. In this embodiment, the upper surfaces of the"I"beams 48 are coated with Teflon, graphite or similar lubricant to allow the skate to move freely along the upper surface 48 of the factory skate beam 94 (and thereafter the runner beam 40). Likewise, the surfaces of the"T"shaped lower body of the upper skate may be lubricated to facilitate movement of the upper skate relative to the factory skate beam 94 (and thereafter the runner beam 40). Furthermore, in one embodiment, the lower bodies of the upper skates, may be fitted with hydraulic jacks 110 as illustrated in Figures 32 and 33 to push against spaced teeth 108 positioned within the factory skate beam 94 (and thereafter the runner beam 40), the hydraulic j acks 110 being used to ratchet and propel the upper skates (and house) in the desired direction along the factory skate beam (and thereafter the runner beam) as the hydraulic jacks 110 are extended and contracted in a step-wise manner. It is understood that persons skilled in the art will understand the various devices and methods available to propel the house 2 in the desired direction along the factory skate beam 94 (and thereafter the runner beam 40), examples of which are more fully described herein.

It is understood that the upper skates 60 may be any one of many readily available devices known to any person skilled in the art and may make use of wheels, rollers, bearings or other well-known means to enable the skates 60 to move freely along the factory skate beam (and thereafter the runner beam as referred to herein).

It is understood that in each configuration, the lower body 62 of the upper skate 60 allows the upper skate 60 to move readily in both directions along the factory skate beam (and thereafter the runner beam), and that the lower body 62 of the upper skate 60, in cooperation with the factory skate beam (and thereafter the runner beam), eliminates or substantially eliminates lateral movement of the upper skate relative to the factory skate beam (and thereafter the runner beam).

As illustrated in Figures 20A, 20B, 21A, 21B, 22A, and 22B, the upper body 64 of the upper skate 60 is adapted to allow the carrier beams 4 referred to herein to move in either direction relative to the upper skate 60, the upper body 64 of the upper skates 60 being able to rotate in either direction relative to the lower body 62 of the upper skates 60 about a substantially vertical axis. The rotation of the upper body 64 of the upper skate 60 relative to the lower body 62 of the upper skate 60 can be achieved in many alternative and conventional manners, including a substantially vertically aligned axle or bolt 6 ; wAs illustrated in Figure 20B, 21B, and 22A, the upper skates 60 may alternatively incorporate a ball and socket or similar device 68 to provide for the rotation of the upper body 64 relative to the lower body 62, as well as to permit the upper body 64 to tilt relative to the lower body 62. In one embodiment, the upper skates 60 are also height adjustable by means of a substantially vertical hydraulic jack 70 positioned between the lower body 62 and the upper body 64 of the six way upper skate 60 as illustrated in Figures 20B, 21 B and 22A. This embodiment permits each of the upper skates 60 to be independently positioned and loaded. In one embodiment, the hydraulic jack 70 may be incorporated into its pivoting and tilting mechanism such as a ball and socket or similar device 68.

The upper body 64 of the upper skate 60 is adapted to support and to permit limited movement of a carrier beam 4. In one embodiment illustrated in Figures 21A and 21B, the upper body 64 of the upper s kate 6 0 i s g enerally"U"shaped 84, t he c arrier b earn 4 b eing s upported o n r ollers 8 6 positioned within the"U"84. In another embodiment, a smooth lubricated load bearing contact surface is presented on the upper side of the upper skate, the contact surface being in contact with the lower flange of the carrier beam 4, which may also be lubricated with Teflon, graphite or a similar lubricant to ensure the smooth travel of the carrier beam 4 relative to the upper skate 60. In another embodiment illustrated in Figures 20A, 20B, 22A and 22B, the upper body 64 of the upper skate 60 has lips 88 to engage above the lower flange 92 of the carrier beam 4.

An illustration of a cross-section of one embodiment of a typical upper skate 60 loaded with a carrier beam 4, and resting upon a runner beam 40 and lower skate 30, is shown in Figure 30.

An illustration of a cross-section of another embodiment of a typical upper skate 60 having a T shaped lower body 62, the upper skate being loaded with a carrier beam 4, and resting upon a runner beam 40 and lower skate 30, is shown in Figure 31.

In another embodiment as illustrated in Figures 35A, 35B and 35C, rather than utilizing upper skates, a skid shoe 121 is utilized, having an inverted"U"shaped cross-section, the arms 122 of the inverted"U"extending downwardly past the upper flanges of the factory skate beams 94 (and/or runner beams), the skid shoes 121 presenting an upper surface 126 upon which the carrier beams 4 are positioned and supported, and a lower surface 124 which may slide along the upper surface of the factory skate beam (and/or runner beam), a suitable lubricant swh as graphite or a similar lubricant known to persons skilled in the art is preferably used between the upper surface of the factory skate beam 94 (and/or runner beam) and the skid shoe's lower surface 124. The carrier beams resting on the upper surface may pivot in relation to the upper surface when sufficient force is applied to house or carrier beams for this purpose. The skid shoes are typically greater than 3 feet in length, and may be connected to one or more skid shoes, as required. The skid shoe 121 may be moved utilizing hydraulic jacks 110 being used to ratchet and propel the skid shoe (and house) in the desired direction along the factory skate beam (and thereafter the runner beam) as the hydraulic jacks 110 are extended and contracted in a step-wise manner. It is understood that persons skilled in the art will understand the various devices and methods available to propel the house 2 in the desired direction along the factory skate beam 94 (and thereafter the runner beam 40).

As illustrated in Figures 26, 27A and 27B, when the house 2 is to be transferred from the factory 1 to the transporter 8, the transporter 8 moves into position at the factory loading area 5, the trailer unit 12 being positioned to align or substantially align the runner beams 40 with the factory skate beams 94. In the preferred embodiment, the runner beams 40 extend over both sides of the trailer unit 12, the trailer unit 12 being raised a short distance (by raising the hydraulic jacks 26) to allow the runner beams 40 to move freely above the floor in the factory loading area 5 during the process of aligning the runner beams 40 with the factory skate beams 94.

To align or substantially align the runner beams 40 with the factory skate beams 94, the trailer unit 12 may readily be moved through a wide range of directions, and may be pivoted as illustrated in Figures 12,13, 14, and 15, and tilted, or raised or lowered, the dollies 22 of the trailer unit 12 providing increased flexibility in positioning the trailer unit 12 and runner beams 40 relative to the factory skate beams 94.

Referring to Figures 26, 27A, 27B, and 27C the trailer unit 12 of the transporter 8 carrying the runner beams 40 brings the runner beams 40 into alignment or substantial alignment with the factory skate beams 94. If necessary, more precise alignment may be achieved by moving the runner beams 40 a short distance relative to the trailer unit 12 by utilizing a winch, chain, crowbar or similar device known to a person skilled in the art, the lower skates facilitating such alignment process by allowing the runner beams to mWe readily relative to the trailer unit 12.

In the preferred embodiment, as illustrated in Figure 27C once the runner beams 40 have been positioned in precise alignment with the factory skate beams 94, the runner beams 40 are lowered onto the floor in the factory loading area 5 by lowering the previously raised trailer unit 12 a short distance, the runner beams 40 then being securely engaged with the factory skate beams 94 with the upper surfaces of the runner beams 40 aligned with the upper surfaces of the factory skate beams 94, and the lower surfaces of the runner beams resting on the floor in the factory loading area 5, the connected factory skate beams 94 and runner beams 40 presenting a stable level support surface for the subsequent movement of the house 2 from the factory skate beams 94 to the runner beams 40 as more fully described herein.

The connection between the factory skate beams 94 and the runner beams 40 can take on different configurations, it being understood that the factory skate beams 94 and runner beams 40 will be disconnected from one another prior to the trailer unit 12, loaded with the house 2 being moved away from the factory loading area 5. Conveniently, in one embodiment as illustrated in Figure 25A, connector plates 113 are welded 58 to the corresponding end of each of the factory skate beams 94 and runner beams 40 respectively, through which connector plates 113 corresponding holes 100 are cut or drilled, and which allow for temporary connection between the factory skate beams and the runner beams by means of bolts 98 and nuts 96 as illustrated in Figure 25, it being understood that suitable connection techniques would be known to persons skilled in the art. In one embodiment when a lower body of an upper skate of the type illustrated in Figures 20A and 20B is used, a cut 112 is inserted into both connector plates 113 to permit the lips 72 of the lower body of the upper skate to pass the connector plates 113 without interference. In the preferred embodiment illustrated in Figures 25B and 25C, to connect the factory skate beam 94 to the runner beam 40, when the factory skate beams is aligned with and abutting the runner beam, a bolt 118 passes through holes in the runner beam 40 and through the holes 116 in the connector bars 114, the bolt 118 thereafter having a nut 120 threaded thereto thereby securely engaging the runner beam to the factory skate beam.

Referring to Figures 28, 29A and 29B, the movement of the house 2 from its location within the factory resting on the fRory skate beams 94 to a position on the runner'Seams 40, and thereafter to a position on the trailer unit 12, may be conveniently achieved by pushing or pulling the house 2 with a suitable motorized vehicle 90, such as a truck or tractor, or other vehicle known to persons skilled in the art, or by pulling it with a chain, winch or similar device known to persons skilled in the art, it being understood that the points of contact between the pushing and/or pulling equipment must be chosen or suitably prepared to minimize the risk of damage to the house 2 during such movement, it also being understood that braking or stopping devices will be utilized to ensure safety and to minimize the risk of damage during the movement of the house 2. In this manner, the house 2 may be moved, by way of the upper skates, from the factory skate beams 94 within the factory, to the runner beams 40, and thereafter positioned on the trailer unit 12. Alternatively, as previously described, the use of hydraulic jacks 110 positioned within the factory skate beams 94 and runner beams 40 may be used to move the house 2 along the factory skate beams 94 and runner beams 40.

In the event that the house 2 requires angular adjustment relative to the trailer unit 12 before being positioned on the trailer unit, the six way upper skates 60 permit such angular adjustment, the house 2 (and carrier beams 4) being rotatable relative to the factory skate beams 94 and runner beams 40, as the carrier beams 4 are capable of, by way of the upper skates 60, moving and pivoting freely relative to the factory skate beams 94 (and/or runner beams), thereby allowing the house 2 to be precisely positioned, rotated and aligned relative to the trailer unit 12. Chains, winches, bars and other equipment known to persons skilled in the art maybe used to precisely position and rotate the house 2 relative to the trailer unit 12.

Once the house 2 has been transferred to the trailer unit 12, and securely positioned thereon and chained or otherwise effectively secured to the trailer unit, the runner beams 40 may be disconnected from the factory skate beams 94, the trailer unit 12 may be raised a short distance until the runner beams 40 are clear of the floor in the factory loading area 5, as illustrated in Figure 29B, allowing the trailer unit 12 to freely transport the house 2 to its destination as illustrated in Figures 34 and 11 an 12.

In an alternative embodiment, a significant volumetric segment, section or portion of a house can be transferred from a factory to a transporter utilizing the method of the present invention, which significant volumetric XFgment, section or portion of a house can theremer be combined with one or more other similarly constructed significant volumetric segments, sections or portions of a house at the installation location to fonn a complete or substantially complete house, the segments, sections or portions each representing a significant volumetric aspect of the completed house, and typically greater than 10% of the volume of the completed house.

It is also understood that the method of the present invention may be utilized when constructing dwellings in various formats, including, for example, whole or substantial parts of duplexes, triplexes, townhouses, row houses, semi-detached houses and single detached homes.

The present invention has been described herein with regard to preferred embodiments. However, it will be obvious to persons skilled in the art that a number of variations and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as described herein.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The invention provides a an improved device and process for transferring a house from a factory or other location to a transporter, without requiring the house to be raised or lowered in the process, while permitting rotational flexibility of the house, to thereby facilitate the alignment of the house relative to the transporter. Advantageously, the present invention allows the house to be in close proximity to the factory floor during the transfer of the house to the transporter permitting taller houses to be manufactured in an enclosed factory, and permits increased flexibility in the movement of the house as it is transferred to the transporter, the house being movable through a wide range of positions prior to and during the loading of the house onto the transporter.