DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART The manufacturing of completed or partially completed houses within a factory (referred to herein as a"house"or"houses"), for subsequent transport to the installation location of the house, for example in a subdivision, is well-lçnown. During this manufacturing process, it may be necessary to support and move the house, for example, through the factory during fabrication, and then to a transporter, for subsequent transportation to and installation upon a housing foundation.

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 ao 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, the flatbed of the delivery truck being positioned directly adjacent to the manufacturing flatbed, allowing the house to be rolled from the manufacturing flatbed, to the delivery truck, for subsequent installation on a foundation. The process in Biffis et al utilizes a rectangular metal frame 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 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 the transfer of the house from the manufacturing flatbed to the delivery flatbed truck.

In addition, the previous efforts to move a house from a transporter to a foundation, and to align the house relative to its foundation prior to it being lowered onto the foundation has previously required the utilization of expensive and difficult-to-use lifting equipment, such as cranes, which additionally require significant site preparation to receive and position the crane for proper use. For example, Biffis et al discloses one such transferring process, and the use of a mobile crane at the foundation site to remove the house from the truck trailer or transporter onto the foundation. The use of a mobile crane in the manner described in Biffis et al requires the mobile crane to be available for each move, which crane must be positioned in a location having access to both the transporter and the foundation, which may not be readily achieved in all circumstances, particularly in subdivisions where the foundations are not close to the road, or where there are obstacles to locating the crane is such a position, and further requires an elaborate lifting frame, cables, straps and attachment elements to secure the house during the lifting, placement and lowering processes.

United States Patent Number 4,187, 659 (Blachura) also discloses the use of a mobile crane at the foundation site to remove a house from the truck trailer or transporter onto the foundation, and the use of lifting rods which extend through the walls of the house to engage beams located beneath the house. The rods extend through the roof of the house, being attached to a rigid rectangular frame harness located above the house, from which cables or chains extend for lifting by the mobile crane. However, through use of such a process difficulties may arise with respect to the transfer of the house from the transporter to the foundation, such difficulties being compounded by such factors as the weight, center of gravity and dimensions of the house, and the levelness and stability of the surface around the foundation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The object of the present invention is to provide an improved device and system for the transfer and delivery of a house from the factory in which the house was built to a transporter for transport and subsequent precise placement on the foundation or location upon which the house is to be installed.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved, efficient and safe device and system for the support and movement of carrier beams supporting a house or building from one location to another location along skate beams.

It is a still further object of the present invention to provide an improved device and system for the transfer and delivery of a house or building along skate beams which is durable, and efficient, and which can safely withstand the working conditions normally prevalent in a factory environment.

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system for the transfer of a house from a factory or other location to a transporter for subsequent delivery to and placement upon a house foundation, comprising supporting means for supporting the house, the supporting means being engageable with the house; at least two skate beams which are capable of spanning a foundation of the house ; skate means having an upper and lower surface, the lower surface being adapted to move along a length of the skate beams, and the upper surface being adapted to receive and securely support the supporting means and the house; aligning and securing runner beams to the skate beams ; movement means adapted for connection to the skate means, whereby the skate means and the house can be transferred along the skate beams and the runner beams by use of the movement means to a transporter ; and transporting the skate means and the supporting means carrying the house to the house foundation; characterized in that at least two runner beams are 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, each of which two runner beams are detachably securable to a corresponding skate beam, whereby the runner beams are re-connected with and secured to the skate beams after the house has been transported to the house foundation, the house thereafter being repositioned from the transporter 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 above and in alignment with the house foundation.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system for the transfer of a house from a factory or other location to a transporter for subsequent delivery to and placement upon a house foundation, comprising supporting means for supporting the house, the supporting means being engageable with the house; at least two skate beams which are capable of spanning a foundation of the house ; skate means having an upper and lower surface, the lower surface being adapted to move along a length of the 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 and securing runner beams to the skate beams; moving the skate means and the house along the skate beams to the runner beams until the house is positioned and secured on a transporter; disconnecting the runner beams from the skate beams; transporting the skate means and the supporting means carrying the house to the house foundation; lifting means adapted to releasably engage the supporting means and to lift and lower the house; and installing skate beams across the house foundation, the skate beams being supported within the house foundation; characterized in that at least two runner beams are 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 which two runner beams are detachably securable to a corresponding skate beam, whereby the runner beams are re-connected with and secured to the skate beams after the house has been lifted by the lifting means, the house thereafter being repositioned from the transporter 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 above and in alignment with the house foundation.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system for the transfer of a house from a factory or other location to a transporter for subsequent delivery to and placement upon a house foundation, comprising a beam assembly engageable with the transporter for supporting the carrier beams upon which the house rests; the beam assembly spanning a foundation of the house; a means for raising and supporting the beam assembly supporting the carrier beams and the house upwardly away from engagement with the transporter, whereby the transporter can be removed; transferring the carrier beams supporting the house along the beam assembly to a position above and in alignment with the house foundation; providing at least three hydraulic jacks at the house foundation, each of the at least three hydraulic jacks being releasably engageable with the carrier beams supporting the house; extending the at least three hydraulic jacks to engage and raise the carrier beams supporting the house upwardly away from the beam assembly; removing the beam assembly; and contracting the at least three hydraulic jacks to lower the carrier beams supporting the house onto the house foundation.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system for the transfer of a house from a factory or other location to a transporter for subsequent delivery to and placement upon a house foundation, comprising supporting means for supporting the house, the supporting means being engageable with the house; at least two skate beams which are capable of spanning a foundation of the house; skate means having an upper and lower surface, the lower surface being adapted to move along a length of the skate beams, and the upper surface being adapted to receive and securely support the supporting means and the house; aligning and securing runner beams to the skate beams, characterized in that at least two runner beams are 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, each of which two runner beams are detachably securable to a corresponding skate beam; movement means adapted for connection to the skate means, whereby the skate means and the house can be transferred along the skate beams and the runner beams by use of the movement means to the transporter; transporting the skate means and the supporting means carrying the house to the house foundation; a means for raising and supporting the supporting means and the house upwardly away from engagement with the transporter, whereby the transporter can be removed; transferring the supporting means supporting the house along the skate beams and the runner beams to a position above and in alignment with the house foundation; providing at least three hydraulic jacks at the house foundation, each of the at least three hydraulic jacks being releasably engageable with the supporting means supporting the house; extending the at least three hydraulic jacks to engage and raise the supporting means supporting the house upwardly away from the beam assembly; removing the skate beams and the runner beams; and contracting the at least three hydraulic jacks to lower the supporting means supporting the house onto the house foundation.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a device for use in a system for the support and movement of carrier beams supporting a house along a skate beam from one location to another location, comprising a means for supporting the carrier beams carrying the house; a body member having an upper and lower surface, the upper surface being adapted to receive and securely support the means for supporting the carrier beams carrying the house, and the lower surface being adapted to contact and move the device along a length of the skate beam with a minimum of lateral movement.

According to a still further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a device for use in a system for the support and movement of carrier beams supporting a house, which in response to a movement force transfers the house along a skate beam from one location to another location, comprising a structure having front and rear ends and side edges, the structure supporting the carrier beams carrying the house on an upper surface thereof; at least two runners connected to the side edges of the structure, each of the runners having front and rear ends, the runners being adapted to contact and move the structure supporting the carrier beams carrying the house along a length of the skate beam in response to the movement force, with a minimum of lateral movement.

The advantage of the present invention is that it provides an improved device and system which can be used to simplify the support and movement of houses through a factory during fabrication to a transporter, and thereafter assist in the transportation and placement of the prefabricated building unit onto its building site. Furthermore, the present invention advantageously provides for an improved device and system which is highly durable and efficient while in operation under working conditions normally prevalent in a factory environment.

A further advantage of the present invention is that it eliminates the need to utilize a crane or similar device to lift, move and align the house when it is being transferred from the transporter to the foundation and the associated difficulties in positioning and operating a crane or similar lifting device, and which can reduce the amount of on-site labor and time required to transfer the house from the transporter to a precise position above and in alignment with the foundation.

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 the factory are to be installed; Figure 2 illustrates a house positioned upon carrier beams which are supported by factory skate beams ; Figure 3 illustrates a cross-section of an embodiment of a carrier beam ; Figure 4 illustrates a cross-section of an embodiment of a factory skate beam in the form of a double"I"beam; Figure 5 illustrates an embodiment of a skate, upon which carrier beams supporting the house are placed ; Figure 5A illustrates an embodiment of how a plurality of skates are connected together to form a train, upon which the carrier beams supporting the house are positioned, which can then transport the house along the factory beams and subsequently the runner beams and skate beams ; Figure 6 illustrates an embodiment of a portion of one end of a factory skate beam ; Figure 7 illustrates an embodiment of a hydraulic jack in operation to move the skate relative to the track segment member positioned on the skate beam; Figure 8A illustrates a top perspective view of an embodiment of the hydraulic jack illustrated in Figure 7 ; Figure 8B illustrates a side view of an embodiment of a hydraulic jack illustrated in Figure 7 ; Figure 8C illustrates an expanded side view of the embodiment of the hydraulic jack illustrated in Figure 8B ; Figure 9A illustrates a preferred embodiment of a self-propelled transporter, having a flat load bearing platform; Figure 9B illustrates an embodiment of a transporter, including a tractor and trailer unit; Figure 10 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a transporter, including a tractor and trailer unit, the trailer unit having a flat load bearing platform; Figures 11A, 1 1B, 11 C, 11D and 1 lE illustrate an embodiment of front and rear dollies which may be used for supporting and transporting the transporter, and a hydraulic jack which may be integrated into and form part of the dollies; Figures 12A, 12B, 12C and 12D illustrate a trailer unit and various degrees of movement of the trailer unit in the horizontal plane; Figure 13 illustrates an embodiment of a transporter skate; Figure 14 illustrates an embodiment of a transporter, including the tractor and trailer unit with transporter skates positioned on the outer beams of the trailer unit; Figure 15 illustrates an embodiment of a transporter, the trailer unit having a flat metal load bearing platform with transporter skates positioned on the trailer unit; Figure 16 illustrates an embodiment of a transporter skate attached to one embodiment of a runner beam; Figure 17 illustrates an embodiment of the connection of one factory skate beam to another factory skate beam, and which illustrates the pin used to secure the factory skate beams together; Figure 18 is a drawing of the completed connection of one factory skate beam to another factory skate beam, as illustrated in Figure 17; Figure 19 illustrates an embodiment of the movement of the house onto one embodiment of a transporter; Figure 20 illustrates a further embodiment of the movement of the house onto one embodiment of a transporter, characterized in that the runner beams are, through movement of the transporter, being positioned into alignment with the factory skate beams; Figure 21 illustrates an embodiment of the movement of the house onto one embodiment of the transporter; Figure 22 illustrates an embodiment of the movement of the house onto one embodiment of the transporter; Figure 23 is a drawing of an embodiment of a runner beam in the form of four upright "I"beams which is to be securely attached to a double"I"beam factory skate beam, including the pins and metal plate used to secure the runner beam and the factory skate beam in alignment together; Figure 24 is a drawing of an embodiment of the connection of a runner beam in the form of four upright"I"beams to a double"I"beam"I"factory skate beam, as illustrated in Figure 23, and which illustrates the pins and metal plate as used to secure the runner beam and the factory skate beam together; Figure 25 is a further drawing of the embodiment of the connection of a runner beam to a factory skate beam as illustrated in Figure 24; Figure 26 illustrates a cross-section of an embodiment of a runner beam in the form of an"I"beam; Figure 27 illustrates a cross-section of an embodiment of a runner beam (or factory skate beam) in the form of a double"I"beam; Figure 28 illustrates a cross-section of an embodiment of a runner beam in the form of an upright"I"beam upon which is securely positioned a horizontally oriented"I"factory skate beam; Figure 29 is a cross section view of the embodiment of the runner beam illustrated in Figure 23; Figures 30,31 & 32 illustrate alternative embodiments of connections between the runner beams and the factory skate beams; Figure 33 illustrates an embodiment of the foundation, with skate beams positioned across the foundation, and supported by skate beam supports, with hydraulic jacks positioned on the basement floor of the foundation; Figure 34 is a drawing of an embodiment of a hydraulic jack positioned on an underside of the runner beam positioned on the transporter, characterized in that the hydraulic j ack depending therefrom is operably able to raise and/or lower the runner beam supporting the carrier beams underneath the house from the transporter; Figure 35 illustrates an embodiment of the carrier beams of the present invention supporting a house; Figure 36 is a drawing of one piece of the single piece carrier beam when the house is being installed onto a foundation; Figure SPA is a view of one embodiment of a multi-part carrier beam in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 37B is an exploded view of the components of an embodiment of a multi-part carrier beam; Figure 38A is a drawing of the multi-part bevelled carrier beam; Figure 38B is an exploded view of an embodiment of the connection between carrier beam segments; Figure 39 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a carrier beam installed in a home positioned above the foundation; Figure 40 is a perspective view of an end of the embodiment of the multi-part carrier beam shown in Figure 39; Figure 41 is a cross-section view of an embodiment of the two-part carrier beam installed in a home resting on the foundation; Figure 42 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a carrier beam, featuring a bevelled end; Figure 43 is an end view of the bevelled end of a further embodiment of a carrier beam in the lowered position; Figure 44 is a three-quarter view of the further embodiment of the carrier beam of Figure 43; Figure 45 is a side view of the bevelled end of the multi-part carrier beam illustrated in Figures 43 and 44, in the lowered position; Figure 46 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a factory skate beam in the form of a double"I"beam; Figure 47 illustrates an embodiment of the loaded transporter unit aligning the house relative to the foundation prior to unloading the house onto the foundation; Figure 48 illustrates an embodiment of a loaded transport unit positioned adjacent the foundation, and the subsequent alignment of the runner beams to the skate beams, respectively; Figure 49 illustrates an embodiment of the transport unit positioned adjacent the foundation, with the runner beams in alignment with the skate beams, the skate beams being supported by supports; and Figure 50 illustrates the final alignment of the house relative to the foundation, prior to it being lowered onto the foundation.

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 3 may beneficially allow for the manufacture of complete or substantially complete houses within a factory for subsequent delivery of the house to the subdivision 3, with reduced or entirely eliminated likelihood of interference during the delivery of the house from the factory 1 to its foundation 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 2, a house 2 is illustrated, ready for transportation from the factory 1, the house 2 resting upon parallel or substantially parallel carrier beams 4. 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, footing or like support (any of which may be hereinafter referred to as the "foundation"). The carrier beams 4 are then positioned on two or more factory skate beams 94.

Skates 7 (as more fully described herein) are then positioned on the factory skate beams 94, the skates 7 being adapted to support the underside of the carrier beams 4. 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 are integrated into and form part of the house 2. In a still further embodiment, the house is resting upon and supported by the carrier beams.

Referring to Figure 3, in a preferred embodiment, the carrier beams 4 are upright"I" beams having an upper flange 91 and a lower flange 92 as illustrated in Figure 3, 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 the house manufacturing process. It is preferred to have the carrier beams 4 aligned substantially perpendicular to the skate beams 94, and it is preferred, when designing a house 2, to have the joists of the house aligned substantially perpendicularly to the carrier beams 4, to the extent this is possible, for improved weight distribution of the house 2.

The carrier beams 4 are positioned in spaced relation to one another, the spacing between the carrier beams being determined by the loading and structural characteristics of the house 2, and the required support of the house 2 at any location.

With reference again to Figure 2, the factory skate beams 94 permit the house 2, resting upon parallel or substantially parallel carrier beams 4, 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 the factory), which in the preferred embodiment is a concrete pad or asphalt that is adapted to receive the factory skate beams 94 and the house 2, and to receive the runner beams 40 from a transporter 8, as more fully described herein. A cross-section of an embodiment of the factory skate beams 94 is illustrated in Figure 46, which comprises double upright"I"beams 42, and having upper flanges 52 which are welded to an underside of a track segment member 13 positioned thereon, and lower flanges 54. In another embodiment, the factory skate beams 94 are double upright"I"beams 42, a cross-section of which is illustrated in Figure 4, the upper flanges 52 of the"I"beams being welded 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 the preferred embodiment, and with reference to Figure 5, the skates 7 of the present invention comprise an elongated, generally flat shape, resembling a skid, having an inverted"U" shaped cross-section. In a preferred embodiment, the outer side edges of the skate 9,11, which provide the inverted"U"shape, extend downwardly to each respectively reside on or above parallel track beds 15, 17 on a track segment member 13, which is positioned upon the factory skate beam 94, as illustrated in Figure 6. A cross-sectional view of the track segment member 13 being positioned upon the factory skate beam 94 is also illustrated in Figure 46. Although any plurality of track beds may be utilized, preferably a pair of parallel track beds 15,17 are provided on the track segment member 13 to support the rails 73,75 which run the entire length of the track segment member 13. The track segment member 13 further comprises a plurality of spaced apertures 19 along the length of the track segment member 13. The two rails 73,75 are in spaced relation to one another, as can be seen by referencing Figure 46. With reference to Figure 46, each of the lower side edges of the skate 9,11 will respectively reside on or above parallel track beds 15, 17, characterized in that each of the outer side edges 9, 11 of the skate are positioned such that each will reside inside outer edges 68,69 of the track segment member, but, at the same time, outside of the rails 73,75. And, by virtue of the outer side edges of the skate 9, 11 running in close proximity to and outside of and along parallel rails 73,75 lateral movement of the skate relative to the factory skate beams 94, and the runner beams 40, is inhibited.

Preferably, the track segment member 13 is welded to an upper surface of the factory skate beams 94, as can be seen with reference to Figure 46, though it is also conceivable that bolts or clamps, or other embodiments which would be known to persons skilled in the art, could be used to secure the track segment member 13 to the factory skate beams 94, and runner beams 40, and skate beams.

With reference to Figures 7,8A, 8B & 8C, preferably, the skate 7 may be moved along the length of the factory beam by utilizing a hydraulic jack 19 to ratchet and propel the skate 7 (and the house 2) in the desired direction along the factory skate beam 94 (and thereafter the runner beams) to the transporter 8, as the hydraulic jack 19 is extended and contracted in a step- wise manner. In a preferred embodiment, one end of the hydraulic jack 19 is connected, via a pivot pin 21, to a slotted receiving member 23, which operably receives and engages an end portion of the skate 7 which is placed therein. An opposed end of the hydraulic jack 19 is pivotally connected, by a second pivot pin 25, to a shoe portion 27. The shoe portion 27 possesses, on an underside thereof, a hooked portion 28 (which can be seen by referencing Figures 8B & 8C), which is designed for placement within apertures 19 spaced along a length of the track segment member 13. In the preferred embodiment, an operator can alternately extend and contract the hydraulic jack 19 which is supplied hydraulic fluid through hoses attached at couplings 29 and 31 to manoeuver the hydraulic jack 19 (and thus the skate 7) along the factory skate beam 94 (and subsequently the runner beams and skate beams). Alternatively, in a further embodiment, the hydraulic jacks 19 can be configured so as to be operational (extended and contracted) automatically. As the hydraulic jack 19 is extended and contracted in a step-wise manner, the shoe portion 27 moves the skate 7 (and the house 2) incrementally further along the track segment member 13 positioned on the factory beam 94. When the hydraulic jack 19 is contracted, the shoe portion 27 pivots upwardly about the first pivot pin 21, to release engagement of the shoe portion 27 with the aperture 19, the shoe portion 27 re- engaging another aperture when the hydraulic jack 19 is in a contracted position, the repeated extension and retraction pushing the skate along the factory skate beam 94 (and subsequently the runner beams 40 and skate beams). In this manner, as this process is repeated, the skate 7 (and the house 2) may be moved along the length of the factory skate beam 94, and subsequently the runner beams 40 and skate beams.

Further, through connection to the hydraulic jack 19 by pivot pin 21, the slotted receiving member 23 can be removed from the jack 19, should repair or replacement be necessary, or to assist in the removal of the hydraulic jack 19 from engagement with the track segment member 13. In a similar manner, the second pivot pin 25 can also be removed to permit the shoe portion 27 to be removed, or replaced, from connection to the hydraulic jack 19. It is understood that persons skilled in the art will understand the various other methods and devices (such as a vehicle or winching structures) available to propel the skate, and the house, in the desired direction along the factory skate beam 94 or runner beams 40. It is also possible that a suitable lubricant such as graphite, silicon, or a similar lubricant known to persons skilled in the art can be used between the upper surface of the rails 73,75 of the track segment member 13, to facilitate easier movement of the skate 7 (and the house 2) along the factory skate beam 94, and thereafter the runner beam 40 and skate beam.

Preferably, an entire length of each of the outer side edges of the skate 9,11 resides above and within the track beds 15,17 of the track segment member 13 (and outside of rails 73,75), though it should be noted that other configurations of arranging and positioning the skate 7 in relation to the track beds 15,17 are possible.

In the preferred embodiment described above, and with reference to Figure 5, the skate 7 thus presents an upper surface 31 upon which the carrier beams 4 are positioned and supported, and a substantially flat lower surface (not shown) which may slide along the rails 73,75 of the track segment member 13 along the upper surface of the factory skate beam 94 and/or any runner beams which may be attached to the factory skate beams to move the house onto or off of, for example, a transport vehicle.

The skate 7 of the present invention is typically greater than 3 feet in length, and, in a further embodiment of the present invention, as illustrated in Figure 5A, a plurality of skates can be connected together to form a train, upon which the carrier beams 4 supporting the house are positioned, which can then transport the house 2 along the factory beams 94 and subsequently the runner beams 40 and skate beams. Such an assemblage of skates can, if necessary or desired, provide greater stability to the load being transferred by providing a direct linkage between the skates, such that, when a skate at one end of the train is pushed, for example, by a hydraulic j ack such as the one illustrated in Figures 18A and 18B, the skate being pushed by the hydraulic jack in turn pushes the other skate or skates in the train, thereby driving each of the skates in the train, in a synchronized manner, thereby uniformly moving the carrier beams and the house in the desired direction. In the preferred embodiment, the opposed ends of each skate 7 will each further comprise an elongated rod portion 33 and a tubular receiving member 35, each of which are integrally connected to a respective, and opposite, outer side edge of the skate. In a further embodiment, a singular tubular receiving member 3 5 can be connected to one end of the skate and the other end of the skate 7 can feature a singular elongated rod 33, whereby it is possible to connect a plurality of skates together. It is also not entirely necessary that the rod 33 and tubular receiving members 35 be integrally connected to the skate itself, rather, various other configurations are possible, which may include, for example, the rod 33 and tubular receiving members 35 being hingedly connected to the skate. In a preferred embodiment, however, each end of the skate will feature a tubular receiving member. 35 and an elongated rod 33 on each opposed side edge. Thus, when it is desired to connect a plurality of skates together, an elongated rod of one skate can be inserted into a corresponding tubular receiving member of another skate, as can be seen by referencing Figure 5A.

It is important to note that, preferably, the receiving end of the tubular receiving member 35 will not extend beyond an end of the skate, but will rather remain flush with it, while the elongated rod portion 33 will, conversely, extend beyond a length of the end portion of the skate. Through such an arrangement, once the rod 33 of one skate 7 is inserted into the tubular member 35 of another skate to be connected, much of the elongated length of the rod 33, once inserted into its corresponding tubular member (and the ends of each skate are pushed together), will reside within the tubular receiving member 3 5 of the other skate. This provides a secure and strong attachment in joining together a plurality of skates, as lateral movement of the skates, in relation to each other, is greatly hindered by virtue of a substantial length of the elongated rod 33 of one skate being received within a substantial length of the tubular receiving member 35 of another skate. In addition, by virtue of the edges 9,11 of the skate 7 residing outside of but not proximate to rails 73,75, lateral movement of the skate 7 relative to the factory skate beam 94 (and thereafter the runner beams 40 and skate beams) is further inhibited or substantially eliminated.

Additionally, in a further embodiment of the present invention, the skate 7 will have integrally formed handles 37 on each opposed side edge of the skate 7, whereby the handles 37 of the skate 7 facilitate easier removal and placement of the skate 7. Preferably, such handles 37, as shown in Figure 5, will be positioned rearwardly of the elongated rod 33 and tubular receiving member 35 of the skate 7, but other configurations are possible.

With reference to Figure 9A, the preferred embodiment of the transporter 8 of the present invention is a self-propelled unit having a platform 20 capable of supporting a house 2 loaded thereon, and its carrier beams 4 and the runner beams, as more fully described herein, and which moves the house 2 from one location to another. In operation, the driver of the transporter 8 will sit within operational cab 15. A further embodiment of the transporter 8 of the present invention, as illustrated in Figure 9B, 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, upon which the house will be installed. In this particular 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 a person skilled in the art.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 9B, 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 10, the frame 14 of the trailer unit 12 securely supports a platform 20 capable of supporting a loaded house 2, and its carrier beams 4 and the runner beams as more fully described herein, the platform 20 being supported from beneath by the frame 14 of the trailer unit 12. In one embodiment, the platform 20 is comprised of sheet steel having a thickness of between 1/2inch and 1 inch.

The platform 20 of the transporter 8 (in the preferred embodiment) and the frame 14 of the trailer unit 12 (in the alternate embodiment illustrated in Figure 9B), are securely supported by dollies 22 or wheels an embodiment of which is illustrated in Figures 1 lA, 11B, 11C, 11D and HE, which permit the trailer unit 12, the runner beams and the loaded house 2 to be transported and readily positioned as described herein. As illustrated in Figures 1 lA, 11B, 11 C, I I D and 1 lE, the dollies 22 or wheels may be attached to the underside of the transporter or trailer unit 12 or frame 14 by a plate 24 bolted to the underside of the transporter or trailer unit 12 (in the embodiment illustrated in Figure 9B). The dollies 22 may pivot in relation to the transporter or trailer unit 12 about a substantially vertical axis, by means of a ball and socket or similar arrangement 28 allowing the trailer unit 12, illustrated in Figure 9B,, to be moved forward and backward, from side to side, and diagonally, and to pivot clockwise or counterclockwise, as generally shown in Figures 12A, 12B, 12C and 12D. It should be noted that the pivoting ability of the dollies 22 will similarly allow the platform 20 of the preferred embodiment of the transporter 8 noted in Figure 9A, to be moved forward and backward, from side to side, and diagonally, and to pivot clockwise or counterclockwise.

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. 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 one or more axles, and as many wheels and tires as are required to support the trailer unit 12 loaded with a house. 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 I 1 A, I I B, 11 C, 11 D and 1 I E, in one embodiment, each of the dollies 22 has a hydraulic jack 26 positioned on or engaged with the dolly 22 for raising and lowering, or re-aligning or leveling the frame 14 of the trailer unit 12, or platform 20. When each of the hydraulic jacks 26 is raised or lowered the same distance, the elevation of the frame 14 and house 2 (or platform 20) are 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 j acks 26, the levelness and angle of the frame 14 or platform 20 and house 2 will accordingly be adjusted, the ball and socket or similar arrangements 28 on the dollies permitting the frame 14 or platform 20 of the trailer unit 12 to tilt relative to the dollies 22. By selectively raising or lowering the hydraulic jacks 26, the house 2 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 skate beams 94 referred to herein so that the house 2 may be moved from the factory loading area 5 onto the transporter 8 as more fully described herein.

In the case of trailer units having the configuration as shown in Figures 9B and 10, transporter skates 30, one embodiment of which is illustrated in Figure 13, may optionally be utilized to further assist in positioning and placing a house 2 upon the trailer unit 12 or platform 20, as illustrated in Figures 14 and 15 respectively, and which are capable of pivoting and rotating about a substantially vertical axis, and moving along the outer beams 18 of the frame 14 as shown in Figure 14, or capable of moving about the platform 20 of the trailer unit 12, as shown in Figure 15. As illustrated in Figure 13, the transporter skate 30 has a lower Teflon pad 32 to allow the transporter skate to move smoothly along the outer beam 18 or across the 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 one embodiment, the metal plate 36 is a steel plate of 1 1/a inch to 2 inches thickness, the steel plate 36 being bolted to the Teflon pad 32. As illustrated in Figures 13 and 16, the transporter skate 30 may be securely attached to one embodiment of 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 transporter skate 30 to the runner beam 40.

It is understood that in place of the Teflon pad 32, transporter 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 transporter skates 30 to pivot and move freely along the outer beams 18 of the frame 14 as shown in Figure 14, or on the platform 20, as shown in Figure 15.

As illustrated in Figure 2, 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 temporarily 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 or to a position outside of the factory, in an area convenient to the manufacture or assembly of a house 2. In the preferred embodiment, to further assist in transporting the house 2 along the factory floor 6, and with reference to Figure 17, each of the factory skate beams 94 are provided with an elongated member 145 at one end of the skate beam, whereby the elongated member 145 of one skate beam 94 can be interconnected and received within an end portion 147 of another skate beam. To further secure the factory skate beams together, connecting holes 149 are provided on both sides of the elongated member 145 and receiving holes 151 are provided in side portions of the end portion 147 of the skate beam to be connected thereto. As the factory skate beams are joined together, the connecting holes 149 provided on the elongated member 145 and the receiving holes 151 in side portions of the end portion 147 of the skate beam are aligned, and secured therethrough with pin 45. In this manner, by joining factory skate beams 94 together, as illustrated in Figure 18, lateral movement of the factory skate beams, in relation to each other, is greatly hindered by virtue of the length of the elongated member 145 of one skate beam being received within the end portion 147 of another skate beam. If necessary, the factory skate beams may also be welded or securely fastened together for additional strength and stability.

As illustrated in Figures 19 and 20, when the house 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 transporter 8 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 transporter 8, the trailer unit 12 or platform being raised a short distance (by raising the hydraulic jacks 26 of the dollies 22) 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.

As can be seen with reference to Figures 19 and 20, runner beams 40 are positioned on the trailer unit 12, 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, in such a way that when the trailer unit 12 is positioned to later unload the house 2 at the foundation site, the runner beams 40 will be in substantial alignment with the skate beams 94 referred to herein, such substantial alignment being illustrated in Figure 21. 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. Additionally, bracing beams can be provided between the runner beams for additional support and stability, such bracing beams being welded, for example, to the runner beams, and placed perpendicularly to the runner beams residing on the transporter or trailer unit 12.

To align or substantially align the runner beams 40 with the factory skate beams 94, the trailer unit 12 (or, in the preferred embodiment, the platform 20 of the self-propelled transporter 8) may readily be moved through a wide range of directions, and may be pivoted as illustrated in Figures 12A, 12B, 12C and 12D and tilted, raised or lowered, the dollies 22 of the trailer unit 12 or platform 20 providing increased flexibility in positioning the trailer unit 12 or platform 20 and runner beams 40 relative to the factory skate beams 94.

Referring to Figures 19 and 20, 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 transporter 8 by utilizing a winch, chain, crowbar or similar device known to a person skilled in the art.

In one embodiment, as illustrated in Figure 22, 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 or transporter a short distance (for example, through use of the hydraulic jacks 26 of the dollies 22), the runner beams 40 then being securely engaged with the factory skate beams 94 with the upper surface of the runner beams 40 being aligned with the upper surface of the factory skate beams 94, 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 and onto the transporter 8 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 the runner beams 40 will be disconnected from one another prior to the transporter, loaded with the house 2 being moved away from the factory loading area 5. In the preferred embodiment, as shown in Figure 23, the runner beams comprise four"I"beams, the upper flanges 52 of the"I"beams being welded or securely fastened together, and the lower flanges 54 of the"I"beams also being welded or securely fastened together for additional strength and stability. In a preferred manner of connecting the runner beams 40 to the factory skate beams 94, and with reference to Figure 23, the runner beams 40 are in the form of four upright"I"beams, which are to be securely attached to a double"I"factory skate beam 94, the double'T'factory skate beam 94 being arranged so as to be proximate to the two innermost"I"beams of the runner beam 40, as can be seen with reference to Figure 24. An illustration of the preferred embodiment of the factory skate beams 94 can be seen illustrated in Figure 23, and in Figure 46, which comprises double upright"I"beams 42, and having upper flanges 52 which are welded to an underside of a track segment member 13 positioned thereon, and lower flanges 54.

As noted previously, in a preferred embodiment the runner beams 40 comprise four"I" beams, a cross sectional view of which is illustrated in Figure 29. In a preferred manner of connecting the runner beams to the factory skate beams, and with reference to Figure 23, the runner beams 40 are in the form of four upright"I"beams, which are to be securely attached to a double"I"factory skate beam 94, the double"I"factory skate beam being arranged so as to be proximate to the two innermost"I"beams of the runner beam 40, as can be seen with reference to Figure 25. Holes 41 are arranged in side portions of the"I"beam portions of the runner beams 40 and factory skate beams 94, whereby, when the factory skate beams 94 are aligned so as to abut the runner beams 40, by placing a bottom surface of the runner beam 40 on the lip 137 at the base of factory skate beam 94, the holes 41 in the side portions of the"I" beam portions of the runner beam 40 and the holes 43 in the factory skate beams 94 in such a position that the runner beam and factory skate beam may be temporarily connected, utilizing metal plates 47 having apertures therethrough which are aligned with, and positioned over, the holes (81,83) in the two innermost"I"beam portions of the runner beam 40, the plates being temporarily pinned in place by a first pin 45 which is first passed through the first outermost hole 41 in the runner beam 40, then through the first hole 85 in the metal plates 47 and the holes (81,83) in the two innermost"I"beam portions 42 of the runner beam 40, and finally through the second outermost hole 41, linking the plates 47 to the runner beam 40. The metal plates 47 having second apertures therethrough which are also aligned with, and positioned over, the holes 43 in the double"I"beam portions 42 of the factory skate beam 94. A second shorter pin 135 is then passed through a second hole 87 in the metal plates 47, and then through the holes 43 in the factory skate beams 94 to link the runner beam 40 to the factory skate beam 94, as seen with reference to Figures 24 and 25. In this manner, when the runner beam 40 and the factory skate beam 94 are positioned together, the base of the runner beam will abut the base 141 of the factory skate beam, with the lip 137 of the factory skate beam 94 extending underneath a bottom surface of the runner beam 40 placed thereon.

In a further 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 26. In yet 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 27, the upper flanges 52 of the"I"beams being welded 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 a still further embodiment, the runner 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 28.

It is understood also that, alternatively, the factory skate beams 94 may also have a substantially identical, cross-section and configuration as the runner beams 40. In the preferred embodiment, the hydraulic jack 19 is used to ratchet and propel the skate 7 (and the house 2) in the desired direction along the factory skate beam 94 (and thereafter the runner beams 40 and skate beams).

In a further embodiment of the connection between the factory skate beams 94 and the runner beams 40, as illustrated in Figure 30, 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 118 and nuts 106 as illustrated in Figure 30, it being understood that suitable connection techniques would be known to persons skilled in the art. In a further embodiment illustrated in Figures 31 and 32, to connect the factory skate beam 94 to the runner beam 40, when the factory skate beams are aligned with and abutting the runner beam 40, 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.

In the preferred embodiment, the hydraulic j ack 19 is used to ratchet and propel the skate 7 (and the house 2) in the desired direction along the factory skate beam 94 (and thereafter the runner beams 40) onto a transporter 8. However, as illustrated in Figures 20 and 21, the movement of the house 2 from its location within the factory resting on the factory skate beams 94 to a position on the runner beams 40, and thereafter to a position on the transporter 8, may also 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 during the movement of the house 2 during such movement, it also being understood that braking or stopping devices will be utilized to ensure safety and further minimize the risk of damage during the movement of the house 2 during such movement. In this manner, the house 2 may be moved, by way of the skates 7, from the factory skate beams 94 within the factory, to the runner beams 40, and thereafter positioned on the transporter 8.

In the event that the house requires angular adjustment relative to the transporter 8 before being positioned on the trailer unit, chains, winches, bars and other equipment known to persons skilled in the art may be used to precisely position and rotate the house 2 relative to the transporter 8.

Once the house 2 has been transferred to the transporter 8, and securely positioned thereon and chained or otherwise effectively secured to the transporter 8, the runner beams 40 may be disconnected from the factory skate beams 94, and the transporter raised a short distance so that the runner beams are clear of the factory loading area, allowing the transporter 8 to freely transport the house 2 to its destination.

In the preferred embodiment, prior to unloading the house 2 at its installation location, skate beams 94 as illustrated in Figure 33 are installed across the foundation 99 upon which the house 2 is to be installed, the skate beams 94 extending across the foundation 99, and supported within the foundation 99, and on either side of the foundation 99 by skate/runner beam supports 102 as illustrated in Figure 33. In the preferred embodiment, these skate beams 94 will have a substantially identical structure, cross-section and configuration as the factory skate beams.

In the preferred embodiment, prior to lowering the house 2 onto the foundation 99, hydraulic jacks 98 are positioned on the basement floor 96 of the foundation 99 to permit the house 2 and carrier beams 4 to be raised for the removal of the skate beams 94 prior to lowering the house 2 onto the foundation 6. In one embodiment, slots 100 in the foundation 99 (and corresponding slots in the rim joists) are positioned to allow the carrier beams 4 to be lowered below the upper surface of the foundation/rim joist as the house 2 is being lowered onto the upper surface of the foundation/rim joist.

As illustrated in Figures 47,48 and 49, when the transporter 8 loaded with a house 2 arrives at the foundation site, the transporter is positioned to align or substantially align the runner beams 40 with the skate beams 94. To align or substantially align the runner beams 40 with the skate beams 94, the transporter 8 may readily be moved through a wide range of directions, as can be seen with reference to Figures 48 and 49, and may, if necessary, also be pivoted and tilted, or raised or lowered, the dollies 22 of the trailer unit (and hydraulics jacks 26) providing increased flexibility in positioning the transporter 8 and runner beams 40 relative to the skate beams 94.

Referring to Figure 47,48 and 49 the trailer unit 12 of the transporter 8 carrying the house 2 is brought into close proximity with the foundation and with the runner beams 40 in alignment with the skate beams 94.

As noted previously, in a preferred embodiment the runner beams 40 extend over both sides of the transporter 8. In a further preferred embodiment, the runner beams are connected to one another using bracing which extends from one runner beam to the other runner beam, thereby maintaining a solid and stable pair of runner beams, and with reference to Figure 34, two hydraulic jacks 79 are preferably welded to the side of each of the runner beams 40.

Generally, the connection of the hydraulic jacks 79 to an underside of the runner beam 40 will occur in an area of the runner beam which is extending over the sides of the transporter, whereby the hydraulic jacks 79, when lowered, may contact a ground surface. In such an arrangement, prior to unloading the house 2 at its installation location, and once the ends of the runner beams 40 are positioned directly above but otherwise in precise alignment with the skate beams, the hydraulic jacks 79 are used to first raise the runner beams 40 supporting the carrier beams 4 (and the house) off of the transporter 8, whereby the transporter 8 can be removed from beneath the runner beams 40, and the hydraulic jacks 79 are then lowered (once the transporter 8 has been removed), so as to fully align the runner beams 40 (which will run substantially horizontally) with the skate beams 94, whereby the house 2 may then be transferred to a position upon a house foundation. Preferably, the hydraulic jacks 79 are positioned so as to promote the stability of the runner beams 40 and carrier beams 4, supporting the house 2, as the runner beams 40 are propped up on the hydraulic jacks 79 and raised and lowered. The bracing between the runner beams minimizes the ability of either runner beam to move, twist, pivot or roll relative to the other runner beam, thereby increasing the stability and control during the movement of the house.

It is understood that when the hydraulic jacks 79 are loaded or partially loaded with the weight of the house, they are extended and retracted evenly and in substantial unison with one another to ensure that the house is stably supported at all times.

Once the runner beams 40 are in precise alignment with the skate beams 94, they are securely fastened to one another, as previously described herein. Alternatively, the runner beams 40 can be bolted 106 together with the skate beams 94, as illustrated in Figure 30, it being understood that a wide variety of alternative techniques known to persons skilled in the art may be used to securely and temporarily fasten the runner beams 40 to the skate beams 94.

As illustrated in Figure 33, prior to the movement of the house 2 from the transporter 8 to the foundation 99, additional skate/runner beam supports 102 may be positioned beneath the skate beams 94 (and runner beams 40) entirely independently of the transporter to ensure that the house 2 is securely and stably supported by the skate beams 94 and runner beams 40 as it moves from the transporter 8 to the foundation 99.

As illustrated in Figure 49, once the runner beams 40 are securely connected to the skate beams 94, the house 2 (supported by the carrier beams 4) and skates can be moved off of the runner beams 40 and onto the skate beams 94 using the hydraulic jack 19 illustrated in Figures 8A, 8B & 8C. In addition, for example, chains, winches, hydraulic rams or other similar devices may also be used so as to position the house 2 directly above and in alignment with the foundation 99, the skates 7 permitting the house 2 and carrier beams 4 to be moved along the runner beams 40 and, thereafter, the skate beams 94.

Referring to Figure 50, the house 2 is shown having been moved substantially to its desired position. Chains, winches, bars and other equipment known to persons skilled in the art may be used to precisely position and rotate the house 2 relative to the foundation 99. With the house 2 now precisely positioned directly above and in alignment with the foundation 99, the hydraulic jacks 98 positioned on the basement floor 96 within the foundation 99 may now be utilized to lift the carrier beams 4 and the house 2 a short distance, permitting the skate beams 94 (and runner beams 40 connected thereto) to be removed. Thereafter the hydraulic jacks 98 may lower the house 2 onto the foundation 99 (the carrier beams 4 having been pre-aligned with slots 100 in the foundation/rim joists to prevent the interference of the carrier beams 4 with the foundation/rim joists during the lowering process). In the case where the floor of the house 2 is entirely on a single horizontal plane, as shown in Figure 35, the carrier beams 4 are likewise horizontally aligned, substantially parallel to one another, it being understood that the precise location of each carrier beam 4 will depend upon the unique characteristics of each house.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 35, the carrier beams 4 have a substantially horizontal top surface, the top surface engaging the underside of the house and joists, and a substantially horizontal lower surface upon which the carrier beams 4 may rest when loaded with a house 2, and providing a surface from which the carrier beams 4 and house 2 may be lifted or lowered. When single piece carrier beams 4 as shown in Figure 35 are utilized, the carrier beams 4 generally span across the bottom of the house and extend beyond the external wall of the house 2.

When utilizing single piece carrier beams 4 as shown in Figure 35 to move and support a house, the foundation of the house may require alteration to accommodate the passage of the carrier beam 4 below the top of the foundation wall when the house is being lowered onto the foundation, as the foundation wall would otherwise interfere with the carrier beam's movement as the house is being lowered onto the foundation. For example, as shown in Figure 36, the foundation wall may need to be cut, or notched, or formed to a sufficient size 130 to allow the carrier beam to be lowered sufficiently as to allow the house to be placed on the top of the foundation, and to allow for the removal of the carrier beam 4 once the house is securely positioned on the foundation.

In one embodiment, as an alternative to the solid single piece carrier beams 4 illustrated in Figure 35, multi-part carrier beams 60, as shown in Figures 37A, 37B, 38A and 38B may be constructed of two or more components which may be separated for easy disassembly after the house is positioned and lowered onto the foundation. As shown in Figure 37B, this embodiment of the multi-part carrier beam includes parts 62,64 and 66.

As illustrated in Figure 39, in the case of one embodiment of the multi-part carrier beams 60, the combined length of the two part carrier beam is long enough that it extends to within a short distance of the inside surface of both of the foundation walls 80 and 82 at which the carrier beam will be positioned. Similarly, in the case of another embodiment where, for example, three part carrier beams are used, the combined length of the three part carrier beam is long enough that it extends to within a short distance of both of the inside surfaces of the foundation walls at which the beam will be positioned.

The multi-part carrier beams 60 are joined securely and temporarily in a manner known to a worker skilled in the art. In one embodiment, face plates 55, as shown in Figure 37B, are securely welded to those ends of the carrier beam sections which are to be joined to other carrier beam sections. Holes are drilled in the face plates 55 to receive bolts 59, as shown in Figure 37B, the holes being positioned to ensure that when the two face plates of two carrier beam sections are in alignment with and abutting one another, the holes in the face plates are aligned to receive the bolts 59, which may then be inserted in the holes, and nuts threaded thereon.

Whether the carrier beams are of the single piece type as shown in Figure 35, or of a multi-piece arrangement, the house 2 and carrier beams 60 are unloaded from the transporter 8 in close proximity to the foundation 99 and thereafter supported by skate beams 94 while the house and carrier beams are being positioned above the foundation 99. In one embodiment, when the house is properly positioned above the foundation, as shown in Figure 39, the jacks 98 installed within the basement of the house 2 may be used to raise the carrier beams and house 2 allowing the skate beams 94 to be removed, whereupon the house and carrier beams can be lowered.

Figure 39 shows an embodiment of a two-part carrier beam 60 supporting a portion of a house 2 in a position directly above the foundation 99 and suitably aligned so as to allow the house to be lowered onto the foundation 99. Figure 39 shows a two part carrier beam 60 the ears 70 of which are loaded with exterior walls 80 and 82 of a house 2. An enlargement of this carrier beam embodiment can be seen by referencing Figure 40. The house 2 may additionally be reinforced and supported by a channel 110 fixedly engaged to the ears 70, the channel abutting the exterior surface of the rim joist of the house for additional support. As shown in Figure 39, hydraulic or other suitable jacks 98 are positioned on the basement floor and suitably arranged to engage with and to support in order to lift or lower the two part carrier beam 60 and the house 2.

Figure 41 shows, in one embodiment, the house 2 in the lowered position, having been suitably lowered from the raised position illustrated in Figure 39, by means of hydraulic or other suitable jacks 98, until the house rests securely on the sill plate 120 (the sill plates having been suitably notched to accommodate and receive the ears 70).

Figure 42 illustrates the preferred embodiment of a carrier beam, featuring beveled end 90, with said beam in the lowered position, a cut in the sill plate 120 being marginally greater than the width of the upper flange 170 of the carrier beam 60 and a cut in the foundation 6 being marginally greater than the width of the vertical webbing 180 of said carrier beam 60. Figure 43 illustrates a further embodiment of a multi-part carrier beam with said beam in the lowered position, a cut in the sill plate 120 being marginally greater than the width of the upper flange 170 of the carrier beam 60 and a cut in the foundation 6 also being marginally greater than the width of the vertical webbing 180 of said carrier beam 60. Figure 44 illustrates a further embodiment of a multi-part carrier beam, showing the bevel 90 at the end of the multi-part carrier beam and support flange 150 extending from the lower flange 160 to the upper flange 170, said support flange 150 being proximate to the bevel 90. Figure 3 8A further illustrates the embodiment of the multi-part carrier beam 60 shown in Figure 44, with beveled ends 90 and 92.

Figures 38A and 38B also illustrate an alternative embodiment of the face plates 55 (in the embodiment shown in Figures 38A and 38B, the face plates are plate steel, having a thickness of greater than 3/8", with 16 holes bored therethrough, it being understood that a worker skilled in the art would be aware of alternative configurations for connecting multi-part carrier beams) which securely and temporarily engage one carrier beam to another. The face plates extend across the ends of two carrier beams, and, when the holes in the face plates align with holes in the carrier beams, the face plates are bolted 59 to the carrier beams, thereby securely engaging the two carrier beams to each other. Multiple face plates may be utilized as shown in Figures 38A and 38B for additional strength.

When using the embodiment of the carrier beam illustrated in Figure 44, and with reference to Figure 45, the lower flange 160 of the multi-part carrier beam 60 does not interfere with the foundation 6 when the multi-part carrier beam 60 is in the lowered position. With reference to Figure 11, the house 2 has been installed upon the foundation 80, the rim joist 75 and floor joist 190 and resting upon the sill plate 120, the rim joist 75 and floor joist 190 supporting the floor material 200, and the exterior walls 210 (supported by the floor material 200) being ready for the application of exterior finishing, such as brick (which will rest on the brick ledge 220), siding or other suitable material, it being understood that the builder may alternatively apply the exterior finish in the factory, except where to do so would make the house prohibitively heavy or difficult to transport or manipulate.

In one embodiment, inverted"L"shaped ears 70, as shown in Figures 37A, 37B, and 39 are securely affixed, and preferably welded to those ends of the multi-part carrier beams on which no face plate has been welded so that when a multi-part carrier beam is assembled, it has ears 70 extending outwardly on both ends thereof. In this embodiment, the ears 70 are made of steel, having a thickness generally of between 3/4"and 1 1/2", the horizontal surface measuring approximately 12 inches by 12 inches. These ears 70 effectively extend the lifting length of the carrier beams, permitting the carrier beams, by means of the ears 70, to receive a significant portion of the load of the house through the rim joist 75 which rests upon the ear 70, as shown in Figure 39.

In the case of the multi-part carrier beams, once the house is securely positioned on the foundation, the components of the multi-part carrier beam may then be disassembled one from the other at the face plates and removed in components from the basement, by the window 130, as shown in Figure 36, or in any other suitable manner. In the case of the single piece carrier beam, it may be removed through the sufficiently sized cut or notch 130, as shown in figure 36, in the foundation wall. The removed carrier beams may then be reused as needed.

In an alternative embodiment, a significant segment, section or portion of a house can be transferred from a factory to a transporter utilizing the system of the present invention, which can then thereafter be combined with one or more similarly constructed segments, sections or portions of a house at the installation location to form a complete or substantially complete house.

It is also understood that the device and system of the present invention may be utilized when constructing and transporting 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 an improved device and system for the transfer and delivery of a house from the factory in which the house was built to a transporter for transport and subsequent precise placement, utilizing skate beams, on the foundation or location upon which the house is to be installed. The present invention also provides an improved, efficient and safe device and system for the support and movement of carrier beams supporting a house or building from one location to another location along skate beams which is durable, efficient, and which can safely withstand the working conditions normally prevalent in a factory environment, and which eliminates the need to utilize a crane or similar device to lift, move and align the house when it is being transferred from the transporter to the foundation, and reduce the amount of on-site labor and time in transferring the house from the transporter to a precise position above and in alignment with the foundation.