WO2013040237A1

WO2013040237A1 - Transfer flooring for truck or trailer bed

Info

Publication number: WO2013040237A1
Application number: PCT/US2012/055200
Authority: WO
Inventors: David C. Szakelyhidi; Gregory E. HOKE
Original assignee: GKMADE LLC
Current assignee: GKMADE LLC
Priority date: 2011-09-13
Filing date: 2012-09-13
Publication date: 2013-03-21
Anticipated expiration: 2014-03-13

Abstract

A transfer floor for a bed of truck, trailer or other cargo container comprising: a floor having an upper surface, the floor defining a plurality of apertures disposed therein; a plurality of ball transfer units disposed in the plurality of apertures (120); each of the plurality of ball transfer units comprising a ball (124) supported by a low friction support system; and moving means to move the balls of the plurality of ball transfer units between a first position and a second position relative to the upper surface of the floor wherein in the first position a portion of each of the balls is above the upper surface and in the second position each of the balls is below the upper surface.

Description

TRANSFER FLOORING FOR TRUCK OR TRAILER BED

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] The present application claims benefit and priority from U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 61/534,137 entitled "TRANSFER FLOORING FOR TRUCK OR TRAILER BED," filed September 13, 2011, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety for all purposes.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] This invention is related to transfer flooring for all types of cargo carrying containers and automobiles including trucks, trailer beds and rail cars.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The subject matter of this disclosure is relevant to the freight shipping industry, more specifically, freight which is transported by truck. The problem addressed by this proposed invention is an issue which arises relatively often, where a truck will arrive at a scheduled destination, but the receiver of the freight is not available for offload or appropriate facilities are not available. Such facilities and equipment required for offloading a freight trailer can include an adjustable height loading dock, tow motor / forklift, hand truck, and the certified staff to operate said equipment. Even in the case that receiver facility and equipment resources are adequate, a shipment delay can cause freight to arrive to the receiver after hours or during other service interruptions. Because freight is loaded according to delivery order, the current load must be removed or rearranged in order to make the next delivery. In such a situation where current load cannot be delivered, the driver is left with few options, including offloading or rearranging freight at another facility, or waiting for the current receiver to be available. All of these options contribute to increased costs, as a result of additional driver time, added facility costs, potential mileage increases, and delivery delays. [0005] This problem is known to occur on a regular, often weekly basis and even more frequently. It is estimated that one occurrence can cost 500 dollars or more for the freight company. This issue is more prevalent in lighter-than-truckload (LTL) shipping, as multiple destinations are included in a shipment route and are loaded according to destination. It is of strategic value for a freight company, especially LTL type, to incorporate solutions to prevent the issues, as they can not necessarily charge the shipper or receiver for these overages.

[0006] Prior art does not describe related technology to address the specific problems presented, that of allowing two-dimensional rearrangement within a truck possible by a lone driver. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The following proposed invention successfully addresses these concerns by means of mechanical hardware which allows the driver of the truck to rearrange, redistribute, and offload freight in the absence of traditionally necessary equipment and support staff. Aside from addressing the potential shipping deficiencies mentioned, this invention may also play a role improving certain situations arising during offloading. Such instances can include offloading freight from a flatbed, where the use of this invention allows the freight to be moved towards the back, and also loaded from the side. This provides more available load. Another benefit is the potential for rolling floor loads, having no pallets, to the back of a trailer for offload by the driver alone. In addition, the proposed invention can also be used in cargo containers, which in some cases, are ultimately transferred via truck freight and prone to identical drawbacks.

[0008] A first aspect comprises a floor having an upper surface, the floor defining a plurality of apertures disposed in a grid pattern therein. A ball transfer or popup unit is disposed in each of the plurality of apertures. Each ball transfer unit is comprised of a ball supported by a low friction support system such that a tangential force on an upper portion of the ball causes rotation of the ball about the ball's center. The aspect further comprises moving means to move the balls of the plurality of ball transfer units between a first position and a second position relative to the upper surface of the floor wherein in the first position a portion of each of the balls is above the upper surface and in the second position each of the balls is below the upper surface. [0009] In an embodiment of the first aspect, the moving means comprises a pneumatic piston on each of the ball transfer units, the pneumatic piston further comprising a fluid inlet. Further, an upper portion of each of the plurality of balls exhibits above the upper surface when the fluid inlets are supplied with a fluid under a first pressure, and the upper portion of each of the plurality of balls is below the upper surface when the fluid inlets are supplied with a fluid under a second pressure, the first pressure being a higher pressure than the second pressure, hi addition, the embodiment has a fluid supply, wherein each of the fluid inlets is in fluid communication with a fluid supply via at least one fluid supply tube attached to each of the plurality of fluid inlets. Some embodiments further comprise regulating means for regulating the fluid pressure between the first pressure and the second pressure. Even more preferred embodiments have the regulating means comprising a valve in communication with a level sensor associated with the floor, the valve to restrict the fluid from achieving the first pressure if the level sensor is outside a predetermined tolerance range.

[0010] In another embodiment, the fluid is air. A preferred embodiment further comprises a 4-way 2- position pneumatic switch for regulating the fluid pressure and an air brake attached to the pneumatic switch, wherein the switch makes it possible for the air to be supplied to only one of the air brake or the transfer floor.

[0011] In still another embodiment, the ball transfer units further comprise an exterior surface, and the moving means comprises a mechanical actuator operatively connected to the exterior surfaces, so that when the mechanical actuator is in a first position, an upper portion of each of the plurality of balls extends above the upper surface and when the mechanical actuator is in a second position, the upper portions are below the upper surface. In more preferred embodiments the mechanical actuator comprises a pneumatic piston connected by a linkage means. In even more preferred embodiments, the mechanical actuator links to more than one ball pop-up units such that the more than one ball transfer units are simultaneously movable. In still other embodiments, the moving means is prevented from achieving the first position when a level sensor associated with the floor is outside a predetermined tolerance range. In yet another preferred embodiment, the ball transfer unit further comprises an exterior screw surface; the apertures further comprising a mating screw surface, wherein the exterior screw surface mates with the mating screw surface such that rotation of ball transfer units by the mechanical actuator alters the height of the ball transfer unit. [0012] In still another embodiment, the transfer floor comprises a ball transfer plate generally parallel to and under the floor and supporting the ball transfers. Further, the moving means comprises at least one inflatable pneumatic bladder under the ball transfer plate such that an upper portion of each of the plurality of balls exhibits above the upper surface when the at least one pneumatic bladder is supplied with a fluid under a first pressure, and the upper portion of each of the plurality of balls is below the upper surface when the at least one pneumatic bladder is supplied with a fluid under a second pressure. The first pressure is higher than the second pressure. In addition, the floor transfer comprises a fluid supply, wherein the pneumatic bladder is in fluid communication with a fluid supply via at least one fluid supply tube attached to the pneumatic bladder, and regulating means for regulating the pressure between the first pressure and the second pressure. In preferred embodiments, the means for regulating the fluid pressure will not permit regulating the fluid pressure to the first pressure if a level sensor associated with the floor is outside a predetermined tolerance range. In more preferred embodiments, the support systems are integral to the ball transfer plate. In other preferred embodiments, the fluid is air. In still other preferred embodiments, the transfer floor further comprising a 4-way 2-position pneumatic switch attached to the fluid supply tube for regulating the fluid pressure and an air brake, wherein the switch makes it possible for the air to be supplied to only one of the air brake or the transfer floor.

[0013] In yet another embodiment of the various aspects, the spacing of the plurality of ball transfer units defines a grid pattern. In more preferred embodiments, the grid pattern comprises a square grid. In still more preferred embodiments, the plurality of ball pop-up units defining the grid comprise first and second instances of two rows of ball pop-up units, wherein the first and second instances are separated by a space having no ball pop-up units. In still other embodiments of the various aspects, the transfer flooring is comprised of a plurality of sectional floors, each of the sectional floors having more than one ball transfer units and at least one moving means.

[0014] Another aspect is a method of installing a transfer floor comprising the steps of drilling a plurality of apertures in a floor, countersinking the apertures to accommodate a flange of a pneumatic ball transfer, inserting a pneumatic ball transfer into each of the apertures, connecting the pneumatic ball transfers to a supply tubing, and connecting a 4-way, 2-position switch to the supply tubing, air brakes, and to an air supply, the switch configured such that air is supplied from the air supply to only one of the pneumatic ball transfers or air brakes at a time. Preferred aspects further comprise installing a level sensor on the floor; the level sensor may be interlocked with the switch.

[0015] These and other advantages of the invention will be appreciated by reference to the detailed description of the preferred embodiments that follow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] For the present disclosure to be easily understood and readily practiced, the present disclosure will now be described for purposes of illustration and not limitation in connection with the following figures.

[0017] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a proposed transfer flooring of one aspect of the present invention.

[0018] FIG. 2 is a side view of the proposed transfer flooring of FIG. 1 lowered.

[0019] FIG. 3 is a side view of the proposed transfer flooring of FIG. 1 raised.

[0020] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a proposed transfer flooring of a second aspect of the present invention.

[0021] FIG. 5a, 5b, 5c, and 5d are sequential a side views of the proposed transfer flooring of FIG. 4 raised.

[0022] FIG. 6a and 6b are side perspective views of the proposed transfer flooring of FIG. 4.

[0023] FIG. 7 is a bottom perspective view of the proposed transfer flooring of FIG. 4.

[0024] FIG. 8a and 8b are cross-sectional views of ball transfers of the present invention.

[0025] FIG. 9 is a cutaway view of a screw-cylinder mechanism of another aspect of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying examples and figures that form a part hereof, and in which is shown, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the inventive subject matter may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice them, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the inventive subject matter. Such embodiments of the inventive subject matter may be referred to, individually and/or collectively, herein by the term "invention" merely for convenience and without intending to voluntarily limit the scope of this application to any single invention or inventive concept if more than one is in fact disclosed. The following description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limited sense, and the scope of the inventive subject matter is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0027] The preferred embodiments of the present invention described herein directly address the problem presented in the background set forth above. The proposed invention is that of a plurality of rolling ball bearings (ball transfers) mounted in the flooring of a trailer or other transport structure, where the balls can be selectively raised and lowered when a load requires repositioning. In the raised position, the ball transfers allow fluid motion of freight in any direction, so that individualized loads may be repositioned, loaded, or offloaded. During transport, the ball transfers lower into the floor, allowing the freight to sit on the typical floor surface and be held static for shipment. Various means are described, and have been reduced to practice, for raising and lowering the ball transfers. The claims and additional features are presented as follows:

[0028] A first aspect is flooring system 110 is illustrated in FIGs. 1-3. Flooring system 110 is comprised of two generally planar, parallel plates, a floor 116 and a ball transfer plate 118. The floor 116 defines a plurality of floor apertures 120. A ball transfer 114 fits within each of the plurality of floor apertures 120. Each ball transfer 114 comprises a ball 124 on a support system 126 such that an upper portion 128 of the ball 124 is exposed. The support system 126 allows the ball 124 to rotate when a tangential force is applied to the upper portion 128. The plurality of support systems 126 are supported by the ball transfer plate 118. The ball transfer plate 118 has moving means 122 to raise or lower the ball transfer plate 118 and supported ball transfers 114 relative to the floor 116. When the ball transfer plate 118 is in a lowered position (FIG. 2) relative to the floor 116, the upper portions 128 of the balls 114 are retracted below the floor 116 upper surface 130. When the ball transfer plate 118 is in a raised position (FIG. 3) relative to the floor 116, the upper portions 128 of the balls 114 are exposed above the floor 116 upper surface 130.

[0029] The plurality of floor apertures 120 and ball transfers 114 within the floor apertures 120 are spaced in a pattern to support an intended load. In some embodiments, the floor apertures 120 will be spaced in a rectangular grid as shown in FIG. 1, a hexagonal grid, a triangular grid, or other grid pattern. In a preferred pattern, the ball transfers 114 are arranged in a square grid with rows and columns aligned with the length and width of the track or trailer. Preferably, the ball transfers 114 are arranged in a repeatable pattern. More preferably, the spacing of the ball transfers 114 is not wider than a width of the widest plank or board 132 on the bottom of a standard 4ft x 4ft pallet 134 as shown in the sequentially moved pallet 134 of FIGs. 5.

[0030] The balls 124 are spherical in shape. The material of construction of the balls 124 may comprise, but not limited to, carbon steel, low temperature service carbon steel, stainless steel, non-ferrous metal alloys such as Inconel, Incoloy, and Cupro-nickel, non-metallic materials such as ceramics, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) polymer, glass fiber reinforced epoxy (GRE), and hardened natural and synthetic rubber. However, any other material may be used that is sufficiently hard may be used in the system. Preferably, the balls 124 are plastic. More preferably, the balls 124 are ceramic. Most preferably, the balls 124 are a steel.

[0031] One embodiment of a ball transfer 114 is shown in FIGs. 2 and 3 and detailed in FIG. 8b. The weight of the ball 124 rests upon a plurality of ball bearings 136. The plurality of ball bearings 136 have a limited freedom to move a distance 32 and rotate within a cup 36.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment, ball transfers 114 rest freely on the ball transfer plate 118. In other preferred embodiments, ball transfers 114 are fixed to the ball transfer plate 118 by attachment means. Attachment means can be any attachment means commonly used in the industry. Attachment means include, but are not limited to, gluing, welding, soldering, brazing, screws, and bolts. In most preferred embodiments, a portion of the ball transfers 114 are formed integral to the surface of the ball transfer plate 118 (FIGs. 2-3). The ball transfers 114 are spaced on the ball transfer plate 118 to align with the apertures 120 of the floors 116.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment, the moving means 122 is one or more air bladders 138 positioned under, and relatively co-extensive with the area of, the adjacent ball transfer plate 118. Air bladders 138 have admission means 140 to admit and bleed air. Air admission means 140 can include valves, hoses, and tubing. The air admission means 140 for one air bladder 138 may be connected to the air admission means 140 for another air bladder 138. Interconnection of admission means 140 allows a plurality of air bladders 138 to be operated in concert. In other preferred embodiments, the moving means 122 may include a screw mechanism or pneumatics. [0034] Raising the ball transfer plate 118 moves it closer to floor 116 to expose the upper portions 128 of the balls 114. While the ball transfer plate 118 is in a raised position, a load on the upper portions 128 will allow movement of the load freely in any direction in a plane horizontal to the ball transfer plate 118. A load may be easily repositioned while resting on upper portions 128. The ball transfer plate 118 may be lowered by the moving means 122, for example removing air from a pneumatic bladder 138. Spring recoil 144 may be used to assist in lowering the ball transfer plate 118. After the ball transfer plate 118 has been lowered such that the upper portions 128 are below the upper surface 130, the load will not be readily repositioned due to static friction between the load and the floor 116.

[0035] The transfer flooring 110 is a truck or trailer bed flooring. Floor 116, ball transfer plate 118, and moving means 122, may comprise a floor unit 112. The truck or trailer bed flooring may comprise a plurality of floor units 112 (FIG. 1). A plurality of floor units 112 may be arranged such that the floor upper surfaces 130 combine to form a larger, generally coplanar surface such that the floor units 112 are sectional in nature (FIGs. 4-5). The floor units 112 may further comprise a base plate 146 under and supporting the air bladder 138.

[0036] Existing flooring in traditional trucks and trailers can be retrofitted with the flooring system 110. Pneumatic pressure may be supplied to the air bladders 138. For example, pneumatic pressure may be readily available from air hoses in the braking systems of trucks and semitrailers, or from an air compressor at construction sites.

[0037] A second aspect is flooring system 210. Flooring system 210 is comprised of a floor 216 defining a plurality of floor apertures 220. A pneumatic ball transfer 214 fits within each of the plurality of floor apertures 220. Each pneumatic ball transfer 214 (FIG. 8a) comprises a ball 224 on a support system 226 such that when pneumatic pressure is applied, an upper portion 228 of the ball 224 is exposed above the floor 216 upper surface 230. When pneumatic pressure is reduced, the upper portion 228 of the ball 224 is retracted below the floor 216 upper surface 230. The support system 226 allows the ball 224 to rotate when a tangential force is applied to the upper portion 228.

[0038] A plurality of pneumatic ball transfers 214 in support systems 226 are installed in the flooring system 210. Each support system 226 has a pneumatic connection 240. The pneumatic connections 240 may be connected to a manifold system 238 such that all support systems 226 can be fed from a single pneumatic source. The manifold system 238 may feed all ball transfers at once, or preferably be valved to allow segmented actuation of different flooring plans.

[0039] An example of a pneumatic ball transfers 214 containing a sealed pneumatic cylinder, integrated within the housing of the ball transfer 214 is described in U.S. Patent Nos. 6,516,934 and 6,019,211, the complete subject matter of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties, for all purposes. A small barbed connection 240 is available to connect to an air supply and pressurize the pneumatic cylinder, thus raising the ball transfer 214. A cross section of said individualized pneumatic ball transfer is seen in the FIG. 8a.

[0040] The flooring system 210 can be installed in a newly manufactured truck or trailer, or existing flooring in traditional trucks and trailers can be retrofitted with the flooring system 210. Floor apertures 220 may be countersunk into the existing flooring, e.g. floor 216. In preferred embodiments, the pneumatic pressure may be supplied from air hoses readily available in a truck air accumulator or braking system. In preferred embodiments, each of the ball transfers 224 receives approximately equivalent air pressure from the air supply tubing 240.

[0041] Another aspect is a method for installing and/or retrofitting a cargo trailer floor utilizing pneumatic ball transfers 214. The steps of the method comprise designing a ball transfer pattern for a trailer flooring surface, drilling apertures 220 in the trailer floor 216, installing ball transfers 214 into the apertures, connecting the ball transfers 214 to an air supply system 240 from an air brake. In one embodiment of the method, the method further comprises countersinking the apertures for a ball transfer housing flange 242. In some embodiments, the air supply system 240 is connected to the ball transfers before placing the ball transfers 214 into the apertures.

[0042] Another aspect of transfer flooring 310 uses ball transfers 314 having a screw activation mechanism (FIG. 9). Each ball transfer 314 has external screw threads 312. The screw threads 312 are on an external surface of the ball transfer 314. The external screw threads 312 interface with internal screw threads 322 of the aperture 320 in the trailer floor 316. As the ball transfer 314 is rotated, it will rise or lower due to the screw threads 312, thus raising or lowering the ball transfer 314. When raised, an external portion 328 of a ball 324 is above the upper surface 330 of the trailer floor 316.

[0043] The rotation of the ball transfer 314 can occur by conversion of linear motion to rotating motion. In a pneumatic approach, the linear motion can be by actuation of a single or plurality of pneumatic pistons 340. The linear motion of the pistons 340 can pull cables or linkages 342 which interface the ball transfers 314 and as the piston 340 retracts or extends, the ball transfer 314 is rotated clockwise or counterclockwise, causing it to raise or lower. A spring 344 may provide force for the return rotation. Raising and lowering means can also be achieved by a cam mechanism or other connection means such as a chain.

[0044] In preferred installations of each aspect, metering valves and an activation switch may be installed between the air accumulator or braking system and the bladders 138, manifold system 238, pneumatic ball transfers 214, or pistons 340. In preferred embodiments of flooring system 110, 210, or 310 using the braking system of a truck to supply air pressure, a 4-way, two-position pneumatic switch may be installed such that brakes must be engaged when the balls 114, 214, or 314 are raised, and vice versa. Air supply to the truck brakes may be rerouted through the pneumatic switch where balls 114, 214, or 314 only raise if brakes are applied. In other preferred embodiments, the air supply is from an external compressor. The upper surfaces 130, 230, or 330 should be generally level before the upper portions 128, 228, or 328 are exposed. In preferred embodiments, the flooring system 110, 210, or 310 includes leveling warning capabilities.

[0045] The plurality of floor apertures 120, 220 or 320 and ball transfers 114, 214 or 314 within the floor apertures 120, 220, or 320 are spaced in a pattern to support an intended load without allowing the load to drop to the floor 116, 216, or 316 during movement when the ball transfers 114, 214, or 314 are in the exposed position. In some embodiments, the floor apertures 120, 220, or 320 will be spaced in a rectangular grid as shown in FIGs. 7, a hexagonal grid, a triangular grid or other grid pattern. In a preferred pattern, the ball transfers 114, 214, or 314 are arranged in a square grid with rows and columns aligned with the length and width of the truck or trailer. Preferably, the ball transfers 114, 214, or 314 are arranged in a repeatable pattern. More preferably, the spacing of the ball transfers 114, 214, or 314 is not wider than a width of the widest plank or board on the bottom of a standard 4ft x 4ft pallet as shown in the sequentially moved pallet of FIGs. 5.

[0046] All embodiments of all aspects further comprises angle detection means to detect angle of surface on which the trailer sits. If the angle detection means detects an angle far enough from level that an unrestrained load would shift, then the rolling floor mechanism will not engage. Conversely, the pneumatic ball transfers should only be allowed to rise and allow freight motion if the trailer is on a level surface, plus/minus some determined tolerance. The angle detection means can be mechanical in nature, such as ball levels, floats, pendulums, etc. Mechanical means have the advantage of not requiring electrical power. The angle detection means can be electrical in nature, such as accelerometers, tilt sensors, and the like. In even more preferred embodiments, feedback to the pneumatic valving may be provided by the described level detection means, causing switch deactivation as necessary.

[0047] In the foregoing Detailed Description, various features are grouped together in a single embodiment to streamline the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments of the invention require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A transfer floor for a bed of truck, trailer or other cargo container comprising:

a floor having an upper surface, the floor defining a plurality of apertures disposed therein;

a plurality of ball transfer units disposed in the plurality of apertures;

each of the plurality of ball transfer units comprising a ball supported by a low friction support system; and

moving means to move the balls of the plurality of ball transfer units between a first position and a second position relative to the upper surface of the floor wherein in the first position a portion of each of the balls is above the upper surface and in the second position each of the balls is below the upper surface.

2. A transfer floor of claim 1 wherein the moving means comprises a pneumatic piston on each of the ball transfer units, the pneumatic piston further comprising a fluid inlet,

wherein an upper portion of each of the plurality of balls exhibits above the upper surface when the fluid inlets are supplied with a fluid under a first pressure, and the upper portion of each of the plurality of balls is below the upper surface when the fluid inlets are supplied with a fluid under a second pressure, the first pressure being a higher pressure than the second pressure; and

a fluid supply, wherein each of the fluid inlets is in fluid communication with a fluid supply via at least one fluid supply tube attached to each of the plurality of fluid inlets.

3. The transfer floor of claim 2 further comprising regulating means for regulating the fluid pressure between the first pressure and the second pressure.

4. The transfer floor of claim 3 wherein the regulating means comprises a valve in communication with a level sensor associated with the floor, the valve to restrict the fluid to the second pressure if the level sensor is outside a predetermined tolerance range.

5. The transfer floor of claim 1, wherein the fluid is air; further comprising a 4-way 2-position pneumatic switch for regulating the fluid pressure and an air brake attached to the fluid supply tube, wherein the switch makes it possible for the air to be supplied to only one of the air brake or the transfer floor.

6. The transfer floor of claim 1 wherein each of the plurality of ball transfer units further comprises an exterior surface;

the moving means comprises a mechanical actuator operatively connected to the exterior

surfaces, so that when the mechanical actuator is in a first position, an upper portion of each of the plurality of balls extends above the upper surface and when the mechanical actuator is in a second position, the upper portions are below the upper surface.

7. The transfer floor of claim 6, wherein the mechanical actuator comprises a pneumatic piston connected by a linkage means to more than one ball transfer units such that the more than one ball transfer units are simultaneously movable.

8. The transfer floor of claim 6 wherein the moving means is locked in the second position when a level sensor associated with the floor is outside a predetermined tolerance range.

9. The transfer floor of claim 6, the ball transfer unit further comprises an exterior screw surface; the apertures further comprising a mating screw surface, wherein the exterior screw surface mates with the mating screw surface such that rotation of ball transfer units by the mechanical actuator alters the height of the ball transfer unit.

11. The transfer floor of claim 1 wherein the spacing of the plurality of ball transfer units define a grid pattern.

12. The transfer floor of claim 11 wherein the grid pattern comprises a square grid.

13. The transfer floor of claim 11 wherein the plurality of ball transfer units define the grid comprising first and second instances of two rows of ball transfer units, wherein the first and second instances are separated by a space having no ball transfer units.

14. The transfer floor of claim 1 further comprising:

a ball transfer plate generally parallel to and under the floor and supporting the ball transfer units; and

the moving means comprises at least one inflatable pneumatic bladder under the ball transfer plate such that an upper portion of each of the plurality of balls exhibits above the upper surface when the at least one pneumatic bladder is supplied with a fluid under a first pressure, and the upper portion of each of the plurality of balls is below the upper surface when the at least one pneumatic bladder is supplied with a fluid under a second pressure; a fluid supply, wherein the pneumatic bladder is in fluid communication with a fluid supply via at least one fluid supply tube attached to the pneumatic bladder; and

regulating means for regulating the pressure between the first pressure and the second pressure.

15. The transfer floor of claim 14 wherein the means for regulating the fluid pressure will not permit regulating the fluid pressure to the first pressure if a level sensor associated with the floor is outside a predetermined tolerance range.

16. The transfer floor of claim 15 wherein the support systems are integral to the ball transfer plate.

17. The transfer floor of claim 14 wherein the fluid is air; further comprising a 4-way 2-position

pneumatic switch attached to the fluid supply tube for regulating the fluid pressure and an air brake, wherein the switch makes it possible for the air to be supplied to only one of the air brake or the transfer floor.

18. The transfer floor of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of sectional floors, each of the sectional floors having more than one ball transfer units and at least one moving means.

19. A method for installing a transfer floor comprising the steps of:

drilling a plurality of apertures in a floor;

countersinking each of the apertures to accommodate a flange of a pneumatic ball transfer; inserting a pneumatic ball transfer into each of the apertures;

connecting the pneumatic ball transfers to a supply tubing;

connecting a 4-way, 2-position switch to the supply tubing, air brakes, and to an air supply, the switch configured such that air is supplied from the air supply to only one of the pneumatic ball transfers or air brakes.

20. The method of claim 20 further comprising installing a level sensor on the floor.