Can you apply for a new china visa before your current China visa expires?

I am currently outside of China (in USA) and have a valid 12 month L type until Feb 2015. Due to my circumstances I am not planning to go back to China until Dec 2014 or Jan 2015. Is it possible to apply for a new 12 month L type before it expires? This will help so that I do not need to plan a trip back to USA to apply for it again.