AU2015258351B1 - A trailer - Google Patents

Abstract

Directed to a box trailer and to methods of transporting one or more of such trailers. The container (3) comprises a single integral mould of base (19), side walls (20) and front wall (21) and corner posts (22). A separate tailgate (23) 5 is provided. The side (20) and front (21) walls and tailgate (23) comprise an inner wall (26) and a spaced outer wall (27). At positions (29) spaced periodically along the lower portions of the walls (20, 21), frusto-triangular shaped portions of the inner (26) and outer (27) walls depend inwards sufficient for the inner (26) and outer (27) walls to meet at an intersection (30) of the 10 inner (26) and outer (27) walls and the base (19). For transport, the trailer frame is attached to the base (2) of the container (3) such that there is minimal extension of the frame (1) beyond the periphery of the container (3). When the trailer is to be assembled for use, the frame (1) is removed and secured at a second in-use position. When multiple trailers are to be transported, the 15 various removable components of the trailers are stored in the container (3) of one of the trailers and the container (3) of a second trailer (11) is inverted and stacked with the first trailer (12). For transporting trailers of various dimensions, the trailers, with the removable components removed, are nested and all of the removed components stored in the uppermost container (3).

Description

2015258351 23 Nov 2015 ι

TITLE: A TRAILER THIS INVENTION is directed to a trailer. In particular, it is directed to a type of trailer generally referred to as a box trailer.

Throughout this specification, unless the contrary is expressly stated, where 5 a document, act or item of knowledge is referred to or discussed, this reference or discussion is not an admission that the document, act or item of knowledge or any combination thereof was, at the priority date, publicly available, known to the public, part of the common general knowledge, or known to be relevant to an attempt to solve any problem with which this specification is concerned. 10 Trailers that are towed behind a powered vehicle are well known and typically comprise a frame with an axle and wheels and, optionally, suspension attached to the lower side and some form of container or platform attached to the upper side adapted to carry or support various goods and materials, including bicycles, watercraft, landscape materials, general household items, etc. 15 One particularly popular form of trailer for domestic use is a box trailer where the container is indeed box-like with a substantially flat base and sides, open top and typically square or rectangular in overall shape. Additional features often include tie downs to allow a tonneau cover orthe like to be attached, bars to which ropes can be attached to assist securing the load being carried and 20 hollow posts which can support a corresponding framework for a cage or the like to be removably fixed to the trailer. Such a trailer and its various components are usually manufactured from mild steel which are painted after manufacture to retard rust formation and for aesthetic appearance. However, the shipping of a quantity of such a steel-fabricated trailer presents difficulties 25 for a commercial manufacturer. Such difficulties include: (1) although the height of the trailer can be reduced by first removing the wheels and axle prior 2015258351 23 Nov 2015 2 to shipping (and stored within the box container and re-assembled at the point of delivery), the overall length remains the same as the container is welded to the frame; and (2) if painted trailers are stacked on top of each other, the paint is readily removed by abrasion both during this stacking and the subsequent 5 transit which reduces the aesthetic appeal to a would-be purchaser of a “new” product and, of course, prematurely exposes the mild steel to the atmosphere which promotes early rusting. There is thus a limited opportunity to reduce the transport costs of a bulk quantity of such a trailer.

Prior art attempts to address one or more of these problems include (1) 10 manufacturing the trailer components from galvanised or stainless steel which do not require painting; however, the metal to metal abrasion of adjacent stacked trailers is not eliminated, the visual effect of such scratches merely being less noticeable because of the reduction in contrast between the surface and the underlying steel; the cost of manufacture is increased as the raw 15 material is more expensive to purchase; and they do not reduce the length of the trailerfor shipping purposes; and (2) manufacturing the box containerfrom a plastic polymeric material such as polyethylene, such trailers being either moulded as single-skinned ordouble-skinned; although such trailers can have the colour impregnated throughout the entire body of the container and thus 20 significantly reducing the lack of any aesthetic appeal from any “scratches” due to abrasion of adjacent trailers when stacked for shipping and transported, the walls of single-skinned trailers become less-rigid as theirdimensions increase and do not provide all of the other aforementioned features referred to above of metal trailers such as tie downs, bars, cage posts, etc. without intruding into 25 the interior carrying space of the box with various nuts, bolts, rivets and the like thus interrupting the smooth interior surface of the container; double-skinned trailers, although assisting in maintaining the inherent strength of the trailer irrespective of its dimensions, current practices over-engineers certain areas of the trailer leading to unnecessary use of materials and thus increasing 2015258351 23 Nov 2015 3 manufacturing costs; and, again, both single- and double-skinned polymeric trailers still have no provision to reduce the “length” of the trailer for shipping purposes.

It thus the general object of the present invention to provide a trailer which 5 overcomes, or at least ameliorates, one or more of the above-identified disadvantages.

As a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a trailer of the type for towing behind a vehicle having a frame for supporting wheels on one or more axles thereon and having a container thereon for carrying goods and 10 materials, wherein: said container can be positioned on said frame at a first position to provide a frame and container combination with a first overall length and can be reversibly repositioned to a second position on said frame to provide a second overall length of said frame and container combination, 15 said second overall length being greater than said first overall length.

Preferably, said frame has a first portion and an independent second portion.

Preferably, said first portion of said frame can be positioned from said first position to said second position.

Preferably, said first portion of said frame includes a first set of one or more 20 bores which can align with similar one or more bores in said container allowing said first portion of said frame to be attached to said container at said first position with corresponding fasteners passing through respective aligned said bores. 2015258351 23 Nov 2015 4

Preferably, said second portion of said frame includes a second set of one or more bores which can align with said similar one or more bores in said container allowing said second portion of said frame to be attached to said container at said first position with corresponding fasteners passing through 5 respective aligned said bores.

Preferably, said one or more axles are secured by any suitable means to said first portion and said section portion of said frame.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a trailer of the type for towing behind a vehicle having a frame for supporting 10 wheels on one or more axles thereon and having a container thereon for carrying goods and materials, said container having a base and front, rear and side walls depending from said base, wherein: said front, rearand sidewalls comprise an innerwall and a spaced outer wall periodically joined at intervals at an intersection of said inner wall, 15 said outer wall and said base.

Preferably, said rear wall includes a pivotable tailgate assembly.

Preferably, at said intervals, lower portions of at least one of said inner and outer walls are shaped sufficient for said inner and outer walls to be joined at said intersection. 20 More preferably, at said intervals, lower portions of said inner and outer walls are shaped sufficient for said inner and outer walls to be joined at said intersection.

Preferably, opposing said lower portions face inwardly. 2015258351 23 Nov 2015 5

Preferably, respective upper edges of said inner and outer walls are co-joined.

More preferably, said respective upper edges are co-joined continuously.

Preferably, said container is manufactured from a plastic material.

Preferably, said plastic material is a polyethylene. 5 Preferably, said polyethylene is a low-density polyethylene.

Preferably, said low-density polyethylene is a linear low-density polyethylene.

Optionally, said trailer includes strengthening ribs on the interiors of said base and said front, rear and side walls.

Preferably, said strengthening ribs are moulded into said plastic material. 10 Preferably, said frame is manufactured from a metallic material.

Preferably, said metallic material is galvanised steel.

Optionally, said trailer includes one or more tie-down bars affixed to one or more of said front, rear and side walls.

Optionally, said trailer includes hollow posts secured at respective junctions of 15 said front, rear and side walls adapted to support framework for a cage or ladder-rack structure or similar to be fitted to said trailer.

Optionally, said trailer includes a multitude of hooks orthe like attached to said front, rear and side walls to which a tonneau cover can be attached. 2015258351 23 Nov 2015 6

Preferably, said multitude of hooks are attached to said outer walls.

Optionally, said trailer includes guards to cover said wheels when said trailer is in use.

Optionally said guards include mud flaps. 5 Optionally, said trailer includes an additional spare wheel removably attached at any convenient location on said trailer.

Optionally, said trailer includes a jockey wheel removably attached at any convenient location on said frame.

Optionally, each of said one or more axles includes a torsion rubber 10 suspension.

As a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of transporting a trailer of the type as hereinbefore defined, said method including: securing said frame or said first portion of said frame to said first 15 position; storing said one or more axles and said wheels and any said second portion of said frame, said guards, said mud flaps, said spare wheel and said jockey wheel within said container; and transporting said trailer to a required destination. 2015258351 23 Nov 2015 7

As a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of transporting two trailers, each of said trailers being a trailer of the type as hereinbefore defined, said method including: securing said frame or said first portion of said frame of a first said trailer 5 to said first position on said first trailer; securing said frame or said first portion of said frame of a second said trailer to said first position on said second trailer; storing said one or more axles and said wheels and any said second portion of said frame, said guards, said mud flaps, said spare wheel and 10 said jockey wheel of said first trailer within said container of said first trailer; storing said one or more axles and said wheels and any said second portion of said frame, said guards, said mud flaps, said spare wheel and said jockey wheel of said second trailer within said container of said first 15 trailer; inverting said second trailer and stacking with said first trailer such that corresponding upper regions of said containers overlap; if necessary, removably securing thus stacked trailers together for transport purposes; and 20 transporting said thus stacked trailers to a required destination.

Optionally, a multiple of said thus stacked trailers can be further stacked and, if necessary, removably secured together for transport purposes. 2015258351 23 Nov 2015 8

As a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of transporting a multitude of trailers of differing dimensions, each of said trailers being a trailer of the type as hereinbefore defined, said method comprising: securing said frame or said first portion of said frame of each respective 5 said trailer to respective said first position of each said trailer to produce a series of frame/container combinations of diminishing dimensions; selecting the larger size said frame/container combination as a base combination; storing another member of said frame/container combination in said 10 container of said base combination to define a nested combination; as necessary, adding one or more further member of said frame/container combination into an adjacent container in said nested combination until all said frame/container combinations are exhausted; storing said one or more axles and said wheels and any of said second 15 portion of said frame, said guards, said mud flaps, said spare wheel and said jockey wheel of each of said multitude of trailers within said container of uppermost nested trailer; and transporting said thus nested trailers to a required destination.

Optionally, prior to said transporting, a further said trailer of dimensions 20 substantially identical to said base trailer is selected and said frame or said first portion of said frame of said further trailer is secured to said first position on said further trailer to define a further frame/container combination, said one or more axles and said wheels and any of said second portion of said frame, said 2015258351 23 Nov 2015 9 guards, said mud flaps, said spare wheel and said jockey wheel of said further trailer are stored within said container of said uppermost nested trailer, said further frame/container combination is inverted and stacked with said nested trailers such that corresponding upper regions of said further and said base 5 containers overlap and, if necessary, removably secured togetherfor transport purposes. Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the following drawings wherein: 10 FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a partial construction of a first embodiment of a trailer of the invention with a portion of the frame thereof in a first position; FIG. 2 is the embodiment of FIG. 1 with the portion of the frame in a second position; 15 FIG. 3 is the embodiment of FIGS. 1 & 2 with additional components secured thereto; FIG. 4 is the embodiment of FIGS. 1-3 with further components secured thereto; FIG. 5 is a partially exploded schematic view of the embodiment of FIGS. 1-4, typifying a single-axle trailer of the invention; 20 FIG. 6 is a schematic view of two trailers similar to the embodiment of FIG. 5; FIG. 7 is a schematic view of the two trailers of FIG. 6 stacked together; 2015258351 23 Nov 2015 ίο FIG. 8 is a schematic view of a multitude of trailers of the invention of differing dimensions in a nested combination; FIG. 9 is a schematic view of a second embodiment of a trailer of the invention; and 5 FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view along the line A-A’ of FIG. 9.

Referring to FIGS. 1 -5, when the trailer of the invention is to be transported to a required destination such as a point of sale, a first portion (1) of its frame is attached to the base (2) of the box-like container (3) of the trailer such that 10 there is minimal extension of the frame portion (1) beyond the periphery of the container (3) (FIG. 1). The frame portion (1) is attached to the base (2) by any convenient removable fastener in the art passing through bores in the base (2). When the trailer is to be assembled for use, the frame portion (1) is removed and secured at a second in-use position (FIG. 2), again being attached to the 15 base (2) by any convenient removable fastener known in the art passing through bores in the base (2). A second frame portion (4) is attached to the base (2) using the same bores (6) used initially to attach the first frame portion (1) (FIGS. 2 & 3). Axle components (7) are then attached spanning the frame portions (1)&(4)(FIG.4). Remaining components such as wheels (8), guards 20 (9) and mud flaps (10) are then attached (FIG. 5).

When two trailers (11, 12) of the type illustrated in FIG. 5 are to be initially transported to, for example, a point of sale, respective frame portions (1) of each of the trailers (11, 12) are secured to the respective bases as illustrated with reference to FIG.1 (FIG. 6). Respective second frame portions (4), axle 25 components (7), wheels (8), guards (9) and mud flaps (10) of both trailers (11, 12) are stored within the container (3) of one of the trailers (12) (FIG. 6). The 2015258351 23 Nov 2015 11 frame/base combination of the second trailer (11) is inverted and stacked with trailer (12) such that the corresponding upper regions of the respective containers (3) overlap (FIGS. 6 & 7). If necessary, the stacked trailers can be strapped togetherfor stability during subsequenttransport. If appropriate, sets 5 of thus two-stacked trailers can be further stacked and secured together for transport.

Referring to FIG. 8, when a multitude of trailers (only three illustrated) of the invention but of differing dimensions are to be transported to a required destination such as a point of sale, each respective frame portions (1) of each 10 of the trailers are secured to the respective bases in the first position as illustrated with reference to FIG.1. The larger size frame/container combination is selected as the base combination (13). A second member (14) of the frame/container combination is stored in the container (3) of the base combination (13) to commence a nested combination. A third member (15) of 15 the frame/container combination is stored in the adjacent container in the nested combination. This selection of appropriately dimensioned frame/container combination and storing thereof in the adjacent container (3) is continued until all frame/container combinations are exhausted. The axles (7), wheels (8) and any of the second portion (4) of the frame, guards (9), mud 20 flaps (10), spare wheel and jockey wheel of each of the multitude of trailers are stored within the container (3) of the uppermost nested trailer (15).

Optionally (not illustrated), a further frame/combination of dimensions substantially identical to the base combination (13) is selected and the axle(s), wheels and any second portion of the frame, guards, mud flaps, spare wheel 25 and jockey wheel relevant to this frame/combination are also stored within the container (3) of the uppermost nested trailer (15). The further frame/container combination is inverted and stacked with the nested trailers such that corresponding upper regions of the further frame/combination and the base 2015258351 23 Nov 2015 12 combination (13) overlap as similarly described with reference to FIG. 7. Again, if necessary, the stacked trailers can be strapped together for stability during subsequent transport and, if appropriate, sets of thus-stacked trailers can be further stacked and secured together for transport. 5 A second embodiment of a trailer of the invention is illustrated in FIGS. 9 & 10 wherein first (1) and second (4) frame portions are secured to a box-like container (3) similarly as described above with reference to FIGS. 1-3. An axle (7) is secured as similarly described above with reference to FIG. 4. Wheels (8) are fitted to the axle (7) by any means well known in the art. Guards (9) I0 and mudflaps (10) are fitted by any means known in the art. A trailer coupling (16), of the type well known in the art, is fitted to the apex of the frame. A safety chain (17) of the type well known in the art is attached to the frame portion (1) near the coupling (16). A cross-member (18) spans the arms of the frame portion (1) to support a spare wheel when fitted. The container (3) is I5 manufactured from linear low-density polyethylene and comprises a single integral mould of base (19), side walls (20) and front wall (21) and corner posts (22). A separate openable tailgate (23), also manufactured from linear low-density polyethylene, is fitted to the rear of the trailer. Strengthening ribs (32) are moulded into the interior surfaces of the base (19), side walls (20), front 20 wall (21) and tailgate (23). Each of the corner posts (22) include a hollow (24) into which supports for a cage or ladder rack can be placed as is well known in the art. Bars (25) extend between adjacent posts (22) to which a rope or elastic strap can attached to assist secure a load placed in the trailer as is well known in the art. The side (20) and front (21) walls and tailgate (23) comprise 25 an inner wall (26) and an outer wall (27) spaced from the inner wall (26) (FIG. 10). The upper edges (28) of the walls are joined continuously. At positions (29) spaced periodically along the lower portions of the walls (20, 21), frusto-triangular shaped lower portions of the inner (26) and outer (27) walls depend inwards sufficient for the inner (26) and outer (27) walls to meet at an 2015258351 23 Nov 2015 13 intersection (30) of the inner (26) and outer (27) walls and the base (19). The spacing of the inner (26) and outer (27) walls between these intersections (30) remains open. A multitude of hooks (31) are also moulded in the outer wall (27) of the front (21) and side (20) walls and tailgate (23) to which a tonneau 5 cover can be attached. One or more trailers of this second embodiment can be transported and/or stacked prior to transport as similarly described above with reference to FIGS. 1-8.

With the ability to place the first frame portion (1) in to a transport position, the overall length of the various embodiments of the trailers of the present 10 invention can be reduced by approximately 70% compared to existing prior art trailers. In the nested combination described above, a 6' x 4' trailer can be placed inside a 7' x 4'6" trailer which can be placed inside a 8' x 5' trailer. A further 8' x 5' trailer can be inverted and placed on top of this nested combination. In this combination, four (4) trailers have a total shipping volume 15 of approximately 4.1 cubic metres compared to a prior art single 8' x 5' trailer on its wheels with a volume of 6.5 cubic metres.

The present invention offers a number of advantages which include: can be manufactured to any required trailer dimensions; each trailer can be transported singly or in multiple numbers in a 20 compact form, thus significantly reducing transport costs for a manufacturer; can retain all of the features of existing trailers; 2015258351 23 Nov 2015 14 with the preferred inner and outer walls structure selected: provides a strong structure irrespective of the dimensions of the trailer; allows fitment of tonneau hooks, tie-down bars and the like 5 without intruding into the carrying space of the container; and allows electrical wiring for clearance, rear and brake lights and the like to be placed between the walls thus limiting the wiring’s exposure to damage; when manufactured from low density polyethylene material: 10 as a single-skin base can be moulded simultaneously with the double-skinned front and side walls, the quantity of material required for manufacture is reduced but retains the inherent strength of a trailer irrespective of its dimensions; the leading edges of any trailer are exposed to frequent and high 15 level impacts blows during its working life, and as this material is highly impact resistant, and as the manufacturing process of the present invention can provide thicker leading edges, these edges are thus more resistant to these blows; this material is impervious to most chemicals; 2015258351 23 Nov 2015 15 the pigment can be evenly distributed throughout entire container structure thus retaining its aesthetic appeal throughout its working life; and at the end of its working life, can be recycled. 5 The terms "comprising" or "comprises" as used throughout the specification and claims are taken to specify the presence of the stated features, integers and components referred to but not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other feature/s, integer/s, component/s or group thereof.

It will be appreciated that the above described embodiments are only 10 exemplifications of the various aspects of the present invention and that modifications and alterations can be made thereto without departing from the inventive concept as defined in the following claims.

Claims (21)

1. A trailer of the type for towing behind a vehicle having a frame for supporting wheels on one or more axles thereon and having a container thereon for carry ing goods and materials, said container having a base and front, rear and side walls depending from said base, wherein: said front, rear and side walls comprise an inner wall and a spaced outer wall to define a continuous space therebetween extending substantially from respective upper edges of said inner and outer walls to respective lower edges of said inner and outer walls periodically joined at intervals at an intersection of said inner wall, said outer wall and said base.

2. A trailer as defined in Claim 1 wherein said rear wall includes a pivotable tailgate assembly.

3. A trailer as defined in Claim 1 or Claim 2 wherein, at said intervals, lower portions of at least one of said inner and said outer walls are shaped sufficient for said inner and said outer walls to be joined at said intersection.

4. A trailer as defined in Claim 1 or Claim 2 wherein, at said intervals, lower portions of said inner and said outer walls are shaped sufficient for said inner and said outer walls to be joined at said intersection.

5. A trailer as defined in Claim 4 wherein opposing said lower portions face inwardly,

6. A trailer as defined in any one of Claims 1 to 5 wherein respective upper edges of said inner and outer walls are co-ioined eontinuouslv.

7. A trailer as defined in any one of Claims 1 to 6 wherein said container Is manufactured from a plastic material,

8. A trailer as defined in Claim 7 wherein said plastic material is linear low-density polyethylene.

9. A trailer as defined in Claim 7 or Claim 8 wherein said base is singleskinned.

10. A trailer as defined in any one of Claims 1 to 9 wherein said trailer includes hollow posts secured at respective junctions of said front, rear and side walls adapted to support framework for a cage or ladder-rack structure or similar to be fitted to said trailer.

11. A trailer as defined in Claim 10, when appended to any one of Claims 7 to 9, wherein said hollow posts, said base and said side walls are moulded as an integral unit.

12. A trailer as defined in any one of Claims 1 to 11 wherein said trailer includes a multitude qf hooks or the like attached to said outer walls of said front, rear and side walls to which a tonneau cover can be attached.

13. A trailer as defined in any one of Claims 1 to 12 wherein: said container can be positioned on said frame at a first position to provide a frame and container combination with a first overall length and can be reversibly repositioned to a second position on said frame to provide a second overall length of said frame and container combination, said second overall length being greater than said first overall length.

14. A trailer as defined in Claim 13 wherein said frame has a first portion and an independent second portion.

15.. A trailer as defined in Claim 14 wherein said first portion of said frame can be positioned from said first position to said second position.

16. A trailer as defined in Claim 15 wherein said first portion of said frame includes a first set of one or more bores which can align with similar one or more bores in said container allowing said first portion of said frame to be attached to said container at said first position with corresponding fasteners passing through respective aligned said bores.

17. A trailer as defined in Claim 16 wherein said second portion of said frame includes a second set of one or more bores which can align with said similar one or more bores in said container allowing said second portion of said frame to be attached to said container at said first position with corresponding fasteners passing through respective aligned said bores, 18:. A method of transporting a trailer of the type as defined in any one of Claims 13 to 17, said method including: securing said frame or said first portion of said frame to said first position; storing said one or more axles and said wheels and any said second portion of said frame within said container; and transporting said trailer to a required destination.

19. A method of transporting two trailers, each of said two trailers being a trailer of the type as defined in any one of Claims 13 to 17, said method including: securing said frame or said first portion of said frame of a first said trailer to said first position on said first trailer- securing said frame or said first portion of said frame of a second said trailer to said first position on said second trailer; storing said one or more axles and said wheels and any said second portion of said frame of said first trailer within said container of said first trailer; storing said one or more axles and said wheels and any said second portion of said frame of said second trailer within said container of said first trailer; inverting said second trailer and stacking with said first trailer such that corresponding upper regions of said containers overlap; if necessary, removably securing thus stacked trailers together for transport purposes; and transporting said thus stacked trailers to a required destination.

20. A method as defined in Claim 19 wherein a multiple of said thus stacked trailers are further stacked and, if necessary, removably secured together for transport purposes.

21. A method of transporting a multitude pf trailers of differing dimensions, each of said trailers being a trailer of the type as defined in any one of Claims 13 to 17, said method comprising: Securing said frame or said first portion of said frame of each respective said trailer to respective said first position of each said trailer to produce a series of frame/container combinations of diminishing dimensions; selecting the larger size said frame/container combination as a base combination; storing another member of said frame/container combination in said Container of said base combination to define a nested combination; as necessary, adding one or more further member of said frame/container combination into an adjacent container in said nested combination until all said frame/container combinations are exhausted; storing said one or more axles and said wheels and any of said second portion of said frame of each of said multitude of trailers within said container of uppermost nested trailer; and transporting said thus nested trailers to a required destination.

22. A method as defined in Claim 21 wherein: prior to said transporting, a further said trailer of dimensions substantially identical to said base trailer is selected; said frame or said first portion of said frame of said further trailer is secured to said first position on said further trailer to define a further frame/container combination; said one or more axles and said wheels and any of said second portion of said frame of said further trailer are stored within said container of said uppermost nested trailer; inverting and stacking said further frame/container combination with said nested trailers such that corresponding upper regions of said further and said base containers overlap; and if necessary, removably securing together for transport purposes.