CA2282005A1 - Removable support assembly for a trailer - Google Patents
Removable support assembly for a trailer Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2282005A1 CA2282005A1 CA 2282005 CA2282005A CA2282005A1 CA 2282005 A1 CA2282005 A1 CA 2282005A1 CA 2282005 CA2282005 CA 2282005 CA 2282005 A CA2282005 A CA 2282005A CA 2282005 A1 CA2282005 A1 CA 2282005A1
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- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- support assembly
- frame member
- top frame
- removable support
- assembly according
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
- B62D33/00—Superstructures for load-carrying vehicles
- B62D33/02—Platforms; Open load compartments
- B62D33/0207—Connections of movable or detachable racks or stanchions to platforms
- B62D33/0215—Connections of movable or detachable racks or stanchions to platforms for log hauling vehicles
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60P—VEHICLES ADAPTED FOR LOAD TRANSPORTATION OR TO TRANSPORT, TO CARRY, OR TO COMPRISE SPECIAL LOADS OR OBJECTS
- B60P3/00—Vehicles adapted to transport, to carry or to comprise special loads or objects
- B60P3/40—Vehicles adapted to transport, to carry or to comprise special loads or objects for carrying long loads, e.g. with separate wheeled load supporting elements
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60P—VEHICLES ADAPTED FOR LOAD TRANSPORTATION OR TO TRANSPORT, TO CARRY, OR TO COMPRISE SPECIAL LOADS OR OBJECTS
- B60P3/00—Vehicles adapted to transport, to carry or to comprise special loads or objects
- B60P3/42—Vehicles adapted to transport, to carry or to comprise special loads or objects convertible from one use to a different one
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Transportation (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Pallets (AREA)
Abstract
A removable support assembly for a trailer, allowing the trailer to be adapted to the transport of different merchandise. The support assembly includes at least one support element removably connectable to the trailer by appropriate means. The support elements may be log bunks or bunk raisers for the transport of logs, or platform sections or a one-piece platform. Advantageously, in the case of wood transport, the log bunks or bunk raisers can be disposed at any desired distance from each other depending on the length of the logs to be carried. In addition, the use of removable support assemblies as described, allows the same trailer to be adapted to seasonal activities, such as carrying logs in winter and other products on platforms during warmer seasons.
Description
, REMOVABLE SUPPORT ASSEMBLY FOR A TRAILER
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to trailers in general, and more particularly concerns a removable support assembly for adapting a wood trailer to the transportation of logs of different sizes or of different objects altogether.
BACKGROUND
Trailers for transporting logs of wood or similar material generally have a frame provided with two elongated side frame members onto which are welded laterally disposed spaced-apart rails or bunks. These bunks have extremities projecting beyond the side frame members, provided with stakes to prevent side tipping of the logs. The bunks are welded onto the side frame members and consequently their number is fixed. Depending on the length of the logs to be carried, certain bunks with their stakes are often useless, adding dead weight to the trailer. As the weight of material that the trailer can carry is limited, the weight of these useless bunks and 2o their stakes limits the payload and reduces profits. In addition, the extra weight increases gas expenses.
It is also known in the art to provide a single flat platform welded onto the frame of a trailer. Sometimes only a limited portion of the platform is used for transportation but the whole platform which is heavy 25 has to be carried by the frame, again adding dead weight to the trailer.
Wood transportation is a seasonal occupation, trailers for transporting logs of wood usually being allowed circulation only during winter when roads are frozen, so these roads wouldn't be damaged. Wood trailers therefore become useless during the summer time. To avoid 3o interrupting business, trailer owners often have a second trailer provided with a platform to work with during the hot seasons.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to trailers in general, and more particularly concerns a removable support assembly for adapting a wood trailer to the transportation of logs of different sizes or of different objects altogether.
BACKGROUND
Trailers for transporting logs of wood or similar material generally have a frame provided with two elongated side frame members onto which are welded laterally disposed spaced-apart rails or bunks. These bunks have extremities projecting beyond the side frame members, provided with stakes to prevent side tipping of the logs. The bunks are welded onto the side frame members and consequently their number is fixed. Depending on the length of the logs to be carried, certain bunks with their stakes are often useless, adding dead weight to the trailer. As the weight of material that the trailer can carry is limited, the weight of these useless bunks and 2o their stakes limits the payload and reduces profits. In addition, the extra weight increases gas expenses.
It is also known in the art to provide a single flat platform welded onto the frame of a trailer. Sometimes only a limited portion of the platform is used for transportation but the whole platform which is heavy 25 has to be carried by the frame, again adding dead weight to the trailer.
Wood transportation is a seasonal occupation, trailers for transporting logs of wood usually being allowed circulation only during winter when roads are frozen, so these roads wouldn't be damaged. Wood trailers therefore become useless during the summer time. To avoid 3o interrupting business, trailer owners often have a second trailer provided with a platform to work with during the hot seasons.
OBJECT AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a removable support assembly allowing to removably attach to a trailer various support elements such as log bunks, bunk raisers, platforms or sections of platforms.
It is a preferable object of the invention to provide such a removable support assembly wherein each support element may be attached at various positions on the trailer.
io Yet another preferable object of the invention is to provide a trailer having a plurality of such removable support assemblies attached thereto.
Accordingly, the present invention provides a removable support assembly for a trailer having an elongated top frame member, comprising:
at least one support element removably connectable to the top frame member; and connecting means for removably connecting the support element to the top frame member.
In a first preferred embodiment, each of the at least one support element is a log bunk. Each log bunk preferably comprises:
2o an elongated body having a first end and a second end, the first end being connectable to the top frame member and the second end projecting away from said top frame member; and a stake pocket disposed at the second end of the elongated body for receiving an extremity of a log stake.
In another preferred embodiment, each of the at least one support element is a bunk raiser, each bunk raiser comprising:
a transverse beam sized to extend over the top frame member of the trailer generally transversally thereto;
a pair of elongated bodies located respectively at both ends of the 3o transverse beam, each of the elongated bodies having a first end and a second end, said first ends of the elongated bodies facing each other; and .
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a removable support assembly allowing to removably attach to a trailer various support elements such as log bunks, bunk raisers, platforms or sections of platforms.
It is a preferable object of the invention to provide such a removable support assembly wherein each support element may be attached at various positions on the trailer.
io Yet another preferable object of the invention is to provide a trailer having a plurality of such removable support assemblies attached thereto.
Accordingly, the present invention provides a removable support assembly for a trailer having an elongated top frame member, comprising:
at least one support element removably connectable to the top frame member; and connecting means for removably connecting the support element to the top frame member.
In a first preferred embodiment, each of the at least one support element is a log bunk. Each log bunk preferably comprises:
2o an elongated body having a first end and a second end, the first end being connectable to the top frame member and the second end projecting away from said top frame member; and a stake pocket disposed at the second end of the elongated body for receiving an extremity of a log stake.
In another preferred embodiment, each of the at least one support element is a bunk raiser, each bunk raiser comprising:
a transverse beam sized to extend over the top frame member of the trailer generally transversally thereto;
a pair of elongated bodies located respectively at both ends of the 3o transverse beam, each of the elongated bodies having a first end and a second end, said first ends of the elongated bodies facing each other; and .
a pair of stake pockets respectively disposed at the second ends of the elongated bodies for receiving respective extremities of two logstakes.
In another preferred embodiment, each of the at least one support element is a platform section, each platform section comprising:
a platform surface; and at least one platform support having a top beam for supporting said platform surface, and a supporting structure for supporting the top beam, said supporting structure being connectable to the top frame portion by 1o means of the connecting means.
In yet another preferred embodiment, the at least one support element is a platform, said platform comprising:
a platform surface; and a plurality of support beams for supporting said platform surface, the is support beams extending transversally to the top frame member and being connectable thereto by means of the connecting means.
Advantageously, the removable support assembly according to the present invention allows a trailer to be adapted to the type of products transported, may it be logs of a specific length or smaller objects 2o necessitating a platform surface, while minimizing the weight of the trailer itself.
Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon reading the following descriptions of preferred embodiments thereof with reference to the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a trailer provided with removable support assemblies according to a first preferred embodiment of the invention, wherein the support elements are log bunks;
3o FIG. 1 A is an enlarged view of section 1 A of FIG. 1;
FIG. 1 B is a side elevation view of the section of FIG. 1 A;
In another preferred embodiment, each of the at least one support element is a platform section, each platform section comprising:
a platform surface; and at least one platform support having a top beam for supporting said platform surface, and a supporting structure for supporting the top beam, said supporting structure being connectable to the top frame portion by 1o means of the connecting means.
In yet another preferred embodiment, the at least one support element is a platform, said platform comprising:
a platform surface; and a plurality of support beams for supporting said platform surface, the is support beams extending transversally to the top frame member and being connectable thereto by means of the connecting means.
Advantageously, the removable support assembly according to the present invention allows a trailer to be adapted to the type of products transported, may it be logs of a specific length or smaller objects 2o necessitating a platform surface, while minimizing the weight of the trailer itself.
Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon reading the following descriptions of preferred embodiments thereof with reference to the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a trailer provided with removable support assemblies according to a first preferred embodiment of the invention, wherein the support elements are log bunks;
3o FIG. 1 A is an enlarged view of section 1 A of FIG. 1;
FIG. 1 B is a side elevation view of the section of FIG. 1 A;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a trailer provided with removable support assemblies according to a second preferred embodiment of the invention, wherein the support elements are also log bunks;
FIG. 2A is an enlarged view of section 2A of FIG. 2;
s FIG. 2B is a side elevation view of the section of FIG. 2A;
FIG. 2C is a view similar to FIG. 2B, showing how the log bunk is connected to the top frame member of the trailer;
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a trailer provided with removable support assemblies according to a third preferred embodiment of the 1o invention, wherein the support elements are bunkraisers;
FIG. 3A is an enlarged view of section 3A of FIG. 3;
FIG. 3B is a side elevation view of the section of FIG. 3A;
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a trailer provided with removable support assemblies according to a fourth preferred embodiment of the 15 invention, wherein the support elements are also bunkraisers;
FIG. 4A is an enlarged view of section 4A of FIG. 4;
FIG. 4B is a side elevation view of the section of FIG. 4A;
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a trailer provided with removable support assemblies according to a fifth preferred embodiment of the 2o invention, wherein the support elements are platform sections;
FIG. 5A is an enlarged view of section 5A of FIG. 5;
FIG. 5B is a side elevation view of the section of FIG. 5A;
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a trailer provided with removable support assemblies according to a sixth preferred embodiment of the 2s invention, wherein the support element is a platform;
FIG. 6A is an enlarged view of section 6A of FIG. 6; and FIG. 6B is a side elevation view of the section of FIG. 6A.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
3o In accordance with the present invention, a trailer may be adapted for a variety of purposes by providing it with different kinds and different numbers of removable support assemblies, each having at least one support element removably connectable to the trailer via connecting means. Different examples of such support assemblies are described below.
FIG. 2A is an enlarged view of section 2A of FIG. 2;
s FIG. 2B is a side elevation view of the section of FIG. 2A;
FIG. 2C is a view similar to FIG. 2B, showing how the log bunk is connected to the top frame member of the trailer;
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a trailer provided with removable support assemblies according to a third preferred embodiment of the 1o invention, wherein the support elements are bunkraisers;
FIG. 3A is an enlarged view of section 3A of FIG. 3;
FIG. 3B is a side elevation view of the section of FIG. 3A;
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a trailer provided with removable support assemblies according to a fourth preferred embodiment of the 15 invention, wherein the support elements are also bunkraisers;
FIG. 4A is an enlarged view of section 4A of FIG. 4;
FIG. 4B is a side elevation view of the section of FIG. 4A;
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a trailer provided with removable support assemblies according to a fifth preferred embodiment of the 2o invention, wherein the support elements are platform sections;
FIG. 5A is an enlarged view of section 5A of FIG. 5;
FIG. 5B is a side elevation view of the section of FIG. 5A;
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a trailer provided with removable support assemblies according to a sixth preferred embodiment of the 2s invention, wherein the support element is a platform;
FIG. 6A is an enlarged view of section 6A of FIG. 6; and FIG. 6B is a side elevation view of the section of FIG. 6A.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
3o In accordance with the present invention, a trailer may be adapted for a variety of purposes by providing it with different kinds and different numbers of removable support assemblies, each having at least one support element removably connectable to the trailer via connecting means. Different examples of such support assemblies are described below.
5 For example, referring now to Figs. 1, 1 A and 1 B, the trailer 10 has an elongated top frame member 1 1 composed of two side beams 40, each having a top portion 42. A floor 44 is preferably provided, fixed to the top portions 42 of the side beams.
FIGs. 1, 1 A and 1 B all show a first embodiment of the invention. In ~o this embodiment, the support elements are embodied by log bunks 14. As better seen in FIG. 1 A, each log bunk 14 has an elongated body, preferably frustro-pyramidal in shape with a first end 16 and a second end 18. The first end 16 is preferably wider than the second end 18. The first end 16 is connectable to the top frame member 11. The narrow end 18 projects ~s away from the top frame member 11 of the trailer 10, and has a stake pocket 20 for receiving a log stake 22. The log stakes 22 are used to prevent the logs carried on the trailer 10 to roll off from the sides. An oblong hole 21 is preferably provided on a side of the log bunk 14 to receive a chain (not shown) connected to the stake 22, for holding said 2o stake 22 in the stake pocket 20. More particularly, each log bunk 14 has a top wall 24, a bottom wall 26 and two side walls 28.
In this embodiment, the connecting means preferably include two clamps 30, each attached to the top wall 24 of the corresponding log bunk 14 at one end 32 and being hook-shaped at the second end 34 for 2s connection by clamping to the top portion 42. Fasteners, such as bolts 36 and screws 38 are also provided for connecting the side walls 28 to the side beam 40. Any other appropriate fasteners may also be used.
Preferably, sliding tracks 46 are disposed along each of the side beams 40 of the top frame portion 1 1, having screw holes 47 for receiving the 3o screws 38 at different possible positions along the side beams 40. In addition, if the floor 44 is present on the top frame member 1 1, openings 48 are preferably provided in this floor 44 to expose parts of the top portion 42 of the side beams, so that the hook-shaped extremities 34 of the clamps 30 may be connected to the top portions 42. The openings 48 and sliding tracks 46 are preferably aligned, so as to define receiving areas where the removable support assemblies may be connected at different positions.
Referring to FIGs. 2, 2A, 2B and 2C, there is shown a second embodiment of the invention similar to the one described above, as the support elements are also log bunks 14 of the same shape as those of FIGs. 1, 1 A and 1 B. However, in this embodiment, the top portion 42 of each side beam 40 has a hook-shaped edge 50, projecting outwardly of the top frame member 1 1, connectable to the hook-shaped extremities 34 of the clamps 30; in this manner, the clamps may be connected to the top portion 42 of the side beams 40 from beneath, so that there is no longer 1s any need for openings 48 in the floor 44 of the trailer 10 as shown in Fig.1 A. In this embodiment the sliding tracks 46 may extend along the entire length of the side beams 40, since they do not need to be aligned with the openings in the floor 44. In addition, the log bunk 14 in accordance with this embodiment is easy to install on the trailer 10, as 2o illustrated in FIG. 2C. A user simply has to engage the hook-shaped extremities 34 of the log bunk 14 to the hook-shaped edge 50, as shown in FIG.2C, and then pivot the log bunk 14 in position. Similarly, the log bunk 14 is removed by a pivotal movement thereof.
Referring to FIGs. 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 4A and 4B, there are shown other 25 embodiments of the invention where the support elements are bunk raisers 51. Bunk raisers essentially consist of two opposed log bunks connected together by a beam extending across the top frame portion, and are used to "raise" the logs of the load above and out of contact with the frame.
Accordingly, each bunk raiser 51 in these embodiments of the 3o invention has a transverse beam 52 sized to extend over the top frame member 11 in a generally transversal manner. Two elongated bodies 15, also preferably frustro-pyramidal in shape, are provided on each side of the transverse beam 52, their first ends 16 facing each other. The second ends 18 of each body 15 are provided with a stake pocket 20 for holding a log stake 22. Preferably, the transverse beam 52 is integral to the s elongated bodies 15.
As with the log bunks of the previous embodiments, the frustro-pyramidal bodies 15 each have a top wall 24, a bottom wall 26 and side walls 28. Preferably, the top wall 24 is embodied by a portion of the transverse beam 52. Bolts 36 and screws 38, or any other appropriate 1o fasteners, are provided to connect the side walls to the side beams 40, sliding tracks 46 being disposed along the side beams 40 for this purpose.
As shown in FIGs. 3A, 3B, 4A and 4B, a removable winch 94 can optionally be installed on a side of the elongated body 15. Although shown with respect to bunk raisers, winches 94 may be installed on any 15 appropriate support element. In the preferred embodiment, the winch 94 is removably fixed to a side wall 28 of a frustro-pyramidal body, through bolts and screws or other fasteners. The winch 94 is for receiving a chain or rope used to tie up the payload on the trailer, and can be installed on any number of bunks, bunk raisers or other support elements, on the side 2o chosen by the operator.
As the bunk raisers 51 are supported on top of the top frame member 1 1 and do not need to be connected to the top portion 42 of each side beam 40, they can be installed either on the trailer of FIG. 1, as seen in FIGs. 3, 3A and 3B), or the trailer of FIG. 2. (as seen in FIGs. 4, 4A and 25 4B) .
Referring to FIGs. 5, 5A and 5B, there is shown yet another embodiment of the invention where the support elements are platform sections 54. Each platform section preferably has a platform surface 56, supported by at least one platform support 58, which is preferably 3o triangular in shape. The platform support 58 has a top beam 60, for supporting the platform surface 56, and a supporting structure for supporting the top beam, preferably in the form of a pair of support beams 62. The support beams 62 have their respective first extremities 64 attached to the top beam 60, one near the front and the other near the back, and their second extremities 66 projecting away from the top beam s 60 and meeting at a joining point which is connectable to the top frame portion 11. In the preferred embodiment, a plate 68 is rigidly attached to the second extremities 66 of the support beams, perpendicularly thereto, and bolts 36 and screws 38 or other fasterners are provided for connecting the plate 68 to the top frame portion 11 of the trailer 10, preferably on 1o sliding tracks 46.
In accordance with this embodiment, the connecting means further include at least one clamp 70 for each platform section 54, having a first extremity 72 attached to the platform section, and a hook-shaped second extremity 74 connectable by clamping to the top portion 42.
is Advantageously, the top portion 42 of the side beams 40 may have a hook-shaped edge 50 to which the hook-shaped second extremity 74 of the clamp 70 is connected.
FIGs. 6, 6A and 6B show another embodiment of the invention, where the support element is a one piece platform 76. The platform 76 2o preferably includes a platform surface 78 supported by a plurality of support beams 80 disposed transversally on the top frame member 11.
Each support beam 80 has an inverted T-shaped bottom portion 82. The connecting means include a pair of connecting clamps 84 for each support beam 80, for connecting respectively two remote portions of the support 2s beam 80 to the side beams 40 of the top frame member 11. The top portions 42 of the side beams 40 are also T-shaped, and each connecting clamp 84 has two clamping members 86 for clamping together the T-shaped top and bottom portions 42 and 82 of the respective side and support beams 40 and 80. A screw 90, extending through the clamping 3o members 86 and a bolt 88, are provided for tightening the clamping members 86 together with the T-shaped top and bottom portions 42 and 82 therebetween. Any other tightening means may of course be used for this purpose.
The present invention also concerns a trailer provided with any of the removable support assembly described in the above embodiments, in any number. It is also within the scope of the invention to provide a single trailer having different types of support assemblies, such as, for example, covering a portion of the trailer with platform sections and the rest with log bunks, allowing for the mixed transport of merchandise.
Of course, numerous modifications could be made to the io embodiments described above without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.
FIGs. 1, 1 A and 1 B all show a first embodiment of the invention. In ~o this embodiment, the support elements are embodied by log bunks 14. As better seen in FIG. 1 A, each log bunk 14 has an elongated body, preferably frustro-pyramidal in shape with a first end 16 and a second end 18. The first end 16 is preferably wider than the second end 18. The first end 16 is connectable to the top frame member 11. The narrow end 18 projects ~s away from the top frame member 11 of the trailer 10, and has a stake pocket 20 for receiving a log stake 22. The log stakes 22 are used to prevent the logs carried on the trailer 10 to roll off from the sides. An oblong hole 21 is preferably provided on a side of the log bunk 14 to receive a chain (not shown) connected to the stake 22, for holding said 2o stake 22 in the stake pocket 20. More particularly, each log bunk 14 has a top wall 24, a bottom wall 26 and two side walls 28.
In this embodiment, the connecting means preferably include two clamps 30, each attached to the top wall 24 of the corresponding log bunk 14 at one end 32 and being hook-shaped at the second end 34 for 2s connection by clamping to the top portion 42. Fasteners, such as bolts 36 and screws 38 are also provided for connecting the side walls 28 to the side beam 40. Any other appropriate fasteners may also be used.
Preferably, sliding tracks 46 are disposed along each of the side beams 40 of the top frame portion 1 1, having screw holes 47 for receiving the 3o screws 38 at different possible positions along the side beams 40. In addition, if the floor 44 is present on the top frame member 1 1, openings 48 are preferably provided in this floor 44 to expose parts of the top portion 42 of the side beams, so that the hook-shaped extremities 34 of the clamps 30 may be connected to the top portions 42. The openings 48 and sliding tracks 46 are preferably aligned, so as to define receiving areas where the removable support assemblies may be connected at different positions.
Referring to FIGs. 2, 2A, 2B and 2C, there is shown a second embodiment of the invention similar to the one described above, as the support elements are also log bunks 14 of the same shape as those of FIGs. 1, 1 A and 1 B. However, in this embodiment, the top portion 42 of each side beam 40 has a hook-shaped edge 50, projecting outwardly of the top frame member 1 1, connectable to the hook-shaped extremities 34 of the clamps 30; in this manner, the clamps may be connected to the top portion 42 of the side beams 40 from beneath, so that there is no longer 1s any need for openings 48 in the floor 44 of the trailer 10 as shown in Fig.1 A. In this embodiment the sliding tracks 46 may extend along the entire length of the side beams 40, since they do not need to be aligned with the openings in the floor 44. In addition, the log bunk 14 in accordance with this embodiment is easy to install on the trailer 10, as 2o illustrated in FIG. 2C. A user simply has to engage the hook-shaped extremities 34 of the log bunk 14 to the hook-shaped edge 50, as shown in FIG.2C, and then pivot the log bunk 14 in position. Similarly, the log bunk 14 is removed by a pivotal movement thereof.
Referring to FIGs. 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 4A and 4B, there are shown other 25 embodiments of the invention where the support elements are bunk raisers 51. Bunk raisers essentially consist of two opposed log bunks connected together by a beam extending across the top frame portion, and are used to "raise" the logs of the load above and out of contact with the frame.
Accordingly, each bunk raiser 51 in these embodiments of the 3o invention has a transverse beam 52 sized to extend over the top frame member 11 in a generally transversal manner. Two elongated bodies 15, also preferably frustro-pyramidal in shape, are provided on each side of the transverse beam 52, their first ends 16 facing each other. The second ends 18 of each body 15 are provided with a stake pocket 20 for holding a log stake 22. Preferably, the transverse beam 52 is integral to the s elongated bodies 15.
As with the log bunks of the previous embodiments, the frustro-pyramidal bodies 15 each have a top wall 24, a bottom wall 26 and side walls 28. Preferably, the top wall 24 is embodied by a portion of the transverse beam 52. Bolts 36 and screws 38, or any other appropriate 1o fasteners, are provided to connect the side walls to the side beams 40, sliding tracks 46 being disposed along the side beams 40 for this purpose.
As shown in FIGs. 3A, 3B, 4A and 4B, a removable winch 94 can optionally be installed on a side of the elongated body 15. Although shown with respect to bunk raisers, winches 94 may be installed on any 15 appropriate support element. In the preferred embodiment, the winch 94 is removably fixed to a side wall 28 of a frustro-pyramidal body, through bolts and screws or other fasteners. The winch 94 is for receiving a chain or rope used to tie up the payload on the trailer, and can be installed on any number of bunks, bunk raisers or other support elements, on the side 2o chosen by the operator.
As the bunk raisers 51 are supported on top of the top frame member 1 1 and do not need to be connected to the top portion 42 of each side beam 40, they can be installed either on the trailer of FIG. 1, as seen in FIGs. 3, 3A and 3B), or the trailer of FIG. 2. (as seen in FIGs. 4, 4A and 25 4B) .
Referring to FIGs. 5, 5A and 5B, there is shown yet another embodiment of the invention where the support elements are platform sections 54. Each platform section preferably has a platform surface 56, supported by at least one platform support 58, which is preferably 3o triangular in shape. The platform support 58 has a top beam 60, for supporting the platform surface 56, and a supporting structure for supporting the top beam, preferably in the form of a pair of support beams 62. The support beams 62 have their respective first extremities 64 attached to the top beam 60, one near the front and the other near the back, and their second extremities 66 projecting away from the top beam s 60 and meeting at a joining point which is connectable to the top frame portion 11. In the preferred embodiment, a plate 68 is rigidly attached to the second extremities 66 of the support beams, perpendicularly thereto, and bolts 36 and screws 38 or other fasterners are provided for connecting the plate 68 to the top frame portion 11 of the trailer 10, preferably on 1o sliding tracks 46.
In accordance with this embodiment, the connecting means further include at least one clamp 70 for each platform section 54, having a first extremity 72 attached to the platform section, and a hook-shaped second extremity 74 connectable by clamping to the top portion 42.
is Advantageously, the top portion 42 of the side beams 40 may have a hook-shaped edge 50 to which the hook-shaped second extremity 74 of the clamp 70 is connected.
FIGs. 6, 6A and 6B show another embodiment of the invention, where the support element is a one piece platform 76. The platform 76 2o preferably includes a platform surface 78 supported by a plurality of support beams 80 disposed transversally on the top frame member 11.
Each support beam 80 has an inverted T-shaped bottom portion 82. The connecting means include a pair of connecting clamps 84 for each support beam 80, for connecting respectively two remote portions of the support 2s beam 80 to the side beams 40 of the top frame member 11. The top portions 42 of the side beams 40 are also T-shaped, and each connecting clamp 84 has two clamping members 86 for clamping together the T-shaped top and bottom portions 42 and 82 of the respective side and support beams 40 and 80. A screw 90, extending through the clamping 3o members 86 and a bolt 88, are provided for tightening the clamping members 86 together with the T-shaped top and bottom portions 42 and 82 therebetween. Any other tightening means may of course be used for this purpose.
The present invention also concerns a trailer provided with any of the removable support assembly described in the above embodiments, in any number. It is also within the scope of the invention to provide a single trailer having different types of support assemblies, such as, for example, covering a portion of the trailer with platform sections and the rest with log bunks, allowing for the mixed transport of merchandise.
Of course, numerous modifications could be made to the io embodiments described above without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.
Claims (23)
1. A removable support assembly for a trailer having an elongated top frame member, comprising:
at least one support element removably connectable to the top frame member; and connecting means for removably connecting the support element to the top frame member.
at least one support element removably connectable to the top frame member; and connecting means for removably connecting the support element to the top frame member.
2. A removable support assembly according to claim 1, wherein each of the at least one support element is a log bunk, each log bunk comprising:
an elongated body having a first end and a second end, the first end being connectable to the top frame member and the second end projecting away from said top frame member; and a stake pocket disposed at the second end of the elongated body for receiving an extremity of a log stake.
an elongated body having a first end and a second end, the first end being connectable to the top frame member and the second end projecting away from said top frame member; and a stake pocket disposed at the second end of the elongated body for receiving an extremity of a log stake.
3. A removable support assembly according to claim 2, wherein the elongated body of each log bunk is frustro-pyramidally shaped and has a top wall, a bottom wall and two side walls, the first end of said body being wider than the second end.
4. A removable support assembly according to claim 3, wherein the connecting means comprise for each log bunk:
at least one clamp having a first extremity attached to the top wall of the corresponding log bunk at the first end thereof, and a hook-shaped second extremity connectable by clamping to the top frame member; and fasteners for connecting the side walls of the corresponding log bunk at the first end thereof to the top frame member.
at least one clamp having a first extremity attached to the top wall of the corresponding log bunk at the first end thereof, and a hook-shaped second extremity connectable by clamping to the top frame member; and fasteners for connecting the side walls of the corresponding log bunk at the first end thereof to the top frame member.
5. A removable support assembly according to claim 4, wherein the fasteners comprise bolts and screws.
6. A removable support assembly according to claim 4, where the top frame member comprises two longitudinal side beams, each side beam having a top portion, the top frame member further comprising a floor fixed to said top portion, the removable support assembly being characterized in that the connecting means comprise sliding tracks disposed along each of the side beams for receiving the fasteners at different possible positions along the top frame member.
7. A removable support assembly according to claim 6, wherein the floor is provided with openings therein, said openings exposing parts of the top portions of the side beams, the removable support assembly being characterized in that second extremity of the clamp is connectable to said parts of the top portions of the side beams through said openings.
8. A removable support assembly according to claim 6, wherein the top portion of each side beam is provided with a hook-shaped edge projecting outwardly of the top frame member, the removable support assembly being characterized in that the second extremity of the clamp is connectable to said hook-shaped edge.
9. A removable assembly according to claim 1, wherein each of the at least one support element is a bunk raiser, each bunk raiser comprising:
a transverse beam sized to extend over the top frame member of the trailer generally transversally thereto;
a pair of elongated bodies located respectively at both ends of the transverse beam, each of the elongated bodies having a first end and a second end, said first ends of the elongated bodies facing each other; and a pair of stake pockets respectively disposed at the second ends of the elongated bodies for receiving respective extremities of two logstakes.
a transverse beam sized to extend over the top frame member of the trailer generally transversally thereto;
a pair of elongated bodies located respectively at both ends of the transverse beam, each of the elongated bodies having a first end and a second end, said first ends of the elongated bodies facing each other; and a pair of stake pockets respectively disposed at the second ends of the elongated bodies for receiving respective extremities of two logstakes.
10. A removable support assembly according to claim 9, wherein the transverse beam is integral to the pair of elongated bodies.
11. A removable support assembly according to claim 10, wherein each of the elongated bodies of each bunkraiser is frustro-pyramidally shaped and has a top wall, a bottom wall and two side walls, the first ends of said bodies being wider than their respective second ends.
12. A removable support assembly according to claim 11, wherein the top wall of each frustro-pyramidal bodies is embodied by a portion of the transverse beam, and the connecting means comprise, for each of the frustro-pyramidal bodies, fasteners for connecting the side walls at the first end thereof to the top frame member.
13. A removable support assembly according to claim 12, wherein the fasteners comprise bolts and screws.
14. A removable support assembly according to claim 12, where the top frame member comprises two longitudinal side beams, the removable support assembly being characterized in that the connecting means comprise sliding tracks disposed along each of the side beams for receiving the fasteners at different possible positions along the top frame member.
15. A removable support assembly according to claim 1, wherein each of the at least one support element is a lateral platform section, each lateral platform section comprising:
a platform surface; and at least one platform support having a top beam for supporting said platform surface, and a supporting structure for supporting the top beam, said supporting structure being connectable to the top frame portion by means of the connecting means.
a platform surface; and at least one platform support having a top beam for supporting said platform surface, and a supporting structure for supporting the top beam, said supporting structure being connectable to the top frame portion by means of the connecting means.
16. A removable support assembly according to claim 15, wherein the connecting means comprises for each platform section:
at least one clamp having a first extremlty attached to the platform section, and a hook-shaped second extremity connectable by clamping to the top frame member; and fasteners for securing the platform section onto the top frame member by connecting the supporting structure of each platform support to a corresponding portion of the top frame member.
at least one clamp having a first extremlty attached to the platform section, and a hook-shaped second extremity connectable by clamping to the top frame member; and fasteners for securing the platform section onto the top frame member by connecting the supporting structure of each platform support to a corresponding portion of the top frame member.
17. A removable support assembly according to claim 16, wherein the fasteners comprise bolts and screws.
18. A removable support assembly according to claim 16, where the top frame member comprises two longitudinal side beams, each side beam having a top portion, the removable support assembly being characterized in that the connecting means comprise sliding tracks disposed along each of the side beams for receiving the fasteners at different possible positions along the top frame member.
19. A removable support assembly according to claim 18, wherein the top portion of each side beam is provided with a hook-shaped edge projecting outwardly of the top frame member, the removable support assembly being characterized in that the second extremity of each clamp is connectable to said hook-shaped edge.
20. A removable support assembly according to claim 15, wherein the platform support has a triangluar shape and the supporting structure has a pair of support beams having first extremities attached to remote portions of the top beam, and second extremities projecting away from said top beam and meeting at a joining point, the joining point being connectable to the top frame portion.
21. A removable support assembly according to claim 1, wherein the at least one support element is a platform, said platform comprising:
a platform surface; and a plurality of support beams for supporting said platform surface, the support beams extending transversally to the top frame member and being connectable thereto by means of the connecting means.
a platform surface; and a plurality of support beams for supporting said platform surface, the support beams extending transversally to the top frame member and being connectable thereto by means of the connecting means.
22. A removable support assembly according to claim 21, where the top frame member comprises two parallel longitudinal side beams, each side beam having a T-shaped top portion, the removable support assembly being characterized in that each support beam has an inverted T-shaped bottom portion, and the connecting means comprise a pair of connecting clamps for each support beam for connecting respectively two remote portions of said support beam to the longitudinal side beams of the top frame member, each connecting clamp comprising:
two clamping members for clamping together the top and bottom portions of the respective side and support beams; and tightening means for tightening the clamping members together with the top portion of the corresponding side beam and the corresponding support beam therebetween.
two clamping members for clamping together the top and bottom portions of the respective side and support beams; and tightening means for tightening the clamping members together with the top portion of the corresponding side beam and the corresponding support beam therebetween.
23. A removable support assembly according to claim 22, wherein the tightening means comprise for each connecting clamp a bolt and a screw extending through the clamping members.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2282005 CA2282005A1 (en) | 1998-09-09 | 1999-09-08 | Removable support assembly for a trailer |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2,244,057 | 1998-09-09 | ||
| CA 2244057 CA2244057A1 (en) | 1998-09-09 | 1998-09-09 | Removable platform and removable side bunk or flat sections |
| CA 2282005 CA2282005A1 (en) | 1998-09-09 | 1999-09-08 | Removable support assembly for a trailer |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2282005A1 true CA2282005A1 (en) | 2000-03-09 |
Family
ID=31716452
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2282005 Abandoned CA2282005A1 (en) | 1998-09-09 | 1999-09-08 | Removable support assembly for a trailer |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2282005A1 (en) |
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ES2259256A1 (en) * | 2003-05-20 | 2006-09-16 | ANHANGER-UND FAHRZEUGBAU MEIERLING GMHB & CO. KG | Chassis for concrete mixer, especially multi axle trailer, has articulated length supports comprising front and rear support parts connected by curved cross parts |
| EP2765029A1 (en) * | 2013-02-08 | 2014-08-13 | HFM Patenten BV | A trailer for use in road haulage and a method for using the trailer |
| CN115123424A (en) * | 2022-08-30 | 2022-09-30 | 徐州秋爽木业有限公司 | Road transportation trailer for peeled log |
-
1999
- 1999-09-08 CA CA 2282005 patent/CA2282005A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ES2259256A1 (en) * | 2003-05-20 | 2006-09-16 | ANHANGER-UND FAHRZEUGBAU MEIERLING GMHB & CO. KG | Chassis for concrete mixer, especially multi axle trailer, has articulated length supports comprising front and rear support parts connected by curved cross parts |
| EP2765029A1 (en) * | 2013-02-08 | 2014-08-13 | HFM Patenten BV | A trailer for use in road haulage and a method for using the trailer |
| CN115123424A (en) * | 2022-08-30 | 2022-09-30 | 徐州秋爽木业有限公司 | Road transportation trailer for peeled log |
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| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Dead |