FR2879576A1 - Boat e.g. fishing boat, carrying trailer storing system for use at port, has conveyance with lifting arm having trailer gripping unit articulated around axis and storage installation with angle support holding trailer in vertical position - Google Patents

Abstract

The system has a conveyance (1) with a lifting arm (11) having a trailer gripping unit (2) articulated around a transversal axis. A storage installation (6) has an angle support (8) coupled to a horizontal beam (7). The support holds the trailer in a vertical position by supporting a cross piece integrated to a chassis of a trailer in a horizontal portion (82) of the support, such that a rear zone (34) does not contact with ground.

Description

The present invention relates to a trailer storage system

carrier ship.

  A traditional boat-carrying trailer is adapted to be attached to the ball joint - usually called a "ball" - a standardized hitch of a motor vehicle.

  The boat trailer is provided with a drawbar whose front portion is provided with a quick fastening device adaptable to this ball.

  Such a trailer has one or more sets of wheels according to its category, and is provided with support and centering members of the hull of the boat, which comprise for example curved pallets and support rollers, the number and the layout correspond to the profile of the hull.

  When the owner of a particular boat fishing and / or pleasure, decides to go out at sea, he arrives at the port behind the wheel of his car that tows the trailer supporting his boat.

  After putting the boat in the water, he must park both his motor vehicle and the boat trailer.

  However, it is common in summer in particular that the car parks located near the port are congested, and it is not easy to park his vehicle, especially as the latter is attached to a trailer.

  The object of the invention is to provide a boat carrier trailer storage system which is advantageously located near the port, and by means of which the owner (or the user) of the boat has the possibility of temporarily and easily storing the boat. trailer, and then recover it once it is finished at sea.

  It is clear that when this person has detached the trailer from his motor vehicle, it is much easier for him to park the vehicle.

  The invention aims to provide a system of the aforementioned type which is convenient to use and which allows to store a large number of trailers in a relatively small footprint.

  Another object of the invention is to provide a system so designed and arranged that the storage of trailers is done without risk or virtually without risk of damage to the trailer, and in particular the rear part of the trailer, which is equipped of a license plate and traffic lights, and is relatively fragile.

  An additional object of the invention is to provide an installation capable of storing different models of trailers, sizes, weights and / or different brands.

  The objectives indicated above are achieved according to the invention, thanks to the fact that the storage system of the boat carrier trailers comprises: a transport vehicle equipped with an articulated and telescopic lifting arm; - Gripping means of a trailer mounted at the end of the arm, and also articulated about a transverse axis; a storage installation comprising at least one horizontal beam; - A set of support members each attached to said beam and adapted to support a trailer in a vertical position, this by resting a support integral with the frame of the trailer on a support member; And that said transport apparatus is adapted, for the purpose of storing a trailer, for: a) grasping the trailer with the aid of said gripping means while it is placed on the ground on a horizontal or substantially horizontal plane, to tilt it in a vertical position, or substantially vertical, so that its drawbar is directed upwards, this tilting being carried out concomitantly with a lifting of the trailer so that its rear area does not enter contact with the ground during the operation; b) transporting said trailer in this vertical position, or substantially vertical, and position it in relation to one of said support members which is hooked to said beam, at a sufficient height compatible with the length of this trailer; c) resting the trailer on said support member via a frame cross member, the latter being positioned forwards (if the trailer is considered in a horizontal position) with respect to the center of gravity of the trailer ; d) activate said gripping means to release the trailer and that it is then suspended from said support member so that its rear area is not in contact with the ground; the subsequent destocking of: the trailer operating by carrying out the previous operations in the opposite direction.

  Once stored, the trailer occupies a suspended position, but stable, because its center of gravity is placed lower than its support zone 5 on the support member.

  Furthermore, according to a number of advantageous features, but not limiting, of the invention: - said gripping means comprise a clamp adapted to grip and retain the frame of the trailer; said gripping means also comprise support members of the rear part of the trailer; - Said gripping means consist exclusively of a clamp adapted to grip and retain the frame of the trailer; said clamp comprises a pair of hydraulically controlled clamping jaws.

  - The storage facility comprises several horizontal beams superimposed, offset in height, and supported at their ends by trestles; said horizontal beams are generally in the same horizontal plane, and it is possible to store trailers on both sides of this plane; said support members are inverted L-shaped angles whose vertical branch is provided with at least one U-shaped cross-section fitting able to fit up and down on a beam and whose horizontal branch is adapted to to support a crossbar integral with the chassis of the trailer; - The support member of a trailer is composed of a pair of identical L-shaped brackets arranged side by side at a mutual distance slightly greater than the width of the trailer frame measured at said cross.

  Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge from the description and the appended drawings which represent, by way of non-limiting example only, a possible embodiment of a boat trailer storage system according to the invention. .

  - Figure 1 is a diagrammatic top view, in perspective, of the self-propelled machine and a trailer that has just been gripped by the gripping means for subsequent storage; - Figure 2 is a partial view, also in perspective, of the detail 5 located in the circle referenced A in Figure 1; - Figure 3 is a partial view, from the side, of a detail of the gripping means; - Figure 4 is a view similar to Figure 1, but shown at a different angle; - Figure 5 is an end view of the gripping means; Figures 6 and 7 are front and top views, respectively, of the trailer assembly shown in Figures 1 and 4; - Figure 8 is a schematic front view showing the establishment of a boat trailer in the storage facility; FIGS. 9 and 10 are views from above and, respectively, in perspective, illustrating the same operation; Figure 11, similar to Figure 8, to understand how trailers can be stored on each side of the same beam, which gives the storage facility an optimized compactness.

  Referring to Figures 1 and 4, designated by reference 1 a transport vehicle. In the embodiment shown, it is self-propelled. It is a small vehicle 10 having a powertrain and a cockpit, and mounted on wheels, for example three in number, two front wheels and a rear wheel.

  This machine comprises a telescopic and articulated arm 11. It can pivot about a transverse axis Zo.

  This type of machine is well known and used for various tasks of handling in industry and public works.

  A machine of this type is described, for example, in document FR-A-2 837 809, to which reference may be made if necessary.

  In FIG. 6, the possibility of pivoting the arm 11 about the axis Zo is symbolized by the double arrow P. Appropriate control means, such as hydraulic cylinders for example, are provided to ensure the lifting or, conversely the descent of the arm 11.

  The arm 11 consists of several sections nested one inside the other, allowing a telescopic deployment or, conversely, a retraction, these translational movements being symbolized in FIG. 6 by the double arrow T. As for the pivoting P, ad hoc means make it possible to perform this movement, in translation, in one direction or the other.

  At the free front end of the arm 11 is mounted a frame 110 which is articulated around a horizontal transverse axis Z, parallel to Zo.

  Appropriate control means (not shown) make it possible to pivot this frame 110 about the axis Z over an angular stroke at least equal to, and preferably greater than, 90.

  This frame 110 supports a set of means 2 which allow the gripping of a trailer, referenced 3.

  In the illustrated embodiment, the means 2 comprise anterior gripping members 22 and rear 21, connected by a longitudinal beam 20 is square section.

  The trailer 3 comprises a main frame 30 which is composed of two longitudinal members and is secured to a rectangular axle chassis carrying a pair of wheels 32.

  At the front of the chassis 30 is a drawbar 32 whose free front end comprises hooking means 320, of known type, which allows its coupling to a motor vehicle for the transport of the boat carried by the trailer.

  33 has designated a set of centering and support members of the hull of the boat, which is not shown. These means may be pallets having a configuration adapted to the curve of the shell, as well as rollers, for example in the form of a diabolo.

  The various support members of the hull of the boat are arranged symmetrically on each side of the longitudinal and vertical median plane of the trailer.

  They are carried by vertical rods 331 which are directed upwards and are fixed at their base on crosspieces 330 integral with the frame 30.

  It will be noted in the observation of Figure 1 that the trailer shown is provided with three cross members 330, two of which are located in front of the axle frame 31, and the other behind it.

  The cross member 330 which extends just in front of the axle frame 31 is fixed under the longitudinal members constituting the frame 30 of the trailer.

  As will be seen later, it is this crossbar that will ensure the support of the trailer, erect position in the storage facility.

  The trailer 3 is further provided, at the front, with a centering and positioning member 33 'of the bow of the boat.

  At the rear, the reference 34 designates a plate bearing the registration of the trailer, as well as the various traffic lights: lights 10 and stop lamps.

  Above the two longerons constituting the frame 30 are also arranged central support elements 35, whose function is to support the bottom of the hull of the boat.

  We will now describe more precisely the structure and the mode of action of the gripping means which are fixed to the frame 110 at the end of the arm 11.

  The rear gripping means 21 essentially comprise a transverse beam 212 fixed under this frame 110, for example by bolting.

  Symmetrically, on each side of the longitudinal and median plane of the frame 110 and the beam 212, are arranged two vertical arms 210, integral with said beam 212; their lower end 211 has the general shape of a "U" oriented so that its two branches (and its opening) are facing forward.

  As can be seen in particular in FIGS. 1 and 6, the elements 211 constitute fittings adapted to grip the rear horizontal crossmember of the axle frame 31.

  In the illustrated embodiment, the transverse beam 212 has a square section, and the upper ends of the arms 210 are provided with square section sleeves able to be engaged axially on said beam 212.

  The beam 212 and each of its sleeves are pierced with horizontal longitudinal holes.

  It is possible to change the mutual spacing of the two arms 210, by sliding these sleeves on the beam 212, to adapt the gripping means 21 to the type of trailer that we are dealing.

  Once this adjustment is made, it is possible to immobilize the arms 210 on the beam 212 with pins that can be inserted into the holes that are in correspondence.

  The beam 212 is integral with the longitudinal beam 20, which has already been mentioned above, so that this set, seen from above, affects the shape of the letter "T".

  The front gripping means comprise a mobile unit referenced 220 in FIG. 2, and which can slide axially on the longitudinal beam 20.

  For this purpose, the crew 220 is also secured to a square-shaped sleeve slidable on the beam 20, of corresponding section, and a hole system (reference 200 in Figure 2) allows adequate immobilization of the crew in the desired position.

  This crew, which can therefore be positioned suitably in the longitudinal direction on the beam 2), is secured to a third beam, also of square section, referenced 2200 in FIGS. 2 and 3.

  This beam 2200 extends transversely under the beam 20.

  The gripping means proper comprise a sleeve 4 adapted to slide transversely on the beam 2200.

  The sleeve 4 supports a vertical bar 40 directed downwards, and at the lower end of which are hinged two similar jaws 41, 41 'which are articulated, and can open and close in the manner of a clamp.

  The control means of the jaws are hydraulic cylinders 5, 5 '.

  As can be seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, the two jaws have a configuration such that, in the closed position, they grip with a certain amount of tightness one of the two longitudinal members constituting the chassis 30 of the trailer.

  In order to improve the tightening, without attacking the surface of said spar, the inner faces of the jaws 41 and 41 'are advantageously lined with a flexible coating.

  As can be understood in particular from the observation of FIG. 3, it is possible to adjust the sleeve 4 on the beam 2200 suitably, so that the jaws 41, 41 'are in line with one another. chassis side members of the trailer when the arm 11 is in the longitudinal plane of symmetry of the trailer. This makes it possible to adapt the gripping means to the model and to the dimensions of this trailer; fixing after adjustment is ensured by the matching of holes provided in the beam 2200, referenced 2210 in Figures 2 and 3, with a hole 400 provided in the sleeve 4, then set up a pin.

  Referring more particularly to Figures 8 to 11, we will now describe the storage facility, which has the general reference 6.

  This installation consists in fact of several independent storage modules that can be placed side by side, and each having at least one beam arranged horizontally, bearing the reference 7.

  More specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, there is provided a set of three superimposed beams, which are arranged parallel to one another above (in the manner of a barrier).

  As can be seen in Figure 10, these beams, referenced 7, 7 'and 7 "(from bottom to top) have a relatively large length and are fixed at their ends on vertical bars 70 which are carried by trestles .

  These beams have a square section.

  The bars 70 are fixed at their base on a base 72, giving the assembly the general shape of a large "T" returned.

  Struts 74 consolidate the connection of parts 70 and 72.

  In addition, the base 72 is provided at each of its ends with a wheel 73.

  Each of the modules thus approximately affects the shape of a barrier with three parallel beams, whose ends are supported by perpendicular trestles, the assembly being mobile thanks to the rollers 73, so that it is possible to group in the desired manner several modules close to each other or, on the contrary, to discard them.

  Each of these modules is adapted to support a set of boat trailers, in vertical position, on each side of a vertical median plane containing the series of beams 7, 7 'and 7 ".

  The installation also comprises a set of support members 30 8, movable and movable, in the form of a square.

  Indeed, the trailers are not intended to be directly supported by the beams 7, 7 'and / or 7 ", but to be supported by the members 8 which are themselves likely to be hung on these beams.

  A support member 8 has the general shape of an "L" returned.

  Its vertical branch is provided, on the outer side (relative to the horizontal branch), of a set of three "U" fittings which are referenced 80, 80 'and 80 "in FIG.

  Their mutual spacing corresponds to that of the beams 7, 7 'and 7 ".

  Their "U" shape and their dimensions allow their interlocking on said beams.

  In practice, it is possible to position the elements 8 at different heights, depending on how the fittings 80, 80 'and 80 "are used.

  In the example illustrated in FIG. 8, only the lower fitting 80 and the middle fitting 80 'are used, these fittings fitting respectively on the median beam 7' and the upper beam 7 ".

  If, on the other hand, the bottom bracket 80 is fitted on the beam 7, the middle bracket on the beam 7 ', and the upper bracket 80 "on the beam 7", the positioning of the support bracket 8 is lowered by a distance corresponding to the spacing of two beams (and two fittings).

  Depending on the length and the configuration of the trailer to which we are dealing, it is therefore possible to place the support member 8 in the form of a square at two different levels, it being understood that it is necessary that at least two these fittings cooperate with the beams, so as to obtain a stable connection of the support member 8 on the module that receives it.

  It will be noted that this support member 8 also comprises a strut 83 connecting the vertical 81 and horizontal 82 parts of the member 8.

  As will be seen below, is used to support a trailer, at least one pair of support members 8 such as that just described, placing them symmetrically with respect to the median longitudinal plane of the trailer .

  If necessary, for very wide trailers, it is of course possible to use more than two support members.

  Their mutual spacing is obviously adapted to the width of the trailer.

  As will be seen below, each trailer is supported on the horizontal branch 82 via a frame cross member 330.

  More particularly, using a chassis cross member 330 which is located in front of the center of gravity of the trailer, and, correlatively, in front of the wheels of the trailer because the presence of these wheels has a significant influence on the positioning of the center of gravity, normally located in the rolling area.

  We will now describe how a storage operation of a boat trailer takes place.

  If necessary the operator responsible for this task begins by adjusting the gripping means 2, in order to adapt to the trailer model concerned.

  From the cockpit of the machine 1, it properly positions these gripping means, by actuating the arm 11 and the frame 110 so that the fittings 211 engage against the rear cross member of the chassis 31 of the trailer; the jaws 41, 41 'of the front gripping member 22 being in the open position, it lowers them until they come opposite one of the longitudinal members of the frame 30, then closes the jaws on these two longitudinal members, by extending the control cylinders 5, 5 '.

  The trailer is thus complementary secured to the gripping means, and therefore with the arm 11.

  Then, the operator slightly raises the arm 11, by pivoting it upwardly about the axis Zo, and once this lifting is sufficient, or concomitantly, it tilts the frame 110 and correlatively- all the gripping means, as well as the trailer, about the Z axis, ensuring that the rear plate 34 of the trailer does not touch the ground during the operation.

  It thus brings the trailer in a vertical upright position, or substantially vertical, drawbar directed upwards, and rear plate spaced from the ground, at a certain height.

  The operator then transports the trailer thus erected to the module which is intended to receive it, and on which a pair of members of the support 8 has been previously mounted and suitably positioned to receive the trailer.

  The operator then positions the trailer such that the cross member 330 located in front of the undercarriage is placed on the top of the legs 82 of the pair of support members 8, which extend cantilevered, such as stems , perpendicular to the plane containing the beams 7, 7 'and 7 ".

  This implementation assumes, of course, a suitable control of the telescopic arm 11, both with regard to its pivoting and its telescopic translation movement T; the operator also acts on the orientation of the articulated frame 110.

  Once the trailer has been properly placed on the branches 82, the operator controls the opening of the two clamps 41, 41 'in order to release the central part of the trailer, then slightly lowering the gripping means in such a way that the fittings 211 which held the cross member of the axle frame emerge from the latter; he then moves back to separate the machine 1 and its gripping means from the trailer.

  The trailer remains suspended in a stable position on the branches 5 of the support member 8, because its center of gravity is located lower than the support plane (corresponding to the two branches 82).

  The operator can then dispose of the machine to ensure the storage of another trailer or on the contrary for a destocking operation.

  Destocking is done in the opposite way to the one just described.

  For this, the operator approaches the machine 1 of the trailer to destock and directs the gripping means in the position shown in Figure 8, the jaws 41 and 41 'being open.

  It engages the support brackets 211 under the running frame and closes the clamp 41, 41 'on a chassis spar, then lifts the assembly and transports the trailer to a removal place thereof.

  By pivoting the frame 110 about the Z axis, it rotates the trailer in a substantially horizontal position, always ensuring that its lower end does not interfere with the ground during this movement, and then places the trailer at soil, and finally free the latter of the means of prehension.

  The trailer can then be removed by its user or owner.

  Because they are stored upright and side by side, the installation is relatively compact.

  With the observation of FIG. 10, it is understood that it is easy to store side by side, and on each side of the series of bars 7, 7 ', 7 ", trailers of different models.

  In this figure, there are shown two trailers 3b and 3c of very different lengths, located on the same side; a third, larger trailer 3a is located on the opposite side.

  This possibility of storage on both sides of the beams is also illustrated in Figure 11 which shows a trailer 3A carried by a support member 8A disposed on one side and a trailer 3B disposed on the opposite side and resting on a member 8B.

  In this same figure, there is a support member 8'A which is mounted at a lower level than the member 8A, because it is adapted to support a shorter trailer.

  The installation of trailers on each side of the module ensures a good stability of this module which, otherwise, would risk tipping to one side because of the weight of the trailers.

  In FIG. 10, the reference 9 designates a coupling member of the module, enabling it to be moved using the vehicle 1.

  Figure 9 shows, seen from above, a set of three modules 10 arranged side by side, only one is lined with trailers.

  It goes without saying that other gripping means than those just described can be envisaged.

  Thus, it is possible to design gripping means constituted by a single clamp, and shaped so that it can properly grasp and handle the trailer, without the need to resort to the rear support members such as the means 21 described above.

  In a simplified embodiment of the system, it is the customer himself who could proceed with the handling and storage of his trailer.

  The transport unit is not necessarily self-propelled.

  It could be a manual wheel-mounted trolley, for example on four wheels.

Claims (10)

  1. Boat trailer storage system, characterized in that it comprises: - a transport vehicle (1) provided with an articulated and telescopic lifting arm (11); - means (2) for gripping a trailer (3) mounted at the end of this arm, and also articulated about a transverse axis (Z); - a storage facility (6) comprising at least one horizontal beam (7); - A set of support members (8) each attached to said beam (7) and adapted to support a trailer (3) in a vertical position, this by bearing a cross member (330) integral with the frame of the trailer on a support member (8); And that said transport device is adapted, for the storage of a trailer, to: a) grip the trailer with the aid of said gripping means (2), while it is placed on the ground on a horizontal plane, or substantially horizontal, to tilt in a vertical position, or substantially vertical, so that its drawbar (32) is directed upwards, this tilting being carried out concomitantly with a lifting of the trailer so that its rear area (34) does not come into contact with the ground during the operation; b) transporting said trailer (3) in this vertical or substantially vertical position and positioning it opposite one of said support members (8) which is hooked to said beam (6) at a sufficient height compatible with the length of this trailer; c) resting the trailer (3) on said support member (8) via a cross member (330) frame, the latter being positioned forward (if the trailer is considered in a horizontal position) relative to the center of gravity of the trailer; d) activating said gripping means (2) in order to release the trailer (3) and that the latter is then suspended from said support member (8) so that its rear area (34) is not in contact with the ground; the subsequent destocking of the trailer taking place by carrying out the preceding operations in the opposite direction.   2. A boat trailer trailers storage system according to claim 1, characterized in that said means (2) for gripping comprise a clamp (22) adapted to grip and retain the frame (30) of the trailer (3).   3. Boat carrier trailer storage system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said means (2) for gripping also comprise bodies (210 - 211) for supporting the rear part of the trailer (3) .   4. A boat trailer trailer storage system according to claim 2, characterized in that said means (2) for gripping consist exclusively of a clamp (22) adapted to grip and retain the frame (30) of the trailer (3). ).   5. A boat trailer trailer storage system according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that said clamp (22) comprises a pair of hydraulically controlled clamping jaws (41-41 ').   Boat carrier trailer storage system according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the storage device (6) comprises a plurality of superposed horizontal beams (7, 7 ', 7 ") height, and supported at their ends by trestles (70).   7. A boat trailer trailer storage system according to claim 6, characterized in that said horizontal beams (7, 7 ', 7 ") are generally inscribed in the same horizontal plane, and that it is possible to store trailers on both sides of this plane.   8. A boat trailer trailer storage system according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that said support members (8) are inverted L-shaped angles whose vertical leg (81) is provided with at least one fitting (80) of inverted U-section adapted to fit up and down on a beam (7) and whose horizontal leg (82) is adapted to support a cross member (330) integral with the frame of the trailer.   Boat carrier trailer storage system according to Claim 8, characterized in that the support member (8) of a trailer (3) is composed of a pair of identical L-shaped brackets arranged on each side. side, at a mutual distance slightly greater than the width of the frame of the trailer measured at said crossbar (330).   10. A boat trailer trailer storage system according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the support members (8) are adjustable in height relative to the ground.