GB2109753A

GB2109753A - Detachable jockey wheel assembly and a trailer equipped therewith

Info

Publication number: GB2109753A
Application number: GB08209750A
Authority: GB
Inventors: David Stockford
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1981-04-27
Filing date: 1982-04-01
Publication date: 1983-06-08
Also published as: GB2109753B

Abstract

A detachable jockey wheel assembly is particularly intended, though not exclusively so, for use with recreational trailers such as caravans, camping and boat trailers where manoeuvrability over adverse ground is a desirable factor. The jockey wheel assembly comprises: (a) a chassis 19 on which a jockey wheel 20 is rotatably mounted; (b) a first link 17 having a first end for demountable but rigid connection to a trailer and another end pivotably attached to the chassis to allow rotation of the link about an axis 23 substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the wheel; (c) a second link 25 having a first end for pivotable connection to the trailer and another end rigidly attached to the chassis. Preferably, the first end of the second link 25 comprises a tow ball. Preferably, the chassis has a steering handle 24 attached to it. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Detachable jockey wheel assembly and a trailer equipped therewith This invention relates to a jockey wheel assembly for a trailer and also to a trailer equipped with such an assembly. It is particularly intended, though not exclusively so, for use with recreational trailers such as caravans, camping and boat trailers where manoeuvrability over adverse ground is a desirable factor.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a jockey wheel assembly comprising: (a) a chassis on which a jockey wheel is rotatably mounted; (b) a first link having a first end for demountable but rigid connection to a trailer and another end pivotably attached to the chassis to allow rotation of the link about an axis substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the wheel; (c) a second link having a first end for pivotable connection to a trailer and another end rigidly attached to the chassis.

In a preferred form of the first aspect of the invention the first end of the second link comprises of a standard tow ball.

In a further preferred form of the present invention the chassis has a steering handle attached to it.

In yet a further preferred form of the present invention the other end of the first link and the first end of the second link lie on an axis which intersects the axis of rotation of the jockey wheel.

According to the second aspect of the present invention there is provided a trailer equipped with a demountable jockey wheel assembly according to the first. aspect, or any preferred form thereof; the trailer having a forwardly extending frame member on which is mounted: (a) a coupling, by means of which the trailer can be coupled for towing by a towing vehicle, the coupling being adapted to pivotably receive the first end of the second link; and (b) an anchorage adapted to receive rigidly, but demountably, the first end of the first link.

In a preferred form of the second aspect of the invention the coupling is for a standard towing ball.

On trailers presently in use it is common for a jockey wheel to be provided on a frame member, on which the coupling by means of which the trailer is coupled to a towing vehicle is mounted, as a permanent fixture.The diameter of such a wheel is limited by the need for it to lie generally beneath the frame member and also by the need for it to be raised well clear of the ground while the trailer is being towed. As a result the wheel is generally of such small diameter that in the event of it being heavily loaded the wheel tends to sink into soft ground when the trailer is being manoeuvred by hand.

An embodiment of the present invention will now be described, solely by way of example, with reference to the accompanying sketch which is a side view of a part of the front of a caravan/trailer (cross hatched) and the invention. The caravan has a chassis including an "A" frame (10) which extends forwardly of the caravan. The "A" frame forms part of the chassis of the caravan which also serves to support two road wheels which take the main part of the weight of the caravan.

When the caravan is to be towed the double lock coupling (11) engages a standard 50mm diameter ball coupling mounted on the towing vehicle. On disengaging the caravan from the towing vehicle a jockey wheel (13) is lowered so that the caravan is supported in a generally horizontal alignment. A handle mounted on the "A" frame can then be used to push or pull the caravan into position. The jockey wheel is on a vertical shaft which is free to rotate in a sleeve (15). The jockey wheel thus serves as a means allowing steering of the caravan.

To overcome the previously mentioned problems concerning the use of a small diameter jockey wheel the "A" frame has bolted to it a mounting bracket (16) to which is demountably connected by pin (17a) one end of link (17) of an auxillary jockey wheel assembly (18). The assembly (18) comprises a chassis (19) on which is mounted a large diameter jockey wheel (20) with an axis of rotation (21). The link (17) is attached to the chassis (19) by means of a pivot (22) which allows the chassis to rotate about axis (23).

The chassis has secured to it a 50mm diameter part spherical ball (25) whose centre lies on axis (23), which serves to engage the.double lock coupling (11).

Engagement of (25) with (11) produces a pivotable connection between caravan and jockey wheel assembly (18) on both a vertical and a horizontal axis. For steering purposes the vertical axis of pivot is retained. The horizontal axis of pivot is eliminated so as to provide vertical stability to the wheel (20). This is achieved by providing pivot point (22), which is positioned by link (17) which in turn is positioned by locking pin (1 7a) and bracket (16). The chassis (19) has a steering handle (24) rigidly but demountably attached to it.

When the caravan is being towed the assembly is carried in the towing vehicle or the caravan itself, with handle attached or detached as required. With the caravan disconnected from the towing vehicle the assembly is mounted for use by locating ball (25) in coupling (11), and by inserting pin (1 7a) so as to connect link (17) to mounting bracket (16). The jockey wheel (13) is then raises so that the front end weight of the caravan is taken on auxillary jockey wheel (20).

Thereafter the handle (24) can be used to move the caravan. The size of the wheel (20) makes manoeuvering considerably easier than is the case with the smaller wheel (13). In particular movement over rough or soft ground is improved. Preferably axis (23) passes through or near to axis (21) to facilitate steering by hand.

Claims

1. A jockey wheel assembly for a trailer comprising:- (a) a chassis on which a jockey wheel is rotatably mounted; (b) a first link having a first end for demountable but rigid connection to a trailer and an other end pivotably attached to the chassis to allow rotation of the link about an axis perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the wheel; and (c) a second link having a first end for pivotable connection to a trailer and another end rigidly attached to the chassis.

2. A jockey wheel assemby as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the first end of the second link comprises a standard towing ball.

3. A jockey wheel assembly as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the chassis has a steering handle attached to it.

4. A jockey wheel assembly as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the other end of the first link and the first end of the second link lie on an axis which intersects the axis of rotation of the jockey wheel.

5. A trailer equipped with a demountable jockey wheel assembly as claimed in any preceding claim; the trailer having a forwardly extending frame member on which is mounted: (a) a coupling, by means of which the trailer is coupled for towing by a towing vehicle, the coupling being adapted to pivotably receive the first end of the second link; and (b) an anchorage adapted to receive rigidly, but demountably, the first end of the first link.

6. A trailer as claimed in Claim 5 wherein the coupling is for a standard towing ball.

7. A trailer as herein before described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawing.