GB2250252A

GB2250252A - Trailed vehicle detachable draw-bar

Info

Publication number: GB2250252A
Application number: GB9024907A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Leslie Roy Summerfield; David Anthony Penhale
Original assignee: Penhale A A
Current assignee: Penhale A A
Priority date: 1990-11-15
Filing date: 1990-11-15
Publication date: 1992-06-03
Anticipated expiration: 2010-11-15
Also published as: GB2250252B; GB9024907D0

Abstract

A trailer chassis comprises a cross tube 1 which has a wheel and suspension unit at either end and a draw-bar 2 detachably coupled to the cross tube at its centre. A short length of forward facing tube 5 fixed to the centre of the cross tube receives one end of the draw-bar which is releasably secured by a two hitch 4 and ball 6 arrangement. The other end of the draw-bar is equipped with a similar tow hitch 3 for attachment to a ball carried by a tow vehicle. The draw-bar may be detached and the chassis attached to the tow vehicle by means of the hitch 4 carried by the short length on the cross tube. <IMAGE>

Description

TRAILED VEHICLE DETACHABLE DRAW-BAR This invention relates to a towed vehicles detachable draw-bar.

Trailers are renowned for occupying excessive space, especially when they are unloaded. This problem is especially problematic with leisure trailers when the cargo has been towed to its venue.

Parking the tow vehicle and the trailer becomes a problem with available car park space and trailer security.

A facility which enables quick-release/detachment of the trailer draw-bar, but still permits trailer attachment to the tow-vehicle via the tow-ball will solve both problems.

The quick release device has to be of high safety integrity for obvious towing requirements, and the minimum of movement between the draw-bar and trailer structure must be maintained.

The detached draw-bar can be stowed securely on the trailer in a manner which ensures acceptable volumes.

When back at base with the cargo removed, detachment, of the draw-bar can also improve storage of the trailer, due to its reduced outside maximum dimensions, even though attachment to a vehicle is unnecessary in this situation.

According to the present invention there is provided a basic trailer chassis comprising of an axle with suspension/wheels fitted at each end, and a detachable draw-bar which is retained inside a tube by a quick-release mechanism.

A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Fig.l - shows the trailer chassis complete Fig.2 - shows the trailer with the draw-bar removed Fig.3 - shows the detached draw-bar Fig.4 - shows the quick-release mechanism.

Referring to Figure 1, the trailer chassis comprises an axle 1 and a detachable draw-bar 2. The draw-bar 2 is a sliding tit into the draw-bar tube 5. The draw-bar is locked onto the axle assembly with a quick-release coupling comprising a standard tow hitch 4 and a tow ball 6.

Figure 2 shows the trailer chassis with the draw-bar 2 removed.

The shortened chassis is reconnected to the tow vehicle with tow hitch 4 and the draw-bar is stowed at a convenient position on the chassis.

Figure 3 shows the detached draw-bar in isolation. It comprises of a tube 2 with a standard tow hitch 3 on one end.

The other end has a portion of tube for engagement into another draw-bar tube 5. A standard tow ball 6 is also attached to the draw-bar 2.

Figure 4 shows the draw-bar quick-release mechanism in more detail.

Tow-hitch 4 is retained on tube 9 by hinge pin 8. The rear of tube 9 has been angled to allow the tow hitch 4 to tilt-up by rotating around hinge pin 8. Clamp wheel 7 is required to remove any draw-bar movement when it is assembled to the trailer.

Assembly of the draw-bar to the chassis is achieved by sliding the draw-bar 2 into the tube 5. When the towball 6 comes into engagement with tow hitch 4, the tow hitch 4 is tilted upwards allowing the free passage of tow ball 6 underneath. Once the tow ball 6 is underneath the tow hitch 4 then the tow hitch 4 must be forced downwards until it locks onto tow ball 6. The clamp wheel 7 is then tightened to lock-up the whole assembly.

Removing the draw-bar is carried out by reversing the above process.

Claims

CLAIfS

1. A trailer chassis comprising an axle having at either end thereof suspension and wheels, and a detachable draw-bar attached to the axle by means of a quick release mechanism.

2. A trailer chassis as claimed in claim 1 wherein the axle is provided with a tube adapted to receive as a sliding fit one end of the draw bar.

3. A trailer chassis as claimed in claim 2 wherein the receiving tube on the axle is provided with clamping means to secure the draw-bar.

4. A trailer chassis as claimed in claim 3 wherein the clamping means comprises a clamp wheel and screw.

5. A trailer chassis as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the quick release mechanism comprises a ball and socket tow hitch.

6. A trailer chassis as claimed ia claim 5 wherein the socket tow hitch is secured to the axle for attaching a shortened chassis to a tow vehicle.

7. k trailer chassis mechanism as claimed in claim 6 wherein the draw bar is adapted to be stowed on the shortened chassis.

8. A trailer chassis mechanism as claimed in claim 5 or claim g wherein the socket tow hitch is pivotally attached to the axle asembly.

9. A trailer chassis mechnism substantially as described with reference to the accompanying drawings.