GB2251827A

GB2251827A - Foldable trailers

Info

Publication number: GB2251827A
Application number: GB9101009A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Graham Smith
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1991-01-17
Filing date: 1991-01-17
Publication date: 1992-07-22
Also published as: GB9101009D0

Abstract

A trailer for carrying large loads such as cars or boats comprises a wheeled chassis formed of three hinged parts (12, 14, 15). The central part (12) carries two pairs of road wheels (4), and each outer part (14, 15) is connected to the central part (12) along a transverse hinge axis (H-H). When the trailer is to be used to support large loads, the three parts (12, 14, 15) are arranged to extend relative to one another such that tracks (26) carried thereon define a substantially planar support surface. Tie bars (50) maintain the parts (12, 14, 15) in position. When the trailer is not in use, the tie bars (50) are removed and the two outer parts are hinged to extend upwardly such that the longitudinal extent of the trailer is considerably reduced. Alternatively, the hinge axis may be parallel with the longitudinal axis of the trailer. <IMAGE>

Description

IMPROVEMENTS IN OR RELATING TO TRAILERS The present invention relates to a trailer for carrying large loads such as cars and other vehicles.

At present, trailers for cars and other vehicles generally comprise a wheeled chassis on which a flat bed is secured. Whilst such trailers are perfectly adequate for enabling the towing of vehicles, they have to have a foot print which is larger than the largest vehicle to be towed. Because of this, they require a large amount of space for storage.

According to the present invention there is provided a trailer for carrying large loads, said trailer comprising a wheeled chassis, wherein said chassis is formed in at least two parts, each said part being hingedly connected to an adjacent part along a respective hinge axis such that said parts are positionable in a first, support, position in which they extend relative to one another to define a support surface, and in a second, folded position in which the parts are folded relative to one another about the or each hinge axis to reduce the size of the trailer in at least one dimension.

A trailer of the invention is arranged to be towed by a car, truck or other vehicle and preferably a towing point is provided on said chassis. The trailer in its first, support, position can be used to support any load required. For example, the load might be a car, boat or other vehicle or other loads may be carried if required.

The hinge axis or axes may extend substantially transverse to and/or substantially parallel to the longitudinal extent of the trailer so that the longitudinal extent and/or the transverse dimension of the trailer may be reduced when the parts are folded to the second position.

In a preferred embodiment one or more hinge axes are provided which extend substantially transversely to the longitudinal extent of the trailer. Thus, when the parts are moved to their folded position, the length of the trailer is reduced. When the trailer is to be stored, it is placed in its folded position so that the length of the storage space it requires is reduced. It would also be possible, if required, to arrange for the trailer to be foldable into its folded position whilst attached by way of the towing point to the back of a vehicle. Alternatively, the trailer may be provided with a second towing point for use in attaching the folded trailer to the towing vehicle. When the towing vehicle with attached and folded trailer is parked, the length of the parking space required is thereby reduced.

The number of parts in which the chassis is formed may be two or more. The more parts there are, the smaller the foot print of the trailer in its folded position. However, in practice, the number of parts is kept low so that in its support position, the trailer has sufficient structural integrity to bear the required load.

In one embodiment, the chassis is formed to have two parts, one of which carries at least two wheels, and the other of which carries at least one wheel. The first part is arranged to remain with its wheels in contact with the ground in both the support and the folded position; and in the support position the or each wheel of the second part would also contact the ground. The one wheel of the second part and one of the wheels of the first part are arranged substantially symmetrically of both the longitudinal extent and a transverse axis of the trailer for stability in the support position.

In a presently preferred embodiment, the chassis is divided into three parts with the central part carrying and being supported on road wheels. In this embodiment, first and second outer parts generally do not carry wheels.

When said parts are in their first, support, position they are arranged to define at least one, substantially planar, support surface. For example, the parts may define a substantially flat bed, or alternatively they may define two substantially parallel, substantially flat tracks.

Preferably, securing means are provided for securing the parts of the chassis in their first position. Similarly, securing means may be provided for securing the parts of the chassis in their second position.

In one embodiment, the parts of the chassis are substantially planar beds or frames which are arranged to extend substantially in a common horizontal plane to define said support surface. Each of said parts is connected to others of the parts to secure the parts in their support position.

For example, each part may be connected to another part by way of one or more ties. Each tie may comprise non-extensible rope or chain.

In an embodiment at least one of said parts is provided with one or more upstanding side walls, and one or more ties are fastened between each of the other parts and the upstanding side walls of the one part to secure the parts in the support position.

Preferably, means are also provided for securing the parts in the folded position.

Where the chassis has three hingedly connected parts, it can be arranged for each of the outer parts to be pivoted inwardly with respect to the respective hinge axis to extend, for example, substantially perpendicular with respect to said central part. The two outer parts face one another in this position and extend upwardly substantially in parallel. One or more ties may be provided to secure the two outer parts together in this upstanding position.

In a preferred embodiment, a trailer coupling is attached to the chassis at the towing point thereof.

Embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, to which: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a trailer of the invention in its support position, Figure 2 shows a side elevation of the trailer of Figure 1 also illustrating the trailer coupling, Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the trailer of Figure 1 in its folded position, and Figure 4 shows a side elevation of the folded trailer of Figure 3 also illustrating the trailer coupling.

The trailer shown in Figure 1 is arranged to be attached to the rear of a car or other vehicle so that it can be towed. As can be seen in Figure 2, a trailer coupling generally indicated at 10, is fixed to the front of the trailer to enable its connection to the towing vehicle. For clarity, the coupling 10 is not shown in Figure 1.

The trailer is comprised of a wheeled chassis formed from a central part 12 which carries two pairs of road wheels 4 and front and rear outer parts 14, 15.

Each outer part 14, 15 is hingedly connected to the central part 12 along a respective elongate hinge axis H-H, which extends substantially transversely to the longitudinal extent of the trailer.

The construction of hinge means for hingedly connecting each outer part 14, 15 to the central part 12 may be chosen as is required. For example, each hinge means may comprise a elongate rod arranged to extend substantially the full transverse width of the trailer between two adjacent parts 12 and 14, and 12 and 15, with each of the parts 12, 14, 15 hingedly connected to the adjacent rod. For example, and in known manner, each part may carry a plurality of spaced tubular members (not shown) arranged to cooperate with spaced tubular members provided on the adjacent part whereby a substantially complete tube is defined through which the rod extends. By this means a hinge extending substantially along the full transverse extent of the trailer is formed between the central part 12 and each of the outer parts 14, 15.

Alternatively, each outer part 14, 15 may be connected to the central part 12 by way of a number of individual hinges arranged between the adjacent parts and spaced along the transverse extent.

In the embodiment illustrated, a number of discrete hinge members 16 are spaced along the transverse extent of the trailer and are connected to the central part 12 and to each of the outer parts 14, 15. In this respect and as can be seen in Figure 2, each hinge member 16 is generally in the form of two substantially parallel, spaced apertured plates. Each hinge member 16 on one of the parts 12, 14, 15 is arranged to cooperate with a corresponding hinge member 16 on the other of the parts 14, 15, 12 so that the apertures in all four plates of two cooperating hinge members are aligned for the reception of a pivot pin 18 therein. A number of hinges each formed of two cooperating hinge members 16 and a pivot pin 18 may be provided at a number of locations spaced transversely of the trailer, or an individual hinge may be provided just at the two lateral sides thereof.Preferably, a single pivot pin 18 is arranged to extend through aligned apertures of all the cooperating hinge members to provide a strong hinged connection between the central part 12 and each of the outer parts 14, 15.

It would be possible for each of the outer parts 14, 15 and the central part 12 to each be a substantially solid plate or bed defining a substantially planar upper support surface. However, and as illustrated, each chassis part is preferably constructed as a framework. By this means it can be ensured that the overall trailer is sufficiently strong to support the vehicle or other load; but is as light as is possible for ease of towing. As can be seen in Figure 1. for example each outer part 14, 15 comprises a substantially rectangular frame indicated at 20 and the two frames 20 of the outer parts 14, 15 are substantially equal in size In the embodiment illustrated; a frame 22 defining the central part 12 is also substantially rectangular and is also of a similar size to that of the outer frames 20.However, the central frame 22 includes two additional transversely extending brace members 24, and two upstanding side wall members 25 each extending from the side edges of the frame 22 and each formed of a braced framework.

It would be possible to support a plate on each of the frames 20 and 22 to form the support surface of the trailer, but, for lightness, the trailer illustrated is arranged to have two longitudinally extending tracks generally indicated at 26 for supporting its load. For example, the wheels of a car (not shown) to be transported on the trailer can be supported on the tracks 26. Each track 26 is comprised of three aligned plates 28 each of which is supported on a side frame member of a respective frame 20, 22 and on a longitudinally extending brace 30 provided in each frame 20, 22.

In known manner, a pair of road wheels 4 are supported for rotation on each side of the trailer and are supported by way of the central part 12. As is illustrated, the road wheels 4 carry pneumatic tyres and are provided within a wheel arch 32 which is also carried by the frame of which the central part 12 is constructed.

It would be possible to fix a trailer coupling to the front of the front part 14, or to fasten an extension to that front part 14 for receiving the trailer coupling. However, in the embodiment illustrated, an additional frame 36 which extends beneath, and is connected to; the frame 20 of the front part 14 is provided. This additional frame 36 is generally triangular defining an apex area 38 at or near, which the trailer coupling 10 can be provided.

The base of the triangular frame 36 terminates near, and is connected to, the rear part of the frame 20 of the front part 14. Alternatively the front frame 36 could also itself be hinged to the central part 12.

The construction shown in the drawings in which the front part 14 of the trailer is comprised of two overlying frames 20 and 36 is particularly advantageous where the trailer is to be used for supporting road vehicles. In this respect, the trailer is locally strengthened at the front by the two frames. The heaviest part of the vehicle, for example; the front of the vehicle containing its engine, is preferably positioned at the front of the trailer on the strengthened front part 14 for safety.

The trailer coupling 10 mounted on the additional frame 36 is substantially conventional. For example, the coupling comprises a ball socket 40 for engagement in a towing bracket (not shown) on the towing vehicle.

The socket 40 is positioned at a chosen height above the ground by way of a mounting post 42 which is extendable or retractable by way of a windable control arm 44. In known manner, the ball socket 40 may be located over the towing bracket of the towing vehicle, and then lowered into position in the bracket to secure the trailer to the towing vehicle. A stabiliser wheel 46 is supported at the base of the mounting post 42, and this wheel 46 may be lifted off the ground once the trailer has been secured to the vehicle.

Figures 1 and 2 show the trailer in its support position in which the central and outer parts 12, 14, 15 extend relative to each other so that the tracks 26 extend substantially parallel and define a substantially planar support surface. The parts of the trailer are secured in that position, so that the trailer can carry the weight of a vehicle or other load. In this respect, it will be seen that two tie bars 50 are each connected to extend from the front of the front part 14 and are attached to one of the side walls 25 of the central part 12. Similarly two additional tie bars 50 extend from the rear of the rear part 15 to the side walls 25 of the central part 12.

The tie bars 50 are rigidly connected between each outer part 14, 15 and the central part 12 to prevent hinging movement between the parts and thereby provide stability and strength to the trailer.

Two enable the trailer shown in Figures 1 and 2 to be folded when it is not in use. the tie bars 50 are removable. In this respect, it will be seen that each end of each tie bar 50 is received within a respective bracket 52 which is fixed to one of the parts 12, 14, 15. Each bracket 52 comprises two substantially parallel plates between which the tie bar ends can be inserted. Holes in the tie bar 50 and in the two plates of the bracket 52 are aligned so that a pin 54 can be inserted therethrough. Generally, a locking pin (not shown) will be associated with each pin 54 so that the tie bars are secured against accidental removal.

The tie bars 50 can then be removed from the trailer in its position as shown in Figures 1 and 2 by withdrawal of the pins 54. Once this has been done, each outer part 14, 15 can be pivoted about its hinge axis H-H into a generally upright position relative to the central part 12 as is shown in Figures 3 and 4.

The removed tie bars 50 can then be repositioned to secure the trailer in the resultant folded position.

In this respect, it will be seen from Figure 1 that there is a pair of brackets 52 on each outer part 14, 15 close to its hinge with the central part 12. These brackets 52 are unused in the support position.

Figures 3 and 4 show that a tie bar 50 has been fixed to those brackets 52 by way of pins 54 to secure the trailer. As indicated on Figure 4 in dashed lines, a second tie bar 50 can also be provided on each side to connect the outer brackets 52 of the two outer parts 14, 15.

It will be appreciated that in the folded condition shown in Figures 3 and 4 the longitudinal extent of the trailer is of the order of a third of its longitudinal extent in the support position of Figures 1 and 2. This reduction in length is particularly useful where the trailer is to be stored. If it might be required to tow the trailer in its folded position an additional coupling (not shown) could be provided on the underside of the front outer part 14, 15.

The trailer may be constructed in any materials and by any techniques required. Generally, it is preferred that the frames 20, 22 and the plates 28 are made of a strong metal, such as steel.

It will be appreciated that variations in and modifications to the trailer as illustrated and described above may be made within the scope of this application.

Claims

1. A trailer for carrying large loads, said trailer comprising a wheeled chassis, wherein said chassis is formed in at least two parts, each said part being hingedly connected to an adjacent part along a respective hinge axis such that said parts are positionable in a first, support, position in which they extend relative to one another to define a support surface, and in a second, folded position in which the parts are folded relative to one another about the or each hinge axis to reduce the size of the trailer in at least one dimension.

2. A trailer as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the or each said hinge axis extends substantially transverse to the longitudinal extent of the trailer so that the longitudinal extent of the trailer may be reduced when the parts are folded to the second position.

3. A trailer as claimed in Claim 1 or 2, wherein the or each said hinge axis extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal extent of the trailer so that the transverse dimension of the trailer may be reduced when the parts are folded to the second position.

4. A trailer as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the chassis is formed to have two parts, one of which carries at least two wheels, and the other of which carries at least one wheel.

5. A trailer as claimed in Claim 4, wherein said first part of the chassis is arranged to remain with its wheels in contact with the ground in both the support and the folded position, and wherein in the support position the or each wheel of the second part of the chassis is also arranged to contact the ground.

6. A trailer as claimed in Claim 4 or 5, wherein one wheel of the second part of the chassis and one of the wheels of the first part of the chassis are arranged substantially symmetrically of both the longitudinal extent and a transverse axis of the trailer.

7. A trailer as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 3, wherein the chassis is divided into three parts, a first, central one of said three parts carrying, and being supported, on road wheels, and wherein second and third outer ones of said three parts do not carry wheels.

8. A trailer as claimed in Claim 7, wherein each of the outer parts is arranged to be pivoted inwardly with respect to the respective hinge axis to extend substantially perpendicular with respect to said central part such that said two outer parts face one another and extend upwardly substantially in parallel, and wherein one or more ties are provided to secure the two outer parts together in this upstanding position.

9. A trailer as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said parts of the chassis are in their first, support, position arranged to define at least one, substantially planar, support surface.

10. A trailer as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising securing means for securing the parts of the chassis in their first, support position.

11. A trailer as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising securing means for securing the parts of the chassis;in their second, folded position.

12. A trailer as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the parts of the chassis are substantially planar beds or frames which are arranged to extend substantially in a common horizontal plane to define said support surface, and wherein each of said parts is connected to others of the parts to secure the parts in their support position.

13. A trailer as claimed in Claim 12, wherein each part of the chassis is connected to another part by way of one or more non-extensible ties.

14. A trailer as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein at least one of said parts is provided with one or more upstanding side walls, and one or more non-extensible ties are fastened between each of the other parts and the upstanding side walls of the one part to secure the parts in the support position.

15. A trailer as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising a trailer coupling attached to said chassis at a towing point thereof.

16. A trailer for carrying large loads substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.