GB2345474A

GB2345474A - Horse trailer having a side mounted loading door

Info

Publication number: GB2345474A
Application number: GB9900278A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Raymond Janion
Original assignee: R & H Janion Ltd
Current assignee: R & H Janion Ltd
Priority date: 1999-01-08
Filing date: 1999-01-08
Publication date: 2000-07-12
Anticipated expiration: 2019-01-08
Also published as: GB2345474B; GB9900278D0

Abstract

A wheeled horse trailer 10 has a side door 36 for the loading and unloading of horses, to be carried therein. The side door may extend substantially in the fore and aft direction of the trailer and may extend above and across the wheel assemblies (42, Fig 2) of the trailer. The door may be hinged (50, Fig 2) along its lower edge to the trailer and may be used as a loading ramp Fig 1 when lowered to its open position. A tow bar 12 having a support wheel 14 may be provided at the front end of the trailer. The trailer may be divided into living and animal compartments 15 and 30, with the animal compartment being large enough for two horses. The door is so arranged to allow horses to walk forward during both loading an unloading and to face backwards whilst travelling.

Description

Horse-Trailer The present invention relates to the transportation of animal live-stock and, particularly although not exclusively, relates to the transportation of horses.

A wide variety of horse transporters are currently available, the majority of which comprise a forwardly situated engine, a cabin area in which the driver and passenger may sit, and a middle to end section which provides space for three horses or even up to ten horses to stand whilst in transit. A further characteristic of such transporters is that they may provide accommodation space for passengers including sleeping and kitchen space.

Such transporters are expensive.

A variety of small trailers for horses which lack their own engine are also available. These may be attached to the back of a motor powered vehicle and towed.

Problems with such trailers are that they are narrow, their interior is dark and they tend to have low roofs, all of which provide unpleasant conditions for the horse (s).

Several options are available concerning the manner in which the horses are led into the trailer and as to how they are positioned during the transit. The standard method involves leading the horse up a ramp into the horse space. The ramp is normally formed by lowering the back door of the trailer to the ground by means of hinges at its base. A problem with such rear-entry trailers is that the area of ramp that is presented to the horse is minimal as it is dependent on the width and height of the trailer.

This results in difficulties in manoeuvring the horse into the trailer. Additionally, rear-entry trailers result in the horse facing forwardly in the direction of travel which is not favourable. Horses prefer to face in the opposite direction to travel since they can look out the back of the trailer thereby improving stability. A further disadvantage of rear-entry trailers is that in order to remove the horse from the trailer, the horse must be reversed out backwards down the ramp which tends to be difficult. Horses do not like walking backwards.

Current rear and side-entry towed trailers which provide space for more than one horse suffer from instability problems when used for the transportation of only one animal. These trailers provide a fixed central mounted partition which divides the horse space into an even number of horse compartments. Therefore, single horses stand on one side of the trailer and cause uneven weight distribution. Should the partition be removed then the space is too large for a single horse and the horse has difficulty in bracing itself.

It is an aim of the present invention to attempt to overcome at least some of the above described disadvantages.

According to the present invention, there is provided a horse trailer, comprising: a body portion including at least one area tc accommodate one or more horses; at least one wheel assembly supporting the trailer, and at least one door for horse entry, the door being positioned on one side of the trailer and being movable from a first position in which the door conceals a part of the side of the trailer and a second position in which a horse can enter through the side of the trailer.

The door may extend at least partially and preferably substantially in the fore to aft direction of the trailer when in the first position. The door when in the first position and when viewed from the side may extend at least partially over the wheel assembly and possibly completely over the wheel assembly.

The trailer may include two wheel assemblies spaced from each other in the fore and aft direction and the door, when viewed from the side in the fore and aft direction and when in the first position may extend at least partially over each wheel assembly and may extend completely over each wheel assembly.

The floor that supports the horse, which may be a flat floor, may be at an elevation that is substantially the same elevation, or greater than the elevation of the wheel assembly. The floor that supports the horse may extend at least partially and preferably completely over at least one wheel assembly.

The door for horse entry may provide, in the second position, a ramp for the horse to enter the trailer. The door may be connected by a hinge to the trailer.

The door may extend along substantially the complete length of the floor that supports the horse.

Preferably, the trailer possesses a tow-bar at a forward portion for the attachment to, and towing by, a motor-powered vehicle in front of the trailer. In such an arrangement, the weight of the trailer is supported by a~ least one wheel assembly. Preferably, the trailer has two wheel assemblies in a close, parallel arrangement.

Preferably, the tow-bar has an additional wheel assembly attached to its underside for the balancing of the trailer when not attached to a second vehicle.

The trailer may be divided into discrete regior. s, one for the horse space, and one for living accommodation, for instance. Alternatively or additional to the living accommodation the trailer may include a discrete region for access to a horse, for instance for feeding a horse.

The discrete region for access to the horse may be on the other side to the living accommodation to the horse space when viewed in the intended direction of travel.

Preferably, the horse-space is suitably sized to have at least two horses. When transporting two horses, a moveable partition may be fixed in position along the lengthways central axis of the trailer to d vide the horse-space in two, such that one horse may be positioned either side of the partition. In such an arrangement, the weight of the two horses is evenly distributed over the floor space improving stability of the trailer.

Preferably, when transporting one horse, two partitions are fixed in position evenly spaced either side of the central axis of the trailer such that the single horse is placed along the central axis, thereby ensurina even weight distribution.

Behind the horse space, at the rear end of the trailer, there may be a region to provide access to the front end of the horse (s). Preferably, access to this passage is achieved bv the operator by means of a door. This door may be located on a side or back wall of the trailer.

The living accommodation may be situated at the forward section of the trailer and may include accessories, for example, seats, beds, toilet or sink.

Preferably, the living area includes any combination of the aforementioned accessories. The living area may be accessed by a door located towards the front of the trailer, for instance at the front side of the trailer.

Horses to be transported may be led into the horse area of the trailer up a side ramp, the ramp being formed when the hinged side door is opened such that the top is pulled down to make contact with the ground, the bottom remaining hinged to the trailer and forming a continuous bridge into the horse area.

The door may be at any position on either side of the trailer.

Preferably, the door will be hinged such that its base is above the upper-most level of the wheel assemblies.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a method of using a trailer comprises loading a horse into the trailer from a side of the trailer with the horse walking forwardly but facing at least partially towards the rear of the trailer on entry.

The method may comprise the horse walking forwardly but facing at least partially towards the rear of the trailer when leaving the trailer.

For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how certain embodiments of the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of nonrestrictive example, to the accompanying drawings in which : Figure 1 show a schematic view from above illustrating the horse-trailer; and Figure 2 shows a schematic side view illustrating the horse-trailer; and Figure 3 shows a schematic rear view illustrating the horse-trailer.

The horse-trailer 10 shown in Figure 1 comprises a forwardly-mounted tow bar 12 and accompanying wheel assembly 14, a living area 15 at the front consisting of a bed 16, table 18, seat 20, wardrobe 22, cooker 24, sink 26 and toilet 28. Behind the living area 15 is a horsespace 30 which is illustrated with two horses 32 separated by a centrally-mounted partition wall 34. To the side of the horse-space is a side door having been pulled down and used as a ramp 36. The first horse is led up the ramp, over to the far side of the horse area. The partition wall 34 is then fixed in place and the second horse is led up the ramp and positioned in the near side. The ramp is pulled up and locked in a position.

Towards the rear of the trailer is a second partition 38 which allows for the passageway 39 between the horsespace and the back wall. Here, the operator may tend to the horse and, for example, feeding bales may be hung.

The side view of the trailer shown in Figure 2 illustrates the trailer being attached to a towing vehicle 40 be means of the tow-bar 12. The weight of the trailer is supported by two wheel assemblies 42 spaced from one another. The living compartment may have a window 44 and an access door 46. The side door 36 for horse access 36 is fixed in position by locks 48 on either side, with hinges 50 being provided at its base. The positioning of the door hinges above the top of the wheel assemblies 42 allows for the side door 36 to be wide thereby presenting a large area for the horse when entering and leaving the vehicle. This makes leading the horse forwardly up the ramp and into the trailer far easier then when using narrower ramps. Furthermore, the wide door aperture enables the exit of the horses by leading it in a forwards direction rather than by reversing them backwards down the ramp.

Figure 3 shows the rear wall of the trailer and illustrates two windows 54 through which the horses may see enabling them to maintain balance. A rear wall door 56 is shown which may be present instead of, or as well as, the rear side door 52 for access to the rear passageway 39. The ramp 36 is shown in an open position, the angle between the ramp and the ground being dependent on the height of the trailer. The height of the inside floor 58 of the trailer may be below that of the uppermost part of the wheel assembly. Preferably, though the floor 58 is at the same level and that of the uppermost portion of the ramp. In such an arrangement, the horses need not go up or down steps.

The rader's attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment (s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A horse-trailer, comprising: a body portion including at least one area to accommodate one or more horses; at least one wheel assembly supporting the trailer, and at least one door for horse entry, the door being positioned on one side of the trailer and being movable from a first position in which the door conceals a part of the side of the trailer and a second position in which a horse can enter through the side of the trailer.

2. A trailer according to Claim 1, wherein the door extends at least partially in the fore to aft direction of the trailer when in the first position.

3. A trailer according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein the door extends substantially in the fore to aft direction of the trailer when in the first position.

4. A trailer according to any preceding claim wherein the door, when in the first position and when viewed from the side, extends at least partially over the wheel assembly.

5. A trailer according to Claims 1 to 4 wherein the door, when in the first position and when viewed from the side, extends completely over the wheel assembly.

6. A trailer according to any preceding claim wherein the trailer includes two wheel assemblies spaced from each other in the fore and aft direction.

7. A trailer according to Claim 6 wherein the door, when viewed from the side in the fore and aft direction and when in the first position extends at least partially over each wheel assembly.

8. A trailer according to Claims 1 to 6 wherein the door, when viewed from the side in the fore and aft direction and when in the first position extends completely over each wheel assembly.

9. A trailer according to any preceding claim in which the floor that supports the horse is at an elevation that is greater than the elevation of the wheel assembly.

10. A trailer according to any preceding claim wherein the trailer further comprises a floor for supporting the horse, wherein the floor which may be flat is at an elevation that is substantially the same elevation as the elevation of the wheel assembly.

11. A trailer according to Claim 9 or 10 wherein the floor that supports the horse extends at least partially over at least one wheel assembly.

12. A trailer according to any of Claims 9 to 11, wherein the floor that supports the horse extends completely over at least one wheel assembly.

13. A trailer according to any preceding claim wherein the door for horse entry provides, in the second position, a ramp for the horse to enter the trailer.

14. A trailer according to any preceding claim wherein the door is connected by a hinge to the trailer.

15. A trailer according to any preceding claim, wherein the door extends along substantially the complete length of the floor that supports the horse.

16. A trailer according to any preceding claim wherein the trailer includes a tow-bar at a forward portion for the attachment to, and towing by, a motor-powered vehicle in front of the trailer.

17. A trailer according to Claim 16 wherein the tow bar has an additional wheel assembly attached at its underside for the balancing of the trailer when not attached to a vehicle.

18. A trailer according to any preceding claim wherein the trailer has two wheel assemblies in a close, parallel arrangement.

19. A trailer according to any preceding claim wherein the trailer is divided into discrete regions, one for the horse space, and one for living accommodation.

20. A trailer according to Claim 19 wherein additional to the living accommodation, the trailer includes a discrete region for access to a horse, for instance for feeding a horse.

21. A trailer according to Claims 19 and 20 wherein the discrete region for access to the horse is on the other side of the living accommodation to the horse space when viewed in the intended direction of travel.

22. A trailer according to any preceding claim wherein the horse space is suitably sized to have at least two horses.

23. A trailer according to Claim 22 wherein when transporting two horses, a movable partition is fixed in position along a lengthways central axis of the trailer to divide the horse-space in two, such that one horse may be positioned on each side of the partition.

24. A trailer according to Claim 23, wherein the weight of the two horses is evenly distributed over the floor space.

25. A trailer according to any preceding claim wherein when transporting one horse, two partitions are fixed in position evenly spaced either side of the central axis of the trailer such that the single horse is placed along the central axis.

26. A trailer according to any preceding claim wherein behind the horse space, at the rear end of the trailer, there is a region to provide access to the front end of the horse (s).

27. A trailer according to Claim 26 wherein access to this region is achieved by the operator by means of a door.

28. A trailer according to Claim 27, wherein this door is located on a side or back wall of the trailer.

29. A trailer according to Claim 19 or any claim when dependent on Claim 19 wherein the living accommodation is situated at the forward section of the trailer and may include accessories, for example, seats, beds, toilet or sink.

30. A trailer according to Claim 29, wherein the living area includes any combination of the aforementioned accessories.

31. A trailer according to Claim 19 or any preceding claim when dependent on Claim 19 wherein the living area is accessed by a door located towards the front of the trailer, for instance at the front side of the trailer.

32. A trailer according to any preceding claim wherein horses to be transported are led into the horse area of the trailer up a side ramp, the ramp being formed when the hinged side door is opened such that the top is pulled down to make contact with the ground, the bottom remaining hinged to the trailer and forming a continuous bridge into the horse area.

33. A trailer according to any preceding claim, wherein the door is at any position on either side of the trailer.

35. A trailer according to any preceding claim wherein the door is hinged such that its base is above the upper-most level of wheel assemblies.

36. A trailer substantially as described herein with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.

37. A method of using a horse trailer comprising loading a horse into the trailer from a side of the trailer with the horse walking forwardly but facing at least partially towards the rear of the trailer on entry.

38. A method according to Claim 37, wherein the method comprises the horse walking forwardly but facing at least partially towards the rear of the trailer when leaving the trailer.

39. A method of using a horse trailer substantially as herein described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.