GB2479728A - Collapsible vehicle trailer frame - Google Patents
Collapsible vehicle trailer frame Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB2479728A GB2479728A GB1006466A GB201006466A GB2479728A GB 2479728 A GB2479728 A GB 2479728A GB 1006466 A GB1006466 A GB 1006466A GB 201006466 A GB201006466 A GB 201006466A GB 2479728 A GB2479728 A GB 2479728A
- Authority
- GB
- United Kingdom
- Prior art keywords
- frame member
- central
- trailer
- frame members
- frame
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Withdrawn
Links
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 abstract description 2
- 239000000725 suspension Substances 0.000 description 5
- 239000000470 constituent Substances 0.000 description 4
- 239000004744 fabric Substances 0.000 description 4
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000004411 aluminium Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000001125 extrusion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000010959 steel Substances 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
- B62D63/00—Motor vehicles or trailers not otherwise provided for
- B62D63/06—Trailers
- B62D63/061—Foldable, extensible or yielding trailers
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Transportation (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Body Structure For Vehicles (AREA)
Abstract
A collapsible vehicle trailer frame comprises a central frame member 1, two rear side frame members 2, two front side frame members 3, a front frame member 4 and a trailer axle 6. The rear side frame members 2, front side frame members 3 and front frame member 4 are all pivotally connected to the central frame member 1 by means of clamp plates and pivot pins. They are therefore permanently connected to the central frame member 1, and can be oriented in line with, parallel to or perpendicular to the central frame member 1, dependent on whether the trailer frame is in use or is collapsed for storage. When collapsed for storage, all the frame members are folded in towards the central frame member. This enables the frame to be compact when stored.
Description
A Collapsible Vehicle Trailer Frame The present invention relates to vehicle trailers and in particular to a collapsible vehicle trailer frame.
Vehicle trailers are well known devices used for transporting loads whilst being towed by a vehicle. However, a major problem with conventional vehicle trailers is that they tend to be bulky devices, and as such require a lot of storage space when not in use. In general, a vehicle trailer is only used intermittently for load carrying purposes, and will therefore spend the majority of its life in storage. It would therefore be preferable for such a vehicle trailer to be collapsible, so that it can be stored in a relatively small space when not in use.
Various forms of collapsible vehicle trailer have been known in the past.
Examples of such collapsible trailers are disclosed, for example, in UK Patent Application Numbers GB 2421933A and GB 2359281A. Such examples are known to have a frame made of detachable sections, with the load carrying enclosure consisting of either rigid panels that fold down, or flexible walls that collapse.
However, the present invention relates specifically to the collapsible frame of a vehicle trailer, and has several advantages over previous known examples. It comprises a multitude of frame members that, when assembled for use, can accommodate a variety of different trailer enclosures. Such trailer enclosures may themselves be collapsible, or they may be permanent rigid structures that simply detach from the collapsible vehicle trailer frame. Examples of various trailer enclosures include a flat bed, a rigid box, a collapsible box, or a flexible fabric enclosure. It is only once the trailer enclosure has been removed from the collapsible vehicle trailer frame that the frame structure itself can be collapsed.
Unlike previous known examples of collapsible vehicle trailer frames, where the constituent frame members physically detach from one another in order to collapse, the present invention consists of a central frame member, two or more side frame members and a front frame member that are all permanently attached to one another. The side frame members and the front frame member are pivotally connected to the central frame member, by way of a permanent pivot pin and clamp plates. The side frame members and front frame members can then pivot their orientation in relation to the central frame member, dependent on whether the collapsible vehicle trailer frame is in use or is folded down for storage purposes.
When in use, the front frame member and side frame members are oriented in such a way relative to the central frame member that they form an open structure as required to support the conventional box shape enclosure of a vehicle trailer. The front frame member and side frame members are maintained in this orientation relative to the central frame member by means of locking pins that pass through several frame members at once, thus rigidly retaining them in place. In order to collapse the vehicle trailer frame, these locking pins are removed, and the side frame members and front frame member pivot in relation to the central frame member in order to form a compact, folded arrangement.
Furthermore, a trailer axle is detachably connected to the central frame member, oriented perpendicularly to one another. In use the axle has a suspension unit with wheel attached to each end that support the whole trailer assembly and allow the trailer to be towed by a vehicle. However, when collapsing the trailer for storage purposes, the axle, along with suspension units and wheels, are detached from the central frame member.
Therefore, with the trailer axle, suspension units and wheels, all detached from the central frame member, and with the side frame members and front frame member folded alongside the central frame member, all of the constituent components of the collapsible trailer frame can be stored in a relatively small space.
Furthermore, if the enclosure of the vehicle trailer is of a flexible fabric construction, then the constituent components of the collapsible trailer frame will be small enough, when collapsed, to fit inside the flexible fabric enclosure, with it acting as a storage bag. The intention would be for this whole collapsed vehicle trailer to fit inside a standard vehicle boot. As such there would be no need for the trailer to ever be towed by a vehicle when unladen, as it could simply be collapsed and transported in the vehicle boot.
An embodiment of the present invention will now be described by referring to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a front perspective view of the collapsible vehicle trailer frame assembly, without an enclosure, in accordance with the present invention.
Figure 2 is a rear perspective view of the collapsible vehicle trailer frame assembly, without an enclosure, in accordance with the present invention.
Figure 3 is a perspective view of the collapsible vehicle trailer frame assembly, with a flat bed enclosure attached.
Figure 4 is a perspective view of the collapsible vehicle trailer frame assembly, with a box enclosure attached.
Figure 5 is a perspective view of the collapsible vehicle trailer frame assembly, with a flexible fabric enclosure attached.
Figure 6 is an exploded view of the collapsible vehicle trailer frame, with the frame members folded relative to the central frame member, and the axle detached from the central frame member.
Figure 7 is a perspective view of the folded frame members.
Figure 8 is a detailed view of the front section of the folded frame members.
Figure 9 is a detailed view of the front section of the open, in use, frame members.
Figure 10 is a detailed view of the rear section of the folded frame members.
Figure 11 is a detaHed view of the rear section of the open, in use, frame members.
By reference to the figures, an embodiment of the present invention of a collapsible vehicle trailer frame comprises a central frame member (1), two rear side frame members (2), two front side frame members (3), a front frame member (4), and a trailer axle (6). Such frame members and axle could typically be made from aluminium or steel box section extrusions.
The two rear side frame members (2) are pivotally connected to the central frame member (1) by means of two clamp plates (20), one connected to the top of the central frame member (1) and one connected to the bottom, and a pivot pin or bolt (25). The rear side frame members (2) can pivot about the pivot pin or bolt (25), and as such they can be oriented either perpendicular to, or parallel to, the central frame member (1). When the rear side frame members (2) are oriented parallel to the central frame member (1), as in Figure 10, they are in their collapsed state for storage purposes. When the rear side frame members (2) are oriented perpendicular to the central frame member (1), as in Figure 11, they are in their opened state for operating purposes. As such they are oriented to connect to, and support, a load carrying trailer enclosure or flat bed, as in Figures 3, 4 and 5. The rear side frame members (2) are designed such that their pivoting ends interlock with each other when oriented perpendicular to the central frame member (1). The rear side frame members (2) are locked into this perpendicular orientation by means of a single clevis pin or bar (27). This clevis pin or bar (27) passes through both clamp plates (20) and both rear side frame members (2) simultaneously, locking all components together in that orientation.
The rear side frame members (2) may also incorporate the brake and signal lights (11) and associated cables.
The two front side frame members (3) are pivotally connected to the central frame member (1) by means a top clamp plate (21), a bottom clamp plate (23), and a pivot pin or bolt (25). The front side frame members (3) can pivot about the pivot pin or bolt (25), and as such they can be oriented either perpendicular to, or parallel to, the central frame member (1). When the front side frame members (3) are oriented parallel to the central frame member (1), as in Figure 8, they are in their collapsed state for storage purposes. When the front side frame members (3) are oriented perpendicular to the central frame member (1), as in Figure 9, they are in their opened state for operating purposes. As such they are oriented to connect to, and support, a load carrying trailer enclosure or flat bed, as in Figures 3, 4 and 5. The front side frame members (3) are designed such that their pivoting ends interlock with each other when oriented perpendicular to the central frame member (1). The front side frame members (3) are locked into this perpendicular orientation by means of a single clevis pin or bar (27). This clevis pin or bar (27) passes through both clamp plates (21,23) and both front side frame members (3) simultaneously, locking all components together in that orientation.
The front frame member (4) is pivotally connected to the central frame member (1) by means of a top clamp plate (21), a pivot plate (22) and a pivot pin or bolt (26). The front frame member (4) can pivot about the pivot pin or bolt (26), and as such it can be oriented either in line with, or parallel to, the central frame member (1). When the front frame member (4) is oriented parallel to the central frame member (1), as in Figure 8, it is in its collapsed state for storage purposes. When the front frame member (4) is oriented in line with the central frame member (1), as in Figure 9, it is in its opened state for operating purposes. As such it is oriented to connect to the towing vehicle, via the conventional locking device (5), used for connecting the trailer to the tow-ball of the towing vehicle. The front frame member (4) is locked into this in line orientation by means of a single clevis pin or bar (27). This clevis pin or bar (27) passes through the top clamp plate (21),the front frame member (4), both front side frame members (3), and the bottom clamp plate (24) simultaneously, locking all components together in that orientation.
The trailer axle (6) is transversely attached to the central frame member (1), mid-way between rear and front side frame members (2,3), by means of a bracket (7) and connecting pins or bolts (8). A standard trailer wheel (9) is attached to each end of the trailer axle (6) via a trailer suspension unit (10). The central frame member (1), trailer axle (6), suspension units (10) and trailer wheels (9) are detachably connected to one another.
Once assembled into its operating orientation, the collapsible trailer frame can accommodate a multitude of trailer enclosure options. Figure 3 shows a simple flat bed (12) attached to the collapsible trailer frame. Figure 4 shows a conventional box enclosure attached to the collapsible trailer frame. Such a box enclosure consists of rigid panels which make up the base (15) and four side walls (14). Figure 5 shows another embodiment of enclosure attached to the collapsible trailer frame, wherein a plurality of flexible walls (17) and floor (18) combined together with support frame members (19) create a flexible, collapsible trailer enclosure (16). Such a flexible, collapsible trailer enclosure (16) can also be used as a storage bag for the constituent components of the collapsible trailer frame, when they are in their collapsed, folded state.
Claims (6)
- Claims 1. A collapsible vehicle trailer frame comprising a central frame member, to which two or more side frame members are pivotally connected, enabling said side frame members to be oriented either perpendicular to, or parallel to, the central frame member.
- 2. A collapsible vehicle trailer frame as claimed in claim 1, wherein two side frame members are pivotally connected to the central frame member on opposite sides of the central frame member and directly opposite one another, such that when both side frame members are oriented perpendicular to the central frame member the pivoting ends of each side frame member interlock with each other, enabling a single clevis pin or bar to pass through both side frame members simultaneously and lock them rigidly together in said orientation.
- 3. A collapsible vehicle trailer frame as claimed in claim I or claim 2, wherein a front frame member is pivotally connected to the central frame member, enabling said front frame member to be oriented either in line with, or parallel to, the central frame member.
- 4. A collapsible vehicle trailer frame as claimed in any of claims I to 3, wherein the front frame member is pivotally connected to the central frame member at the same location as two side frame members are pivotally connected to the central frame member directly opposite one another, such that when both side frame members are oriented perpendicular to the central frame member and the front frame member is oriented in line with the central frame member, the two side frame members and the front frame member all interlock with each other, enabling a single clevis pin or bar to pass through all three frame members simultaneously and lock them rigidly together in said orientation.
- 5. A collapsible vehicle trailer frame as claimed in any of claims I to 4, wherein the central frame member is detachably connected to a trailer axle oriented perpendicular to the central frame member.
- 6. A collapsible vehicle trailer frame as claimed in any of claims I to 5, substantially as herein described, with reference to, and as illustrated in, the accompanying drawings.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB1006466A GB2479728A (en) | 2010-04-19 | 2010-04-19 | Collapsible vehicle trailer frame |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB1006466A GB2479728A (en) | 2010-04-19 | 2010-04-19 | Collapsible vehicle trailer frame |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| GB201006466D0 GB201006466D0 (en) | 2010-06-02 |
| GB2479728A true GB2479728A (en) | 2011-10-26 |
Family
ID=42245396
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB1006466A Withdrawn GB2479728A (en) | 2010-04-19 | 2010-04-19 | Collapsible vehicle trailer frame |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| GB (1) | GB2479728A (en) |
Citations (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB613481A (en) * | 1946-06-04 | 1948-11-29 | Alexander Felix Dawn | Improvements in and relating to hand trucks, trailers and similar wheeled carriages |
| US4671530A (en) * | 1982-12-31 | 1987-06-09 | Bussink Engineering B.V. | Collapsible freight car |
| GB2253814A (en) * | 1991-03-22 | 1992-09-23 | Glyn Scott | Folding trailer |
| GB2358616A (en) * | 2000-01-31 | 2001-08-01 | George Edward Valler | Foldable trailer chassis |
| GB2411381A (en) * | 2004-02-28 | 2005-08-31 | Dale Product Developments Ltd | Hinged or dismantleable structures, particularly for boat carriers |
-
2010
- 2010-04-19 GB GB1006466A patent/GB2479728A/en not_active Withdrawn
Patent Citations (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB613481A (en) * | 1946-06-04 | 1948-11-29 | Alexander Felix Dawn | Improvements in and relating to hand trucks, trailers and similar wheeled carriages |
| US4671530A (en) * | 1982-12-31 | 1987-06-09 | Bussink Engineering B.V. | Collapsible freight car |
| GB2253814A (en) * | 1991-03-22 | 1992-09-23 | Glyn Scott | Folding trailer |
| GB2358616A (en) * | 2000-01-31 | 2001-08-01 | George Edward Valler | Foldable trailer chassis |
| GB2411381A (en) * | 2004-02-28 | 2005-08-31 | Dale Product Developments Ltd | Hinged or dismantleable structures, particularly for boat carriers |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB201006466D0 (en) | 2010-06-02 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| WAP | Application withdrawn, taken to be withdrawn or refused ** after publication under section 16(1) |