GB2488210A

GB2488210A - Tiltable trailer

Info

Publication number: GB2488210A
Application number: GB1202125.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Glen Reid
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2011-02-08
Filing date: 2012-02-08
Publication date: 2012-08-22
Also published as: NZ591000A; AU2012200726A1; GB201202125D0

Abstract

A tilting trailer (1, Figure 1) which includes a trailer main frame (2, Figure 1) and at least one lifting member 9 extending underneath the trailer main frame. The trailer (1) also includes at least one swing arm 8 pivotably connected to at least one lifting member 9. Each swing arm 8 extending transverse to the longitudinal axis of the lifting member 9 it is connected to. Each swing arm 8 also mounts a wheel adjacent to the opposite end of the swing arm 8connected to a lift member 9. The trailer also includes at least one lifting arm 6 connected to a lifting member 9 and positioned above a swing arm 8. The lifting arm 6 extending transverse to the longitudinal axis of said at least one lifting member 9. A downward force applied to a lifting arm 6 is translated to the associated swing arm 8 and lifting member 9 to force the trailer main frame (2) upwards and the trailer from a tilted configuration to a lifted configuration.

Description

Tilting Trailer

Technical Field

This invention relates to a trailer configured to be towed by a road vehicle and which can be tilted to assist in loading operations. In preferred embodiments the invention may be used to assist in the loading of vehicles or goods on the trailer.

Background Art

In a number of applications it is useful to tow a load behind a vehicle with a trailer. However, loading trailers with large or heavy articles can be an issue due to the height difference between the bed of the trailer and the ground. FE: In these situations loading docks are sometimes employed which place the toad at the same height as the trailer bed. In other cases ramps can be used to allow a toad to be easily carried or pushed up on to the bed of a trailer. Hand trolleys or pallet trucks are sometimes the only way heavy or bulky goods can be loaded on to trailers -with both these tools requiring a loading dock or ramp to be deployed. F:

This height difference between the ground and the trailer bed causes particular problems with vehicles which cannot be towed directly. Cars with tow ground appearances or motorcycles normally require the use of a low incline ramp to be loaded onto a trailer. Unless a very shallow incline ramp or ramps is always carried with the trailer it is very difficult to load these types of vehicles without damaging them.

An improved trailer which addressed these issues would be of advantage. In particular a trailer which could have its bed or main frame lowered or tilted to allow loading operations would be of advantage. It would also be of advantage to have a trailer design which at least provide the public

with an alternative choice to the prior art.

Disclosure of the Invention

According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a tilting trailer which includes a trailer main frame, and at least one lifting member extending underneath the trailer main frame, and at least one swing arm pivotably connected to said at least one lifting member, said swing arm extending transverse to the longitudinal axis of said at least one lifting member, each swing arm mounting a wheel adjacent to the opposite end of the swing arm connected to a lift member, and at least one lifting arm connected to the same lifting member as a swing arm and positioned above the swing arm, said lifting arm extending transverse to the longitudinal axis of said at least one lifting member, 1.

whereby a downward force applied to a lifting arm is translated to the associated swing arm and lifting member to force the trailer main frame upwards and the trailer from a tilted configuration to a lifted configuration.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a tilting trailer which includes forward projecting, independent swing-arms that are pivotally attached to the trailer main frame via an axle, and I: a second U-shaped perimeter frame is attached to the same axle, extending up via vertical plates over the swing-arms; converging in front of the main trailer frame and latching on top of the draw bar with latches, I each swing-arm having a stub axle mounted at the forward end for hub and wheel attachment, and a leaf spring mounted between the vertical plates and the perimeter frame to provide suspension, wherein tilting of the trailer is accomplished by unlatching the u-shaped perimeter frame from a trailer draw bar and raising it so that the swing-arms pivot about the axle connection to the main

I

I I.

frame, allowing the rearward end of the trailer frame to drop towards the ground at a low angle while the U-shaped perimeter frame assumes an upwardly extending attitude.

According to yet another aspect of the invention there is provided a method of reconfiguring a tilting trailer from a tilted configuration to a lifted configuration, characterized by the steps of forcing at least one lifting arm of the tilting trailer downwards to urge a lifting member upwards against the underside of a trailer main frame ii engaging a latch to lock said at least one lifting arm in position once the trailer is placed in a lifted configuration.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a method of reconfiguring a tilting trailer from a lifted configuration to a tilted configuration, characterized by the steps of disengaging a latch associated with at least one lifting arm ii raising said at least one lifting arm to disengage a lifting member from the underside of a F; trailer main frame.

The present invention is adapted to provide a tilting trailer. This trailer can be arranged in two different configurations being a tilted configuration and a lifted configuration. In the lifted configuration the trailer will have its main frame or bed orientated substantially parallel to the ground and will therefore provide a flat stable surface for any load based upon it. In its tilted configuration the main frame or deck of the trailer can be angled or tilted, preferably placing the back end or edge of the trailer bed into contact with the ground, thereby allowing the trailer bed to function as effectively a ramp.

A trailer provided in accordance with the present invention incorporates a main frame which supports a bed on which the load is to be carried. Those skilled in the art should appreciate that these components of the trailer are well-known in the art and will therefore not be described in

detail within this specification.

The invention includes at least one swing arm which is pivotably connected to a lifting member and which is orientated substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis of the lifting member. A swing arm is used to mount a wheel adjacent to the opposite end of the swing arm connected to a lifting member.

In a preferred embodiment the invention includes two swing arms only position on opposite sides of the trailer main frame where these two swing arms mount two wheels on which the trailer runs.

Reference in general will be made throughout this specification to the trailer including two wheels only and two swing arms only Those skilled in the art should however appreciate that a single swing arm may be used to mount more than just one wheel -and furthermore more than two swing arms may be provided if required.

For example in one alternative embodiment the invention may provide a tandem axle tilting trailer. These arrangements of trailers provide two wheels on each side of the trailer with each wheel being connected to its own lifting member or preferably a lifting axle linked to a corresponding wheel on the opposite side of the trailer. In such embodiments a swing may be provided for each of the four or more wheels employed on the trailer.

A lifting member provided in accordance with the invention extends underneath the main frame of the trailer. A lifting member is arranged to apply a force either directly or directly to the underside of the trailer to force the trailer to move from a tilted configuration to a lifted configuration. A lifting member extending underneath the trailer main frame allows a strong lifting component to be deployed to force upwards the trailer bed and any heavy loads placed upon it.

I

Preferably a lifting member connected to a swing arm is positioned behind a wheel mounted by the swing arm. With this arrangement the end of the trailer bed behind the wheel will be lifted or dropped downwards with the two different configurations available to the trailer.

In a preferred embodiment the invention includes a single lifting member only which extends underneath the entire width of the main frame of the trailer. In such an embodiment this single lifting member may be defined as an axle to which each of the two swing arms are pivotably connected This axle form of lifting member provides a single relatively strong component capable of applying a lifting force across the entire width of the trailer bed and main frame.

Reference in general will also be made throughout this specification to the trailer including a single axle form of lifting member only which runs the width of the trailer main frame. However those skilled in the art should appreciate that in alternative embodiments a lifting member may be provided for each and every swing arm implemented within the invention In yet another alternative embodiment the invention may implement a tandem axle tilting trailer which employs two lifting axles, with each axle mounting a pairof wheels on opposite side of the trailer main frame. Reference to the provision of a single lifting member only should in no way be seen as limiting.

Preferably the present invention includes at least one lifting arm which is connected to the lifting axle. In a further preferred embodiment a lifting arm may be provided for or in association with each and every swing arm included in the trailer. Each lifting arm is connected to the same lifting axle as an associated swing arm -preferably with both the lifting arm and swing arm connected along a common axis of the axle.

In some embodiments the invention may not operate a lifting arm for each swim. For example in some embodiments where the invention can implement a tandem axle trailer individual to mention rolled may be provided to transfer a force applied to one swing arm to an adjacent swing arm on the same side of the trailer In such embodiments one of the lifting arms may be

I r

dispensed with or alternatively shortened.

In a further preferred embodiment where the trailer includes two swing arms only and a single lifting axle the trailer can include two lifting arms only positioned above each swing arm and orientated substantially perpendicular to the lifting member axle.

A lifting arm is used to apply a downward force to the adjacent swing arm near the end of the swing arm which is used to mount a wheel. This downward force applied by a lifting arm is then translated to the lifting axle by the swing arms pivotal connection to the axle, forcing the axle upwards and therefore moving the trailer out of the tilted configuration.

Those skilled in the art should appreciate that a variety of mechanisms and schemes may be employed to actuate a lifting arm and moved the trailer between its two configurations.

For example in a preferred embodiment the length of each lifting arm may be substantially longer than the length of each swing arm with each lifting arm being arranged to project above the swing arm In such an embodiment the end of the swing arm displaced furthest from the lifting axle may be grasped by a user of the trailer and pulled downwards. The greater length of the lift arm will therefore provide a lever effect to allow lifting of relatively heavy loads placed on a tilted trailer.

In one alternative similar embodiment again a lift arm may be provided with a length or extent substantially greater than that of an associated swing arm. In such embodiments the present invention may include a winch and winch line with the end of the winch line connected to an end of the lift arm displaced furthest from the swing arm. The winch may then be actuated or operated to pull the lift arm down -again harnessing a lever effect to lift relatively heavy loads placed on a trailer in a tilted configuration In yet another alternative embodiment a trailer may incorporate either a hydraulic or pneumatic ram system to assist in pulling or pushing downwards the end of the lifting arm displaced furthest from the swing arm. For example in one such embodiment a ram may be mounted adjacent to a lifting arms connection to the lifting member axle. This ram can be arranged to apply a lateral force to this end of the lifting arm thereby pivoting the opposite end of the lifting arm downwards.

Reference in general however will be made to a tilting trailer provided in accordance with the invention incorporating a winch and winch line associated with a relatively long lifting arm when compared with the length of the swing arm. However those skilled in the art should appreciate that other arrangements for raising or lowering a lifting arm are envisioned and reference to the above only throughout this specification should in no way been seen as limiting A trailer provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment also includes a linkage element mounted between a swing arm and a lifting arm This linkage element is preferably arranged to transfer a force from the lifting arm to the swing arm at a point adjacent to the wheel mounted by the swing arm The linkage element provided can act to translate a downward force applied by a lifting arm to the end of the swing arm furthest from the swing arms connection to the lifting member. The force translated by the linkage element will therefore cause one end of the swing arm to drop and the opposite end attached to the lifting member axel to lift.

In a preferred embodiment a linkage element may be formed from a shock absorber. Shock II: absorbers can function effectively in the role of a linkage element to translate forced downwards from a lifting arm to a swing arm -while also performing in the role of a shock absorber for the trailer when in motion. Shock absorbers may be formed from any number of an array of resilience or elastic components well known in the art such as for example leaf or coil springs, or alternatively may be formed from hydraulic or pneumatic shock absorbing rams systems. By providing a shock absorber as a linkage element a load carried by the trailer will be cushioned as the trailer is drawn over uneven surfaces.

In a further preferred embodiment each paired swing arm and lifting arm combination may have disposed between them a leaf spring used to form a linkage element. Leaf springs perform

I I.

effectively as shock absorbers while being relatively strong robust and inexpensive components.

In such embodiments the leaf spring will initially be loaded by a force applied to pull a lifting arm downward and once a lifting arm drops further will act to transfer this force through to the swing arm.

Reference in general throughout this specification will also be made to the invention employing a leaf spring as a linkage of between each lifting arm and swing arm Those skilled in the art should appreciate that other forms of linkage element may also be employed with the invention and reference to the above only throughout this specification should in no way be seen as limiting. For example in simpler forms of the invention non-shock absorbing rigid forms of transfer elements may be provided.

In a preferred embodiment where the invention includes relatively long lift arms the invention may also incorporate at least one latch. A latch may be employed or associated with a lift arm to lock a lift arm place once pulled downwards to place the trailer in a lifted configuration. A latch used in this role will therefore ensure that the trailer does not move back to a tilted configuration after the trailer is loaded and while transporting a load.

In a further preferred embodiment a latch may be associated with a draw bar of the trailer. In such embodiments relatively long lift arms may extend towards the front end of the trailer to Li provide a lever effect to lift the load, with a latch being used to engage with the front end of the lift arm.

In an alternative embodiment a latch may be implemented through a locking mechanism associated with a winch and watch line. For example in such an embodiment the winch mechanism and associated line can be fixed or locked, thereby latching in place any lift arms connected to the winch.

In a preferred embodiment the pair of lift arms provided may be joined by a transverse bar to form a U-shaped perimeter frame. This perimeter frame can extend in front of the trailer's main

I

body when the trailer is placed in a lifted configuration. Furthermore the transverse bar of this U-shaped frame may be employed to pull both lifting arms downwards at the same time -thereby applying an even lifting force through each wheel and swing arm to the single lifting axle integrated into the trailer. This single transverse bar may also be connected to a winch line to assist in pulling both lifting arms downwards when the trailer is to be shifted to a lifted configuration.

In a preferred embodiment a lifting arm has a pivotal connection to a lifting member. In such embodiments the lifting member may be stationary when trailer bed and main frame is lifted -with the connected end of the lifting arm pivoting relative to the axle as the opposite end of the arm is pulled or pushed down.

However in one alternative embodiment a lifting arm may be fixed directly to a lifting member with the lifting member being capable of rotation about its longitudinal axis as a upward or downward force is applied to the lifting arm In this implementation a single lifting member axle is provided thereby assisting in the application of a lifting force through to both sides of the trailer concurrently with each lifting arm being directly connected and fixed to the lifting member axle.

In a preferred embodiment each swing arm may mount a wheel through the use of a stub axle.

This stub axle may be located at the end of the swing arm opposite to its connection to the lifting axel and may give enough clearance to allow the mounted wheel to run freely.

The present invention provides a robust and effective mechanism for easily tilting a trailer. A variety of systems can be deployed with the invention to pull or push a lift arm downwards to raise the lowered end of the trailer when tilted, with the lift arm being locked off with a latch I: once the trailer bed lies flat with the ground surface. When the trailer is to be tilted this latch can simply be disengaged and the lift arm or arms can rise to tilt the lower end of the trailer bed towards the ground. The rate of descent of the end of the trailer can be controlled through the use of systems such as winch or ram mechanisms when comparatively heavy loads are located on the

I I.

trailer.

Brief description of the drawings

Example embodiments of the invention is described in respect of the following drawings: * Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a tilting trailer provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment, and * Figures 2 and 3 show side views of the trailer of figure 1 when placed in a lifted configuration (figure 2) and a tilted configuration (figure 3), and * Figure 4 shows a top cross-section view of the trailer of figures 1 -3, and * Figures 5 A, SB show components of the invention used to tilt and lower the trailer of figures 1 through 4, and * Figures 6A, 6B and 6C show side cross-section views of the trailer of figures I -5 as the trailer is moved from a tilted configuration to lifted configuration, and * Figures 7A and 7B show side cross section views of a tandem axle tilting trailer provided in an alternative embodiment as the trailer is moved from a tilted configuration to lifted configuration, and * Figures 8A and 8B show enlargements of the components of the invention used to tilt and lower the trailer of figures 7A and 7B.

Further aspects of the invention will become apparent from the following description of the invention which is given by way of example only of particular embodiments.

Best modes for carrying out the invention Figures 1 through 4 show a number views of a tilting trailer provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention. The trailer I incorporates a main frame 2 which surrounds a bed 3 which provides a platform for a load. At the front of the trailer is provided a draw bar 4 which incorporates a towing hitch to allow the trailer towed by a road vehicle.

In the embodiment shown the trailer includes a single pair of wheels 5 mounted on either side of the main frame.

S The trailer also includes a pair of lifting arms 6 which are joined by a lateral transfer bar 7 to define a U-shaped perimeter frame. Each lifting arm 6 is disposed above one of a pair of swing arms 8 (shown in more detail in figures 5 and 6) Figure 4 also illustrates the provision of a lifting member, implemented in the embodiment shown by a single lifting member axle 9 drawn in ghosted outline The lifting axle 9 spans the entire width of the trailer main frame 2 and bed 3. The lifting axle is used to mount each of the paired combinations of swing arms 8 and lifting arms 6 used in the embodiment shown As can be seen from figures 2 and 3 in this embodiment the trailer also includes a winch 10 and IS winch line 11 mounted to the draw bar 4. The winch line 11 is connected to the lateral bar 7 of the U-shaped frame, with the winch being used to pull the bar 7 and the connected lifting arms 6 downwards. The winch can also be used to slowly release the U-shaped frame to allow the bed of El the trailer to drop into the tilted configuration shown by figure 3.

Figures 2 and 3also show the provision of a latch 12 on the draw bar 4 of the trailer. This latch 12 is used to lock each of the lifting arms down and in place when the trailer is placed in the lifted configuration shown in figure 2.

Figures 5A, SB show components of the invention used to lift and lower the trailer of figures 1 through 4. Figures 6A, 6B and 6C show side cross-section views of the trailer of figures 1 -S as the trailer is moved from a tilted configuration to lifted configuration.

In particular figures SA, SB show the arrangement of the combination of a lifting arm 6 and swing arm 8 used in embodiment discussed in figures 1 -4. In this embodiment both the rear ends of the lifting arm and swing arm are connected on to the same end of the lifting member axle 9.

I

From its connection to the lifting axle 9 the lifting arm 6 extends above the swing arm. This arrangement allows its opposite end to be pulled downwards (see reference arrow) and to act as a lever when pushing against the swing arm. The lifting arm 6 is connected through to the lifting axle 9 by a vertical connection plate 6A. In the embodiment shown the lifting arm 6 has a pivoting connection to the axle, allowing the lifting arm to rotate about the axle as the arm is moved up or down. However, in other embodiments the lifting arm may have a fixed connection to the axle, with the axle rotating about its longitudinal axis as the lifting arm is moved up or down.

At the front end 13 of the swing arm there is provided with a stub axle (not fully shown) used to mount one of the trailer wheels 5. p Figures 5A, SB also illustrate the provision of a transfer element -provided in this embodiment by a leaf spring 14. The leaf spring 14 is located above the swing arm 8 and below the rear section of the lifting arm 6 The leaf spring 14 is arranged to transfer a downward force (see reference arrow) applied by the lifting arm to the front end 13 of the swing arm which mounts one of the trailer wheels. This downward force then pivots the opposite rear end of the swing arm upwards about its pivotal connection to the lifting member axle 9, which in turn urges the lifting member axle 9 against the underside of the trailer main frame 2.

When in the tilted configuration (figure 5A) the front wheel mounting end 13 of the swing arm sits above its opposite end connected to the lifting member axle. The lifting arm when released from any downward force also projects up and at an angle to the main frame 2 of the trailer.

When in the lifted consideration (figure SB) the rear end of the swing arm connected to the lifting axle 9 is raised to align the swing arm substantially parallel with the ground. The leaf spring 14 is placed under tension with the lifting arm 6 orientated substantially parallel to the main frame of the trailer. The lifting arm is locked in place through the use of a latch (not shown). pp

As can also be seen from figures 5A, 5B the leaf spring 14 also acts as a shock absorbing element during use of the trailer. Drops or bumps experienced by the wheel will be cushioned by the leaf spring as the front end of the swing arm is forced upwards against the leaf spring.

Figures 6A, 6B and 6C showed the progressive movements of the lifting components discussed in figures 5A, 5B as the trailer is moved from a tilted to a lifted configuration.

The lifting arms of the trailer are pulled downwards in the direction shown by the reference arrow, with the rear end of the trailer bed initially starting out in contact with the ground as shown in figure 6A The lifting axle also starts on a lowered orientation as shown with respect to figure 6A Figure 6B shows the progressive lifting of the rear of the trailer bed under the action of the lifting axle. The bed is forced upward as the axle is pivoted upwards by the force applied to the forward end of the swing arm translated through the leaf spring as the lift arm is pulled downwards Figure 6C shows the final arrangement of the trailer when placed in a lifted configuration with the front ends of the lifting arms being locked down by a latch connect to the trailer draw bar. As can be seen from figure 6C both the lifting arms and swing arms are orientated substantially parallel to the ground surface.

Figures 7A and 711 show side cross section views of a tandem axle tilting trailer provided in an alternative embodiment as the trailer is moved from a tilted configuration to lifted configuration.

Figures 8A and 811 show enlargements of the components of the invention used to tilt and lower the trailer of figures 7A and 7B.

As can be seen from these figures a pair of swing arms are provided on each side of the trailer.

Linked to each swing arm is a lifting arm, with the front lifting arm being much longer than the rear lifting arm. The rear lifting arm is shortened to allow it to fit in behind the front lifting arm when the trailer is placed in a lifted configuration.

I

Figures 8A and 813 show in more detail the provision of a connection or transfer rod linking the front and rear swing arms. As can be seen from figures 7 and 8 a downward force applied to the front lift arm will pivot upwards the rear ends of both the front swing arm and the rear swing arm. In this embodiment both the separate tandem lifting axles act to raise the trailer bed and any relatively heavy load placed on it.

It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein and further and additional embodiments within the spirit and scope of the invention will be apparent to the skilled reader from the examples illustrated with reference to the drawings. In particular, the invention may reside in any combination of features described herein, or may reside in alternative embodiments or combinations of these features with known equivalents to given features. Modifications and variations of the example embodiments of the invention discussed above will be apparent to those skilled in the art and may be made without departure of the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims

Claims

What I claim is: 1 A tilting trailer which includes a trailer main frame, and at least one lifting member extending underneath the trailer main frame, and at least one swing arm pivotably connected to said at least one lifting member, said swing arm extending transverse to the longitudinal axis of said at least one lifting member, each swing arm mounting a wheel adjacent to the opposite end of the swing arm connected to a lift member, and at least one lifting arm connected to the same lifting member as a swing arm and positioned above the swing arm, said lifting arm extending transverse to the longitudinal axis of said at least one lifting member, whereby a downward force applied to a lifting arm is translated to the associated swing arm and lifting member to force the trailer main frame upwards and the trailer from a tilted configuration to a lifted configuration.
2 A tilting trailer as claimed in claim 1 which includes a single lifting member extending across the width of the main frame.
3 A tilting trailer as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein a lifting member extends underneath the main frame at a point behind a wheel mounted to a swing arm.
4 A tilting trailer as claimed in any previous claim which includes a pair of swing arms each mounting a wheel on opposite sides of the trailer and each being connected to one of a pair of lifting arms.
A tilting trailer as claimed in claim 4 wherein each of the pair of lifting arms are joined by a transverse bar to form a U shaped perimeter frame which extends in front of the trainer main body when the trailer is place in a lifted configuration.
6 A tilting trailer as claimed in any previous claim which includes a linkage element mounted between a swing arm and lifting arm, said linkage element being arranged to transfer a force from the lifting arm to the swing arm adjacent to the wheel mounted by the swing arm.
7 A tilting trailer as claimed in claim 6 which includes a linkage element formed from a shock absorber.
8 A tilting trailer as claimed in claim 7 wherein a shock absorber is formed by a leaf spring 9 A tilting trailer as claimed in claim any previous claim wherein the end of a lifting arm opposite to the arms connection to a lifting member is associated with a latch attached to the main frame.A tilting trailer as claimed in claim 9 wherein a latch is mounted on a trailer draw bar 11 A tilting trailer as claimed in claim any previous claim wherein a lifting arm is pivotably connected to a lifting member.12 A tilting trailer as claimed in any one of claims I to 10 wherein a lifting arm has a fixed connection to a lifting member, said lifting member being adapted to rotate relative to the trailer main frame.13 A tilting trailer as claimed in any previous claim wherein each swing arm mounts a wheel with a stub axle.14 A tilting trailer as claimed in any previous claim which includes a winch and winch line connected to at least one lifting arm, said winch being operable to draw in the winch line and force said lifting arm downward to place the trailer in a lifted configuration.15 A tilting trailer as claimed in claim 14 wherein a winch line is connected to a transverse bar of a U shaped perimeter frame formed with a pair of lifting arms.16 A titling trailer as claimed in any one of claims ito 13 which includes a ram adapted to force a lifting arm downwards when activated 17 A tilting trailer which includes forward projecting, independent swing-arms that are pivotally attached to a trailer main frame via an axle, and a U-shaped perimeter frame attached to the axle extending up via vertical plates over the swing-arms and converging in front of the main trailer frame and latching on top of a trailer draw bar with latches, each swing-arm having a stub axle mounted at the forward end for hub and wheel attachment, and a leaf spring mounted between the vertical plates and the perimeter frame to provide suspension, wherein tilting of the trailer is accomplished by unlatching the u-shaped perimeter frame from the trailer draw bar and raising it so that the swing-arms pivot about the axle connection to the main frame, allowing the rearward end of the trailer frame to drop towards the ground at a low angle while the U-shaped perimeter frame assumes an upwardly extending attitude.I18 A method of reconfiguring a tilting trailer from a tilted configuration to a lifted configuration, characterized by the steps of forcing at least one lifting arm of the tilting trailer downwards to urge a lifting member upwards against the underside of a trailer main frame ii engaging a latch to lock at least one lifting arm in position once the trailer is placed in a lifted configuration 19 A method of reconfiguring a tilting trailer from a lifted configuration to a tilted configuration, characterized by the steps of disengaging a latch associated with at least one lifting arm is ii raising at least one lifting arm to disengage a lifting member from the underside of a trailer main frame.A method of reconfiguring a tilting trailer substantially as herein described with reference to and as illustrated by the accompanying drawings and/or examples.21 A tilting trailer substantially as herein described with reference to and as illustrated by the accompanying drawings and/or examples.22 A method of manufacturing a tilting trailer substantially as herein described with reference to and as illustrated by the accompanying drawings and/or examples. I.