GB2518675A

GB2518675A - A Trailer

Info

Publication number: GB2518675A
Application number: GB1317247.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Thomas Parker
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2013-09-27
Filing date: 2013-09-27
Publication date: 2015-04-01
Also published as: GB201317247D0

Abstract

A skateboard trailer 100 comprises an attachment means 4, for example a ball joint, for attaching trailer 100 to a skateboard (8, Figure 2), one or more wheels 2, preferably detachably secured at an upwardly extending tail portion 11 of trailer 100, and a load support 9 for supporting a load. The load support may have a plurality of sections 110a, 110b, 110c, 110d, 110e, each comprising two side portions extending upwardly from a bottom portion, and may have means for securing cargo being hauled. Trailer 100 may be elongate and may have a deck of adjustable height. Suitably, trailer 100 may be towed behind a skateboard.

Description

A Trailer

Field of the Invention

The present invention concerns skateboard trailers.

More particularly, but not exclusively, this invention concerns skateboard trailers for attachment to a skateboard to tow a load.

Background of the Invention

When travelling long distances by skateboard, carrying a load on one's back may adversely affect the skateboarder's balance and safety. It can also cause musculoskeletal injuries, as well as reduce ventilation of the back of the skateboarder, causing excessive local sweating.

Summary of the Invention

The present invention seeks to mitigate or remove at least some of the above-mentioned disadvantages.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a skateboard trailer comprising an attachment means for attaching the trailer to a skateboard, one or more wheels for rolling contact with the ground, and a load support for supporting a load. In use, the trailer allows a load to be carried on the trailer towed behind a skateboard.

This gives the skateboarder a lower centre of mass, which leads to improved stability.

Those skilled in the art will realise that the skateboard itself is not a feature of the trailer of the first aspect of the present invention.

The load support may comprise a bottom portion and at least one (optionally at least two) side and/or end portions extending from the bottom portion. The side and/or end portion(s) may extend at least partially upwardly from the bottom portion. In this way, the side or end portions thereby farm a wall to reduce the chance of a load falling from the trailer.

Advantageously, *the load support may comprise at least one load support sections comprising a bottom portion and at least one (and optionally two) side portions extending from the bottom portion. One or both side portions may extend upwardly from two opposing sides of the bottom portion. The upwardly extending side portions form side walls to reduce the risk of a load falling from the trailer. The load support may comprise a plurality of such load support sections, optionally spaced along the length of the trailer.

The trailer optionally comprises a deck. Optionally, said at least one load support sections are attached to the trailer deck. The effective height of the trailer deck relative to the ground may be adjustable between a plurality of different heights. This may be achieved, for example, by providing a set of wheels for rolling contact with the ground, the set of wheels being attachable to the trailer in a first pre-determined position and a second pre-determined position, wherein when the set of wheels is attached in the first position, the trailer deck has a first height relative to the ground, and when the set of wheels is attached in the second pre-determined position, the trailer deck has a second height relative to the ground. This enables the height of the deck to be adjusted for use with skateboards of differing height.

The load support may comprise one or more end portions extending from the bottom portion, optionally extending at least partially upwards thereby providing a wall to reduce the risk of a load falling from the trailer.

Preferably, the skateboard trailer is elongate and defines, in use, a front end and a rear end. Advantageously, the attachment means is located at, or in proximity to, the front end of the trailer. In use, this arrangement ensures that the trailer can be towed in a satisfactory manner.

The trailer may comprise an upwardly extending tail portion located at, or in proximity to, the rear end of the trailer. The tail portion may provide additional support to a load provided on the trailer.

The trailer may be provided with one or more means for securing a load on the trailer. For -example, the tail portion and the load support may be provided with means for securing a load on the trailer. The means for securing a load may be, for example, cord attachment points typically in the form of apertures or projections for the attachment of cord structures thereto, for example, for the attachment of cords, elastics or webbing straps. Cord structures may be provided to secure the load to the trailer.

Advantageously, the trailer comprises at least one set of wheels for rolling contact with the ground (for example, in the form of two wheels or rollers which are optionally mounted on an axle or truck) . At least one set of wheels may be associated with the tail portion. At least one set of wheels may be attached to the tail portion. For example, a skateboard truck comprising two wheels may be attached to the tail portion. The set of wheels may be attachable to the tail portion at any one of a plurality of positions. At least one, and preferably more than one, of the plurality of positions may be pre-determined. The positions may be pre-determined, for example, *by providing several sets of apertures at different positions along the tail portion. The position of the set of wheels may determine the height of the load support and/or trailer deck, and therefore may be used to change the height of the load support and/or trailer deck for use with different skateboards. The set of wheels is typically removably attached to the tail portion at any one of the plurality of positions (preferably pre-determined positions) . The positions may be mutually spaced along the tail portion, and the positions may be prc-determined. For example, the tail portion may be attached to the set of wheels using screws which may be readily undone so that the set of wheels can be attached to the tail portion at a different position along the tail portion. The tail portion may be provided with a plurality of sets of screw-receiving apertures, the sets of apertures being spaced along the tail portion. At least one wheel may be located to each side of the tail portion. The upwardly extending tail portion allows large wheels to be fitted at, or near to, the rear end of the trailer, and may also lower the trailer deck, thereby reducing the height of the trailer deck and increasing stability. The use of large wheels may assist in movement of the trailer over bumpy and/or undulating ground. The trailer may comprise further sets of ground-contacting wheels located at other locations of the trailer.

Optionally, the trailer may be provided with at least one mudguard. Each mudguard is optionally located adjacent to a respectivewheel, and optionally located generally forwards of a respective wheel. At least one mudguard may be associated with the tail portion of the trailer. At least one, and optionally each, mudguard is optionally arranged to protect the trailer and any load thereon from mud splatter generated by one or more wheels. The trailer is optionally provided with two mudguards, one at each side of the tail portion.

Optionally, the trailer may comprise a handle portion which may be used to assist in movement of the trailer, typically when the trailer is detached from the skateboard.

The handle portion is optionally provided at, or in proximity to, the front end of the trailer. This is beneficial if one or more wheels are provided at, or in proximity to, the rear end of the trailer.

optionally, the trailer may comprise one or more rails on the underside of the trailer (optionally on the underside of the trailer deck) . The rails extend from at or near the front end of the trailer to at or near the rear end of the trailer. The trailer may comprise two or more rails. The rails may be mutually parallel. The rails allow the trailer to slide over irregular ground as well as prevent scraping on the underside of the trailer over uneven ground.

In use, the attachment means of the trailer attaches to a corresponding part provided on a skateboard in order for the trailer to be attached to the skateboard. The attachment thereby formed optionally comprises a joint, such as a ball joint, which typically allows movement of the trailer relative to the skateboard. The trailer's attachment means is therefore typically suitable for forming a towing joint S with a corresponding part provided on a skateboard. Fo.r example, the trailer's attachment means may comprise a member providing a female part of a ball joint for the receipt of a ball joint pin.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is also provided a personal transport apparatus comprising a skateboard and a skateboard trailer attached to the skateboard. The skateboard trailer is optionally a skateboard trailer according to first aspect of the present invention. Users of the personal transport appth?atus according to the invention may be able to travel with heavy cargo loaded on the trailer while remain relatively lightweight on the skateboard.

The skateboard encompasses skateboards of any size, including, but not being limited to, slalom boards, longboards, off-road skateboards, mountain boards, dirt boards, kite boards, all terrain boards and street boards (otherwise known as snakeboards) The skateboard may optionally be powered, for example, by a motor.

The skateboard is optionally provided with a towing means for attaching the skateboard to the trailer. For example, the skateboard may be provided with a corresponding part which, in use, attaches to the attachment means of the trailer, thereby forming a joint, and thereby allows attachment of the trailer to the skateboard. For example, the towing means may comprise a corresponding part which interacts-with the attachment means of the trailer and secures the trailer to the skateboard, forming a joint.

The joint so formed allows the trailer to move relative to the skateboard, for example, in order to accommodate irregularities on the ground or change of speed or direction.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is also provided a kit comprising a skateboard trailer according to the first aspect of the invention and a corresponding part attachable to the attachment means of the trailer. The corresponding part is arranged for fitting on a skateboard. In use, the corresponding part is attached to the attachment means of the trailer and thereby attaches the trailer to the skateboard.

It will of course be appreciated that features described in relation to one aspect of the present invention may be -incorporated into other aspects of the present invention.

Description of the Drawings

An embodiment of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings of which: Figure 1 shows a prospective view of a skateboard trailer according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 shows a side view of the skateboard trailer of Figure 1; and Figure 3 shows an exploded view of the attachment means used to attach the trailer of Figures 1 and 2 to a skateboard.

S Detailed Description

Referring to Figure 1 and 2, a skateboard trailer 100 comprises a load support comprising five load support sections llOa-e attached to a trailer deck 12, an attachment means 101 for attaching the trailer to a skateboard and a pair of wheels 2 for rolling contact with the ground. The pair of wheels 2 is attached to what is known in skateboarding as a "truck" (not labelled) which is attached to the underside of deck 12. Each load support section llOa-e is attached to the deck 12 using screws 103, and each load support section llOa-e has a bottom portion 120 and two side portions 9 extending from two sides of the bottom portion 120. The bottom portions 120 extend laterally beyond the side of the deck 12, thereby forming a broad support. for a load., The side portions 9 form walls to reduce the risk of a load falling from the trailer. Each load support section also has several apertures for securing a load on the trailer 100 by means of, for example, a cord or cord and hook configurations. The bottom portions 120 have apertures 130 for securing the load support sections1l0 (a-e) to the trailer deck 12. The trailer 100 is elongate and in use defines a front end A and a rear end B. The attachment means 101 is located at the front end A. In use, the trailer is towed through the attachment means in the direction of movement. The trailer 100 has a tail portion 1 located at the rear end of the trailer 100, the tail portion extending upwardly. The tail portion 1 is provided with several sets of apertures 140 which receive screws to attach the trailer truck (the axle and wheel arrangement) to the tail portion 1 of the trailer. The different sets of apertures allow the position of the truck to be changed in order to vary the height of the trailer deck 12 so that the trailer can be used with skateboards of different height. The trailer 100 has two mudguards 11, one on each side of the tail portion 1.

The number and location of mudguards can be adjusted according to specific requirement for the journey or the condition of the ground and weather. The mudguards 11 may be detachably fitted on the trailer 110 or may be permanently fixed. The wheels 2 are associated with the tail portion 1 of the trailer 100. This allows the use of large wheels to enhance mobility and stability of the trailer 100 while keeping the load support sections llOa-e relatively close to the ground. The roller arrangement may have further wheels or rollers located, for example, underside the load support sections llOa to llOe, in order to further facilitate the movement of the trailer 100.

The trailer 100 has a pair of rails 13 on the underside of the trailer deck 12. The rails 13 run from near the front end A to near the rear end B. The two rails 13 are parallel to each other. The rails 13 help the trailer to slide over undulating or bumpy ground, and help reduce the risk of damaging the deck.

A handle portion 10 is located at the front end A of the trailer 100 so that the trailer 100 can be pulled by hand using the handle portion 10.

-10 -The trailer 100 is attached to a skateboard (not shown in full) comprising a skateboard deck 8. An attachment block 7 is provided on the underside of the skateboard deck 8. The block 7 is provided with an aperture for the receipt of a ball joint pin, the use of which is described below.

Referring to Fig. 3, the trailer's attachment means 101 comprises a block 3, a threaded rod 4 and a member 5 for forming a quick-release ball joint. The block 3 is fitted to the front end A of the trailer 100. In use, the threaded rod 4 is threaded into a corresponding threaded recess formed in the block 3 and the member 5 providing a quick-release ball joint is connected to the threaded rod 4. A ball joint pin 6 is inserted through the aperture provided in skateboard block 3 and into a female part of a ball joint provided in member 5, thereby attaching the trailer to the skateboard and providing a joint which allows the movement of the trailer relative to the skateboard. When connected, both the ball joint-providing member 5 and the block 7 are rotatable around the axis of the joint's pin 6. This allows the trailer to move in relation to the skateboard.

Whilst/the present invention has been described and illustrated with reference to particular embodiments, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the invention lends itself to many different variations not specifically illustrated herein. By way of example only, certain possible variations will now be described.

It is appreciated that other configurations suitable for hitching the trailer to the skateboard may also be used.

-11 -The block may be attached to the upper surface of the skateboard deck, for example. This may effectively raise the trailer deck further from the ground, which may be desirable.

The trailer shown is provided with two wheels. One or more rollers may be used instead of wheels.

Different configurations of load support may be provided. For example, the load supporting sections ilOa-e may be replaced by one unitary support with the same overall shape provided by the load supporting sections.

Alternatively, the trailer deck may act as a load support.

Where in the foregoing description, integers or

elements are mentioned which have known, obvious or foreseeable equivalents, then such equivalents are herein incorporated as if individually set forth. Reference should be made to the claims for determining the true scope of the present invention, which should be construed so as to encompass any such equivalents. It will also be appreciated by the reader that integers or features of the invention that are described as preferable, advantageous, convenient or the like are optional and do not limit the scope of the independent claims. Moreover, it is to be understood that such optional integers or features, whilst of possible benefit in some embodiments of the invention, may not be desirable, and may therefore be absent, in other embodiments.

Claims

-12 -Claims 1. A skateboard trailer comprising an attachment means for attaching the trailer to a skateboard, one or more wheels for rolling contact with the ground, and a load support for supporting a load.
2. A skateboard trailer according to claim 1 wherein the load support comprises a bottom portion and at least one side and/or end portions extending from the bottom portion.
3. A skateboard trailer according to claim 2 wherein the side and/or end portion(s) extend at least partially upwardly from the bottom portion.
4. A skateboard trailer according to any preceding claim wherein the load support comprises at least one load support sections comprising a bottom portion and two side portions extending from the bottom portion.
5. A skateboard trailer according to claim 4 wherein the two side portions extend upwardly from two opposing sides of the bottom portion.
6. A skateboard trailer according to claim 4 or claim 5 wherein the load support comprises a plurality of said load support sections, spaced along the length of the trailer.
7. A skateboard trailer according to claim 6 wherein the trailer comprises, a deck and wherein the load support sections are attached to the trailer deck.
8. A skateboard trailer according to any preceding claim comprising a deck and wherein the effective height of the trailer deck relative to the ground is adjustable between a plurality of different heights.

-13 -
9. A skateboard trailer according to claim 8 comprising a set of wheels for rolling contact with the ground, the set of wheels being attachable to the trailer in a first pre-determined position and a second pre-determined position, S wherein when the set of wheels is attached in the first position,, the trailer deck has a first height relative to the ground, and when the set of wheels is attached in the second pre-'determined position, the trailer deck has a second height relative to the ground.
10. A skateboard trailer according to any preceding claim wherein the load support comprises one or more end portions extending from the bottom portion, extending at least partially upwards thereby providing a wall to reduce the risk of a load falling from the trailer.
11. A skateboard trailer according to any preceding claim wherein the skateboard trailer is elongate and defines, in use, a front end and a rear end, wherein the attachment means is located at, or in proximity to, the front end of the trailer;
12. A skateboard trailer according to any preceding claim comprising an upwardly extending tail portion located at, or in proximity to, the rear end of the trailer.
13. A skateboard trailer according to any preceding claim comprising one or more means for securing a load on the trailer.
14. A skateboard trailer according to claim 13 when dependent on claim 12 wherein the load support is provided with means for securing a load on the trailer.
15. A skateboard trailer according to claim 13 or claim 14 wherein the means for securing a load comprise attachment -14 -points in the form of apertures or projections for the attachment of cord structures thereto.
16. A skateboard trailer according to any preceding comprising at least one set of wheels for rolling contact with the ground.
17. A skateboard trailer according to claim 16 wherein at least one set of wheels is associated with the tail portion.
18. A skateboard trailer according to claim 17 wherein a set of wheels is attached to the tail portion, and is attachable to the tail portion in one of a plurality of pre-determined positions.
19. A skateboard trailer according to claim 17 or claim 18 when dependent on claim 12 wherein at least one wheel is located to each, side of the tail portion.
20. A skateboard trailer according to any preceding claim comprising at least one mudguard.
21. A skateboard trailer according to claim 20 when dependent on claim 10 wherein the trailer is provided with two mudguards, one at each side of the tail portion.
22. A skateboard trailer according to any preceding claim comprising a handle portion
23. A skateboard trailer according to any preceding claim comprising one or more rails on the underside of the trailer.
24. A skateboard trailer according to claim 23 comprising two or more mutually-parallel rails.
25. A skateboard trailer according to any preceding claim wherein the attachment means of the trailer is attachable to a corresponding part provided on a skateboard.
26. A skateboard trailer according to any preceding claim wherein the attachment means is for forming a joint which allows movement of the trailer relative to the skateboard.
27. A skateboard trailer according to claim 26 wherein the attachment means comprises a member providing a female part of a ball joint for the receipt of a ball joint pin.
28. A personal transport apparatus comprising a skateboard and a skateboard trailer attached to the skateboard.
29. A personal transport apparatus according to claim 28 wherein the skateboard trailer is a skateboard trailer according to any of claims 1 to 27.
30. A kit comprising a skateboard trailer according to any of claims 1 to 27 and a corresponding part attachable to the attachment means of the trailer and arranged for attachment to a skateboard.
31. A skateboard trailer as herein described with reference to any of Figs. 1-3 of the accompanying drawings.