IES940461A2 - "A collapsible trailer" - Google Patents

Abstract

A collapsible trailer (50) has a chassis (52) with a pair 5 of wheels (53) foidably mounted on the chassis (52) for storage. A carriage (55) on the chassis (52) is also foldable on the chassis between an extended position as shown in Fig. 1 and a collapsed stored position prior to folding the wheels (53)

Description

LODGED - 1 - appucatw^0...........

A collapsible trailer Introduction This invention relates to trailers, and in particular trailers for towing behind cars and the like vehicles.

Trailers are widely used for towing goods behind cars and the like. A problem arises when the trailer is not in use in that the bulk of the trailer is very awkward for storage. Further, the trailers cannot easily be manoeuvred through relatively narrow openings such as doorways.

The present invention is directed towards overcoming these problems.

Statements of Invention According to the invention there is provided a collapsible trailer comprising a chassis with ground engaging road wheels and load carrying means mounted on the chassis, the wheels being pivotally retractable on the chassis from an extended in-use position to a stored position to reduce the width of the trailer.

In one embodiment the invention provides a trailer comprising a chassis, at least one pair of ground engaging road wheels on the chassis, the wheels pivotally moveable together and apart on the chassis between an extended inuse position and a stored position to adjust the distance between the wheels, and a carriage mounted on the chassis foldable from an in-use position to a stored position of reduced width.

In another embodiment each wheel is mounted on the chassis by a pivot arm, a link arm being mounted between each pivot arm and a wheel pivot lever on the chassis, the wheel pivot lever operable to move the link arms for pivoting the wheels on the chassis.

Preferably locking means is provided to lock the wheel pivot lever on the chassis.

Conveniently the locking means comprises a spring loaded locking pin on the wheel pivot lever engageable with associated slots on a mounting bracket for the wheel pivot lever on the chassis, the slots corresponding to extended and stored wheel positions.

In a preferred embodiment jacking means is provided on the chassis operable to engage the ground to raise the wheels clear of the ground for moving the wheels on the chassis.

Preferably the jacking means is a support stand mounted on the chassis and movable between a stored position on the chassis and a ground-engaging position in which the trailer wheels are supported clear of the ground.

Ideally the support stand has means for retaining the support stand in the ground-engaging position.

In a further embodiment the support stand is pivotally mounted on an underside of the chassis for movement between a stored position against the chassis and a ground-engaging position, a spring extending between the support stand and the chassis for retaining the stand in the ground engaging position. __ s ί ϋ * ύ In another embodiment the carriage comprises a base formed by a number of longitudinally hinged panels, with upstanding side panels at each side of the base, and removable front and rear end panels for mounting between the side panels at each end of the base.

Preferably the base comprises a fixed centre panel with a foldable outer panel at each side of the centre panel, a side panel rigidly upstanding at an outer edge of each outer panel, the outer panels foldable inwardly so that the side panels overlap above the base.

Ideally locking means is provided to reieasabiy retain each outer panel in an outward unfolded position.

Preferably the locking means comprises a fastener engageable with a base support strut movable on the chassis between a stored position and an extended position, the strut having a slot for reception of the fastener in the extended position.

In one embodiment the strut is pivotally mounted on the chassis and the strut is slidably engageable with an associated guide bracket on an underside of an outer panel of the base for engagement with the fastener at an outer edge of the outer panel. Preferably each strut is mounted at a free end of a cross member on the chassis, the strut having a bracket extending outwardly of its inner end for engagement with an underside of the cross member when the strut is in the extended position.

In another embodiment the strut is slidably mounted on the chassis for lateral movement between the stored position and the extended position. 940461 Preferably the chassis comprises an elongate rigid pole having cross members intermediate its ends for supporting the carriage.

Detailed Description of the Invention 5 The invention will be more clearly understood by the following description of some embodiments thereof, given by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a trailer according to the invention; Fig. 2 is a plan view of the trailer of Fig. 1, with a carriage portion of the trailer removed; Fig. 3 is a detail plan view of portion of the trailer of Fig. 1; Fig. 4 is a detail perspective view of portion of the trailer of Fig. 1; Fig. 5 is a front perspective partially exploded view of the trailer of Fig. 1; Fig Fig is a rear perspective view of the trailer of 1 in a partially folded position; Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the trailer of Fig. 1 in a fully folded position; Fig. 8 is another perspective view of the trailer of Fig. 1 in a fully folded position; Fig. 9 is a detail elevationai view of portion of the trailer of Fig. 1 partially folded; Fig. 10 is a detail elevationai view of the trailer portion of Fig. 9 shown fully folded; Fig. 11 is a detail elevationai, partially sectioned view of a rear end of the trailer of Fig. 1 showing a lifting jack device incorporated in the trailer; Fig. 12 is a front perspective view of another trailer according to a second embodiment of the invention; Fig. 13 is a rear perspective view of the trailer of Fig. 12 shown in a folded position; Fig. 14 is a plan view of the trailer of Fig. 12 with a carriage portion of the trailer removed; Figs. 15-18 are views similar to Figs. 5-8 respectively, illustrating another trailer; Fig. 19 is a view similar to Fig. 11 of the trailer of Fig. 15; Fig. 20 is a perspective view of another trailer, shown in a fully folded position; Fig. 21 is a rear perspective view of the trailer of Fig. 20, shown in an open position; Fig. 22 is a rear elevationai view of the trailer of Fig. 20; 940461 Fig. 23 is a rear elevational view of the trailer of Fig. 20, shown in a partially folded position; Fig. 24 is a detail perspective view of portion of the trailer, shown in a folded position; Fig. 25 is a detail exploded view of portion of the trailer; Fig. 26 is a detail side elevational view of a rear portion of the trailer; Figs. 27 and 28 are detail views showing a tailgate lock for the trailer; Fig. 29 is a plan view of a chassis of the trailer of Fig. 20; and Fig. 30 is a detail sectional view of portion of a carriage of the trailer.

Referring to the drawings and initially to Figs. 1 to 11 thereof, there is illustrated a trailer 50 according to the invention. The trailer 50 has a chassis 52. A pair of ground engaging wheels 53 are pivotally mounted on the chassis 52 by a wheel mounting mechanism indicated generally by the reference numeral 54. A load carrying carriage 55 is mounted on the chassis 52 between the wheels 53. At a front end of the chassis 52 a tow hitch 57 is provided. A castor wheel 59 is provided at the front end of the chassis 52 and can be raised and lowered by means of a screw mechanism 60.

Referring in particular to Fig. 2 the chassis 52 has a central pole 61. Mounted centrally on the pole 61 is a rectangular frame 62 for supporting a forward end of the carriage 55. At a rear end of the pole 61 is a cross bar for supporting a rear end of the carriage 55.

Referring in particular to Figs. 2 to 4 the wheel mounting mechanism 54 comprises a wheel mounting bracket 65 carrying a wheel 53. Each wheel mounting bracket 65 is pivotally mounted by parallel arms 66 to a central chassis mounting bracket 67. Link arms 68 connect between the forward arms 66 and a wheel pivot lever 69 (Fig- 1) at a forward end of the chassis 52. The lever 69 is mounted by a pivot pin 70 on a upright bracket 71 on the chassis 52. Slots 73 are provided on the brackets 71 for reception of a spring loaded pin 74 on the lever 69 to retain the lever 69 in one of two positions in which the wheels are either fully extended as shown in Fig. 1 or fully retracted as shown in Figs. 7 and 8.

Referring in particular to Fig. 6 and Fig. 11 a jack 75 for raising a rear end of the trailer 50 to allow pivoting of the wheels 53 is shown. The jack 75 has a pivot arm 76 fixed to an underside of the chassis 52. Ground engaging wheels 77 are provided at a free end of the arm 76. A screw mechanism 78 is provided to raise and lower the arms 76 and can be operated by means of a handle 79.

Referring in particular to Figs. 9 and 10 the carriage 55 has a base 80 formed by a longitudinally extending central panel 81 fixed on the chassis 52 and two longitudinal outer panels 83 fixed by hinges 84 to the centre panel 81. Upstanding side panels 85 are provided at an outer edge of each outer panel 83. Front and rear end panels 88 are demountably secured at each end of the side panels 85. 940461 - 8 Base support struts 86 are laterally slidable on the crossbar 63 (and a front end of the frame 62) between a retracted stored position (Fig. 10) and an extended position (left-hand strut (Fig. 9)). In the extended position, a slot at an outer end of the strut 86 is engageable by a fastener 87 (in this case, a wing nut and bolt) mounted at an outer side of the outer panel 83 to retain the outer panel 83 in the open position.

In use, the trailer 50 can be used in conventional fashion for transporting goods. For storage the trailer 50 can be collapsed. In this case the jack 70 at the rear of the trailer 50 is operated to raise the wheels 53 clear of the ground. Then with the front and rear panels 88 of the carriage removed the carriage 55 can be folded inwardly as shown in the sequence of Figs. 9 and 10. With the carriage 55 folded the lever 69 can be moved to pivot the wheels 53 rearwardly and inwardly on the chassis between the frame 62 and cross bars 63 to a collapsed folded position as shown in Figs. 7 and 8. In the folded position the trailer 50 can be easily manoeuvred through relatively narrow openings. When the trailer is required for use it can be readily easily and quickly opened out, reversing the collapsing procedure.

Referring now to Figs. 12 to 14, there is illustrated another trailer 90 according to another embodiment of the invention. The trailer 90 is largely similar to the trailer of Figs. 1 to 11 and like parts are assigned the same reference numerals. In this case a rectangular frame 92 is provided on the chassis 52 for supporting the load carrying carriage 55. The frame 92 is in three parts having a fixed central portion 93 rigidly secured on the chassis 52 and outer wing portions 94, 95 hingedly mounted to the centre portion 93 and pivotable upwardly to fold the carriage 55 as described previously. At a front end 940461 ’ - 9 of the frame 92 laterally extending support struts 96, 97 on the chassis 52 are pivotal upwardly together with the frame 92. The trailer 90 is used in similar fashion to the trailer of Figs. 1 to 11.

Referring now to Figs. 15 to 19, there is illustrated another trailer 100. The trailer 100 is largely similar to the trailer of Figs. 1 to 11 and like parts are assigned the same reference numerals. In this case, jacking means for the trailer 100 comprises a support stand 102 mounted on an underside of the chassis 52. The support stand 102 is pivotally mounted by pivot pins 103 on spaced-apart brackets 104 depending from the chassis 52 at a rear end of the chassis 52. A spring 105 is mounted between the chassis 52 and a free end 106 of the support stand 102. The spring 105 retains the stand 102 in a ground-engaging position as shown in Fig. 19. The stand 102 is movable between a stored position against an underside of the chassis 52 as shown in broken outline in Fig. 19 and a ground-engaging position as shown in Fig. 19 in which the trailer wheels 53 are supported clear of the ground for folding and unfolding. It will be noted that the spring 105 is positioned on the chassis 52 to retain the support stand 102 in either the stored position or the ground-engaging position. The trailer 100 may also be provided with a frame similar to that shown in the trailer of Figs. 12 to 14. Preferably, the trailer has a tubular steel frame with steel side sheets extending between frame members and either pop riveted or welded to the frame members .

Referring now to Figs. 20 to 30, there is illustrated another trailer indicated generally by the reference numeral 10. The trailer 10 has a chassis 12. A pair of ground engaging wheels 13 are pivotally mounted on the chassis 12 by a wheel mounting mechanism indicated Γ 9 4 04 6 ΐ - 10 generally by the reference numeral 14. A load carrying carriage 15 is mounted on the chassis 12 between the wheels 13. At a front end of the chassis 12, a tow hitch 17 is provided. A castor wheel 19 is provided at the front end of the chassis 12 and can be raised or lowered on the chassis 12.

Referring in particular to Fig. 29, the chassis 12 is formed by a pole 21 with a rear crossbar 23 at a rear end of the pole 21 for supporting a rear end of the carriage 15 and a front crossbar 24 for supporting a front end of the carriage 15, and an intermediate crossbar 22.

The wheel mounting mechanism 14 comprises a wheel mounting bracket 25 carrying a stub axle 26 on which a wheel 13 is mounted. Each wheel mounting bracket 25 is pivotally mounted by parallel arms 27 to a central chassis mounting bracket 28. Link arms 29 connect between the forward arms 2 7 and a wheel pivot lever 30 at a forward end of the chassis 12. The lever 30 is mounted intermediate its ends by a pivot pin 31 on an upright bracket 32 on the chassis 12. Slots 33 are provided on the bracket 32 for reception of a spring loaded pin on the lever 30 to retain the lever 30 in one of two positions in which the wheels are either fully extended as shown in Fig. 29 or fully retracted as shown in Fig. 20. Upstanding locking posts 34 are provided on each wheel mounting bracket 25. In the fully extended position lugs 35 on a base portion of the carriage locate behind the brackets 25 to additionally securely retain the wheels 13 in the forward position shown in Fig. 29.

Referring in particular to Figs. 21 and 26, a stand 40 for raising a rear end of the trailer 10 to allow pivoting of the wheels 13 is shown. The stand 40 is pivotally mounted at 43 on an underside of the chassis 12, centrally at a 940461 rear end of the chassis 12. The stand 40 has a pair of spaced-apart legs 4Γ interconnected by struts 42. A handle 38 and foot grip 39 are provided on one of the legs 41. A spring 45 is mounted between the chassis 12 and a free end 46 of the support stand 40. The spring 45 retains the stand 40 in a ground engaging position as shown in Figs. 21 and 26 and also in the folded stored position (as shown in broken outline in Fig. 26) when folded up against the chassis 12. A lever 47 may be provided for engagement with a tubular socket 47a on the stand 40 for movement of the stand 40 on the trailer 10.

Referring in particular to Figs. 22 to 25, a front carriage support 48 is shown. Each carriage support 48 comprises a pivotal base support strut 49a pivotally mounted on the chassis 12 and slidable in a guide bracket 49b on an underside of the carriage 15. A slot 49c at a free end of the strut 49a is engageable with a fastener 49d on the carriage 15 when in the extended position (Fig. 22) for retaining the carriage 15 in the extended position. It will be noted that a bracket 120 extends outwardly of an inner end of each strut 49a to engage with an underside of the cross member 24 and against blocks 121 (see Fig. 22) to securely retain the carriage 15 in an open position and provide support for the base. Telescopic rear base support struts similar to those shown in Figs. 9 and 10 are provided on the rear crossbar 23. The carriage 15 has a base formed by a number of longitudinally hinged panels comprising a fixed centre panel 130 with a foldable outer panel 131 at each side of the centre panel 130. Side panels 132 are rigidly upstanding at an outer edge of each outer panel 131.

As can be seen in Figs. 22 and 23, the outer panels 131 are foldable inwardly so that the side panels 132 overlap above the centre panel 130. 9; C46 1 - 12 Advantageously, the panels 131, 132 are integrally formed from a single sheet 134 of material bent intermediate its ends as shown in Fig. 30. A longitudinal box-section support bar 135 is attached at an outer end of the outer base panel 131. Each end of the sheet 134 is bent over as shown at 136, 137 forming an open looped box-section for strength. Additional box-section support bars 138 are mounted between the support bar 135 and the inner end 136 of the sheet 134.

In use, the trailer 10 may be folded in similar fashion to the trailer of Figs. 1 to 11 for storage.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments hereinbefore described which may be varied in both construction and detail.

Claims (5)

1. A collapsible trailer comprising a chassis, at least one pair of ground engaging road wheels on the chassis, the wheels pivotally moveable together and apart on the chassis between an extended in-use position and a stored position to adjust the distance between the wheels, and a carriage mounted on the chassis foldable from an in-use position to a stored position of reduced width.

2. A trailer as claimed in claim 1 wherein each wheel is mounted on the chassis by a pivot arm, a link arm being mounted between each pivot arm and a wheel pivot lever on the chassis, the wheel pivot lever operable to move the link arms for pivoting the wheels on the chassis, preferably locking means is provided to lock the wheel pivot lever on the chassis, preferably the locking means comprises a spring loaded locking pin on the wheel pivot lever engageable with associated slots on a mounting bracket for the wheel pivot lever on the chassis, the slots corresponding to extended and stored wheel positions .

3. A trailer as claimed in any preceding claim wherein jacking means is provided on the chassis operable to engage the ground to raise the wheels clear of the ground for moving the wheels on the chassis, preferably the jacking means is a support stand mounted on the chassis and movable between a stored position on the chassis and a ground-engaging position in which the trailer wheels are supported clear of the ground, preferably the support stand has means for retaining the support stand in the groundengaging position, preferably the support stand is 9

4. : 4 S 1 - 14 pivotally mounted on an underside of the chassis for movement between a stored position against the chassis and a ground-engaging position, a spring extending between the support stand and the chassis for retaining the stand in the ground engaging position. 9. A trailer as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the carriage comprises a base formed by a number of longitudinally hinged panels, with upstanding side panels at each side of the base, and removable front and rear end panels for mounting between the side panels at each end of the base, preferably the base comprises a fixed centre panel with a foldable outer panel at each side of the centre panel, a side panel rigidly upstanding at an outer edge of each outer panel, the outer panels foldable inwardly so that the side panels overlap above the base, preferably locking means is provided to releasably retain each outer panel in an outward unfolded position, preferably the locking means comprises a fastener engageable with a base support strut movable on the chassis between a stored position and an extended position, the strut having a slot for reception of the fastener in the extended position.

5. A trailer substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.