WO2010082842A1 - Remorque perfectionnée à élévation réglable - Google Patents

Remorque perfectionnée à élévation réglable Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2010082842A1
WO2010082842A1 PCT/NZ2009/000288 NZ2009000288W WO2010082842A1 WO 2010082842 A1 WO2010082842 A1 WO 2010082842A1 NZ 2009000288 W NZ2009000288 W NZ 2009000288W WO 2010082842 A1 WO2010082842 A1 WO 2010082842A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
trailer
chassis
wheel mounting
wheel
mounting members
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/NZ2009/000288
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
William Mark Tarahina Groves
Original Assignee
Bill Groves Intellectual Property Limited
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Bill Groves Intellectual Property Limited filed Critical Bill Groves Intellectual Property Limited
Publication of WO2010082842A1 publication Critical patent/WO2010082842A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60D—VEHICLE CONNECTIONS
    • B60D1/00—Traction couplings; Hitches; Draw-gear; Towing devices
    • B60D1/01—Traction couplings or hitches characterised by their type
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60D—VEHICLE CONNECTIONS
    • B60D1/00—Traction couplings; Hitches; Draw-gear; Towing devices
    • B60D1/24—Traction couplings; Hitches; Draw-gear; Towing devices characterised by arrangements for particular functions
    • B60D1/246—Traction couplings; Hitches; Draw-gear; Towing devices characterised by arrangements for particular functions for actuating the hitch by powered means
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60D—VEHICLE CONNECTIONS
    • B60D1/00—Traction couplings; Hitches; Draw-gear; Towing devices
    • B60D1/24—Traction couplings; Hitches; Draw-gear; Towing devices characterised by arrangements for particular functions
    • B60D1/42—Traction couplings; Hitches; Draw-gear; Towing devices characterised by arrangements for particular functions for being adjustable
    • B60D1/46—Traction couplings; Hitches; Draw-gear; Towing devices characterised by arrangements for particular functions for being adjustable vertically
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60P—VEHICLES ADAPTED FOR LOAD TRANSPORTATION OR TO TRANSPORT, TO CARRY, OR TO COMPRISE SPECIAL LOADS OR OBJECTS
    • B60P1/00—Vehicles predominantly for transporting loads and modified to facilitate loading, consolidating the load, or unloading
    • B60P1/02—Vehicles predominantly for transporting loads and modified to facilitate loading, consolidating the load, or unloading with parallel up-and-down movement of load supporting or containing element
    • B60P1/027—Vehicles predominantly for transporting loads and modified to facilitate loading, consolidating the load, or unloading with parallel up-and-down movement of load supporting or containing element with relative displacement of the wheel axles
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60P—VEHICLES ADAPTED FOR LOAD TRANSPORTATION OR TO TRANSPORT, TO CARRY, OR TO COMPRISE SPECIAL LOADS OR OBJECTS
    • B60P3/00—Vehicles adapted to transport, to carry or to comprise special loads or objects
    • B60P3/12—Vehicles adapted to transport, to carry or to comprise special loads or objects for salvaging damaged vehicles
    • B60P3/122—Vehicles adapted to transport, to carry or to comprise special loads or objects for salvaging damaged vehicles by supporting the whole vehicle

Definitions

  • This invention relates to the field of vehicle trailers.
  • the invention relates to a trailer having a deck which can be raised, lowered, and/or tilted.
  • Trailers are commonly used to transport goods over long distances.
  • the term "trailer” is used in this specification to mean any size or shape of container or vehicle intended to be towed by another, powered vehicle.
  • the clearance required between the ground and the underside of the trailer chassis means the deck of a typical trailer is significantly elevated, making it difficult to load and unload the trailer with large and/or heavy items. Often, this may require the use of a ramp or ramps from ground level to the trailer deck.
  • An improved solution to this problem would be to provide a mechanism whereby the deck of the trailer 'may be lowered relative to the wheels and parallel with the ground.
  • the mechanism should allow the underside of the chassis to be lowered to the extent that it rests on the ground, such that the trailer deck is substantially even with the ground. This would provide a very stable platform for loading, and items may be simply pushed or wheeled onto the deck with a hand trolley, wheelbarrow, dolly, or similar.
  • a modified tow-bar is required on the towing vehicle as shown in detail in Figure 12 of Shanahan. Due to the design, the modified tow-bar offers little stability to support the trailer as it is lowered. Parallel lowering of the trailer is not possible when coupled with an unmodified tow-bar.
  • Australian Patent Application No. 2005200640 entitled Trailer' discloses a trailer having a drawbar pivotally attached to a support frame or chassis, and hydraulic cylinders acting between the draw bar assembly and each wheel support member. Retraction of the hydraulic cylinders causes both the wheel support members and the drawbar to pivot, lowering the chassis towards the ground.
  • the trailer disclosed by the applicant's International Publication No. WO2007/000152 has a drawbar which is coupled with the chassis of the trailer by a parallelogram linkage, enabling the chassis to be lowered to the ground through an arcuate range of motion relative to the drawbar, whilst both the drawbar and chassis remain substantially parallel with the ground.
  • this trailer is relatively expensive to manufacture, and is unable to tilt due to the linkage between the draw bar and the wheel-mount members.
  • chassis or deck of a trailer it may be necessary or desirable to raise the chassis or deck of a trailer above the traveling or towage position in order to facilitate loading and/or unloadinq of the trailer.
  • the trailers of the prior art either cannot easily be raised substantially above the normal elevated towing position, or do not allow the trailer to be towed in either an elevated or partially- lowered position.
  • the lowering and/or raising trailers according to the prior art are not entirely satisfactory. Accordingly, there is a need for an improved trailer which , enables the deck or chassis thereof to be lowered, raised, and/or tilted with respect to an ordinary traveling position to facilitate loading and/or unloading of the trailer.
  • the invention may broadly be said to consist in a trailer comprising: a chassis; a drawbar assembly comprising a four-bar linkage and a coupling for attaching the trailer, in use, to a towing vehicle; one or more pairs of wheel mounting members provided pivotally on opposing sides of the chassis; and operating means associated with said drawbar assembly and wheel mounting members and adapted to selectively pivot said drawbar assembly and/or wheel mounting members, whereby the chassis may be lowered, raised, and/or tilted with respect to the ground.
  • the four-bar linkage comprises a doubie-rocker mechanism, whereby at least a portion of the drawbar assembly is pivotable with respect to the chassis while the coupling remains substantially parallel therewith.
  • the operating means comprises a hydraulic system comprising a bi-directional hydraulic cylinder coupled with the drawbar assembly, and at least one hydraulic cylinder coupled with the wheel mounting members.
  • the operating means may consist of any other suitable bi-directional force- amplification mechanism, such as a mechanical lever and ratchet system, worm drive, winch, or the like, coupled with each of the drawbar and wheel mounting members.
  • a mechanical lever and ratchet system such as a mechanical lever and ratchet system, worm drive, winch, or the like, coupled with each of the drawbar and wheel mounting members.
  • a hydraulic cylinder is coupled with each wheel mounting member, wherein the hydraulic cylinders are adapted to operate in pairs corresponding with the pairs of wheel mounting members such that the wheel mounting members in each pair are operated substantially identically.
  • each pair of hydraulic cylinders coupled with the wheel mounting members may be operated independently of any other pair and/or the hydraulic cylinder coupled with the draw-bar mechanism, whereby the trailer may be tilted to various degrees.
  • a wheel is rotatably mounted at or substantially adjacent a distal end of each whee mounting member by way of a stub axle.
  • the wheel-mount assemblies each include a trailing-arm suspension assembly.
  • the hydraulic system further comprises a hydraulic accumulator.
  • each wheel-mount assembly may include a torsion rod suspension system.
  • the trailer includes a locking means to secure the trailer in at least a normal traveling position.
  • the invention may broadly be said to consist in a hydraulic system for provision as the operating means of a trailer according to any one of the preceding statements.
  • the invention can broadly be said to consist in a kitset of parts for upgrading an existing trailer having a chassis, including: a drawbar assembly for attachment at a proximal end to the chassis, the drawbar assembly comprising a four-bar linkage and a coupling at a distal end for attaching the trailer, in use, to the tow-bar of a vehicle; at least one pair of wheel-mount assemblies for pivotal mounting on opposing sides of the trailer chassis, upon which wheels may be mounted with a stub axle; and operating means to be provided between the drawbar assembly and trailer chassis, anc between the wheel-mount assemblies and the chassis.
  • the invention consists in a trailer substantially as herein described with reference to any one of the embodiments illustrated in Figures 1 to 14 of the accompanying drawings. According to. a further aspect the invention consists in a kitset of parts substantially as herein described with reference to any one of the embodiments illustrated in Figures 1 to 14 of.-the accompanying drawings.
  • Figure 1 is a side view of a trailer according to a first embodiment of the invention in a traveling position;
  • Figure 2 is an isometric view of the trailer of Figure 1 ;
  • Figure 3 is a detail view of an example four-bar linkage of the draw-bar assembly shown in
  • Figure 4 is a detail view of a four-bar linkage of Figure 3 depicted when the trailer chassis is lowered towards the ground;
  • Figure 5 is a side view of the first embodiment of the invention in a fully lowered position;
  • Figure 6 is an isometric view of the trailer depicted in Figure 5;
  • Figure 7 is a side view of the first embodiment of the invention in a tilted position
  • Figure 8 is an isometric view of the trailer depicted in Figure 7;
  • Figure 9 is a side view of the first embodiment of the invention in a raised position;
  • Figure 10 is an isometric view of the trailer depicted in Figure 9;
  • Figure 11 shows side views of a second embodiment of the invention in the (a) raised, (b) lowered, and (c) tilted positions;
  • Figure 12 shows a preferred four-bar linkage mechanism of the draw-bar assembly
  • Figure 13 shows the linkage of Figure 12 when the trailer is in a lowered position
  • Figure 14 shows a torsion rod suspension assembly which may be used in various embodiments of the invention.
  • Figure 15 is a diagram of an example hydraulic system for use with a trailer according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
  • a wheeled transport vehicle according to a first embodiment of the invention is shown.
  • the invention consists in a two-wheeled vehicle to be towed by a powered vehicle for transporting goods.
  • the trailer is shown in the traveling position, in which the wheels are lowered with respect to the chassis to provide sufficient ground clearance for a road-going vehicle.
  • wheels are shown in each of the embodiments it is to be appreciated that other ground engaging means such as tracks could alternatively be used and this term is to have this wider meaning whenever used in this specification.
  • a trailer chassis 1 is connected with a draw-bar assembly 2 which includes a coupling 3 for coupling the trailer with the towing vehicle.
  • the coupling 3 may comprise, for example, an assembly for coupling the trailer with a tow-bar ball, a "fifth wheel", or any other such coupling mechanism.
  • a pair of wheel mounting members 4 are pivotally mounted on either side of the chassis, preferably in a bell-crank configuration, enabling the wheels to be pivoted in an arc upwards and/or downwards with respect to the chassis 1. Accordingly, wheels are mounted to the wheel mounting members 4 typically at or adjacent a distal end with a stub axle rotatable about an axis offset from the wheel mounting member pivot point 6
  • the wheel-mount assembly preferably also includes an independent or semi-independent suspension mechanism such as a trailing arm or torsion rod or beam suspension assembly.
  • the suspension mechanism may comprise an accumulator provided in a hydraulic system including one or more hydraulic cylinders performing the function of operating means to pivot the wheel mounting members 4 as described in further detail below.
  • An accumulator is essentially an energy storage device which acts to hold the hydraulic fluid of the hydraulic system under pressure by applying a compressive force. Conversely, pivoting of the wheel mount members 6 due to bumps in the road during towing causes a compressive force to be applied and absorbed by the accumulator, thereby helping to at least partially isolate the,chassis 1 from bumps and vibrations in the road.
  • an accumulator is preferred for trailers according to the invention which are adapted for towing in a raised or lowered position, being more stable in use than alternative suspension systems such as the torsion rod or trailing arm suspension due to the potential variation in the angle of the wheel mounting members 4 during towing.
  • the accumulator is preferably of the gas type, although a hydraulic- or spring-type accumulator may alternatively be used.
  • the draw-bar assembly 2 is shown in detail as a preferred embodiment in two positions in Figures 12 and 13, and an alternative embodiment also illustrated in two different positions in Figures 3 and 4.
  • the draw-bar assembly consists of a four-bar linkage comprising first and second link arms 7 and 8, and the shorter pivoting mounting plate or coupling member 9.
  • the four-bar linkage is a double-rocker configuration, preferably in the form of a parallelogram linkage such that the orientation of the coupling member 9 does not change significantly during the motion of the linkage between, for example, the traveling position of Figure 3 and the lower position of Figure 4.
  • first and second link arms 7 and 8 of the four-bar linkage are each adapted to pivot angularly at or adjacent their proximal ends about displaced axes substantially orthogonal with respect to the longitudinal axis of the trailer chassis.
  • the distal ends of the first and second link arms 7 and 8 are each pivotally coupled with the coupling member 9.
  • the link arms 7 and 8 are preferably substantially elongate to provide a wide range of height adjustments. A substantial portion of the draw-bar assembly 2 may thus be angled downwards or upwards from the towing vehicle and the chassis 1 when in lowered or raised positions, respectively, but the orientation of the pivoting coupling member 9 remains substantially constant regardless of the position of the draw-bar assembly.
  • the first link arm 7 is preferably a draw bar intended in use to bear the majority of the stress and strain in the four-bar linkage of the draw-bar assembly 2 between the trailer and the towing vehicle, and is designed accordingly. It therefore preferably comprises a strong elongate bar pivotally coupled to the chassis 1 and the coupling member 9 and provided centrally along a longitudinal axis at the front of the trailer.
  • the second link arm 8 is preferably a connecting rod also provided along the central longitudinal 'axis of the trailer; immediately beneath the draw bar.
  • first and second link arms 7 and 8 are coupled with an operating means, which in the ' preferred embodiment comprises a hydraulic cylinder 10.
  • an operating means which in the ' preferred embodiment comprises a hydraulic cylinder 10.
  • a hydraulic cylinder 10 and link arms are possible, with a preferred configuration being illustrated in Figure 12, and an alternative configuration illustrated in Figures 3 and 4.
  • the proximal end of the first link arm 7 extends beyond the first- pivot point and is coupled with the hydraulic cylinder 10 provided between the link arm 7 and the chassis or a fixed portion of the draw-bar assembly.
  • the draw-bar assembly 2 may be provided with a plurality of each of the first and/or second link arms for increased strength, and those link arms may be provided substantially adjacent with the central longitudinal axis of the trailer chassis 1 or spaced apart and/or angled inwards towards the coupling member 9 at the distal end.
  • the coupling 3 should remain substantially horizontal with the ground at a substantially constant height during operation of the trailer through a full range of motion, such that it may remain coupled with the towing vehicle.
  • the draw-bar assembly 2 is attached to the front end of the trailer chassis 1 at the proximal end, and the coupling member 9 at the distal end.
  • the draw-bar assembly 2 may include a fixed portion in the form of an A-frame as shown in Figures 6 and 8 to lengthen the tongue or drawbar, increasing the distance between the chassis and a towing vehicle to allow the vehicle to maneuver while maintaining the load-bearing strength of the assembly 2.
  • the tow-bar receiving coupling is mounted to the coupling member 3, whereby the chassis 1 may be lowered, raised or tilted with respect to the tow-bar receiving coupling 3 which remains substantially horizontal.
  • the tow-bar ball receiving coupling or hitch 9 is preferably mounted to a top face of the coupling member 3, but may alternatively be mounted to any other face or integrated with the coupling member 3.
  • the drawbar assembly 2 and wheel mounting assemblies 4 preferably include a locking means.
  • the locking means may be provided in the form of a manual or solenoid-operated locking pin to secure the wheel-mount and drawbar assemblies to the chassis in travel mode to prevent inadvertent use or failure of the locking means.
  • the locking means mayxomprise a ratchet mechanism or any other such- locking means known in the field.
  • the trailer includes operatrng means for pivoting the draw-bar assembly and each of the wheel mounting assemblies 4 with respect to the chassis 1.
  • the operating means consists of a hydraulic system comprising a plurality of hydraulic cylinders
  • the hydraulic system preferably also comprises a plurality of valves, and a control means adapted to control the valves and therefore operation of the hydraulic cylinders 10 so as to selectively control the lowering, raising, and/or tilting of the trailer.
  • a hydraulic cylinder 10 is preferably coupled between each wheel mount assembly 4 and the chassis 1 , and between the four-bar linkage and the chassis 1.
  • the hydraulic pump is preferably powered electrically, or alternatively a combustion engine or hand-operated lever, for example, may be used to pump the pressurized fluid of the hydraulic cylinders.
  • power is preferably sourced from the towing vehicle, but may alternatively be powered by a battery or generator provided on the trailer.
  • the operating means may comprise a pneumatic pump and pneumatic cylinders, worm-drive mechanisms coupled with electric motors, winches, or any other suitable means for imparting a force causing the draw-bar assembly 2 and wheel mounting members 4 to selectively pivot with respect to the chassis 1.
  • the operating means may alternatively be indirectly coupled with a wheel mount assembly 5 through a linking member, which may comprise a torsion rod 140 in a trailer having torsion beam suspension, for example, as illustrated in Figure 14.
  • the operating means is therefore adapted to lower the trailer chassis from the traveling position depicted in Figures 1 and 2, to the lowered position of Figures 5 and 6 by pivoting the wheel mounting members 4 upwardly with respect to the chassis so as to decrease the ground clearance of the chassis 1 until it reaches the desired height or rests upon the ground.
  • this involves retracting the piston rod of each hydraulic cylinder 10 associated with the wheel mounting members 4.
  • the bell-crank configuration of the wheel-mounting members causes the" wheels 5,-to pivot upwardly in an arc about the wheel mount member pivot points.
  • the distal end of the four-bar linkage is preferably pivoted upwardly with respect to the chassis 1 , by independently actuating a further hydraulic cylinder 10 associated with the four-bar linkage as shown in detail in Figures 3, 4 and 12 by way of example.
  • a further hydraulic cylinder 10 associated with the four-bar linkage as shown in detail in Figures 3, 4 and 12 by way of example.
  • the piston rod of the hydraulic cylinder 10 is retracted to cause the distal end of the linkage to pivot upwardly in an arc relative to the chassis 1.
  • the affect of pivoting the wheel mounting members 4 and draw-bar assembly 2 upwardly relative to the chassis 1 is to decrease the clearance between the ground and the underside of the chassis 1 while the trailer coupling 3 remains substantially horizontal at a substantially constant height.
  • the trailer may remain coupled to a standard tow-bar of a towing vehicle as it is lowered, providing support to ensure the stability of the trailer.
  • the chassis may be lowered until the wheels 5 are raised above the underside of the chassis 1 such that the chassis 1 comes to rest on the ground in the fully lowered position, facilitating easy loading and/or unloading of goods on and/or off the deck of the trailer.
  • the trailer deck may therefore have a section which is tapered downwardly towards the rear end of the chassis, so that a wheeled vehicle such as an automobile, all-terrain vehicle (ATV), mobility scooter, motorcycle, hand trolley, wheelbarrow, dolly, or similar can easily be pushed or driven onto the deck of the trailer.
  • ATV all-terrain vehicle
  • the trailer may be adapted for transporting animals, such as a horse float, for example, allowing a horse to embark and/or disembark with greater ease and safety.
  • animals such as a horse float, for example, allowing a horse to embark and/or disembark with greater ease and safety.
  • Other applications of the trailer will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the foregoing applications are provided as examples only.
  • Actuation of the operating means to impart a force in the opposing direction has the reverse effect as that of lowering the trailer.
  • Extension of the piston rods in each of the hydraulic cylinders 10 causes the chassis to be raised relative to the wheels 5 and tow-bar receiving coupling 3, whereby the trailer may be returned to a neutral or traveling position having a relatively normal ground clearance for transporting the load.
  • the particular arrangement of the draw-bar assembly 2, wheel mounting members 4, and hydraulic cylinders 10 illustrated in the accompanying drawings are given, by way of example only,_and that ⁇ variations or modifications may be made ;thereto .without departing from the scope of the invention.
  • the hydraulic cylinders 10 may be arranged in such a way that the piston rods must be extended to lower the trailer, and retracted to return the trailer to the traveling position.
  • the configuration illustrated has- several advantages. Firstly, in some embodiments of the invention, the weight of the trailer may be sufficient to cause the retraction of the piston rods necessary to lower the trailer if the oil is depressurized and diverted back to a reservoir.
  • any hydraulic cylinder is always greater when extending the piston rod as compared to retracting the extension rod, because of the reduced effective piston area due to the piston rod. That greater force is best applied in raising the chassis 1 of the trailer to counteract the effect of gravity upon the trailer and any load borne thereby.
  • FIGS 7 and 8 show the trailer in a tilted position which is enabled by the independent or selective control of the hydraulic cylinders 10 associated with the draw-bar assembly 2 and each pair of wheel-mounting members 4.
  • the chassis 1 is caused to pivot about a substantially central axis transverse with the longitudinal axis of the trailer, causing the rear end of the chassis 1 to be lowered to the ground.
  • This tilted position of the trailer enables self-propelled vehicles to be driven onto the trailer deck for transportation, and/or assists with unloading, allowing wheeled vehicles in particular to roll off the back of the trailer.
  • Independent control of the operating means enables the angle of tilt and/or height of the front end of the trailer to be controlled.
  • trailers according to the present invention may be adapted to enable this as shown in Figures 9 and 10, in which the trailer chassis is raised above the level of the wheels 5 by extending the piston rods of the hydraulic cylinders 10 beyond that required in the normah traveling position. This causes the wheel-mounting members 4 and draw-bar assembly 2 to pivot downwardly, increasing the ground clearance beneath the underside of the chassis 1.
  • Trailers according to the present invention therefore have particular application in loading, transporting, and unloading/installing suspended loads such as aircraft engines typically suspended from the underside of the wing of an aircraft, for example.
  • the height to which-the chassis 1 may be raised Is determined primarily by the length of the bell-crank wheel-mounting members 4,- which is limited by the torque which the, hydraulic cylinder 10 may apply thereto, and the length of the piston rod of those hydraulic cylinders.
  • the design of the trailer may therefore be adapted to meet the requirements of its intended use. Accordingly, the trailer may be adapted only to be raised above the normal traveling or towing position, lowered below the traveling position, tilted with respect to the ground, or any combination thereof without departing from the scope of the invention.
  • the trailer chassis 1 may also be secured in a raised position by way of a ratchet mechanism and/or locking pin as described herein above with respect to the traveling position.
  • the raised position may be the maximum height of the elevated trailer chassis 1, and/or any intermediate position between the maximum height and the normal traveling position.
  • the locking means may also be adapted to secure the trailer in the lowered or tilted positions, and any intermediate position which may be required, in use.
  • FIG. 11(a) to (c) a second embodiment of a trailer according to the present invention is shown.
  • This embodiment includes two pairs of wheel mounting members 4 and wheels 5 (of which only one from each pair can be seen in the drawings).
  • the wheel mounting member 4 and wheel 5 of each pair is provided directly opposite on either side of the chassis 1.
  • the weight of the trailer and any load borne thereby is preferably distributed substantially evenly between the wheel assemblies, allowing the trailer to bear heavier loads. Accordingly, further wheels may be added to the trailer without departing from the scope of the invention.
  • Figure 11 (a) shows the trailer in the raised position. Also illustrated is an additional hydraulic cylinder 10 provided on the chassis 1 which may be extended to assist in lifting the trailer chassis 1 to the raised position, and/or to provide additional stability.
  • the support cylinder is preferably retractable above the underside of the chassis 1 such that the trailer may be lowered and/or tilted as shown in Figures 11 (b) and (c), respectively.
  • FIG 11(c) the trailer is shown in a tilted position.
  • This drawing illustrates the preferred independent control of the operating means associated with the draw-bar assembly 2 and each pair of wheel mounting members 4.
  • the draw-bar assembly is pivoted downwards to raise the front end of the chassis, and/or both pairs of wheel mounting members are pivoted upwardly to varying degrees.
  • the angle of tilt may . be controlled by controlling the hydraulic cylinders 10.
  • the invention may be said to consist in a hydraulic system adapted to operate a trailer as described herein.
  • a trailer according to the present invention may be adapted for transportation or towing in a raised or partially-lowered position, as opposed to just the "normal" travelling position referred to above.
  • the parallel tow coupling 3 has a significant advantage in that the tow coupling 3 is always substantially parallel with ground and thus minimizes the angle between
  • the trailer may prevent accidental decoupling and/or excessive stresses on the trailer and towing vehicle which may otherwise arise due to an angled coupling between the trailer and towing vehicle.
  • the trailer may therefore also be safely towed in a raised position, for example, as shown in Figure 11(a),
  • variable height of the trailer means that it may also be adapted for use with a wide range of vehicles, between which the height of the towbar or hitch receivers might vary significantly.
  • the operating means may therefore be designed to allow adjustment to the 25 height of the drawbar and tow coupling 3 independent of the wheel mounting members and chassis height adjustment.
  • While the invention is primarily directed towards a trailer intended for coupling with a towing vehicle, it may alternatively be coupled to any substantially stationary support object besides a 30 towing vehicle, and may alternatively include an appropriate coupling to couple the invention with the object to provide support in use.
  • each pair of members 4 is preferably operated independently, this need not necessarily be the case.
  • mechanical linkages may be provided between wheel mounting members 4 on each and/or opposing sides of the chassis 1.
  • Such a. linkage may be provided to ensure synchronised- movement of all pairs of wheel mounting members, to reduce the number of hydraulic cylinders or other operating means required to operate each member 4, or to share the load therebetween.
  • the trailer will be unable to tilt with more than one pair of wheels contacting the ground.
  • the hydraulic system in this embodiment comprises a plurality of hydraulic cylinders 10 connected to a reservoir, pump 150, and a pair of accumulators 151 by a network of hoses.
  • the hydraulic system preferably also comprises a plurality of valves 152, and a control means adapted to control the valves and therefore operation of the hydraulic cylinders 10 so as to selectively control the lowering, raising, and/or tilting of the trailer.
  • One or more hydraulic accumulators 10 are preferably provided substantially adjacent or at least near the hydraulic cylinders 10 coupled with the wheel mounting members to absorb the compressive force of the pivoting wheel mount members due to their deflection in response to bumps in the road or changing loads on the chassis 1.
  • kitset of parts for upgrading an existing trailer.
  • the kitset would typically include a drawbar assembly 2, at least one pair of wheel-mount members 4, and operating means for lowering and raising the chassis of the trailer.
  • an elevatable trailer which offers the capability of being lowered, raised, and/or tilted to facilitate loading and unloading, and returned a travel mode for transporting heavy loads.
  • the trailer may be coupled to any standard or non- standard tow-bar of a towing vehicle and due to the drawbar assembly may remain coupled to the towing vehicle during use.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Transportation (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Vehicle Body Suspensions (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention porte sur une remorque comporte un châssis, un ensemble barre d'attelage à quadrilatère articulé pivotant comprenant un accouplement pour une prise avec un véhicule de remorquage, une ou plusieurs paires d'éléments de montage de roue montés rotatifs sur des côtés opposés du châssis, et des moyens d'actionnement associés à l'ensemble barre d'attelage et aux éléments de montage de roue. Les moyens d'actionnement sont aptes à faire pivoter de façon sélective l'ensemble barre d'attelage et/ou les éléments de montage de roue, ce par quoi le châssis peut être abaissé, ou élevé et/ou incliné par rapport au sol. À mesure que le châssis est abaissé ou élevé, la position et l'orientation de l'accouplement restent sensiblement constantes. Ce positionnement de l'attelage de remorquage est obtenu par le montage pivotant de l'attelage de remorquage combiné au quadrilatère articulé de barre de remorquage de l'ensemble barre d'attelage qui permet à la plate-forme de remorque d'être remorquée de façon sûre tout en étant élevée ou abaissée.
PCT/NZ2009/000288 2008-12-15 2009-12-15 Remorque perfectionnée à élévation réglable WO2010082842A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
NZ57368008 2008-12-15
NZ573680 2008-12-15

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2010082842A1 true WO2010082842A1 (fr) 2010-07-22

Family

ID=42339967

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/NZ2009/000288 WO2010082842A1 (fr) 2008-12-15 2009-12-15 Remorque perfectionnée à élévation réglable

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2010082842A1 (fr)

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN106457573A (zh) * 2014-06-20 2017-02-22 欧姆龙株式会社 机器人控制系统
WO2018006122A1 (fr) * 2016-07-04 2018-01-11 Rhb Tapley Pty Ltd Ensemble remorque
WO2019148237A1 (fr) * 2018-01-30 2019-08-08 Bespoke Engineering Pty Ltd Remorque à hauteur réglable
US11370343B2 (en) * 2018-09-11 2022-06-28 Cade Hoehner Hydraulic drop frame trailer
WO2023154859A1 (fr) * 2022-02-11 2023-08-17 Webb Lance Système pour installer sur place des composants de support solaire et des barres de couple et procédés d'utilisation

Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2806710A (en) * 1955-12-30 1957-09-17 Thomas C Mascaro Trailer having vertically adjustable wheels and hitch
US2990966A (en) * 1958-03-18 1961-07-04 Arthur G Schramm Self lowering tilt bed trailer
GB1466113A (en) * 1975-04-28 1977-03-02 Weeks Trailers Ltd Self-loading trailers
NZ242353A (en) * 1992-06-19 1996-05-28 John Wyma Trailer: deck pivotable with respect to wheels to lower tray to ground level for loading and unloading
WO2004069589A1 (fr) * 2003-02-10 2004-08-19 Petar Androvic Remorque de vehicule a hauteur de plateforme reglable
AU2005200187A1 (en) * 2005-01-18 2006-08-03 L & S Mcmahon Pty Ltd A trailer
AU2005200640A1 (en) * 2005-02-14 2006-08-31 L & S Mcmahon Pty Ltd Trailer
WO2007145537A1 (fr) * 2006-06-13 2007-12-21 Bill Groves Intellectual Property Limited Remorque réglable en hauteur

Patent Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2806710A (en) * 1955-12-30 1957-09-17 Thomas C Mascaro Trailer having vertically adjustable wheels and hitch
US2990966A (en) * 1958-03-18 1961-07-04 Arthur G Schramm Self lowering tilt bed trailer
GB1466113A (en) * 1975-04-28 1977-03-02 Weeks Trailers Ltd Self-loading trailers
NZ242353A (en) * 1992-06-19 1996-05-28 John Wyma Trailer: deck pivotable with respect to wheels to lower tray to ground level for loading and unloading
WO2004069589A1 (fr) * 2003-02-10 2004-08-19 Petar Androvic Remorque de vehicule a hauteur de plateforme reglable
AU2005200187A1 (en) * 2005-01-18 2006-08-03 L & S Mcmahon Pty Ltd A trailer
AU2005200640A1 (en) * 2005-02-14 2006-08-31 L & S Mcmahon Pty Ltd Trailer
WO2007145537A1 (fr) * 2006-06-13 2007-12-21 Bill Groves Intellectual Property Limited Remorque réglable en hauteur

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN106457573A (zh) * 2014-06-20 2017-02-22 欧姆龙株式会社 机器人控制系统
US10286547B2 (en) 2014-06-20 2019-05-14 Omron Corporation Robot control system
WO2018006122A1 (fr) * 2016-07-04 2018-01-11 Rhb Tapley Pty Ltd Ensemble remorque
AU2017293650B2 (en) * 2016-07-04 2019-01-03 Rhb Tapley Pty Ltd A trailer assembly
WO2019148237A1 (fr) * 2018-01-30 2019-08-08 Bespoke Engineering Pty Ltd Remorque à hauteur réglable
US11370343B2 (en) * 2018-09-11 2022-06-28 Cade Hoehner Hydraulic drop frame trailer
WO2023154859A1 (fr) * 2022-02-11 2023-08-17 Webb Lance Système pour installer sur place des composants de support solaire et des barres de couple et procédés d'utilisation

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US8172248B2 (en) Trailer with adjustable elevation
US7950675B1 (en) Cargo carrier
US8317215B2 (en) Fifth wheel trailer with adjustable deck
US8695998B1 (en) Axle lift assembly
US7213824B1 (en) Suspension system for a transport vehicle
US8727360B2 (en) Drop deck trailer
US20070126196A1 (en) Third axle assembly for log hauling trailers
DK1558464T3 (en) Method and device for supporting a self-supporting cargo on undercarriages
US6273447B1 (en) Trailer support with articulating, free castering wheels
EP1577159A1 (fr) Remorque avec axes pivotants et échancrure centrale
US7562887B1 (en) Self steering caster suspension system for a transport vehicle
US7188857B2 (en) Transformable utility/ATV trailer
WO2010082842A1 (fr) Remorque perfectionnée à élévation réglable
US20070262552A1 (en) Suspension system for a transport vehicle
US11370343B2 (en) Hydraulic drop frame trailer
US7841604B2 (en) Detachable trailing tag axle
US8833788B2 (en) Trailer
CA2127176C (fr) Remorque auto-chargeuse rail-route
US6045316A (en) Fifth wheel rollback trailer
US20220111915A1 (en) Articulated Lorry Having a Tractor and a Trailer, Tractor, Trailer and Method for Axle Load Distribution in the Case of an Articulated Lorry
CZ299019B6 (cs) Vozidlo
US10611420B2 (en) Single-wheel drop-floor trailer
US20080042399A1 (en) Towable trailer assembly
US20040247419A1 (en) Trailer deck elevator and tractor/trailer transportation method
US6663185B1 (en) Tipping trailers

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 09838464

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1

NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: DE

32PN Ep: public notification in the ep bulletin as address of the adressee cannot be established

Free format text: NOTING OF LOSS OF RIGHTS PURSUANT TO RULE 112(1) EPC (EPO FORM 1205A DATED 08/11/2011)

122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase

Ref document number: 09838464

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1