AU2021100110B4

AU2021100110B4 - Jockey wheel clamp

Info

Publication number: AU2021100110B4
Application number: AU2021100110A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Steven Frank Mellar
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2021-01-08
Filing date: 2021-01-08
Publication date: 2021-06-03
Anticipated expiration: 2029-01-08
Also published as: CN217554066U; AU2021100110A4

Abstract

A bracket for coupling a jockey wheel having a support shaft to the towing assembly of a trailer, said bracket including a main body securable to part of the towing assembly, said main body having a first end portion, an intermediate portion adjacent the first end portion, and a second end portion adjacent the intermediate portion, said first end portion and said second end portion being securable to a part of the towing assembly, and a retaining body pivotable with respect to the main body, said retaining body having a first end portion, an intermediate portion adjacent the first end portion, and a second end portion adjacent the intermediate end portion, the intermediate portions of the main body and the retaining body being adapted to engage and clamp the support shaft of a jockey wheel, a toggle latch secured to the second end portion of the retaining body, and a catch plate provided in the second end portion of the main body, said toggle latch having a loop or toggle which can engage the catch plate when the bracket is in closed configuration

Description

JOCKEY WHEEL CLAMP FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a bracket for coupling a jockey wheel or trailer support stand to a trailer. More particularly, the present invention relates to a bracket for coupling or clamping a jockey wheel to the towing assembly of a caravan or other trailer.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Trailers, including caravans, boat trailers, and single axle and multi-axle trailers, are usually towed behind a motor vehicle. Typically, trailers have a form of towing assembly located at the front of the trailer which can be coupled to a tow ball rigidly secured to the towing vehicle. The towing assembly usually includes an A-frame with a coupling device attached thereto.

[0003] When a trailer is not connected to a towing vehicle the towing assembly is usually supported by a jockey wheel resting on the ground, with a support shaft therefor secured in a clamping arrangement which is welded, or otherwise securely fixed, to the towing assembly. Throughout this specification the term "jockey wheel" is to be understood to refer to a retractable adjustable-height wheel arrangement used on the front of trailers with either a single axle (two running wheels) or more close-coupled axles at or near the centre of gravity whereby without additional support, the trailer would not remain 'level'. On many caravans the clamping arrangement is welded to the centre of the cross rail of the A-frame, although it may be welded to an arm of the A-frame. During hitching of a trailer to, or unhitching of a trailer from, the towing vehicle the jockey wheel can be used to raise the front of the trailer and the rear of the towing vehicle.

[0004] The clamping arrangement usually includes a main body for mounting the bracket to the towing assembly by welding or bolting thereto, and a retaining body for, in conjunction with the main body, engaging and retaining a jockey wheel. Both the main body and the retaining body generally include curved, or even semicircular, portions which, when the bracket is closed, fit snugly around the support shaft of the jockey wheel. Usually both curved portions of the main body and the retaining body are provided with slots to engage at least one flange extending from the support shaft of the jockey wheel, to limit vertical movement of the support shaft and assist in securely clamping the jockey wheel. The main body and the retaining body are pivotally connected at a first end of each by means of a pin passing through hinge sockets provided in each body at that end. The second end of the retaining body is provided with a bore to receive a threaded bolt engageable with a threaded bore provided in the second end of the main body. The bolt preferably has an offset handle to assist in screwing it into the threaded bore.

[0005] The engaging and clamping of a jockey wheel can be a cumbersome process involving the positioning of the support shaft of the jockey wheel against the main body, swivelling of the retaining body and engaging of the flange or flanges on the support shaft of the jockey wheel, insertion of the bolt through the bore in the retaining body, locating of the thread of the bolt in the threaded bore of the main body, and rotation of the bolt to cause the retaining body and the main body to clamp onto the support shaft of the jockey wheel. That process really requires two persons acting together to efficiently accomplish it. The potential for cross-threading of the bolt and the threaded bore is significant and does occur on several occasions, causing problems in unclamping and re-clamping the jockey wheel, particularly after a period of towing the trailer with the jockey wheel clamped . To minimise this this risk preferably two persons are required to carry out the process.

[0006] It is desirable to provide a bracket which overcomes or ameliorates at least one of the above problems.

[0007] It is to be understood that any discussion of documents, devices, acts or knowledge in the present specification is to explain the context of the invention. Such is not to be taken as an admission that any of the material formed part of the prior art base or the common general knowledge in the relevant art in Australia or in any other country on or before the priority date of the claims in the present specification. The term "trailer" in the remaining part of the description and claims is to be understood to include caravan.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention there is provided a bracket for coupling a jockey wheel having a support shaft to the towing assembly of a trailer, said bracket including a main body securable to part of the towing assembly, said main body having a first end portion, an intermediate portion adjacent the first end portion, and a second end portion adjacent the intermediate portion, said first end portion and said second end portion being securable to a part of the towing assembly, and a retaining body pivotable with respect to the main body, said retaining body having a first end portion, an intermediate portion adjacent the first end portion, and a second end portion adjacent the intermediate end portion, the intermediate portions of the main body and the retaining body being adapted to engage and clamp the support shaft of a jockey wheel, a toggle latch secured to the second end portion of the retaining body, and a catch plate provided in the second end portion of the main body, said toggle latch having a loop or toggle which can engage the catch plate when the bracket is in closed configuration.

[0009] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there is provided a bracket for coupling a jockey wheel to the towing assembly of a trailer, said bracket including a main body securable to a portion of the towing assembly, and a retaining body the first end portion of which is pivotable with respect to a first end portion of the main body, said main body and said retaining body being adapted to engage and clamp the support shaft of a jockey wheel, and a toggle latch having a base plate thereof secured to a second end portion of the retaining body, and a catch plate for engaging the toggle or loop of the toggle latch is formed in a second end portion of the main body.

[0010] The support shaft of a jockey wheel is engageable by appropriately contoured portions of the main body and the retaining body, said contoured portions being between the first and second ends of the main body and the retaining body. In operation clamping of the support shaft by the main body and the retaining body is effected when the toggle or loop of the toggle latch is engaged by the catch plate and the toggle latch is moved from an open position to a closed position.

[0011] In accordance with another aspect of the invention the toggle latch is an adjustable toggle latch.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The main body of the bracket includes a first end portion, an intermediate portion and a second end portion. The first and second end portions, preferably in the form of coplanar plates, are securable to part of the towing assembly of a trailer, preferably by welding thereto although they may be secured to part of the towing assembly by bolts and nuts. Holes may be provided the first and second end portions to allow for this. The first end portion of the main body is so dimensioned as to allow it to pass through a slot provided adjacent to the outer end of the first end portion of the retaining body, and the second end portion of the main body is provided with a catch plate. The intermediate portion of the main body in cross-section takes the form of "hills" and a "valley" in between the "hills", with the "hills" extending outwardly when viewed in relation to the part of the towing assembly to which the main body is to be secured. The inner side of the "valley" may abut the outer face of the part of the towing assembly to which the main body is to be secured and may be welded to that part of the towing assembly, although it is not necessary that it abuts that part of the towing assembly. The outer surface of the "valley" generally conforms to the contour of part of the support shaft of the jockey wheel to be clamped, i.e., it takes the form of an arc generally corresponding to the arc of the support shaft it contacts. The "valley" preferably is provided with at least one horizontal slot capable of engaging a flange provided on the outside of the support shaft of a jockey wheel to limit vertical movement of the support shaft when clamped. The "hill" adjacent the first end portion provides a space between it and the surface of the part of the towing assembly to which the main body is to be secured within which the first end portion of the retaining body is received and within which that first end portion can pivot without contacting the surface of the part of the towing assembly. The "hill" adjacent the second end portion side of the main body terminates at the plate forming that second end portion. The second end portion is provided with a catch plate extending outwardly with respect to the part of the towing assembly to which the main body is to be secured.

[0013] The retaining body includes a first end portion, an intermediate portion and a second end portion. The first and second end portions preferably are planar while the cross-sectional profile of the intermediate portion is in the form of an arc, the inner surface of which generally conforms to the contour of the support shaft of the jockey wheel to be clamped, i.e., it takes the form of an arc generally corresponding to the arc of the support shaft it contacts. The intermediate portion preferably is provided with at least one horizontal slot capable of engaging a flange provided on the outside of the support shaft of a jockey wheel to limit vertical movement of the support shaft when clamped. The first end portion is provided with a vertical slot large enough to pass over the first end portion of the main body and the "hill" adjacent the first end portion of the main body with that part of the first end of the restraining body lateral to the slot being received in the space defined by the inner surface of the "hill" adjacent the first end portion of the main body and the surface of that part of the towing assembly to which the main body is to be secured. Preferably the free end of the second end portion of the retaining body does not contact any part of the main body whether the bracket is in the open, closed or clamped configuration. This allows the bracket to be able to optimally clamp support shafts that vary in diameter or shape from usually commercially available support shafts. A toggle latch, preferably an adjustable toggle latch, having a base plate, lever, loop or toggle at the end of a shaft pivotally mounted on the lever, and an over centre lock point, is secured to the second end portion of the retaining body via the base plate, the catch plate having been provided in the second end portion of the main body. The loop or toggle of the latch, preferably a triangle eye loop at the end of a threaded shaft, can engage the catch plate on the second end portion of the main body when the bracket is closed prior to clamping being effected. The clamping is then effected by movement of the lever to and beyond the over centre lock point of the toggle latch. Once the lever passes the over centre lock point the latch is locked in place. It cannot be moved or unlocked unless a certain amount of force is used to pull the lever back over the over centre lock point.

[0014] In the case of an adjustable toggle latch the latch length can be adjusted by rotating a threaded shaft at the end of which the loop or toggle is located prior to engaging the catch hook. This adjusts the locking force and permits clamping of support shafts with diameters or contours varying within limits from generally available support shafts.

[0015] Preferably the latch is provided with means to prevent unintentional release of the clamping; this may take the form of the shaft of a padlock, an R clip, or long pin, or bolt passing through a hole provided in n portion of the base plate extending outwardly from the rest of the base plate.

[0016] In use the outer part of the first end portion of the retaining body, with the toggle latch secured to the second end portion thereof, is passed over the first end portion of the main body and into the hollow of the "hill" adjacent that first end portion. The main body is then secured to part of a towing assembly of a trailer. The restraining body is pivoted away from the main body to allow access to the main body and the support shaft of a jockey wheel is placed against the main body with parts of one or more flanges on the support shaft being received in one or more of the at least one slot in the main body. The restraining body is then pivoted toward the main body, optionally using the lever of the toggle latch as a lever. On engagement of the intermediate portion of the restraining body with the support shaft of the jockey wheel, the one or more slots of the at least one slot in the restraining body receive parts of one or more flanges on the support shaft. The loop or toggle of the toggle latch is then engaged onto the catch plate on the second end portion of the main body, The lever of the toggle latch is then pulled back so that it passes over the over centre lock point. Optionally, the lever is prevented from unintentional release by passing an R-clip or a long pin or bolt through a hole provided in a portion of the base plate extending outwardly from the main part of the base plate.

[0017] If the support shaft does not have flanges the bracket can still satisfactorily clamp onto the support shaft due to the force exerted on the support shaft by the bracket particularly when an adjustable toggle latch is used. With an adjustable toggle latch the force exerted by the bracket on the support shaft can be varied by altering the length of operative part of the threaded shaft by rotating it with respect to a threaded pivot mounted on the lever of the adjustable toggle latch.

[0018] Preferably the main body and the restraining body of the bracket are made from steel and are formed by laser cutting and stamping, followed by galvanising. The toggle latch, which may be commercially sourced, is then secured to the restraining body, preferably by welding.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] In order that the invention may be more clearly understood a preferred embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a preferred embodiment of the bracket of the invention in use clamping a jockey wheel to a portion of a trailer towing assembly;

Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the embodiment of Figure 1 in an unclamping configuration and a jockey wheel in position for clamping prior to clamping of the jockey wheel;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the embodiment of Figure 1, secured to a portion of a trailer towing assembly, in an unclamping configuration prior to locating of a jockey wheel;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of the embodiment of Figure 1, secured to a portion of a trailer towing assembly, in a clamping configuration absent a jockey wheel;

Figure 5 is a front elevational view of the embodiment of Figure 1, secured to a portion of a trailer towing assembly, in a clamping configuration absent a jockey wheel;

Figure 6 is a front elevational view of the embodiment of Figure 1 clamping a jockey wheel to a portion of a trailer towing assembly;

Figure 7 is a plan view from above of the embodiment of Figure 1 clamping a jockey wheel to a portion of a trailer towing assembly;

Figure 8 is a plan view from above showing the embodiment of Figure 1 in an unclamping configuration and a jockey wheel in position for clamping prior to clamping of the jockey wheel;

Figure 9 is a side on elevational view from the right of the embodiment of Figure 1 clamping a jockey wheel to a portion of a trailer towing assembly;

Figure 10 is a side on elevational view showing the embodiment of Figure 1 clamping of the jockey wheel to a portion of a trailer towing assembly.

[0020] It is to be understood that the following description should not be considered as limiting statements made in the preceding parts of this specification.

DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0021] With reference to the accompanying drawings, numeral 10 designates generally a preferred embodiment of the invention, while numeral 12 designates generally a typical jockey wheel. Numeral 14 designates a portion of a trailer towing assembly.

[0022] Bracket 10 includes a main body 16 and a restraining body 18. In this embodiment, as shown in the drawings, the assembled bracket is welded to a portion of a trailer towing assembly 14. The jockey wheel 12 is a typical commercially available jockey wheel.

[0023] The main body 16, which is formed from a single piece of steel, has a first end portion 20 in the form of a generally planar plate 48, a second end portion 22 in the form of a planar plate 50, and an intermediate portion 24 having a cross-sectional profile in the form of a "valley" 26 flanked by two "hills" 28 and 30, the bottom of the "valley" being oriented towards the portion of the trailer assembly when the main body is secured to that portion. The "hills" 28 and 30 define outwardly directed ridges in the main body 16. Both end portions 20 and 22 are provided with a plurality of bores 32 to either accommodate bolts for bolting of the bracket 10 to a portion of the trailer towing assembly 14, when circumstances require that, or to provide additional welding points when the bracket 10 is welded to a portion of the trailer towing assembly 14. The height H' (see Figures 5 and 6) and thickness T' (see Figures5 and 6) of the second end portion 22 is such that it can pass through a slot 32 (see Figure 1) in the second end portion of the restraining body 18. The ridge 36 (see Figure 5) (which is of the same height as the second end portion 22) adjacent the second end portion 22 of the main body 16 and the portion of the trailer towing assembly 14 to which the second end portion 22 is subsequently secured define a space 66 which can accommodate that part 38 of the restraining body 18 which is lateral to the slot 32 and allow the restraining body 18 to pivot with respect to the main body 16 in moving from an open (non-clamping) configuration to a closed (clamping) configuration and vice versa. See Figures 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, and 8. The central region 40 of the "valley" has a cross-sectional profile generally corresponding to part of the contour of the support shaft 42 of a jockey wheel 12. The central region 40 is also provided with a plurality of slots 44 one or more of which can accommodate part of one or more flanges 46 on the support shaft 42. In use this assists in limiting vertical movement of the support shaft 42 of the jockey wheel 12, especially during towing of the trailer and when the wheel 48 of the jockey wheel 12 is lowered to the ground to support the trailer. The first end portion 20 includes a catch plate 52 extending outwardly of the generally planar plate (in relation to the portion of the trailer towing assembly to which the first end portion is to be secured). The generally planar plate 48 and the planar plate 50 are coplanar.

[0024] The restraining body 18 has a first end portion 54 in the form of a planar plate 56 to which is secured an adjustable toggle latch 58, a second end portion 34 in the form of a planar plate 60 which is provided with a slot 32, and an intermediate portion 62 having a cross-sectional profile generally corresponding to part of the contour of the support shaft 42 of a jockey wheel 12. The intermediate portion 62 is also provided with a plurality of slots 64 one or more of which can accommodate part of one or more flanges 46 on the support shaft 42. In use this assists in limiting vertical movement of the support shaft 42 of the jockey wheel 12, especially during towing of the trailer and when the wheel 48 of the jockey wheel 12 is lowered to the ground to support the trailer. The slot 32 in the second end portion 34 is so sized in height and width as to be able pass over the second end portion 22 of the main body, allowing that part 38

(having width W' - see Figures 3, 4 and 8) of the second end portion 34 of the restraining body 18 lateral to the slot 32 to be received in the space behind ridge 36. As noted in the preceding paragraph, space 66 is such as to allow the restraining body 18 to pivot with respect to the main body 16 in moving from an open (non-clamping) configuration to a closed (clamping) configuration and vice versa. The width W" (see Figures 1,3 and 4) of the first end portion 54 of the restraining body 18 is limited to the extent that it will not contact either the generally planar plate 48 of the first end portion 20 of the main body 16, the catch plate projecting from that planar plate, or the "hill" 28 adjacent the first end portion 20 of the main body 16 when the bracket 10 is moved to and takes up a closed (clamping) configuration. This permits the optimal accommodation of flanges 46 in slots 44 and 64 and optimal clamping of the support shaft 42.

[0025] The adjustable toggle latch 68 is secured to the outside of planar plate, as best seen in Figures 1,2, 3, and 4, Preferably the securing is by welding. The adjustable toggle latch includes a base plate 70, a lever 72 pivotally mounted on pivot points 74, provided in flanges 86 extending outwardly of base plate 70, a loop or toggle 76 at one end of a threaded shaft 78 which is engaged in a mounting shaft 80 pivotally secured to lever 72, and an additional flange 82 also extending outwardly of the base plate 70, said additional flange 82 being provided with a bore 84 for receiving a locking pin or shaft of a padlock (not shown) to restrain movement of lever 72 from the lock position (when the lever has been pulled back over an over centre lock point). The loop or toggle 76 is sized to engage the catch hook 52 on the main body 16.

[0026] In use the outer end part 38 on the first end portion 54 of the retaining body 18, with the adjustable toggle latch 68 secured to the second end portion

34 thereof, is passed over the first end portion 20 of the main body 16 and into the hollow of the "hill" 28 adjacent that first end portion 20. The main body 16 is then secured to part of a towing assembly 14 of a trailer. The restraining body 18 is pivoted away from the main body 16 to allow access to the "valley" 26 of the main body 16 and the support shaft 42 of a jockey wheel 12 is placed in the "valley" 26 with parts of one or more flanges 46 on the support shaft 42 being received in one or more of the at least one horizontal slot 44 in the "valley" 26. The restraining body 18 is then pivoted toward the main body 16, optionally using the lever 72 of the adjustable toggle latch 68 as a lever. On engagement of the intermediate portion 62 of the restraining body 18 with the support shaft 42 of the jockey wheel 12, the one or more slots 64 of the at least one slot in the in the restraining body 18 receive parts of one or more flanges 46 on the support shaft 42. The loop or toggle 76 of the adjustable toggle latch is then engaged onto the catch plate 52 on the second end portion 22 of the main body 16, The lever 72 of the adjustable toggle latch 68 is then pulled back so that it passes over the over centre lock point. Optionally, the lever is prevented from unintentional release by passing an R-clip, a long pin, bolt, or the shaft of a padlock (not shown) through a bore 84 provided in a flange 82 extending outwardly from the main part of the base plate 70. This restrains the lever from being moved from the lock position.

[0027] It is to be understood that the present invention may be embodied in several forms without departing from its essential characteristics. Accordingly, the preferred embodiment described above is not to be considered limiting of the scope of the present invention, which may include modifications and equivalent arrangements within the scope and spirit of the invention. It is to be understood that the invention may also apply to adjustable stands for trailers including for fixed location stabilizing of trailers or plant equipment, wherein the wheel of a jockey wheel is replaced by a plate attached to the shaft.

EDITORIAL NOTE

2021100110

THERE ARE TWO PAGES OF CLAIMS ONLY

Claims

1 A bracket for coupling a jockey wheel having a support shaft to the towing assembly of a trailer, said bracket including a main body securable to part of the towing assembly, said main body having a first end portion, an intermediate portion adjacent the first end portion, and a second end portion adjacent the intermediate portion, said first end portion and said second end portion being securable to a part of the towing assembly, and a retaining body pivotable with respect to the main body, said retaining body having a first end portion, an intermediate portion adjacent the first end portion, and a second end portion adjacent the intermediate end portion, the intermediate portions of the main body and the retaining body being adapted to engage and clamp the support shaft of a jockey wheel, a toggle latch secured to the second end portion of the retaining body, and a catch plate provided in the second end portion of the main body, said toggle latch having a loop or toggle which engages the catch plate when the bracket is in closed configuration.

2 A bracket for coupling a jockey wheel to the towing assembly of a trailer, said bracket including a main body securable to a portion of the towing assembly, and a retaining body the first end portion of which is pivotable with respect to a first end portion of the main body, said main body and said retaining body being adapted to engage and clamp the support shaft of a jockey wheel, and a toggle latch having a base plate thereof secured to a second end portion of the retaining body, and a catch plate for engaging the toggle or loop of the toggle latch is formed in a second end portion of the main body.

3 A bracket as claimed in either Claim 1 or Claim 2 wherein the toggle latch is an adjustable toggle latch.

4 A bracket as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 3 including means, in the form of a shaft of a padlock, an R-clip, a long pin, or a bolt, pass through a bore in a flange extending outwardly of the base plate, to prevent unintentional release of the lever of the toggle latch from a locked configuration.

5 A bracket as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 5 wherein the free end of the first end portion of the retaining body does not contact the main body whether the bracket is in an open or closed configuration.