GB2351708A - Trailer having means to facilitate loading - Google Patents

Abstract

A trailer comprises a frame 1 defining a loading area, one or more pairs of wheels and a tow hitch 5. The frame carries a means 7 and 8 for supporting a load (101, Fig 2a) moveable between a first configuration (Fig 2a) where the support means is absent from the loading area and a second configuration (Fig 2b) where the support means is within the loading area, and a lifting means 2 and 3 positioned above the loading area for lifting said load. The support means may comprise moveable deck sections or moveable slats (Fig 4) which slide on runners provided in the frame. The support means may also be removable. The lifting means may comprise a gantry 2 and lifting tackle 3 such as a pulley, winch, counterweight or jacking device. The trailer may have one or more retractable means 4 for supporting the trailer.

Description

2351708 Traile

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a trailer. In particular, the present invention relates to 5 a trailer with moveable deck(s). In particular, the present invention relates to a trailer with moveable deck(s) and lifting apparatus.

Background to the Invention

Trailers for towing by cars, vans or industrial vehicles are widely used for hauling diverse loads. They generally comprise a fixed deck mounted on road wheels with a suitable towing point. In order to load the trailer, it is necessary to either pick up the objects or materials which are to be transported, and either climb onto the trailer whilst carrying them, or to place them on one edge of the trailer, and drag them onto the deck.

Climbing onto a trailer whilst carrying a load is clearly an awkward operation, and if the load is heavy or bulky, this problem is amplified considerably.

Similarly, placing a load on the edge of a trailer may cause instability or imbalance.

Dragging the load onto the deck of such a prior art trailer may be difficult, and may result in damage to the load, or to the trailer, or to both. These issuds are clearly difficulties of the prior art.

Loading of heavy objects is a problem. This may require several operators to safely lift the load onto the deck of the trailer. Alternatively, this may require a crane, winch or the suchlike with a swinging jib so that the load may be lifted, the arin or jib swivelled to position the load over the trailer, and then the load may be lowered onto the trailer. Clearly, these problems will he compounded if ihere is no such apparatus at either the pick-up point and/or the destination.

2 Accessing heavy loads with prior art trailers can be difficult. It is often desirable to balance a trailer by placing the load over the wheels, or near the centre of the deck so that it may be safely secured. It can be difficult to get close to the load with prior art trailers, since their fixed construction means that the objects must usually be placed onto the edge of the trailer which is closest to them. This can lead to the problems associated with balance and repositioning of loads as described above.

The present invention seeks to overcome some or all of the difficulties associated with the prior art devices.

Summary of Invention

The present invention relates to a trailer comprising a frame, wherein the frame defines at least a loading area, and wherein the trailer is carried on one or more pairs of wheels and which has operably connected to it a tow hitch for towing of the trailer, said frame carrying a moveable means suitable for supporting a load, and a means for lifting of the load, wherein in use said lifting means being positioned above the loading area, wherein the moveable means has at least two possible configurations, a first configuration wherein the support means is absent from the loading area such that in use the lifting means may be positioned above the load and the load lifted above the loading area, and a second configuration wherein the support means is within the loading area such that in use a load may be lowered by the lifting means onto the support means.

The frame may be constructed from any suitable material. The frame may advantageously be constructed from any material known by those skilled in the art to have appropriate qualities for use in the trailer of the present invention. Such materials may include, but are not limited to, metals such as aluminium, iron, steel or alloys. Such materials may also include wood, plastics, composite materials such as fibreglass or other fibre-reinforced materials, or the construction may be of several different 3 materials as appropriate. In a preferred embodiment, the frame may be constructed from metal such as iron, or more preferably steel.

The loading area may comprise any part of the area defined by the frame. The loading area may be smaller than the area defined by the frame, or may be as large as the area defined by the frame. In a preferred embodiment, the loading area may be any part of the area defined by the frame above which is positioned the lifting means.

In a further embodiment, the lifting means may be moveable. It will be apparent therefore that the loading area may also be moveable. Clearly, if the lifting means may move relative to the frame, then the loading area may also move relative to the frame, since the loading area may be any part of the area defined by the frame above which is positioned the lifting means.

The phrase 'carried on one or more pairs of wheels' means that the trailer according to the present invention is mounted on or is operably connected to two or more wheels such that the trailer may be freely moved. More than one pair of wheels may mean integer numbers of pairs of wheels, for example one pair of wheels, two pairs of wheels, three pairs of wheels or even more, or may mean an odd number of wheels, for example a trailer according to the present invention may be carried on three wheels, or five wheels, or seven wheels or even more. The term 'wheels' in this context refers to those wheels which may support the trailer whilst it is propelled from one location to another, but the term may also include wheels which are used only occasionally, such as a jockey wheel for supporting the trailer whilst it is not being towed, or other wheels which may be operably attached to the trailer. Preferably, a trailer according to the present invention is carried on one pair of wheels.

In a preferred embodiment, the trailer according to the present invention has operably connected to it a tow hitch for towing of the trailer. This tow hitch may comprise a conventional towing attachment as known to those skilled in the art, or may comprise 4 any suitable means for coupling the trailer of the present invention to a device for propulsion of said trailer. Therefore, the term 'tow hitch' as used herein should be understood to include tow hooks, chains, ropes, rigid couplings, towbars, wires or any other suitable means for attachment known to those skilled in the art.

A moveable means for supporting a load may be any suitable structure which is capable of physically supporting a load. In a preferred embodiment, the invention relates to a trailer as described herein, wherein the means for supporting the load is selected from; one or more moveable deck(s) or one or more moveable slats.

In one aspect, the means for supporting a load may comprise one or more decks. Said decks are constructed of a material strong enough to support loads placed thereon. Such materials are known to those skilled in the art, and include but are not limited to wood, metals such as aluminium, iron, steel, metal alloys, composite materials, plastics, fibreglass, or any other suitable material(s). Preferably, deck(s) according to the invention may be constructed from metal, preferably from steel, even more preferably from aluminium. Decks may be advantageously constructed from more than one material, for example they may be constructed from steel and aluminium.

In another embodiment, the means for supporting a load may comprise one or more slats. Said slats may be rectangular in shape, or may be rounded. Said slats are constructed of a material strong enough to support loads placed thereon. Such materials are known to those skilled in the art, and include but are not limited to wood, metals such as aluminium, iron, steel, metal alloys, composite materials, plastics, fibreglass, or any other suitable matedal(s). Preferably, slat(s) according to the invention may be constructed from metal, preferably from aluminium, even more preferably from steel. Slats may be advantageously constructed from more than one material, for example they may be constructed from steel and aluminium.

The means for supporting a load are moveable, which means that it may be configured in at least two different positions. For example, if the means for supporting a load comprises one or more decks, said decks are moveable. The mechanism of movement may be any suitable means known to those skilled in the art Preferably, the support means is moveable in runners. Preferably the runners form an integral part of the frame.

The moveable support means may be moved manually, or may be moved hydraulically, or may be moved with a motorised mechanism such as an electric or combustion engine, or may be moved using a manually operated gear system, or using any other suitable means known to those skilled in the art. Preferably, the moveable support means may be moved manually.

In another aspect, the invention relates to a trailer carrying a means for lifting of a load.

The term 'carrying' indicates that the means for lifting a load may be permanently, serni-permanently, or temporarily attached to the trailer. The means for lifting a load may be any suitable means known to one skilled in the art. Said lifting means may be motorised or may be manually operated. If motorised, said lifting means may be electrically powered, or may be hydraulically powered, or may be powered by an internal combustion engine or other suitable means. The lifting means may be for example a winch, a hoist, a pulley system, a jacking device, a counterweight mechanism or any other suitable means known to those skilled in the art.

The area of the trailer below the lifting means forms at least part of the loading area.

In the case that the lifting means is moveable relative to the frame of the trailer, the loading area will also be moveable relative to the frame of the trailer.

In use, the trailer according to the invention is operated as follows; the moveable support means is moved to a first configuration so that it is absent from the loading )o area; the trailer frame is then positioned over or around the load, with the lifting means 6 above the load; the lifting means is then used to lift the load above the level of the loading area; the moveable support means is then moved to a second configuration wherein it is positioned within the loading area; the load is then lowered onto the support means.

In one aspect, the invention relates to a trailer as described herein, wherein the means for su pporting the load comprises one or more moveable deck(s), and wherein the frame comprises runners such that said deck(s) are moveable horizontally in said runners. Said runners may be constructed from any suitable material, for example they may be constructed from metal such as iron or steel, or from any other suitable material known to those skilled in the art. Preferably, said runners form an integral part of the frame.

In another aspect the invention relates to a trailer as described herein, wherein the means for supporting the load comprises one or more moveable deck(s), and wherein the frame comprises runners such that at least one end of said deck(s) are moveable horizontally in said runners, and wherein the frame has operably attached to it one or more vertical runner(s) such that one end of the deck(s) may be raised vertically whilst the second end of said deck(s) may move horizontally in the runners of said frame.

In another aspect the invention relates to a trailer as described herein, wherein the means for supporting the load comprises a plurality of moveable slats, and wherein the frame comprises runners such that the slats are moveable in said runners.

In another aspect the invention relates to a trailer as described herein, wherein the plurality of slats are connected together in a continuous sheet or deck, and wherein said trailer further comprises a means for reversibly withdrawing said sheet or deck of slats from said runners. This means for reversibly withdrawing said slats from the loading area via said runners may be a manual means, or may be a mechanised means.

7 In another aspect the invention relates to a trailer as described herein, wherein the means for reversibly withdrawing said sheet or deck of slats from said runners is a roller device. Preferably the means for reversibly withdrawing the slats from the runners may be a roller mechanism wherein the sheet of slats may be rolled up and withdrawn from the loading area.

In another aspect the invention relates to a trailer as described herein, wherein the means for supporting the load comprises a plurality of moveable slats, and wherein the plurality of slats may be removable. The slats may be removable singly, or may be removable as groups of slats which are connected together, or may be removable as a single continuous sheet or deck of slats which are connected together.

In another aspect the invention relates to a trailer as described herein, wherein the means for lifting of the load comprises a gantry and lifting tackle. Said gantry may be constructed of any suitable material. Such materials are known to those skilled in the art, and include but are not limited to wood, metals such as aluminium, iron, steel, metal alloys, composite materials, plastics, fibreglass, or any other suitable material(s). Preferably, the gantry may be constructed from metal such as iron or steel.

In another aspect the invention relates to a trailer as described herein, wherein the lifting tackle is selected from; a pulley device, a winch device, a counterweight device or a jacking device or any other suitable means known to those skilled in the art. Said lifting tackle may be motorised or may be manually operated. If motorised, said lifting tackle may be electrically powered, or may be hydraulically powered, or may be powered by an interrial combustion engine or other suitable means.

In another aspect the invention relates to a trailer as described herein. wherein the trailer additionally comprises one or more retractable means for supporting the trailer. These retractable means for supporting the trailer may preferably be extendible legs.

8 Said legs may extend by screw thread extension, or may be jointed such that they may be retracted by folding when not in use.

In another aspect the invention relates to a trailer as described herein, wherein the moveable means for supporting the load is removable. The support means may be removed for example by manually sliding it out of the frame of the trailer. Where the support means comprises a plurality of slats, the slats may be removable individually or in groups, or as one continuous sheet.

The moveable support means of the trailer according to the invention can be fixed in at least one of the configurations which it can occupy. This fixing may be by any suitable means which include but are not limited to clamping, bolting, wedging, braking, a catch or ratchet mechanism, tying with suitable chain, rope or other suitable cords, pinning or any other suitable means known to those skilled in the art.

Preferably, the fixing is accomplished using pinning, wherein the moveable support means has in it holes through which a metal pin may pass. The runners in which the moveable support means or the frame may move have in them complementary holes such that, in use, a pin may be inserted through the runner, and through the support means, fixing the support means in place relative to the runner or the frame. In the situation where the runner is an integral part of the frame, the frame has complementary holes in it such that the pin may pass through the frame/runner, and through the moveable support means, fixing its position relative to the runner/frame. Pins may be constructed of any suitable material known to those skilled in the art which is strong enough to fix the moveable support means in place without shearing, snapping, bending or breaking of the pins. Preferably pins according to the invention may be made of metal such as iron or steel. Said pins will be constructed in such a way that they remain in the holes when in use, for example said pins may have a head which is larger than the hole through which the pin passes, such that the pin will not fall through the hole when placed therein.

9 This is particularly advantageous because it allows the support means to be moved after the load has been loaded, for example to centre the load over the wheels of the trailer. Moving the support means after loading of the load may also advantageously allow loading of more than one load onto the trailer.

The invention will now be described by way of example, in which reference is made to the following figures:

Brief Description of the Figures

Figure I shows a trailer according to the invention, comprising a main frame (1), a gantry (2) which is shown raised, lifting tackle (3), a rear support (4), a tow hitch (5), a jockey wheel (6), a front (upper) deck (7), a rear (lower) deck (8) and wheels.

Figure 2 shows a sequence of drawings of a trailer according to the invention in use.

Figure 3 shows a trailer according to the invention, comprising a sliding deck (17), a folding gantry (shown raised) (19), and a vertical runner (one each side)(18). In transit, the deck is horizontal. When loading, the deck may be raised to a loading position by raising the front of the deck up the vertical runners, causing the rear of the deck to be drawn forward along the horizontal runners, leaving the hoist (loading) area clear for lifting of the load.

Figure 4 shows a trailer according to the invention, wherein the support means comprises a slatted deck (15) which may be rolled back into a different position (16) for loading. In this figure, the deck rolls up similar to a shutter door mechanism to clear the hoist (loading) area for lifting of the load.

EXAMPLE 1: CONSTRUCTION OF A TRAILER A trailer is constructed according to the invention with reference to Figure 1.

A frame (1) is constructed from box section steel, the joins being welded together for strength.

Extendible legs (4) are attached to the frame. A jockey wheel (6) is attached to the frame. Both legs and jockey wheel are attached by welding their respective mountings to the outer surface of the frame.

Moveable support means are constructed in the form of decks (7,8). These are made from aluminium sheeting fixed by rivets onto a light steel supporting frame.

The inside sections of the sides of the frame (1) are lubricated with grease to form runners, and the decks (7,8) are slid into the frame (1).

Holes are drilled through the frame/runners (1) and the appropriate edges of the decks (7,8) such that pins may pass through the frame/runner and the deck(s), fixing the deck(s) in place. Pins are made from steel such that they fit into the holes, but will not fall out when placed therein.

The frame (1) is mounted on wheels by fixing an axle to the underside of the frame (1) using bolt and strap mountings.

A tow hitch (5) is welded onto the front of the frame (1).

Lifting tackle (3) is bolted to the top of the gantry (2) and the gantry (2) is then mounted on the frame (1).

EXAMPLE 2: LOADING OF A TRAILER To load the trailer of Example 1 which is illustrated in Figure 2, the pins are removed from the lower (rear) deck (8), and it is slid forwards and pinned in place, leaving the 5 loading area under the lifting tackle (3) and gantry (2) free (Fig. 2a).

The trailer is then positioned around the load (10 1), and the lifting tackle (3) is lowered and affixed to the load (101)(Fig. 2a).

The load (101) is then lifted above the level of the decks (7,8). The pins are then removed from the upper deck (7), and it is slid back into a configuration within the loading area (Fig. 2b).

The load (101) is then lowered onto the upper deck (7), and the upper deck (7) is slid 15 forward again and secured (Fig. 2e).

A second load (102) may then be lifted with the lifting tackle (3) (Fig. 2e).

Lower deck (8) is then slid back and secured. The second load (102) is lowered onto 20 the secured lower deck (8) (Fig. 2f).

In this way, the trailer is conveniently loaded.

12

Claims (1)

1) A trailer comprising a frame (1), wherein the frame defines at least a loading area, and wherein the trailer is carried on one or more pairs of wheels and which has operably connected to it; a tow hitch (5) for towing of the trailer, said frame carrying a moveable means suitable for supporting a load (7), and a means for lifting of the load (3), wherein in use said lifting means being positioned above the loading area, wherein the moveable means has at least two possible configurations; a first configuration wherein the support means is absent from the loading area such that in use the lifting means may be positioned above the load and the load li&d above the loading area, and a second configuration wherein the support means is within the loading area such that in use a load may be lowered by the lifting means onto the support means.

2) A trailer according to claim 1, wherein the means for supporting the load is selected from; i) one or more moveable deck(s) (7, 17) ii) one or more moveable slats (15).

3) A trailer according to any previous claim, wherein the means for supporting the load comprises one or more moveable deck(s) (7), and wherein the frame (1) comprises runners such that said deck(s) are moveable horizontally in said runners.

4) A trailer according to any previous claim, wherein the means for supporting the load comprises one or more moveable deck(s) (17), and wherein the frame (1) comprises runners such that at least one end of said deck(s) (17) are moveable horizontally in said runners, and wherein the frame (1) has operably attached to it one or more vertical runner(s) (18) such that one end of the deck(s) (17) may be raised vertically whilst the second end of said deck(s) may move horizontally in the runners of said frame (1).

-10 13 5) A trailer according to any previous claim, wherein the means for supporting the load comprises one or more moveable slats (15), and wherein the frame (1) comprises runners such that the slats (15) are moveable in said runners.

6) A trailer according to claim 5, wherein the slats (15) are connected together in a continuous sheet or deck, and wherein said trailer further comprises a means for reversibly withdrawing said sheet or deck of slats (15) from said runners.

7) A trailer according to claim 6, wherein the means for reversibly withdrawing 10 said sheet or deck of slats (15) from said runners is a roller device (16).

8) A trailer according to any previous claim, wherein the means for lifting of the load comprises a gantry (2) and lifting tackle (3).

9) A trailer according to claim 8 wherein the lifting tackle (3) is selected from i) a pulley device ii) a winch device iii) a counterweight device, and iv) a jacking device 10) A trailer according to any previous claim, wherein the trailer additionally comprises one or more retractable means (4,6) for supporting the trailer.

11) A trailer according to any previous claim, wherein the means for supporting the 25 load (7,8) is removable.

12) A trailer as substantially hereinbefore described with reference to any one of Figures 1, 2, 3 and 4.