WO1994015811A1

WO1994015811A1 - Trailer

Info

Publication number: WO1994015811A1
Application number: PCT/AU1994/000014
Authority: WO
Inventors: Anthony John Lorenz
Original assignee: Lorenz, Robin, Ann
Priority date: 1993-01-11
Filing date: 1994-01-11
Publication date: 1994-07-21

Abstract

A side-loading trailer (10) is provided with a laterally-extending tray (11) which pivots around a first pivot line (21A, 21B) for ease of loading. A side-loading ramp (12) is preferably provided at one lateral edge of the tray and is pivotable around a second pivot line (13).

Description

TITLE: Trailer

HELD OF THE INVENTION: This invention relates to a side-loading trailer providing easy loading from ground level.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION: There is a need for a trailer which will allow easy loading from ground level without the need for complex and expensive hydraulic or electric lifts.

A particular need lies in the field of transporting vehicles used by disabled persons. For example, it may be desired to transport small vehicles such as wheelchairs, electric scooters etc. behind a larger vehicle. In the following specification the word "wheelchair" encompasses electric scooters etc.

The present invention provides one approach to this problem which makes it much easier for disabled persons to transport wheelchairs and to manoeuvre the towing vehicle. For example, the invention makes it unnecessary to dismantle wheelchairs in order to transport them.

United States patent no. 5,199,842 Watt et al discloses a wheelchair carrier which comprises a housing provided with a side door which pivots downwards to form a ramp. This ramp allows a wheelchair to be wheeled up and into a housing. It would be desirable to provide a smoother passage for the wheelchair requiring less physical effort. In addition, the housing is not supported by a wheel or wheels and is narrow longitudinally.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION: This invention relates to a side- loading trailer having a laterally-extending tray supported on a wheel or wheels wherein, when the trailer is unloaded, the tray may be balanced around a first longitudinally-extending pivot line, whereby the trailer may be loaded by moving a load from an external position laterally across the tray placed in a sloping loading position, the tray then rotating into a stable, generally horizontal, storage position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:

Figure 1 is a plan view from above partly in cross-section of one embodiment of a trailer according to the invention;

Figure 2 is a view from the rear of the trailer of Figure 1; and

Figure 3 is a side view of the trailer of Figure 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION: In a preferred embodiment, the wheel or wheels are of the castor type and is /are located under the trailer in a region positioned along a longitudinal line extending through a point of attachment of the trailer to a vehicle. More preferably the wheel or wheels is /are located to the rear of the trailer, as viewed in use.

The tray is preferably connected to a side-loading ramp along a second longitudinally-extending pivot line, whereby the ramp may be swung downwards to a loading position and, following loading, swung upwards to a storage position. Thus rotation of the tray and ramp preferably may be accomplished in a single operation. Desirably the tray and ramp are provided with a clamp means adapted to maintain the tray and ramp in a straightline configuration.

The trailer is preferably furnished with a restraining attachment adapted for use in attaching the trailer to a vehicle in such a manner that the trailer is maintained in a straight line behind the vehicle as viewed with respect to a central longitudinal line extending through the vehicle, restraining attachment and trailer. It is convenient to use standard, single point-of-attachment towbars.

More preferably the restraining attachment is provided with a pivotable linkage which allows up-and-down movement of the trailer with respect to the vehicle.

Turning to the drawings, in Figure 1 a side-loading trailer 10 comprises a tray 11 connected to a ramp 12 along a longitudinally extending pivot line 13. Thus the tray can be rotated from a loading position to a storage position; see Figure 2. Trailer

10 may be attached to a vehicle by restraining attachment 14.

Restraining attachment 14 is connected to a trailer frame 15 by way of lateral pivot means 16. Frame 15, having four girders, is substantially rectangular in shape and comprises a first longitudinal girder 17, substantially in line with restraining attachment 14. A second longitudinal girder 18 is shown offset from girder 17 and on the same side of the trailer as ramp 12. A first lateral girder 19, located adjacent restraining attachment 14, and a second lateral girder 20 located adjacent the rear of the trailer, make up the four sides of the rectangle.

Longitudinal pivot means, 21A and 21B respectively, are located in line on the top of second longitudinal girder 18. Longitudinal pivot means 21A and 21B allow tray

11 to be rotated from a loading position to a storage position; refer also to Figure 2. An articulated lever (not shown) attached to tray 11 and ramp 12 may be used to clamp tray 11 in the desired position.

A castor wheel 22 is suspended from underneath frame 15 via suspension means 23. Castor wheel 22 is located in a region of frame 15 distal from restraining attachment 14 and generally along the longitudinal girder 17. A load-bearing surface, such as a roadway, is indicated by numeral 24. A female bearing means 25, forming part of suspension means 23, mates with male frustoconical bearing 26; see Figure 2. Thus castor wheel 22 can swivel around a vertical axis extending upwards through frustoconical bearing 26.

Figure 3 illustrates ramp 12 swung upwards into a storage position and trailer 10, as seen overall, is shown in a towing position.

Note that side walls, railings etc. may be provided around tray 11 for the sake of security.

Claims

The claims defining the invention are as follows:

1. A side-loading trailer having a laterally-extending tray supported on a wheel or wheels wherein, when the trailer is unloaded, the tray may be balanced around a first longitudinally-extending pivot line, whereby the trailer may be loaded by moving a load from an external position laterally across the tray placed in a sloping loading position, the tray then rotating into a stable, generally horizontal storage position.

2. A side-loading trailer as claimed in claim 1, wherein the wheel or wheels are of the castor type and is /are located under the trailer in a region positioned along a longitudinal line extending through a point of attachment of the trailer to a vehicle.

3. A side-loading trailer as claimed in claim 2, wherein the wheel or wheels is/are located to the rear of the trailer, as viewed in use.

4. A side-loading trailer as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the tray is connected to a side-loading ramp along a second longitudinally-extending pivot line, whereby the ramp may be swung downwards to a loading position and, following loading, swung upwards to a storage position.

5. A side-loading trailer as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the tray and ramp are provided with a clamp means adapted to maintain the tray and ramp in a straightline configuration.

6. A side-loading trailer as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the trailer is furnished with a restraining attachment adapted for use in attaching the trailer to a vehicle in such a manner that the trailer is maintained in a straight line behind the vehicle as viewed with respect to a central longitudinal line extending through the vehicle, restraining attachment and trailer.

7. A side-loading trailer as claimed in claim 5, wherein the restraining attachment is provided with a pivotable linkage which allows up-and-down movement of the trailer with respect to the vehicle.