Abstract
A chassis for a vehicular trailer, comprising a generally flat wheel engaging segment, said wheel engaging rotatably attached to a pair of collinearly disposed wheels; a hitch engaging segment connected to a trailer hitch and a linking segment, said linking segment disposed between and connecting the wheel engaging segment and the hitch engaging segment and comprising a change in height adapted to cause the hitch engaging segment to be offset from the wheel engaging segment relative to a support surface.
Claims
1. A chassis for a vehicular trailer, said chassis comprising: a pair of first and second parallel rails, each of said rails comprising a generally flat wheel engaging segment, said wheel engaging segment having a height, a generally flat hitch engaging segment, said hitch engaging segment having a height, and a linking segment, said linking segment disposed between and connecting said wheel engaging segment and said hitch engaging segment, said linking segment comprising a change in height adapted to cause said hitch engaging segment height to be offset from said wheel engaging segment height relative to a support surface; a rear cross member, said rear cross member disposed between and perpendicularly to said rails, said rear cross member having a first end fixedly connected to said wheel engaging segment of said first rail and a second end fixedly connected to said wheel engaging segment of said second rail; a front cross member, said front cross member disposed between and perpendicularly to said rails, said front cross member having a first end fixedly connected to said hitch engaging segment of said first rail and a second end fixedly connected to said hitch engaging segment of said second rail; a trailer hitch, said hitch fixedly connected to said connected to said chassis at said front cross member; and a pair of first and second wheels, where said first wheel has an axis of rotation and said first wheel is rotatably attached to said wheel engaging segment of said first rail, and where said second wheel has an axis of rotation and said second wheel is rotatably attached to said wheel engaging segment of said second rail, and where said axis of rotation of said first wheel is collinear with said axis of rotation of said second wheel.
2. A vehicular trailer, said trailer comprising: an enclosure, said enclosure disposed on top of and fixedly connected to a chassis, said chassis comprising a pair of first and second parallel rails, each of said rails comprising a generally flat wheel engaging segment, said wheel engaging segment having a height, a generally flat hitch engaging segment, said hitch engaging segment having a height, and a linking segment, said linking segment disposed between and connecting said wheel engaging segment and said hitch engaging segment, said linking segment comprising a change in height adapted to cause said hitch engaging segment height to be offset from said wheel engaging segment height relative to a support surface; a rear cross member, said rear cross member disposed between and perpendicularly to said rails, said rear cross member having a first end fixedly connected to said wheel engaging segment of said first rail and a second end fixedly connected to said wheel engaging segment of said second rail; a front cross member, said front cross member disposed between and perpendicularly to said rails, said front cross member having a first end fixedly connected to said hitch engaging segment of said first rail and a second end fixedly connected to said hitch engaging segment of said second rail; a trailer hitch, said hitch fixedly connected to said connected to said chassis at said front cross member; and a pair of first and second wheels, where said first wheel has an axis of rotation and said first wheel is rotatably attached to said wheel engaging segment of said first rail, and where said second wheel has an axis of rotation and said second wheel is rotatably attached to said wheel engaging segment of said second rail, and where said axis of rotation of said first wheel is collinear with said axis of rotation of said second wheel.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] The present invention will be understood more fully from the detailed description given hereinafter and from the accompanying drawings of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, which, however, should not be taken to limit the invention, but are for explanation and understanding only.
[0019] In the drawings:
[0020] FIG. 1 shows a side assembly view of an exemplary apparatus in accordance with the present invention in a “set” and a “transport” position.
[0021] FIG. 2 shows a side assembly view of an exemplary apparatus in accordance with the present invention in the set position.
[0022] FIG. 3 shows a top view of the chassis of FIG. 1.
[0023] FIG. 4 shows a top perspective view of the chassis in FIG. 1.
[0024] FIG. 5 shows a top view of the chassis in FIG. 1 with a hitch attached.
[0025] FIG. 6 shows a side view of the chassis in FIG. 1.
[0026] FIG. 7 shows a side assembly view of an alternative exemplary apparatus in accordance with the present invention in the set position.
[0027] FIG. 8 shows a side view of a chassis component of the apparatus of FIG. 7 in accordance with the present invention.
[0028] FIG. 9 shows a side assembly view of an alternative exemplary apparatus in accordance with the present invention in the set position.
[0029] FIG. 10 shows a side view of a chassis component of the apparatus of FIG. 9 in accordance with the present invention.
[0030] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The exemplary embodiments set forth herein are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0031] The present invention will be discussed hereinafter in detail in terms of various exemplary embodiments according to the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be obvious, however, to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures are not shown in detail in order to avoid unnecessary obscuring of the present invention.
[0032] Thus, all of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims. As used herein, the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. Moreover, in the present description, the terms “upper”, “lower”, “left”, “rear”, “right”, “front”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1.
[0033] Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.
[0034] Referring first to FIG. 1, there is shown trailer assembly 1000 generally comprising chassis or frame 100, enclosure 200, wheels 300, and hitch 400. Chassis 100, as illustrated in FIG. 1, may comprise any suitable material for the manufacture or production of vehicle trailer chassis, including, for example, steel, aluminum, a very high strength polymer, or a composite material.
[0035] Referring next to FIG. 2, there is shown an exemplary embodiment of trailer assembly 1000 in accordance with the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2, trailer assembly 1000 generally comprises chassis 100 and enclosure 200 disposed on top of and connected to chassis 100. Enclosure 200 may comprise an actual enclosure or an open air carrying apparatus. Enclosure 200 may further comprise various doors 250 or other access portals. Preferably, enclosure 200 comprises an access portal (not shown) near hitch 400 such that enclosure 200 is accessible by differently abled persons. Additionally, enclosure 200 may comprise any known materials suitable for constructing an enclosure or open air trailer bed, including aluminum, wood, steel, plastic, fiberglass, and composite material.
[0036] Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, there is shown, respectively a top view and a top perspective view of chassis 100 of apparatus 1000 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, chassis 100 of the present invention comprises a pair of parallel rails 101 and 102. Chassis 100 further comprises a first cross member 103 and a second cross member 103. Chassis 100 may further comprise cross member 105.
[0037] Referring still to FIGS. 3 and 4, each cross member 103, 104, 105 is disposed between and perpendicularly to rails 101 and 102. Each cross member 103, 104, 105 has opposing ends fixed connected to rails 101 and 102. As further illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, opposing ends of rear cross member 103 are respectively fixedly connected to rails 101 and 102 generally at wheel engaging segments 110. Additionally, opposing ends of front cross member 104 are respectively fixedly connected to rails 101 and 102 generally at hitch engaging segments 130. If desired, opposing ends of central cross member 105 can be fixedly connected to rails 101 and 102 generally at linking segment 120.
[0038] Referring now to FIG. 5, there is shown another top view of chassis 100 of apparatus 1000 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated in FIG. 5, chassis 100 of the present invention further comprises conventional trailer hitch 400. Hitch 400 is generally fixedly connected to chassis 100 generally at the location of front cross member 104.
[0039] Referring now to FIG. 6, each rail 101 and 102 of chassis 100 generally comprises wheel engaging segment 110, linking segment 120, and hitch engaging segment 130. As illustrated in FIG. 6, wheel engaging segments 110 of chassis 100 are generally disposed horizontally when viewed from the side. Each wheel engaging segment 110 is adapted to rotatably connect to one or more wheels 300. Rails 101 and 102 of chassis 100 further comprise hitch engaging segments 130. As further illustrated in FIG. 6, rails 101 and 102 of chassis 100 further comprise linking segments 120. Linking segment 120 is adapted to connect wheel engaging segment 110 to hitch engaging segment 130.
[0040] Referring still to FIG. 6, wheel engaging segments 110 of rails 101 and 103 have a height as do hitch engaging segments 130. As illustrated in FIG. 6, each wheel engaging segment 110 has a height greater (when compared to a support surface) than the height of hitch engaging segment 130 such that the respective heights are offset from one another.
[0041] Referring still to FIG. 6, linking segments 120 or rails 101 and 102 comprise a change in height from a distal end to a proximal end such that the height of the proximal end of each linking segment 120 is greater than the height of the distal end of each linking segment 120 when both are compared to a support surface. Stated differently, generally, horizontally disposed wheel engaging segments 110 of each rail 101 and 102 connect to the proximal end of a linking member 120, and hitch engaging segments 130 of each rail 101 and 102 connect to the distal end of linking segment 120 such that each wheel engaging segment 110 and hitch engaging segment 130 are generally disposed parallel to one another but offset by an amount equal to the change in height of linking segment 120.
[0042] Referring again to FIG. 6, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that wheel engaging segments 110 of chassis 100 may be rotatably connected to one or more wheels 300 by any conventional means including a single axis that runs through all of the wheels or plurality of rotatable connections where each rotatable connection is unique to each wheel. Moreover, such connections may be connected to a prime mover including an electric motor, an internal combustion engine, or the like. Those of ordinary skill in the art will further appreciate that any number of wheels or any type of prime mover may be used within the scope of the present invention.
[0043] Turning again to FIG. 1, trailer assembly 1000 in accordance with the present invention may be utilized in two modes. The first mode is referred to herein as a “set” mode, and the second mode is referred to herein as a “transport” mode. As further illustrated in FIG. 1, the set mode of trailer assembly 1000 is used to provide convenient access to enclosure 200 of trailer assembly 1000. Once enclosure 200 is fully loaded or fully accessed by a person, including a person who may or may not have disabilities, hitch 400 is attached to a vehicle (not shown) such that trailer assembly 1000 is pivoted about a central axis of wheels 300 such that trailer assembly 1000 may be pulled by a vehicle along a support surface such as a road.
[0044] Referring next to FIG. 7, there is shown an alternative exemplary embodiment of trailer assembly 1000 in accordance with the present invention. As shown in FIG. 7, trailer assembly 1000 generally comprises chassis 100 and enclosure 200 disposed on top of and connected to chassis 100. Enclosure 200 may comprise an actual enclosure or an open air carrying apparatus. Enclosure 200 may further comprise various doors 250 or other access portals. Preferably, enclosure 200 comprises an access portal (not shown) near hitch 400 such that enclosure 200 is accessible by differently abled persons. Additionally, enclosure 200 may comprise any known materials suitable for constructing an enclosure or open air trailer bed, including aluminum, wood, steel, plastic, fiberglass, and composite material.
[0045] Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, there is shown, respectively a top view and a top perspective view of chassis 100 of apparatus 1000 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, chassis 100 of the present invention comprises a pair of parallel rails 101 and 102. Chassis 100 further comprises a first cross member 103 and a second cross member 103. Chassis 100 may further comprise cross member 105.
[0046] Referring still to FIGS. 3 and 4, each cross member 103, 104, 105 is disposed between and perpendicularly to rails 101 and 102. Each cross member 103, 104, 105 has opposing ends fixed connected to rails 101 and 102. As further illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, opposing ends of rear cross member 103 are respectively fixedly connected to rails 101 and 102 generally at wheel engaging segments 110. Additionally, opposing ends of front cross member 104 are respectively fixedly connected to rails 101 and 102 generally at hitch engaging segments 130. If desired, opposing ends of central cross member 105 can be fixedly connected to rails 101 and 102 generally at linking segment 120.
[0047] Referring now to FIG. 5, there is shown another top view of chassis 100 of apparatus 1000 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated in FIG. 5, chassis 100 of the present invention further comprises conventional trailer hitch 400. Hitch 400 is generally fixedly connected to chassis 100 generally at the location of front cross member 104.
[0048] Referring now to FIG. 8, a side view of chassis 100 from FIG. 7, each rail 101 and 102 of chassis 100 generally comprises wheel engaging segment 110, linking segment 120, and hitch engaging segment 130. As illustrated in FIG. 8, wheel engaging segments 110 of chassis 100 are generally disposed horizontally when viewed from the side. Each wheel engaging segment 110 is adapted to rotatably connect to one or more wheels 300. Rails 101 and 102 of chassis 100 further comprise hitch engaging segments 130. As further illustrated in FIG. 6, rails 101 and 102 of chassis 100 further comprise linking segments 120. Linking segment 120 is adapted to connect wheel engaging segment 110 to hitch engaging segment 130.
[0049] Referring still to FIG. 8, wheel engaging segments 110 of rails 101 and 103 have a height as do hitch engaging segments 130. As illustrated in FIG. 8, each wheel engaging segment 110 has a height greater (when compared to a support surface) than the height of hitch engaging segment 130 such that the respective heights are offset from one another.
[0050] Referring still to FIG. 8, linking segments 120 or rails 101 and 102 comprise a change in height from a distal end to a proximal end such that the height of the proximal end of each linking segment 120 is greater than the height of the distal end of each linking segment 120 when both are compared to a support surface. Stated differently, generally, horizontally disposed wheel engaging segments 110 of each rail 101 and 102 connect to the proximal end of a linking member 120, and hitch engaging segments 130 of each rail 101 and 102 connect to the distal end of linking segment 120 such that each wheel engaging segment 110 and hitch engaging segment 130 are generally disposed parallel to one another but offset by an amount equal to the change in height of linking segment 120.
[0051] Referring again to FIG. 8, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that wheel engaging segments 110 of chassis 100 may be rotatably connected to one or more wheels 300 by any conventional means including a single axis that runs through all of the wheels or plurality of rotatable connections where each rotatable connection is unique to each wheel. Moreover, such connections may be connected to a prime mover including an electric motor, an internal combustion engine, or the like. Those of ordinary skill in the art will further appreciate that any number of wheels or any type of prime mover may be used within the scope of the present invention.
[0052] Turning again to FIG. 1, in the embodiments of FIGS. 7 and 8, trailer assembly 1000, in accordance with the present invention, may be utilized in two modes. The first mode is referred to herein as a “set” mode, and the second mode is referred to herein as a “transport” mode. As further illustrated in FIG. 1, the set mode of trailer assembly 1000 is used to provide convenient access to enclosure 200 of trailer assembly 1000. Once enclosure 200 is fully loaded or fully accessed by a person, including a person who may or may not have disabilities, hitch 400 is attached to a vehicle (not shown) such that trailer assembly 1000 is pivoted about a central axis of wheels 300 such that trailer assembly 1000 may be pulled by a vehicle along a support surface such as a road.
[0053] Referring next to FIG. 9, there is shown an alternative exemplary embodiment of trailer assembly 1000 in accordance with the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2, trailer assembly 1000 generally comprises chassis 100 and enclosure 200 disposed on top of and connected to chassis 100. Enclosure 200 may comprise an actual enclosure or an open air carrying apparatus. Enclosure 200 may further comprise various doors 250 or other access portals. Preferably, enclosure 200 comprises an access portal (not shown) near hitch 400 such that enclosure 200 is accessible by differently abled persons. Additionally, enclosure 200 may comprise any known materials suitable for constructing an enclosure or open air trailer bed, including aluminum, wood, steel, plastic, fiberglass, and composite material.
[0054] Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, there is shown, respectively a top view and a top perspective view of chassis 100 of apparatus 1000 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, chassis 100 of the present invention comprises a pair of parallel rails 101 and 102. Chassis 100 further comprises a first cross member 103 and a second cross member 103. Chassis 100 may further comprise cross member 105.
[0055] Referring still to FIGS. 3 and 4, each cross member 103, 104, 105 is disposed between and perpendicularly to rails 101 and 102. Each cross member 103, 104, 105 has opposing ends fixed connected to rails 101 and 102. As further illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, opposing ends of rear cross member 103 are respectively fixedly connected to rails 101 and 102 generally at wheel engaging segments 110. Additionally, opposing ends of front cross member 104 are respectively fixedly connected to rails 101 and 102 generally at hitch engaging segments 130. If desired, opposing ends of central cross member 105 can be fixedly connected to rails 101 and 102 generally at linking segment 120.
[0056] Referring now to FIG. 5, there is shown another top view of chassis 100 of apparatus 1000 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated in FIG. 5, chassis 100 of the present invention further comprises conventional trailer hitch 400. Hitch 400 is generally fixedly connected to chassis 100 generally at the location of front cross member 104.
[0057] Referring now to FIG. 10, which shows a side view of chassis 100 from FIG. 9, each rail 101 and 102 of chassis 100 generally comprises wheel engaging segment 110, linking segment 120, and hitch engaging segment 130. As illustrated in FIG. 10, wheel engaging segments 110 of chassis 100 are generally disposed horizontally when viewed from the side. Each wheel engaging segment 110 is adapted to rotatably connect to one or more wheels 300. Rails 101 and 102 of chassis 100 further comprise hitch engaging segments 130. As further illustrated in FIG. 10, rails 101 and 102 of chassis 100 further comprise linking segments 120. Linking segment 120 is adapted to connect wheel engaging segment 110 to hitch engaging segment 130.
[0058] Referring still to FIG. 10, wheel engaging segments 110 of rails 101 and 103 have a height as do hitch engaging segments 130. As illustrated in FIG. 10, each wheel engaging segment 110 has a height greater (when compared to a support surface) than the height of hitch engaging segment 130 such that the respective heights are offset from one another.
[0059] Referring still to FIG. 10, linking segments 120 or rails 101 and 102 comprise a change in height from a distal end to a proximal end such that the height of the proximal end of each linking segment 120 is greater than the height of the distal end of each linking segment 120 when both are compared to a support surface. Stated differently, generally, horizontally disposed wheel engaging segments 110 of each rail 101 and 102 connect to the proximal end of a linking member 120, and hitch engaging segments 130 of each rail 101 and 102 connect to the distal end of linking segment 120 such that each wheel engaging segment 110 and hitch engaging segment 130 are generally disposed parallel to one another but offset by an amount equal to the change in height of linking segment 120.
[0060] Referring again to FIG. 10, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that wheel engaging segments 110 of chassis 100 may be rotatably connected to one or more wheels 300 by any conventional means including a single axis that runs through all of the wheels or plurality of rotatable connections where each rotatable connection is unique to each wheel. Moreover, such connections may be connected to a prime mover including an electric motor, an internal combustion engine, or the like. Those of ordinary skill in the art will further appreciate that any number of wheels or any type of prime mover may be used within the scope of the present invention.
[0061] Turning again to FIG. 1, in the embodiments of FIGS. 9 and 10, trailer assembly 1000, in accordance with the present invention, may be utilized in two modes. The first mode is referred to herein as a “set” mode, and the second mode is referred to herein as a “transport” mode. As further illustrated in FIG. 1, the set mode of trailer assembly 1000 is used to provide convenient access to enclosure 200 of trailer assembly 1000. Once enclosure 200 is fully loaded or fully accessed by a person, including a person who may or may not have disabilities, hitch 400 is attached to a vehicle (not shown) such that trailer assembly 1000 is pivoted about a central axis of wheels 300 such that trailer assembly 1000 may be pulled by a vehicle along a support surface such as a road.
[0062] While this invention has been described with respect to at least one embodiment, the present invention can be further modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains and which fall within the limits of the appended claims.
