Weight Distribution Tag Trailer

Abstract

The present invention comprises a weight distribution tag trailer, having at least some of the following features: (a) a frame assembly, including beams and cross beams and side axle beams, (b) an axle coupled to the frame assembly, (c) shims for optional position between an axle assembly and the side axle beams to allow adjustment of load and balance (d) at least two wheels rotatably mounted to the axle, wherein at least one beam includes an end complementarily sized to be received by a vehicle receiver hitch assembly, and at least one other beam includes a clamp for coupling the beam to a cross frame of the vehicle receiver hitch.

Claims

1. A weight distribution tag trailer attachable to a vehicle having a hitch assembly, the weight distribution tag trailer comprising: an insertion member configured to insert into a receiver opening of the receiver hitch assembly; a first attachment assembly configured to attach the weight distribution tag trailer to the vehicle; a first wheel assembly; an axle assembly attached to the first wheel assembly; and a first shim on the axle assembly, the first shim sized to at least one of configure the weight distribution tag trailer to support a predetermined load and balance the vehicle and the weight distribution tag trailer.

2. The weight distribution tag trailer of claim 1, wherein the weight distribution tag trailer includes a frame assembly and the insertion member is a center main beam of the frame assembly.

3. The weight distribution tag trailer of claim 2, wherein the frame assembly further includes a first attachment beam and a second attachment beam.

4. The weight distribution tag trailer of claim 3, further comprising: a second attachment assembly configured to attach the weight distribution tag trailer to the vehicle.

5. The weight distribution tag trailer of claim 4, wherein the first attachment member is arranged at an end of the first attachment beam and the second attachment assembly is arranged at an end of the second attachment beam.

6. The weight distribution tag trailer of claim 5, wherein the frame assembly further includes a first side axle beam on the first shim.

7. The weight distribution tag trailer of claim 6, further comprising: a second wheel assembly attached to the axle assembly; a second side axle beam; a second shim between the axle assembly and the second side axle beam.

8. The weight distribution tag trailer of claim 1, wherein the axle assembly is one of a torsion axle, a spring axle, and an air axle.

9. The weight distribution tag trailer of claim 8, further comprising: at least one cross beam connected to the first side axle beam, the first attachment beam, the center main beam, the second attachment beam, and the second side axle beam.

10. The weight distribution tag trailer of claim 9, wherein the at least one cross beam is connected to the first side axle beam, the first attachment beam, the center main beam, the second attachment beam, and the second side axle beam by nuts and bolts.

11. The weight distribution tag trailer of claim 1, wherein the first attachment assembly is a clamp.

12. The weight distribution tag trailer of claim 1, wherein the first attachment assembly is a nut a bolt assembly.

13. A weight distribution tag trailer comprising: a frame assembly having a member insertable into a receiver opening of a receiver hitch assembly and a pair of connector assemblies configured to couple to a cross frame of the receiver hitch; a pair of wheel assemblies connected to an axle assembly; and a pair of shims between the frame assembly and the axle assembly.

14. The weight distribution tag trailer of claim 13, wherein the member insertable into the receiver opening of the hitch is a center main beam.

15. The weight distribution tag trailer of claim 14, wherein the frame assembly includes the center main beam, a pair of attachment beams, and a pair of side axle beams wherein the pair of shims is between the pair of side axle beams and the axle assembly.

16. The weight distribution tag trailer of claim 15, wherein the pair of connector assemblies are arranged at ends of the pair of attachment bars.

17. A weight distribution tag trailer comprising: a center main beam configured to insert into a receiver opening of a receiver hitch; a first attachment beam with a first connector configured to connect the first attachment beam to a cross frame of the receiver hitch; a second attachment beam with a second connector configured to connect the second attachment beam to the cross frame of the receiver hitch; a first side axle beam; a second side axle beam; a first cross beam connected to the first side axle beam, the first attachment beam, the center main beam, the second attachment beam, and the second side axle beam; an axle assembly; a first wheel assembly attached to the axle assembly; a second wheel assembly attached to the axle assembly; a first shim between the first side axle beam and the axle assembly; and a second shim between the second side axle beam and the axle assembly.

18. The weight distribution tag trailer of claim 17, wherein the first and second connectors comprise nuts and bolts.

19. The weight distribution tag trailer of claim 17, wherein the first and second connectors are clamps.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Illustrated embodiments of the disclosure are described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, which are incorporated by reference herein.

[0019] FIG. 1 illustrates a side perspective view of a prior art, O.E.M. (or equivalent) class III-IV-V receiver hitch assembly;

[0020] FIG. 2 illustrates a side perspective view of a weight distribution tag trailer in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] FIG. 3 illustrates an overhead view of a weight distribution tag trailer in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] FIG. 4 illustrates a rear perspective view of a weight distribution tag trailer in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] FIG. 5 illustrates a side perspective view of a vehicle with a WDTT in accordance with

[0024] an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0025] FIG. 6 provides a rear view of a weight distribution tag trailer in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of prior art

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] The following discussion is presented to enable a person skilled in the art to make and use the present teachings. Various modifications to the illustrated embodiments will be clear to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles herein may be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the present teachings. Thus, the present teachings are not intended to be limited to embodiments shown, but are to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein. The following detailed description is to be read with reference to the figures, in which like elements in different figures have like reference numerals. The figures, which are not necessarily to scale, depict selected embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the present teachings. Skilled artisans will recognize the examples provided herein have many useful alternatives and fall within the scope of the present teachings. While embodiments of the present invention are discussed in terms of weight distribution tag trailers (“WDTT”), it is fully contemplated that embodiments of the present invention could be used in most any weight distribution trailer application without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0028] With reference to FIGS. 1 and 7, an O.E.M. (Original Equipment Manufacturer) or equivalent, class III-IV-V receiver hitch assembly 10 and assembly 11 are shown. A receiver hitch assembly 10 or 11 can be attached to a vehicle frame before or after market. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 7, a receiver opening 12 accepts most any type of towing connectors and is discussed in greater detail below. Referring to FIG. 1, a cross frame 14 is coupled to receiver frame-arms 16, typically as one piece or welded on. Receiver frame-arms 16 are then coupled to the frame of a vehicle with a fastener through coupling 18, with a nut and bolt assembly, riveted and/or sometimes welded for permanency. As shown in FIG. 7, a drop style receiver 11 may alternatively be used and comprises a receiver opening 11, a cross frame 15, receiver arms 17, and coupling 19. The method of connection of receiver hitch assembly to the vehicle is peripheral to the discussion of the present invention and alternative connections are generally known to those skilled in the art.

[0029] With reference to FIGS. 2 and 6, two views of a weight distribution tag trailer 20 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The weight distribution tag trailer, referenced as numeral 20, hereinafter referred to as WDTT 20, includes a frame assembly 2, torsion axle assembly 40, wheels or wheel assemblies as are known in the art 34 rotatably mounted to the torsion axle assembly 40 (see FIG. 6) and a braking assembly (not shown, but may comprise a commonly known braking assembly, e.g., electric drum brakes). Frame assembly 2 is comprised of attachment beams 22 and 26 and center main beam 24 transversely coupled to cross beams 32, which are coupled to side axle beams 44. The WDTT 20 can be attached to the O.E.M. receiver hitch assembly 10 or 11 (See FIG. 1 and FIG. 7) of a towing vehicle with attachment beams 22 and 26 and center main beam 24. The center main beam 24 plugs into or is received by the receiver opening 12 and can be held in place with pin assembly or other securement as known in the art. The two attachment beams 22 and 26 clamp onto (or are otherwise associated by methods known in the art) the O.E.M. hitch assembly 10 or 11 cross frame 14 or 15 with attachment clamps 30 as far out as possible—approximately in line with the towing vehicle's main frame. Attachment clamps 30 are held to receiver cross frame 14 or 15 with a nut a bolt assembly 4, but can be secured to cross frame 14 or 15 in most any fashion without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0030] In embodiments of the present invention, WDTT frame 2 is used as a suspension system in a lifting fashion to leverage and transfer weight from the rear axle 58 of vehicle 50 (See FIG. 5). The total WDTT 20 is preferably assembled with bolts to allow use of axle adjusting shims 36 (See FIG. 3) to accurately balance the vehicle for driving safety. However, as would be known by one of ordinary skill in the art, other embodiments may comprise weldments or other means of securing some or all components. In one example, approximately 1000 lbs. of the vehicle rear axle 58 weight can be redistributed, moving approximately 30% of the weight to the vehicle front axle 56 and approximately 70% to the WDTT 20. The percentages can change with the measurements, dimensions and positions of the front axle 56, to rear axle 58 and to the tag axle 20 on different vehicles. The bolts employed to assemble the WDTT can be ½″ grade 5 hard with nuts and lock washers or double nuts with retaining compound. The present design fosters lower production and labor costs than other auxiliary axle options making the WDTT 20 affordable. Cross beams 32 of frame 2 for WDTT 20 can be bolted with no welding. The WDTT 20 is adjustable for use with different vehicles providing an added advantage. Cross beams 32 couple all three beams 22, 24 and 26 together into the rectangular frame 2 but are not limited to such. At both ends of torsion axle assembly 40 (FIG. 6), a wheel assembly 34 is coupled providing for rotational movement of WDTT 20. Wheel assembly 34 is comprised of a rim and tires coupled to torsion axle assembly 40. The braking assembly can comprise commonly known electric brake drums or other known braking means, and allows for further vehicle stopping and slowing power when carrying extra weight. A unique advantage of the WDTT 20 is the additional 2000 lb. braking power provided when used as a tag axle only or as a replacement for a weight distribution hitch.

[0031] With reference to FIG. 3, an overhead view of a weight distribution tag trailer in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The torsion axle assembly 40 is shown in FIG. 6 as traversing from and coupling to both wheel assemblies 34. Referring back to FIG. 3, torsion axle assembly 40 is shown coupled to side axle beams 44 and running underneath three beams 22, 24 and 26 and part of frame 2. In this view, torsion axle assembly 40 and cross beams 32 can be shown bolted to side axle beams 44.

[0032] Optionally, an alignment plate 46 bolts to the center main beam 24 and has a perpendicular surface 37 (See FIG. 4) that rests against the rear surface 39 of the front cross beam 32. This guarantees that the frame 2 is in generally perpendicular alignment, fostering alignment of the trailer wheels 34 to those of the towing vehicle 50. The plate 46 also provides added stability to the WDTT 20 by coupling cross beams 32 and center beam 24.

[0033] A trailer electrical connector 48 is shown in FIG. 2. Electrical connector 48 can couple to vehicle 50 via a 4-pin or 7-way connector as is known in the art to provide power for indicator lights such as electric brakes, running lights, brake lights and turn signals, but the invention is not limited to these types of connectors and most any electrical connection is envisioned without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0034] A ball hitch 62 (as is known in the art and seen in FIGS. 4 and 5) can be attached to the rear of the center main beam 24 at receiver 60 to pull a trailer, effectively replacing a standard weight distribution hitch (see FIG. 4 and FIG. 5). The ball hitch 62 could be coupled at receiver 60 in most any fashion including a bolt carrier and cotter pin assembly without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0035] Load and balance can be adjusted with shims 36 between torsion axle assembly 40 and side axle beams 44 as shown in FIG. 3. The model shown in FIG. 3 has GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) of 2000 lbs. and is a non-steerable skid type. Thus, weight within the bed of a towing vehicle 50 can be distributed up to 2,000 lbs to WDTT 20.

[0036] Many truck campers 70 are designed to extend three feet or more past the rearward end of the pickup cargo bed which makes the vehicle 50 rear heavy and front light (See, e.g., FIG. 5). Adding WDTT 20 achieves a broader stance from corner to opposite corner for much safer and more stable driving (especially in windy conditions). More tires remain on the road in the case of a tire failure. Further, it is contemplated wheel assemblies 34 only contact ground when the vehicle 50 is loaded over, for example, but not for limitation, approximately 500 lbs., thus saving wear and tear on wheel assemblies 34.

[0037] With reference to FIG. 5, a side perspective view of a vehicle with a WDTT 20 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Vehicle 50 is shown carrying a “truck camper” 70. Considering truck campers can weigh between 2,000 to 6,000 lbs, WDTT 20 can relieve a portion of the weight of the camper 70 when properly attached as shown in FIG. 5. Storage box and steps are additional amenities for possible use on WDTT 20. While they have nothing to do with the operation of WDTT 20 they can provide additional user ease of use for camper 70 by providing ease of access to camper 70.

[0038] The invention is not to be limited to the embodiments described herein. The foregoing description has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list or limit any of the invention to the precise forms disclosed. It is contemplated other alternatives or exemplary aspects are considered included in the invention. The description is merely examples of embodiments, processes or methods of the invention. It is understood any other modifications, substitutions, and/or additions can be made, which are within the intended spirit and scope of the invention.