LOADING MECHANISM

Abstract

This invention relates to a loading mechanism, including a first roller assembly and second roller assembly, at least one mounting for the first and second roller assemblies, wherein the first roller assembly and second roller assembly each have a longitudinal axis, a drive mechanism configured to rotate the first roller assembly and second roller assembly, so as to move an object, wherein as the weight of the object applies pressure to at least one of the first and second roller assemblies the mounting allows the roller assemblies to move so as to change the angle between the longitudinal axis of the first and second roller assemblies.

Claims

1. A loading mechanism, comprising: a first roller assembly and second roller assembly each having a longitudinal axis; at least one pivoting mounting for the first and second roller assemblies; and a drive mechanism configured to rotate the first roller assembly and second roller assembly, the drive mechanism comprising a hydraulic drive motor connected to at least one roller of the first roller assembly and a hydraulic pump connected to the hydraulic drive motor, whereby operation of the hydraulic pump causes the drive motor to rotate the at least one roller of the first roller assembly so as to move an object, wherein as the weight of the object applies pressure to at least one of the first and second roller assemblies, the at least one pivoting mounting allows the roller assemblies to move so as to change the angle between the longitudinal axis of the first and second roller assemblies, and the first and second roller assemblies are configured to in use provide a self-aligning mechanism which moves the boat toward an optimum position so that when the boat is in the optimum position, the first and second roller assemblies can more effectively apply force to the boat to load that onto the trailer.

2. The loading mechanism as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: a cradle comprising a forward end, backward end, and a center line.

3. The loading mechanism as claimed in claim 2, further comprising: at least two roller assemblies that are positioned on distal sides of the center line with respect to each other.

4. The loading mechanism as claimed in claim 2, wherein the first and second roller assemblies are positioned substantially towards the backward end of the cradle.

5. The loading mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one of the roller assemblies comprises an axle and one or more rollers.

6. The loading mechanism as claimed in claim 5, wherein the drive mechanism is configured to rotate the first and second roller assemblies at a rate of between 6 to 15 revolutions per minute.

7. The loading mechanism as claimed in claim 6, wherein the drive mechanism is configured to rotate the rollers at a rate of 10 revolutions per minute.

8. The loading mechanism as claimed in claim 7, wherein the mounting is configured to enable the first and second roller assemblies to move pivotally.

9. The loading mechanism as claimed in claim 8, wherein the mounting is configured to move the first and second roller assemblies to a default position.

10. The loading mechanism as claimed in claim 9, wherein the default position is a V shape when viewed along the center line.

11. The loading mechanism as claimed in claim 10, wherein the internal angle of the V is in the range substantially 40 degrees to 50 degrees.

12. The loading mechanism as claimed in claim 5, wherein the rollers have an overhang.

13. The loading mechanism as claimed in claim 12, wherein the rollers have a shore hardness in the range of substantially 40 to 80.

14. The loading mechanism as claimed in claim 13, wherein the rollers have a shore hardness of substantially 45.

15. A trailer including a loading mechanism as claimed in claim 1.

16. A loading method that uses a loading mechanism comprising at least two roller assemblies, a drive mechanism, and at least one pivoting mounting for the roller assemblies, the drive mechanism comprising a hydraulic drive motor connected to at least one roller of the first roller assembly and a hydraulic pump connected to the hydraulic drive motor, whereby operation of the hydraulic pump causes the drive motor to rotate the at least one roller of the first roller assembly, the method comprising: using the drive mechanism to rotate the at least two roller assemblies so as to move the object, wherein the weight of the object applies pressure to the roller assemblies so as to cause the roller assemblies to move and thereby change the orientation of at least two of the roller assemblies relative to each other, and the at least two roller assemblies are configured to provide a self-aligning mechanism when in use that moves a boat toward an optimum position so that when the boat is in the optimum position, the at least two roller assemblies can more effectively apply force to the boat to load to boat onto a trailer.

17. A kitset of parts, comprising: at least two roller assemblies; at least one mounting for the at least two roller assemblies; a drive mechanism configured to rotate the at least two roller assemblies when in use, the drive mechanism comprising a hydraulic drive motor connected to at least one roller of the first roller assembly and a hydraulic pump connected to the hydraulic drive motor, whereby operation of the hydraulic pump causes the drive motor to rotate the at least one roller of the first roller assembly; and instructions to secure the kit set of parts to a trailer, wherein the instructions teach a person to configure the components of the kitset such that when assembled and in use, the drive mechanism rotates the at least two roller assemblies so as move an object, and as the weight of the object applies pressure to the at least two roller assemblies, the mounting allows the roller assemblies to move so as to change the orientation of at least two of the roller assemblies relative to each other, and the at least two roller assemblies are configured to provide a self-aligning mechanism when in use that moves a boat toward an optimum position so that when the boat is in the optimum position, the at least two roller assemblies can more effectively apply force to the boat to load to boat onto a trailer.

18. The loading mechanism as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: a cradle comprising a center line.

19. The loading mechanism as claimed in claim 18, wherein the first and second roller assemblies are configured to move the object completely onto and off from the cradle without assistance from another component.

20. The loading mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein the longitudinal axis of the first roller assembly and the longitudinal axis of the second roller assembly together define a V shape when viewed along the center line, the V shape has an internal angle, and as the weight of the object applies pressure to at least one of the first and second roller assemblies, the at least one pivoting mounting allows the roller assemblies to move so as to change the angle between the longitudinal axis of the first and second roller assemblies such that the internal angle of the V shape is also changed.

21. The loading mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein the loading mechanism does not require a separate winch into engagement with the roller assemblies to enable the roller assemblies to move a boat onto the cradle.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0102] Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0103] FIG. 1A is a front perspective view of a trailer incorporating a loading mechanism according to the present invention in the default position;

[0104] FIG. 1B is a rear perspective view of FIG. 1A;

[0105] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a loading mechanism according to the present invention;

[0106] FIG. 2B is a view of FIG. 2A with the roller assemblies in a different position to FIG. 2A;

[0107] FIGS. 3A-3D are schematics showing loading of a boat onto a trailer using a loading mechanism according to the present invention;

[0108] FIG. 4A-4C are end on views of schematics showing FIG. 3;

[0109] FIG. 5A is an end perspective view of a roller according to the present invention;

[0110] FIG. 5B is an end on view of FIG. 5A;

[0111] FIG. 6A is a first close up perspective view of a section of loading mechanism;

[0112] FIG. 6B is a second close up perspective view of the section of a loading mechanism shown in FIG. 6A.

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0113] Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope thereof.

[0114] There is provided a loading mechanism generally indicated as (1). The loading mechanism (1) is secured to a boat trailer (1A).

[0115] The loading mechanism (1) may be sold as a kitset of parts including instructions on how to assemble the loading mechanism (1) to the boat trailer (1A). The instructions (not shown in the Figures) can include any or all of the steps discussed herein.

[0116] Referring first to FIGS. 1A, 1B, and FIGS. 2A, 2B.

[0117] The roller assemblies (2, 3) can pivot with respect to each other so as to change their orientation with respect to each other. In the embodiment shown in the Figures, the roller assemblies (2, 3) can pivot such that they are substantially parallel, with their axis (Y) aligned. This is important to roller assemblies (2, 3) transferring sufficient force to the boat (18) to move it onto or off from the trailer (1A).

[0118] The loading mechanism includes two roller assemblies (2, 3). Each of the roller assemblies (2, 3) are identical, and therefore only roller assembly (2) will be described. However, in the drawings, like references refer to like components.

[0119] Roller assembly (2) includes a mounting arm (4) which pivotally secures the roller assembly (2) to a trailer (5). The mounting arm (4) may be secured to a wobble roller mount as is known to one skilled in the art.

[0120] Roller assembly (2) is free to pivot about pivot point (6). The mounting arm is configured so that the weight of the roller assembly (2) causes it to pivot about pivot point (6) such that an inner end (7) of roller assembly (2) is lower than an outer end (8). Pivoting of the roller assemblies (2, 3) about pivot point (6) enables their orientation with respect to each other.

[0121] The orientation of the roller assemblies (2, 3) with respect to each other is best understood with reference to an imaginary axis indicated as (Y) in FIGS. 2A and 2B. The imaginary axis (Y) extends along the length of the axle (10).

[0122] The internal angle (X) between the axis (Y) of the roller assemblies (2, 3) changes as the roller assemblies (2, 3) pivot about pivot point (6).

[0123] Roller assembly (2) has a plurality of rollers (9) that are each mounted on an axle (10). The rollers (9) are spaced apart from each other along the length of axle (10).

[0124] Spacing the rollers (9) apart allows them to flex independently of each other. Therefore, the rollers (9) may be better able to accommodate changes in shape of the boat hull (20), or plaining lines (23) which the rollers (9) may touch when moving a boat onto or off from a trailer (1A).

[0125] In addition, the rollers (9) are able to be easily cleaned. This can prevent damage to the rollers (9) by particulate matter (grit) or rusting caused by salt water.

[0126] A drive motor (11) is secured to mounting arm (4) and operatively coupled to an axle (10). In use, the drive motor (11) rotates and thereby causes the axle (10) to rotate. This in turn rotates rollers (9)as will be discussed below.

[0127] Drive motors (11) are connected to a hydraulic pump (12) which is mounted on the trailer (1A).

[0128] An electric motor (not shown) is mounted to the trailer and a battery (not shown). The battery provides a power source to drive rotation of the electric motor.

[0129] The electric motor (not shown) drives hydraulic pump (12).

[0130] Hydraulic pump (12) is connected to drive motors (11) in parallel. Therefore, hydraulic pump (12) applies equal driving force to drive motors (11).

[0131] The connection of hydraulic pump (12) to drive motors (11) is such that it can control rotation of drive motors (11) in a clockwise or anticlockwise direction. This enables the drive motors (11) to rotate the axles (10), and thereby the roller assemblies (2, 3), in either a clockwise or anticlockwise direction.

[0132] A remote (not shown) is able to communicate with hydraulic pump (12) and send signals which cause the pump (12) to engage and disengage. The remote can also tell hydraulic pump (12) which direct in to rotate roller assemblies (2,3). This allows a user to control rotation of roller assemblies (2, 3).

[0133] Referring now to FIGS. 5A and 5B which show features of one embodiment of the rollers (9).

[0134] The rollers (9) shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B have a substantially cylindrical shape. Each roller is made from polyurethane has a shore hardness of substantially 70 A.

[0135] Each roller (9) has a central main body (14) and a contact surface (15). The contact surface (15) is longer than the main body (14). This provides an overhang indicated by (16) whereby the contact surface (15) extends beyond the dimensions of the main body (14).

[0136] It is also envisaged that each roller (9) can have a shape and configuration generally similar to a type, having a tread on a contact surface of the roller (9).

In Use

[0137] Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4.

[0138] A vehicle (not shown) is used to position trailer (1A) with respect to a body of water (17).

[0139] Remote (not shown) is used to engage drive mechanism so that hydraulic pump (12) rotates drive motors (11). This in turn causes roller assemblies (2, 3) to rotate.

[0140] A boat (18) is moved so that bow (19) approaches loading mechanism (1).

[0141] One or both of roller assemblies (2, 3) abut boat hull (20) on the side of the boats centre line (21).

[0142] If the boat hull (20) is not in line with the central axis (22) of boat trailer (1A) then the force applied to boat hull (20) moves boat (18) so as to align its centre line (21) with the central axis (22) of the trailer (1A).

[0143] The shape and/or width of boat hull (20) which varies along its length. As boat (18) moves onto the trailer (1A) the boat hull (20) applies pressure to roller assemblies at different angles. This causes roller assemblies (2, 3) to pivot around pivot points (6). Inner end (7) of roller assemblies (2, 3) moves upwards while outer ends (8) pivot downwards.

[0144] This changes the orientation of the roller assemblies (2, 3) with respect to each other.

[0145] The change in orientation of the roller assemblies (2, 3) as the boat hull (20) moves onto trailer (1A) and is best seen in FIGS. 4A-4C.

[0146] The change in angle ensures that the roller assemblies (2, 3) are better able to engage the surface of the boat hull (20) as that moves onto trailer (1A). Accordingly, the roller assemblies (2, 3) are better able to transfer rotation of force to the boat. This may assist in loading and unloading of the boat onto the trailer.

[0147] The roller assemblies (2, 3) continue rotating until the boat is moved entirely onto the trailer (1A).

[0148] Boat hull (20) has plaining lines (23) which extend along its length. If the rollers (9) contact the plaining lines then the rollers (9) can deform (bend) around the plaining lines (23). This is achieved by the overhang (16) providing the roller (9) with a degree of flexibility.

[0149] The rollers (9) deforming helps to ensure that the roller assemblies (2, 3) can maintain contact with the boat hull. This is important in ensuring that the loading mechanisms (1) can apply sufficient force to the boat hull to move it onto the trailer (1A).

[0150] The inventors have found that one of the most difficult aspects of loading a boat onto a trailer is moving the boat (18) when it is substantially out of the water e.g. getting the last 1-2 metres of the boat (18) onto the trailer (1A). At this stage, all of the boat's weight is bearing on the roller assemblies (2, 3).

[0151] The hydraulic pump (12) is disengaged so that roller assemblies (2, 3) stop rotating.

[0152] To unload the boat from the trailer (1A) the remote sends a signal to the pump (12). The pump forces hydraulic fluid through the drive motors (11) in a direction which causes the drive motor (11) to rotate axle (10) in an appropriate direction. Rotation of axle (10) causes rollers (9) to rotate in a corresponding manner. The rollers (9) apply force to boat hull (20) to move boat (18) with respect to the trailer (1A) and into body of water (17).

[0153] It should be appreciated that the present invention has a number of advantages over the prior art.

[0154] The roller assemblies being laterally spaced across the width of the boat trailer (1A) is important. Due to this configuration, the roller assemblies (2, 3) are in-use on either side of the boat's centre line. Therefore, the roller assemblies (2, 3) are able to provide an aligning mechanism to move a boat into an optimum position to be loaded onto the trailer.

[0155] In addition, this enables the roller assemblies to move effectively transfer force to the boat hull so as to load and unload the boat onto the trailer (1A).

[0156] That the roller assemblies are able to move relative to each other also helps them to maintain contact with the boat hull. Again, this is important in helping the roller assemblies (2, 3) to transfer force to and thereby move the boat hull.

[0157] The configuration and properties of the rollers may also important in ensuring that the invention is successful. The inventors have identified the particular ranges of hardness as providing particular advantages.

[0158] Other advantages may include but are not limited to: [0159] Being cost effective to manufacture; [0160] Reliable and less prone to mechanical failure than existing boat trailer mechanisms; [0161] Can be easily retrofitted to existing boat trailers; [0162] Can be easily adapted to work with boats of different sizes, shapes, and dimensions.

[0163] Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope thereof as defined in the appended claims.