OFF-ROAD TRAILER
20250026421 ยท 2025-01-23
Inventors
Cpc classification
B62D63/062
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
International classification
Abstract
An off-road trailer includes a lower frame, a housing positioned on the lower frame, an extendible trailer tongue with a ball hitch receiver, an upper frame positioned above an upper surface of the housing, a rear frame, and at least two wheels. The upper frame and housing may store off-road gear, such as camping accessories. The housing may have one or more retractable platforms that may receive additional gear. Due to the configuration of the lower frame and the wheels, the trailer may be configured to traverse numerous types of terrain due to its lightweight frame and maneuverability.
Claims
1. An off-road trailer comprising: a lower frame; at least two wheels coupled to the lower frame; a housing positioned on the lower frame, the housing comprising a door that provides access to an opening in the housing, the door comprising a latch and door fasteners to secure the door to the housing; an extendible trailer tongue coupled to and extending from the lower frame; a ball hitch receiver coupleable to the extendible trailer tongue; and a rear frame attached to the lower frame, the rear frame comprising at least two vertical supports and one or more horizontal supports.
2. The off-road trailer of claim 1, further comprising an upper frame positioned above an upper surface of the housing.
3. The off-road trailer of claim 1, wherein the one or more horizontal supports comprise a first, upper support; a second, middle support; and a third, lower support.
4. The off-road trailer of claim 1, further comprising a first bracket and a second bracket coupled to the rear frame.
5. The off-road trailer of claim 4, wherein a first bearing member is interposed between and coupled to the first bracket and the second bracket, the first bearing member receives a first arm that extends rearward from the rear frame.
6. The off-road trailer of claim 5, wherein the first arm receives one of the at least two wheels at an end opposite coupling to the first bearing member.
7. The off-road trailer of claim 1, further comprising a third bracket and a fourth bracket coupled to the rear frame.
8. The off-road trailer of claim 7, wherein a second bearing member is interposed between and coupled to the third bracket and the fourth bracket, the second bearing member receives a second arm that extends rearward from the rear frame.
9. The off-road trailer of claim 8, wherein the second arm receives one of the at least two wheels at an end opposite coupling to the second bearing member.
10. The off-road trailer of claim 2, wherein the upper frame is coupled to the lower frame and supported via one or more upper frame supports.
11. The off-road trailer of claim 1, wherein the extendible trailer tongue comprises a tongue member that is removably attachable to the off-road trailer to increase or decrease the length of the extendible trailer tongue.
12. The off-road trailer of claim 1, wherein the housing comprises a first platform that is hingedly coupled to a side of the housing.
13. The off-road trailer of claim 1, wherein the housing comprises a second platform coupled to a rear side of the trailer.
14. The off-road trailer of claim 1, further comprising a first shock coupled to the rear frame and a first arm.
15. The off-road trailer of claim 1, further comprising a second shock coupled to the rear frame and a second arm.
16. An off-road trailer comprising: a lower frame; a housing positioned on the lower frame, the housing comprising: one or more platforms, and a door with a latch; an extendible trailer tongue coupled to and extending from the lower frame; a ball hitch receiver coupleable to the extendible trailer tongue; a rear frame attached to the lower frame; and a first wheel coupled to the trailer via a first arm and a second wheel coupled to the trailer via a second arm; wherein the first arm is coupled to a first bearing member fastened to the rear frame, and the second arm is coupled to a second bearing member that is fastened to the rear frame.
17. The off-road trailer of claim 16, wherein the one or more platforms comprise a first platform and a second platform.
18. The off-road trailer of claim 17, wherein the first platform is coupled to a side of the housing via a first tether and a second tether.
19. An off-road trailer comprising: a lower frame; a housing positioned on the lower frame, the housing comprising: a first platform coupled to a side of the housing via one or more hinges, wherein the first platform moves from a secured, vertical position, being secured to a platform spacer on the side of the housing with a platform fastener, to a resting, horizontal position; and a door that provides access to an opening in the housing, the door comprising a latch and door fasteners to secure the door to the housing; a trailer tongue coupled to and extending from the lower frame; an upper frame positioned above an upper surface of the housing; a rear frame attached to the lower frame; a first bearing member coupled to the rear frame with a first bracket and a second bracket; a second bearing member coupled to the rear frame with a third bracket and a fourth bracket; and at least two wheels coupled to the first bearing member and the second bearing member via a first arm and a second arm.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS
[0025] While embodiments of the present disclosure may be subject to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. However, the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the particular features, forms, components, etc. disclosed. Rather, the present disclosure will cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the present disclosure.
[0026] Reference to the invention, the present disclosure, or the like are not intended to restrict or limit the invention, the present disclosure, or the like to exact features or steps of any one or more of the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein. References to one embodiment, an embodiment, alternate embodiments, some embodiments, and the like, may indicate that the embodiment(s) so described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes the particular feature, structure, or characteristic.
[0027] Any arrangements herein are meant to be illustrative and do not limit the invention's scope. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Unless otherwise defined herein, such terms are intended to be given their ordinary meaning not inconsistent with that applicable in the relevant industry and without restriction to any specific embodiment hereinafter described.
[0028] It will be understood that the steps of any such processes or methods are not limited to being carried out in any particular sequence, arrangement, or with any particular graphics or interface. In fact, the steps of the disclosed processes or methods generally may be carried out in various, different sequences and arrangements while still being in the scope of the present invention. Certain terms are used herein, such as comprising and including, and similar terms are meant to be open and not closed terms. These terms should be understood as, for example, including, but not limited to.
[0029] As previously described, there is a need for an off-road vehicle that is compatible with side-by-side vehicles, is lightweight, and highly maneuverable. The present invention seeks to solve these and other problems.
[0030] Off-road vehicles have been an important part of modern-day society as well as trailers towed by these types of vehicles. Due to the increase in individuals recreating, many have sought vehicles and trailers that can take them to majestic locations off of paved roads. Accordingly, individuals have sought for vehicles that can handle such roads as well as trailers that can withstand difficult terrain.
[0031] Trailers have evolved over the years to address the needs of off-roaders and the challenging landscapes that are crossed. Even with the evolution of trailers, there are still many shortcomings with off-road trailers. Some of these shortcomings come from off-road trailers on the market today failing to provide stability, maneuverability, and clearance to traverse rough roads. In addition, many off-road trailers are not optimized for side-by-side vehicles and are usually too heavy and cumbersome for these vehicles and other small vehicles.
[0032] The off-road trailer described herein comprises frames, a housing, at least two wheels, and shock-absorbing mechanisms. The housing may allow a user to store numerous items therein for off-road adventures. Due to the lightweight frames and housing, a side-by-side vehicle may pull the trailer to numerous locations and over various terrains, where conventional or other similar types of trailers would not be successful.
[0033] As shown in
[0034] The lower frame 102 may comprise a main frame 116 and supports 118 that are fastened thereto at various angles so as to provide stability and support. The lower frame 102 may be manufactured from a steel material, whether tubular or square-shaped. In some embodiments, the lower framer 102 may be manufactured from aluminum, carbon fiber, or any other type of material known in the art. The main frame 116 may comprise a first side 120, a second side 122, a front 124, and a back 126. The first side 120 and the second side 122 may each comprise fastening members 128 to receive rachet straps 130 that hold down gear, such as tents, sleeping pads, and clothing. The rachet straps 130 may be able to extend from the first side 120 of the main frame 116 to the second side 122 of the main frame 116 over the housing 104, thereby securely holding any gear to the upper frame 110 and housing 104. The fastening members 128 may include eye bolts or any other fastening mechanism capable of receiving rachet straps or ropes.
[0035] Referring to
[0036] Referring to
[0037] As shown in
[0038] As shown in
[0039] As shown in
[0040] As shown in
[0041] The trailer 100 may further comprise a first shock 164A coupled to the rear frame 112 at one end, the second shock-absorbing bracket 160B and the first shock-absorbing bracket 160A at an opposite end, and a second shock 164B coupled to the rear frame 112 at one end, the fourth shock-absorbing bracket 160D and the third shock-absorbing bracket 160C at an opposite end. The first and second shocks 164A, 164B may be adjustable shocks that can be adjusted based on terrain. The first and second shocks 164A, 164B may be capable of 12 of travel or more, which allows the trailer to traverse boulders, logs, etc. The first and second wheel structure axles 169A, 169B may allow the first and second wheels 114A, 114B to move up and down in conjunction with the first and second shocks 164A, 164B.
[0042] Furthermore, the rear frame 112 may comprise a hingedly coupled second platform 166 that may be folded up against and secured to the housing via a platform fastener 168 (e.g., bolt and wing nut). A spacer 170 may be positioned on the platform fastener 168 so as to be positioned between the housing 104 and platform 166 when the platform 166 is in an upright position. The spacer 170 may be made of rubber, which may assist in securing the platform 166 to the housing 104. The platform 166 may be configured to receive gear, such as water canisters 171 or any other type of gear. The platform 166 may include a first platform bracket 172A and a second platform bracket 172B, which may be coupled to platform supports 174A, 174B. The platform supports 174A, 174B may secure the platform 166. As such, the platform supports 174A, 174B are coupled to the first platform bracket 172A and the second platform bracket 172B, respectively, and the rear frame 112 and/or housing 104. The platform supports 174A, 174B may be coupled to the trailer 100 via couplers. In addition, the second platform 166 may comprise a third platform bracket 176A on one side of the platform 166 and a fourth platform bracket 176B on a side of the platform 166 opposite the third platform bracket 176A. The third platform bracket 176A may receive a first spacer 178A that is coupled to the third platform bracket 176A. The first spacer 178A may be positioned between the water canisters 171 and the third platform bracket 176A. The fourth platform bracket 176B may receive a second spacer 178B that is coupled to the fourth platform bracket 176B. The second spacer 178B may be positioned between the water canisters 171 and the fourth platform bracket 176B. The third and fourth platform brackets 176A, 176B may also receive a rod 180 or any other type of securement device. The rod 180 may pass from the third platform bracket 176A to the fourth platform bracket 176B and secured via a bracket fastener 182. The rod 180 may comprise threads that mate with the bracket fastener 182. Further, a gear fastener 184 may be placed over the gear or water canisters 171 and coupled to the platform supports 174A, 174B. The gear fastener 184 may be a stretchable material or a non-stretchable material.
[0043] As shown in
[0044] The trailer 100 may vary in length and width. For example, the trailer 100 may be 50 to be compatible with Forest Service trails that have width limits. In other embodiments, the trailer 100 may be 65 in width to accommodate larger side-by-side vehicles. The trailer 100 may be manufactured in a variety of widths, as well as lengths. It will be appreciated that the trailer 100 is light weight and capable of traversing numerous types of terrain. Due to less components and its configuration, the trailer 100 may be less expensive to manufacture than many other similar types of trailers on the market.
[0045] As shown in
[0046] The lower frame 202 may comprise supports 210 that are fastened thereto at various angles so as to provide stability and support. The lower frame 202 may be manufactured from a steel material, whether tubular or square-shaped. In some embodiments, the lower framer 202 may be manufactured from aluminum, carbon fiber, or any other type of material known in the art. The lower frame 202 may comprise a first side 212, a second side 214, a front 216, and a back 218. The first side 212 and the second side 214 may each comprise fastening members to receive, for example, rachet straps that hold down gear, such as tents, sleeping pads, and clothing. The fastening members may include eye bolts or any other fastening mechanism capable of receiving rachet straps or ropes.
[0047] The front 216 of the lower frame 202 may comprise a first and a second protrusion (not shown, same as trailer 100) that may each be generally cylindrically shaped. The first and second protrusions may be configured to receive a first and a second trailer jack to help stabilize the trailer. The first and second trailer jacks may comprise removably attachable bottom portions, such as wheels or stands. It will be appreciated that jacks with wheels can aid in easily moving the trailer 200. In some embodiments, the front 216 of the lower frame 202 and a front of the housing 204 may include a spare tire and fuel container coupled thereto. The fuel container may be coupled to the housing via a washer and a container fastener. The container fastener may be a toolless fastener, meaning that a user may remove the container fastener by hand. In other embodiments, the container fastener may be configured to receive a tool to be tightened or loosened. The container fastener may comprise a first finger grip and a second finger grip to aid a user in securing or removing the container fastener. Furthermore, the front 216 may receive a first upper frame support and a second upper frame support, where both may couple to and provide support to the upper frame.
[0048] The extendible trailer tongue may comprise a tongue member that may be removably attachable and adds length to the trailer. If a user desires to decrease the length of the trailer, the user may remove the tongue member and attach the ball hitch receiver to the shortened extendible trailer tongue. It will be appreciated that portions of the ball hitch receiver may be capable of rotating 360 degrees to prevent the off-road vehicle from rolling over if the trailer 200 were to tip.
[0049] The housing 204 may be coupled to the lower frame with bolts and nuts. Other securement mechanisms may include welding. The housing 204 may comprise panels that may be manufactured out of an aluminum material, or any other type of material, such as steel or plastic. The panels may be fastened together via rivets. In some embodiments, the panels may be fastened together via welding or other securement mechanisms. In some embodiments, the housing 204 may be manufactured as a single unit. In some embodiments, the housing 204 may comprise a hingedly coupled first platform that can be secured against the housing 204. Positioned on an upper surface of the housing may be a grease panel that prevents cooking particles from cooking devices sitting on the platform from reaching gear on the upper frame.
[0050] On a side opposite the hingedly coupled platform, the housing 204 may include a door that is hingedly coupled thereto that covers an opening into an interior compartment of the housing 204. The upper frame may be located above the housing and comprise a first upper frame support and a second upper frame support. The upper frame may be configured to receive gear, such as a pop-up tent, sleeping gear, or other types of gear.
[0051] The rear frame 206 may be coupled to the lower frame 202 and extend vertically therefrom so as to be proximate a rear side of the housing 204. The housing 204 may be coupled to the rear frame 206 with fasteners, such as bolts and nuts. The rear frame 206 may comprise at least two vertical supports 220A, 220B and a first, upper horizontal support 222A, a second, middle support 222B, and a third, lower support 222C. While three horizontal supports 222A-222C are shown, it will be appreciated that there may be more or less three horizontal supports. The rear frame 206 provides additional strength and structural stability to the trailer 200, as well as a location to receive the wheels. The rear frame 206 and/or lower frame 202 may receive a first and a second bracket 224A, 224B on a first side, and a third and a fourth bracket 226A, 226B on a second side. The first and second brackets 224A, 224B may be coupled to and interposed between the second support 222B and the third support 222C. The third and fourth brackets 226A, 226B may be coupled to and interposed between the second support 222B and the third support 222C. The first and second brackets 224A, 224B may include a first bearing member 228A (e.g., a bearing with brackets or coupling members) that is interposed thereinbetween. A first arm 230A may couple to the first bearing member 228A at a first end of the first arm 230A and a first wheel axle 232A on a second end of the first arm 230A, the first wheel axle 232A being coupled to the first wheel 208A. The third and fourth brackets 226A, 226B may include a second bearing member 228B (e.g., a bearing with brackets or coupling members) that is interposed thereinbetween. A second arm 230B may couple to the second bearing member 228B at a first end of the second arm 230B and a second wheel axle 232B on a second end of the second arm 230B, the second wheel axle 232B being coupled to the second wheel 208B. The first and second arms 230A, 230B may extend outward from the rear frame 206. Positioned on an outer side of the first and second arms 230A, 230B may be the first wheel and the second wheel 208A, 208B, respectively. It will be appreciated that due to the configuration of the first and second arms 230A, 230B and the first and second wheels 208A, 208B a user may easily remove the wheels to replace them or repair them.
[0052] A first and a second shock-absorbing bracket 234A, 234B may be positioned on the first arm 230A, and a third and a fourth shock-absorbing bracket 236A, 236B may be positioned on a second arm 230B. The first and the second shock-absorbing brackets 234A, 234B may receive a first end of a first shock 238A. A second end of the first shock 238A may then be coupled to the first horizontal support 222A. In some embodiments, the second end of the first shock 238A may be coupled to the second or third supports 222B, 222C. The third and fourth shock-absorbing brackets 236A, 236B may receive a first end of a second shock 238B. A second end of the second shock 238B may then be coupled to the first horizontal support 222A. In some embodiments, the second end of the second shock 238B may be coupled to the second or third supports 222B, 222C. The first and second shocks 238A, 238B may be adjustable shocks that can be adjusted based on terrain. The first and second shocks 238A, 238B may be capable of up to 12 of travel or more, which allows the trailer to traverse boulders, logs, etc. The first- and second-wheel axles 232A, 232B and/or the first and second arms 230A, 230B may allow the first and second wheels 208A, 208B to move up and down in conjunction with the first and second shocks 238A, 238B.
[0053] The tires and wheels 208A, 208B may be full-sized truck tires. Other types of off-road tires may be used without departing herefrom, such as UTV or motorcycle tires. The tires and wheels 208A, 208B may be heavy duty, meaning the tires and wheels 208A, 208B may withstand, for example, thousands of pounds of load and rocky terrain.
[0054] Furthermore, the rear frame 206 may comprise a hingedly coupled second platform 240 that may be folded up against and secured to the housing 204. The second platform 240 may be configured to receive gear, such as water canisters or any other type of gear. The platform 240 may include a first platform bracket 242A and a second platform bracket 242B, which may each be coupled to platform supports 244A, 244B, respectively. The platform supports 244A, 244B may secure the platform 240 in a down, resting position. Accordingly, the platform supports 244A, 244B are coupled to the first platform bracket 242A and the second platform bracket 242B, respectively, and the rear frame 206 and/or housing 204. The platform supports 244A, 244B may be coupled to the rear frame 206 and/or housing 204 via couplers. The trailer 200 may be configured to receive a pop-up tent with a ladder. The trailer 200 may vary in length and width. For example, the trailer may be 50 to be compatible with Forest Service trails that have width limits. In other embodiments, the trailer may be 65 in width to accommodate larger side-by-side vehicles. The trailer 200 may be manufactured in a variety of widths, as well as lengths. It will be appreciated that the wheels on the back of the trailer 200 aid in placing the weight of the trailer on the rear of the transporting vehicle.
[0055] It will be understood that while various embodiments have been disclosed herein, other embodiments are contemplated. Further, certain embodiments of the present disclosure may include, incorporate, or otherwise comprise properties or features described in other embodiments. Consequently, various features of certain embodiments can be compatible with, combined with, included in, and/or incorporated into other embodiments of the present disclosure. Therefore, disclosure of certain features or components relative to a specific embodiment of the present disclosure should not be construed as limiting the application or inclusion of said features or components to the specific embodiment unless stated. As such, other embodiments can also include said features, components, members, elements, parts, and/or portions without necessarily departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The embodiments described herein are examples of the present disclosure. Accordingly, unless a feature or component is described as requiring another feature or component in combination therewith, any feature herein may be combined with any other feature of a same or different embodiment disclosed herein. Although only a few of the example embodiments have been described in detail herein, those skilled in the art will appreciate that modifications are possible without materially departing from the present disclosure described herein. Accordingly, all modifications may be included within the scope of this invention.