MODULAR TRAILER

Abstract

A modular trailer with a fold-down configuration designed to be coupled to motor vehicles. It incorporates a main frame module, including a tow-bar assembly, two support brackets with retractable wheels and a self-supporting chassis to which supplementary modules can be attached.

Claims

1. A folding, modular trailer that can be hitched to motor vehicles, consisting of a main frame module (1) which comprises a tow-bar assembly (10, 23), a self-supporting chassis (9) fitted with a base structure and connection handles (12), mudguards (13), tow-bar coupling (14) and an axle with wheels (15), characterised in that the base structure of the self-supporting chassis (9) is configured with a central recess fitted with a reinforcement profile (16), on which other supplementary modules (2-7) can be attached by means of quick lock fittings (17), the space between the sides and the central recess being covered by a reinforcement (18) folded into a Z shape; The tow-bar assembly (10, 23) comprises at least two sections: a front section (10.1), with a coupling head (19), a central section (10.2) and rear section (10.3) that couple with the tow-bar coupling (14) on the self-supporting chassis (9), the front section (10.1) being coupled to the central section (10.2) by means of two fastening plates (20) positioned on either side of the sections and opposite each other, joined together by means of anchoring means (21), self-anchoring means (57), and a pin (22) fitted on the underside of the tow-bar (10), the middle section (10.2) being coupled to the rear section (10.3) by means of two fastening plates (20) positioned on either side of the sections and opposite each other, joined together by means of anchoring means (21), self-anchoring means (57), and a pin (22) fitted on the top side of the tow-bar (10), and in that the main frame module (1) includes two support brackets with retractable wheels (11).

2. A modular trailer, according to claim 1, wherein the tow-bar assembly (23) has balls (24), balls with support (24.1) and sets of balls (24.2), fitted as permanent or removable fixtures.

3. A modular trailer, according to claim 1, wherein a light and registration number plate module (8) comprising a rectangular structure with two side pockets in which the lights (25) are housed, allowing a space between the two pockets that houses the registration number plate (26), and which includes fastening devices (27) on the back is envisaged as a supplementary module to be attached by fastening means.

4. A modular trailer, according to claim 1, wherein a motorcycle carrier module (2) comprising a wheel stop assembly (29), a wheel guide assembly (30) and a folding platform (28) configured by a rear module (32), a middle module (33) and a front module (34) is envisaged as a supplementary module to be attached by means of quick lock fittings (17).

5. A modular trailer, according to claim 4, wherein the rear module (32) comprises a support structure (35) with reinforcements (36) at both ends, configured with raised sides in relation to its base, covered by rear support plates (37) configured with an inclined extension and fitted with a slot (38), coupling, on the base of the support structure (35), a profile section (39) connecting the central module (33) by means of quick lock fittings (17); the central module (33) comprises a support structure (35), configured with raised sides in relation to its base, covered by central support plates (40), configured with an inclined extension, larger than the rear support plates (37) and fitted with a slot (38), coupling onto the base of the support structure (35) a profile section (39.1) connecting the front module (34) by means of quick lock fittings (17); the front module (34) comprises a support structure (35), configured with raised sides in relation to its base, covered by front support plates (41) configured with an inclined extension, larger than the central support plates (40) and fitted with a slot (38), coupling onto the base of the support structure (35) a profile section (39.2) connecting the wheel guide assembly (30) by means of quick lock fittings (17).

6. A modular trailer, according to claim 4, wherein the support plates (37-40 and 41) are connected to each other in such a way that the slots are aligned in a staggered formation to enable them subsequently to be folded; in the same way, the profile sections (39-39.1 and 39.2) can be coupled to each other, due to their dimensional difference, to enable them subsequently to be folded.

7. A modular trailer, according to claim 4, wherein the wheel stop assembly (29) comprises a support connecting to the tow-bar (10) and a clamping bracket with handles; and the wheel guide assembly (30) comprises two guiding sections (42), connected to each other and coupled to the tow-bar (10), incorporating a rocker arm assembly (31) at the free end.

8. A modular trailer, according to claim 1, wherein a bicycle carrier module (4) comprising a folding platform (28) and several clamping brackets (43), fitted vertically and distributed at equal distances along the centre of the folding platform (28), connected to sets of wheel clamps (44) attached on the support plates (37-40 and 41) of the folding platform (28), and which also includes a clamping support (45) coupled to the tow-bar (10) is envisaged as a supplementary module to be attached by quick lock fittings (17).

9. A modular trailer, according to claim 1, wherein a nautical module (3) comprising a support structure (47), a hand winch (51) and a folding platform (46) made of three support structures (35), connected together by means of profile sections (39-39.1 and 39.2),including roller supports (48) at the ends of the support structures (35) and wheel supports (49) on the side walls of said structures, further including a loading roller (50) at the free end of the profile section (39) and two sets of roller supports (48) and two sets of wheel supports (49) on the top part and the inclined portion of the reinforcements (18) on the self- supporting chassis (9) is envisaged as a supplementary module to be attached by quick lock fittings (17).

10. A modular trailer, according to claim 1, wherein the support structure (47) is configured with raised sides in relation to its base, including roller supports (48) on each side and wheel supports (49) on the inclined sections, including a clamping support (47.1) in the underside of its middle portion to couple the structure to the tow-bar (10).

11. A modular trailer, according to claim 1, wherein a special transport module (5) comprising a folding platform (52) consisting of three support structures (54), connected to each other by profile sections (39-39.1 and 39.2); a guide assembly (53) formed by two guiding sections (42) joined together and coupled onto the tow-bar (10) by means of profiles (53.1) fitted on its lower part; and a hand winch (51), is envisaged as a supplementary module to be attached via quick lock fittings (17).

12. A modular trailer, according to claim 1, wherein a luggage carrier module (6) comprising a fold-down chest (55) and a rear module (32) is envisaged as a supplementary module to be attached via quick lock fittings (17).

13. A modular trailer, according to claim 1, wherein a mixed-load module (7) comprising a platform (56) configured with various structural sections to form a flat rectangular platform, on which permanent or removable balls (24) are fitted, which attaches to a support structure (35) with reinforcements (36) at both ends, configured with raised sides in relation to its base and which has a profile section (39) fitted onto the support structure (35) connecting the self-supporting chassis (9) is envisaged as a supplementary module to be attached by quick lock fittings (17).

14. A modular trailer, according to claim 1, wherein the assembly formed by the coupling of the main frame module (1) with any of the modules (2-7) described in the invention can be folded as a single unit, and the main frame module (1) and all the additional modules (2-7) can be folded separately.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0041] For clearer comprehension of the object of the present addition, a preferred practical embodiment of it is shown in the attached drawing.

[0042] In said drawing,

[0043] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the main frame module.

[0044] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the main frame module when folded, in which the lower set of wheels for easy manoeuvrability is depicted.

[0045] FIG. 3 shows a rear view of the self-supporting chassis.

[0046] FIG. 4 is a front view of the self-supporting chassis with construction details.

[0047] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the tow-bar assembly.

[0048] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the coupling between different sections of the tow-bar.

[0049] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the coupling between different sections of the tow-bar.

[0050] FIG. 8 shows a profile view of the tow-bar, in its alternative embodiment, fitted with several balls along the structure.

[0051] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the tow-bar in its alternative embodiment, fitted with several balls along the structure.

[0052] FIG. 10 shows a side elevation view of the light and registration plate module.

[0053] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the light and registration plate module.

[0054] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the motorcycle carrier module.

[0055] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a construction detail of the motorcycle carrier module rocker arm assembly.

[0056] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a constructive detail of the motorcycle carrier module wheel guide assembly.

[0057] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the folded motorcycle carrier module.

[0058] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the motorcycle module platform, showing construction details.

[0059] FIG. 17 shows an elevation view of the rear module of the motorcycle carrier platform.

[0060] FIG. 18- shows an elevation view of the centre module of the motorcycle carrier platform.

[0061] FIG. 19 shows an elevation view of the front module of the motorcycle carrier platform.

[0062] FIG. 20 shows a perspective view of the motorcycle carrier module coupled to the main frame module.

[0063] FIG. 21 shows a perspective view of the motorcycle carrier module coupled to the main frame module and folded together.

[0064] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the bicycle carrier module, showing construction details.

[0065] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the bicycle carrier module coupled to the main frame module.

[0066] FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the nautical module, showing construction details.

[0067] FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the folded nautical module.

[0068] FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the nautical module coupled to the main frame module.

[0069] FIG. 27 is a perspective view of the nautical module coupled to the main frame module and folded together.

[0070] FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the special transport module, showing construction details.

[0071] FIG. 29 is a perspective view of the folded special transport module.

[0072] FIG. 30 shows a perspective view of the special transport module coupled to the main frame module.

[0073] FIG. 31 shows a perspective view of the special transport module coupled to the main frame module and folded together.

[0074] FIG. 32 shows elevation, profile and perspective views of the luggage carrier module.

[0075] FIG. 33 is a perspective view of the luggage carrier module coupled to the main frame module.

[0076] FIG. 34 is a perspective view of the luggage carrier module coupled to the main frame module and folded together.

[0077] FIG. 35 shows the profile and perspective views of the mixed-load module.

[0078] FIG. 36 shows a perspective view of the mixed-load module coupled to the main frame module fitted with the tow-bar assembly with balls.

[0079] FIG. 37 shows a perspective view of the mixed-load module coupled to the main frame module and folded together.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0080] The modular trailer with a fold-down configuration designed to be coupled to motor vehicles presented herein features a main frame module (1) comprising a self-supporting chassis (9), a tow-bar assembly (10 or 23), and two support brackets with retractable wheels (11).

[0081] The self-supporting chassis (9) comprises a base structure with connection handles (12), mudguards (13) and the tow-bar coupling (14), supported by an axle with wheels (15). This structure is configured with a central recess fitted with a reinforcement profile (16) to which the other modules can be attached by means of quick lock fittings (17). The sides of the base structure are configured with a reinforcement (18) folded in a Z shape that covers the space between the sides and the central recess.

[0082] The tow-bar assembly (10) comprises at least two sectionsa front section (10.1), with the coupling head (19), a central section (10.2), and a rear section (10.3), which houses the tow-bar coupling (14) of the self-supporting chassis (9).

[0083] The front section (10.1) and the central section (10.2) are coupled by means of two fastening plates (20) fitted on either side of the sections opposite each other, joined together by means of anchoring means (21), self-anchoring means (57) and a pin (22) which fits through the bottom of the tow-bar assembly (10).

[0084] The central (10.2) and rear sections (10.2) are coupled by means of two fastening plates (20) fitted on either side of the sections opposite each other, joined together by means of anchoring means (21), self-anchoring means (57) and a pin (22) which fits through the top of the tow-bar assembly (10).

[0085] In an alternative embodiment, the tow-bar assembly (23) is fitted with balls (24), balls with support (24.1) and sets of balls (24.2) that can be either fitted permanently or removable.

[0086] The supplementary modules, which are attached by means of quick lock fittings (17), can be selected from the following group: [0087] a motorcycle carrier module (2) [0088] a nautical module (3), [0089] a bicycle carrier module (4), [0090] a special transport module (5) [0091] a luggage carrier module (6), [0092] a mixed-load module (7) [0093] a light and registration plate module (8), all configured in proportional width to the trailer wheelbase.

[0094] The light and registration plate module (8) comprises a rectangular structure with pockets on either side in which the lights (25) are housed, leaving a space between the two pockets in which the registration number plate (26) is fitted, including fastening devices (27) on the back.

[0095] The motorcycle carrier module (2) comprises a folding platform (28), a wheel stop assembly (29), a wheel guide assembly (30) and a rocker arm assembly (31).

[0096] The folding platform (28) comprises a rear module (32), a central module (33) and a front module (34).

[0097] The rear module (32) is made up of a support structure (35) with reinforcements (36) at both ends, which is configured with raised sides in relation to its base and covered by rear support plates (37) configured with an inclined extension and fitted with a slot (38).

[0098] A profile section (39) is coupled onto the support structure (35) connecting the central module (33) by means of quick lock fittings (17).

[0099] The central module (33) is made up of a support structure (35) with raised sides in relation to its base and covered by the central support plates (40), which are larger than the rear support plates (37) and fitted with a slot (38).

[0100] A profile section (39.1) is coupled onto the support structure (35) connecting the front module (34) by means of quick lock fittings (17).

[0101] The front module (34) is made up of a support structure (35) with raised sides in relation to its base and covered by the front support plates (41), which are larger than the central support plates (40) and fitted with a slot (38).

[0102] A profile section (39.2) is coupled onto the support structure (35) connecting the wheel guide assembly (30) by means of quick lock fittings (17).

[0103] The support plates (37-40 and 41) are connected to each other in such a way that the slots are staggered in line to enable subsequent folding, and in the same way, the profile sections (39-39.1 and 39.2), can be coupled to each other due to their dimensional difference, to enable them subsequently to be folded down.

[0104] The wheel stop assembly (29) comprises a support to connect it to the tow-bar assembly (10) and a clamping bracket with handles.

[0105] The wheel guide assembly (30) comprises two guiding sections (42) connected together and coupled to the tow-bar assembly (10), with a rocker arm assembly (31) fitted at the free end.

[0106] The bicycle carrier module comprises a folding platform (28) and several clamping brackets (43), fitted vertically and distributed at equal distances along the centre area of the folding platform (28), as well as wheel clamps (44) fitted on the support plates (37-40 and 41) on the folding platform (28) and also includes a further clamping support (45) coupled to the tow-bar assembly (10).

[0107] The nautical module (3) comprises a folding platform (46), a support structure (47), and a hand winch (51).

[0108] The folding platform (46) comprises three support structures (35) connected to each other by profile sections (39-39.1 and 39.2), including roller supports (48) at the ends of the support structures (35) and wheel supports (49) on the inclined portions of said structures, including as well as a loading roller (50) at the free end of the profile sections (39).

[0109] Two sets of roller supports (48) and two sets of wheel supports (49) are fitted at the top and inclined portion of the reinforcements (18) on the self-supporting chassis (9).

[0110] The support structure (47), configured with raised sides in relation to its base, has roller supports (48) and wheel supports (49) on the inclined sections, including a clamping support (47.1) in the lower part of its middle portion to couple the structure to the tow-bar assembly (10).

[0111] The special transport module (5) comprises a folding platform (52), a guide unit (53), and a winch (51).

[0112] The folding platform (52) is made up of three support structures (54), connected to each other by profile sections (39-39.1 and 39.2).

[0113] The guide assembly (53) comprises two guiding sections (42) joined together and coupled to the tow-bar assembly (10) by means of profile bars (53.1) on its lower portion.

[0114] The luggage carrier module (6) comprises a fold-down chest (55) and a rear module (32).

[0115] The mixed-load module (7) is formed by a platform (56) coupled onto a support structure (35) with reinforcements (36) at both ends, configured with raised sides in relation to its base, with a profile section (39) built onto the support structure (35) to connect the self-supporting chassis (9).

[0116] The platform (56) is designed with multiple structural sections to form a flat rectangular platform on which permanent or removable balls (24) are fitted.

[0117] The assembly formed when any of the modules (2-7) described in the invention are connected to the main frame module (1) can be folded as a single unit, and both the main frame module (1) and all the additional modules (2-7) can also be folded individually.