Patent ID: 7909355
Filing Date: 2011-03-22
Classification: B60P,B62D

Abstract:
1. A drive-on multipurpose trailer for use in transporting items when pulled by a tow vehicle and capable of being stored in a substantially vertical orientation, the trailer comprising: a forward support platform positioned at a front portion of the trailer, the forward support platform comprising a forward framework and support decking to create a forward platform surface to support the transported items, the forward framework supported by a pair of trailer wheels and a tow hook when the trailer is attached to the tow vehicle, the forward platform being substantially planar and positioned in a substantially horizontal orientation when the trailer is attached to the tow vehicle; the forward support platform having a front end and back edge; a rear platform having a front edge and a back edge, the rear platform comprising a rear framework and support decking to create a rear platform surface for supporting the transported items, the rear platform having its front edge hingedly attached to the forward support platform at an attachment point positioned along the back edge of the primary support platform, wherein the rear platform is able to rotate around the hinged attachment point from a position facing and parallel with the forward support platform to a position greater than 180 degrees therefrom; a tail platform attached to the rear platform at the back edge thereof, wherein the tail platform has a planar ramp surface that can be positioned to face the secondary platform or can rotate through an angle greater than 180 to a loading position; and positioning mechanisms for positioning and holding the forward support platform, rear support platform and the tail platform in at least a loading orientation, a transport orientation, and a storage orientation, the loading orientation having the forward support platform being substantially horizontal and supported by the wheels and the tow vehicle, with the rear support platform sloped downwardly and away from the primary platform, and the tail platform positioned at an orientation to bridge between the rear platform and the ground; the transport position having the forward platform substantially horizontal and the rear platform raised from its loading position to a supporting position substantially coplanar with the forward platform and thus capable of supporting a load in conjunction with the forward support platform and the tail platform in a plane at least parallel with the forward support platform; and the storage orientation having the forward support platform and the tail platform position perpendicular to one another with the rear platform spanning the distance between the opposite end of the forward support platform and the tail platform, with the forward support platform supported in a near vertical orientation by the wheels and at least one caster assembly.