Patent ID: 8235412
Filing Date: 2012-08-07
Classification: B62D

Abstract:
1. A trailer adapted to be folded between an expanded state and a compact state, said trailer characterised by: at least one wheel axle; a longitudinal chassis supported above said at least one wheel axle, said chassis having a central chassis portion, a front chassis portion and a rear chassis portion configured such that when said trailer is in the expanded state, the front, central and rear chassis portions extend in a substantially horizontal plane; said central chassis portion being substantially H-shaped and comprising a transverse cross member and two elongate side members each of which includes front and rear pivot means at longitudinal ends thereof, the distance between the rear pivot means and the transverse cross member being different to that between the front pivot means and the transverse cross member, said front and rear pivot means adapted to pivotably connect respective front and rear chassis portions to the central chassis portion; said rear chassis portion including side members extending along and substantially parallel with an inside of a rearward extension of the central chassis side members and being of a length such that a front member thereof extends substantially parallel with and alongside the rear of the central chassis transverse cross member, said rear chassis portion being rotatable about a pivot axis extending through said rear pivot means, said rear chassis portion being adapted to be folded about the rear pivot means in a forwards direction such that said rear chassis front member rotates downwardly and rearwardly to a position in which the rear chassis portion extends in a substantially upright configuration; said front chassis portion including side members extending along and substantially parallel with an inside of a forward extension of the central chassis side members and being of a length such that a rear member thereof extends substantially parallel with and alongside the front of the central chassis transverse cross member, said front chassis portion being rotatable about a pivot axis extending through each of said front pivot means, said front chassis portion being adapted to be folded about the front pivot means in a rearwards direction such that said front chassis rear member rotates downwardly and forwardly to a position in which the front chassis portion extends in a substantially upright configuration; and whereby such folding causes at least one of said front member of said rear chassis portion to extend further below the central chassis portion than the rear member of the front chassis portion and to a position adjacent a ground surface to thereby provide a support for said trailer in the compact state when the distance between the rear pivot means and transverse cross member is greater than that between the front pivot means and transverse cross member, and said rear member of the front chassis portion to extend further below the central chassis portion than said front member of the rear chassis portion and to a position adjacent the ground surface to thereby provide a support for said trailer in the compact state when the distance between the front pivot means and transverse cross member is greater than that between the rear pivot means and transverse cross member.