Abstract:
A Collapsible Trailer is disclosed. Also disclosed is a trailer that is lightweight, but durable, and includes a set of detachable deck segments that can be assembled into a deck. The trailer further includes a suspension assembly that attaches to the deck once the deck is assembled. Still further, the trailer includes at least one longitudinal member for providing a frame to partially support the assembled deck. There are versions of the trailer that are held together by cable systems, as well as versions that include a metal frame. If the trailer has a frame, there are versions having an external frame, as well as versions having a frame that is internal to the deck segments. In any case, the deck segments, when disassembled, stackable into a condensed deck stack.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    1. Field of the Invention  
           [0002]    This invention relates generally to cargo hauling and, more specifically, to a Collapsible Trailer.  
           [0003]    2. Description of Related Art  
           [0004]    Cars and trucks have become a mainstay of the modern active lifestyle. Unfortunately, due to garaging space limitations, each family is only realistically capable of having two vehicles in any single household. As a result of this, each household must make a choice as to what species of vehicle to obtain, depending upon their particular needs and circumstances. In recent years, that choice has been the Sport Utility Vehicle or SUV&#39;s. While the SUV certainly has attempted to “bridge the gap” between the utility vehicle and the passenger vehicle, it has almost gone too far. Certainly, all SUV&#39;s have the capability and design to haul a substantial amount of cargo; the problem is that they are many times too nice for this application. As a result, the user must rent or borrow.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0005]    In light of the aforementioned problems associated with the prior devices, it is an object of the present invention to provide a Collapsible Trailer. The trailer should be lightweight, but durable, and include a set of detachable deck segments that can be assembled into a deck. The trailer should further include a suspension assembly that attaches to the deck once the deck is assembled. Still further, the trailer should include at least one longitudinal member for providing a frame to partially support the assembled deck. There should be versions of the trailer that are held together by cable systems, as well as versions that include a metal frame. If the trailer has a frame, there should be versions having an external frame, as well as versions having a frame that is internal to the deck segments. In any case, the deck segments, when disassembled, should stack into a condensed deck stack.  
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0006]    The objects and features of the present invention, which are believed to be novel, are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The present invention, both as to its organization and manner of operation, together with further objects and advantages, may best be understood by reference to the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, of which:  
         [0007]    [0007]FIG. 1 is a side view of a first embodiment of the collapsible trailer of the present invention;  
         [0008]    [0008]FIG. 2 is a top view of the trailer of FIG. 1;  
         [0009]    [0009]FIG. 3 is an exploded side view of a second embodiment of the collapsible trailer of the present invention;  
         [0010]    [0010]FIG. 4 is a partial top view of the trailer of FIG. 2;  
         [0011]    [0011]FIG. 5 are side views of the deck of the trailers of FIGS.  1 - 4 ;  
         [0012]    [0012]FIG. 6 is a top view of a third embodiment of the collapsible trailer of the present invention;  
         [0013]    [0013]FIG. 7 is a side view of the trailer of FIG. 6;  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 8 is an exploded side view of the trailer of FIGS. 6 and 7;  
         [0015]    [0015]FIGS. 9A and 9B are side views of the deck of the trailer of FIGS.  6 - 8 ;  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 10 is a top view of the frame of the trailer of FIGS.  6 - 9 ;  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 11 is a top view of the collapsed frame of the trailer of FIGS.  6 - 10 ;  
         [0018]    FIGS.  12 A- 12 C are top, top and side views, respectively, of a fourth embodiment of the collapsible trailer of the present invention;  
         [0019]    FIGS.  13 A- 13 C are top, top and side views, respectively, of a fifth embodiment of the collapsible trailer of the present invention;  
         [0020]    [0020]FIGS. 14A and 14B are embodiments of the tail and head deck segment designs for the trailers of FIGS. 12 and 13;  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 15 is a partial cutaway perspective view of a third alternate suspension assembly of the trailer of the present invention;  
         [0022]    [0022]FIGS. 16A and 16B are partial cutaway perspective views of a third and fifth alternate suspension assembly, respectively, of the trailer of the present invention; and  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 17 is an exploded top view of a sixth embodiment of the collapsible trailer of the present invention.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0024]    The following description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention and sets forth the best modes contemplated by the inventors of carrying out their invention. Various modifications, however, will remain readily apparent to those skilled in the art, since the generic principles of the present invention have been defined herein specifically to provide a Collapsible Trailer.  
         [0025]    The present invention can best be understood by initial consideration of FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a side view of a first embodiment of the collapsible trailer of the present invention. This embodiment of the trailer  10  comprises a collapsing frame  12  to which is attached a collapsible deck  14  for hauling cargo thereon. The preferred deck  14  is constructed from a plurality of segments  16  held together by a flexible retention structure, such as cables, as will be described below in connection with other figures. In this embodiment, the deck  14  further comprises a suspension assembly  18  to which attaches the front series of segments  16  and rear series of segments  16 . The suspension assembly (in this embodiment) further includes a wheel assembly  20 , which is described more fully below.  
         [0026]    In support of the deck  14  is the collapsible frame  12 . The frame  12  (in this embodiment) comprises at least one first longitudinal strut  22  extending forwardly from the suspension assembly  18  and terminating in the hitch socket  24  for engaging a conventional towing ball. Extending rearwardly from the suspension assembly is one or more second longitudinal struts  26 . The segments  16  and frame  14  are preferably constructed from a lightweight, strong material, such as aluminum. Now turning to FIG. 2, we can examine further detail regarding this embodiment of the collapsible trailer  10 .  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 2 is a top view of the trailer embodiment of FIG. 1. As can be seen here, the segments  16  are held together by one or more tensioning cables  28  extending along the length of the trailer  10 . In this embodiment, the tensioning cables  28  are tightened and loosened by tensioning means  30 . The tensioning means  30  are from a wide variety of conventional cable tensioners, such as “come-alongs” (ratcheting cable tensioners) or “lift-overs,” which are adjustable tensioners that engage to tighten the cables by simply flipping the handle of the “lift-over” across to the engaged position. When tightened, the tensioning cables  28  will hold the segments  16  together in a single sturdy structural deck  14 . If we now turn to FIG. 3, we can examiner another preferred embodiment of the trailer of the present invention.  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 3 is an alternate embodiment  10 A of the trailer of the present invention. In this embodiment, the trailer  10 A is configured in two separable modules, namely the deck  14 A and the frame  12 A. The deck  14 A in this embodiment extends only in the frontward direction from the suspension assembly  18 . Similarly, the frame  14 A only comprises one or more first longitudinal struts  22 , and no second longitudinal struts (see FIGS. 1 and 2). If we now turn to FIG. 4, we can examine how the deck  14 A attaches to the suspension assembly  18  in this embodiment of the trailer  10 A.  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 4 is a partial cutaway top view of the trailer  10 A of FIG. 3. As can be seen in this embodiment, the top surface of the suspension assembly  18  is designe with one or more sockets  32  formed therein. Each socket  32  is configured to releasably accept lugs  34  formed at the end of each of the tensioning cables  28 . In this manner, the trailer  10 A can be disassembled very simply by de-tensioning the cables  28  (and thereby releasing the lugs  34  from the sockets  32 ), after which the deck module can be detached from the frame module.  
         [0030]    [0030]FIGS. 5A and 5B depict how the detached deck can be collapsed. As can be seen in FIG. 5A, the segments  16 , once de-tensioned, can be easily folded “accordion” style into the deck stack  36  depicted in FIG. 5B. So long as the deck is made from an even-numbered number of segments&#39;  16 , the dirty (bottom) side of the segments  16  can be folded to face each other, such that the cleaner outer (or deck-top) surface of the segments  16  is on the exterior of the deck stack  36 .  
         [0031]    Now turning to FIG. 6, we can examine this second alternate trailer  10 B design. Depicted in this top view, we can see that the segments  16  are aligned to form a solid deck  14 B further defined by fenders  38 . The deck  14 B is attached to the frame, which comprises (in part) a first longitudinal strut  22  and terminates at its leading edge in a hitch socket  24  for detachable attachment to a conventional trailer hitch. FIG. 7 provides another view of this embodiment of the trailer  10 B of the present invention.  
         [0032]    As shown in FIG. 7, we can see that the first and second intermediate struts  40  extend backwardly from the first longitudinal strut  22 . The suspension assembly (to which the wheel assemblies  20 B attach) attaches to the intermediate struts  40 , and the tail struts  42  then extend from the suspension assembly. All of these components may be considered to make up the frame  12 B of the trailer  10 B. It should be understood that in some other embodiments, the trail struts and intermediate struts may be combined into single continuous members. An exploded side view of this embodiment of the trailer  10 B is provided in FIG. 8. As shown, the deck  14 B attaches to the upper surface of the frame  12 B. Furthermore, FIGS. 9A and 9B depict how the deck  14 B can be folded up to form a deck stack  36 B. When folded, the deck stack  36 B is an extremely compact package that is very easily handled and stored.  
         [0033]    If we now turn to FIG. 10, we can examine certain specifics regarding the frame  12 B of this second alternate design. FIG. 10 is a top view of the second alternate frame  12 B, wherein we can see that the intermediate struts  40  are actually made up of separate strut elements  41 ; in this fashion, the intermediate struts  40  can be broken down into smaller, more manageable pieces.  
         [0034]    Also shown in FIG. 10 is detail regarding the tail struts  42 . In this embodiment, the first and second tail struts  42 A and  42 B, respectively, are hingably attached to the suspension frame  44 , such that they might be collapsible against the frame  44  when the trailer  10 B is being stored. Further displayed here is a conventional axle  46  connecting the two wheel assemblies  20 B to one another. Although not shown, the axle  46  attaches to the suspension frame  44  via some sort of suspension, such as conventional leaf springs. In FIG. 11, which is a top view of the frame  12 B completely collapsed, it can be seen that all strut elements  41  can be fit within the confines of the suspension frame  44  to form a very compact package.  
         [0035]    Now turning to FIGS.  12 A- 12 C, we can examine a third embodiment of the trailer  10 C of the present invention. In this example, the deck assembly  16 C is mounted in a plane above the wheel assemblies  20 C, such that fenders are no longer necessary. As shown in FIG. 12A, the deck assembly  16 C is formed from a plurality of deck segments (see above) that terminate in a head deck segment  48  and a tail deck segment  50 . The particular details of these two end segments will be discussed below in other Figures. In FIG. 12B, we see that the third alternate embodiment of the frame  12 C comprises a triangle formed from the first and second intermediate struts  40  intersecting at the first longitudinal strut  22 C and terminating in the hitch socket  24 C. The intermediate struts  40  attach to the third alternate embodiment of the suspension assembly  18 C, as depicted more fully in the side view presented in FIG. 12C.  
         [0036]    As shown in FIG. 12C, the wheel assemblies  20 C are interconnected by a torsion axle  53 , from which extends a pair of trailing arms  54 . The torsion axle  53  provides biasing force to the trailing arms  54 , which creates the suspension functionality of the assembly  18 C. The torsion axle  53  is attached to the intermediate struts  40  by a pair of longitudinal fins  52 . There will also be transverse fins interconnecting the torsion axle  53  to the struts  40 , for example as depicted below in FIGS. 15 and 16. Now turning to FIGS.  13 A- 13 B, we can see yet another alternate embodiment of the trailer  12 D of the present invention. In this embodiment  12 D, the suspension assembly  18 D has been relocated at the distal ends of the intermediate struts  40  (relative to the hitch socket). In this manner, less clearance is necessary between the deck  16 D and the ground, resulting in a lower profile for the trailer, as well as reducing the torsional forces created within the suspension assembly  18 D (since the moment arm has been shortened). Now turning to FIGS. 14A and 14B, we can examine embodiments of the head and tail segments  48  and  50 , respectively.  
         [0037]    In FIG. 14A, we can see that the tail deck segment  50  may be formed with a pair of channels  56  formed in its bottom in order to accept the intermediate struts  40  therein. Once inserted within the channels  56 , the struts  40  might be held thereto by one or more fasteners  58 , such as bolts or even bolts having conventional or unique tie-down-type design to their heads (i.e. for providing a location to tie things to once the trailer is assembled). In FIG. 14B, we can see that the similar design might be employed in the formation of the head deck segment  48 , wherein the intermediate struts  40  can be received within the channels  56  formed in the bottom of the head deck segment  48 .  
         [0038]    It should be appreciated that while these channels have only been shown in the head and tail deck segments, that they may be formed in the entire length of the deck of segments, to provide an extremely secure connection between the deck and the frame. Furthermore, it should be noticed that since (in the embodiments of the trailers shown in FIGS. 12 and 13) the intermediate struts  40  are in a triangular orientation, the channels  56  will also be at an angle; this angle will provide additional rigidity to the trailer because it will resist the longitudinal forces of being pulled. Still further, it is expected that while fully recessed channels  56  are shown here, in other embodiments, the channels  56  may be surface-mounted to the bottom of the segments in order to simplify construction (e.g. the channels could me made from angle stock).  
         [0039]    Now turning to FIG. 15, we can examine how the trailer frame might be attached to the suspension assembly  18 . In this example, we are using the suspension assembly of the third alternate embodiment of the suspension assembly  18 C. As shown, the suspension assembly  18 C comprises a pair of wheel assemblies  20 C interconnected by a torsional suspension member or axle  53 . The axle  53  is stabilized by a longitudinal fin  52  and a transverse fin  62  interconnecting the axle  53  with a sleeve  64 . The sleeve  64  is dimensioned to accept the intermediate strut  40  therein. In this way, the amount of structural material is reduced (i.e. over other designs), and the resultant weight is reduced. Furthermore, it is a simple matter of inserting the struts  40  into the sleeves  64  when assembling the trailer. Other potential details are provided in FIGS. 16A and 16B.  
         [0040]    In FIG. 16A, the strut  40  has a ridge protrusion  66  formed thereon for preventing the intermediate strut  40  from being pulled out in the frontward direction. By restraining the strut  40  from being released in this direction, the strut  40  is held securely to the suspension assembly  1   8 C, despite the forces created on the struts  40  when the trailer is being pulled. Similarly, we can see in FIG. 16B, that with the open-topped alternate sleeve  64 A, the strut  40  (in this example further including the ridge protrusion  66  formed thereon), can be more easily engaged and disengaged from the suspension assembly, while still providing substantial structural strength.  
         [0041]    Looking now at FIG. 17, we can see yet another example of a collapsible trailer of the present invention. This trailer embodiment  10 E comprises four or more deck segments  16 A formed substantially from aluminum, plastic or other high-strength, lightweight material. Some of the deck segments  16  in this embodiment further include a system of interlocking protrusions and sockets, namely, a pair of pegs  68  extending from one side of the segment, and a cooperatively designed pair of sockets  70  on the facing side of the adjacent segment  16 , such that when the deck is assembled, the pegs  68  fit into the sockets  70  to prevent twisting of the assembled deck (and to provide generally greater strength).  
         [0042]    The segments  16  are further defined by a center bore  78  down their length; this bore  78  is provided to accept the frame members to be discussed further below (i.e. the frame members are actually inserted into the deck segments). The frame in this embodiment  10 E comprises a first longitudinal strut  22 , a second longitudinal strut  26  and a hitch strut  80 . The hitch strut  80  terminates at its front end in the hitch socket  24 , and is designed to interlock with the first longitudinal strut  22  at its rear end. The first longitudinal strut  22  is essentially a hollow tube having a substantially round cross-section, and terminating in an engaging socket  74 . The engaging socket  74  is preferably a female threaded bore configured to accept an engaging peg  72  formed in the front end of the second longitudinal strut  26 . The engaging peg  72  is preferably a male threaded peg for engaging the engaging socket  74 . It should be understood that the peg  72  and socket  74  could be reversed (i.e. such that the socket  74  is formed in the second longitudinal strut  26 ).  
         [0043]    To assemble the trailer  10 E, therefore, one need simply assemble the segments such that the pegs  68  engage the sockets  70 ; insert the first and second longitudinal struts  22  and  26  into the (now-aligned) bores  78  and threadedly engage them tightly; attach the hitch strut  80  to the first longitudinal strut  22 ; and attach the suspension halves  18 E and axle  46  to the assembled deck. The suspension halves  18 E preferably attach to the sides of the center two segments  16 ; the axle  46  is attached between the two suspension halves  18 E (typically prior to the attachment of the halves  18 E to the deck). The order of assembly discussed herein is exemplary only; a number of factors may determine that other orders of assembly (and disassembly) of the trailer  10 E are used.  
         [0044]    Also shown in this FIG. 17 are two tail light assemblies  76  displayed on the rear surface of the rear segment  16 ; these tail light assemblies  76  are preferably of the type that are very sleek in order to reduce their interference with the stacking of the segments  16  (when the trailer is disassembled).  
         [0045]    Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various adaptations and modifications of the just-described preferred embodiment can be configured without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Therefore, it is to be understood that, within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced other than as specifically described herein.