Abstract:
The present invention relates to a transforming trailer that may include extension legs that allow the trailer to transform between loading and hauling positions. The trailer may include a foldable loading platform that allows for ease of loading when the trailer is in the loading position but that folds when the transforming trailer is in a hauling position.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates generally to trailers to be pulled by motor vehicles. More particularly, the present invention relates to a trailer that can be transformed into a ramp for depositing material onto the trailer bed. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Motor vehicle trailers have been, and continue to be, utilized in a number of applications. In some instances, they may provide space, apart from the available area of the motor vehicle, to allow a user to transport materials. Efforts have been made to adapt motor vehicle trailers to particular applications. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    According to an aspect, the present invention provides a transforming trailer that includes a trailer having a body defining a first trailer end and a second trailer end. The transforming trailer further includes a leg proximate the first trailer end including an outer casing connected to the trailer body and extending downward and a leg extension located within the outer casing such that the leg extension may move between an extended position, with the leg extension in contact with aground surface, and a retracted position, with the leg extension above the ground surface. In addition, movement of the leg extension into an extended position causes the trailer body to move into a loading position, with the first trailer end raised and the second trailer end lowered so that the trailer body slopes downwardly from the first trailer end to the second trailer end, and movement of the leg support into a retracted position causes the trailer body to move into a hauling position, with the trailer body relatively parallel to the ground surface. The transforming trailer also includes a foldable loading platform located proximate the second trailer end and defining an upper platform surface and a lower platform surface. The foldable loading platform includes a first platform portion and a second platform portion both having an upper surface and a lower surface, where the first platform portion is positioned nearer the first trailer end than the second platform portion and where the first platform portion and the second platform portion are hinged together. The transforming trailer also includes a platform hydraulic cylinder connected to the upper surface of the first platform portion and to the trailer body for raising the foldable loading platform to the hauling position in which the first platform portion is relatively perpendicular to the trailer body, and wherein the second platform portion is folded and positioned relatively perpendicular to the trailer body. 
         [0004]    According to another aspect, the present invention also provides a transforming trailer capable of being pulled by a standard pickup truck or van, and the transforming trailer includes a trailer having a body defining a first trailer end and a second trailer end. The transforming trailer further includes a leg proximate the first trailer end that includes an outer casing connected to the trailer body and extending downward, a leg extension located within the outer casing, and a telescoping leg hydraulic cylinder located within the outer casing. Actuation of telescoping leg hydraulic cylinder moves leg extension between an extended position, with the leg extension in contact with a ground surface, and a retracted position, with the leg extension above the ground surface. In addition, movement of the leg extension into an extended position causes the trailer body to move into a loading position, with the first trailer end raised and the second trailer end lowered so that the trailer body slopes downwardly from the first trailer end to the second trailer end. Movement of the leg extension into a retracted position causes the trailer body to move into a hauling position, with the trailer body relatively parallel to the ground surface. 
         [0005]    The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate one or more embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0006]    A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended drawings, in which: 
           [0007]      FIG. 1  is a side view of a transforming trailer in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention where the leg extension is in a retracted position; 
           [0008]      FIG. 2  is a side view of the transforming trailer of  FIG. 1  where the leg extension is in an extended position; 
           [0009]      FIG. 3  is a side view of the transforming trailer of  FIG. 1  where the leg support is in an extended position; 
           [0010]      FIG. 4  is a side view of the transforming trailer of  FIG. 1  where the foldable loading platform is partially in an extended position; 
           [0011]      FIG. 5  is a side view of the transforming trailer of  FIG. 1  in the loading position; 
           [0012]      FIG. 6  is an enlarged side view of transforming trailer first trailer end of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0013]      FIG. 7  is an enlarged side view of transforming trailer first trailer end of  FIG. 1  where the leg extension is in an extended position; 
           [0014]      FIG. 8  is an enlarged side view of transforming trailer first trailer end of  FIG. 1  where support leg is in an extended position; 
           [0015]      FIG. 9  is a side view of a transforming trailer in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention; and 
           [0016]      FIG. 10  is a side view of the transforming trailer of  FIG. 9  where the transforming trailer is in the loading position. 
       
    
    
       [0017]    Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification and drawings is intended to represent same or analogous features or elements of the invention. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0018]    Reference will now be made in detail to presently preferred embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit thereof. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment may be used on another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. 
         [0019]    A transforming trailer  100  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is shown in the  FIGS. 1-5 . Transforming trailer  100  includes, among other items, a trailer body  102  that extends between a first trailer end  104  and a second trailer end  106 , wheels  108  to aid in the transportation of transforming trailer  100 , and a foldable platform  110 . As more clearly shown in  FIGS. 1 and 5 , transforming trailer  100  may transition between a hauling position, where trailer body  102  is substantially parallel to the ground surface, and a loading position, where trailer body  102  is at an angled orientation. 
         [0020]    Transforming trailer  100  further includes a connector  112  located at first trailer end  104  such that transforming trailer  100  may be pulled by a motor vehicle. In some embodiments, connector  112  may include a standard trailer coupler to connect to a standard trailer hitch and ball located on a motor vehicle. In other embodiments, couplers utilized with tractor-trailers may be used. For example, connector  112  may include a coupling pin to attach to a fifth wheel coupling device of a towing truck. The user&#39;s application of transforming trailer will dictate the necessary connector utilized. 
         [0021]    Transforming trailer  100  includes one or more telescoping legs  114  for aiding in the transformation of transforming trailer  100  between the hauling position and the loading position. As explained below, it will be understood that telescoping leg  114  may be of sufficient size to operate as a single unitary leg or may be two or more individual legs spaced apart across all or a portion of the width of trailer body  102 . Telescoping legs  114  are located proximate first trailer end  104  and underneath trailer body  102 . Each telescoping leg includes an outer casing  116  that extends in a downward direction and is substantially hollow and a leg extension  118  located within outer casing  116 . As more clearly shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , leg extension  118  may move between a retracted position ( FIG. 6 ), where leg extension  118  is further within outer casing, and an extended position ( FIG. 7 ), where the leg extension makes contact with the ground surface. In some embodiments, leg extension  118  may include a support foot  120  for aiding in the leg extension&#39;s contact with and angle to the ground surface. 
         [0022]    In some embodiments, transforming trailer  100  may further include a telescoping leg hydraulic cylinder  122  located within outer casing  116 . In embodiments where a telescoping leg hydraulic cylinder  111  is utilized, it may be connected and in mechanical communication with leg extension  118 . The communication between telescoping leg hydraulic cylinder  122  and leg extension  118  may be such that activation of telescoping leg hydraulic cylinder  122  may move leg extension  118  between its retracted position and extended position. 
         [0023]    As shown with respect to the first embodiment, transforming trailer  100  may further include support leg  124 , where support leg  124  defines a first end  126  and a second end  128 . Support leg  124  may provide additional support to ensure that transforming trailer  100  maintains its configuration in the loading position when desired. Support leg first end  126  may be connected to a hinge  130  located underneath trailer body  102  such that support leg  124  may move between a retracted position ( FIG. 7 ), where support leg second end  128  is above the ground surface, and an extended position ( FIG. 8 ), where support leg second end  128  makes contact with the ground surface. 
         [0024]    When support leg  124  is in a retracted position, support leg second end  128  may be connected to trailer body to further ensure support leg  124  does not transition to the extended position at an undesired time. Although  FIG. 6  illustrates the connection of support leg second end  128  to trailer body  102  with the use of a chain  132 , other connectors known in the art may also be utilized. For example, rope or other fasteners may be used. 
         [0025]    Support leg  124  may further be connected to a support leg hydraulic cylinder  134  intermediate support leg first end  126  and second end  128 . Support leg hydraulic cylinder  134  is also located underneath trailer body  102  and is in mechanical communication with support leg  124 . Based on such communication, activation of support leg hydraulic cylinder  134  may move support leg  124 , in connection with support leg hinge  130 , between the retracted position and the extended position as shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 . 
         [0026]    The number of telescoping legs  114  and support legs  124  utilized with transforming trailer  100  may vary based on the user&#39;s specifications and/or according to loading/hauling demands. For example, in some embodiments, transforming trailer  100  may include two telescoping legs and two support legs, or a single support leg and two telescoping legs. The user may utilize any combination depending on the specifications of the use. 
         [0027]    In additional embodiments and as shown in  FIG. 1 , transforming trailer  100  may include a trailer lip  136  located on first trailer end  104 . Trailer lip  136  may aid in creating a flush surface between trailer body  102  and an additional structure, such as a tractor trailer bed and may provide additional trailer body space for carrying more materials. Trailer lip  136  is connected to trailer body  102  with a trailer lip hinge  138  such that trailer lip  136  may move between a retracted position ( FIG. 1 ), where trailer lip  136  is substantially perpendicular to trailer body  102 , and an extended position ( FIG. 5 ), where trailer lip  136  may be substantially parallel to trailer body  102 . 
         [0028]    In an embodiment, transforming trailer may further include a trailer lip hydraulic cylinder  140  located on trailer body  102  and connected to trailer lip  136 . Trailer lip hydraulic cylinder  140  may further be in mechanical communication with trailer lip  136  such that activation of trailer lip hydraulic cylinder  140  may move trailer lip  136 , in connection with trailer lip hinge  138 , between its retracted position and its extended position. 
         [0029]    As indicated above, transforming trailer  100  further includes a foldable loading platform  110 . Foldable loading platform  110  is located proximate second trailer end  106  and defines an upper platform section  142 , a lower platform section  144 , a first platform portion  146  and a second platform portion  148 . Both first platform portion  146  and second platform portion  148  include first ends  150 ,  154  and second ends  152 ,  156 . First platform portion  146  is closer to trailer body  102  than second platform portion  148  and connects to trailer body  102  at first platform portion first end  150 . First platform portion  146  further connects to second platform portion first end  154  on first platform portion second end  152 . The connection of each end  150 ,  152  of first platform portion  146  to the corresponding item may be accomplished with hinges  158 ,  160  or other movable connecting or hinged devices. 
         [0030]    First platform portion  146  may be further connected to a platform hydraulic cylinder  162  intermediate first platform portion first end  150  and second end  152 . As shown in the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 1-5 , platform hydraulic cylinder  162  may be located on an upper surface  163  of trailer body  102 . As further shown in  FIGS. 1-5 , platform hydraulic cylinder  162  may be located in a recess  164  of trailer body  102 . 
         [0031]    Platform hydraulic cylinder  162  is in mechanical communication with first platform portion  146  such that activation of platform hydraulic cylinder  162  may move foldable loading platform  110  between a retracted position ( FIG. 1 ) and an extended position ( FIG. 5 ). In foldable loading platform retracted position ( FIG. 1 ), both first platform portion  146  and second platform portion  148  are relativey perpendicular to trailer body  102 . In contrast, in foldable loading platform extended position ( FIG. 5 ), both first platform portion  146  and second platform portion  148  are substantially in-line with trailer body  102 . 
         [0032]    The number of platform hydraulic cylinders  162  utilized with transforming trailer  100  may vary based on the user&#39;s specifications and needs. For example, in some embodiments, transforming trailer  100  may include two platform hydraulic cylinders  162 , one on either side of trailer body  102 . In other embodiments, only one platform hydraulic cylinder  162  may be utilized. The user&#39;s specifications will dictate the number of platform hydraulic cylinders used. 
         [0033]    In some embodiments, upper platform section  142  may include a non-skid surface. Such surface may include coatings of various anti-slip material, for example, paints or other coatings, or may include raised projections. Any non-skid material known in the art may be used. 
         [0034]    In operation, transforming trailer  100  may transition between a hauling position and a loading position. When transforming trailer  100  is in a hauling position, it may be pulled by a motor vehicle to a desired location. In the hauling position, trailer body  102  is substantially parallel to the ground surface as shown in  FIG. 1 . In addition, the various components of transforming trailer are in a retracted position to ensure that they do not make contact with the ground surface where they would impede the transport of transforming trailer. For example, leg extensions  118 , support legs  124 , trailer lip  136 , and foldable loading platform  110  are in the retracted position and away from contact of the ground surface. As explained above, each of the above-mentioned components&#39; movement into the retracted position may be automated by the appropriate hydraulic cylinder(s) such that orienting transforming trailer into the hauling position may be done without manual action. 
         [0035]    Once the desired location is reached, transforming trailer  100  may be transitioned from the hauling position to the loading position. When transforming trailer is in a loading position, it may be utilized, in some embodiments, to place material on trailer body  102  or to create a ramp from the ground surface. To transition transforming trailer  100  from the hauling position to the loading position, leg extensions  118  are actuated downward by telescoping leg hydraulic cylinder  122  until they reach the ground surface and start to raise first trailer end  104  by the continued downward force to leg extensions  118 . As first trailer end  104  rises, second trailer end  106  lowers closer to the ground surface. In addition, actuation of first platform portion  146  by platform hydraulic cylinder  162  causes first platform portion  146  to extend outward until second platform portion second end  156  makes contact with the ground surface. As continued outward force is applied by platform hydraulic cylinder  162  second platform portion second end  156  moves along the ground surface, away from trailer body  102 , until foldable loading platform  110  is substantially parallel and integral with trailer body  102 . Wheels or the like may be mounted on the underside of second platform portion second end  156  to allow ease of travel across the ground surface during transformation. Also, if utilized, support legs  124  are transitioned to the extended position where support leg second end  128  may make contact with the ground surface due to the actuation of support leg hydraulic cylinder  134  in connection with support leg hinge  130 . Once transforming trailer  100  has been transitioned into the loading position, trailer lip  136  may be moved to an extended position if desired by the user. The transition from the hauling position to the loading position is illustrated in  FIGS. 1-5 . 
         [0036]    The angle of the ramp created structure when the transforming trailer  100  is in a loading position may be such to effectively allow the user to load and unload items from trailer body. For example, the angle may be such that a forklift truck is able to drive onto trailer body  102  without fear of it tipping over. In addition, the angle may be appropriate for materials to maintain their position on trailer body  102  while transforming trailer  100  is in the loading position. In some embodiments, in the loading position, transforming trailer  100  may be at an angle between 6° and 15°. In other embodiments, in the loading position, transforming trailer  100  may be at an angle between 8° and 10°. In further embodiments, transforming trailer  100  may have an angle of 9.8° in the loading position. 
         [0037]      FIGS. 9 and 10  illustrate a second embodiment of transforming trailer  200 . In the second embodiment, transforming trailer includes an angled platform  202  that is integral with, or ridgidly connected to, trailer body  204 . As shown in the Figures, unlike the first described embodiment, angled platform  202  is constructed of a single piece that extends at a downward angle from a first end  206  connected to trailer body  204  to a second end  208 . In addition, the second embodiment may or may not include support legs (not shown) as found in the first embodiment and may include a non-automated trailer lip  210 , where movement of trailer lip  210  between a retracted position and an extended position is accomplished using manual force. 
         [0038]    In operation, as with the first embodiment, transforming trailer  200  may transition between a hauling position and a loading position. In the hauling position, telescoping legs leg extensions  118  are retracted in outer casing  116  such that they do not make contact with the ground surface. As such, trailer body  204  is substantially in a parallel configuration to the ground surface and angled platform  202  does not make contact with the ground surface. 
         [0039]    Once a desired loading location is reached, transforming trailer  200  may be transitioned to the loading position, where leg extensions  118  are actuated downward by telescoping leg hydraulic cylinder  122  until they reach the ground surface and start to raise first trailer end  104  by the continued downward force to leg extensions  118 . As first trailer end  104  rises, second trailer end  106  lowers until angled platform second end  208  makes contact with the ground surface. It will be noted that, unlike the first embodiment, angled platform  202  is not substantially in-line with trailer body  204  when in the loading position. However, such configuration still allows for a user to effectively load and unload material. As further shown in  FIG. 10 , once transforming trailer has transitioned into the loading position, trailer lip  210  may be moved from a retracted position to an extended position to create a flush surface with an additional structure, for instance, the bed of a tractor trailer. 
         [0040]    The various transforming trailers illustrated and disclosed above, and in which various components may be interchanged, allow for the effective and efficient collection and transport of materials. In addition, such tasks can be completed with little to no manual force on the part of the user. 
         [0041]    In some embodiments, the present invention includes utilizing the above described transforming trailers in connection with standard pickup trucks or vans. As indicated above, connector  112  may be utilized to connect transforming trailer to any desired motor vehicle. In the embodiments where standard pickup trucks or vans are utilized, transforming trailer may be of an appropriate size in order to accommodate the towing capabilities of such motor vehicles. For example, in such embodiments, transforming trailer may have a weight limit between 12,000 and 18,000 lbs. In other such embodiments, transforming trailer may have a weight limit between 14,000 and 16,000 lbs. Advantageously, having transforming trailer meet the specifications required of a standard pickup truck or van allows for the use of transforming trailer without the need for the appropriate licenses that are applicable to transport with a tractor trailer. 
         [0042]    As indicated above, the transforming trailers of the present invention allow for methods of effectively and efficiently collecting and transferring material utilizing the transforming trailer. Accordingly, the present invention contemplates the use of such methods. For example, the transforming trailer, in some embodiments, may be utilized to collect and transport baled materials or packaged materials. In such embodiments, transforming trailer may be of an appropriate size to accommodate a forklift trailer that would be transferred to the site of the material on the trailer body and would aid in the collection and placement of the material onto the trailer body once the desired loading location is reached and the transforming trailer has been transitioned into the loading position. In other embodiments, transforming trailer may be utilized to transport another vehicle, for instance, a car. As explained above, transforming trailer may create a ramp structure, when in the loading position, that allows for a vehicle to drive or to be pushed onto trailer body. 
         [0043]    These and other modifications and variations to the present invention may be practiced by those of ordinary skill in the art, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, which is more particularly set forth in the appended claims. In addition, it should be understood that aspects of the various embodiments may be interchanged in whole or in part. Furthermore, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the foregoing description is by way of example only, and is not intended to limit the invention so further described in such appended claims. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of the versions contained therein.