Roll off trailer having a stepped out front end or neck

A roll off trailer having a stepped out neck is provided. The trailer frame may be formed largely of an aluminum alloy or other metal.

BACKGROUND

Technical Field

The technical field relates generally to trailers used for hauling containers, such as roll off trailers. The technical field may relate to a roll off trailer which may be manufactured primarily out of aluminum and have a stepped out front neck.

Background Information

Roll off trailers are known in the art and include a frame having a forward end having a hitch attachment for attaching to a tractor vehicle and a rear end including a suspension assembly and ground engaging wheels for engaging a road surface. The roll off trailers include a tabletop capable of pivoting upwards to draw a container stored or disposed in a grounded position onto the table frame and hauled away when the trailer is connected to the tractor vehicle.

Conventional roll off trailers are constructed from heavy steel, which is ordinarily assumed necessary to support the weight of the containers hauled on the tabletop of the trailer. These steel frame roll off trailers are rather heavy. Thus, a need exists for a lighter weight roll off trailer and for improved frame construction for a stepped out neck.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, a trailer may comprise a trailer frame front section comprising left and right front longitudinal rails respectively having left and right sides defining therebetween a front section outer width; a trailer frame rear section comprising left and right rear longitudinal rails respectively having left and right sides defining therebetween a rear section outer width which is smaller than the front section outer width; a first front flange of the left front rail; a first rear flange of the left rear rail which extends to the right of the first front flange; and a first connector plate which extends between and is secured to the first front flange and the first rear flange.

In another aspect, a trailer may comprise a trailer frame front section comprising left and right front longitudinal rails respectively having left and right sides defining therebetween a front section outer width; a trailer frame rear section comprising left and right rear longitudinal rails respectively having left and right sides defining therebetween a rear section outer width which is smaller than the front section outer width, the left and right rear rails having respective front ends; a trailer frame neck section which extends adjacent the front ends of the rear rails and comprises a neck section plate which extends downward from adjacent an upper end of the neck section plate to adjacent a lower end of the neck section plate and which extends from adjacent the left rear rail to adjacent the right rear rail; and a left bracket which extends between and is secured to the left rear rail and the neck section plate.

In another aspect, a trailer may comprise a trailer frame front section comprising left and right front longitudinal rails respectively having left and right sides defining therebetween a front section outer width, the left front rail having a rear end; a trailer frame rear section comprising left and right rear longitudinal rails respectively having left and right sides defining therebetween a rear section outer width which is smaller than the front section outer width, the left rear rail comprising a web; a flange of the left front rail comprising a flange segment which extends adjacent the rear end of the left front rail and which extends downward from adjacent an upper end of the flange segment to adjacent a lower end of the flange segment; and a left bracket which extends between and is secured to the flange segment and the web of the left rear rail.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As depicted inFIG. 1, a roll off trailer10is configured to be towed by a towing vehicle or truck12having rotatable ground engaging wheels14when hitched to the towing vehicle by a fifth wheel assembly or other suitable hitch member16of the towing vehicle12. Trailer10may be configured to carry a container or box18thereon. Trailer10may include a rigid trailer frame20, a rigid container engaging platform or tabletop22, a suspension and wheel assembly which is along a rear portion of trailer frame20and includes a plurality of ground engaging wheels24rotatably mounted on frame20, a pair of hydraulic lift arms26, and a container-moving hydraulic system28(FIG. 4).

Referring primarily toFIG. 2, trailer frame20has a forward end30and a rear end32that define therebetween a longitudinal direction, left and right sides34and36that define therebetween an axial or lateral direction, a top38and a bottom40. Frame20may include a trailer frame front section42and a trailer frame rear section44connected or secured to front section42along a stepped out neck comprising a trailer frame neck section46of frame20, which allows container18to be positioned substantially forward atop trailer10.

Front section42may include left and right longitudinal rails48and50which may be elongated in the longitudinal direction, and which may be laterally spaced from and parallel to each other. Rails48and50may be essentially identical, whereby description of the components of one rail may be essentially the same as for the other rail. Rails48and50may be formed primarily of aluminum.

Front section42may include a hitch section21adjacent front end30. Hitch section21may include a rigid body or structure23which extends between and is secured to rails48and40adjacent front ends thereof. Hitch section21may also include a hitch member25(FIG. 3) which may be secured to body23and extend downwardly therefrom. Hitch member25may be connected or hitched to hitch member16of vehicle12to hitch trailer10to vehicle12and allow vehicle12to tow trailer10, and disconnected or unhitched from hitch member16whereby trailer may be separated from vehicle12. Landing gear27may be mounted on frame20, such as on front section42, to support the front end of trailer10on the ground when trailer10is detached from truck10and land gear are in a lowered position, such as shown inFIG. 3. Landing gear27may be moved to a raised position (FIG. 1) to allow vehicle12to pull trailer10.

Each rail48and50may include a longitudinally elongated web80, an upper flange52secured to a top, top edge or upper edge of web80and a lower flange68secured to a bottom, bottom edge or lower edge of web80. Web80may be L-shaped as viewed from the side. Upper flange52may be L-shaped as viewed from the side and lower flange68may be S-shaped as viewed from the side. Upper flange52may be secured to the top edge of web80by an L-shaped weld. Lower flange68may be secured to the bottom edge of web80by an S-shaped weld. Web80may extend between the lower surface of flange52and the upper surface of flange68. Web80may be essentially vertical and have an outwardly facing surface82and an inwardly facing surface84such that surfaces82and84may be essentially vertical. Surfaces82and84of left rail48are respectively a leftward facing left surface and a rightward facing right surface, while surfaces82and84of right rail48are respectively a rightward facing right surface and a leftward facing left surface.

Upper flange52may include a forward or front segment54which is longitudinally elongated and may be essentially horizontal as viewed from the side. Segment54has an upwardly facing top surface51and a downwardly facing bottom surface53, each of which may be essentially horizontal. Flange52may also include a rear segment56that extends downward and rearward from a rear end of front segment54. Rear segment56may be essentially straight and angle downward and rearward from adjacent a front/upper end of segment56to a rear/lower end of segment56. Segments54and56may be connected by a short rounded connector segment or bend58of flange52. Rear segment56may have a top or upper surface55that faces upward and rearward and a bottom or lower surface57that faces downward and forward. Lower surfaces53and57may define therebetween an angle A (FIG. 8) which may be an obtuse angle, i.e., greater than 90 degrees and less than 180 degrees. Angle A may be in a range of about 120, 125 or 130 to 140, 145 or 150 degrees. Flange52has outer and inner edges60and62which may define therebetween a width of first flange52. Outer edge60and inner edge62of flange52of left rail48are respectively left and right edges, while outer edge60and inner edge62of flange52of right rail50are respectively right and left edges.

Front section42may have an outer width64defined between the left side of front left rail48and the right side of front right rail50. Outer width64may be defined between outer or left edge60of left front rail48flange52and outer or right edge60of right front rail50flange52. Section42may have an inner width66defined between inner edge62of left rail48/flange52to inner edge62of right rail50/flange52.

S-shaped flange68may be positioned directly below upper flange52and may include a forward segment70, an angled middle or intermediate segment72, and a rear segment74. The rear end of forward segment70may be connected to the upper/front end of angled segment72by a short forward arcuate connector segment or bend76of flange52. The lower/rear end of angled segment72may be connected to the forward end of rear segment74by a short rearward arcuate connector segment or bend78of flange52which may be rearward of and lower than forward segment or bend76. Bend58and the rear segment56in its entirety including its front and rear ends may be rearward of bend78. Angled segment56may in its entirety be directly above rear segment74of S-shaped flange68. Segments70,72and76may in their entirety be forward of rear segment56and bend58.

S-shaped flange68may have an outer edge65and an inner edge67. Outer edge65and inner edge67of front left rail48are respectively left and right edges, whereas outer edge65and inner edge67of front right rail50are respectively right and left edges. Flange68has a top surface69which faces generally upward and a bottom surface71which faces generally downward. Forward segment70may have an upwardly facing top surface73and a downwardly facing bottom surface75, each of which may be essentially horizontal as viewed from the side. Angled segment72may have a top surface77which faces upward and rearward and a downwardly facing bottom surface79which faces downward and forward. Rear segment74may have an upwardly facing top surface81and a downwardly facing bottom surface83, each of which may be essentially horizontal as viewed from the side. Bottom surfaces of75and79may define therebetween an angle B which may be an obtuse angle. Angle B may be in a range of about 120, 125 or 130 to 140, 145 or 150 degrees. Top surfaces77and81may define therebetween an angle C, which may be an obtuse angle. Angle C may be in a range of about 120, 125 or 130 to 140, 145 or 150 degrees. The lower rear end of segment56of L-shaped flange52may be closely adjacent or in contact with upper surface81of flange segment74of S-shaped flange68and may be adjacent the rear end of front frame section42.

Rear section44may include left and right longitudinal rails86and88which may be elongated in the longitudinal direction, and which may be laterally spaced from and parallel to each other. Rear section44may also include a rigid rear cross structure85which may extend between and be secured to rails86and88adjacent the rear ends thereof and rear end32of frame20. Cross structure85may also be referred to as a pivot mount for pivotally mounting thereon tabletop22. Pivot mounts260may be secured to cross structure85and may in the form of essentially vertical plates. Each plate260may define an aperture configured to receive therein a pivot pin for pivotally mounting table22on frame20.

Rails86and88may be essentially identical, whereby description of the components of one rail may be essentially the same as for the other rail. Rails86and88may be in the form of I-beams and may be formed primarily of aluminum. Each rail86and88may include a longitudinally elongated web108, an upper flange90secured to a top, top edge or upper edge of web108and a lower flange96secured to a bottom, bottom edge or lower edge of web108.

Each rail86and88may have upper and lower rail sections which are secured to one another by a longitudinal weld114which may be essentially horizontal and which may extend from adjacent the front end of the given rail86,88to adjacent the rear end of the given rail86,88. The upper rail section may include upper flange90and an upper portion of web108such that the upper rail section has T-shaped cross section. The lower rail section may include lower flange96and a lower portion of web108such that the lower rail section has an inverted T-shaped cross section. Weld114may extend along the top edge of the lower portion of web108and the bottom edge of the upper portion of web108. Rails86and88may thus have an I-beam configuration. Rails86and88may also be formed as I-beams in other fashions known in the art, for instance having a one-piece web with flanges90and96welded to the top and bottom of the web.

Web108may have a front section which is vertically wider than a rear section thereof. Upper flange90may be essentially horizontal as viewed from the side from the front end thereof to the rear end thereof and from adjacent the front end of the given rail86,88to adjacent the rear end of the given rail86,88. Upper flange90may have an upwardly facing top or upper surface91and a downwardly facing bottom or lower surface93. Lower flange96may have an upwardly facing top or upper surface95and a downwardly facing bottom or lower surface97. Flange96may have an outer edge99and an inner edge101. Outer edge99and inner edge101of left rear rail86are respectively left and right edges, whereas outer edge99and inner edge101of right rear rail88are respectively right and left edges.

Lower flange96may include a forward or front segment98, a middle or intermediate segment100and a rear segment102. Bottom surface97of front segment98and bottom surface83of front rail flange segments74may be essentially coplanar. Upper flange90may be secured to the top edge of web108and lower flange96may be secured to the bottom edge of web108. Web108may extend between the lower surface93of flange90and the upper surface95of flange96. Web108may be essentially vertical and have an outwardly facing surface110and an inwardly facing surface112such that surfaces110and112may be essentially vertical. Surfaces110and112of left rail86are respectively a leftward facing left surface and a rightward facing right surface, while surfaces110and112of right rail88are respectively a rightward facing right surface and a leftward facing left surface.

The rear end of front segment98may be connected to the front end of middle segment100by a short arcuate connector segment or bend104of flange96. Middle segment100may extend upward and rearward at a slight angle from its front end and bend104to its rear end and bend106. Rear segment102may extend rearward from its front end and bend106to its rear end, to adjacent the rear end of flange96and to adjacent rear end32.

Flange90may have an upwardly facing top surface91and a downwardly facing bottom surface93each of which may be essentially horizontal. Flange90may have an outer edge92and an inner edge94defining therebetween a width of flange90. Outer edge92and inner edge94of left rear rail86are respectively left and right edges, whereas outer edge92and inner edge94of right rear rail88are respectively right and left edges.

Rear section44may have an outer width120defined between the left side of rear left rail86and the right side of rear right rail88. Outer or left edge92of left rear rail86and outer or right edge92of right rail88may define therebetween outer width120. Inner or right edge94of left rail86and inner or left edge94of right rail88may define therebetween an inner width122of rear section44. Outer width120of rear section44may be smaller than or less than inner width66of front section42. Thus, the front portions and ends116of rails86and88may extend within a space115between the rear portion of front left and right rails48and50, said space having a width the same as inner width66. Front ends116of rear rails86and88may be forward of the rear ends of front rails48and50. Forward edges or ends116may extend downwardly from the top of the given rail to the bottom of the given rail. Edge116may include an upper edge segment116A which may be essentially vertical and a lower edge segment116B which angles downward and reaward from the lower end of upper segment116A to the bottom of the given rail.

Left rear rail86may be laterally offset to the right of left front rail48. The front portion/end of left rear rail86may be adjacent and laterally spaced or offset to the right of the rear portion/end of left front rail48. The left side (for example, the left edges of flanges90and96) of the front portion of left rear rail86may be adjacent and spaced or offset to the right of the right side (for example, the right edges of flanges52and68) of the rear portion of left front rail48. Similarly, right rear rail88may be laterally offset to the left of right front rail50. The front portion/end of right rear rail88may be adjacent and laterally spaced or offset to the left of the rear portion/end of right front rail50. The right side (for example, the right edges of flanges90and96) of the front portion of right rear rail88may be adjacent and spaced or offset to the left of the left side (for example, the left edges of flanges52and68) of the rear portion of right front rail50. Left and right front rails may define therebetween a table-receiving space117which is directly above space115and is higher than the tops of rear rails86and88/top surfaces91of upper flanges90.

Left and right connector plates132may be provided to help secure the front rails to the rear rails. Left and right plates132may be essentially mirror images of one another. Connector plates132may be entirely lower than flange52forward segments54of rails48and50. Left connector plate132may extend between and be secured to a front portion and/or end of upper flange90of left rear rail86and a front upper portion of flange segment56of upper flange52of left front rail48. Similarly, right connector plate132may extend between and be secured to a front portion and/or end of upper flange90of right rear rail88and a front upper portion of flange segment56of upper flange52of right front rail50. The front ends or edges of plates132may be adjacent, rearward of and lower than the bend segment58of the respective flange52.

Each plate132may be V-shaped as viewed from the side. Connector plate132may include a front or forward panel or leg134and a rear panel or leg136. Leg136adjacent a front end thereof may be secured to leg134adjacent a rear end thereof at an essentially horizontal laterally elongated intersection or bend138to define the V-shape. Bend138may extend perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of trailer frame20and of rails48,50,86and88. Front leg134may have an upwardly and rearwardly facing top surface135and a downwardly and forwardly facing bottom surface137. Rear leg136may have an upwardly facing top surface139and a downwardly facing bottom surface141each of which may be essentially horizontal. Upper or top surfaces135and139of legs134and136may define therebetween an obtuse angle D which may likewise be defined between lower surfaces137and141. Angle D may be defined between any of (1) upper rear surface135, (2) lower forward surface137, (3) upper rear surface55of rear flange segment56, and (4) lower forward surface57of segment56(all four of which may be essentially parallel to one another) and any one of (1) top surface139, (2) bottom surface141of leg136, (3) upper surface91of upper flange90, and (4) lower surface93of flange90(all four of which may be parallel to one another).

Left connector plate132may have an inner or right edge having a front right edge segment or portion146and a rear right edge segment or portion140which may extend at an obtuse angle relative to segment146as viewed from above. Right edge segment146may extend rearward, downward and rightward from adjacent a front end of segment146to adjacent a rear end of segment146and adjacent a front end of rear segment140. Left connector plate132may have an outer or left edge having a front left edge segment or portion142and a rear left edge segment or portion144which may extend at an obtuse angle relative to portion142as viewed from above. Left front edge segment142may extend or angle rearward and downward from adjacent a front end thereof to adjacent a rear end thereof and to adjacent a front end of rear left segment144. Right rear edge segment140may be essentially parallel to, closely adjacent and directly above a front portion of right edge94of the left upper flange90. Front left edge segment142may extend downward and rearward from adjacent a front end thereof to adjacent a rear end thereof and to adjacent a front end of rear left edge segment144. Front left edge segment142may be essentially parallel to, closely adjacent and extend directly above a front upper portion of left edge60of left rear flange segment56. Rear left edge segment144may extend rearward and rightward from adjacent a rear end of front left edge segment142and a front end of left segment144to adjacent a rear end of left segment144and the left edge92of left upper flange90.

Similarly, right connector plate132may have an inner or left edge having a front left edge segment or portion146and a rear left edge segment or portion140which may extend at an obtuse angle relative to segment146as viewed from above. Left edge segment146may extend rearward, downward and leftward from adjacent a front end of left edge segment146to adjacent a rear end of segment146and adjacent a front end of rear left segment140. Right connector plate132may have an outer or right edge having a front right edge segment or portion142and a rear right edge segment or portion144which may extend at an obtuse angle relative to portion142as viewed from above. Right front edge segment142may extend or angle rearward and downward from adjacent a front end thereof to adjacent a rear end thereof and to adjacent a front end of rear right segment144. Left rear edge segment140may be essentially parallel to, closely adjacent and directly above a front portion of left edge94of the right upper flange90. Front right edge segment142may extend downward and rearward from adjacent a front end thereof to adjacent a rear end thereof and to adjacent a front end of rear right edge segment144. Front right edge segment142may be essentially parallel to, closely adjacent and extend directly above a front upper portion of right edge60of right rear flange segment56. Rear right edge segment144may extend rearward and leftward from adjacent a rear end of front right edge segment142and a front end of right segment144to adjacent a rear end of right segment144and the right edge92of right upper flange90.

Front leg134of left connector132may be secured to left rear flange segment56such that bottom or lower surface137of left front leg134may be essentially parallel to and closely adjacent or in contact with upper surface55of left rear flange segment56. Rear leg136of left connector132may be secured to left rear upper flange90such that bottom or lower surface141of left rear leg136may be essentially parallel to and closely adjacent or in contact with upper surface91of left rear upper flange90.

Similarly, front leg134of right connector132may be secured to right rear flange segment56such that bottom or lower surface137of right front leg134may be essentially parallel to and closely adjacent or in contact with upper surface55of right rear flange segment56. Rear leg136of right connector132may be secured to right rear upper flange90such that bottom or lower surface141of right rear leg136may be essentially parallel to and closely adjacent or in contact with upper surface91of right rear upper flange90.

With primary reference toFIGS. 2A, 5 and 6, neck section46may include left and right bottom connector plates180. Left and right plates180may be essentially identical or essentially mirror images of one another. Each connector plate180may have an outer edge182and an inner edge184which may be longitudinally elongated and essentially parallel to the outer edge182. Outer and inner edges182and184of left plate180are respectively left and right edges, whereas outer and inner edges182and184of right plate180are respectively right and left edges. Each plate180may have front and rear edges186and188which may be laterally elongated and extend from outer edge182to inner edge184. Each plate180may be longitudinally elongated and may be essentially flat, essentially horizontal and have essentially flat horizontal top and bottom surfaces190and192.

Left plate180extends between and is secured to left front rail48and left rear rail86adjacent the rear end of left front rail48and adjacent the front end of left rear rail86. Left plate180may extend between and be secured to rear segment74of lower flange68of left front rail48and front segment98of lower flange96of left rear rail86. Left plate180may extend directly below said rear segment74and said segment98of flange96whereby top surface190of left plate180may be closely adjacent or in contact with bottom surface83of said rear segment74and bottom surface97of said segment98of said flange96. Left edge182of left plate180may be directly below left edge60of upper flange52rear segment56of left front rail48and closely adjacent and directly below left edge65of lower flange68rear segment74of left front rail48. Right edge184of left plate180may be directly below right edge94of upper flange90of left rear rail86and closely adjacent and directly below right edge101of lower flange96of left rear rail86. Left connector plate180may be, for example, welded or bolted to segment74of left S-shaped flange68. Left upper connector plate132may extend directly above or be entirely directly above left lower connector plate180.

Similarly, right plate180extends between and is secured to right front rail50and right rear rail88adjacent the rear end of right front rail50and adjacent the front end of right rear rail88. Right plate180may extend between and be secured to rear segment74of lower flange68of right front rail50and front segment98of lower flange96of right rear rail88. Right plate180may extend directly below said rear segment74and said segment98of flange96whereby top surface190of right plate180may be closely adjacent or in contact with bottom surface83of said rear segment74and bottom surface97of said segment98of said flange96. Right edge182of right plate180may be directly below right edge60of upper flange52rear segment56of right front rail50and closely adjacent and directly below right edge65of lower flange68rear segment74of right front rail50. Left edge184of right plate180may be directly below left edge94of upper flange90of right rear rail88and closely adjacent and directly below left edge101of lower flange96of right rear rail88. Right connector plate180may be, for example, welded or bolted to segment74of right S-shaped flange68. Right upper connector plate132may extend directly above or be entirely directly above right lower connector plate180.

As shown inFIG. 6, each connector plate180may bridge or extend across a gap124defined between the respective inner edge67and outer edge99and may have a width128(defined between edges182and184) which may be essentially the same as the width defined between the outer edge65and inner edge101of the corresponding front and rear rails.

Neck section46may extend between and be secured to left and right front rails48and50, and may extend between and be secured to left and right rear rails86and88, whereby front and rear sections42are mounted on one another via neck section46. With primary reference toFIGS. 7 and 8, neck section46may include left and right lateral neck section plates197and199which may be essentially mirror images of one another. Plates197and199may have an essentially vertical upper plate segment201and an angled lower plate segment206which may be secured to the bottom of upper segment201at an essentially horizontal longitudinally elongated intersection or bend195and angles inwardly and downwardly therefrom to a terminal end which may be generally the same height as connector plates180and a little lower than lower flange segments98or flanges96and rear segments74of flanges68. Bend195and may be essentially perpendicular to intersection or bend138. Plate segments201and206may also be referred to as plates.

Left upper plate segment201of left lateral plate197may be secured to inner or right surface84of left web80of left front rail48and left lower plate segment206may extend or angle downwardly and to the right away from left web80and to the right of rear flange segment74of rail48. The left surface of left plate segment201may be essentially vertical and be closely adjacent or in contact with right surface84of left web80. Similarly, right upper plate segment201of right lateral plate199may be secured to inner or left surface84of right web80of right front rail50and right lower plate segment206may extend or angle downwardly and to the left away from right web80and to the left of rear flange segment74of rail50. The right surface of left plate segment201may be essentially vertical and be closely adjacent or in contact with left surface84of right web80. Plate segments201and the left and right surfaces thereof may be essentially parallel to webs80and the left and right surfaces82and84thereof.

With continued reference toFIGS. 7 and 8, neck section46may also include a front or forward neck section plate200which may extend from adjacent inner surface84of left web80to inner surface84of right web80. Plate200may extend between and be secured to left and right lateral plates197and199, with portions of plate200being secured to upper segments201and lower segments206. Plate200may include several plate segments, such as a front plate segment203, a forward intermediate plate segment202, a rearward intermediate plate segment204, and a rear plate segment205. Neck section plate segments203,204and205may also be referred to as plates.

Plate segment202adjacent an upper end thereof may be secured to plate segment203adjacent a rear end thereof at an essentially horizontal laterally elongated intersection or bend207and extend downward therefrom to a lower end of plate202. Angled plate segment204adjacent an upper forward end thereof may be secured to plate segment202adjacent the lower or bottom end thereof at an essentially horizontal laterally elongated intersection or bend209and extend or angle downward and rearward therefrom to a rear end of plate204. Plate segment205adjacent a forward or front end thereof may be secured to plate segment204adjacent the lower rear end thereof at an essentially horizontal laterally elongated intersection or bend209and extend rearward therefrom to a rear terminal edge which may be adjacent or in contact with front edges186of connector plates180. Intersections or bends207,209and211may be essentially parallel to one another and bend138and may be essentially perpendicular to intersection or bend195. Each of plate segments203,202,204and205may be essentially flat. Plate segments203and205may be essentially horizontal and plate segment202may be essentially vertical.

The left edge of plate200may be secured to and closely adjacent or in contact with the right surface of left lateral plate197, and the right edge of plate200may be secured to and closely adjacent or in contact with the left surface of right lateral plate199. The left edges of plate segments203and202may be secured to and closely adjacent or in contact with the right surface of left lateral plate segment201of left plate197, and the right edges of plate segments203and202may be secured to and closely adjacent or in contact with the left surface of right lateral plate segment201of right plate199. The left edge of plate segment204may be secured to and closely adjacent or in contact with the right surface of left lateral plate segments201and206of left plate197, and the right edge of plate segment204may be secured to and closely adjacent or in contact with the left surface of right lateral plate segments201and206of right plate199. The left edge of plate segment205may be secured to and closely adjacent or in contact with the right surface of left lateral plate segment206of left plate197, and the right edge of plate segment205may be secured to and closely adjacent or in contact with the left surface of right lateral plate segment206of right plate199.

Front ends or edges116of left and right rear rails86and88may be secured to and closely adjacent or in contact with the rear surface of forward plate200. Upper edge segments116A may be secured to and closely adjacent or in contact with the rear surface of plate segment202, and lower edge segments116B may be secured to and closely adjacent or in contact with the rear or upper surface of plate segment204. The rear surface of plate segment204may be essentially parallel to forward edge segment116B. The front ends of lower flange segments98of flanges96of rails86and88may be secured to and closely adjacent or in contact with the rear/upper surface of plate segment204adjacent the lower/rear end of segment204and adjacent bend211. The bottom surfaces83of lower flange segments98of flanges96of rails86and88adjacent the front ends of segments98and front ends116may be secured to and closely adjacent or in contact with the top surface of plate segment205.

With primary reference toFIGS. 2, 2A, 4 and 8, left and right forward connector plates181may be provided adjacent the front ends of left and right rear rails86and88to help secure rear section44to neck section46. Forward plates181may be essentially flat and horizontal and may have front and rear edges183and185, an upwardly facing top surface187and a downwardly facing bottom surface189which may be parallel to top surface187. Surfaces187and189may be essentially horizontal and parallel to the top surfaces91of upper flanges90and the top surface of plate segment203.

Left connector plate181may extend between and be secured to the front portion of left rear rail86and a left rear portion of plate segment203adjacent bend207. Left plate181may extend forward beyond the front end of left upper flange90and may extend directly above left upper flange and plate segment203. Bottom surface189of left plate181may be secured to and closely adjacent or in contact with the top surface of plate203and top surface91of left upper flange90. Front edge183of left plate181may be adjacent and forward of bend207and plate segment202, whereas rear edge185may be adjacent and rearward of bend203and plate segment202. The front end of left upper flange190may be closely adjacent or in contact with bend207, the rear end/edge of plate segment203and the rear surface of plate segment202.

Similarly, right connector plate181may extend between and be secured to the front portion of right rear rail88and a right rear portion of plate segment203adjacent bend207. Right plate181may extend forward beyond the front end of right upper flange90and may extend directly above right upper flange and plate segment203. Bottom surface189of right plate181may be secured to and closely adjacent or in contact with the top surface of plate203and top surface91of right upper flange90. Front edge183of right plate181may be adjacent and forward of bend207and plate segment202, whereas rear edge185may be adjacent and rearward of bend203and plate segment202. The front end of right upper flange190may be closely adjacent or in contact with bend207, the rear end/edge of plate segment203and the rear surface of plate segment202.

With primary reference toFIGS. 6 and 8, neck section46may also include a rear or rearward neck section plate210which may extend from adjacent inner surface112of left web108to inner surface112of right web108. Plate210may include several plate segments, such as a front plate segment212, an intermediate plate segment214and a rear plate segment215. Plate segment212may have a front end217which may be closely adjacent or in contact with plate segment202adjacent bend207so that plate segment212may extend rearward from front end217and from adjacent plate segment202. An aperture216may be formed in plate segment212, may be essentially circular and may be generally centered between the left and right edges and between the front and rear edges of segment212. Neck section plate segments212,214and215may also be referred to as plates.

Angled plate segment214adjacent an upper forward end thereof may be secured to plate segment212adjacent a rear end thereof at an essentially horizontal laterally elongated intersection or bend218and extend or angle downward and rearward therefrom to a rear end of plate214. Plate segment215adjacent a forward or front end thereof may be secured to plate segment214adjacent the lower rear end thereof at an essentially horizontal laterally elongated intersection or bend219and extend rearward therefrom to an essentially horizontal laterally elongated rear terminal edge220which may extend directly above connector plates180and flange segments98of rear lower flanges96. Intersections or bends218and219may be essentially parallel to one another and bends138,207,209and211and may be essentially perpendicular to intersection or bend195. Each of plate segments212,214and215may be essentially flat. Plate segments212and215may be essentially horizontal. Plate segment214may have an upwardly and rearwardly facing upper surface222and a downwardly and forwardly facing lower surface which may be essentially parallel to surface222, with these upper and lower surfaces extending from the front upper end or edge of segment214to the rear lower end of segment214and from the left edge to the right edge of segment214. Rear upper surface222of plate segment214and rear upper surfaces55of rear flange segments56of flanges52may be essentially parallel and essentially coplanar.

The left edge of plate210, including the left edges of plate segments212,214and215, may be secured to and closely adjacent or in contact with the right surface112of left web108of left rear rail86. The right edge of plate210, including right edges of plate segments212,214and215, may be secured to and closely adjacent or in contact with the left surface112of right web108of right rear rail88. The left edge of plate210, including the left edges of plate segments212,214and215, may extend directly between or be entirely directly between the upper and lower flanges90and96of left rear rail86, extend or be entirely directly below upper flange90of left rear rail86, and extend or be entirely directly above lower flange96of left rear rail86. The right edge of plate210, including the right edges of plate segments212,214and215, may extend directly between or be entirely directly between the upper and lower flanges90and96of right rear rail88, extend or be entirely directly below upper flange90of right rear rail88, and extend or be entirely directly above lower flange96of right rear rail88.

Upper surface of plate segment212along the left and right edges thereof may be directly below, secured to and closely adjacent or in contact respectively with lower surfaces93of upper flanges90of left and right rear rails86and88adjacent the front ends of flanges90and rails86and88. The downwardly facing bottom surface of plate segment215along the left and right edges thereof may be respectively secured to and closely adjacent or in contact with upper surfaces95of lower flanges96of left and right rear rails86and88adjacent the front ends of flanges96. The bottom surface of plate segment215may be essentially horizontal and parallel to upper surfaces95of lower flanges96adjacent the front ends of flanges96.

There may be additional rigid cross structures which extend between and are secured to rear left and right rails86and88rearward of rear plate210and forward of rear cross structure85, some of which may not be shown in the Figures. For example, a cross beam221(FIGS. 5, 6) may extend between and be secured to rear left and right rails86and88rearward of and adjacent rear end220of plate210. Likewise a generally horizontal plate223(FIGS. 5, 6) may extend between and be secured to rear left and right rails86and88rearward of plate210. A front edge of plate223may be secured to and closely adjacent or in contact with the rear surface of plate segment214. It is noted that cross beam221and plate223are not shown inFIGS. 2 and 2Ato allow for clarity of other structure of and around neck section46.

As shown inFIG. 8, the lower surfaces of plate segments212and portion214may define therebetween an obtuse angle E which may be in the same range as the range noted above with respect to each of angles A, B and C. Angle E may be essentially equal to angle D of plate132. Upper rear surface222of plate segment214and top surface95of lower flange96adjacent the front end thereof may define therebetween an angle F which may be in the same range as the range noted above with respect to each of angles A, B, C and D. Angle F may be essentially equal to each of angle D and angle E.

With primary reference toFIGS. 2A, 3 and 6, left and right outer brackets150may be provided to help secure front section42to rear section46, such as by helping secure front rails48and50respectively to rear rails86and88. Left and right brackets150may be essentially mirror images of one another. Each bracket150may be an L-shaped bracket such that it has an L-shaped cross sectional shape. Each of left and right brackets150may have a top front end160and a bottom or lower rear end162such that each bracket150extends or angles downward and rearward from front end160to rear end162.

Left outer bracket150may include a left panel or leg152and a right panel or leg154each of which may extend from adjacent end160to end162. Right leg154along a forward lower edge thereof may be secured to right leg232along a right edge thereof at an elongated intersection or bend166and extend rearward and upward therefrom such that legs152and154may be perpendicular to one another and such that legs152and154may provide the L-shaped cross section of left bracket150. Bend166may be elongated from adjacent end160to adjacent end162so that bend166extends or angles downward and rearward from adjacent end160to adjacent end162. Right leg232may have an outer or left edge164and an inner or right edge along bend166. Right leg232may have an upward and rearward facing upper surface156and a downward and forward facing forward surface158which may be essentially parallel to surface156. Right leg232may have a bottom end or edge163so that leg152extends from top end160to bottom end163. Right leg154may have a leftward facing left surface168and a rightward facing right surface170. Right leg154may have an upper edge172which extends or angles downward and rearward from adjacent front upper end160to adjacent lower rear end162. A left bottom tongue178, which is narrower than right leg232as viewed from above or from the rear, may extend downward and rearward from bottom end163of right leg232.

Left bracket150may extend between and be secured to left front rail48adjacent the rear end thereof and left rear rail86adjacent the front end thereof. More particularly, left bracket150may extend between and be secured to rear flange segment56of left front rail48and web108of left rear rail86. Right leg232may, for example, be welded to rear segment56or be secured thereto by bolts. Right surface170of right leg154may be secured to and closely adjacent or in contact with web108left surface110. Right leg154may extend directly between or be entirely directly between upper and lower flanges90and96of left rear rail86. Right leg154may extend directly below or be entirely directly below upper flange90of left rear rail86. Right leg154may extend directly above or be entirely directly above lower flange96of left rear rail86. Upper edge172of right leg154may be essentially parallel to rear flange segments56and the upper and lower surfaces55and57thereof, plate segment214and surface222thereof, surfaces156and158of right leg232, and connector plate132panels136and surfaces139and141thereof. Top edge160may extend directly below and adjacent bottom surface141of panel136of left connector plate132and bottom surface93of left upper flange90to the left of web108of left rear rail86.

Bottom end163of left leg152may be closely adjacent or in contact with upper surface81of segment74of flange68of left front rail48adjacent the rear end of segment74and closely adjacent or in contact with upper surface95of flange segment98of lower flange96of left rear rail86. Lower end163may be closely adjacent, rearward of and at essentially the same height as the bottom rear end of segment56of left flange68. Lower end163may be adjacent the rear end of front frame section42along the left side thereof. Lower end163may be adjacent and spaced upwardly of top surface190of left lower connector plate180. Left bottom tongue178may extend directly between the right edge of left rear flange segment74adjacent the rear end of segment74and the left edge of left forward flange segment98. The left edge of left tongue178may be secured to and closely adjacent or in contact with the right edge of left rear flange segment74. The right edge of left tongue178may be secured to and closely adjacent or in contact with the left edge of left rear flange segment74. The bottom162of left tongue178may be secured to and closely adjacent or in contact with upper surface190of left connector plate180.

Similarly, right outer bracket150may include a right panel or leg152and a left panel or leg154each of which may extend from adjacent end160to end162. Left leg154along a forward lower edge thereof may be secured to right leg152along a right edge thereof at an elongated intersection or bend166and extend rearward and upward therefrom such that legs152and154may be perpendicular to one another and such that legs152and154may provide the L-shaped cross section of right bracket150. Bend166may be elongated from adjacent end160to adjacent end162so that bend166extends or angles downward and rearward from adjacent end160to adjacent end162. Right leg152may have an outer or right edge164and an inner or left edge along bend166. Right leg152may have an upward and rearward facing upper surface156and a downward and forward facing forward surface158which may be essentially parallel to surface156. Right leg152may have a bottom end or edge163so that leg152extends from top end160to bottom end163. Left leg154may have a rightward facing right surface168and a leftward facing left surface170. Left leg154may have an upper edge172which extends or angles downward and rearward from adjacent front upper end160to adjacent lower rear end162. A right bottom tongue178, which is narrower than right leg152as viewed from above or from the rear, may extend downward and rearward from bottom end163of right leg152.

Right bracket150may extend between and be secured to right front rail50adjacent the rear end thereof and right rear rail88adjacent the front end thereof. More particularly, right bracket150may extend between and be secured to rear flange segment56of right front rail50and web108of right rear rail88. Right leg152may, for example, be welded to rear segment56or be secured thereto by bolts. Left surface170of left leg154may be secured to and closely adjacent or in contact with web108right surface110. Left leg154may extend directly between or be entirely directly between upper and lower flanges90and96of right rear rail88. Left leg154may extend directly below or be entirely directly below upper flange90of right rear rail88. Left leg154may extend directly above or be entirely directly above lower flange96of right rear rail88. Upper edge172of left leg154may be essentially parallel to flange segments54and the upper and lower surfaces thereof, plate segment214and surface222thereof, surfaces156and158of right leg152, and connector plate132panels136and surfaces139and141thereof. Top edge160may extend directly below and adjacent bottom surface141of panel136of right connector plate132and bottom surface93of right upper flange90to the right of web108of right rear rail88.

Bottom end163of right leg152may be closely adjacent or in contact with upper surface81of segment74of flange68of right front rail50adjacent the rear end of segment74and closely adjacent or in contact with upper surface95of flange segment98of lower flange96of right rear rail88. Lower end163may be closely adjacent, rearward of and at essentially the same height as the bottom rear end of segment56of right flange68. Lower end163may be adjacent the rear end of front frame section42along the right side thereof. Lower end163may be adjacent and spaced upwardly of top surface190of right lower connector plate180. Right bottom tongue178may extend directly between the left edge of right rear flange segment74adjacent the rear end of segment74and the right edge of right forward flange segment98. The right edge of right tongue178may be secured to and closely adjacent or in contact with the left edge of right rear flange segment74. The left edge of right tongue178may be secured to and closely adjacent or in contact with the right edge of right rear flange segment74. The bottom162of right tongue178may be secured to and closely adjacent or in contact with upper surface190of right connector plate180.

With primary reference toFIGS. 2A, 6 and 8, left and right inner brackets230may be provided along a front portion of rear section44and left and right rear rails86and88to help secure rear section44to neck section46and front section42. Brackets230may be essentially mirror images of one another and may be adjacent the rear end of front section42and the rear ends of front rails48and50. Each bracket230may be an L-shaped bracket such that it has an L-shaped cross sectional shape. Each of left and right brackets230may have an upper front end231and a bottom or lower rear end233such that each bracket230extends or angles downward and rearward from front end231to rear end233.

Left inner bracket230may include a right panel or leg232and a left panel or leg234each of which may extend from adjacent end231to end233. Left leg234along a forward lower edge thereof may be secured to left leg232along a left edge thereof at an elongated intersection or bend235and extend rearward and upward therefrom such that legs232and234may be perpendicular to one another and such that legs232and234may provide the L-shaped cross section of left bracket230. Bend235may be elongated from adjacent end231to adjacent end233so that bend235extends or angles downward and rearward from adjacent end231to adjacent end233. Right leg232may have an inner or right edge237and an outer or left edge along bend235. Right leg232may have an upward and rearward facing upper surface239and a downward and forward facing forward surface241which may be essentially parallel to surface239. Left leg234may have a leftward facing left surface243and a rightward facing right surface245which may be essentially parallel to surface243. Surfaces243and245may be essentially vertical. Left leg234may have an upper edge247which extends or angles downward and rearward from adjacent front upper end231to adjacent lower rear end233. Left bracket230may extend between and be secured to left rear rail86generally adjacent the front end thereof and plate segment214along the left edge thereof. More particularly, left bracket230may extend between and be secured to right surface112of web108of left rear rail86and rear upper surface222of plate segment214. Lower forward surface241of right leg232may be secured to and closely adjacent or in contact with upper rear surface222of plate segment214. Left surface243of left leg234may be secured to and closely adjacent or in contact with web108right surface112. Left leg234may extend directly between or be entirely directly between upper and lower flanges90and96of left rear rail86to the right of left web108. Left leg234may extend directly below or be entirely directly below upper flange90of left rear rail86. Left leg234may extend directly above or be entirely directly above lower flange96of left rear rail86. Upper edge247of left leg234may be essentially parallel to rear flange segments56and the upper and lower surfaces55and57thereof, plate segment214and surface222thereof, surfaces239and241of right leg232, and connector plate132panels136and surfaces139and141thereof. Top edge231may extend directly below and adjacent bottom surface141of panel136of left connector plate132and bottom surface93of left upper flange90to the right of web108of left rear rail86. Lower rear end233may be closely adjacent or in contact with the top surface of plate segment220adjacent the left edge thereof, bend219adjacent the left end thereof or upper surface222of plate segment214adjacent the left edge thereof. Left bracket230may be essentially parallel to left bracket150and on opposite sides (respectively right and left sides) of left web108with left surface243of left leg234facing and directly opposite of right surface170of right leg154of left bracket150and with a portion of left web108directly between said left surface243and said right surface170.

Similarly, right inner bracket230may include a left panel or leg232and a right panel or leg234each of which may extend from adjacent end231to end233. Right leg234along a forward lower edge thereof may be secured to right leg232along a right edge thereof at an elongated intersection or bend235and extend rearward and upward therefrom such that legs232and234may be perpendicular to one another and such that legs232and234may provide the L-shaped cross section of left bracket230. Bend235may be elongated from adjacent end231to adjacent end233so that bend235extends or angles downward and rearward from adjacent end231to adjacent end233. Left leg232may have an inner or left edge237and an outer or right edge along bend235. Left leg232may have an upward and rearward facing upper surface239and a downward and forward facing forward surface241which may be essentially parallel to surface239. Right leg234may have a rightward facing right surface243and a leftward facing left surface245which may be essentially parallel to surface243. Surfaces243and245may be essentially vertical. Right leg234may have an upper edge247which extends or angles downward and rearward from adjacent front upper end231to adjacent lower rear end233. Right bracket230may extend between and be secured to right rear rail88generally adjacent the front end thereof and plate segment214along the right edge thereof. More particularly, right bracket230may extend between and be secured to left surface112of web108of right rear rail88and rear upper surface222of plate segment214. Lower forward surface241of left leg232may be secured to and closely adjacent or in contact with upper rear surface222of plate segment214. Right surface243of right leg234may be secured to and closely adjacent or in contact with web108left surface112. Right leg234may extend directly between or be entirely directly between upper and lower flanges90and96of right rear rail88to the left of right web108. Right leg234may extend directly below or be entirely directly below upper flange90of right rear rail88. Right leg234may extend directly above or be entirely directly above lower flange96of right rear rail88. Upper edge247of right leg234may be essentially parallel to rear flange segments56and the upper and lower surfaces55and57thereof, plate segment214and surface222thereof, surfaces239and241of left leg232, and connector plate132panels136and surfaces139and141thereof. Top edge231may extend directly below and adjacent bottom surface141of panel136of right connector plate132and bottom surface93of right upper flange90to the left of web108of right rear rail88. Lower rear end233may be closely adjacent or in contact with the top surface of plate segment220adjacent the right edge thereof, bend219adjacent the right end thereof or upper surface222of plate segment214adjacent the right edge thereof. Right bracket230may be essentially parallel to right bracket150and on opposite sides (respectively left and right sides) of right web108with right surface243of right leg234facing and directly opposite of left surface170of left leg154of right bracket150and with a portion of right web108directly between said right surface243and said left surface170.

Angle F was discussed earlier with reference toFIG. 8. It is noted that angle F may be defined be a variety of surfaces. More particularly, as shown inFIG. 3 or 8, angle F may be defined between any of (1) surface222, (2) the lower front surface of plate segment214, (3) top surface239of inner leg232of bracket232, (4) bottom surface241of inner leg232, (5) edge247of outer leg234, (6) upper surface156of outer leg152of bracket150, (7) lower surface158of outer leg152, (8) edge172of inner leg154, (9) surface55of rear flange segment56, (10) surface57of segment56, (11) surface135of leg134of upper connector bracket132, and (12) surface137of leg134(all twelve of which may be essentially parallel to one another) and any of (1) the top surface of plate segment215, (2) the bottom surface of plate segment215, (3) top surface95of lower flange96adjacent the front end thereof, (4) bottom surface97of lower flange96adjacent the front end thereof, (5) top surface190of bottom connector plate180, and (6) bottom surface192of connector plate180(all six of which may be essentially parallel to one another).

As depicted inFIG. 4, table22may include a rigid table frame comprising left and right longitudinal rails240and242which may be laterally spaced from and essentially parallel to one another. Table22includes a front end244and a rear end246. Front end244may be rearward of front end30of frame20and rear end246may be rearward of rear end32of frame20. Pads250may be respectively atop rails240and242. A plurality of rollers252may be rotatably mounted on each of rails240and242. Outer edges254of rollers252may be laterally inward of inner edges62of left and right rails48and50. The tops of rollers252may be lower than the top of front section42and the upper surface of front rail segments54of flanges52when table22is in the lowered home position. Left and right edges254may define a lateral width of table22along the front portion thereof such that said lateral width is less than inner width66of front section42. That is, a front portion of table22may be laterally narrower than inner width66such that the front portion of table22may fit within space117between rails48and50. Thus, the front portion of table22(including the front portion of the table frame/rails240and242) may within space117in the lowered home position and outside or removed from space117in the tilted roll off position.

Table top22in the home and roll off positions may be positioned higher than the top of rear section44and the top of flanges90of rails86and88. Left and right rails240and242may extend directly above rails86and88respectively in the home and roll off positions. Table or tabletop22may extend higher than the top of connector plates132and may have a portion that is directly between left and right plates132. Portions of left and right rails240and242may extend directly above portions of left and right connector plate132legs136respectively.

Table top22may include downwardly extending pivot mounts262adjacent rear end246. A pivot pin264may extend through apertures in pivot mounts260and262to pivotally mount table22on frame20adjacent the rear end of frame20so that table22is pivotable about an essentially horizontal laterally extending pivot axis of pivot264between the home and roll off positions to facilitate loading and unloading of container18onto and off of table top22. Arms26or another suitable lift may be used to lift the front end of table22to pivot table22from the home position to the roll off position and to lower the front end of table22from the roll off position to the home position.

Container loading hydraulic system28and other aspects of trailer10are described in greater detail in the U.S. patent application filed on the same date as the present application and entitled “Roll Off Trailer Frame And Two Trolley Assemblies”, which is incorporated herein by reference. System28may include a forward and rearward trollies or trolley assemblies, each of which may be movably mounted on the frame of table22to move forward and rearward along said frame. Only one trolley assembly280is shown in the figures although the other trolley assembly is described in the above-noted patent application.

System28may further include a cable284, first and second hydraulic actuators286and300, sheaves which may be rotatably mounted on the trollies, and a cable which may be wrapped around the sheaves. Each of actuators286and300may be longitudinally elongated and may be a piston-cylinder combination comprising a longitudinally elongated cylinder382and a longitudinally elongated piston298which is slidably received within cylinder382to move forward and rearward. Front portions of actuators286and300(including a portion of piston298and/or cylinder382), a portion of cable284, a portion of front trolley280and a portion of one or more sheaves mounted on front trolley280may be within space117when table22is in the home position and outside of space117when in the roll off position.

Various components of trailer frame20may be formed of a metal such as steel or an aluminum alloy, that is, an alloy which is primarily aluminum, for instance, hitch body23, rails48,50,86and88, cross structure85, connector plates132,180and181, brackets150and230, lateral plates197and199, front plate200and rear plate210. Various components of the table frame of table22may be formed of the same material, such as rails240and242and various cross structures which may extend between and be secured to rails240and242. In various places throughout the present application, the term “secured to” may mean rigidly secured to and may be achieved, for instance, by welds between the given components or by other fasteners such as threaded bolts and threaded nuts which threadedly engage one another with the bolts extending from one of the given components to one or more of the other components.

It is noted that various components or terms having the same names described herein may be denoted as first, second, third and fourth components, etc. For instance, various flanges or flange segments may be denoted as first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth (etc) flanges or flange segments, or various webs may be denoted as first, second, third and fourth webs and so forth. Other such components may include, without limitation, rails, plates, plate segments, brackets, legs, panels, and so forth.