Abstract:
A load transporting trailer has modular construction with components that are readily separable for quick disassembly into light weight, packable, conventional luggage-sized elements. The trailer includes a pair of lateral frame sections, each including a folding wheel assembly adapted for folding relative to its associated frame section. A central frame section intercouples the lateral frame sections in side-by-side relationship. Alternatively, a pair of rectangular frame sections may be intercoupled with a hinge. A removable deck panel is installed in each frame section and a bike stand may be attached. The trailer includes a tow bar coupled with the frame for connecting the trailer to a towing vehicle. The tow bar folds to form a tripod for supporting the trailer in an upright, parked position. A pair of castered legs is coupled with the aft portion of each frame section to permit rolling of the parked trailer.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to a load transporting trailer for use in towing behind a vehicle such as a car, truck or the like, and more particularly to an improved modular trailer that may be quickly disassembled for hand carrying or shipping. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Conventional passenger vehicles, generally lack sufficient space for transporting quantities of cargo or bulky items. Certain vehicles, such as compact cars and neighborhood electric vehicles (NEVs) were purposely designed with minimal cargo space in order to reduce their overall size and weight. Even larger vehicles, such as vans and sport utility vehicles (SUVs) lack sufficient space to comfortably transport passengers as well as multiple bulky items such as bicycles. These vehicles may employ a trailer in order to transport excess cargo in a safe, accessible manner without damage to the vehicle. Even where cargo could be accommodated in the passenger compartment of a vehicle, use of a towed trailer serves to free interior space and make trips more comfortable for long distance travelers. Trailers are particularly popular with campers, cyclists and others who occasionally need to transport a load that exceeds the cargo capacity of their vehicle, but do not wish to purchase and maintain a larger vehicle. 
     While trailers adapted for towing behind passenger vehicles are relatively small and light in comparison with commercial trailers, they are far too large and heavy to be portable by any means other than towing behind a vehicle. In addition, the trailers themselves may present storage problems when they are not in use. These trailers fill certain localized cargo transport needs, such as the hauling of large purchases, yard waste and bicycles. However, because of their size and weight, they are not well suited for remote usage which would require hand carrying for transport by common carrier, such as an airplane, train or bus. Even known trailers with collapsible features far exceed the carrying capacity of a single individual. 
     Recreational activities such as camping and sports commonly involve convergence of individuals or groups from diverse geographic locations to a common meeting point, followed by vehicular transport of the participants and their equipment to the location of the planned activity. For example, cyclists and their bicycles may arrive by plane for a race or rally and use rental vehicles and trailers for transportation to the actual site of the event. In such cases, it may be necessary to rent a load transporting trailer as well as a towing vehicle. While vehicle rental is commonly available, small trailer rental often is not. Moreover, in most geographic areas, rental of specialized trailers, such as bicycle trailers, is not available. 
     Accordingly, there is a need for a small trailer which can be disassembled easily into portable, relatively light weight, packable modules of conventional luggage size for hand carrying, for example aboard a commercial aircraft, and quickly reassembled for towing a load behind a vehicle. Such a trailer should be also adaptable for carrying a specialized load, such as bicycles. 
     SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
     The present invention provides a load transporting trailer having modular construction with components that are readily separable for quick disassembly into light weight, packable, conventional luggage-sized elements. The trailer includes a pair of lateral frame sections, each including a folding wheel assembly adapted for folding relative to its associated frame section. A central frame section intercouples the lateral frame sections in side-by-side relationship. Alternatively, a pair of rectangular frame sections may be intercoupled with a hinge. A removable deck panel is installed in each frame section and a bike stand may be attached. The trailer includes a tow bar coupled with the frame for connecting the trailer to a towing vehicle. The tow bar folds to form a tripod for supporting the trailer in an upright, parked position. A pair of castered legs is coupled with the aft portion of each frame section to permit rolling of the parked trailer. 
     Objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein are set forth, by way of illustration and example, certain embodiments of this invention. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective, partially exploded view of a load transporting trailer in accordance with the invention, including an associated bicycle work stand. 
     FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view similar to that of FIG. 1, showing one wheel assembly in a folded configuration. 
     FIG. 3 is a fragmentary perspective view of the folding wheel assembly of FIG. 1 viewed from below. 
     FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an alternate load transporting trailer having a hinged frame. 
     FIG. 5 is a perspective view similar to that of FIG. 4, showing the frame sections in a partially folded position, and showing one wheel assembly in a folded configuration. 
     FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the deck panel shown in FIG. 4, illustrated in an inverted orientation. 
     FIG. 7 is a fragmentary diagrammatic side elevational view of the tow bar, showing a folded position in phantom. 
     FIG. 8 is an enlarged, transverse, fragmentary section taken along line  8 — 8  of FIG. 1, showing a suspension arm in its earth traversing position. 
     FIG. 9 is a view similar to FIG. 8, depicting the suspension arm in a folded position. 
     FIG. 10 is a fragmentary top plan view of the trailer shown in FIGS. 1 and 4 depicting channels and clamps for attaching bicycles to the trailer. 
     FIG. 11 is a fragmentary diagrammatic side elevational view of an alternate towing socket suitable for mounting below the inboard side rails of the trailer depicted in FIG.  4 . 
     FIG. 12 is an exploded view of the towbar assembly depicted in FIG.  5 . 
     FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a mounting tube for use on the trailer frames. 
    
    
     The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments of the present invention and illustrate various objects and features thereof. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. 
     Referring now to drawing FIGS. 1,  2  and  11 , the reference numeral  10  generally designates a modular load transporting trailer in accordance with the present invention. The trailer  10  broadly includes first and second lateral frame sections  12  and  14  surmounting a pair of foldable, wheel suspension assemblies  16  and telescopically intercoupled by a center frame section  18 , which is demountably coupled with a towing connection or towbar assembly  20 . 
     In more detail, the lateral frame sections  12  and  14  are mirror images, each including front and rear rails  22  and  24  integrally coupled in parallel, spaced relationship by a side-rail  26 . The side-rails  26  thus may be viewed to demarcate an inboard leg  28  and an outboard leg  30  of each front rail  22 . The inboard leg  28  and outboard leg  30  are each apertured fore-to-aft for receiving a bolt  32 . The rear rails  24  are similarly apertured to receive bolts  34 . The ends of each side-rail  26  are apertured top-to-bottom to receive bolts  36 . The aft end of each side-rail is integrally coupled with one end of a respective rear rail  24 , so that the rear rails  24  extend inboard of the side-rails  26  and toward the center frame section  18 . The lateral frame sections  12  and  14  also include a pair of bumper legs  38  which are apertured top-to-bottom for coupling with the aft ends of the side-rails  26 . The end of each bumper leg  38  is covered by a rubber or synthetic resin foot  40  for nonskid ground engagement when the trailer  10  is in an upended stowing position, as well as for cushioning against collision. A bracket  42  is mounted on the upper surface of each bumper leg  38  adjacent and slightly inset from its end. The bracket includes a bolt or pin  43  and a roller or wheel  44  is journaled on the pin  43  and is oriented to permit lateral rolling movement of the trailer  10  in an upended position. 
     The center frame section  18  is generally I-shaped overall, with spaced parallel front and rear rails  46  and  48  integrally intercoupled by a center rail  50 . The center rail  50  defines a longitudinal axis which is an axis of symmetry for the trailer  10  as a whole. The front and rear rails  46  and  48  are apertured fore-to-aft to receive the bolts  32  and  34 , respectively and the center rail  50  is apertured side-to-side to receive a pair of bolts  52 . The forward portion of the center rail  50  includes a dependent flange  54  (FIG.  7 ), having a central aperture  56 . 
     The towbar assembly  20 , depicted in FIGS. 1,  2 , and  7 , includes front and rear towbars  58  and  60  which are pivotally coupled in partially overlapping relationship by a pin  62  journaled in an apertured strap or yoke  64  which is dependently mounted on the midsection of the rear towbar. A similar yoke  66  having an aperture  67  is dependently mounted on the forward section of the rear towbar for alignment with an aperture  68  in the front towbar  58  and locking in place with a pin (shown at  75 ). The front end of the rear towbar  60  forms an elevated grab handle  70 . The aft portion of the rear towbar  60  is apertured side-to-side to receive the center rail bolts  52  for releasably coupling the towbar assembly  20  with the center frame section  18 . The aft portion of the front towbar  58  includes a dependent flange  72  having an aperture  74 . The flange  72  is positioned for alignment with the center rail dependent flange  54  when the towbar assembly  20  is in a folded position. The front and rear towbars  58  and  60  are locked in place in the folded orientation by a pin  75  inserted through the aligned apertures  56  and  74 . The front towbar also includes a forward handle  76  and a latch  78 , for releasably coupling the front end  58  to a hitch mounted on a vehicle (neither is shown). 
     A pair of L-shaped brackets  80  is coupled with the outboard surface of each side rail  26  for mounting a pair of fenders  82 . The brackets  80  are welded to the side rails  26 , although they may also be demountably secured by bolts. The brackets  80  are attached to the fenders  82  by nuts and bolts or other suitable fasteners. The fender  82  is constructed of a durable, lightweight synthetic resin material, although a metal, such as aluminum or steel may also be used. A side reflector  84  is shown mounted adjacent the forward portion of the fender  82  and a tail light  86  may be mounted on the aft end. 
     An optional bicycle work stand  88  is provided for use, for example, to perform emergency bicycle maintenance during a racing event when the trailer  10  is towed by a follow car. The work stand  88  is coupled with a generally L-shaped bracket or mounting arm  90  having an upstanding leg  91  and an inboard leg  92 . The inboard leg  92  is apertured front-to-back for receiving a front rail bolt or pin  32  for coupling the bracket  90  with a first or second frame section front rail outboard leg  30 . 
     The frame sections  12 ,  14  and  18 , bumper legs  38  and bicycle stand mounting bracket  90  are preferably constructed of tubular steel or aluminum having a generally square cross-section, although tubing having round or other suitable sectional shapes may be employed in the same or other materials such as metals, synthetic resin compositions, or graphite. The tubing of the lateral frame section front inboard legs  28  and rear rails  24  is sized to receive the center frame section front and rear rails  46  and  48 , respectively, in sliding, telescoping relationship. Similarly, the tubing of the center rail  50  is sized for telescoping reception of the rear towbar  60 , the lateral frame section side rails  26  are sized for telescoping reception of the bumper legs  38 , and the tubing of the lateral frame section outboard legs  30  is sized for reception of the bicycle stand bracket inboard leg  92 . The assembled trailer  10  has a generally square overall configuration, although any quadrilateral, A-frame or other shape may be employed. 
     As shown in FIGS. 1 and 6, a pair of removable deck panels  94  (one is shown) are generally rectangular in shape, each including a perimeter lip  96  surrounding a slightly depressed central portion or bed  98 . Each panel  94  is supported by resting the lip  96  on the upper surface of a first or second lateral frame section  12  or  14  and the center frame section  18 . Spaced ribs  100  are formed in the lower surface of each central portion  98  to impart strength and rigidity. The upper surface of each bed is stippled with a non-skid material  101  and includes a series of spaced apart drain holes  102 . 
     A pair of mounting tubes  104  are shown in FIGS. 10 and 13, one tube  104  being coupled in parallel relationship with the lateral front rails  22  adjacent the forward end of each side rail  26 , and one tube being coupled in orthogonal relationship with the aft end of the side rails  26 . Each mounting tube  104  includes a pair of feet  106  which are spaced to correspond with the distance between the side-rail bolts  36 , which are employed for detachably securing the mounting tubes  104  with the side-rails  26 . The mounting tubes are coplanar and define a load carrying framework which exceeds the dimensions of the assembled trailer  10 . 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,164,863 issued to Kalman and incorporated herein by reference, discloses a high performance suspension system  16  of the type used in the present invention to independently suspend a wheel  103  from each lateral frame section  12  and  14 . As shown in FIGS. 1-3 and  8 - 10 , a portion of the lower surface of each lateral side rail  26  generally forward of the wheel  103  is coupled with a generally rectangular suspension plate  108  by a pair of inboard hinges  110 . The suspension plate  108  may be pivoted about the hinges  110  from a wheel suspending position (FIGS. 3 and 8) surmounted by the side rail  26 , to a wheel folding or stowing position (FIG. 9) inboard of the side rail  26 . 
     Each suspension plate  108  is held in place by a pair of hinge-type stationary and movable forward latching sleeves  112  and  114  and an aft locking sleeve  116  and associated pair of eyelets  120  (FIG.  10 ). A stationary latching sleeve  112  is coupled with the outboard side of each lateral side rail  26  adjacent the forward portion of a respective suspension plate  108  and a movable latching sleeve  114  is coupled with the suspension plate  108  for coaxial alignment when the sleeves  112  and  114  are adjacent in the wheel suspending position. The aligned sleeves  112  and  114  are secured by pins  116 . Similarly, a locking sleeve  118  is coupled with the outboard side of each lateral side rail  26  adjacent the aft portion of a respective suspension plate  108  and a pair of movable eyelets  120  are coupled with the plate  108  for coaxial alignment. Quick-release locking bolts  122  are inserted through the aligned locking sleeve and eyelets for releasably locking the suspension plates  108  in the wheel suspending position. 
     The forward portion of each suspension plate  108  is coupled with a pair of spaced, dependent mounting brackets  126  with a bolt  128  therebetween. A bushing  130  is sleeved on the bolt  128 , which is held in place by a nut  132 . A conventional hex nut  132  is depicted, but any one of a variety of locking nuts may also be employed. The bushing  130  is integrally coupled with one end of a wheel suspension arm  134  by welding. This construction provides for pivotal movement of each wheel suspension arm  134  about a corresponding bolt  128  so that each arm  134  is free to move elevationally with respect to its associated lateral side rail  26 . 
     The suspension arms  134  are constructed of metal tubing, such as steel, aluminum, or the like and have a curvate profile for offsetting the wheels  103  slightly from the trailer frame sections  12  and  14 . A trailer wheel  103  mounted on an axle  136  is rotatably coupled with the rear portion of each suspension arm  134 . Each suspension arm  134  includes a dependent suspension bracket  138  (FIG. 2) positioned slightly forward of the associated axle  136 . 
     The aft portion of each suspension plate  108  is coupled with a pair of spaced, dependent mounting brackets  140 , with a bolt or pin  142  therebetween. A heavy-duty spring/damper shock absorber  144  is coupled at its lowermost end with the suspension brackets  138  and held in place by a corresponding bolt or pin  146 . The uppermost end of the shock absorber  144  is coupled with the aft mounting brackets  140  and held in place by a bolt or pin  142 . 
     In this manner, the coupling arrangement of the suspension arms  134  and plates  108  with the wheels  103  and shock absorbers  144  cooperatively permits pivotal movement of the wheels  103  and shock absorbers  144  relative to the lateral side rails  26 . The wheels can thus be moved between vertical, earth-traversing positions generally parallel to and coaxial with each other and disposed outwardly of their respective lateral side rails  26 , as shown in FIGS. 1,  3  and  10 , and folded or stowing positions generally coplanar with each other and disposed under and generally parallel to the frame sections  12 ,  14  and  18 , as shown in FIG.  2 . 
     As best shown in FIG. 10, the trailer  10  includes lateral, central and intermediate, upwardly open bicycle supporting channels or rails  148 ,  150  and  152 , which are secured by releasable fasteners  154  to the mounting tubes  104  in a generally transverse relationship. The lateral and central channels  148  and  150  are somewhat longer than the intermediate channels  152  in order to accommodate bicycles having a variety of lengths. Bicycle frame clamps  156  attached to the rear channel fasteners  154  and bicycle fork clamps  158  are attached to the rear mounting tube  104  for use in association with the various channels  148 ,  150  and  152 . The channel fasteners  154 , frame clamps  156  and fork clamps  158  are of conventional construction and any of a number of suitable fastener types may be employed. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that, while five bicycle supporting channels  148 ,  150  and  152  have been described and shown, the number of channels may be augmented by employing a longer mounting tubes  104 . Similarly, the number of channels may be reduced. Any such augmentation or reduction should be symmetrical, in order to balance the load for towing stability. Further details of the bicycle supporting channels  148 ,  150  and  152  can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 6,164,683. 
     In use, the load transporting trailer  10  is extremely convenient to assemble and disassemble into modules for packing in any suitable container, such as a crate, trunk or suitcase, so that it may be stored or transported to a remote location. Because of the relatively small and manageable size of the frame sections  12  and  14  and  18 , it is not necessary to dismantle the wheel assemblies  16  for packing, although the wheels  103  may be easily removed for convenience. The packable modules include lateral frame sections  12  and  14 , each having an associated folded wheel assembly  16  (FIG.  1 ), fenders  82 , a center frame section  18 , folded towbar assembly  20 , deck panels  94  and/or mounting tubes  104  and bicycle channels  148 ,  150  and  152  or other mounting hardware. Each module has a generally planar orientation or can be folded by a user into a near approximation thereof, and this enables it to be stacked adjacent the other modules along with associated fasteners in order to maximize use of the packing space. Because the entire assembly is relatively light weight, not exceeding 150 pounds, it can be fitted into a pair of appropriately sized “suitcase” type carriers and hand carried for transport as airplane baggage without exceeding airline industry baggage size and weight requirements. 
     Upon arrival at a preselected destination, a user can quickly assemble the modules into a trailer  10 . The user first aligns the inboard legs  28  and rear rails  24  of the lateral frame sections  12  and  14  with the front and rear rails  46  and  48  of the center frame section  18 . By urging the respective legs and rails toward each other, the center front and rear rails  46  and  48  are received within the respective lateral inboard legs  28  and rear rails  24  in telescopic engagement and the frame sections  12 ,  14  and  18  are secured with bolts or pins  32  and  34 . 
     The user then grasps a wheel suspension arm  134  and uses it to rotate the wheel suspension plate  108  about the inboard hinges  110  until the movable latching sleeves  114  align with the fixed latching sleeves  112  and the locking sleeves  118  align with the eyelets  120 . The suspension plates are locked in place with the corresponding wheels in an upright, ground engaging position using the pins  116  and locking bolts  122 . The fenders  82  are installed by slipping them over the outstanding portions of the brackets  80  and fastening them with bolts or pins (not shown). 
     The user next grasps the front towbar  58 , removes the pin  75  and rotates the towbar  58  forward from its folded position adjacent the rear towbar  60  and into a parallel position in which the aperture  68  is aligned with the rear towbar yoke  66 . The pin  75  is slipped into the aligned apertures  67  and  68  to lock the towbar  20  in place in its extended orientation. The user next inserts the free end of the rear towbar  60  into the center frame section  18  in telescoping relationship, where it is secured by bolts  52 . 
     Optional deck panels  94  may be dropped into place in the openings between the respective lateral frame sections  12  and  14  and the center frame section  18 . Alternatively or in addition, a user may position the mounting tubes  104  so that the feet  106  are aligned with corresponding apertures in the lateral front and rear rails  22  and  24 , where they are secured by bolts  36 . The bicycle channels  148 ,  150  and  152  are fastened to the mounting tubes  104  using the channel fasteners  154 . After one or more bicycles (not shown) are positioned in the respective channel  148 ,  150  or  152 , they are secured to the trailer  10  by the appropriate frame and fork clamps  156  or  158 . Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other mounting hardware may be used to secure boats, boxes or any other specialty equipment (not shown). 
     The bicycle stand  88  is installed in similar fashion, by aligning the mounting arm inboard leg  92  with the front rail outboard leg  30  and urging the two together so that the mounting arm leg  92  slidingly receives the rail outboard leg  30  in telescoping relationship and the two are secured by a bolt  32 . 
     The user employs the handle  76  to position the trailer  10  adjacent the rear of a towing vehicle (not shown) and couples the towbar latch  78  to a vehicle trailer hitch (not shown). Thus loaded, the trailer  10  may be towed to a predetermined location. 
     Following use, the trailer  10  is unloaded and may be disassembled for storage by reversal of the preceding operations. Alternatively, the trailer may be upended on the bumper legs  38 , the pins  116  and locking bolts  122  removed and the wheels  103  folded inboard, toward the center rail  50 . The pin  75  is removed and the front towbar  58  pivoted about pin  62  to its folded position adjacent the center rail  50  and the pin  75  reinserted into the aligned apertures  56  and  74 , to lock the towbar assembly  20  into its folded position. A user can roll the upended trailer  10  sideways on its wheels  44  by leaning the upended trailer slightly forwardly, causing ground engagement of the wheels  44  and corresponding disengagement of the legs  38 . The trailer  10  is then rolled to a desired storage location and leaned slightly backwardly, causing ground engagement of the legs  38  and disengagement of the wheels  44 . In this manner, the trailer legs  38  and towbar assembly  20  form a tripod for supporting the trailer  10  in an upended position, for example, adjacent a wall where it will not intrude into a storage area. 
     FIGS. 4,  5 ,  11  and  12  depict a first alternate embodiment of a modular load transporting trailer. The structure of this embodiment is substantially similar to that previously described, except that the frame is constructed in two sections rather than three, and the entire apparatus may be folded into a footprint the size of one frame section. 
     The modular hinged trailer  210  includes a roadside first frame section  212  hingedly coupled in side-by-side relationship with a curbside second frame section  214 , each surmounting a foldable, wheel suspension assembly  216  and jointly coupled with a towing connection or towbar assembly  218 . 
     In more detail, the frame sections  212  and  214  are mirror images, each including front and rear rails,  220  and  222  orthogonally coupled with an outboard side rail  224  and an inboard side rail  226 . Because the front rails  220  are somewhat longer than the rear rails  222 , a portion of the front rail  220  extends laterally beyond each respective side rail  224  to form an outboard leg  228 . The inboard side rails  226  are intercoupled by a plurality of spaced hinges  230 , a portion of each being integrally coupled with a respective inboard side rail  226 , for example, by welding. The inboard side rails define a longitudinal axis which is an axis of symmetry for the trailer  210  as a whole. The rear rails  222  are intercoupled by a plate  232 , which overlies the inboard margins of the rails  222  and is held in place by a pair of bolts or pins  234 . The aft end of each outboard side rail  224  is coupled with a pair of bumper legs  236  by a bolt or pin  238 . A yoke-shaped bracket  240  is mounted on the upper surface of each bumper leg  236  adjacent and slightly inset from its end. The bracket  240  supports a bolt or pin  242  in a vertical orientation. A wheel  244  is journaled on the pin  242  for lateral rolling movement. 
     FIGS. 4,  5  and  12  depict a towbar assembly  218  having a towbar  246  and a towbar socket  248 . The socket  248  is integrally coupled with a towbar mounting bracket  250 , which is apertured to receive a series of bolts  252 . The towbar  246  and the socket  248  are correspondingly apertured to receive a pair of bolts or pins  254 . The towbar  246  includes a forward handle  256  and terminates in a latch  258 , for releasably coupling with a vehicle hitch (not shown). FIG. 11 depicts an alternate towbar socket  260  which is dependently coupled with the inboard side rails  226  by a pair of brackets or straps  262 . The towbar  246  is received within the socket  260  as previously described. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the folding towbar assembly  20  previously described may be substituted for the towbar  246 . 
     A pair of generally L-shaped brackets  264  is coupled with the aft outboard aspect of each outboard side rail  224  for mounting a fender  266 . The elements and construction of the fender  266  are similar to that previously described for the fender  82 . 
     An optional bicycle stand and mounting arm (not shown) similar to the stand  88  depicted in FIG. 1 may be telescopingly coupled with one of the front rail outboard legs  228 . 
     The frame sections  212  and  214  are constructed of materials as previously described except that the front and rear rails  220  and  222  and the side rails  224  and  226  of each section are integrally coupled, for example by welding. Where graphite or synthetic resin materials are used, they may be of unitary construction. The tubing of the bumper legs  236  is sized for telescoping reception by the terminal ends of the outboard side rails  224 . While three hinges  230  are depicted in FIGS. 4 and 5 coupling the frame sections  212  and  214  together along the longitudinal axis, it is foreseen that any number of bolts, quick release coupling devices or other suitable fasteners may also be employed. 
     A pair of removable deck panels  268  (one is shown) are sized for reception on each frame section  212  and  214 . The deck panels  268  are substantially similar to the panels  94  previously described and depicted in FIG.  6 . 
     A pair of mounting tubes  270  is provided. One mounting tube  270  is coupled in parallel relationship with the front rails  220  at spaced points adjacent the forward end of each outboard side rail  224 . The other is coupled in orthogonal relationship with the aft portions of the side rails  224 . 
     A pair of wheel suspension assemblies  216  are depicted in FIGS. 3,  4  and  5  and are substantially similar to the wheel suspension assemblies  16  previously described. The wheel assemblies each include a wheel  272  coupled with a hinged suspension plate  274  by a wheel suspension arm  276  and a shock absorber  278 . This coupling arrangement permits pivotal movement of the wheels  272  and shock absorbers  278  relative to the outboard side rails  224  as previously described. The wheels  272  may be shifted from a generally vertical, ground-engaging position (FIG. 4) in which they are generally parallel to and coaxial with each other and disposed outboard of their respective outboard side rails  224 , to a stowing position (FIG. 5) in which they are generally coplanar with each other and disposed under and generally parallel to the frame sections  212  and  214 . 
     The trailer may also include bicycle supporting channels or rails as previously described and shown in FIG. 10 to include a plurality of channel rails  148 ,  150  and  152  and associated fasteners  154  and bicycle frame and fork clamps  156  and  158 . Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other mounting hardware may be used to secure boats, boxes or any other specialty equipment (not shown). 
     In use, the hinged modular trailer  210  is light weight easy to assemble and disassemble, and may be disassembled into modules including the first and second frame sections  212  and  214 , each including a folded wheel  244  (FIG.  5 ), fenders  266 , a towbar assembly  218 , deck panels  268  and/or mounting tubes  270  and bicycle channels  148 ,  150  and  152  or any other mounting hardware. With the wheels  272  in their folded position, each module can be folded nearly flat and the entire assembly  210  can be packed into a pair of suitcases. 
     The modules are easily assembled by a user into a trailer  210  by aligning the frame sections  212  and  214  for mating engagement of the respective hinge portions  230  and insertion of pins (not shown). The user fastens the plate  232  to the rear rails  222  with a pair of pins  234 . The user then grasps a wheel suspension arm  276 , uses it to rotate the wheel  272  into a ground engaging position and inserts pins and locking bolts as previously described. The fenders are installed by slipping them over the flanges  264  and fastening with bolts (not shown). 
     The towbar socket  248  is coupled with the front rails  220  by fastening the mounting bracket  250  to the rails  220  using the bolts  246 . A user aligns the towbar  246  with the socket  248  for sliding telescopic engagement and inserts the pins  254  to hold the towbar  246  in place. The alternate socket assembly  260  may be installed by sliding the straps  262  over the outboard surfaces of the adjacent inboard side rails  226  and fastening them in place using pins or bolts (not shown). The towbar  246  is then installed as previously described. 
     The optional deck panels  268  may be dropped into place over the rails of the frame sections  212  and  214 . The user positions the mounting tubes  270  in spaced parallel relationship with the respective front and rear rails and attaches them with fasteners (not shown). The bicycle channels  148 ,  150  and  152  are fastened to the mounting tubes  104  using the channel fasteners  154 . Bicycles are positioned in the respective channels and secured to the trailer  210  by frame and fork clamps  156  and  158 . 
     The user grasps the handle  256  to position the trailer  210  adjacent the rear of a towing vehicle (not shown) and couples the towbar latch  258  to a hitch for towing the load to a predetermined location. 
     Following use, the trailer  210  is unloaded and may be disassembled by lifting out the deck panels  268  and unbolting the towbar socket  248  for removal of the socket  248  and its associated towbar  246 . The trailer  210  may be upended on the bumper legs  236  and, if a folding towbar is employed, shifting the towbar to its folded position. The suspension plates  274  are next unpinned for folding the wheels  272  inboard, toward the inboard side rails  226 . The user can then lean the upended trailer  210  slightly forwardly to engage the wheels  244  for rolling the trailer  210  in a sideways direction. 
     Alternatively, the user may unbolt the plate  232 , fenders  266 , mounting tubes  270  and their associated bicycle channels  148 ,  150  and  152  prior to upending the trailer  210 , in order to permit unobstructed rotation of the frame sections  212  and  214  about their longitudinal hinges  230  and into a folded position in which the upper surfaces of the rails  220 ,  222 ,  224  and  226  are adjacent. By unpinning the suspension plates  274  and folding the wheels  272  inboard, toward the inboard side rails  226 , the trailer  210  may be folded into an extremely compact, overall rectangular configuration having a very small footprint and requiring a minimum of storage space. 
     It is to be understood that while certain forms of the present invention have been illustrated and described herein, it is not to be limited to the specific forms or arrangement of parts described and shown.