Abstract:
An apparatus which can be configured to be a trailer and a shed including a trailer frame, a trailer hitch arm collapsably connected to the trailer frame, a floor attached substantially planar with the frame, at least two side walls connected to the floor, wherein the walls are arranged perpendicular to the floor, at least one door attached to one of the side walls by a first hinge, a tailgate attached to the trailer by a second hinge, wherein the tailgate provides a substantially planar surface that can function as a floor for the shed and a tailgate for the trailer and an axle having at least two wheels, the axle pivotably connected to the trailer frame, wherein the axle pivots into a down position to provide the trailer with an extended axle and wheels, and the axle pivots into an up position to provide the trailer with a substantially planar base with a retracted axle and wheels.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This patent application is a Continuation of application Ser. No. 11/633,273, filed on Dec. 1, 2006, which application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/742,397, filed Dec. 5, 2005, which applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    This invention relates generally to trailers, more specifically to a trailer having retractable wheels and tow arm, and even more specifically to a trailer having retractable wheels and tow arm that can be converted into a storage container. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Trailers designed to haul various loads are diverse and plentiful. Trailers often include a frame, whereon an axle having at least two wheels is mounted. Some trailers may include a flat platform secured to the top of the frame for carrying various items, while other trailers may include side walls, front walls, back walls and/or tailgates. Trailers may be covered with a hard top cover or merely covered with a tarp. Trailers of these types are often used by people such as hunters, campers, weekend home repair do-it-yourselfers and landscapers. Although these trailers may be used for transporting a multitude of objects, materials, etc., studies have shown that due to trailer storage requirements and their unsightly appearances, consumers are often reluctant to purchase such trailers. 
         [0004]    Exterior storage space can cost a significant amount of money, as reflected in the burgeoning exterior storage rental industry. Exterior storage containers may take any number of forms and sizes, e.g., from small storage sheds to flat-bed truck containers. Exterior storage containers provide added storage space, but are often difficult to move from one location to another, and thus often become permanent structures after installation or initial use. 
         [0005]    Unfortunately, the aforementioned trailers are not capable of providing an exterior storage container which is also aesthetically appealing. Similarly, the aforementioned storage containers are not capable of being transported between locations. 
         [0006]    Thus, there is a long felt need for an affordable, multipurpose storage apparatus capable of being easily transported from one location to another, including across substantial distances. Additionally, there is a long felt need for an aesthetically appealing, transportable storage apparatus. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    The present invention broadly comprises an apparatus which can be configured to be a trailer and a shed, including a trailer frame, a trailer hitch arm collapsably connected to the trailer frame, a floor attached substantially planar with the frame, at least two side walls connected to the floor, wherein the walls are arranged perpendicular to the floor, at least one door attached to one of the side walls by a first hinge, a tailgate attached to the trailer by a second hinge, wherein the tailgate provides a substantially planar surface that can function as a floor for the shed and a tailgate for the trailer and an axle having at least two wheels, the axle pivotably connected to the trailer frame, wherein the axle pivots into a down position to provide the trailer with an extended axle and wheels, and the axle pivots into an up position to provide the trailer with a substantially planar base with a retracted axle and wheels. In one embodiment, the apparatus further includes at least one shelf detachably positioned between, and perpendicular to, the side walls. In another embodiment, the apparatus further includes a retaining element to hold the axle in the down or up position. In a further embodiment, the apparatus includes at least one handle attached to the axle operatively arranged to assist in pivoting the axle into the up position, while in yet a further embodiment, the apparatus includes at least one handle attached to the axle, operatively arranged to assist in pivoting the axle into the down position. In still a further embodiment, collapsing the trailer hitch arm toward the frame locks the axle in the up position. In another embodiment, the trailer hitch arm is pivotably connected to the trailer frame, while in yet another embodiment, the trailer hitch arm is telescopically connected to the trailer frame. And in still yet a further embodiment, the telescoping trailer hitch arm locks the axle in the up position when the trailer hitch arm is telescoped inwardly, and the trailer hitch arm locks the axle in the down position when the trailer hitch arm is telescoped outwardly. 
         [0008]    The present invention also broadly comprises an apparatus, including a trailer frame, a floor attached to the frame, at least two side walls connected to the trailer frame, a rear wall pivotably connected to the trailer frame, a trailer hitch arm collapsably connected to the trailer frame, distal to the rear wall and an axle having at least two wheels, the axle pivotably connected to the trailer frame having a retracted and an extended position, wherein in a trailer orientation the trailer frame is horizontally oriented, the trailer hitch arm is extended, and the axle is in the extended position, and wherein in a shed orientation the trailer frame is vertically oriented, the trailer hitch arm is collapsed, and the axle is in the retracted position. In one embodiment, the apparatus further includes a retaining element to hold the axle in the retracted or extended positions. And in another embodiment, collapsing the trailer hitch arm adjacent to the frame locks the axle in the retracted position. In a further embodiment, the apparatus includes at least one handle attached to the axle operatively arranged to assist in pivoting the axle into the retracted position, while in yet a further embodiment, the apparatus includes at least one handle attached to the axle operatively arranged to assist in pivoting the axle into the extended position. In still further embodiments, the trailer hitch arm is pivotably or telescopically connected to the trailer frame. In yet still another embodiment, the trailer hitch arm locks the axle in the retracted position when the trailer hitch arm is telescoped inwardly, and the trailer hitch arm locks the axle in the extended position when the trailer hitch arm is telescoped outwardly. 
         [0009]    Another embodiment of the present invention comprises an apparatus which can be configured to be a trailer and a shed, including a trailer frame, a floor attached substantially planar with the frame, at least two side walls connected to the floor, wherein the walls are arranged perpendicular to the floor, a tailgate attached to the trailer by a hinge, wherein the tailgate provides a substantially planar surface that can function as a floor for the shed and a tailgate for the trailer, an axle having at least two wheels, the axle pivotably connected to the trailer frame, wherein the axle pivots into a down position to provide the trailer with an extended axle and wheels, and the axle pivots into an up position to provide the trailer with a substantially planar base with a retracted axle and wheels and a trailer hitch arm telescopically connected to the trailer frame, wherein the trailer hitch arm locks the axle in the up position when the trailer hitch arm is telescoped inwardly, and the trailer hitch arm locks the axle in the down position when the trailer hitch arm is telescoped outwardly. 
         [0010]    Yet another embodiment of the present invention comprises an apparatus which can be configured to be a trailer and a shed, including a trailer frame, a floor attached substantially planar with the frame, at least two side walls connected to the floor, wherein the walls are arranged perpendicular to the floor, a tailgate attached to the trailer by a hinge, wherein the tailgate provides a substantially planar surface that can function as a floor for the shed and a tailgate for the trailer, an axle having at least two wheels, the axle pivotably connected to the trailer frame, wherein the axle pivots into a down position to provide the trailer with an extended axle and wheels, and the axle pivots into an up position to provide the trailer with a substantially planar base with a retracted axle and wheels and a trailer hitch arm mechanically connected to the trailer frame, wherein the trailer hitch arm is linked to the axle, wherein movement of the trailer hitch arm inwardly pivots the axle into the up position, and movement of the trailer hitch arm outwardly pivots the axle into a down position. 
         [0011]    It is therefore a general object of the invention to provide a convenient storage apparatus which may be easily transported by a vehicle. 
         [0012]    It is another object of the invention to provide a transportable storage apparatus which is simple to use, easy to clean, low maintenance and has an aesthetically appealing appearance. 
         [0013]    It is another object of the invention to provide a transportable storage apparatus which has a water proof exterior shell, lightweight construction, large capacity and removable storage shelves. 
         [0014]    These and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art upon reading the following detailed description of the invention in view of the several drawings of the invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0015]    The nature and mode of operation of the present invention will now be more fully described in the following detailed description of the invention taken with the accompanying drawing figures, in which: 
           [0016]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a present invention convertible trailer in a storage configuration including closed doors; 
           [0017]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a present invention convertible trailer in a storage configuration including open doors; 
           [0018]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a present invention convertible trailer in a towing configuration including closed doors; 
           [0019]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a present invention convertible trailer in a towing configuration including open doors and an extended front portion; 
           [0020]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a present invention convertible trailer in a towing configuration including open doors, an extended front portion and an open tailgate; 
           [0021]      FIG. 6  is an exploded view of an embodiment of a present invention convertible trailer in a towing configuration; 
           [0022]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a present invention convertible trailer in a towing configuration without doors, top portion or tailgate and having a tow arm in an extended position; 
           [0023]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a present invention convertible trailer in a towing configuration without doors, front portion or tailgate and having a tow arm in a retracted position; 
           [0024]      FIG. 9  is an exploded view of an embodiment of a present invention convertible trailer having a telescoping tow arm; 
           [0025]      FIG. 10  is a side elevational view of an embodiment of a present invention convertible trailer having a telescoping tow arm and wheel axle in an extended position; 
           [0026]      FIG. 11  is a side elevational view of an embodiment of a present invention convertible trailer having a telescoping tow arm and wheel axle in a retracted position; 
           [0027]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a present invention convertible trailer having a hinged tow arm in an extended position and a wheel axle in a retracted position; 
           [0028]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a present invention convertible trailer having a hinged tow arm in a retracted position and a wheel axle in a retracted position; 
           [0029]      FIG. 14  is a side elevational view of an embodiment of a present invention convertible trailer having a hinged tow arm and wheel axle in an extended position; and, 
           [0030]      FIG. 15  is a side elevational view of an embodiment of a present invention convertible trailer having a hinged tow arm and wheel axle in a retracted position. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0031]    At the outset, it should be appreciated that like drawing numbers on different drawing views identify identical structural elements of the invention. While the present invention is described with respect to what is presently considered to be the preferred embodiments, it is understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. In the description below, the terms “upper”, “lower”, “front”, “back”, “left”, “right”, and their derivatives, should be interpreted from the perspective of one viewing the convertible trailer shown in  FIG. 3 . 
         [0032]    Furthermore, it is understood that this invention is not limited to the particular methodology, materials and modifications described and as such may, of course, vary. It is also understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. 
         [0033]    Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although any methods, devices or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the invention, the preferred methods, devices, and materials are now described. 
         [0034]    Adverting now to the figures,  FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of an embodiment of present invention convertible trailer  10  in a storage configuration including doors  12  in closed positions, while  FIG. 2  shows a perspective view of an embodiment of convertible trailer  10  in a storage configuration including doors  12  in open positions. In this configuration, tailgate  14  forms the base, front portion  16  forms the roof and side walls  18  form the side walls and are connected to platform  20  which forms the back wall of trailer  10 . Furthermore, doors  12  are pivotally secured to side walls  18  via hinges  21 . As can be seen in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , when trailer  10  is positioned in an upright, or storage configuration, trailer  10  has the appearance of a storage shed/container, and not a trailer. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that convertible trailer  10  may also include at least one shelf  17  detachably or fixedly secured perpendicular to and between side walls  18 . 
         [0035]      FIGS. 3 ,  4  and  5  show trailer  10  in a towing configuration.  FIG. 3  is a perspective view of an embodiment of convertible trailer  10  in a towing configuration including doors  12  in closed positions, while  FIG. 4  is a perspective view of trailer  10  in a towing configuration including doors  12  in open positions and front portion  16  in an extended position and  FIG. 5  is a perspective view of trailer  10  in a towing configuration including doors  12  and tailgate  14  in open positions and front portion  16  in an extended position. When trailer  10  is in a towing configuration, tow arm  22  is extended and operatively arranged to be releasably secured to a vehicle (not shown) via ball hitch  24 . Although trailer  10  is shown including ball hitch  24 , one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that other means of coupling trailer  10  to a vehicle are also possible, e.g., a two inch square receiver configuration, and such variations are within the spirit and scope of the claimed invention. Additionally, in a towing configuration, wheels  26  are in an extended position and arranged to support trailer  10 . 
         [0036]    As can be seen in  FIG. 4 , when trailer  10  is used in a towing configuration, doors  12  and front portion  16  may be opened and expanded, respectively, thereby increasing the volume of trailer  10  for added capacity and/or providing greater protection from air currents during movement of trailer  10 . In other words, in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 4 , additional material or objects may be placed within trailer  10  and the likelihood of loss of objects from within trailer  10  during transit is decreased. As can be seen in  FIG. 5 , slots  28  of front portion  16  are slideably engaged with dovetails  30  of front wall  32 . Although, front portion  16  is shown to slideably engage front wall  32 , one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that other methods of joining front portion  16  and front wall  32  are also possible, e.g., fixedly securing the two elements or pivotal connection via a hinge, and such embodiments are within the spirit and scope of the claimed invention. Additionally, tailgate  14  is pivotally secured to platform  20  via hinges  34 , thereby permitting tailgate  14  to be arranged in a closed position (see  FIG. 4 ) and an open position (see  FIG. 5 ). As can be appreciated in view of  FIGS. 2 and 4 , when tailgate  14  is arranged in a closed position and trailer  10  is in a storage configuration, tailgate  14  provides a substantially planar surface that can function as a floor for trailer  10 , while when trailer  10  is in a towing configuration, tailgate  14  provides a tailgate for trailer  10 . 
         [0037]      FIG. 6  shows an exploded view of an embodiment of convertible trailer  10  in a towing configuration. The following discussion is best understood in view of  FIGS. 1  through  6 . Main body  36  is fixedly secured to trailer frame  38  via frame arms  40 . Main body  36  comprises platform  20 , side walls  18  and front wall  32 , each integral to the others. When trailer  10  is in a towing configuration as shown in  FIG. 6 , platform  20  functions as a floor, side walls  18  function as side walls, and front wall  32  functions as a front wall. When trailer  10  is in a storage configuration as shown in  FIG. 2 , platform  20  functions as a back wall, side walls  18  function as side walls, and front wall  32  (not shown) functions as a top wall. As described supra, tailgate  14  is pivotally secured to main body  36  via hinges  34 . Hinges  34  comprise hinge flanges  42  having hole  44  arranged therethrough in combination with hinge pin  46 . Tailgate  14  includes slots  48  which are complimentary to hinge flanges  42 . Additionally, tailgate  14  includes through-hole  50  disposed therein. Thus, tailgate  14  is pivotally secured to hinge flange  42  by positioning slots  48  about hinge flanges  42  so that holes  44  and through-hole  50  are aligned, and subsequently inserting hinge pin  46  through through-hole  50  and holes  44 . Similarly, doors  12  are pivotally secured to main body  36  via hinges  21 . Hinges  21  comprise hinge flanges  52  having hole  54  arranged therethrough in combination with hinge pin  56 . Main body  36  includes slots  58  which are complimentary to hinge flanges  52  and each has an individual hinge pin  56  disposed therein. Thus, doors  12  are pivotally secured to hinge flanges  52  by positioning hinge flanges  52  within slots  58  so that holes  54  are aligned with hinge pins  56 . The nature and mode of operation of axle  60  is described infra. 
         [0038]    As trailer  10  is intended to be both a storage unit and trailer, some embodiments of trailer  10  incorporate various safety features necessary for road use. For example, tailgate  14  may include side reflectors  62  and/or rear reflectors  64 . In like fashion, front portion  16  may include side reflectors  66 . As one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize, other safety features may be included, e.g., brake lights, and such variations are within the spirit and scope of the claimed invention. 
         [0039]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of convertible trailer  10  in a towing configuration showing only main body  36  secured to trailer frame  38  and having tow arm  22  and wheels  26  in extended positions, while  FIG. 8  is a perspective view of convertible trailer  10  in a towing configuration showing only main body  36  secured to trailer frame  38  and having tow arm  22  and wheels  26  in retracted positions. The following discussion is best understood in view of  FIGS. 6 through 8 . It should be appreciated that when referring to the conditions of tow arm  22 , axle  60  and wheels  26 , “up” means the same as “retracted” and “down” means the same as “extended”. Trailer frame  38  includes channel  68  operatively arranged to receive tow arm  22  for telescopic movement therein. In other words, when it is desired to convert trailer  10  from a towing configuration to a storage configuration, tow arm  22  is moved inwardly into channel  68  of trailer frame  38  (see  FIG. 8 ), thereby permitting rotation of wheels  26  into the opening formed by wheel wells  70 . Contrarily, when it is desired to convert trailer  10  from a storage configuration to a towing configuration, tow arm  22  is moved outwardly from channel  68  of trailer frame  38  (see  FIG. 7 ), thereby permitting rotation of wheels  26  out from the opening formed by wheel wells  70 . It should be further appreciated that when wheels  26  are rotated to an up or retracted position, wheels  26  are positioned fully within wheel wells  70 . In other words, when wheels  26  are in a retracted position, platform  20  forms a substantially planar base, i.e., wheels  26  do not extend past the plane formed by platform  20 . The nature and mode of operation of the rotation of wheels  26  is described in greater detail infra. 
         [0040]      FIG. 9  shows an exploded view of an embodiment of convertible trailer  10  having tow arm  22  arranged for telescopic movement within channel  68  of trailer frame  38 ,  FIG. 10  is a side elevational view of convertible trailer  10  having tow arm  22  and axle  60  in an extended position, and  FIG. 11  is a side elevational view of convertible trailer  10  having tow arm  22  and axle  60  in a retracted position. The following discussion is best understood in view of  FIGS. 9 through 11 . Holes  72  of brackets  74  are aligned with holes  76  of brackets  78  and subsequently pins  80  are disposed within holes  72  and  76  thereby rotatably securing axle  60  to trailer frame  38 . Axle  60  further includes locking bracket  82  having extended and retracted locking holes  84  and  86 , respectively, while tow arm  22  includes extended and refracted locking pins  88  and  90 , respectively, and extended and retracted locking holes  92  and  94 , respectively. When convertible trailer  10  is in a towing configuration, tow arm  22  and axle  60  are in extended positions (see  FIG. 10 ). Thus, in a towing configuration, axle  60  is rotated and tow arm  22  telescoped so that extended locking pin  88  is engaged within extended locking hole  84  and extended locking hole  92  is aligned with frame locking hole  96 . Tow arm  22  is releasably secured within channel  68  by disposing tow arm locking pin  98  within extended locking hole  92  and frame locking hole  96 . Subsequently, tow arm locking pin  98  is retained with cotter pin  100 . Contrarily, when convertible trailer  10  is in a storage configuration, tow arm  22  and axle  60  are in retracted positions (see  FIG. 11 ), i.e., axle  60  rotates according to bi-directional arrow  102 . Thus, in a storage configuration, axle  60  is rotated and tow arm  22  telescoped so that retracted locking pin  90  is engaged within retracted locking hole  86  and refracted locking hole  94  is aligned with frame locking hole  96 . Tow arm  22  is releasably secured within channel  68  by disposing tow arm locking pin  98  within refracted locking hole  94  and frame locking hole  96 . Subsequently, tow arm locking pin  98  is retained with cotter pin  100 . Handles  103  are included to provide a user a convenient means to assist with rotating axle  60 , between extended and retracted positions, and vice versa. Although two handles  103  are shown, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that more or less handles may be included, e.g., one or four, and such variations are within the spirit and scope of the claims. 
         [0041]    As described supra, in the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 3 through 11 , tow arm  22  is a telescoping arm, i.e., tow arm  22  is converted from an extended position to a retracted position by sliding tow arm  22  within channel  68  of trailer frame  38 .  FIGS. 12 through 15  show further embodiments of present invention trailer  10  which include tow arm  104  pivotally secured to trailer frame  106  via hinge  108 .  FIG. 12  is a perspective view of an embodiment of convertible trailer  10  having tow arm  104  pivotally secured via hinge  108  in an extended position and axle  110  in a retracted position, while  FIG. 13  is a perspective view of another embodiment of convertible trailer  10  having tow arm  104  pivotally secured via hinge  108  in a retracted position and axle  110  in a retracted position. Additionally,  FIG. 14  is a side elevational view of yet another embodiment of convertible trailer  10  having tow arm  104  and axle  110  in extended positions, while  FIG. 15  is a side elevational view of still another embodiment of convertible trailer  10  having tow arm  104  and axle  110  in retracted positions. 
         [0042]    The following discussion is best understood in view of  FIGS. 12 through 15 . Similar to the embodiments described above, brackets  112  are aligned with brackets  114  and subsequently pins  116  are disposed therethrough, thereby rotatably securing axle  110  to trailer frame  106 . Axle  110  further includes locking bracket  118  having locking holes  120  while tow arm  104  includes retracted locking hole  122 . When convertible trailer  10  is in a towing configuration, tow arm  104  and axle  110  are in extended positions (see  FIG. 14 ). Thus, in a towing configuration, axle  110  is rotated so that locking holes  120  are aligned with extended locking hole  124  and subsequently, locking pin  126  is releasably secured through holes  120  and extended locking hole  124  with cotter pin  128 . Additionally, in a towing configuration, tow arm  104  is rotated about hinge pin  129  to an extended position and releasably secured to bracket  130  by inserting locking pin  132  through hole  134 , and subsequently retaining locking pin  132  therein via cotter pin  136 . Contrarily, when convertible trailer  10  is in a storage configuration, tow arm  104  and axle  110  are in retracted positions (see  FIG. 15 ), i.e., axle  110  rotates according to directional arrow  138  and tow arm  104  rotates according to directional arrow  140 . Thus, in a storage configuration, axle  110  is rotated about pins  116  and tow arm  104  is rotated about hinge pin  129  so that locking holes  120  are aligned with retracted locking hole  122  and subsequently, locking pin  126  is releasably secured through holes  120  and retracted locking hole  122  with cotter pin  128 . 
         [0043]    Thus, it is seen that the objects of the present invention are efficiently obtained, although modifications and changes to the invention should be readily apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art, and these modifications are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed.