Abstract:
A Universal Folding Boom Trailer  30  for transporting multiple vehicles provides a safe and legal manner for towing. The trailer  30  includes a winch  44  for loading and unloading the towed vehicles  32, 34, 36  and can act alone as a crane  42  if desired. Further, this trailer arrangement backs up like a conventional trailer. The Universal Folding Boom Trailer  30  provides a means for a driver to haul multiple vehicles in both directions. The driver is able to attach the trailer  30  to a personal fifth wheel ( 36 ) and tow any type of unit: a fifth wheel trailer, a ball hitch trailer, or a gooseneck, among others—instead of dead-heading.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/303,561 filed on Dec. 5, 2008, which in turn is a National Stage of International Application No. PCT/US07/70406 filed Jun. 5, 2007, which in turn claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/811,250 filed on Jun. 6, 2006. The entire disclosures of the above applications are hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates generally to a method and apparatus for transporting and delivering multiple trucks, and in particular, to a universal folding boom trailer for loading, transporting and delivering trucks in compliance with the Department of Transportation Regulations. 
         [0003]      FIG. 1  illustrates a prior art method of towing semi tractor trucks  10 . This current method of towing provides delivery of two semi tractor trucks at a time, one semi tractor truck  12  typically is facing forward and towing a boom trailer  14 . The second semi tractor truck  16  is connected to the boom trailer  14  by its fifth wheel connection  18  and is towed facing backwards with only the steering tires  20  on the ground  22 . The steering tires  20  are held in a straight position on the towed semi tractor truck  16  by securing the steering wheel with the driver&#39;s seat belt. The driver&#39;s personal pickup truck  24  is transported on top of the boom trailer  14  between the semi tractor trucks  12 ,  16  (the loading ramps are not shown). 
         [0004]    In this arrangement, the majority of the weight of the pick up truck  24  is behind the fifth wheel  26 . The majority of the weight of the boom trailer  14  is also behind the semi tractor truck fifth wheel  26 . Therefore, the entire weight of the pickup truck  24  and the boom trailer  14  is supported by the steering tires  20 . The steering tires  20  also support the entire semi tractor truck  16  while being towed backwards. 
         [0005]    The Department of Transportation regulations requires that the steering tires, such as those shown at  20 , of a semi tractor truck should not exceed 12,000 lbs. This current method of towing exceeds this limit by thousands of pounds. The entire towing method illustrated in  FIG. 1  is improperly loaded because the majority of the weight is to the rear of the truck and trailer combination. This overweight towing arrangement may cause the steering tires to blow out in transit. In turn, a blowout can cause the towed truck  16  to change lanes and collide with a passing vehicle. While the castering effect of a semi tractor truck going forward assists in holding the steering tires  20  straight, when the truck is pulled backwards as described herein, the castering effect will actually cause the steering tires  20  to turn either left or right. The seat belt is inadequate to keep the steering wheel straight in case of a tire blowout. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    The present invention overcomes all the shortcoming of previous methods and apparatuses by providing a new Universal Folding Boom Trailer for transported multiple vehicles in a safe and legal manner. The configuration of the trailer eliminates the need for a crane or wrecker when loading and unloading the towed vehicles, but includes a winch that can act alone as a crane or hoist if desired. Further, this trailer arrangement backs up like a conventional trailer. The Universal Folding Boom Trailer can be transported in either direction, from front or back. The driver is able to attach the trailer to a personal pick-up truck and tow any type of unit: a fifth wheel trailer, a ball hitch trailer, or a gooseneck, among others—instead of dead-heading. A folding ladder is attached to allow the driver easy access to the pick-up truck when loaded on top of the Universal Folding Boom Trailer when transporting multiple types of vehicles. 
         [0007]      FIG. 2  illustrates the Universal Folding Boom Trailer  30  of the present invention legally and safely transporting two trucks  32 ,  34  and carrying a personal pickup truck  36  between them. The Universal Folding Boom Trailer  30  is not limited to the towing of only semi tractor trucks because a fifth wheel connection is not necessary on the towed truck  34 . Since the towed truck  34  is towed facing forward, the Universal Folding Boom Trailer  30  can tow either a box truck, flatbed truck, straight or semi tractor trailer truck (as shown). With this new apparatus and method, the majority of the weight of the boom  38  and the pickup truck  36  is supported by dual wheeled axles  40  of the truck  34  now being towed forward. 
         [0008]    A further advantage of supporting the weight on the rear axles is that the wheels  40  are non-steering and have a much higher weight bearing capacity. 
         [0009]    A still further advantage of the Universal Folding Boom Trailer  30  is that the steering tires  20  of the towed truck  34  are elevated above the road and free of any weight bearing loads. This elevated location eliminates the need to immobilize the steering wheel with the driver seat belt. Further, since the truck  34  is being towed forward with the weight on the rear tires, there are more tires on the ground for increased braking effect and consequently, the towed truck  34  is less apt to have a blowout, eliminating the opportunity for changing lanes and colliding with a passing vehicle. 
         [0010]    In a second preferred embodiment, the Universal Folding Boom Trailer  30  may be converted to a crane  142 , using a winch  44  for loading and unloading towing vehicles in a piggy back configuration. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]    The above, as well as other advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment when considered in the light of the accompanying drawings in which: 
           [0012]      FIG. 1  illustrates the typical prior art towing method; 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  illustrates a preferred method and apparatus according to the present invention; 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  illustrates a side view of the Universal Folding Boom of the present invention in a folded position; 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  is a top view of the Universal Folding Boom as shown in  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0016]      FIG. 5  illustrates a side view of the Universal Folding Boom with the boom in a vertical position; 
           [0017]      FIG. 6  illustrates a side view of the Universal Folding Boom with the boom in an extended position; 
           [0018]      FIG. 7  illustrates a top view of the Universal Folding Boom as shown in  FIG. 6 ; 
           [0019]      FIG. 8  a-d illustrates a bell crank of the Universal Folding Boom according to the present invention; and 
           [0020]      FIG. 9  illustrates a second preferred embodiment of the Universal Folding Boom performing a hoisting operation. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0021]    With reference to  FIGS. 2-8 , there is shown a first preferred embodiment of the apparatus and method of the present invention. 
         [0022]    A Universal Folding Boom Trailer ( 30 ) is there shown comprising:
       a boom trailer ( 30 ) including a rotatable boom ( 38 ) for supporting at least two vehicles ( 34 ,  36 ) upon the boom trailer ( 30 ) for transporting;   wherein the at least two vehicles ( 34 ,  36 ) are towed in a forward direction;   wherein the boom ( 38 ) is rotatable from a folded position ( 100 ) for trailering to an unfolded position ( 200 ) for transporting the at least two vehicles ( 34 ,  36 );   wherein the boom ( 38 ) is rotatable by a winch ( 44 );   wherein the boom ( 38 ) in the unfolded position ( 200 ) further comprises a position lock ( 82 ) for securing the boom ( 38 ) in the unfolded position ( 200 ) and forming a solitary trailer whereby the Universal Folding Boom Trailer ( 30 ) backs up like a conventional trailer; and   the Universal Folding Boom Trailer ( 30 ) further comprising a first means for securing ( 60 ) the Universal Folding Boom Trailer ( 30 ) to a towing vehicle ( 32 ), preferably a multi-position king pin; and a second means for securing ( 58 ) the Universal Folding Boom Trailer ( 30 ) to a towing vehicle ( 36 ), preferably a fifth wheel.   Additionally, the Universal Folding Boom Trailer ( 30 ) may be used as a crane. In this position illustrated in  FIG. 9 , the boom ( 38 ) is rotatable to a crane position ( 300 ) and is used in conjunction with the winch ( 44 ) for lowering the vehicles ( 34 ,  36 ,  38 ) from a forward position. Alternatively, the crane position ( 300 ) provides a means for decking at least one vehicle ( 34 ) upon another vehicle ( 34 ) for towing in a forward facing position.   The invention also comprises a method for towing at least two vehicles  34 ,  36 , wherein all of the vehicles  34 ,  36  are towed while facing forward comprising the steps of:   providing a Universal Folding Boom Trailer ( 30 ) having a rotatable boom ( 38 );   rotating the boom ( 38 ) to an unfolded position ( 200 );   locking the boom ( 38 ) in the unfolded position;   securing the boom ( 38 ) to a transporting vehicle ( 32 );   loading a first vehicle ( 36 ) for towing atop the trailer ( 30 ) in a forward facing position; and   loading a second vehicle ( 34 ) for towing atop the boom ( 38 ) in a forward facing position;   wherein when the boom ( 38 ) is in the locked position, the Universal Folding Boom Trailer ( 30 ) forms a solitary trailer and further comprises the step of:   backing up the Universal Folding Boom Trailer ( 30 ) like a conventional trailer.   wherein the boom ( 38 ) is rotated by a winch ( 44 ).   The method further comprises the steps of:   after loading the first ( 36 ) and second ( 34 ) vehicles;   loading additional vehicles ( 34 ) onto the second vehicle ( 34 ) in a forward towing position until the maximum legal towing length is reached.
           To unload the towed vehicles ( 34 ,  36 ), the method further comprises the step of:   
           driving the towed vehicle ( 34 ) and decked second vehicle ( 34 ) away from the Universal Boom Trailer ( 30 );   unloading the first vehicle ( 36 ) from said Universal Boom Trailer ( 30 );   using the Universal Boom Trailer ( 30 ) having a rotatable boom ( 38 );   rotating the boom ( 38 ) into the crane position ( 300 );   undecking the second and additional vehicles ( 34 ) by hoisting the vehicles ( 34 ) about the boom ( 38 ) via the winch ( 44 ).   The Universal Boom Trailer ( 30 ) may be trailored from either end and in any position. Specifically, the Universal Boom Trailer ( 30 ) may be trailored when the boom ( 38 ) is in the folded position ( 100 ) or in the unfolded position ( 200 ) and the towed vehicles ( 34 ) ( 36 ) are loaded or unloaded.       
 
         [0050]    In the preferred method of operation, the Universal Folding Boom Trailer  30  is towed by a personal pickup truck  36  in the folded position  100 , illustrated in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , to its pickup destination. The boom  38  is unfolded by operating a winch  44  ( FIG. 7 ). The winch  44  pulls the transport tires  46  towards the front  48  of the Universal Folding Boom Trailer  30  with the wire cable  50  attached ( FIG. 3 ) at  51  along the boom  38  until the boom  38  is straight up ( FIG. 5 ). At this point, the winch  44  is reversed and the boom  38  continues to rotate in the same direction while prevented from falling by wire cable  54  ( FIG. 5 ) located at attachment point  55  until the boom  38  lays flat on the ground  22  (see side and top views  FIGS. 6 and 7 , respectively). The boom trailer hitch  56  is then disconnected from the fifth wheel  58  ( FIG. 6 ). The winch  44  is reversed again, lifting the boom trailer hitch  56  up and away from the fifth wheel  58  on the back of the pickup truck  36  as a result of the boom  38  being heavier than the front  136 . The pickup truck  36  can then be driven forward and out from underneath the boom trailer  30 . The semi tractor truck  32  is then backed underneath the front of the Universal Folding Boom Trailer  30  and the multi-position kingpin  60  is locked into the fifth wheel  26  ( FIGS. 2 and 6 ). The multi-position kingpin  60  is provided with multiple coupling positions to accommodate the various hauling conditions. 
         [0051]    The pickup truck  36  is loaded onto the boom trailer  30  by pickup truck loading ramps  62  that easily slide out from the trailer  30  when needed, as is well known in the art. The loading ramps  62  are extended from underneath the pickup truck support rails  64  ( FIGS. 2 and 7 ). The pickup truck  36  is secured by chains and binders (not shown) as is well known in the art. The pickup truck loading ramps  62  are then slid back into their original position underneath the pickup truck support rails  64 . 
         [0052]    The second vehicle, such as the semi tractor truck  34 , is then driven over and straddles the boom  38  that is lying on the ground  22  ( FIGS. 2 ,  6  and  7 ). Alternatively, the second vehicle may be any type of vehicle, including a box truck, flatbed, straight truck, etc. The semi tractor truck  34  is driven forward to a front axle connector  66 . The vehicle axle  68  is secured to the boom  38  by the connector  66 . A frame connector  70  is connected to the frame of the semi tractor truck  34  at attachment point  72  and secured by chains  74 . The attachment point  72  is adjustable and slides forward and aft for hauling various lengths of trucks. 
         [0053]    With reference to  FIGS. 8   a - d , after the semi tractor truck  34  is secured, the winch  44  becomes functional by removing a locking pin  76  from its attachment point  78  of lifting arm  45  of the winch assembly along the boom  38 . This allows the winch  44  to rotate when the cable  50  is retracted. This rotation applies a ground roller  80  to the ground surface  22 , raising the front end of the semi tractor truck  34  and the back of the pickup truck  36  simultaneously by lifting the middle section of the Universal Folding Boom Trailer  30  upward. When the boom  38  becomes level, the pickup truck  36  becomes level and the steering tires  20  of the semi tractor truck  34  raise off the ground  22  approximately 9 inches and are, therefore, no longer in use. The boom trailer position lock  82  is inserted on both sides of the trailer  38  making the entire structure rigid, as if a one piece unit. The winch  44  is rotated back to the original position, raising the heavy duty dolly wheels  80  off the ground  22 . The trucks  32 ,  34 ,  36  are now ready for transport. With this rigid configuration, the Universal Folding Boom Trailer  30  is capable of backing up like a conventional trailer. 
         [0054]    In a preferred embodiment, the Universal Folding Boom Trailer  30  is made from aluminum, steel, fiberglass or any combination of materials capable of performing the preferred method of operation. When using steel, the main frame of the Universal Folding Boom Trailer  30  is preferably constructed of 2×8× 3/16 rectangular steel tubing and the folding portion of the boom  38  is made with 8 inch “I” beams. The ramps  62  are preferably made of 3 inch channel overlaid with expanded metal or subway grating. When using steel or other weldable materials, the Universal Folding Boom Trailer  30  is of all welded construction. While the folding mechanism  44  has been described using mechanical means with an electric winch, other means such as hydraulics or pneumatics may be used. 
         [0055]    The safety issues of the current prior art method illustrated in  FIG. 1  are corrected by the use of the Universal Folding Boom Trailer  30  of the present invention. The Universal Folding Boom Trailer  30  is approximately 50% lighter than the prior art trailer making it easier to tow and stop. This adds up to more fuel savings and less wear and tear on the personal pick up truck. Since there is no hydraulics involved in the operation of the Universal Folding Boom Trailer  30 , the opportunity of hydraulic fluid leaks is eliminated. 
         [0056]    Further, the air deflection panels  28  ( FIG. 1 ) on the towed truck  16  act like a parachute, creating drag and may even be torn off by the wind if not secured before towing begins. With the Universal Folding Boom Trailer  30 , the truck  34  is towed forward and the air travels around the wind deflection panels  84  in the intended direction, eliminating any need to secure the panels  84 ; decreasing drag while increasing fuel efficiency. 
         [0057]    Still further advantages of the Universal Folding Boom Trailer  30  over the prior art is the need for a light bar to be added to the front of the truck  16  being towed backwards in  FIG. 1  to provide operating brake lights, turn signals, hazard lights and marker lights. Because the truck  34  in  FIG. 2  is towed facing forward when using the Universal Folding Boom Trailer  30  of the present invention, the existing lights on the back of the towed truck are used, eliminating the need for a light bar. 
         [0058]    The Universal Folding Boom Trailer  30  further provides a forward center of gravity of the forward facing towed truck creating a more stable towing environment by limiting the chance of jack knifing during hard braking or other emergency situations. 
         [0059]    In a second preferred embodiment, the Universal Folding Boom Trailer  30  may be used as a crane to hoist vehicles, such as transport trucks, primarily for decking or cab and chassis transport. Alternatively, the Universal Folding Boom Trailer  30  may be used as a crane to hoist vehicles, such as transport trucks, for deck removal from a vehicle  34  after unhitching the towed vehicles ( 34 ) from the Universal Folding Boom Trailer  30 . Additionally, the crane may be used for any hoisting needs. 
         [0060]    With reference to  FIG. 9 , the Universal Folding Boom Trailer  130  is there shown in a crane position  300  by fixedly attaching to truck  32 , preferably at the fifth wheel connection  26 . To form the crane position  300 , the Universal Folding Boom Trailer  130  is equipped with additional cables  132 ,  133  for use in conjunction with a snatch block  134 . Initially, the Universal Folding Boom Trailer  130  is preferably laid on the ground  22  in the unfolded position  200  ( FIG. 2 ). Boom support cables  50 ,  54  are extended from a first end  136  of the Universal Folding Boom Trailer  130  to the forward end  138  of boom  38 . The boom  38  is retracted toward the folded position  100  via winch  44 . During retraction, the boom  38  is stopped at a point where cable  133  is detachable from winch  44  and may be strung over transfer pulley  140  for connection with cable  132 . Cable  132  wraps around snatch block  134  for attachment to boom  38  at point  142 . The Universal Folding Boom  30  is now able to perform any hoisting operation needed. 
         [0061]    In accordance with the provisions of the patent statutes, the present invention has been described in what is considered to represent its preferred embodiment. However, it should be noted that the invention can be practiced otherwise than as specifically illustrated and described without departing from its spirit or scope.