Abstract:
A latch assembly is provided for selectively maintaining a ramp of a trailer in a storage position. The latch assembly includes a mounting tube mounted to the underside of the trailer and a clamp tube operatively connected to the mounting tube by a plurality of link arms. The clamp tube is vertically movable between an interfering position wherein the clamp tube is vertically spaced from the mounting tube and interfering portions of the link arm intersect the plane in which the ramp of the trailer lies and a non-interfering position where the clamp tube is adjacent the mounting tube.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     This invention relates generally to trailers, and in particular, to a latch assembly for selectively maintaining a ramp for a trailer in a storage position during the transport of the trailer by a vehicle.  
       BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     As is known, trailers are used in a wide variety of applications including the transport of vehicles such as automobiles, snowmobiles, all terrain vehicles and boats. In order to position a vehicle on or remove a vehicle from the bed of a trailer, a ramp is often used. In a trailer that is specifically designed for transporting vehicles, the ramp may be provided with the trailer. Typically, the ramp is stored underneath the bed of the trailer when not in use. When needed, a user slides the ramp horizontally from its storage position underneath the bed of the trailer until such point as the leading edge of the ramp is generally co-planar with the trailing edge of the trailer. At such point, the trailing edge of the ramp is deposited on the supporting surface behind the trailer. As described, the ramp provides a structure for allowing a user to position a vehicle on or remove a vehicle from the bed of a trailer.  
         [0003]     It can be appreciated that it is necessary to maintain the ramp in its storage position underneath the bed of the trailer during transport of the trailer by a tow vehicle. If the ramp inadvertently slides from its storage position out of the trailing end of the trailer, the ramp can constitute a hazard to other vehicles on the road or to the trailer itself. Consequently, a latch assembly is often used to retain the ramp in its storage position underneath the bed of the trailer. However, these prior latch assemblies are often complicated devices that are difficult to operate and expensive to manufacture. Further, these prior latch assemblies often allow for limited vertical movement of the ramp when it is in its storage position underneath the bed of the trailer. Hence, during transport of the trailer by a tow vehicle, the ramp has a tendency to move vertically within its storage position thereby generating a significant amount of undesirable noise. As such, it is highly desirable to provide a simpler, less expensive alternative to latch assemblies now available that prevents vertical movement of the ramp of the trailer during transport.  
         [0004]     Therefore, it is a primary object and feature of the present invention to provide a latch assembly for maintaining a ramp of a trailer in its storage position.  
         [0005]     It is a further object and feature of the present invention to provide a latch assembly for maintaining a ramp of a trailer in its storage position that is simple to utilize and inexpensive to manufacture.  
         [0006]     It is a still further object and feature of the present invention to provide a latch assembly for maintaining a ramp of a trailer in its storage position that allows the ramp be simply and easily removed from its storage position when desired.  
         [0007]     In accordance with the present invention, a latch assembly is provided for a ramp of a trailer. The ramp is movable between a storage position wherein the ramp is stored below the trailer and an extended position wherein the ramp extends from the trailer. The latch assembly includes a mounting tube that extends along a longitudinal axis and is mountable to the underside of the trailer. A link arm pivotably connects a clamp tube to the mounting tube. The clamp tube is vertically movable between an interfering position wherein the clamp tube is vertically spaced from the mounting tube and a non-interfering position wherein the clamp tube is adjacent the mounting tube.  
         [0008]     The link arm includes an interfering portion and is movable between a latching position wherein the interfering portion of the link arm extends through a plane in which the ramp is stored below the trailer with the clamp tube in the interfering position and a non-latching position. A locking device is connectable to a link arm for maintaining the link arm in the latching position. The interfering portion of the link arm includes a beveled leading edge.  
         [0009]     A handle may be interconnected to the terminal end of the link arm to facilitate movement of the clamp tube between the interfering and non-interfering positions. In addition, a connection arm pivotably connects the clamp tube to the mounting tube. The connection arm is axially spaced from the link arm.  
         [0010]     In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, a latch assembly is provided for a ramp of a trailer. The ramp is movable between a storage position wherein the ramp is stored below the trailer and an extended position wherein the ramp extends from the trailing edge of the trailer. The latch assembly includes a movable handle extending along an axis and having leading and trailing ends. A leading link arm pivotably connects the leading end of the movable handle to the trailer, and a trailing link arm pivotably connects the trailing end of the movable handle to the trailer. The trailing link arm has an interfering portion extending from the movable handle. The movable handle is movable between an interfering position wherein the interfering portion of the trailing link arm intersects the plane in which the ramp is stored below the trailer and a non-interfering position.  
         [0011]     The latch device may also include a mounting element rigidly connected to the trailer and having leading and trailing ends. The leading link arm is pivotably connected to the leading end of the mounting element and the trailing link arm is also pivotably connected to the mounting element. A locking device is connectable to the trailing link arm for maintaining the movable handle in the interfering position. The interfering portion of the trailing link arm includes a beveled leading edge extending through the plane. A grasping member projects laterally from a terminal end of the trailing link arm to facilitate movement of the movable handle between the interfering and non-interfering positions. It is contemplated for the movable handle to take the form of an elongated tube having a generally rectangular cross section. The elongated tube has first and second sides and upper and lower faces.  
         [0012]     The leading and trailing link arms are pivotably connected to the first side of the elongated tube. In addition, it is contemplated that the latch assembly includes a second leading link arm for pivotably connecting the second side of the leading end of the elongated tube to the trailer and a second trailing link arm for pivotably connecting the second side of the trailing end of the elongated tube to the trailer. The second trailing link arm has an interfering portion extending from the elongated tube. The interfering portion of the second trailing link arm intersects the plane in which the ramp is stored below the trailer with the movable handle in the interfering position.  
         [0013]     In accordance with a still further aspect of the present invention, a latch assembly is provided for a ramp of a trailer. The ramp is movable between a storage position wherein the ramp lies in a plane below the trailer and an extended position where the ramp extends from the trailer. The latch assembly includes a mounting tube extending along a longitudinal axis and having first and second sides, leading and trailing ends, and upper and lower faces. The upper face of the mounting tube is connectable to the underside of the trailer. A clamp tube extends along a longitudinal axis and has first and second sides, and leading and trailing ends. A first leading link arm is positioned adjacent the leading end of the clamp tube for pivotably connecting the first side of the clamp tube to the first side of the mounting tube. A second leading link arm is positioned adjacent the leading end of the clamp tube for pivotably connecting the second side of the clamp tube to the second side of the mounting tube. A first trailing link arm is positioned adjacent to the trailing end of the clamp tube for pivotably connecting the first side of the clamp tube to the first side of the mounting tube. The first trailing link arm has an interfering portion extending from the clamp tube. A second trailing link arm is position adjacent the trailing end of the clamp tube for pivotably connecting the second side of the clamp tube to the second side of the mounting tube. The second trailing link arm has an interfering portion extending from the clamp tube. The clamp tube is vertically movable between an interfering position wherein the clamp tube is vertically spaced from the mounting tube and the interfering portions of the first and second trailing link arms intersect the plane and a non-interfering position wherein the clamp tube is adjacent the mounting tube.  
         [0014]     The latch assembly may also include a grasping member. The grasping member including a first grasping portion extending laterally from the first trailing link arm, a second grasping portion extending laterally from the second trailing link arm, and a central grasping portion extending between the first and second trailing link arms. At least one of the trailing link arms includes an aperture therethrough. A locking member having a bolt receivable in the aperture of the at least one of the trailing link arms maintains the clamp tube in the interfering position. The interfering portions of the first and second link arms include beveled leading edges that extend through the plane. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0015]     The drawings furnished herewith illustrate a preferred construction of the present invention in which the above advantages and features are clearly disclosed as well as others which will be readily understood from the following description of the illustrated embodiment.  
         [0016]     In the drawings:  
         [0017]      FIG. 1  is an isometric view of a portion of a trailer incorporating the latch assembly of the present invention;  
         [0018]      FIG. 2  is an enlarged, isometric view of the latch assembly of the present invention mounted to the underside of a trailer;  
         [0019]      FIG. 3  is an exploded, isometric view of the latch assembly of the present invention;  
         [0020]      FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of the trailer incorporating the latch assembly of the present invention taken along line  4 - 4  of  FIG. 2 ; and  
         [0021]      FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view, similar to  FIG. 4 , showing the latch assembly of the present invention in a non-latching position. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0022]     Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a latch assembly in accordance with the present invention is generally designated by the reference numeral  10 . It is intended that latch assembly  10  be mounted to the underside  12  of bed  14  of a trailer  16 . By way of example, latching mechanism may be welded to a rear cross frame member of trailer  16 ,  FIGS. 4 and 5 . However, latch assembly  10  may be mounted at other locations on the underside  12  of trailer  16  without deviating from the scope of the present invention.  
         [0023]     As is conventional, trailer  16  includes a plurality of wheels  18  for supporting trailer bed  14  above supporting surface  20 , such as the ground, a road or the like. Trailer  16  further includes first and second ramp supports  22  and  24 , respectively, depending from underside  12  of bed  14  so as to define a ramp storage cavity therebetween. Ramp supports  22  and  24  are defined by first and second vertical side walls  22   a  and  24   a , respectively, that limit lateral movement of ramp  26  when ramp  26  is received within the ramp storage cavity in trailer  16  and first and second horizontal legs  22   b  and  24   b , respectively, that provide vertical support for ramp  26  when positioned within the ramp storage cavity.  
         [0024]     It is intended that ramp  26  be inserted into and removed from the ramp storage cavity in trailer  26  through an opening in the trailing end  28  of trailer  16  between ramp supports  22  and  24 . Ramp  26  includes leading end  30  and trailing end  32  and is depicted as having first and second generally flat vehicle support panels  34  and  36 , respectively, extending along corresponding axes. Vehicle support panels  34  and  36  include corresponding vehicle support surfaces  34   a  and  36   a , respectively, for supporting a vehicle as the vehicle is positioned on or removed from upper surface  14   a  of bed  14  of trailer  16 . As best seen in  FIG. 1 , first and second vehicle support panels  34  and  36  are interconnected by a plurality of axially spaced cross beams  38   a - 38   d . Cross beam  38   a  defines trailing edge  32  of ramp  26 . Once again, it can be understood that ramp  26  may take on different configurations without deviating from the scope of the present invention.  
         [0025]     Referring to  FIGS. 2-5 , latch assembly  10  includes mounting tube  40  extending along a longitudinal axis. Mounting tube  40  is defined by first and second sidewalls  42  and  44 , respectively, and upper and lower walls  46  and  48 , respectively, such that mounting tube  40  has a generally rectangular cross-section. Upper wall  46  is connected to underside  12  of trailer  16  in any conventional manner such as by welding or the like. By way of example, upper wall  46  of mounting tube  40  may be welded to the lower surface  49  of cross frame member  51 . Cross frame member  51  of trailer  16  is generally transverse to mounting tube  40  and includes upper surface  53  that engages lower surface  14   b  of trailer bed  14 . Mounting tube  40  includes leading end  50  and an opposite trailing end  52  that is positioned adjacent trailing end  28  of trailer  16 .  
         [0026]     Latch assembly  10  further includes clamp tube  54  defined by first and second sidewalls  56  and  58 , respectively, and upper and lower walls  60  and  62 , respectively, such that clamp tube  54  has a generally rectangular cross section. Clamp tube  54  extends along a longitudinal axis and includes leading end  64  and opposite trailing end  66 . Axially aligned apertures  68  are provided in sidewalls  56  and  58  of clamp tube  54  adjacent leading end  64  thereof. In addition, axially aligned apertures  70  are provided in sidewalls  56  and  58  of clamp tube  54  adjacent the trailing end  66  thereof.  
         [0027]     Leading end  50  of mounting tube  40  and leading end  64  of clamp tube  54  are pivotably connected to each other by a pair of leading links  72 . Leading links  72  include upper apertures  74  and lower apertures  76 . In addition, leading links  72  include intermediate apertures  78 . One of the leading links  72  is positioned adjacent first sidewall  42  of mounting tube  40  such that its upper aperture  74  is axially aligned with aperture  61  in first sidewall  42  of mounting tube  40  and adjacent first sidewall  56  of clamp tube  54  such that its lower aperture  76  is axially aligned with aperture  68  in first sidewall  56  of clamp tube  54 . In addition, the other of the leading links  72  positioned adjacent second side  44  of mounting tube  40  such that its upper aperture  74  is axially aligned with aperture  61  in second sidewall  44  of mounting tube  40  and adjacent clamp tube  54  such that its lower aperture  76  is axially aligned with aperture  68  in second sidewall  58  of clamp tube  54 . Upper bolt  80  includes a shaft extending through upper apertures  74  of leading links  72  and through apertures  61  in sidewalls  42  and  44  of mounting tube  40 . Nut  82  is threaded on terminal end of upper bolt  80  so as to interconnect leading links  72  to mounting tube  40 . It is contemplated to provide washers  86  on the shaft of upper bolt  80  to allow leading links  72  to pivot on the shaft of upper bolt  80  with respect to mounting tube  40 . Lower bolt  88  extends through lower apertures  76  in leading links  72  and through apertures  68  in sidewalls  56  and  58  of clamp tube  54 . Nut  90  is threaded on to the terminal end of lower bolt  88  so as to interconnect leading links  72  to clamp tube  54 . Washers  86  may be positioned on the shaft of lower bolt  88  to facilitate movement of clamp tube  54  with respect to leading links  72 . Intermediate bolt  96  extends through intermediate apertures  78  in leading links  72 . Nut  98  is threaded on the terminal end of intermediate bolt  96  to interconnect leading links  72 . Washers  86  may be positioned on the shaft of intermediate bolt  96 .  
         [0028]     Latch assembly  10  further includes trailing links  100  for pivotally connecting trailing end  52  of mounting tube  40  and trailing end  66  of clamp tube  54 . Trailing links  100  include upper apertures  102 , intermediate apertures  104  and lower apertures  106 . In addition, trailing links  100  include oblong locking apertures  108 , for reasons hereinafter described. One of the trailing links  100  is positioned adjacent first sidewall  42  of mounting tube  40  such that its upper aperture  102  is axially aligned with aperture  63  through first sidewall  42  of mounting tube  40  and adjacent first sidewall  56  of clamp tube  54  such that its intermediate aperture  104  is axially aligned with aperture  70  in first sidewall  56  of clamp tube  54 . The other of the trailing links  100  is positioned adjacent the second sidewall  44  of mounting tube  40  such that upper aperture  102  is axially aligned with aperture  63  in second sidewall  44  of mounting tube  40  and adjacent second sidewall  58  of clamp tube  54  such that intermediate aperture  104  is axially aligned with aperture  70  in second sidewall  58  of clamp tube  54 . Upper bolt  110  extends through upper apertures  102  in trailing links  100  and through apertures  63  in sidewalls  42  and  44  of mounting tube  40 . Nut  112  is threaded on the terminal end of upper bolt  110  so as to interconnect trailing links  100  to mounting tube  40 . Washers  86  may be provided on upper bolt  110  to facilitate pivoting of trailing links  100  on the shaft of bolt  110 . Intermediate bolt  114  extends through intermediate apertures  104  in trailing links  100  and through apertures  70  in sidewalls  56  and  58  of clamp tube  54 . Nut  116  is threaded on the terminal end of bolt  114  so as to interconnect trailing links  100  to clamp tube  54 . Washers  86  may be positioned on the shaft of bolt  114 . Washers  86  facilitate the pivoting of clamp tube  54  and trailing links  100  on the shaft of intermediate bolt  114 .  
         [0029]     Latch  10  further includes handle  118  having grasping portions  120   a - c  supported on the shaft of bolt  122 . Bolt  122  extends sequentially through grasping portion  120   a , lower aperture  106  in trailing link  100  adjacent first side  56  of clamp tube  54 , grasping portion  120   b , lower aperture  106  in trailing link  100  adjacent second sidewall  58  of clamp tube  54 , and grasping portion  120   c . Nut  124  is threaded onto the terminal end of the shaft of bolt  122  so as to secure grasping portions  120   a - c  of handle  118  to trailing links  100 .  
         [0030]     In its assembled configuration, clamp tube  54  is pivotable between a lowered position,  FIG. 4 , wherein clamp tube  54  is vertically spaced from mounting tube  40 , and a raised or non-latching position,  FIG. 5 , wherein upper wall  60  of clamp tube  54  is adjacent lower wall  48  of mounting tube  40 . Handle  118  allows a user to grasp latch assembly  10  and pivot clamp tube  54  between the lowered position,  FIG. 4 , and the non-latching position,  FIG. 5 .  
         [0031]     In operation, ramp  26  is positioned within the ramp storage cavity between ramp supports  22  and  24 . As best seen in  FIG. 4 , with ramp  26  in its storage position, latch assembly  10  may be positioned in its lowered position such that beveled portions  126  of the leading edges  128  of trailing links  100  extend through the plane of ramp  26 . Bolt  130  of lock  132  may extend through one or both of locking apertures  108  in trailing links  100 . With bolt  130  of lock  132  extending through locking apertures  108  in trailing links  100 , clamp tube  54  is fixed in the lowered position. With clamp tube  54  fixed in its lowered position, lower surface  62   a  of lower wall  62  of clamp tube  54  is adjacent the upper surface of ramp  26  thereby limiting vertical movement of ramp  26  and preventing the generation of undesirable noise by ramp  26  during the transport of trailer  16 .  
         [0032]     If a user desires to move ramp  26  from the ramp storage cavity under bed  14 , of trailer  16 , bolt  130  of lock  132  must be removed from locking apertures  108  of trailing links  100  so as to allow clamp tube  54  to pivot to the non-latching position,  FIG. 5 . Latch assembly  10  may be moved to the latching position by the user grasping handle  118  and pivoting clamp tube  54 . Thereafter, ramp  54  may be slid axially from ramp storage cavity below bed  14 . Alternatively, trailing edge  32  of ramp  26  may engage the beveled portions of trailing links  100  so as to urge the beveled portions  126  of leading edges  128  of trailing links  100  out of interfering relationship with the leading end  32  of ramp  26  thereby allowing ramp  26  to be slid axially from the ramp storage cavity under bed  14  of trailer  16 .  
         [0033]     Various modes of carrying out the invention are contemplated as being within the scope of the following claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which is regarded as the invention.