Abstract:
The present invention relates to a transformable utility/ATV trailer ( 1 ) that can easily be adapted to mount to a large number of different types of vehicles and trailer hitches. Moreover, the trailer ( 3 ) can rapidly be converted from a short box/bed trailer ( 3 ) to a flat bed trailer ( 3 ). The tow structure ( 2 ) comprises a frame ( 4 ) for mounting to a trailer ( 3 ) or similar implement and a draw bar ( 5 ) having a first end with a first hitch coupler ( 6 ) and a second end with a second hitch coupler ( 12 ). The draw bar ( 5 ) is mounted pivotally to the frame ( 4 ) for movement between a first position in which the first end of the draw bar ( 5 ) extends forward of the frame ( 4 ), and a second position in which the second end of the draw bar ( 5 ) extends forward of the frame ( 4 ).

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     The present invention relates, generally, to an improved utility/ATV trailer. More specifically, the present invention relates to a transformable utility/ATV trailer that can be adapted to mount to a large number of different types of vehicles and trailer hitches and can easily be converted from a short box/bed trailer to a flat bed trailer.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     Typically, trailers are designed to be used for one type of hauling and mounted to a certain type of vehicle. For example, trailers that are mounted to ATVs usually have a short distance between the trailer and the vehicle, to maximize maneuverability in confined spaces and minimize the amount of travel in the trailer when in operation. However, a short distance between the trailer and the vehicle is not ideal for hauling a load on paved or maintained roadways, since it is more difficult to maneuver the trailer, especially when operating the vehicle in reverse. Moreover, the height of a hitch on a vehicle may vary from vehicle to vehicle, thus requiring a trailer with a hitch coupler positioned at a corresponding height. This is particularly problematic when a single trailer is to be used for hauling behind both a lawn tractor and a full-sized pickup truck. Therefore, individuals who own full-sized vehicles as well as ATVs and use both for hauling often have at least two trailers to suit the individual requirements of each vehicle.  
         [0003]     The concept of providing adaptable trailers or tow bars is well known in the art. U.S. Pat. Nos. 1,649,084; 2,174,468 and 2,481,685 all teach of tow bars that are compact for easy storage and transportation that can be extended when required. Furthermore, U.S. Pat. No. 3,829,131 teaches of a aircraft tow bar that can folded for compact storage purposes. However, none of these devices can be used in their compact configuration for towing purposes.  
         [0004]     U.S. Pat. No. 1,422,129 teaches of a wishbone tow bar attached to a farm implement which is transformable from a short configuration, ideal for towing behind a tractor, to a longer configuration suitable for connecting to horse or some form of large animal. The wishbone tow bar described in this patent document cannot be attached for use on conventional single point hitches.  
         [0005]     U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,722,678 and 6,302,425 both describe convertible trailer coupling devices. U.S. Pat. No. 5,722,678 teaches of a coupling device with two hitch eyes of different diameters attached to the ends of a tow bar, which can be pivoted about a vertical axis in a horizontal plane. The distance between the pivot axis and the ends of the tow bar are equally spaced. U.S. Pat. No. 6,302,425 teaches of a trailer with two tow bars of different length. The short tow bar is stationary, whereas the long tow bar pivots about a vertical axis in a horizontal plane. The long tow bar is secured along the side of the trailer when not in use.  
         [0006]     German Patent No. 7332914 teaches of a convertible tow bar for providing different distances between the body of the trailer and the vehicle. The length of the tow bar can be converted from a short configuration to a long configuration by pivoting in a vertical plane about a horizontal axis provided in a frame, so that the tow bar lies in a plane fixed by the frame. This configuration of the tow bar does not allow for the trailer to be coupled to different vehicles with varying hitch heights. Moreover, German Patent No. 7332914 teaches the use of only hitch eyes as the hitch couplers.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0007]     It is an object of the present invention to provide a transformable utility/ATV trailer, which can be adapted to be mounted to various types of vehicles and can be used to haul various sized structures and compositions.  
         [0008]     According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a tow structure comprising a frame for mounting to a vehicle or a trailer, and a draw bar having a first end with a first hitch coupler and a second end with a second hitch coupler, the draw bar mounted pivotally to the frame for movement between a first position in which the first end of the draw bar extends forward of the frame, and a second position in which the second end of the draw bar extends forward of the frame to form an angle with the frame, wherein the draw bar has a pivot axis disposed intermediate to the first and second ends and the frame has a pivot axis which is coaxial with the pivot axis of the draw bar and essentially horizontal to allow the draw bar to pivot in a substantially vertical plane.  
         [0009]     According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a tow structure comprising a frame for mounting to a vehicle or a trailer, and a draw bar having a first end with a first hitch coupler and a second end with a second hitch coupler wherein an angle is formed along the draw bar in the vicinity of the second end, the draw bar mounted pivotally to the frame for movement between a first position in which the first end of the draw bar extends forward of the frame, and a second position in which the second end of the draw bar extends forward of and substantially parallel to the frame in a plane generally below the plane defined by the frame, wherein the draw bar has a pivot axis disposed intermediate to the first and second ends and the frame has a pivot axis which is coaxial with the pivot axis of the draw bar and essentially horizontal to allow the draw bar to pivot in a substantially vertical plane.  
         [0010]     According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a trailer having a tow structure as described above attached thereon. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0011]      FIG. 1 A  perspective view of the transformable utility/ATV trailer of the present invention;  
         [0012]      FIG. 2 A  perspective view of a tow structure according to an embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0013]      FIG. 3 A  side view of the tow structure shown in  FIG. 2  in the vicinity of the pivot axis;  
         [0014]      FIG. 4 A  top plan view of the tow structure shown in  FIG. 3 ;  
         [0015]      FIG. 5  Side views of the tow structure shown in  FIG. 2 ;  
         [0016]      FIG. 6 A  perspective view of a trailer according to an embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0017]      FIG. 7 A  back view of a trailer according to an embodiment of the present invention; and  
         [0018]      FIG. 8  Side views of a tow structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0019]     Other applications and configurations may be envisioned for the transformable utility/ATV trailer of the present invention, such as using the draw bar in the second position with the gates on the trailer open or the draw bar in the first position with the gates on the trailer closed. Accordingly, without intending to limit the present invention to the embodiments described herein, the invention will be described below in further detail having regard to the transformable utility/ATV trailer shown in FIGS.  1  to  8 .  
         [0020]      FIG. 1  shows a transformable utility/ATV trailer according to an embodiment of the present invention. The transformable utility/ATV trailer  1  comprises a trailer  3  with a tow structure  2  mounted thereon. The tow structure  2  comprises a frame  4  for mounting to a vehicle or trailer  3 , and a draw bar  5  having a first end with a first hitch coupler  6  and a second end with a second hitch coupler  12  ( FIG. 2 ). According to an embodiment of the present invention, the draw bar  5  is mounted pivotally to the frame  4  for movement between a first position, in which the first end of the draw bar  5  extends forward of the frame  4  in a plane defined by the frame ( FIG. 5A ), and a second position in which the second end of the draw bar  5  extends forward of the frame  4  to form an angle with the frame ( FIG. 5B ). The draw bar  5  has a pivot axis  34  disposed intermediate to the first and second ends and the frame  4  has a pivot axis  35  which is coaxial with the pivot axis  34  of the draw bar  5  and essentially horizontal to allow the draw bar  5  to pivot in a substantially vertical plane.  
         [0021]     According to an embodiment of the present invention, a support member  20  is disposed on the draw bar  5  in a position off the middle of a length of the draw bar  5 . The support member  20  is mounted pivotally to the frame  4  for movement between a first position in which the first end of the draw bar extends forward of the frame  4  in a plane substantially parallel to the frame  4  ( FIG. 5A ), and a second position in which the second end of the draw bar  5  extends forward of the frame  4  to form an angle with the frame  4  ( FIG. 5B ). The draw bar  5  is pivoted between the first position and the second position through a pivot axis  34 , which is bored through the support member  20 , intermediate to the first and second ends of the draw bar  5 , corresponding to a pivot axis  35 , which is coaxial with the pivot axis  34  of the support member  20  ( FIG. 4 ).  
         [0022]     Preferably, the pivot axis  34  on the support member  20  or draw bar  5  is disposed off the middle of a length of the draw bar  5  resulting in the distance between the pivot axis  34  and first end of the draw bar  5  being different than the distance between the pivot axis  34  and the second end of the draw bar  5 . In particular, the distance between the pivot axis  34  and the first end of the draw bar  5  is substantially greater than the distance between the pivot axis  34  and the second end of the draw bar  5  ( FIG. 2 ). However, the pivot axis  34  on the support member  20  or draw bar  5  can be disposed centrally along a length of the draw bar  5  resulting in the distance between the pivot axis  34  and first end of the draw bar  5  being the same as the distance between the pivot axis  34  and the second end of the draw bar  5 . The channels  16 ,  17  and pivot axis  34  define a generally longitudinal axis, wherein the channel  16  can be provided at a position offset from the axis. The pivot axis  34  on the support member  20  or draw bar  5  consists of a channel, dimensioned to receive a pivot pin  11 , bored through the width of the draw bar  5 . Preferably, the channel will contain a spacer sleeve  36 , which is substantially greater in diameter than the diameter of the pivot pin  11 , to prevent excessive wear on the channel ( FIG. 4 ). The pivot axis  35  on the frame  4  consists of two holes which are in substantial horizontal alignment. Moreover, the spacer sleeve  36  is dimensioned to be of a substantially greater diameter than the two holes provided on the frame  4 , and of sufficient length to keep the distance between the two arms of the frame constant, even when the pivot pin  11  is tightened.  
         [0023]     The pivot axis  34  on the support member  20  or draw bar  5  is connected to the pivot axis  35  on the frame by a pivot pin  11  ( FIGS. 3 and 4 ). Typically, the pivot pin  11  is comprised of a bolt  22  held in place by washers  23  and a nut  24 . However, any means capable of securing the coupling of two articles can be used as the pivot pin  11 .  
         [0024]     The draw bar  5  can be pivoted and secured into the first position by a hitch pin  10 , which is inserted through an opening  37  in the frame  4  and channel  17  in the support member  20  or draw bar  5  when the opening  37  and the channel  17  are aligned. Vertical movement of the draw bar  5  in the first position is further limited by a frame cross brace  14  provided between the two frame  4  members ( FIGS. 3 and 4 ). Another function of the frame cross brace  14  is to support the frame  4  in an A-frame configuration. The draw bar  5  rests on the uppermost side of the cross-brace  14  to prevent downward movement of the draw bar  5  in the first position. As shown in  FIG. 5A , when the draw bar  5  is in the first position, coupler  6  is positioned to attach to a hitch or hitch mount on a vehicle, whereas, coupler  12  is upwardly facing. When the draw bar  5  is in the first position the distance between trailer  3  and the hitch on the vehicle is of substantial length and the distance between the draw bar  5  and the ground is of substantial height for on road use. Typically, when the draw bar  5  is in the first position the trailer can be mounted to any type of vehicle including an automobile, pick-up truck, sport-utility vehicle, ATV, or farm or lawn tractor.  
         [0025]     To pivot the draw bar  5  from the first position to the second position, the hitch pin  10  is removed from the frame  4  and support member  20  or draw bar  5 , and through the use of an optional handle  15 , the draw bar  5  is pivoted in a substantially vertical plane, using the horizontal pivot axis  34 ,  35  as a reference ( FIG. 1 ). Alternatively, the construction of the frame  4  and the draw bar  5  can be such that the pivot axes  34 ,  35  define a vertical axis and the draw bar  5  pivots in a horizontal plane. The optional handle  15  is also provided to protect the hitch coupler  6  and latching mechanism  19  from damage, when the draw bar  5  is in the second position and the hitch coupler  6  is tucked underneath the cargo bed  33 . Furthermore, the hitch pin  10  can be replaced with a spring loaded latching system. In the second position, the draw bar  5  is provided at an angle to the frame  4 , as a result of channel  16  being offset from the substantially longitudinal axis of channel  17  and pivot axis  34  ( FIG. 5B ). The draw bar  5  is secured in the second position by a hitch pin  10 , which is inserted through an opening  37  in the frame  4  and channel  16  in the support member  20  or draw bar  5  when the opening  37  and the channel  16  are aligned. Vertical movement of the draw bar  5  in the first position is further prevented by the frame cross brace  14  ( FIGS. 3 and 4 ). The draw bar  5  rests on the lowermost side of the cross-brace  14  to prevent upward movement of the draw bar  5  in the second position. As shown in  FIG. 5B , when the draw bar  5  is in the second position coupler  12  is positioned to be mounted to the hitch or hitch mount on the vehicle, whereas, coupler  6  is upwardly facing. When the draw bar  5  is in the second position the distance between the trailer  3  and the hitch on the vehicle is of substantial length and the distance between the draw bar  5  and the ground is of substantial height for on or off road use. Typically, when the draw bar  5  is in the second position the trailer can be mounted to a farm or recreational vehicle such as an farm or lawn tractor, ATV or full-sized vehicle such as an automobile or truck.  
         [0026]     As an alternate embodiments of the present invention, an angle  32  is formed along the draw bar  5  in the vicinity of the coupler  12  ( FIGS. 8A and 8B ). The angle  32  is provided along the draw bar  5  between the pivot axis  34  formed in the support member  20  or the pivot axis formed in the draw bar  5  and the coupler  12 . When the angle  32  is provided in conjunction with the support member  20 , the draw bar  5  pivots from a first position in which the first end of the draw bar  5  extends forward of the frame  4  in a plane substantially parallel to the frame  4 , and a second position in which the second end of the draw bar  5  extends forward of and substantially parallel to the frame  4  in a plane generally below the plane defined by the frame  4 . When the angle  32  is formed along the draw bar  5  in the absence of the support member  20 , the draw bar  5  pivots from a first position in which the first end of the draw bar  5  extends forward of the frame  4  in a plane defined by the frame  4 , and a second position in which the second end of the draw bar  5  extends forward of and substantially parallel to the frame  4  in a plane generally below the plane defined by the frame  4  ( FIG. 8B ).  
         [0027]     When the draw bar  5  is in the second position the coupler  12  can be mounted to the hitch of a vehicle, which is substantially lower to the ground than provided in the first embodiment of the present invention. In addition, the use of the draw bar  5  with the extension piece  32  can allow for larger diameter tires  30  to be used on the trailer  3  and yet still couple to a hitch on a vehicle positioned at a conventional height from the ground. The draw bar  5  is secured into place by a hitch pin  10 , which is inserted through opening  37  in the frame  4  and channel  38  provided in the draw bar  5 . Similar to the first embodiment, the draw bar  5  is pivoted in a substantially vertical plane from the second position to the first position. The draw bar  5  is secured in the first position by a hitch pin  10  inserted through opening  37  in the frame  4  and channel  39  provided in the draw bar  5 .  
         [0028]     Typically, the frame  4  and draw bar  5  are provided as the same material, however each can be provided as a distinct material. Suitable materials for the frame  4  and draw bar  5  include any durable or resilient material such as plastic, steel, carbon-fibre, stainless steel, or other alloys, such as aluminum or titanium. As an alternate embodiment of the present invention, the A-frame can be replaced by a frame  4  which is configured with one or two straight, longitudinal frame members extending from the pivot axis  35  to the trailer  3 .  
         [0029]     Typically, the couplers  6 ,  12  are the same type, for example ball hitch couplers, however each coupler  6 ,  12  can be provided as a different type of coupler. Latches  19 ,  21  are provided on the couplers  6 ,  12 , respectively, to secure the tongue onto the ball hitch. Moreover, coupling orifices  18  are provided in each coupler  6 ,  12  to secure the safety chain hooks from the vehicle.  
         [0030]     The frame  4  is attached to a trailer  3 , which can be configured in several different ways based on the cargo that is to be hauled ( FIG. 1 ). In a first configuration, a front gate  7  and rear gate  9  can both be provided an upright position wherein the gates  7 ,  9  are substantially perpendicular to the cargo bed  33 , so that the front gate  7 , rear gate  9  and side members  8  enclose the cargo bed  33 . This configuration can ideally be used to transport loose materials, such as soil, rocks, bricks, sand, as well as outdoor gear and tools. Moreover, depending on the type of draw bar  5  used, the trailer can be attached to any type of vehicle that contains a hitch. According to a second configuration of the trailer, the front gate  7  and rear gate  9  are provided in a down position wherein the gates  7 ,  9  are substantially in the same plane as the cargo bed  33 , so that only the side members  8  are perpendicular to the cargo bed  33 . This configuration allows for any longer article to be transported, including lumber, boats, canoes, kayaks, lawn tractors and ATVs. In addition, any combination of rear gate  9  upright and front gate  7  down or rear gate  9  down and front gate  7  upright can be used to customize the trailer  3  to suit the needs of the load being hauled.  
         [0031]     Both the front gate  7  and rear gate  9  are pivotably connected at one end to the trailer by connection means  31  ( FIG. 7 ). The connection means  31  are typically conventional hinges, however limited rotation hinges can also be used in lieu of linkage means to support either the front gate  7  or rear gate  9  in the down position. Typically, in order to support the gates  7 , 9  in the down position, linkage means  26  are provided connecting the opposite end of the gates  7 ,  9  to the side members  8 . The linkage means  26  can consist of heavy-duty chains, aircraft cable, wire rope or the like.  
         [0032]     The supporting structures for the trailer  3  are typically similar to those found on conventional trailers, however, the trailer  3  of the present invention can be provided with several features to assist in its operability over rough terrain ( FIG. 7 ). First, a high clearance axle  28  can be provided, wherein the middle section of the axle is angled toward the cargo bed to a position below the cargo bed  33 , which allows for the trailer to transverse terrain that may contain out croppings. Moreover, dual axles can be provided as either conventional axle structures or as high clearance axles  28 . A leaf spring suspension  29  may also be provided to limit vertical movement of the trailer  3  over the terrain. Furthermore, the tires  30  can be adapted to the terrain in which the trailer is going to travel on. For example, the trailer  3  can be fitted with small diameter tires  30 , which provides a lower cargo bed  33  with greater utility for loading and unloading cargo, and a smoother ride on pavement or maintained roadways. Conversely, large diameter tires  30  can be provided to better transverse rough terrain, such as mud and snow. Moreover, the cargo bed  33  can be provided to be tilted. Typically, the cargo bed  33  can be tilted by means of a pivot axis generally parallel to and above the axle  28  of the trailer  3 . This allows the cargo bed  33  to be tilted to facilitate the removal and dumping of cargo.  
         [0033]     As a further embodiment of the present invention, at least one positive lock light weight ramp  28  can be provided, with each ramp  28  being attached at one end to the rear gate  9  when the gate  9  is in the down position ( FIG. 6 ). The other end of each ramp  28  contacts the ground to allow for an ATV or similar vehicle to be moved onto the trailer  3 . Furthermore, a vehicle wheel stop attachment  27  can be provided on the front gate  7 , to prevent the forward movement of the cargo or the vehicle, beyond the front gate  7  when the front gate  7  is in the first position. Alternatively, a vehicle wheel stop attachment  27  can also be provided on the rear gate  9 , so that large vehicles, such as 6-wheel all-terrain vehicles, can be hauled with both gates  7 ,  9  in general alignment with the horizontal plane defined by the cargo bed  33 .