Patent Publication Number: US-2004052623-A1

Title: Trailer with operable ramp

Description:
BACKGROUND OF RELATED APPLICATION  
     [0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. provisional patent application serial No. 60/407,609, filed on Aug. 27, 2002. The priority of the prior application is expressly claimed and its disclosure is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002] This invention relates to trailers, and in particular for a trailer that includes an operable ramp that can be configured to provide a launching ramp for use with motorcycles, all terrain vehicles and the like.  
       [0003] A growing number of motorcycle and all terrain vehicle (ATV) riders are participating in acrobatic or free-style or jumping. The rider approaches an angled ramp at a relatively high speed, and is launched into the air. While in the air the rider performs acrobatic maneuvers or tries to go the farthest in the air. The ramp must be sturdy enough to withstand the impact of the vehicle and rider, and in most cases is erected on site, either as a permanent or temporary structure. While such ramps are entirely adequate, they are not readily available in most locations.  
       [0004] The present invention is embodied in a trailer that can serve two functions. First, it can be used as a trailer to transport motorcycles or ATV&#39;s. The novel and non-obvious feature of this invention is that it can be reconfigured to provide a stable launching ramp in essentially any location.  
     
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
     [0005]FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a preferred embodiment of the invention.  
     [0006]FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1.  
     [0007]FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1  
     [0008]FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 and which is configured to serve as a launch ramp.  
     [0009]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the frame portion of the preferred embodiment. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
     [0010] Turning to the drawings, a trailer according to a preferred embodiment of the invention is shown in FIGS.  1 - 4  generally at  10 . The trailer is a space frame construction including a frame  11 . An axle assembly  16  is mounted to the frame  11  and supports left and right wheels  18  and  20 . A rectangular ramp platform  24  is pivotally mounted on frame  11 , and includes longitudinal ribs  12  and transverse ribs  14 , onto which is mounted a platform  24 . The upper surface of platform  24  is slightly concave in the preferred embodiment, although the invention is not limited to any particular shape of platform. Platform  24  is pivotally mounted and includes a first position where it is substantially horizontal as shown in FIG. 1, and in which it is suitable for carrying motorcycles, ATV&#39;s, snowmobiles and the like. When in this position the front edge of platform  24  rests on member  25 , and is preferably locked into place in position by being secured to member  25 , although other methods of securing the platform in place could also be utilized. Platform  24  can be pivoted to a second, raised position as shown in FIG. 4 in which it serves as a tilted ramp. When in the raised position, a rear portion of longitudinal ribs  12  rest on the ground to support the rear of the platform. The center portion of the platform is supported by the pivoting attachment to frame  11 , which in the preferred embodiment is attached to the frame  11  just behind the transverse axle  16 . The front surface of platform  24  is supported by a pivoting frame member  28  that is rotated from a position parallel with frame  11  to an angled position in which the front end(s) rest on the ground and the rear edges and a transverse member  30  support the front of the platform. The platform  24  is thereby supported firmly enough to withstand the impact and forces transferred thereto when used as a ramp. In the preferred embodiments the pivoting frame member  28  rotates to an angled position that reflects the direction of forces applied to the ramp by a vehicle that is moving forward and upward relative to the ground.  
     [0011] Other features of the preferred embodiment include a pair of upright frames  32  and  34  that are provided to secure motorcycles or other vehicles to the platform during transport.  
     [0012] The invention has been described above in terms of the preferred embodiment. Those of skill in the art will recognize that numerous changes in detail and arrangement are possible without departing from the scope of the invention.