Patent Publication Number: US-2022227281-A1

Title: Enclosed Boat Trailer

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present nonprovisional patent application claim priority from and is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/360,428 filed on Jun. 28, 2021 (now U.S. Pat. No. 11,292,380), which application claims priority from and is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/157,581 filed on Jan. 25, 2021 (now U.S. Pat. No. 11,046,231), which application claimed priority from provisional U.S. Pat. App. Nos. 62/965,135 filed on Jan. 23, 2020; 63/055,105 filed on Jul. 22, 2020; and 63/113,705 filed on Nov. 13, 2020, all of which patent applications are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties. 
    
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     No federal funds were used to create or develop the invention herein. 
     REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISK APPENDIX 
     N/A 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments and together with the description, serve to explain and illustrate the principles of the enclosed boat trailer as disclosed herein. 
         FIG. 1A  is a perspective view of an illustrative embodiment of an enclosed boat trailer with the rear doors in an open position. 
         FIG. 1B  is a perspective view of the illustrative embodiment of the enclosed boat trailer shown in  FIG. 1A  with a portion of the wall and roof removed to show the interior of the enclosed boat trailer. 
         FIG. 1C  is a perspective view of another illustrative embodiment of the enclosed boat trailer with a differently configured roller system. 
         FIG. 2A  is a rear view of the illustrative embodiment of an enclosed boat trailer shown in  FIGS. 1A &amp; 1B  with the rear doors open. 
         FIG. 2B  is another rear view of the illustrative embodiment of an enclosed boat trailer shown in  FIGS. 1A &amp; 1B  with the rear doors open and a boat positioned in the enclosed boat trailer. 
         FIG. 3A  is a top view of the illustrative embodiment of an enclosed boat trailer from  FIG. 1B  showing general layout of an illustrative embodiment of a roller system. 
         FIG. 3B  is a top view of the illustrative embodiment of an enclosed boat trailer from  FIG. 1C  showing general layout of an illustrative embodiment of a roller system. 
         FIG. 4  is a detailed perspective view of a portion of the illustrative embodiment of a roller system. 
         FIG. 5  is another detailed perspective view of a portion of the illustrative embodiment of a roller system toward the rear portion thereof. 
         FIG. 6  is another detailed perspective view of a portion of the illustrative embodiment of a roller system toward the front portion thereof. 
         FIG. 7  is another detailed perspective view of a portion of the illustrative embodiment of a roller system toward the rear portion thereof showing the rear arms adjacent the rear opening of the enclosed boat trailer. 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of an illustrative embodiment of a winch that may be used with various embodiments of the enclosed boat trailer. 
         FIG. 9  is a detailed perspective view of an illustrative embodiment of a launch assist system that may be used with various embodiments of the enclosed boat trailer. 
         FIG. 10  is another detailed perspective view of an illustrative embodiment of a launch assist system that may be used with various embodiments of the enclosed boat trailer. 
         FIG. 11A  is a perspective view of an illustrative embodiment of rear arms that may be used with various embodiments of the enclosed boat trailer with the rear arms retracted. 
         FIGS. 11B &amp; 11C  are perspective views of an illustrative embodiment of rear arms shown in  FIG. 11A  with the rear arms extended in the horizontal dimension, wherein the contact portions are shown in  FIG. 11C . 
         FIG. 11D  is a perspective view of the illustrative embodiment of the illustrative embodiment of rear arms shown in  FIGS. 11A-11C  with a boat positioned therebetween. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
             
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Element Description 
                 Element Number 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
                 Enclosed Boat Trailer 
                 10 
               
               
                   
                 Floor 
                 11 
               
               
                   
                 Wall 
                 12 
               
               
                   
                 Roof 
                 13 
               
               
                   
                 Rear opening 
                 14 
               
               
                   
                 Wheel 
                 15 
               
               
                   
                 Rear door 
                 16 
               
               
                   
                 Forward door 
                 17 
               
               
                   
                 Boat 
                 18 
               
               
                   
                 Boat hull 
                 18a 
               
               
                   
                 Launch Assist System 
                 20 
               
               
                   
                 Arm 
                 21 
               
               
                   
                 Biasing member 
                 22 
               
               
                   
                 Wheel 
                 24 
               
               
                   
                 Motor 
                 26 
               
               
                   
                 Roller system 
                 30 
               
               
                   
                 Roller pair 
                 31 
               
               
                   
                 Roller wheel 
                 31a 
               
               
                   
                 Roller axle 
                 31b 
               
               
                   
                 Roller mounting beam 
                 32 
               
               
                   
                 Mounting beam rocker 
                 32a 
               
               
                   
                 Central roller 
                 33 
               
               
                   
                 Lower plate 
                 34 
               
               
                   
                 Cross plate 
                 34a 
               
               
                   
                 Coupling member 
                 35 
               
               
                   
                 First yoke 
                 35a 
               
               
                   
                 Second yoke 
                 35b 
               
               
                   
                 Lower support base 
                 36 
               
               
                   
                 U-bolt 
                 37 
               
               
                   
                 U-bolt plate 
                 38 
               
               
                   
                 Right rear arm 
                 40a 
               
               
                   
                 Left rear arm 
                 40b 
               
               
                   
                 Horizontal portion 
                 42 
               
               
                   
                 Horizontal extender 
                 42a 
               
               
                   
                 Upper portion 
                 44 
               
               
                   
                 Upper extender 
                 44a 
               
               
                   
                 Contact portion 
                 46 
               
               
                   
                 Winch 
                 40 
               
               
                   
                 Spool 
                 42 
               
               
                   
                 Cable 
                 44 
               
               
                   
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Before the present methods and apparatuses are disclosed and described, it is to be understood that the methods and apparatuses are not limited to specific methods, specific components, or to particular implementations. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments/aspects only and is not intended to be limiting. As used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” one particular value, and/or to “about” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint. 
     “Optional” or “optionally” means that the subsequently described event or circumstance may or may not occur, and that the description includes instances where said event or circumstance occurs and instances where it does not. 
     “Aspect” when referring to a method, apparatus, and/or component thereof does not mean that limitation, functionality, component etc. referred to as an aspect is required, but rather that it is one part of a particular illustrative disclosure and not limiting to the scope of the method, apparatus, and/or component thereof unless so indicated in the following claims. 
     Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the word “comprise” and variations of the word, such as “comprising” and “comprises,” means “including but not limited to,” and is not intended to exclude, for example, other components, integers or steps. “Exemplary” means “an example of” and is not intended to convey an indication of a preferred or ideal embodiment. “Such as” is not used in a restrictive sense, but for explanatory purposes. 
     Disclosed are components that can be used to perform the disclosed methods and apparatuses. These and other components are disclosed herein, and it is understood that when combinations, subsets, interactions, groups, etc. of these components are disclosed that while specific reference of each various individual and collective combinations and permutation of these may not be explicitly disclosed, each is specifically contemplated and described herein, for all methods and apparatuses. This applies to all aspects of this application including, but not limited to, steps in disclosed methods. Thus, if there are a variety of additional steps that can be performed it is understood that each of these additional steps can be performed with any specific embodiment or combination of embodiments of the disclosed methods. 
     The present methods and apparatuses may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of preferred aspects and the examples included therein and to the Figures and their previous and following description. Corresponding terms may be used interchangeably when referring to generalities of configuration and/or corresponding components, aspects, features, functionality, methods and/or materials of construction, etc. those terms. 
     It is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangements of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The present disclosure is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that phraseology and terminology used herein with reference to device or element orientation (such as, for example, terms like “front”, “back”, “up”, “down”, “top”, “bottom”, and the like) are only used to simplify description, and do not alone indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a particular orientation. In addition, terms such as “first”, “second”, and “third” are used herein and in the appended claims for purposes of description and are not intended to indicate or imply relative importance or significance. 
     Referring now to the drawings,  FIGS. 1A &amp; 1B  provide perspective views of an illustrative embodiment of an enclosed boat trailer  10 , which may be configured to be supported by a plurality of wheels  15  for towing by a primary mover. As shown in  FIG. 1B , a portion of the roof and right-side wall are removed to show an interior portion of the enclosed boat trailer  10 . Another illustrative embodiment of an enclosed boat trailer  10  is shown in  FIG. 1C , wherein the illustrative embodiment in  FIG. 1B  has a differently configured roller system  30  compared to that shown in  FIG. 1C  as described in further detail below. 
     Generally, the illustrative embodiments of an enclosed boat trailer  10  may be backed into or near a body of water for loading and/or unloading a boat  18  into the enclosed boat trailer  10 . The enclosed boat trailer  10  may be configured with wide-opening, side-hinged rear doors  16  at a rear opening  14  and a roller system  30  (which may be moveable and responsive to contact with the boat hull  18   a ) engaged with a portion of the floor  11  of the enclosed boat trailer  10  such that the boat  18  operator may directly drive a boat  18  from the water into the enclosed boat trailer  10  without assistance from another individual. The illustrative embodiment of an enclosed boat trailer  10  may also be configured with a forward door adjacent a front portion of the enclosed boat trailer  10 . It is contemplated that a forward door  17  may allow relatively easy access to an interior portion of the enclosed boat trailer  10  even when a boat  18  positioned therein. 
     The illustrative embodiments of an enclosed boat trailer  10  may also allow a boat  18  operator to unload a boat  18  from the trailer while inside the boat  18  and without assistance from another individual, and/or in less time and/or with less effort than compared to trailers found in the prior art. The additional time and/or personnel required when using prior art trailers may be at least due to the prior art trailer requiring a single operator to get in and out of the boat  18  various times to properly align the boat  18  with the trailer, engage the cable with the boat  18 , operate the winch, manual move the boat  18  with respect to the trailer, etc. without limitation unless otherwise indicated in the following claims. Although the illustrative embodiments of an enclosed boat trailer  10  may be configured to accommodate a boat  18  that is approximately eight feet wide, other configurations, dimensions, etc. to accommodate differently sized, shaped, and/or configured boats  18  without limitation unless otherwise indicated in the following claims. The scope of the enclosed boat trailer  10  is not limited to any specific advantage over prior art boat trailers and/or shortfall of prior art boat trailers unless otherwise indicated in the following claims. 
     Generally, the various components of an enclosed boat trailer  10  for the illustrative embodiments thereof described in detail below (e.g., winch  14 , launch assist system  20 , roller system  30 , structures and/or methods for engaging the roller system  30  with the floor  11  rear arms  40   a ,  40   b , etc.) may be modular in nature such that an existing enclosed trailer of the proper dimensions and/or specifications may be converted to an enclosed boat trailer  10 . Alternatively, a trailer may be configured as an enclosed boat trailer  10  initially during the manufacturing of the trailer itself without limitation unless otherwise indicated in the following claims. Accordingly, the scope of the enclosed boat trailer  10  is not limited to retrofit kits, original equipment, etc. unless otherwise indicated by the following claims, and the optimal configuration of the enclosed boat trailer  10  and various components thereof (e.g., winch  14 , launch assist system  20 , roller system  30 , structures and/or methods for engaging the roller system  30  with the floor  11 , rear arms  40   a ,  40   b , etc.) will vary from one application to the next and may be dependent on whether the enclosed boat trailer  10  is from a retrofit of an existing trailer or configured as such from the factory. 
     Referring still to  FIGS. 1A &amp; 1B  (and also  FIGS. 2A, 2B , &amp;  3 A), an illustrative embodiment of a roller system  30  that may be used with various embodiments of an enclosed boat trailer  10  are shown in more detail. A second illustrative embodiment of a roller system  30  is shown in  FIGS. 1C and 3B , wherein various components of the roller system  30  are shared between the two illustrative embodiments. However, the specific configuration, number, and/or arrangement of certain components of the roller system  30  may vary from one embodiment of an enclosed boat trailer  10  to the next, and are therefore in no way limiting to the scope of the present disclosure unless otherwise indicated in the following claims. 
     As shown, a portion of the bottom surface of the enclosed boat trailer  10  may be configured with a plurality of roller pairs  31  and central rollers  33  extending from the rear adjacent the rear doors  16  forward such that the roller system  30  covers over half the length of the floor  11  of the enclosed boat trailer  10 . The roller system  30  may be configured with opposing rows or roller pairs  31  such that there is an approximate line of symmetry fore-to-aft along the centerline of the roller system  30  when viewed as shown in  FIG. 3  and left-to-right when viewed as shown in  FIGS. 2A &amp; 2B . It is contemplated that during use, one roller pair  31  in the first row of roller pairs  31  will engage a first side of the boat hull  18   a  and a corresponding roller pair  31  in the second row of roller pairs  31  will engage a second side of the boat hull  18   a  at the same or approximately the same lengthwise position on the boat hull  18   a  as the first roller pair  31 . In other illustrative embodiments of the enclosed boat trailer  10  not pictured herein, the roller system  30  may be configured differently than roller pairs  31  arranged in opposing rows and may instead be configured merely as opposing rollers without limitation unless otherwise indicated in the following claims. 
     The optimal configuration and/or dimensions of the roller system  30  (e.g., width, length, distance from rear doors  16 , number of roller pairs  31 , number of center rollers  33 , number of roller pairs  31  engaged with a given roller mounting beam  32 , rows, distance from the front of the enclosed boat trailer  10 , etc.) will vary from one application of the enclosed boat trailer  10  to the next, and depend at least in part on the type, size, and configuration of the boat  18  to be positioned in the enclosed boat trailer  10 . Accordingly, the scope of the enclosed boat trailer  10  is not limited by the specific configuration and/or dimensions of the roller system  30  unless otherwise indicated in the following claims. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 4-6 , the illustrative embodiments of a roller system  30  may be comprised of a plurality of roller pairs  31 , wherein each roller pair  31  may include two roller wheels  31   a  on opposite ends of a roller axle  31   b . The roller wheels  31   a  may be free to rotate with respect to the roller axle  31   b . The roller axle  31   b  may be pivotally engaged with a roller mounting beam  32 , and a single roller mounting beam  32  may provide an engagement point for a plurality of roller axles  31   b . Generally, the roller axle  31   b  may pivot with respect to the roller mounting beam  32  in such a manner as to account for a predetermined amount of rolling motion and/or roll misalignment of a boat  18  with respect to the enclosed boat trailer  10 , and it may also account for a predetermined amount of yaw motion and/or yaw misalignment, but the specific configuration, the amount and/or direction of relative motion and/or misalignment between the boat  18  and the enclosed boat trailer  10  accommodated, and/or pivotal limits between the roller axle  31   b  and roller mounting beam  32  are in no way limiting unless otherwise indicated in the following claims. 
     As shown, in an illustrative embodiment the two rearward roller mounting beams  32  may be engaged with six roller pairs  31  (and consequently six roller axles  31   b ) generally placed in relatively close proximity to one another along the length of the roller mounting beam  32 . In  FIG. 6 , the illustrative embodiment of the two forwardmost roller mounting beams  32  may be engaged with two roller pairs  31  (and consequently two roller axles  31   b ), wherein each roller pair  31  is generally placed at either end of the roller mounting beam  32 . The two forwardmost roller mounting beams  32  may also be spaced from one another by a distance less than the corresponding distance between corresponding roller mounting beams  32  positioned more rearwardly. Such a configuration may allow the roller pairs  31  toward the front of the enclosed boat trailer  10  to better accommodate portions of the boat hull  18   a  adjacent the bow and roller pairs  31  toward the rear of the enclosed boat trailer  10  to better accommodate portions of the boat hull  18   a  adjacent the stern without limitation unless otherwise indicated in the following claims. 
     Additionally or alternatively, one or more roller axles  31  may be engaged with a roller mounting beam  32  via a mounting beam rocker, as shown at least in  FIG. 5 . The mounting beam rocker  32  may be pivotally engaged with the roller mounting beam  32  in a manner to account for a determined amount of pitching motion and/or pitch misalignment of a boat  18  with respect to the enclosed boat trailer  10 . Finally, the roller mounting beam  32  may be engaged with the floor  11  of the enclosed boat trailer  10  such that it is pivotal with respect to the enclosed boat trailer  10  and in such a manner to account for a determined amount of pitching motion and/or pitch misalignment of a boat  18  with respect to the enclosed boat trailer  10 . However, the specific configuration, the amount and/or direction of relative motion and/or misalignment between the boat  18  and the enclosed boat trailer  10  accommodated, and/or pivotal limits between the mounting beam rocker  32   a  and roller mounting beam  32  and/or between the roller mounting beam  32  and floor  11  of the enclosed boat trailer  10  are in no way limiting unless otherwise indicated in the following claims. 
     The roller system  30  may also include one or more central rollers  33 . It is contemplated that a central roller  33  may be configured to engage a keel formed in the boat hull  18   a . A first central roller  33  may be positioned at the rear of the enclosed boat trailer  10  just forward of the rear opening  14  and may be positioned as low to the floor  11  as possible, as the rearward central roller  33  may serve as the first contact point of the boat  18  with any portion of the enclosed boat trailer  10  during loading. That central roller  33  may serve as a guide for the boat  18  when loading the boat  18  onto the enclosed boat trailer  10  and may help to ensure proper positioning between the boat  18  and enclosed boat trailer  10  and/or help to protect the keel or other portions of the boat hull  18   a  without limitation unless otherwise indicated in the following claims. Another central roller  33  may be positioned toward the front of the enclosed boat trailer  10  and may be elevated above the floor  11  and may also be configured to engage the keel of the boat hull  18   a . In an illustrative embodiment, the forwardmost central roller  33  may be positioned adjacent a winch  40  positioned toward a forward portion of the enclosed boat trailer  10 . Additional or fewer central rollers  33 , differently configured and/or positioned central rollers  33 , etc. may be used with the roller system  10  without limitation unless otherwise indicated in the following claims. 
     Although a nearly infinite number of structures and/or methods for engaging a roller system  30  with the floor  11  of the enclosed boat trailer  10  may be used, an illustrative embodiment thereof will now be described in detail with the understanding that the various details and/or components thereof are not to be regarded as limiting unless otherwise indicated in the following claims. It is contemplated that for many applications it may be advantageous to configure the roller system  30  to be as low-profile as possible so as to accommodate a relatively taller boat  18  and/or to reduce the overall height of the enclosed boat trailer  10  without limitation unless otherwise indicated in the following claims. It is further contemplated that an enclosed boat trailer  10  configured as such from the factory may use other structures, methods, and/or components to provide a roller system  30  on the floor  11  of the enclosed boat trailer  10  than those described herein, and such embodiments of an enclosed boat trailer  10  are within the scope of the enclosed boat trailer  10  unless otherwise indicated in the following claims. 
     Referring specifically to  FIGS. 5 &amp; 6 , each roller support beam  32  may be pivotally engaged with a lower support base  36 , wherein the pivot point of the roller support beam  32  with respect to the lower support base  36  may be generally at the center of the roller support beam  32  with respect to its length, but which may be differently configured in other embodiments of the enclosed trailer  10  without limitation unless otherwise indicated in the following claims. A coupling member  35  may be configured to accommodate the pivotal engagement between a roller support beam  32  and a lower support base  36 , wherein the lower support base  36  may be selected engaged with the floor  11  as described in further detail below. 
     An illustrative embodiment of a coupling member  35  may be comprised of a first yoke  35   a  that engages a roller support beam  32  and generally faces upward and a second yoke  35   b  that engages the lower support base  36  and generally faces downward. The first yoke  35   a  and second yoke  35   b  may be formed as one integral unit and may be rotationally offset from one another by 90 degrees. The roller support beam  32  may be pivotally engaged with the first yoke  35   a  such that the pivot point between the roller support beam  32  and first yoke  35   a  allows for a predetermined amount of angular motion between the roller support beam  32  and coupling member  35  (and consequently between the roller support beam  32  and lower support base  36  and between the roller support beam  32  and floor  11  of the enclosed boat trailer  10 ). The optimal amount of allowable relative motion therebetween will vary from one application of enclosed boat trailer  10  to the next and is therefore in no way limiting to the scope thereof unless otherwise indicated in the following claims. Additionally, other structures and/or methods may be used to engage a roller support beam  32  with a lower support base  36  without limitation unless otherwise indicated in the following claims. 
     One or more lower plates  34  may be positioned on the floor  11  of the enclosed boat trailer  10 , and each lower support base  36  may be positioned on the upper surface of a lower plate  34 . The lower plate  34  may provide added rigidity, structural integrity, ease of use, longevity, or any other suitable purpose without limitation unless otherwise indicated in the following claims. Cross plates  34   a  may be engaged with various lower plates  34  along the length thereof for additional support and/or structure integrity without limitation unless otherwise indicated in the following claims. Generally, the lower plates  34  and lower support bases  36  may be configured such that the opposing rows of roller pairs  31  may be adjusted to accommodate boats  18  having different dimensions and/or configurations. Accommodating for different boat  18  and/or boat hull  18   a  widths may be accomplished by adjusting the lateral position of the lower support base  36  (i.e., the distance of the lower support base  36  from the centerline of the floor  11 ). 
     A U-bolt  37  may be positioned under the floor  11  with the studs extending through the floor  11  and on either side of the lower support base  36 . A U-bolt plate  38  may be configured with corresponding apertures to accept the studs of the U-bolt  37 , such that the lower support base  36  is effectively clamped to the floor  11  via the U-bolt  37  and U-bolt plate  38 . In the illustrative embodiments pictured herein, the lower support base  36  may be configured as a length of box-iron that may fit between the studs of the U-bolt  37 . By loosening the U-bolt plate  38 , the lower support base  36  (and consequently any roller mounting beam  32 , roller pair  31 , coupling member  35 , etc. engaged therewith) may slide laterally along the floor  11  and with respect to the lower plate  34 , U-bolt  37 , and U-bolt plate  38  to the desired position. When in the desired position, the U-bolt plate  38  may be tightened to the lower support base  36  thereby securing the position of the lower support base  36  on the floor  11 . As shown, an illustrative embodiment of an enclosed boat trailer  10  may employ a plurality of lower support bases  36  and corresponding U-bolts  37  and U-bolt plates  38  (one each, respectively, for each roller mounting beam  32 ), but the specific number, position, configuration, etc. of those components is not limiting unless otherwise indicated in the following claims. 
     Although specific and detailed reference has been made herein to a lower plate  34 , lower support base  36 , U-bolt  37 , U-bolt plate  38 , and coupling member  35  for providing a roller system  30  that allows for adjusting the lateral distance between opposing rows of roller pairs  31 , any suitable structure and/or method for adjusting that distance may be used with various embodiments of the enclosed boat trailer  10  without limitation unless otherwise indicated in the following claims. Indeed, it is contemplated that enclosed boat trailers  10  configured as such from the factory may not require at least the lower plates  34 , lower support base  36 , U-bolt  37 , and/or U-bolt plate  38  depending on the specific configuration, or may utilize other structures providing at least the same features and/or functionality of those components as disclosed herein. Such embodiments are fully within the scope of the enclosed boat trailer  10  without limitation unless otherwise indicated in the following claims. 
     As is evident from contrasting the illustrative embodiment of an enclosed boat trailer  10  as shown in  FIGS. 1B &amp; 3A  with the illustrative embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1C &amp; 3B , various configurations of a roller system  30  may be used. By way of illustration, and without limitation unless otherwise indicated in the following claims, the illustrative embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1B &amp; 3A  may be comprised of three roller mounting beams  32  on each side of the centerline of the enclosed boat trailer  32 . The two rearward-most roller mounting beams  32  on a given side of the centerline (wherein each rearward roller mounting beam  32  may be engaged with six roller pairs  31 ) may be horizontally spaced from the corresponding roller mounting beam  32  on the other centerline by substantially the same distance. The forward-most roller mounting beam  32  on a given side of the centerline (wherein each forward roller mounting beam  32  may be engaged with two roller pairs  31 ) may also be horizontally spaced from the corresponding roller mounting beam  32  on the other side of the centerline by substantially the same distance. However, the distance between the two corresponding forward-most roller mounting beams  32  may be less than the distance between two corresponding rearward-most roller mounting beams  32  without limitation unless otherwise indicated in the following claims. It is contemplated that such a configuration may accommodate a relatively conventional boat hull  18   a  configuration having a relatively narrower width adjacent the bow compared to the width adjacent the stern. 
     By way of illustration, and without limitation unless otherwise indicated in the following claims, the illustrative embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1C &amp; 3B  may be comprised of four roller mounting beams  32  on each side of the centerline of the enclosed boat trailer  32  and two center rollers  33  positioned adjacent the rear opening  14 . Each rearward-most roller mounting beam  32  on a given side of the centerline (wherein each rearward roller mounting beam  32  may be engaged with six roller pairs  31 ) may be horizontally spaced from the corresponding roller mounting beam  32  on the other centerline by substantially the same distance. The two intermediate roller mounting beams  32  on a given side of the centerline (wherein each intermediate roller mounting beam  32  may be engaged with six roller pairs  31 ) may be horizontally spaced from the corresponding roller mounting beam  32  on the other centerline by substantially the same distance. However, the distance between the two corresponding rearward-most roller mounting beams  32  may be less than the distance between two corresponding intermediate roller mounting beams  32  without limitation unless otherwise indicated in the following claims. The forward-most roller mounting beam  32  on a given side of the centerline (wherein each forward roller mounting beam  32  may be engaged with two roller pairs  31 ) may also be horizontally spaced from the corresponding roller mounting beam  32  on the other side of the centerline by substantially the same distance. However, the distance between the two corresponding forward-most roller mounting beams  32  may be less than the distance between two corresponding intermediate roller mounting beams  32  and may be greater than the distance between the two corresponding rearward-most roller mounting beams  32  without limitation unless otherwise indicated in the following claims. It is contemplated that such a configuration may accommodate a relatively conventional boat hull  18   a  configuration having a relatively narrower width adjacent the bow compared to the width adjacent the stern. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 8 , an illustrative embodiment of an enclosed boat trailer  10  may be configured with a winch  40 , wherein the winch  40  may be positioned generally toward the front of the enclosed boat trailer  10  and ahead of the roller system  30 . The winch  40  may be configured with a spool  42  and cable  44 , wherein one end of the cable  44  may be configured with a hook to attach to an eyelet engaged with the front of a boat  18 . The winch  40  may be powered, wherein the power control may be activated and deactivated remotely, and the winch  40  may simultaneously be configured to allow for manual operation of so desired by the user. Generally, the winch  40  may be used and configured to pull the boat  18  into the enclosed boat trailer  10  and over the roller system  30 . It is contemplated that remote activation and/or deactivation of the winch  40  may further facilitate safe and efficient loading and/or unloading of a boat  18  from the enclosed boat trailer  10  by a single operator, wherein the prior art would oftentimes require at least two operators to perform the same task or require a single operator to spend considerably more time than compared to using the enclosed boat trailer  10 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 9 &amp; 10 , an illustrative embodiment of the enclosed boat trailer  10  pictured herein may be configured with a launch assist system  20 . An illustrative embodiment of a launch assist system  20  may be comprised of a wheel  24 , wherein the wheel  24  may be configured such that it is biased against a portion of the hull of a boat  18  positioned within the enclosed boat trailer  10 . The wheel  24  may be engaged with a rotational power source, such as an electric motor  26 . When the rotational power source is energized, the wheel  24  may turn, thereby urging the boat  18  in one direction or the other (i.e., into or out of the enclosed boat trailer  10 ) depending on the direction of rotation of the wheel  24 . 
     The wheel  24  may be mounted on a pivoting arm  21 , wherein a first end of the pivoting arm  21  may be pivotally engaged with a portion of the enclosed boat trailer  10  and wherein the pivoting arm  21  may be biased in a direction toward the hull of the boat  18  via a biasing member  22  (e.g., mechanical spring, air spring, etc.) acting on the arm  21 . In this manner adequate engagement between the surface of the wheel  24  and the hull of the boat  18  may be ensured while simultaneously allowing the position of the wheel  24  to adapt to the shape of the hull, the position of the boat  18  with respect to the enclosed boat trailer  10 , and/or to different boats  18 . It is contemplated that the launch assist system  20  may aide in initiating motion of the boat  18  out of the enclosed boat trailer  10  (such as when launching the boat  18  in a body of water) and may also aide in ensuring the boat  18  is properly positioned within the enclosed boat trailer  10  when loading the boat  18  (which may be accomplished in or with cooperation with the winch  40  as previously described above). The launch assist system  20  may be used with any suitable embodiment of an enclosed boat trailer  10  as disclosed herein or may be omitted in certain embodiments thereof without limitation unless otherwise indicated in the following claims. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 11A-11D , an illustrative embodiment of an enclosed boat trailer  10  may be configured with an extendable rear arm  40   a ,  40   b  on either side of the enclosed boat trailer  10  at the rear portion thereof. The extendable arms  40   a    40   b  may be configured to help guide a boat  18  into and onto the roller system  30  and into the enclosed boat trailer  10  as described in further detail below. 
     The illustrative embodiment of an extendable arm  40   a ,  40   b  may be configured with a horizontal portion  42  and an upper portion  44 . Generally, a right rear arm  40   a  may be positioned on the right side of the rear opening  14  of the enclosed boat trailer  10  and a left rear arm  40   b  may be positioned on the left side thereof. The horizontal portion  42  may be engaged with the floor  11  of the enclosed boat trailer  10  and angled with respect to the longitudinal axis thereof. In an illustrative embodiment the horizontal portions may be engaged with a cross plate  34   a  for additional rigidity and/or structural support without limitation unless otherwise indicated in the following claims. Generally, the upper portion  44  may extend upward and at an angle from the horizontal portion  42 . In an illustrative embodiment pictured herein, the upper portion  44  may be engaged with the horizontal portion  42  such that they are generally perpendicular with respect to one another and form an L-shaped member, but other angles and/or configurations may be used without limitation unless otherwise indicated in the following claims. The horizontal and upper portions  42 , 44  may be separately formed and then engaged with one another or integrally formed as one piece without limitation unless otherwise indicated in the following claims. 
     The horizontal portion elude a horizontal extender  42   a , such that the length of the horizontal portion  42  may be increased and/or decreased within a certain predetermined range. Similarly, the upper portion  44  may include an upper extender  44   a  such that the length of the upper portion  44   a  may be increased and/or decreased within a certain predetermined range. In an illustrative embodiment, both the horizontal extender  42   a  and upper extender  44   a  may be configured as telescoping box irons, but any suitable structure and/or method to vary the length of either the horizontal portion  42  or upper portion  44  may be used without limitation unless otherwise indicated in the following claims. 
     As best shown in  FIGS. 11C &amp; 11D  the extendible arms  40   a ,  40   b  may be configured with a contact portion  46  on an upper of the upper portion  44 , wherein the contact portion  46  may be configured to engage a portion of the boat  18  without damaging the boat  18  and/or any, component of the enclosed boat trailer  10 . That is, the contact portion  46  may be configured to allow slideable engagement with the boat hull  18   a  or other portions of the boat  18  during the loading and entry process. Accordingly, in an illustrative embodiment the contact portion  46  may be constructed of a polymer and/or plastic material, such as polytetrafluoroethylene, polypropylene, polyester, polyvinyl chloride, other synthetic materials, other natural materials, and/or combinations thereof without limitation unless otherwise indicated in the following claims. Each contact portion  46  may be configured to extend from the upper portion  44  of the respective rear arm  40   a .  40   h  forward through the rear opening  14  so as to prevent and/or mitigate damage that may be caused through unwanted contact of the boat  18  with a portion of the enclosed boat trailer  10  adjacent the rear opening  14  thereof without limitation unless otherwise indicated in the following claims. 
     It is contemplated that during loading of a boat  18 , the horizontal extenders  42   a  may be extended away from the rear opening  14  of the enclosed boat trailer  10 , as shown in  FIGS. 11B, 11C , &amp;  11 D. The angle of the horizontal portions  42  with respect to the centerline of the enclosed boat trailer  10  provides an angled guide for the boat  18  to aide the boat  18  operator in centering the boat  18  with respect to the roller system  30  and/or enclosed boat trailer  10 , wherein the opening between the upper portions  44  and/or contact portions  46  may be wider than the rear opening  14  of the enclosed boat trailer  10  and wherein the upper portions  44  and/or contact portions  46  may extender rearward beyond the rear opening  14 . The horizontal extenders  42   a  may be retracted when not in use such that the rear doors  16  may be fully closed without interference from the rear arms  40   a ,  40   b . The horizontal extenders  42   a  may also be extended during unloading of a boat  18  without limitation unless otherwise indicated in the following claims. 
     The upper extenders  44   a  may be extended and/or retracted for various reasons, including but not limited to account for boats  18  of different configurations (e.g., hull widths, heights, shapes, etc.) and ensure that the contact portion  46  is the only touch point between the boat  18  and the rear arms  40   a ,  40   b . The upper extenders  44   a  may also be extended and/or retracted to account for the angle of the enclosed boat trailer  10  and roller system  30  (that is, the pitch) with respect to the boat  18 , which may vary at least depending on the terrain on which the enclosed boat trailer  10  is positioned during loading and/or unloading. 
     Accordingly, via the horizontal extender  42   a , the distance from and relative angle with respect to the enclosed boat trailer  10  to which the extendable arms  40   a ,  40   b  extend may be adjustable, and the optimal distance and angle thereof may vary from one application of the enclosed boat trailer  10  to the next and may be dependent at least on the configuration of the boat  18  for which the enclosed boat trailer  10  is designed. The height of the extendable arms  40   a ,  40   b  (and consequently the height of any contact portion  46  and/or other component engaged therewith) may also be adjustable. Accordingly, the specific configuration, dimensions, angles, etc. of the extendable arms  40   a ,  40   b  in no way limits the scope of the enclosed boat trailer  10  unless otherwise indicated in the following claims. 
     Although the illustrative apparatuses and processes described and disclosed herein may be configured for use with a specifically configured roller system  30  comprised of two opposing rows of roller pairs  31 , the scope of the present disclosure is not so limited and extends to any beneficial and/or advantageous use and/or configuration thereof without limitation unless so indicated in the following claims. 
     The materials used to construct the apparatuses and/or components thereof may vary depending on the specific application thereof, but it is contemplated that polymers, synthetic materials, metals, metal alloys, natural materials, and/or combinations thereof may be especially useful in some applications. Accordingly, the above-referenced elements may be constructed of any material known to those skilled in the art or later developed, which material is appropriate for the specific application of the present disclosure without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure unless so indicated in the following claims. 
     Having described preferred aspects and embodiments of the various processes and apparatuses disclosed herein, other features of the present disclosure will undoubtedly occur to those versed in the art, as will numerous modifications and alterations in the embodiments and/or aspects as illustrated herein, all of which may be achieved without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the apparatuses and methods and/or embodiments thereof as pictured and described herein are for illustrative purposes only, and the scope of the present disclosure extends to all processes, apparatuses, and/or structures for providing the various benefits and/or features of the present disclosure unless so indicated in the following claims, such as all similar apparatuses for allowing modification or improvement of an enclosed boat trailer  10  including using the various elements disclosed herein as part of the enclosed boat trailer  10  as suitable for the application. 
     While various apparatuses and methods according to the present disclosure have been described in connection with preferred aspects and specific examples, it is not intended that the scope be limited to the particular embodiments and/or aspects set forth, as the embodiments and/or aspects herein are intended in all respects to be illustrative rather than restrictive. Accordingly, the processes and embodiments pictured and described herein are no way limiting to the scope of the present disclosure unless so stated in the following claims. 
     Although several figures are drawn to accurate scale, any dimensions provided herein are for illustrative purposes only and in no way limit the scope of the present disclosure unless so indicated in the following claims. It should be noted that the apparatuses and methods disclosed herein are not limited to the specific embodiments pictured and described herein, but rather the scope of the inventive features according to the present disclosure is defined by the claims herein. Modifications and alterations from the described embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art without departure from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. 
     Any of the various features, components, functionalities, advantages, aspects, configurations, process steps, process parameters, etc. of the apparatuses and methods disclosed herein may be used alone or in combination with one another depending on the compatibility of the features, components, functionalities, advantages, aspects, configurations, process steps, process parameters, etc. Accordingly, a nearly infinite number of variations of the present disclosure exist. Modifications and/or substitutions of one feature, component, functionality, aspect, configuration, process step, process parameter, etc. for another in no way limit the scope of the present disclosure unless so indicated in the following claims. 
     It is understood that the present disclosure extends to all alternative combinations of one or more of the individual features mentioned, evident from the text and/or drawings, and/or inherently disclosed. All of these different combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the present disclosure and/or components thereof. The embodiments described herein explain the best modes known for practicing the apparatuses, methods, and/or components disclosed herein and will enable others skilled in the art to utilize the same. The claims are to be construed to include alternative embodiments to the extent permitted by the prior art. 
     Unless otherwise expressly stated in the claims, it is in no way intended that any process or method set forth herein be construed as requiring that its steps be performed in a specific order. Accordingly, where a method claim does not actually recite an order to be followed by its steps or it is not otherwise specifically stated in the claims or descriptions that the steps are to be limited to a specific order, it is no way intended that an order be inferred, in any respect. This holds for any possible non-express basis for interpretation, including but not limited to: matters of logic with respect to arrangement of steps or operational flow; plain meaning derived from grammatical organization or punctuation; the number or type of embodiments described in the specification.