Patent Publication Number: US-2023146902-A1

Title: Self-Propelled Tandem Axle Trailer

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Pat. Application No. 16/599,820 filed on Oct. 11, 2019, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Pat. Application No. 62/744,901, filed on Oct. 12, 2018 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention relates to a self-propelled tandem axle trailer and, more particularly, to a self-propelled tandem axle trailer having a rear extending storage bin and a movable front axle. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Workers often find that providing materials for replacement of a building roof is very time consuming, considering the task involves using different mechanical units or manual labor to lift building materials from a truck and position them on a roof. Furthermore, stripping old material from the building roof in order to put on a new roof is also time consuming and a dirty job. Generally, old material is thrown from the roof to the ground around the building and then workers manually pick up debris to deposit it into a disposal container. Even if the material can be thrown directly into a container there remain the problems of getting the disposal container in proximity to the roof and removal from the work site. The most common solution to the disposal problem is to move a dump truck adjacent to the building and to attempt to throw the material directly from the roof into the truck bin. Furthermore, the problem is not limited to roofing material. Any building remodeling generates significant construction trash, and the most convenient method of removing it from the building is to throw it out a window. 
     As a result, it is not always possible to move a large truck into a location adjacent to a building. Fences, lawns, and shrubs can be damaged by any size truck, especially a large transport truck. 
     There is a need for a vehicle that can move around the typical landscaped yard surrounding a building and position a storage bin into an extended position near workers and that is study enough to handle large loads. 
     SUMMARY 
     In view of the foregoing, a trailer for towing by a power vehicle is provided and generally includes a frame and a self propelled tandem wheel assembly. The frame includes an undercarriage chassis, and the self propelled tandem wheel assembly is positioned under the undercarriage chassis. The self propelled tandem wheel assembly includes a rear wheel assembly and a front wheel assembly, and the rear wheel assembly and the front wheel assembly are equally positioned to support the undercarriage chassis. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention is explained in greater detail below with reference to embodiments and the appended drawings of which: 
         FIG.  1    is a front perspective view of a self-propelled tandem axle trailer according to the invention, 
         FIG.  2    is rear perspective view of the self-propelled tandem axle trailer of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  3    is perspective view of a self-propelled tandem axle trailer according to the invention, showing extension of a front axle to a drivable position; 
         FIG.  4    is another perspective view of the trailer of  FIG.  3   , showing extension and inclination of a storage bin thereof; 
         FIG.  5    is a front perspective view of the trailer of  FIG.  3   , showing further extension and inclination of the storage bin; 
         FIG.  6    is a rear perspective view of the trailer of  FIG.  5   ; 
         FIG.  7    is a close up view of a front wheel of the self-propelled tandem axle trailer according to the invention; and 
         FIG.  8    is a bottom perspective view of the self-propelled tandem axle trailer according to the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT(S) 
     With respect to  FIGS.  1 - 6   , a trailer  1  according to the invention is shown and ready for towing by a power vehicle, such as a truck with a tow hitch. The trailer  1  generally includes the following major components: a frame  10 , a control system  60 , a storage bin  80 , and an extension device  100 , and a tandem wheel assembly  300 . 
     Now with reference to  FIGS.  1 - 4   , the frame  10  will be discussed. In the shown embodiment, the frame  10  includes a plurality of support beams  12 , a plurality of connecting beams  14 , a front support  16 , a rear support  18 , a trailer connection section  22 , and. 
     As shown in  FIGS.  2  and  3   , each support beam  12  is an elongated metal support extending along a length of the frame  10 , from a trailing end to a leading end thereof. 
     In the embodiment shown, each support beam  12  is I-shaped and includes a support rail  13  positioned on a lower end and running along a length thereof. 
     Each connection beam  14  runs substantially perpendicular and connecting to the plurality of support beams  12 . The front support  16  is a plate like member connecting the support beams  12  at a front end thereof, while the rear support is another plat like member connecting the support beams  12  at an opposite end thereof.. As assembled, the support beams  12 , connection beams  14 , front support  16 , and rear support form a undercarriage chassis 20 
     As shown, in an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the trailer connection section  22  is a trailer hitch  22  positioned and connected to a leading end of the frame  10 , and, in particular, the front support  16 . The trailer hitch  22  includes a connector for connecting with a truck (i.e. ball mount; not shown). 
     According to the invention, the trailer  1  includes a tandem wheel assembly  300 . In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the tandem wheel assembly  300  is positioned under the undercarriage chassis  20  and generally includes a rear wheel assembly  310 , a front wheel assembly  340 , and an extension assembly  380 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  8   , the rear wheel assembly  310  includes a pair of rear wheels  312 , a rear wheel frame  314 , a rear steering assembly  320 , and a rear drive assembly  330 . 
     In the embodiment shown, the rear wheel frame  314  includes a rear guide member  315  member having a body  316  and a pair of low friction guides  318  positioned at opposite side ends thereof. Each low friction guide  318  is a u- shaped member secured to the rear wheel frame  314  and is sized and shaped to correspond to receive the support rail  13 . The low friction guide  318  includes low frictions pads  319  are bearing pads known in the art to provide a low friction coefficient between the rear wheel frame  314  and the support rail  13 . In the shown embodiment, the low friction pads  319  line an inside surface of the low friction guide  318 . In this manner, the rear wheel assembly is movably secured to the frame in a manner that allows the wheel assembly to slide upon the frame support rails, and be alternately positioned in a first position for trailering, and a second position for self-propelled movement, as depicted in  FIG.  8   , or any point in between. As can be seen in the exemplary embodiment of  FIG.  8   , the rear wheel assembly  314  is provided with u-shaped members slidably mounted on separate, parallel support rails  13  on the frame  10 , and are positioned such that the u-shaped members prevent twisting movement of the front wheel assembly, relative to the frame, as the spacing provided between the inside dimensions of the opposing u-shaped members is substantially the same, or nearly the same, as the maximum width dimension of the support rails  13 . 
     In the embodiment shown, the rear wheel assembly  310  includes steering capability using a rear steering assembly  320  according to the invention. However, one skilled in the art should appreciate that these rear wheels  312  may be non-steerable. As shown, the rear steering assembly includes a steering bracket  322 , a pair of steering arms  324  connected to the steering bracket  322  and the pair of rear wheels  312 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  8   , in an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the rear wheel assembly  310  includes a rear drive assembly  330  according to the invention. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the rear drive assembly  330  includes a hydraulic motor assembly  332  and a rotor assembly  334 , and an engagement assembly  370  for each rear wheel  312 . 
     In an embodiment of the invention, the hydraulic motor assembly  332  generally includes a motor  332   a , a motor drive mechanism  332   b , and a motor housing  332   c . The motor  332   a  is connected to the control system  60  using hydraulic lines (not shown). The motor  332   a  is attached to the outside of the motor housing  332   c . The motor drive mechanism  332   b  positioned in a motor housing  332   c  is engageable with the hydraulic motor  332   a  and moveable by the engagement assembly  370 . 
     In an embodiment of the invention, the rotor assembly  334  includes a wheel hub  334   a  and a drive shaft  334   b  with a rotor drive mechanism (not shown) engageable with the motor drive mechanism  332   b  by the engagement assembly  370 . The drive shaft  334   b  connected to the wheel hub  334   a . 
     Many of the power system components are not shown for sake of complexity in the drawings, although a discussion is provided for purposes of enabling one skilled in the art to understand how the drive system is assembled and performed. One skilled in art should appreciate that other designs are possible. For instance, the rear drive assembly  330  may include other methods to move the rear wheels  312 , including chains, belts, or a drive shaft and a transmission connected to a combustion or electric engine, so that trailer  1  can be moved around a work site under its own power. 
     As shown in  FIGS.  7  and  8   , the front wheel assembly  340  includes a pair of front wheels  342 , a front wheel frame  344 , a front steering  350  assembly, and a front drive assembly  360 . 
     In the embodiment shown, the front wheel frame  344  is u-shaped member having a body  346  and a pair of low friction guides  348  positioned at opposite side ends thereof. Each low friction guide  348  is a u- shaped member secured to the front wheel frame  344  and is sized and shaped to correspond to receive the support rail  13 . The low friction guide  348  includes low frictions pads  349  that are bearing pads known in the art to provide a low friction coefficient between the front wheel frame  344  and the support rail  13 . In the shown embodiment, the low friction pads  349  line an inside surface of the low friction guide  318 . In this manner, the front wheel assembly is movably secured to the frame in a manner that allows the wheel assembly to slide upon the frame support rails, and be alternately positioned in a trailer position A (depicted in  FIG.  1   ), and the self-propelled position B as depicted in  FIG.  8   , or any point in between. As can be seen in the exemplary embodiment of  FIG.  8   , the front wheel assembly  340  is provided with u-shaped members slidably mounted on separate, parallel support rails  13  on the frame  10 , and are positioned such that the u-shaped members prevent twisting movement of the front wheel assembly, relative to the frame, as the spacing provided between the inside dimensions of the opposing u-shaped members is substantially the same, or nearly the same, as the maximum width dimension of the support rails  13 . 
     In the embodiment shown, the front wheel assembly  340  includes steering capability using a front steering assembly  350  according to the invention. However, one skilled in the art should appreciate that these front wheels  342  may be non-steerable. As shown, the front steering assembly includes a steering bracket  352 , a pair of steering arms  354  connected to the steering bracket  352  and the pair of front wheels  342 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  8   , in an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the front wheel assembly  340  includes a front drive assembly  360  according to the invention. However, one skilled in the art should appreciate that this front wheels  342  may be non-driveable, without a drive system. 
     In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the front drive assembly  360  generally includes a hydraulic motor assembly  362  and a rotor assembly  364 , and an engagement assembly  370  for each front wheel  342 . 
     In an embodiment of the invention, the motor assembly  362  generally includes a motor  362   a , a motor drive mechanism  362   b , and a motor housing  362   c . The motor  362   a  is connected to the control system  60  using hydraulic lines (not shown). The motor  362   a  is attached to the outside of the motor housing  362   c . The motor drive mechanism  362   b  positioned in a motor housing  362   c  is engageable with the hydraulic motor  362   a  and moveable by the engagement assembly  370 . 
     In an embodiment of the invention, the rotor assembly  364  includes a wheel hub  364   a  and a drive shaft  364   b  with a rotor drive mechanism (not shown) engageable with the motor drive mechanism  362   b  by the engagement assembly  370 . The drive shaft  364   b  connected to the wheel hub  364   a . 
     Many of the power system components are not shown for sake of complexity in the drawings, although a discussion is provided for purposes of enabling one skilled in the art to understand how the drive system is assembled and performed. One skilled in art should appreciate that other designs are possible. For instance, the front drive assembly  360  may include other methods to move the front wheels  342 , including chains, belts, or a drive shaft and a transmission connected to a combustion or electric engine, so that trailer  1  can be moved around a work site under its own power. 
     In the shown embodiment, the rear wheel assembly  310  and the front wheel assembly  340  includes an engagement assembly  370 . As shown, each engagement assembly  370  generally includes a main shaft  372 , a first lever assembly  374 , and a second lever assembly  376 . The main shaft  372  is an elongated cylindrical member and connected to the first lever assembly  374  and the second lever assembly  376  at opposite ends thereof. The first lever assembly  372  and the second lever assembly  376  are connected to opposite rear wheels  312  or front wheel  342 , and engage and disengage the motor drive mechanism  332   b ,  362   b , from the rotor drive mechanism (not shown) to rotate the wheel hub  334   a ,  364   a . 
     In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the extension assembly  380  generally includes a rear end connector  382 , a moveable axle connector  384 , and a moving component  386 . The rear end connector  382  is connected to the rear wheel assembly  310 , while the moveable axle connector  384  is connected to the front wheel assembly  340 . The moving component  386  is a hydraulic actuator positioned and secure to the undercarriage chassis  20  in the shown embodiment. The moving component  386  is capable of extension and contraction. When connected to the front wheel assembly  340 , the front wheels  342  can be positioned between the trailing position A (see  FIGS.  1  and  2   ) and the self-propelled position B (see  FIGS.  5 - 8   ). 
     Now with reference to the Figures, the control system  60  will be discussed and generally includes a power system source (i.e. combustion engine, battery) and a control assembly connected (hydraulic and electrical lines) to the rear wheel assembly  310 , the front wheel assembly  340 , and the extension assembly  380 . 
     Regardless of the specific mode of powering the rear wheels  312 , the control system  60  controls starting, stopping and turning the rear wheels  312 , as well as for regulating the speed of the rear wheels  312 . Likewise, the control system  60  also controls starting, stopping and turning the front wheels  342 , as well as for regulating the speed of the front wheels  342 . 
     The control system  60  includes a plurality of controls which may be a series of buttons, levers, or other suitable controls which allow the operator to control expansion and retraction of the front wheel assembly  340  using the extension assembly. 
     In an embodiment, user controls may be provided on the control system  60  for controlling certain other features of the trailer  1 . As shown in the embodiment of  FIG.  1   , an operator stand may sit in operator’s box  62 , allowing an operator to move along with the trailer  1  as the operator controls the trailer  1  movement. The control system  60  therefore provides the operator with the ability to control all features of the trailer  1  from a single location, while standing on the operator stand and moving along with the trailer  1  as the trailer  1  travels under its own power. 
     In a trailing position A, the front wheels  342  are positioned adjacent to the rear wheels  312 , while in the self-propelled position B the front wheels  342  are positioned to equally support the undercarriage chassis  20  and, more particularly, the storage bin  80 . 
     According to the invention, the front wheels  342  are positioned between the trailing position A and the self-propelled position B by the extension assembly  380 . 
     Now with reference to the embodiment depicted in  FIGS.  1 - 4   , the trailer has a storage bin  80 , which generally includes a platform  82 , a plurality of retaining walls  84 , a tailgate  90 , and a pair of cover sections  94 . 
     The platform  82  includes a planar section extending substantially parallel with the frame  10 . In the shown embodiment, the platform  82  is a rectangular metal plate. However, one skilled in the art should appreciate that the platform  82  could be manufactured using different shapes and other materials, such as lumber, composite, and other metals. For instance, the platform  82  may include a framed metal structure on which a plurality of wood planks are arranged. 
     The plurality of retaining walls  84  includes a pair of side retaining walls  86  and a retaining end wall  88 . In the shown embodiment, each retaining wall  84  is metal plate. However, one skilled in the art should appreciate that each retaining wall  84  could be manufactured using other materials, such as lumber, composite, and other metals. For instance, each retaining wall  84  may include a framed metal structure on which a plurality of wood planks is disposed along the framed metal structure. 
     The plurality of retaining walls  84  is positioned and secured along outer edges of the platform  82  and, in particular, along a top planar surface thereof. In the shown embodiment, the pair of side retaining walls  86  are positioned along opposite longitudinal sides of the platform  82 , while the retaining end wall  88  is positioned at trailing end of the platform  82 . Each retaining wall  84  extends substantially perpendicular with respect to the top planar surface of the platform  82 . Each retaining wall  84  is mechanically secured to the platform  82 , for instance, using a weld or plurality of known mechanical fasteners. In addition, the retaining end wall  88  is secured to a pair of common ends of the side retaining walls  86 . In the embodiment shown, the retaining end wall  88  is mechanically secured to the pair of side retaining walls  86 , for instance, using a weld or other known mechanical fasteners or adhesives. 
     As shown, the tailgate  90  is positioned along a leading end of the platform  82 , opposite the retaining end wall  88  positioned along the trailing end thereof. In the embodiment shown, the tailgate  90  is made of a metal. However, one skilled in the art should appreciate that the tailgate  90  could be manufactured using other materials, such as lumber, composite, and other metals. For instance, tailgate  90  may include a framed metal structure on which a plurality of wood planks is disposed along the framed metal structure. 
     As shown, the tailgate  90  is positioned along an outer edge of the platform  82  and extends substantially perpendicular to the top planar surface thereof. The tailgate  90  is secured to the platform  82 , for instance, through a rotating fastener device, such as a rotating hinge  92  positioned at bottom of the tailgate  90  and connecting to the platform  82 . The rotating hinge  92  permits rotation of the tailgate  90  from a secured closed vertical position to one in which the tailgate  90  rotates away from the retaining end wall  88  making the platform  82  accessible. However, one skilled in the art should appreciate that other design are possible. For instance, the tailgate  90  may be pivotably mounted to side retaining walls  86  such that the tailgate  90  pivots away from the outer edge of the platform  82  or from the side retaining walls  86 , much like known dump trucks. 
     Each cover section  94  is a rectangular metal structure having a planar surface. Each cover section  94  is positioned along and connected to upper outer edges of the pair of side retaining walls  86  using a plurality of hinges  96 . However, one skilled in the art should appreciate that other designs are possible. For instance, other known rotating mechanisms could be used. Each cover section  94  measures approximately half a width as measured between the pair of side retaining walls  86 . 
     A pair of stops  98  are provided and positioned along a common side at opposite ends of the cover section  94 . In particular, each stop  98  is disposed along an outer edge of the cover section  94  that is proximate to the side retaining wall  86  when assembled. Each stop  98  is a metal plate having one end secured to the cover section  94 . In an exemplary embodiment, the stop  98  is semi-circle shaped having a free end configured to abut the side retaining wall  86  when the cover section  94  rotates about the hinge  96 . The stop  98  configuration determines that angle at which the cover section  94  is positioned in an open position. For instance, if the stop  98  has a 135 degree semi-circle shape, then the cover section  94  will be positioned at a 45 degree angle with respect to a plane extending across top surfaces of both side retaining walls  86 . 
     In the shown embodiment, a plurality of wall supports  99  are provided and disposed along outer surfaces of the platform  82 , the retaining walls  84 , the tailgate  90 , and the cover sections  94 . The wall supports  99  provide reinforcement for the planar surfaces of each of the outer surfaces. In the shown embodiment, each wall support  89  is a tubular structure of metal that is mechanically secured to the outer surfaces, for instance, using a weld. However, one skilled in the art should appreciate that other known fastening means are possible, including but not limited to screws, nuts and bolts, and adhesives. 
     Now with references to  FIGS.  4 - 6  and  8   , the extension device  100  according to the invention will be described. As shown, the extension device  100  includes the following major components: a first extension section  102 , a second extension section  120 , and a storage bin platform section  180 . 
     As shown, the first extension section  102  is shown and generally includes a pair of lower supports  104  reciprocally connected to the support beams  12  and a lower lifting actuator assembly  106  connected to the front support  16 . 
     Each lower support  104  is an elongated structural support and, in the shown embodiment, a metal plate. Each lower support  104  includes a plurality of fastener receiving through-holes  108  positioned at a trailing end, leading end, and a middle section thereof. The pair of lower supports  104  are positioned parallel, and are rotatably secured to the frame  10  using fasteners. The lower lifting actuator assembly  106  includes a pair of hydraulic actuators connecting to the front support  16  at one end and to the middle section of the lower support  104  at another end thereof using fasteners. 
     As shown, the second extension section  120  is shown and includes a boom support  122 , a sliding support  124 , a sliding mechanism  130 , an upper lifting actuator assembly  140 , and an articulating arm assembly  150 . 
     The boom support  122  is elongated structural beams and, in the shown embodiment, a tubular metal beam. The boom support  122  includes a pair of fastener receiving brackets  123  with through holes positioned at a trailing end thereof and extending completely there through. 
     As shown, each sliding support  124  is an elongated structural beams having a boom support receiving passageway  126  opening from a trailing end thereof and extending there through a body of sliding support  124 . The boom support receiving passageway  126  is shaped to receive the boom support  122  and, as shown, a cross section area of the boom support receiving passageway  126  is larger than a cross section area of the boom support  122 . As a result, a leading end of the boom support  122  is positioned through the boom support receiving passageway  126 . 
     In the shown embodiment, each sliding support  124  is a tubular metal beam. Each sliding support  124  includes a fastener receiving through-hole  128  positioned at a leading end thereof and extending completely there through. 
     The sliding mechanism  130  is positioned between and connected to the boom support  122  and the boom support receiving passageway  126 . 
     Each sliding mechanism  130  includes an actuator section  132  which may be a known hydraulic cylinder having a barrel, a piston, piston rod, seals, and seal glands. However, one skilled in the art should appreciate that other actuator systems operated by a source of energy, such as electric current, hydraulic fluid pressure, or pneumatic pressure. 
     In the shown embodiment, the upper lifting actuator assembly  140  includes a pair of hydraulic actuators  142  is positioned between frame  10  and the second extension section  120 . Each hydraulic actuators  142  includes an actuator  174  which may be a known hydraulic cylinder having a barrel, a piston, piston rod, seals, and seal glands. However, one skilled in the art should appreciate that other actuator systems operated by a source of energy, such as electric current, hydraulic fluid pressure, or pneumatic pressure. 
     As shown, in an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the articulating arm assembly  150  is a pair of plate like members (see  FIG.  8   ) rotatably connected to the sliding support  124  and the storage bin  180  using the storage bin platform section. It is also contemplated that the articulating arm may actuate to lift or otherwise move any useful item, and is not limited to containers as described herein, but rather, may include, pallet forks, temporary lighting fixtures, cherry picker buckets, and may feature a receiver for mounting a variety of accessories or implements. 
     As shown, the storage bin platform section  180  is shown and generally includes a platform  182 , a platform cross member  184 , a tilting actuator cross member (not shown), and a pair of bin tilting actuators (not shown). 
     Now with reference to  FIGS.  1 ,  10 , and  11   , operation of the trailer  1  according to the invention will be described. 
     Building materials can be loaded and secured in the storage bin  80  at a location different than the work site. A truck (not shown) connects to the frame  10  using the trailer hitch  22 . The operator positioned the front wheel assembly  340  apart from the rear wheel assembly  310  using the extension assembly  380 . The front wheel assembly  340  and the rear wheel assembly  310  are set to drive and steer using the control system  60 . The trailer  1  then can operate as a standard trailer and be towed behind the connected truck to the work site. 
     The operator then uses the control system  60  to move the trailer  1  to a desired location on the work site using the drive system of the front wheel assembly  340  and the rear wheel assembly  310 , as described above. The operator may now use the control system  60  to stabilize the trailer  1 . 
     Once the operator has determined that the trailer  1  is in position to unload building materials from the storage bin  80 , the operator can manage the stabilizers (not shown) to stabilize and level the trailer  1 . The operator then uses the control system  60  to control the extension device  100  and position of the storage bin  80 . 
     The operator can use the control system  60  to control the vertical and horizontal position of the storage bin  80 . In addition, the operator can slide the storage bin  80  horizontally with respect to frame  10 . 
     The foregoing illustrates some of the possibilities for practicing the invention. Many other embodiments and fields of use for the trailer  1  are possible and within the scope and spirit of the invention. It is, therefore, intended that the foregoing description be regarded as illustrative rather than limiting.