Patent Publication Number: US-2010127027-A1

Title: Trailer Storage Compartment

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
     This invention relates to storage compartments and particularly to trailer mounted storage compartments. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
     Trailers are increasingly being used for the transport of all types of cargo. This can range from transporting of utility cargo such as boxes, products, as well as all other types of cargo to transporting recreational vehicles such as all terrain vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles, snowmobiles and other vehicles. Specialty trailers are also widely used, such as recreational vehicles, camping trailers, as well as trailers used for special uses such as for cooking and food product preparations, and practically any other use. 
     Additional storage is often required, such as for tools, for hazardous cargo, cargo that might contaminate the surrounding cargo, and for clothing or other items that are desired to be stored separately from the trailer cargo during transport. Separate storage compartments are often mounted on the trailer for these uses. 
     One example of such storage compartments include metal storage boxes mounted onto the trailer tongue for use in storing tools and other items. These metal storage boxes are permanently mounted to the trailer tongue and add considerable weight to the trailer and particularly to the trailer tongue which can be problematic. Additionally, these metal storage boxes are cumbersome if they are removed from the trailer. 
     Often other items such as electrical generator sets that are mounted on the trailer tongue. These are typically mounted inside an insulated shell for protection. These are cumbersome to attach and remove. The shells are awkward to access and are not particularly aerodynamic. 
     The previous trailer storage compartments are relatively heavy, awkward to mount, difficult to remove and are not aerodynamic. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
     The present invention provides a storage compartment that can be easily mounted onto the tongue of a trailer. The storage compartment can be easily accessed to the cargo stored in the compartment. The compartment includes a cover framework that can be easily installed as well as removed when the cover is not required. The cover is flexible and forms a waterproof seal from environmental contamination. The storage compartment can be mounted to most styles of trailer tongues, including single beam and V shaped trailer tongues. 
     The storage compartment of a preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a bottom tray. The bottom tray is lightweight but rigid and durable. The bottom tray may include a series of raised ribs that maintain the cargo from any residual water in the compartment. Also, a circular indentation may be formed in the tray to secure propane tanks in the compartment. 
     The storage compartment of a preferred embodiment includes side and top support members which quickly install to the bottom tray. The side and top support members support a flexible cover that is mounted over the supports. The flexible cover includes snaps that engage on snaps on the bottom tray. In a preferred embodiment, the bottom tray includes a rim portion that extends outward. The snaps are mounted on the bottom tray beneath this rim portion. When the flexible cover snaps onto the snaps of the bottom tray, the rim portion forms a seal with the flexible cover to form a waterproof connection. 
     The storage compartment of a preferred embodiment includes two side support members that support two top support members. These members install quickly onto the bottom tray. The cover drapes over these members and attach to the bottom tray to cover the tray to form the compartment. 
     The storage compartment of another preferred embodiment includes a rear support member and a front support member that is of lesser height than the rear support member. Top support members thus extend between these members at a downward slope to provide drainage on the cover. 
     The storage compartment of another preferred embodiment includes a rear wall member this of greater height than the front wall member. The top support members also extend downward at a slope to provide drainage. 
     Another preferred embodiment of the storage compartment includes a front wall member. Top support members are mounted to the front wall of the trailer and to the front wall member to frame the storage compartment. Snaps are mounted on the front wall of the trailer and to the bottom tray for the cover to allow the cover to be attached. 
     These and other features will be evident from the ensuing detailed description of preferred embodiments, the claims and from the drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS  
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the storage compartment of a preferred embodiment of the present invention mounted on a trailer tongue. 
         FIG. 2  is a view of the storage compartment of the embodiment of  FIG. 1  with the cover partially removed. 
         FIG. 3  is a view of the storage compartment of the embodiment of  FIG. 1  with the cover removed. 
         FIG. 4  is a view of the storage compartment of the embodiment of  FIG. 1  with bottom tray removed from the trailer tongue. 
         FIG. 5  is a view of the storage compartment of the embodiment of  FIG. 1  showing the use of the C channel members. 
         FIG. 6  is a view of the storage compartment of the embodiment of  FIG. 1  with the bottom bracket plate being mounted. 
         FIG. 7  is a view of the storage compartment of the embodiment of  FIG. 1  with the cover being applied. 
         FIG. 8  is a view of the storage compartment of the embodiment of  FIG. 1  with the cover side flaps being folded downward. 
         FIG. 9  is a view of the storage compartment of the embodiment of  FIG. 1  being mounted with spacer blocks on a V shaped tongue. 
         FIG. 10  is a view of the storage compartment of the embodiment of  FIG. 1  with the being mounted on a V shaped tongue with C channel members. 
         FIG. 11  is a view of the storage compartment of the embodiment of  FIG. 1  being mounted directly on a V shaped tongue. 
         FIG. 12  is a view of the storage compartment of the embodiment of  FIG. 1  being mounted directly on a V shaped tongue with securing plates. 
         FIG. 13  is a view of the storage compartment of the embodiment of  FIG. 1  mounted directly on a V shaped tongue with the cover being applied. 
         FIG. 14  is a view of the storage compartment of the embodiment of  FIG. 1  mounted directly on a V shaped tongue with the side flaps of the cover being folded downward. 
         FIG. 15  is a view of the storage compartment of the embodiment of  FIG. 1  mounted directly on a V shaped tongue with the cover fully engaged. 
         FIG. 16  is a perspective view of the storage compartment of an alternative embodiment having an angled upper surface. 
         FIG. 17  is a perspective view of the storage compartment of an alternative embodiment having an angled upper surface and a rear wall member. 
         FIG. 18  is a perspective view of the storage compartment of an alternative embodiment having an angled upper surface and the trailer wall forming the rear support. 
         FIG. 19  is a perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 18  storing propane tanks. 
         FIG. 20  is a perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 18  with the cover fully engaged. 
         FIG. 21  is a perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 18  with the cover partially open. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
     A preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in  FIGS. 1-15 . It is to be expressly understood that the descriptive embodiment is provided herein for explanatory purposes only and is not meant to unduly limit the claimed inventions. The preferred embodiment of the present invention is intended for use with trailers and other towable devices. It is to be expressly understood that the present invention may be incorporated with other uses as well. 
     The storage compartment  10  of a preferred embodiment is illustrated in  FIGS. 1-15 . The storage compartment  10  includes a bottom tray  20  with frame work  40  and cover  110 . The compartment  10  is mountable on different types of trailer tongues including a V shaped tongue, as showed in  FIGS. 9-15  or on a single pole tongue as shown in  FIGS. 1-7 . 
     The bottom tray  20  of the storage compartment is preferably a molded plastic component although it could be formed from other materials as well such as aluminum, steel grating, expanded mesh, wood or any other suitable material. The bottom tray of the preferred embodiment includes floor portion  22  with a series of ribs  24  that allow drainage. The tray  20  also has side walls  26  and rim portion  28 . Drain holes  30  also provide drainage and can be plugged if desired. Spaced notches  32  form an indented ring for placement of a propane tank, as discussed in greater detail below. A series of snaps  60  are spaced along the perimeter of the lower outer wall of the bottom tray  20 . Other types of fastening mechanisms may be used as well. 
     The frame work  40  includes side members  42 ,  44  and support members  52 ,  54 . The side members and support members are formed from aluminum or steel rods, or they can be plastic or any other suitable material. The side members  42 ,  44  include vertical portions  46 ,  48  and horizontal portion  50  connecting the vertical portions to form an upside “U” shape. The support members  52 ,  54  are mounted on the horizontal portions  50  of the side members by clamps  56 ,  58  or apertures formed or mounted on the support members. The support members can be mounted on the side members prior to mounting the side members on the bottom tray. 
     The lower ends of vertical portions  46 ,  48  of each of the side members are inserted through holes  34  formed in the rim portion  28  of the bottom tray  20 . The side members can either be inserted securely in pockets formed in the bottom tray there, or else secured with bolts or pins to secure the side members  42 ,  44  to the bottom tray. 
     The bottom tray  20  is mounted to the trailer tongue by one of several methods, depending on the design of the trailer tongue. If the trailer tongue is a single straight beam, then the compartment  10  is mounted on the tongue as shown in  FIGS. 1-8 . Two spaced C channel members  70 ,  72  are mounted to the upper side of the bottom tray  20  as shown in  FIG. 3 . In the preferred embodiment, U bolts  76  are inserted into holes formed in the bottom tray  20  and through holes in the channels  74  of the C channel members  70 ,  72 . It is to be expressly understood that other members could be used as well, such as bolts, etc. to be secured to the bottom tray. 
     Elongated flat members  80 ,  82  having brackets  84 ,  86  are secured to the C channel members  70 ,  72  with the trailer tongue  100  engaged in the brackets  84 ,  86 . The bolts  76  are inserted through holes formed in the C channel members  70 ,  72  through holes  88 ,  90 ,  92 ,  94  formed in each of the flat members and brackets. Nuts  96  engaging the bolts  76  secure the members  80 ,  82  to C channel members  70 ,  72 . 
     Once the framework and tray are mounted on the tongue, the cover  110  is secured to it. The cover  110  is placed on the top support members  52 ,  54  and side support members  42 ,  44  as shown in  FIG. 7 . The side flaps  112 ,  114  of the cover  110  are then folded down as shown in  FIG. 8 . Snaps  118  on the cover engage the snaps  60  on the bottom tray to secure the cover  110  to the compartment. 
     Alternatively, if the trailer tongue is a V shape tongue, then the attachment mechanism is slightly different. The C channel members  70 ,  72  are secured to the bottom tray  20  in a similar fashion. The bottom tray and C channel members  70 ,  72  mount onto the two tongue members either on spacers  100  as shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10  or directly onto the tongue members as shown in  FIGS. 11 and 12 . If the compartment is mounted directly on the tongue members, as shown in  FIGS. 11 and 12 , then straps  98  are secured to the bolts extending through C channel members by nuts  96 . This secures the compartment to the tongue. 
     If the compartment is mounted on spacers  104 , as shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10 , then U bolts  102  extend through the C channel members. The U bolts  102  are secured through straps  98  by nuts  96  to secure the storage compartment to the trailer tongue. 
     Once the storage compartment  10  is mounted to the trailer tongue, cover  110  is mounted to the compartment over the frame work  30  as shown. The cover is placed over the side members  42 ,  44  and the support members  52 ,  54  as shown in  FIGS. 13-14 . The side flaps  112 ,  114  are folded down over the side members so that the snaps  116  on the cover engage the snaps  60  on the lower sides of the bottom tray  20  of the compartment as shown in  FIG. 15 . The cover is stretched over the rim of the bottom tray to engage the snaps beneath the rim which seals the interior of the compartment. 
     Once the cover has been fully snapped around the perimeter of the tray, the storage compartment can be accessed by unzipping the side openings to access the compartment. Alternatively the compartment can be accessed by unsnapping the snaps  116  from snaps  60 . 
     Alternative Embodiment 
     An alternative embodiment is illustrated in  FIG. 16 . The storage compartment  120  includes a base tray  122  that is mounted directly onto the trailer tongue. C channel members  80 ,  82  can be used, or the base tray  122  can be bolted or welded directly onto the tongue. Side members  124  are attached to the base tray either by bolts as shown or integrally by forming or welding, or by other fastening mechanisms. This embodiment includes front support member  126 , rear support member  128  and support members  130 ,  132 ,  134 . The top support members  130 - 134  are mounted on to front support and rear support members by clamps  136  or other securing mechanisms. The front and rear support members are secured to the front and rear side members  124 , respectively, by bolts  138 . The front support member  126  has a slightly lower height than the rear support member  128 . This provides drainage from the cover once it has been mounted to the compartment. 
     A cover  140 , such as shown in  FIG. 20 , is mounted over the front, rear and top support members by engaging snaps on the cover with snaps  142  on the side members  124 . Access to the compartment can be by disengaging the snaps or by unzipping side and front openings on the cover as shown in  FIG. 21 . 
     Alternative Embodiment 
     Another alternative embodiment is illustrated in  FIG. 17 . The storage compartment  150  includes a base tray  152  that is mounted directly onto the trailer tongue. C channel members  80 ,  82  can be used, or the base tray  152  can be bolted or welded directly onto the tongue. Side members  154  are attached to the base tray either by bolts as shown or integrally by forming or welding, or by other fastening mechanisms. This embodiment includes front support member  156 , rear support wall  158  and support members  130 ,  132 ,  134 . The top support members  130 - 134  are mounted on to front support by clamps  136  or other securing mechanisms. The front member is secured to bottom tray  152  by bolts  138 . The rear wall  158  is bolted to the rear side member  154  and extends upward. The top support members  160 ,  162 ,  164  are bolted directly onto the rear wall member, as shown in  FIG. 17 . The rear wall member also includes a plurality of snaps  166  spaced from one another. The rear wall member has a greater height than the front wall member to provide drainage from the cover. 
     A cover  140 , such as shown in  FIG. 20 , is mounted over the front and top support members by engaging snaps  172  on the cover with snaps  174  on the side members  154  and snaps  166  on the rear wall member  158 . Access to the compartment can be by disengaging the snaps or by unzipping side and front openings on the cover as shown. 
     Alternative Embodiment 
     A third alternative embodiment is illustrated in  FIG. 18 . The storage compartment  180  includes a base tray  182  that is mounted directly onto the trailer tongue. C channel members  80 ,  82  can be used, or the base tray  182  can be bolted or welded directly onto the tongue. Side members  184  are attached to the base tray either by bolts as shown or integrally by forming or welding, or by other fastening mechanisms. This embodiment includes front support member  186  and support members  190 ,  192 ,  194 . The top support members  190 - 194  are mounted on to front support by clamps  196  or other securing mechanisms. The front member is secured to bottom tray  182  by bolts  188 . The top support members  190 ,  192 ,  194  are bolted directly onto the front trailer wall as shown in  FIG. 17 . A plurality of snaps  196  spaced from one another are also mounted directly onto the front trailer wall. 
     A cover  140  is mounted over the front and top support members by engaging snaps  202  on the cover with snaps  204  on the side members  184  and snaps  196  on the front wall of the trailer. Access to the compartment can be by disengaging the snaps or by unzipping side and front openings on the cover as shown. 
     SUMMARY  
     The present invention provides a unique storage compartment for mounting onto the tongue of a trailer. The storage compartment can store numerous items, such as hazardous cargo, propane tanks, gas cans, etc. apart from cargo in the trailer. Also, items such as generators, winches, and other items can easily and safely be stored. The storage compartment can be integrally mounted on the trailer tongue or removably attached. A flexible cover and frame work can be quickly installed if the cargo is to be covered. 
     These descriptive embodiments are provided for explanatory purposes and are not meant to limit the scope of the claimed invention. Other embodiments are considered to be within the scope of the claimed inventions.