Patent Abstract:
A frameless modular trailer for towing behind a motor vehicle is provided. The trailer is made of slidably coupled extrusions for easy assembly. The front and side panels include a protrusion on the top surface. This protrusion allows for the stacking of additional panels for vary the height of the trailer. Additionally, one of a variety of top panels may be stacked on the front and side panels to multiple configurations for securing objects within the trailer.

Full Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application is a continuation-in-part of copending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/592,495, which is a 371 of PCT/FR2004/001259 filed 21 May 2004. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     The present invention pertains to trailers intended to be towed by a motor vehicle. These trailers may be used for a variety of purposes including transporting luggage, materials, or sports machines. Such trailers are generally made from metal beams cut to the correct length and welded together. These operations, particularly the welding operation, require welding stations and qualified personnel. Such operations can only be conducted in workshops equipped with specific tooling. Often this tooling is expensive and requires trained workers to operate the tooling. The trailers must then be transported to consumers in an assembled state, which is difficult and costly. It is therefore desired to design a new trailer which requires a minimum number of tools for assembly. It is further desired to design a new trailer which does not require skilled workers, such as welders, to assemble the trailer. It is further desired to design a new trailer which can be assembled on site at the point of sale to reduce the logistical problems associated with transporting the trailers in their assembled configuration.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     The invention provides a frameless modular trailer. The trailer of the present invention includes a front panel and two opposed side panels. The front and side panels are slidably coupled by a pair of corner posts. The trailer further includes a floor panel which is slidably engaged by the front and side panels.  
         [0004]     The trailer may include a bumper coupled to the floor panel and a hinged ramp slidably coupled to the bumper.  
         [0005]     The trailer may include a top panel which is slidably engaged by any of the front or side panels.  
         [0006]     The front and side panels may be formed with a protrusion on the top surface. The top panel may be formed with a channel formed on the bottom surface. The protrusions of the front or side panels may be slid in the channel of the top panel to slidably engage the top panel to either a front or side panel.  
         [0007]     The front and side panels may be formed with a bolt channel on the bottom surface. A bolt may be slid in this bolt channel. The bolt channel is adapted to engage the head of the bolt so that the bolt cannot rotate within the bolt channel. In this manner a nut can be threaded onto the bolt and items may be attached to the front or side panels by tightening a nut onto the bolt without access to the head of the bolt.  
         [0008]     The trailer may include a floor panel which is made of numerous slidably engaged planks. The floor panel may be formed with a channel for securing objects within the trailer.  
         [0009]     The inside and outside surfaces of the front, side, and top panels may be formed with bolt channels for engaging bolts or channels for securing objects within the trailer. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0010]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a prior art trailer.  
         [0011]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an embodiment of frameless trailer of the present invention.  
         [0012]      FIG. 3  is an exploded view of an embodiment of frameless trailer of the present invention.  
         [0013]      FIG. 4  is a partially exploded, bottom perspective view of the frameless trailer of  FIG. 2 .  
         [0014]      FIG. 5A  is a side elevation view of the frameless trailer of  FIG. 2  with its ramp locked in the up position.  
         [0015]      FIG. 5B  is a side elevation view of the frameless trailer of  FIG. 2  with its ramp in the down position.  
         [0016]      FIG. 5C  is a rear perspective view of the frameless trailer of  FIG. 2  with its ramp in the down position.  
         [0017]      FIG. 5D  is a top plan view of the frameless trailer of  FIG. 2 .  
         [0018]      FIG. 5E  is a front elevation view of the frameless trailer of  FIG. 2 .  
         [0019]      FIG. 6  is a side elevation view of an alternative embodiment of the frameless trailer of the present invention, and showing the ramp in the down position.  
         [0020]      FIG. 7A  is a top view of the frameless trailer of  FIG. 6 .  
         [0021]      FIG. 7B  is a perspective view of the frameless trailer of  FIG. 6 .  
         [0022]      FIG. 8  is a cross sectional view taken along line  8 - 8  of  FIG. 3  and showing a side panel extrusion for use in the frameless trailer.  
         [0023]      FIG. 9  is a cross sectional view similar to that of  FIG. 8 , but showing an alternative embodiment of a side panel extrusion for use in the frameless trailer of the present invention.  
         [0024]      FIG. 10  is a cross sectional view taken along line  10 - 10   FIG. 3  and showing multiple side panels slidingly engaged for use in the frameless trailer.  
         [0025]      FIG. 11  is a cross sectional view taken along line  11 - 11  of  FIG. 3  and showing top panel extrusion for use in the frameless trailer.  
         [0026]      FIG. 12  is a cross sectional view similar to that of  FIG. 11 , but showing an alternative embodiment of a top panel extrusion for use in the frameless trailer.  
         [0027]      FIG. 13  is a cross sectional view similar to that of  FIG. 11 , but showing an alternative embodiment of a top panel extrusion for use in the frameless trailer.  
         [0028]      FIG. 14A  is an enlarged perspective view of the area designated generally by reference numeral  14 A of  FIGS. 5D and 7A .  
         [0029]      FIG. 14B  is an enlarged perspective view of the area designated generally by reference numeral  14 B of  FIG. 7A .  
         [0030]      FIG. 15  is a close up cross sectional view taken along line  15  of  FIG. 3  and showing the hinged engagement of the ramp and bumper sections of a preferred embodiment of present invention with the ramp in the upright closed position.  
         [0031]      FIG. 16  is a close up cross sectional view similar to that of  FIG. 15  and showing the hinged engagement of the ramp and bumper sections of a preferred embodiment of present invention with the ramp in the downward opened position, and showing the upright ramp in phantom.  
         [0032]      FIG. 17  is a cross sectional view taken along line  17  of  FIG. 7A .  
         [0033]      FIG. 18  is a fragmentary perspective view of an alternative embodiment splice channel according to the present invention, for use in the frameless trailer of  FIG. 17 .  
         [0034]      FIG. 19  is a fragmentary perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a splice channel according to the present invention, for use in the frameless trailer of  FIG. 17 .  
         [0035]      FIG. 20A  is a cross sectional view similar to that of  FIG. 17 , but showing an alternative embodiment including alternative flooring.  
         [0036]      FIG. 20B  is a fragmentary perspective view of a splice panel for use in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 20A .  
         [0037]      FIG. 21  is a fragmentary, partially exploded view of the fender portion of  FIG. 6 .  
         [0038]      FIG. 22  is a fragmentary view of the fender portion of  FIG. 6 .  
         [0039]      FIG. 23  is a fragmentary, partially exploded view of the fender portion of  FIG. 2 .  
         [0040]      FIG. 24  is a fragmentary view of the fender portion of  FIG. 2  and showing the fender bracket in phantom.  
         [0041]      FIG. 25  is a fragmentary, partially exploded view of an alternative embodiment of the fender of  FIG. 23 .  
         [0042]      FIG. 26  is a fragmentary view of the fender portion of  FIG. 25  and showing the fender bracket in phantom.  
         [0043]      FIG. 27  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the frameless trailer of the present invention including a slidably attached back panel which is slidably attached.  
         [0044]      FIG. 28  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the frameless trailer of the present invention and showing a hingedly attached trailer cover in phantom in the open position.  
         [0045]      FIG. 29  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the frameless trailer of the present invention including multiple, slidably engaged side panel extrusions.  
         [0046]      FIG. 30  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the frameless trailer of the present invention having multiple side panel extrusions and a solid top panel.  
         [0047]      FIG. 31  is a front perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the frameless trailer of the present invention including a removable canvas cover.  
         [0048]      FIG. 32  is a front perspective view of the frameless trailer of  FIG. 31  and showing the canvas cover partially removed.  
         [0049]      FIG. 33  is an enlarged perspective view of the area designated generally by reference numeral  33  of  FIG. 32 .  
         [0050]      FIG. 34  is a fragmentary partially exploded, bottom perspective view of the frameless trailer of  FIG. 4  and showing the trailer partially assembled. 
     
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0051]     Although the disclosure hereof is detailed and exact to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, the physical embodiments herein disclosed merely exemplify the invention which may be embodied in other specific structures. While the preferred embodiment has been described, the details may be changed without departing from the invention, which is defined by the claims.  
         [0052]     The invention contemplates the assembly of various cooperating components fabricated from extruded materials such as aluminum. The components feature releasably, slidably engagable profiles. For example, the ability to assemble two components by hand, or only requiring basic tools, and providing such positive engagement that the components will not separate absent an applied sliding longitudinal force. The extruded components may also feature profiles that allow the user to secure items to the trailer.  
         [0053]      FIG. 1  is a drawing of a prior art modular trailer  10 . The prior art modular trailer  10  includes a frame  12  which is bolted together.  
         [0054]      FIGS. 2 and 3  show a modular frameless trailer  14  according to the present invention. The trailer  14  comprises numerous interlocking extrusions which are slid together and secured to form a frameless trailer  14 . The trailer  14  preferably includes a front panel  16 , at least two spaced apart opposed side panels  18 , corner posts  20 , 21 , a bumper  22 , a rear panel  24 , an axle  26 , a pair of tongue brackets  28 , 42 , a tongue  30 , fender brackets  32 , fenders  34 , corner wraps  36 , tires  38  and floor  40 . This configuration allows a number of extrusions to be produced, cut to size, and pre-drilled with holes. The parts can then be shipped, unassembled, to be assembled by the customer or the retailer. This allows for more efficient shipping and storage of the trailers  14 .  
         [0055]      FIG. 4  shows the underside  41  of the trailer  14 . In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the tongue  30  is secured to the trailer  14  by a pair of tongue brackets  28 , 42 . As seen, the first tongue bracket  28  is attached to the front panel  16 . The second tongue bracket  42  is attached to the axle  26 . The preferred embodiment of the trailer  14  preferably includes three cross members; the axle  26  and two additional cross members  44 , however it is contemplated that any number of cross members  44  could be utilized. The underside of the trailer may further include a plurality of wire guides  43  attached to the floor  40 , as will be described in further detail below.  
         [0056]     In the preferred embodiment of the trailer  14  the rear panel is a pivoting ramp  24 .  FIGS. 5A and 5B  show the operation of the pivoting ramp  24 . As shown in  FIG. 5A , the ramp  24  is secured in its upright position by a pair of latches  46  attached to the either end of the ramp  24  and a pair of catches  48  attached to the rear corner posts  21 . The latches  46  and catches  48  are shown in more detail in  FIG. 3 . When the latches  46  are released from the catches  48 , the ramp  24  can be pivoted to its downward position, as shown in  FIG. 5B . Although the ramp  24  in  FIGS. 5A  is shown as being taller than the side panels  18 , it is also contemplated that the ramp  24  could be of any height. For example, as shown in  FIGS. 7A and 29 , the ramp  24  could be generally the same height as the side panels  18 .  
         [0057]      FIGS. 5D and 5E  show a top view and a front view respectively of the preferred embodiment of the frameless trailer  14  of the present invention.  
         [0058]      FIG. 6  shows an alternative embodiment of the trailer  314  with its ramp  24  in the downward position. This embodiment of the trailer  314  does not include the corner wrap pieces  36  as shown in  FIGS. 5A and 5B . Instead, the trailer  314  utilizes an alternative embodiment of fender brackets  332  and fenders  334 , as will be described in more detail below. Further, the trailer  314  utilizes a shortened ramp  24 . The shortened ramp may include at least one bumper  45 . The bumper  45  is adapted to engage the ground when the ramp  24  is in its down position. The bumper  45  may be made of any material, however in the preferred embodiment the bumper  45  is made of a rubber material.  
         [0059]      FIGS. 7A and 7B  show an alternative views of the trailer of  FIG. 6 . The frameless trailer of  FIGS. 7A and 7B  is similar to the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 5A  to  5 E, however this alternative embodiment includes a shortened ramp  24 . The frameless trailer may further include at least one bumper  45 .  
         [0060]      FIGS. 8-10  show cross sectional views of various front and side panel extrusions  16 , 18 . Although only the side panel extrusions  18  are shown and described it should be understood that the front panel extrusions  16  may have the same configuration. As shown, the side panel extrusions  18  have an inner face  50 , an outer face  52 , a bottom edge  54  and a top edge  56 . As seen in the cross sectional views of  FIGS. 8-10 , the preferred embodiments of the side panel extrusion  18 , 318 , 518  have three sections, a top section  58 , a center section  60 , and a bottom section  62 . The top section  58  and the bottom section  62  have generally the same thickness, with the center section  60  having a relatively smaller thickness. The inner face  50  is generally planar. As seen in  FIG. 9 , the inner face  50  may have at least one bolt channel  64  formed on the surface thereof. This bolt channel  64  is adapted to engage a bolt  76  with a bolt retainer  78 . (See particularly  FIG. 8 .) The bolt retainer  78  is generally rectangular and includes an aperture (not shown) therethrough for the bolt  76 .  
         [0061]     In the alternative embodiment of a side panel extrusion  318  shown in  FIG. 9 , the inner face  50  is formed with two bolt channels  64 , the first bolt channel  64  located in the top section  58  of the panel  318  and the second bolt channel  64  located in the bottom section  62  of the panel  318 . These bolt channels  64  may be used to secure components to the side panels  318 . A benefit of this design is that the components can be secured with bolts  76  using one side tightening. That is, as seen in  FIG. 8 , a bolt  76  with an attached bolt retainer  78  can be slid into the bolt channel  64  formed on the bottom surface  54  of the panels  18 . The head  77  of the bolt  76  is held in a nonrotatable position by the interior flanges  74  formed in the bolt channel  64 . A nut  81  can then be threaded onto the free end  79  of the bolt  76 . Because the head  77  of the bolt  76  cannot rotate, the nut  81  can be fastened on the bolt  76  with access to only the free end  79  of the bolt  76 .  
         [0062]     As seen in FIGS.  8  to  10 , at least one flange  66  is formed near the bottom of the inner face  50 . This flange  66  extends generally perpendicularly to the surface of the inner face  50  and extends along the length of the panel  18 , 318 . In the preferred embodiment two spaced apart flanges  66  extend along the length of the panel  18 , 318 . These two flanges  66  form a channel  68  into which the floor panel of the trailer  14  can be slid, as shown in  FIGS. 17 and 20 A and described in more detail hereinafter. This double flange  66  provides full encapsulation of the floor  40  with no through panel fasteners required. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), a single flange  66  may be utilized, and the floor panel  40  of the trailer  14  can be dropped into place and will rest upon the single flange  66 . The single flange  66  design would be preferable in embodiments in which planks, such as wood planks are utilized for the floor  40  of the trailer  14 .  
         [0063]     In a preferred embodiment, the outer surface  52  of the panel  18 , 318 , 518  is sloped between the upper section  58  and the center section  60 , and again between the center section  60  and the bottom section  62 . A longitudinally extending hook  70  may be integrally formed to the surface  52 . The hook  70  may extend laterally from the outer surface  52  and run coextensive the length of the outer surface  52  of the center section  60 . This hook  70  is designed to accept and anchor all forms of tie downs and bungee cords (not shown). As may be seen particularly in  FIG. 9 , the outer surface  52  of the top section  58  of the panel  318  may be formed with a bolt channel  64  adapted to engage a bolt  76  with a lock  78  as described above. This bolt channel  64  could be used to attach various items to the panel extrusions, such as the rubber bumpers  45  shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 B. To attach the bumpers  45  to a panel extrusion  318 , a bolt  76  may be slid into the bolt channel  64 . The bumper  45  may then be attached to the end of the bolt  76 , for example by placing the bumper  45  on the bolt  76  and threading a nut on the end of the bolt  76 .  
         [0064]     The top edges  56  of the panel extrusions  18 , 318 , 518  may be formed to include an interlocking protrusion  72 . This interlocking protrusion  72  allows the stacking of multiple side panels  18 , 318 , 518  as shown in  FIG. 10  as well as top panels  80 , 380 , 580  as will be described below. Because different side panels  18 , 318 , 518  may have different integrated features, such as the bolt channel  64 , and tie down hook  70 , any number of different panels  18 , 318 , 518  could slidingly interlocked to achieve the desired panel height and combination of features, as seen in  FIG. 10 . As will be described in more detail below, various top panels  80 , 380 , 580  can be slidingly interlocked with the panel extrusions  18 , 318 , 518 . The interlocking protrusion  72  extends along the length of the panel extrusion  18 , 318 , 518  along the top edge  56  and is adapted to be retained within a corresponding engaging channel  82  formed in a second panel  518  to slidably couple the two panels  18 , 518  as shown in  FIG. 10 .  
         [0065]     The respective bottom edges  54  of the panel extrusions  18 , 318  may be formed to include a bolt retaining bolt channel  64 . The bolt retaining bolt channel  64  has a similar configuration to the bolt channel  64  described above with respect to the inner face  50 .  
         [0066]     The trailer  14  may also include a top panel extrusion  80 , 380 , 580  which is adapted to slidingly engage the side panel  18 , 318 , 518  and front panel  16  extrusions. A variety of top panel extrusions  80 , 380 , 580  may be seen in  FIGS. 11-13 . As illustrated, the top panel extrusions  80 , 380 , 580  preferably include an inner face  90 , an outer face  92 , a top edge  94  and a bottom edge  96 . The top panels  80 , 380 , 580  may have a flat top surfaces  94  as shown in  FIG. 11 , channels  98  formed on the top surfaces  94  as shown in  FIG. 12 , or interlocking protrusions  72  formed on the top surfaces  94  as shown in  FIG. 13 . The bottom edges  96  of each of the top panel extrusions  80 , 380 , 580  are preferably formed with engaging channels  82  for engaging the interlocking protrusions  72  of a side panel  18 , 318 . The respective inner faces  90  and outer faces  92  of the top panel extrusions  80 , 380 , 580  are generally planar and may be formed with any number of channels  101 , 103 . These channels  101 , 103  may be used to secure the items within the trailer  14 .  
         [0067]     The trailer  14  of the present invention may also utilize a plurality of corner posts.  FIG. 14A  shows a front corner post  20  connecting the front panel  16  to a side panel  18 . This view shows a front corner of the trailer  14  shown in  FIG. 7A . The corner post  20  has a generally square cross section, with two flanges  105  extending from each of two adjacent faces. Each set of flanges  105  defines a channel  106  which engages a panel extrusion  16 , 18  as will be described in greater detail below.  
         [0068]      FIG. 14B  shows a rear corner post  21  attached to a side panel  18 . This view shows a rear corner of the trailer  14  shown in  FIG. 7A . The rear corner piece has a generally square cross section, with a pair of spaced apart flanges  105  extending laterally from one of the faces  23  of the square. The pair of flanges  105  defines a channel  106  therebetween which is adapted to engage a panel extrusion  18  as will be described in greater detail below. As may be further seen in the view of  FIG. 14B , is also contemplated that the ramp  24  could include an end cap  108  at each end thereof. The end cap  108  generally comprises a U-shaped extrusion, wherein an end cap  108  is adapted to be placed over each end of the ramp  24 . The end cap  108  may further include a protrusion  110 . The protrusion  110  prevents the ramp  24  from being pivoting past its closed position and into the trailer. As is best seen in  FIG. 7 , a preferred embodiment of the trailer  14  includes both front corner posts  20  and rear corner posts  21 . This is because the preferred embodiment of the trailer  14  includes a rear panel  24  which is pivotably attached rather than slidably attached. In an embodiment in which the rear panel is slidably attached, as shown in  FIG. 27 , four front corner posts  20  will be utilized.  
         [0069]     As shown in  FIG. 3 , a preferred embodiment of the frameless trailer  14  includes a pivoting ramp extrusion  24  opposite the front panel  16  of the trailer  14 . The operation of the pivoting ramp extrusion  24  is shown in  FIGS. 15 and 16 . The ramp extrusion  24  is similar in to the extrusion panels  16 , 18  described above, however the ramp extrusion  24  includes an integrated pivot member  109 . In the preferred embodiment, the bottom section  107  of the ramp extrusion panel  24  is tapered, with the outer face  52  remaining generally planar. The integrated pivot member  109  extends from the tapered end  107  of the ramp extrusion  24 . As is seen in  FIG. 15 , the pivot member  109  includes a pivot channel  113 .  
         [0070]     The bumper extrusion  22 , which is attached to the trailer  14  as described hereinafter, includes a frame channel  111 . The frame channel  111  hingedly engages the pivot member  109 . In the preferred embodiment, the frame channel  111  is configured to matingly engage the ramp pivot member  109  when the ramp  24  is in its up position, as shown in  FIG. 15 . The frame channel  111  further comprises a member  114  that extends laterally from the bumper extrusion  22  along the entire length of the bumper, and ends in an arcuate member  115 . As is seen in  FIG. 16 , as the ramp extrusion  24  is lowered, the arcuate member  115  slides through the pivot channel  113 . The engagement of the end  116  of the arcuate member  115  and the end of the pivot channel  113  will prevent the ramp  24  from further downward rotation. Likewise, the engagement of the pivot member  109  with the top surface  118  of the bumper  22  and the frame channel  111  will prevent the ramp  24  from further upward rotation as shown in  FIG. 15 .  
         [0071]     The configuration of the bumper extrusion  22  and the ramp extrusion  24  provides a ramp with no fastener required for attachment of the ramp  24  to the trailer  14 . When the ramp  24  is in its down position, the bumper extrusion  22  and ramp extrusion  24  can be slid together to attach the ramp  24  to the trailer  14 . Likewise, the ramp extrusion  24  and bumper extrusion  22  can be slid apart to disassemble the ramp  24 .  
         [0072]     A cross section of the preferred embodiment of the trailer  14  is shown in  FIG. 17 . As seen, the cross section may include opposed side panel extrusions  18 . As previously described, each of the side panel extrusions  18  preferably includes two spaced apart flanges  66  which form a channel  68  therebetween in the lower section  62  of the inner surface  50  of the panels  16 . The floor  40  of the trailer  14  may be made of combinations of floor panels  119  and splice panels  117  which are secured by sliding the panels  117 , 119  into the channels  68 . The embodiment shown utilizes floor panels  119 , and a center splice panel  117 . The first and second floor panels  119  may be made of any material. As seen, the splice panel  117  is an extrusion. The splice panel  117  has a channel  121  formed on each longitudinal end. The channel  121  extends along the entire length of the spice channel  117 . The first and second floor panels  119  are slid into the channels  121  in the splice panel  117 . Then the entire floor section  40  can be slid between the flanges  66  on the first and second side panels  18 . In this manner the floor panels  117 , 119  are attached without the use of additional attachment devices. The splice panel  117  may be formed with a channel  123 . This channel  123  may be used to secure items within the trailer  14 .  
         [0073]      FIG. 18  shows an alternative embodiment of a splice panel  217  that may be used in place of the splice panel  117  shown in  FIG. 17 . The splice panel  217  includes a flange  120  extending from each longitudinal end. Each flange  120  is adapted to retain and support a floor panel  119 . The splice panel  217  further includes a pair of longitudinally extending members  122  formed on the underside  128  of the splice panel  217 . The members  122  extend the length of the splice panel  217  and form a channel  126 . The channel  126  is adapted to accept a wire guide  43  (also shown in  FIG. 4 ). The wire guide  43  is preferably flexible in order to insert the wire guide  43  into the channel  126  formed between the pair of longitudinally extending members  122 .  
         [0074]      FIG. 19  shows another alternative embodiment of a splice panel  417  that may be used in place of those shown in  FIGS. 17 and 18 . The splice panel  417  is formed with a channel  121  formed on each longitudinal end. The first and second floor panels  119  are slid into the channels  121  in the splice panel  417 . Then the entire floor section  40  can be slid between the flanges  66  on the first and second side panels  18 .  
         [0075]     It is contemplated that there could be numerous other floor  40  configurations. For the purpose of example, and not to be considered exhaustive, the floor  40  could be a single piece of wood, a combination of wood planks, or a single metal extrusion. The floor  40  could also be made of a number of floor extrusions  317 , 319  slidingly connected to each other, as shown in  FIG. 20A . It is further contemplated that each side panel  18  could be formed with only one flange  66  (not shown). In this manner, the floor  40  could be inserted by dropping the floor  40  inside the trailer  14  and resting the floor  40  on top of the flange  66 .  
         [0076]      FIG. 20A  shows a cross sectional view of a trailer  14  with an alternative floor panel configuration. This embodiment utilizes an alternative splice panel  317  and alternative floor panels  319 . Each panel  317 , 319  is formed with a protrusion  125  on one end and a channel  127  on the opposite end. The channel  127  is adapted to engage the protrusion  125  when two panels  317 , 319  are slidingly engaged. The splice panel  317  is formed with a channel  123 , as can be seen in  FIG. 20B . As described above, this channel  123  can be used to secure items within the trailer  14 . The splice panel  317  may also include a circular recess  124 . The circular recess  124  operates in connection with the channel  123 . In this manner an attachment member (not shown) may be placed into the circular recess  124  and then slid into the channel  123  in order secure items within the trailer  14 .  
         [0077]     A trailer according to the present invention may also include at least one fender  334  as shown in  FIG. 6 .  FIGS. 21 and 22  show a first method of attaching fenders  334  to the trailer  314 , as shown in  FIG. 6 . The fender bracket  332  is formed with a plurality of holes  135  and a slot  131  on either side of the holes  135 . The fender  334  is formed with a plurality of holes  135  which correspond to the holes  135  on bracket  332 , and a projection  129  on either side of the holes  135 . To mount the fender  334 , the projections  129  on the fender  334  are lined with and inserted into the slots  131  on the fender bracket  332 . This aligns the holes  135  in the fender  334  and the fender bracket  332 . Bolts  133  are inserted through the holes  135  and are secured to attach the fender  334  to the fender bracket  332 . As is shown in  FIG. 6 , the fender  334  is attached to the fender brackets  332  in two places, one on either side of the wheel  38 .  
         [0078]      FIGS. 23 and 24  show an alternative embodiment of fender  34  and fender brackets  32 . As is shown in  FIG. 4 , the fender brackets  32  are attached to the underside of the side panels  18 , one on each side of the axle  26 . The fender bracket  32  is formed with several holes  137  for attaching to the side panel  18 , and several holes  141  for attaching the fender  34  to the fender bracket  32 . To attach, the fender  34  is placed on top of the fender brackets  32  and bolts  139  are inserted through the holes  141  and are secured.  
         [0079]      FIGS. 25 and 26  show an alternative embodiment of fender  234  and fender brackets  232 . The fender brackets  232  are attached to the underside of the side panels  18 , one on each side of the axle  26 . The fender bracket  232  is formed with several holes  137  for attaching to the side panel  18 , and several holes  141  for attaching the fender  234  to the fender bracket  232 . The fender bracket  232  is attached to the side panel  18  through at least one bolt  76  slid into the bolt channel  64  formed on the bottom of the side panel  18 . In use, the fender bracket  232  is placed onto the bolt  76  and secured using a fastening means such as a nut. The fender  234  is then placed on top of the fender brackets  232  and bolts  139  are inserted through the holes  141  and are secured.  
         [0080]     As shown in  FIG. 27 , is further contemplated that the trailer  514  may be configured such that the rear panel  143  is slid into place on the trailer  514 . In this embodiment rear corner posts similar to the front corner posts  20  previously described would be used on the back corners of the trailer  514 . The rear panel  143  may be slid into the channel  106  formed by the flanges  105  of the corner posts  20 .  
         [0081]     It is further contemplated that the trailer  614  may be equipped with a hingedly connected cover  145 , as shown in  FIG. 28 . In this embodiment one end  146  of the cover  145  is hingedly attached to the top  56  of a side panel  18 . This embodiment also includes support members  147  for supporting the cover  145  (shown in phantom).  
         [0082]     As described above, it is further contemplated that the sides  15  of the trailer  714  may be formed of various heights. For example, as shown in  FIG. 29 , the trailer  714  end panel  16  may be formed by slidably stacking two end panel extrusions  16  and each side panel  18  may be formed by slidably stacking two side panel extrusions  18 . This slidable connection is also shown and described with regard to  FIG. 10 . Although the example illustrated in  FIG. 29  is shown with two side panel extrusions  18  or end panel extrusions  16  slidably stacked, it is contemplated that the trailer  714  could be made of any number of side panels  18  or end panels  16  slidably stacked upon each other.  
         [0083]      FIG. 30  shows another alternative embodiment of a trailer  814  of the present invention. As illustrated the trailer  814  includes side panels  18  that are formed of two slidably attached side panel extrusions  18  and end panels  16  that are formed of two slidably attached end panel extrusions  16 . The trailer  814  may further include a solid top  145 . The solid top  145  may be hingedly attached as shown in  FIG. 28 .  
         [0084]     FIGS.  31  to  33  show an alternative embodiment of a trailer  914  including a canvas canopy  49 . The trailer  914  may include a top panel extrusion  380  as shown in  FIG. 12  slidably attached to the side and end panel extrusions. The trailer  914  further includes a plurality of bows  47 . The bows  47  extend across the width of the trailer  914  and are attached at either end of the bow  47  to one of the top panel extrusions  380 . Each end of the bow  47  is attached to a securing member  53 . The securing member  53  may be slid into the channel  98  formed on the top surface of the top panel extrusion  380 . The bow  47  may be secured to the securing member  53  using any known means, such as a screw.  
         [0085]     The canvas canopy  49  may then be placed over the trailer  914 . The canopy  49  may include elastic members  51  to allow the canopy  49  to be pulled over the top of the trailer  914  and secured by slipping the elastic members  51  under the lower corners  73  of the trailer  914 . As shown in  FIG. 31 , the bows  47  allow the canvas canopy  49  to be pulled taut across the trailer  914 . It should be understood that any number of side panels  18  and end panels  16  may be slidably stacked in order to create a trailer  914  of the appropriate height.  
         [0086]     As may be seen particularly in  FIGS. 3 and 34 , to assemble the preferred embodiment of the frameless trailer  14  the tongue bracket  28  is attached to the bottom of the front panel  16 . To attach the bracket  28  to the front panel  16  at least one bolt  76  is slid into the bolt channel  64  located on the bottom edge  54  of the front panel  16 . The tongue bracket  28  is preformed with at least one aperture  75  for receiving at least one bolt  76 . The tongue bracket  28  is then placed on the bottom of the front panel  16 , aligning the bolts  76  with the apertures in the tongue bracket  28 . The tongue bracket  28  is secured in place by placing a nut  81  on the at least one bolt  76  and tightening the nut  81 .  
         [0087]     A corner post  20  is slid onto each end of the front panel  16 . Each corner post  20  is formed with at least one aperture  75  for receiving a bolt  76 . The front panel  16  is formed with at least one aperture  75  for receiving a bolt  76  at each end thereof. The apertures  75  in the front panel  16  are aligned with the apertures  75  one of the corner posts  20 . The corner posts  20  are then secured to the front panel  16  by inserting a bolt  76  through the aligned apertures  75  and tightening a nut  81  on the free end of each bolt  76 , as is generally shown in  FIG. 14A .  
         [0088]     A side panel  18  is then slid onto each end of the corner posts  20 . At each end of the side panel  18  the face of the panel  18  is preformed with at least one aperture  75  for receiving a bolt  76  therethrough. The apertures  75  in the side panels  18  are aligned with the apertures  75  in the corner posts  20 . The side panels  18  are then secured to the corner posts  20  by inserting a bolt  76  through the aligned apertures and tightening a nut  81  on the free end of each bolt  76  as is generally shown in  FIG. 14A .  
         [0089]     A number of bolts  76  may be then slid into the bolt channel  64  formed in the bottom edge  54  of each side panel  18 . These bolts  76  will be used to attach the fender brackets  32  and corner wraps  36  and to secure the axle  42  and cross members  44 . The fender brackets  32  are attached as described above. The remaining elements are attached in a similar fashion. The design of the bolt channel  64  in the side panel  18  allows these elements to be attached by simply aligning the preformed holes in the element with the bolts  76 , and tightening a nut  81  onto each bolt  76 . The use of bolt retainers  78 , as shown in  FIG. 9 , causes the inner flanges  74  of the bolt channel  64  to engage the head  77  of the bolt  76  in a nonrotatable manner. This allows the user to tighten a nut  81  onto the bolt  76  with one hand, and without the use of additional tools. However, it is also contemplated that a user may utilize tools in securing a nut  81  to a bolt  76 .  
         [0090]     A rear corner post  21  is slid onto each end of the side panel  18 . The rear corner post  21  is secured to the end of the side panel in a similar fashion as described above with respect to the corner post  20 . It should be understood that in an trailer  514  as shown in  FIG. 27 , without a pivoting ramp  24 , corner post  20  may be utilized in each of the four corners of the trailer  514 .  
         [0091]     Each rear corner post  21  is formed with at least one aperture for receiving a bolt  76 . The side panels  18  are formed with at least one aperture for receiving a bolt  76  at each end thereof. The apertures in the side panels  18  are aligned with the apertures in one of the corner posts  21 . The rear corner posts  21  are then secured to the side panels  18  by inserting a bolt  76  through the aligned apertures and tightening a nut  81  on the free end of each bolt.  
         [0092]     The floor  40  is then slid into the channel  68  formed by the double flanges  66  on the lower inner portion of the side  18  and front  16  panels. The floor  40  can be made of any appropriate number of pieces. In the preferred embodiment the floor  40  is made of two side floor pieces  119  which are slid into a center floor piece  117 . The entire floor  40  is then slid into place as described above. The floor  40  may be made of any rigid material such as aluminum sheet, aluminum extruded plank, steel, plywood, wood plank, plastic or composite.  
         [0093]     At least one cross member  26 , 44  is attached to the trailer  14 . The preferred embodiment includes a front cross member  44 , a center cross member  26  and a rear cross member  44 . Each cross member  26 , 44  is formed with an aperture (not shown) at each end. The apertures in the cross members  26 , 44  are lined up with the aforementioned bolts  76  located in the bolt channel  64  of the side panels  18 . A nut  81  is then tightened on each bolt  76  to secure the cross members  26 , 44  to the side panels  44 . The center cross member  26  includes a hub  137  at each end thereof. The center cross member  26  also includes a second tongue bracket  42  in the center of the member.  
         [0094]     In the preferred embodiment, at least a portion of the bumper extrusion  22  extends underneath the trailer  14 . The bumper extrusion  22  formed with a number of apertures and is attached to the side panels  18  in the same manner as described above with respect to the abovementioned cross members  26 , 44 . The corner wraps  36  are attached in the same manner. The tongue  30  is then secured in place at the tongue brackets  28 , 42  and the wheels  38  are attached to the hubs  137 . Up to this point, the assembly is completed with the trailer  14  upside down. The trailer  14  can now be turned upright. Finally, the ramp extrusion  24  is sliding coupled to the bumper  22  as described above.  
         [0095]     The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Furthermore, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described. While the preferred embodiment has been described, the details may be changed without departing from the invention, which is defined by the claims.

Technology Classification (CPC): 1