Patent ID: 12208722

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure includes improvements to a multi-use trailer, such as the trailer described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,537,008, issued to Haring, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. The trailer in the '008 reference has a deck which is adjustable for transporting large round hay bales, namely by the tilting of an external rail outward and the pivoting of the deck upward, creating two “cradles” which traverse a length of the bed. A leg may be placed between a structural frame element of the trailer and the pivoting deck to maintain the frame in its angled position.

Thus, the deck of the trailer may be moved from a flat position, in which it can transport rectangular bales, to the angled position, in which it can transport round bales, depending upon the need of the operator.

Further, flip over ramps have become popular for use on a flat bed trailer. For example, U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 2002/0081185, Hedtke, et al., shows a flat bed trailer having a pivotally-attached, rearwardly disposed flip over ramp. U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 2002/0081185 is incorporated by reference herein.

When the Hedtke ramp is deployed, a truck has an angled approach by which it can drive up to the flat bed. When it is retracted, the ramp flips over onto an angled frame section. A surface, which is against the ground in the previous configuration, now forms a uniform extension of the flat deck of the trailer.

It would be advantageous to provide a flip over ramp, as shown in Hedtke, with the configurable deck of Haring, such that the flip over ramp would be able to conform to the surface of the deck.

However, barriers to such a design exist. For example, the side rails in Haring are incompatible with a flip over ramp. Side rails must be able to maintain the same angle relative to the deck in order to form a consistent cradle. Rails would impede the use of the ramp. Further, the triangular prism of the flip over portion of the Hedtke ramp makes much of the substructure of the Haring deck impossible.

With reference to the figures, a design for a trailer10which provides the benefit of both of the above apparatus is shown. The trailer10comprises a coupling assembly12, which, as shown, may be used to attach the trailer10to a fifth wheel. Other coupling designs may be used, including those which connect to a trailer hitch. Further, the trailer10shown may be integrally formed as a dedicated portion of a tractor-trailer.

The coupler12may include a tool box (not shown) or a power pack and control mechanisms for the various hydraulic and mechanical functions of the trailer10. Any hydraulic hoses or lines required to operate the various cylinders of the invention are eliminated from the drawings for clarity, but should be understood to be present. The power pack may be powered by the tow vehicle, or may be independently powered.

The trailer10is supported across a surface of the ground by one or more wheels14. For stability, four wheels14are shown. Doubling each wheel may be advantageous in some applications.

The trailer10has a first decking section20and a rear ramp apparatus22. The trailer has a frame16, supported by the wheels14, which is comprised of longitudinally-arranged beams24, laterally extending beams26, lateral trusses28supported by the longitudinal beams24, and longitudinal decking30supported by the trusses28. The decking30as shown is a square metal tubing, though other decking may be used. In the embodiment shown in the drawings, the decking30is largely one inch square tubing. However, at a distal end of each movable section100(as described below), one larger bit of decking material30is used, such as two inch square tubing. Such larger tubing may aid in the rigidity of a movable section100.

Throughout the specification, an orientation of the decking30of the trailer10may be referred to as “flat.” It should be understood that in the context of this invention, “flat” means that the top surface of the decking material30cooperates to form a generally horizontal surface. It need not be completely planar. For example, the movable sections100may be slightly higher than the immovable sections102. “Flat”, in this context, does not preclude spacing between the decking members, as shown in the figures. It also does not preclude the use of decking members which are substantially parallel, but due to size differences, do not have completely co-planar top surfaces.FIGS.1-11should therefore be construed as a “flat” configuration for the decking30, despite the existence of spaces between individual tubing.

Further, the word “surface” may be used in a similar manner—to describe the place at which an object may be held up by the decking elements that form the deck of the trailer. Calling something a “surface” for the purposes of this invention does not require an element to be contiguous—rather—a group of elements, cooperating in the same plane as a surface might, shall be considered a “surface” even if it is made up of, for example, parallel square tubing having co-planar (or nearly co-planar) top sides with gaps therebetween. An artisan would understand the “top surface” of a trailer to be contiguous even if it is truly made of multiple “surfaces” due to the use of square tubing.

The longitudinal beams24may be uniform in structure for the length of the first decking section20. As shown, the longitudinal beams have a tapered section32disposed beneath the rear ramp apparatus22. The tapered section32allows the trailer10to maintain a substantially similar ground clearance beneath its entire length. The top surface of the tapered section32recedes at an angle relative to the flat orientation of the decking30. This tapered section32increases the clearance between the bottom of the beam and the ground, due to the taper of the beam as it approaches the back end of the ramp apparatus22of the trailer10.

As best shown inFIGS.23-26, the rear ramp section22comprises a transition section40and a flip over ramp42. When in the orientation shown inFIGS.1-11, as well asFIG.23, the flip over ramp42is disposed directly above, and supported by, the transition section40. The transition section40is attached at a first end44to the first decking section20. The transition section40may continue to include trusses28and lateral beams26(SeeFIG.6).

The transition section40is supported directly above the tapered section32and thus portions of the transition section further away from the front deck section20are lower to the ground than those close to the front deck section. In this way, the trusses28of the transition section40would form a ramp when exposed.

The transition section40is connected at its second end46to the flip over ramp42. The flip over ramp42is generally shaped like a triangular prism, with a flat side (the top side inFIG.1) and an opposed sloped side which meet at an angle along a line250. This line forms the end of the trailer10when the flip over ramp42is deployed in the third configuration, and is approximately located where the front deck section20and rear ramp apparatus22meet when the flip over ramp is stowed in the first or second configuration. The opposed sloped side becomes the ramp decking70when in the third configuration as shown inFIG.17, and thus preferably matches the slope of the transition section.

The connection between the transition section40and the flip over ramp42is, as shown, a spring-loaded hinge50. The hinge50comprises a horizontal bar52and multiple springs54. Further, the hinge comprises a ramp actuator56, best shown inFIGS.23and25. The ramp actuator56is attached to a beam58that is integral with the frame16of the trailer10. As shown, the beam58extends between lateral beams26of the trailer frame12.

While other linear actuators56may be used to actuate the flip over ramp, the embodiment shown is a hydraulic cylinder. A rod59of the ramp actuator56is attached to an arm60of the hinge50. The arm60is then connected to a brace62which is integral with the flip over ramp42. As the rod59is retracted, the arm60pulls on the brace62, which in turn is attached to a laterally disposed plate64of the flip over ramp64. Actuation of the ramp actuator56thus causes the flip over ramp42to pivot about the horizontal bar52. As a result, the flip over ramp42moves to the position shown inFIG.26.

The flip over ramp42comprises a ramp decking70supported by laterally oriented trusses72. Longitudinal beams74extend from the lateral plate64to provide support for the trusses72.FIG.24shows the trusses72and beams74with the decking70removed for clarity. Unlike the trusses28and beams24,26of the decking section20, the structures of the flip over ramp42are separate, attached only by the hinge50. In the orientation ofFIGS.1-11and23, the flip over ramp42is supported by the transition section40. In the orientation ofFIGS.17-22and26, the flip over ramp42is supported by a ground surface (not shown).

When deployed, inFIGS.17-22andFIG.26, a ramp surface76is exposed. The ramp surface may comprise trusses77, or may be plating or other surface suitable for moving equipment or vehicles up and down a ramp. The bottom surface76cooperates with the transition section40to form a path of travel from a ground surface to the decking30of the trailer10.

With reference to all of the Figures, andFIGS.1and7in particular, the trailer10comprises a pair of side rails80which extend the length of the trailer, from a front end81to a rear end82. The side rails80are each rotatable about a longitudinal axis which is co-extensive with its base84. A rail actuator86operates on each side to move the rail80from the upright position, as inFIGS.1-6, to the fully retracted position, as inFIGS.7-12.

As best shown inFIG.29, the rail actuator86comprises a cylinder88, a bar90, and a brace92. The cylinder88extends and retracts to impart motion to the bar90, which in turn actuates the rails80. As shown, retraction of the cylinder88causes the rails80to pivot downward. The brace92is connected to the frame16and includes a c-channel at the point at which the bar90meets the cylinder88. The brace92comprises two structural elements, each attached to a side of the pivot point between the cylinder and bar. The brace92insulates this connection from movement in the trailer caused by a load being placed on the decking30.

With reference now toFIGS.12-16, the decking material30of the first decking section20of the trailer10comprises one or more movable sections100and an immovable section102. The first decking section comprises one or more cylinders104connected at one end to the lateral beams26and at the other end to the movable decking sections100. The movable decking sections100may have one or more supports106attached to a bottom surface of the decking30.

The first decking section20may be moved from its flat configuration inFIGS.1-11to the tilted second configuration ofFIGS.12-16by initiating the one or more cylinders104. As shown, each movable decking section100is actuated by a pair of cylinders104. The combination of larger decking material30at a “high” end of the movable decking section100and the use of two cylinders104per movable decking section results in greater strength and the ability to “overtilt” a load situated on the movable section100in its second, tilted, configuration. Such overtilting aids in offloading hay bales.

As best shown inFIG.30, the movable sections100tilt upwards, exposing the supports106. A longitudinal rod108extends the length of the movable decking section100, and has a plurality of attached platforms110corresponding to the number of supports106. With the movable sections100fully tilted, the supports106clear the platforms110. The rod108is then adjusted to place the platforms110underneath the supports106. This adjustment may be a rotation of the rod108to move the platforms from a vertical to horizontal orientation. Alternatively, the rod108may move longitudinally to place the platforms no. The movable decking section100can then be tilted until the supports106contact the platforms no, holding the movable decking section100in the tilted position.

It should be appreciated that when the movable decking section100is in the tilted position, it is advantageous to angle the side rails80to between 30 and 60 degrees from vertical, in the opposite direction of the movable decking section100. The side rails80and movable decking section100cooperate to form a cradle in which a round hay bale can be situated.

As shown inFIG.23andFIG.27, the rear ramp apparatus22may be adjusted to match the configuration of the front deck section20. The rear ramp apparatus comprises one or more movable sections200and an immovable section202. The movable section200may be tilted by a cylinder or may, due to its smaller size, be capable of being lifted by an operator. A rod208(FIG.24) is attached to a handle209and situated beneath each movable section200. Each rod208is attached to one or more supports206which rotate into a position, as the handle209is rotated, to engage a bottom surface of the movable section200. A locking mechanism may be used to lock the rod208in place, so that the rod208does not rotate during operation, causing the movable section200to collapse.

Alternatively, the supports206could be integral with the movable section200and platforms incorporated on the rod208as in the front deck section. However, due to space limitations associated with the rear ramp apparatus22generally, and the flip over ramp42in particular, the shown embodiment is favored. Further, the rod208may be actuated by a hydraulic or mechanical tool rather than manually.

The side rail80has a first section180which runs along each side of the front deck section20, and a second section280which runs along each side of the rear ramp apparatus22. The second section280and first section180are attached at a pivot joint212that is located proximate the attachment of the front deck section20and transition section40. The second section280is thus pivotal relative to the first section180about the pivot joint212. The pivot joint212is vertical when the side rail80is at a right angle to a flat decking surface30, but pivots relative to the base84as described above due to the operation of the rail actuator86.

The side rail80, at its second section280, attaches at its second end82to the flip over ramp42. The second section280may have a tab214which extends into a slot216within the flip over ramp42. The tab214may be secured in the slot216by a pin.

As shown inFIGS.17-19and26, the second section280should be disconnected from the flip over ramp42when it is deployed to contact the ground surface. The second section280may also be disconnected and pivoted at 90 degrees about the pivot joint212to allow for additional clearance. This may help, for example, when a large vehicle is being loaded on the flip over ramp42.

In operation, the trailer10is operable in at least three basic configurations. In the first configuration, the decking30of the first deck section20is flat, the flip over ramp42is stowed such that its ramp surface76is in face-to-face relationship with the transition portion40, and the movable sections200of the rear ramp apparatus22are flat. In this configuration, the trailer10operates as a flat bed, suitable for moving machinery, equipment, square bales, and other material that does not tend to move on a flat surface.

The first configuration will typically include the side rails80in the upright position, as inFIG.1, or in the fully down position, as inFIG.7. The rails80may be fully down when clearance is needed along the sides of the bed, or fully up when additional side-to-side stability is desired.

In the second configuration, the movable section100and movable section200are raised and secured, as shown best inFIGS.12-16. The side rails80may be pivoted outwards from the trailer10. The resulting cradle formed between the movable sections100,200, and the corresponding sections of side rails180,280is suitable for the storage and transportation of round hay bales. The use of the movable sections200on the flip over ramp42provides additional round bale storage unavailable in previous trailers.

In the second configuration, it may be desired to offload the hay bales in a single location. To offload a particular side of the trailer10, the side rail80on that side is rotated by operation of the rail actuator86until the side rail80is below horizontal. Bales will then fall from the side of the trailer10as dictated by gravity and the slope of the movable sections100,200.

A third configuration is shown inFIGS.18-22. In this configuration, the flip over ramp42is deployed such that the flip over ramp's ramp surface76and the transition portion40cooperate to form a ramp which extends to the decking material30of the front deck section20of the trailer10.

In the third configuration, the side rails80may be upright as inFIGS.17and18, or may be fully lowered, but in either case, the second section280of the side rails80must be disconnected from the flip over ramp42. It may be preferable to pivot the second section280away from the rear ramp apparatus22, so that a wide vehicle will not be impeded by the side rails80.

While the trailer10described above has separate actuation for the front section20and rear ramp section22, a link may be utilized to synchronize the lifting and lowering of the movable sections100,200. For example, a bar or strap can extend selectively extend between the rear ramp section22and front section20, tying the pivoting of the movable sections100,200together. One such mechanism would be a rod, capable of being pinned to the decking or trusses of both the front section20and rear ramp section22. When pinned to both sections, the rod would couple the movable sections100,200together. When not pinned (or pinned to only one section), the movable sections100,200would move independently. It should be appreciated that such a coupling device must not be connected to the front20and rear ramp22sections when the flip over ramp42is being deployed.

Variations may be made in the scope of this invention without departing from its spirit. The depicted embodiments are not to be construed as a limitation on the invention, and are merely illustrative thereof.

The various features and alternative details of construction of the apparatuses described herein for the practice of the present technology will readily occur to the skilled artisan in view of the foregoing discussion, and it is to be understood that even though numerous characteristics and advantages of various embodiments of the present technology have been set forth in the foregoing description, together with details of the structure and function of various embodiments of the technology, this detailed description is illustrative only, and changes may be made in detail, especially in matters of structure and arrangements of parts within the principles of the present technology to the full extent indicated by the broad general meaning of the terms in which the appended claims are expressed.