Patent ID: 12240549

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure pertains to a towable trailer system. More particularly, the present disclosure pertains to a towable trailer system having trailer vehicle adapted to be removably attached to a towing vehicle and a cargo bin removably engaged to the trailer vehicle.

Example implementations are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Unless otherwise expressly stated in the drawings, the sizes, positions, etc., of components, features, elements, etc., as well as any distances therebetween, are not necessarily to scale, and may be disproportionate and/or exaggerated for clarity.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing example implementations only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should be recognized that the terms “comprise,” “comprises,” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. Unless otherwise specified, a range of values, when recited, includes both the upper and lower limits of the range, as well as any sub-ranges therebetween. Unless indicated otherwise, terms such as “first,” “second,” etc., are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, one element could be termed a “first element” and similarly, another element could be termed a “second element,” or vice versa. The section headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting the subject matter described.

Unless indicated otherwise, the terms “about,” “thereabout,” “substantially,” etc. mean that amounts, sizes, formulations, parameters, and other quantities and characteristics are not and need not be exact, but may be approximate and/or larger or smaller, as desired, reflecting tolerances, conversion factors, rounding off, measurement error and the like, and other factors known to those of skill in the art.

Spatially relative terms, such as “right,” left,” “below,” “beneath,” “lower,” “above,” and “upper,” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element's or feature's relationship to another element or feature, as illustrated in the drawings. It should be recognized that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if an object in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the term “below” can, for example, encompass both an orientation of above and below. An object may be otherwise oriented (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein may be interpreted accordingly.

Unless clearly indicated otherwise, all connections and all operative connections may be direct or indirect. Similarly, unless clearly indicated otherwise, all connections and all operative connections may be rigid or non-rigid.

Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. Thus, the same or similar numbers may be described with reference to other drawings even if they are neither mentioned nor described in the corresponding drawing. Also, even elements that are not denoted by reference numbers may be described with reference to other drawings.

Many different forms and implementations are possible without deviating from the spirit and teachings of this disclosure and so this disclosure should not be construed as limited to the example implementations set forth herein. Rather, these example implementations are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art.

Reference in this specification to “one implementation” or “an implementation” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the implementation is included in at least one implementation of the present disclosure. The appearance of the phrase “in one implementation” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same implementation, nor are separate or alternative implementations mutually exclusive of other implementations.

Motorcycles enthusiasts enjoy travelling with their motorcycles. Unlike a car or SUV, a motorcycle does not have a roof rack. It would be highly useful to have a device that could give a motorcycle user the features of a cargo bin attached to a roof rack.

The towable trailer system100of the present disclosure has several convenience features that give a motorcycle user the features of a cargo bin attached to a roof rack (along with other useful features described herein and as shown). The system may be taken apart and stowed in a small space. The system may be towed by a towing vehicle103such as a motorcycle. A cargo bin may be attached to the frame of the trailer so that the motorcycle can tow the cargo bin. The system gives the motorcycle user added functionality when travelling.

FIG.1shows a perspective view of a towable trailer system100of the present disclosure.FIG.1shows a towing vehicle103towing the towable trailer system100. Towing vehicle103has been illustrated in dotted lines inFIG.1. Although towing vehicle103is illustrated as a motorcycle, inFIG.1, towing vehicle103is not limited to a motorcycle. For example, towing vehicle103may be an all-terrain vehicle, a golf cart, a trike, or similar vehicle.

As above, a feature of towable trailer system100is to provide improved transport apparatus for the towing of cargo, such apparatus capable of being quickly and easily disassembled for compact storage or travel when not in use. To achieve this objective, towable trailer system100comprises a plurality of connectable components that, when joined, form an operable trailer102and that when disconnected can be compactly stowed or transported. The connectable components of trailer102are configured to allow a single person to disassemble and reassemble trailer102, as needed.

FIG.2shows an exploded view of towable trailer system100ofFIG.1. In defining the general organizational makeup of the apparatus, trailer102can be described as having two principal portions identified herein as hitch-connection assembly104and main body assembly106. Hitch-connection assembly104and main body assembly106may be separated, as needed, for compact storage or transport, as shown. Demountable subcomponents forming hitch-connection assembly104and main body assembly106of trailer102are generally illustrated inFIG.2.

In the present disclosure, hitch-connection assembly104includes hitch coupler108, forming a hitch attachment point between trailer102and towing vehicle103, and bin attachment point110enabling the mounting of a collapsible storage bin, as described below. Main body assembly106is formed from multiple demountable subcomponents, as shown. These include frame members, wheel assemblies, accessory electrical components, and an arrangement of cross bars adapted to support the cargo bin, which will be described further herein.

Beginning with the forward components, hitch-connection assembly104comprises first elongate member112having hitch coupler108at one end and connection member114at the opposing end. In the present disclosure, first elongate member112comprises a rigid tubular element that may be implemented as a rigid metallic tube. First elongate member112is implemented with an upper surface116and a bottom surface118connected by a left side surface120(seeFIG.7) and a right-side surface122, the cross-section of which is generally square shaped. Other cross-section shapes may suffice. First elongate member112comprises a set of bends, as shown, allowing the hitch coupler108to be elevated relative to the opposing connection member114when hitch coupler108is properly installed on towing vehicle103. When chassis is assembled, first elongate member112is generally aligned with longitudinal axis124of chassis, as shown.

Hitch coupler108can be implemented in many ways. InFIG.1, hitch coupler108is configured to engage with a conventional trailer hitch ball of the towing vehicle103. A variety of ball-type couplers are well known in the art to connect a towing vehicle103to a trailer102. Commercially available units often include a ball-receiving housing arranged to receive trailer hitch ball and to retain the ball within the housing using a manually operated latching element. A hitch coupler108of this type, suitable for use in the present system, comprises a Fulton® brand straight tongue coupler produced by Horizon Global Corporation of Plymouth, Michigan. Other coupler assemblies may suffice. Apertures are provided within elongate member to enable securing of hitch coupler108using bolts, hitch-coupler pins, or similar mechanical fasteners. Alternately, hitch coupler108can be permanently affixed to elongate member by welding. Hitch coupler108is depicted in dashed lines inFIG.3throughFIG.9. In some implementations, other hitch assemblies, non-standard hitch assemblies or other coupling arrangement matching the connection point of the towing vehicle may suffice.

Bin attachment point110is shown positioned on first elongate member112. Bin attachment point110is positioned on first elongate member112between hitch coupler108and connection member114, as shown. Bin attachment point110comprises a plate126connected to one of the side surfaces of first elongate member112. Plate126of bin attachment point110extends upward above upper surface116of first elongate member112and includes a tubular mount128projecting outwardly of plate126, as shown. Tubular mount128comprises a circular cross section and is oriented generally perpendicular to longitudinal axis124of chassis, as shown. Bin attachment point110facilitates attachment of a collapsible cargo bin, which will be described further herein.

As above, main body assembly106is formed from a set of demountable subcomponents, which may be compactly arranged for storage or travel. In the depicted implementation, subcomponents of main body assembly106include first cross bar130, second cross bar132, second elongate member134, third elongate member136, Left diagonal brace138, right diagonal brace140, left-side wheel assembly142, right-side wheel assembly144, left-side brake light assembly146, right-side brake light assembly148, and accessory electrical components150.

Second elongate member134comprises a forward end having connector154and a trailing end comprising connector156. Second elongate member134comprises a rigid tubular element such as a rigid metallic tube. In the present disclosure, second elongate member134comprises a generally square cross-sectional shape, as shown. Other cross-section shapes may suffice. According to one implementation of the present disclosure, the forward connector154of second elongate member134is adapted to slide within the rear-facing connection member114of hitch-connection assembly104with a snug telescoping fit (seeFIG.1). A set of alignable apertures are provided to secure the connection of second elongate member134with hitch-connection assembly104with a locking pin.

First cross bar130serves as a connection point and support member for a cargo container to be towed as will be described later herein. First cross bar130comprises a rigid tubular member positioned above upper surface158of second elongate member134. Each end of first cross bar130comprises a fixed U-shaped tie-down loop160and is capped with a teardrop-shaped cap plate162, as shown. When chassis is assembled, second elongate member134is aligned generally parallel to longitudinal axis124with first cross bar130oriented generally perpendicular to longitudinal axis124, as shown.

In one implementation of the present disclosure, first cross bar130is removably coupled to second elongate member134by central receiver164. Central receiver164is rigidly fixed to the underside of first cross bar130. As illustrated, a plate166is provided as additional reinforcement at the connection between central receiver164and first cross bar130. Central receiver164is configured to slide over second elongate member134, as shown inFIG.1. A set of alignable apertures within central receiver164and second elongate member134are provided to enable securing of the members using a retaining pin, or similar fastener. In one implementation of the present disclosure, a tie-down point163in the form of a transverse tube segment is mounted to the underside of central receiver164, as shown.

Connector156of second elongate member134is adapted to slide within the forward-facing connector168of third elongate member136with a snug telescoping fit (seeFIG.1). In one implementation of the present disclosure, connector156includes a series of closely-spaced apertures170formed in the sidewalls of second elongate member134. A user can adjust the combined length of second elongate member134and third elongate member136by slidably adjusting the position of connector156within connector168and locking the assembly at a selected position by passing a retaining pin or similar fastener through the selected apertures170. When assembled, third elongate member136is generally aligned with longitudinal axis124, as shown.

Second cross bar132comprises a rigid tubular element, most preferably a rigid metallic tube. A set of angle brackets137are used to mechanically fasten second cross bar132to third elongate member136at roughly its midpoint. In one arrangement, angle brackets137are mechanically fastened using bolts, or similar fasteners. When assembled, second cross bar132is oriented generally perpendicular to longitudinal axis124, as shown inFIG.2. In one implementation of the present disclosure, a reinforcing transverse tube segment133is mounted to the underside of second cross bar132, as shown. Tube segment133comprises open ends allowing the tube to be used as an additional tie-down point.

The distal ends of second cross bar132each include wheel connection points to which a respective wheel assembly may be mounted. More specifically, second cross bar132comprises both a right wheel connection point174and left wheel connection point176, as shown.

The connection between third elongate member136and second cross bar132is further reinforced by two diagonal braces, as shown. Right diagonal brace140comprises a rigid bar that extends from third elongate member136near connector168to right wheel connection point174. Left diagonal brace138comprises a rigid bar that extends from the opposing side of third elongate member136to left wheel connection point176, as shown. Since right wheel connection point174is identically opposite to left wheel connection point176, the following description will only make reference to left wheel connection point176and its associated structures with the understanding that the same disclosure is applicable to the opposing right wheel connection point174and its associated structures.

Left wheel connection point176comprises upper and lower reinforcement plates178, as shown. A set of spaced-apart vertical plates180extend between upper and lower reinforcement plates178, thus forming a receiving socket182having a generally rectangular cross section, as shown. Socket182comprises an orientation generally parallel to longitudinal axis124. Socket182is configured to receive coupling shaft184of left-side wheel assembly142, as shown inFIG.1andFIG.3. As noted above, the arrangements of left wheel connection point176and left-side wheel assembly142are an identical mirror of the opposing right wheel connection point174and right-side wheel assembly144, the arrangements and operations of both assemblies fully enabled by the descriptions of the left-side assemblies provided herein. In one implementation of the present disclosure, a tie-down point181in the form of a transverse tube segment is mounted to the underside of lower reinforcement plates178, as shown. It should be noted that tie-down point181is shown as a hollow tube. In such an implementation, a lock may be inserted into tie-down point181so that the lock is surrounded. A thief would be unable to cut the lock since it is surrounded by the outer portions of tie-down point181.

As above, left-side wheel assembly142comprises one of two demountable wheel assemblies of trailer102. Left-side wheel assembly142includes coupling shaft184, raising and lowering mechanism188, and stub-axle assembly190to which wheel192is rotationally attached.

Referring toFIG.2, coupling shaft184comprises an elongated tubular element, most preferably a hollow steel tube having a square outer dimension permitting the tubular coupling shaft184to be inserted into the rear-facing open end of socket182(seeFIG.1andFIG.3). One or more removable fasteners may be used to secure coupling shaft184within socket182, thus operably joining left-side wheel assembly142with left wheel connection point176.

As above, wheel192comprises a central wheel rim on which tire196may be mounted, as shown. In one preferred implementation of the present system, tire196comprises a rubber-pneumatic trailer tire. Wheel192is mounted on stub-axle assembly190, as shown. Stub-axle assembly190defines an axis of rotation198, about which wheel192freely rotates. Such axis of rotation198is aligned generally perpendicularly to both longitudinal axis200of coupling shaft184and longitudinal axis124. It is noted that the preferred arrangements of stub-axle assembly190eliminates the need for a continuous axle member joining the left-side and right-side wheel assemblies, thus providing additional working clearance and ease in disassembling the apparatus.

Raising and lowering mechanism188, when provided, is configured to join stub-axle assembly190and coupling shaft184in an adjustable relationship.

Raising and lowering mechanism188may include a locking mechanism configured to lock stub-axle assembly190and wheel192in a selected relationship relative to coupling shaft184, thus to the other portions of main body assembly106.

FIG.3throughFIG.9provide various views of towable trailer system100in an assembled configuration. More specifically,FIG.3shows a perspective view of the assembled towable trailer system100.FIG.4andFIG.5show rear and front views, respectively,FIG.6andFIG.7show left-side and right-side views, respectively.FIG.8andFIG.9show top and bottom views, thereof.

FIG.10shows a perspective view of towable trailer system100ofFIG.1, fitted with a cargo holding box202, according to another preferred implementation of the present disclosure. Referring toFIG.10and the prior illustrations of the present disclosure, a set of U-shaped support members204are joined to the upper face of second cross bar132. The support members204form supportive anchor points for cargo holding box202. The hard-shell bottom portion of cargo holding box202may be removably anchored to first cross bar130and support members204by a set of releasable mounts, such as, for example, those provided by model 05738 Quick Grip Mount Assembly produced by Thule Inc. of Seymour, CT. Such quickly-attachable mounts include a set of clamping jaws adapted to engage first cross bar130and upper support members204. Those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that upon reading this specification and by their understanding the art of roof-mounted cargo boxes as described herein, methods of coupling such devises to the disclosed apparatus will be understood by those knowledgeable in such art.

FIG.1throughFIG.10illustrate left-side brake light assembly146, right-side brake light assembly148of the present system. As both assemblies are of similar construction, only one side will be described with the understanding that the descriptions are applicable to both the right and left side assemblies. In reference to right-side brake light assembly148, the upper surface of the upper reinforcement plate178comprises a set of U-shaped retainers212adapted to retain an L-shaped bracket214of the right taillight and turn signal assembly148, as shown. A set of removable retaining pins may be used to secure the brake-light assemblies to its respective reinforcement plate178. Electrical components150include wiring enabling the coupling of left-side brake light assembly146and right-side brake light assembly148to the electrical system of the towing vehicle. Left-side brake light assembly146and right-side brake light assembly148are arranged to function both as brake lights and as turn signals. Those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that upon reading this specification and by their understanding the art of trailer electrical wiring as described herein, methods of implementing such wiring will be understood by those knowledgeable in such art. It is noted that one of the two brake light assemblies may include a license-plate mount216to permit the mounting of a license-plate required in many jurisdictions for operation on public roads.

Except as noted above, the components of towable trailer system100are constructed from one or more rigid and durable materials, preferably a metallic material. Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as user preferences, design preference, structural requirements, marketing preferences, cost, available materials, technological advances, etc., other material arrangements such as, for example, lightweight fiber-reinforced composites, steel, rigid polymers, etc., may be sufficient.

FIG.11shows a perspective view of towable trailer system100ofFIG.1, fitted with a collapsible cargo bin adapted to be detachably secured to the trailer102. Such a collapsible cargo bin is designed to accommodate gas tanks, but can carry any items that will fit within the container (e.g., coolers, beach items, etc.) The collapsible cargo bin is adaptable to multiple sizes, which allows a user to match the holding capacity of the bin to accommodate specific items to be transported. Two size arrangements are described in the present disclosure. The first size arrangement, identified herein as collapsible cargo bin220A, is depicted inFIG.11andFIG.12. As best illustrated inFIG.12, the physical arrangements of collapsible cargo bin220A allows the bin to hold one five-gallon gas tank221, as shown.

FIG.13andFIG.14illustrate the second depicted size arrangement, identified herein as collapsible cargo bin220B. The physical arrangements of collapsible cargo bin220B enables the bin to hold two five-gallon gas tanks221, as best illustrated inFIG.14. Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as user preferences, design preference, structural requirements, marketing preferences, cost, available materials, etc., other size arrangements such as, for example, larger or smaller bins, etc., may be sufficient.

FIG.15throughFIG.21show various descriptive views of collapsible cargo bin220A in a deployed configuration231.FIG.22throughFIG.28show a corresponding set of views of collapsible cargo bin220A in collapsed configuration233.

FIG.29throughFIG.35show various descriptive views of the larger collapsible cargo bin220B in a deployed configuration231.FIG.36throughFIG.42show a corresponding set of views of collapsible cargo bin220B in a collapsed configuration233.

Collapsible cargo bin220A and the larger-capacity collapsible cargo bin220B are of substantially similar arrangements, each one comprising front wall222, rear wall224, bottom wall228, first side wall226and second side wall227. Front wall222and rear wall224of each bin assembly comprise a rigid planar panel that is hingedly interconnected to bottom wall228of the collapsible cargo bin. First side wall226and second side wall227both comprise rigid planar panels that are hingedly connected to front wall222and releasably connected to rear wall224.

Front wall222, rear wall224, bottom wall228, first side wall226and second side wall227are each movable between deployed configuration231, as shown inFIG.15throughFIG.21and inFIG.29throughFIG.35and a collapsed configuration233, as shown inFIG.22throughFIG.28and inFIG.36throughFIG.42. When arranged in deployed configuration231, front wall222and rear wall224comprise coplanar orientations generally orthogonal to bottom wall228. First side wall226and second side wall227both comprise coplanar orientations and are generally orthogonal to front wall222, rear wall224and bottom wall228, when arranged in deployed configuration231. Front wall222, rear wall224, bottom wall228, first side wall226and second side wall227together define a storage area when arranged in deployed configuration231.

The larger collapsible cargo bin220B also includes intermediate wall237, as shown. Intermediate wall237is arranged in a coplanar orientation with first side wall226and second side wall227and is located at a position generally equidistant between the two. Intermediate wall237comprises a rigid planar panel that is hingedly connected to front wall222and releasably connected to rear wall224. Intermediate wall237serves to divide a storage area into two separated compartments when collapsible cargo bin220B is arranged in deployed configuration231.

Both collapsible cargo bin220A and collapsible cargo bin220B may be folded into the flattened collapsed configuration233by releasing rear wall224from the transverse walls. In collapsible cargo bin220A, rear wall224is decoupled from first side wall226and second side wall227allowing folding of first side wall226and second side wall227inwardly to positions parallel and adjacent to front wall222. This allows front wall222, first side wall226and second side wall227to be collapsed downwardly, about a hinged connection between front wall222and bottom wall228, to rest over bottom wall228, as shown in, for example,FIG.22andFIG.36. In the case of collapsible cargo bin220B, first side wall226, second side wall227and intermediate wall237is released from rear wall224and folded inwardly to a position parallel and adjacent to front wall222. In both versions, rear wall224is then collapsed downwardly, about a hinged connection between rear wall224and bottom wall228, to a position over and parallel to front wall222and side walls226(and intermediate wall237in the case of collapsible cargo bin220B). Thus, front wall222, rear wall224, bottom wall228, first side wall226, second side wall227, and intermediate wall237each comprise substantially horizontal coplanar orientations when arranged to collapsed configuration233.

Side walls226, intermediate wall237, bottom wall228and front wall222and rear wall224of each the bin assembly are all made from rigid rectangular members229, preferably metallic tubes having a rectangular cross section, as shown. In one implementation of the present disclosure, rigid rectangular members229comprise steel tubes assembled by thermal welding.

The bottom wall228includes a base panel230. Such compact nesting of the walls is facilitated by the arrangements of bottom wall228. Base panel230of bottom wall228comprises a rigid rectangular plate having a pair of support rails located in a parallel relationship at its perimeter. A front support rail232, comprising a rigid tubular member of rectangular cross section, extends along the length of the front perimeter edge. A corresponding rear support rail234(seeFIG.22), comprising a rigid tubular member of rectangular cross section, extends along the length of the rear perimeter edge, as shown. In the present disclosure, front support rail232and rear support rail234are rigidly attached to the upper surface116of base panel230. In the present disclosure, rear support rail234is hingedly coupled to rear wall224and is thermally welded to base panel230. Front support rail232is hingedly coupled to front wall222and is bolted to base panel230, as shown.

Front support rail232is hingedly interconnected to front wall222by a set of hinge members236, as shown. Front support rail232extends above the upper surface116of base panel a height H1that is at least equal to the thickness of side walls226(and intermediate wall237for collapsible cargo bin220B). This allows the side walls226(and intermediate wall237) to rest in a nested position between bottom wall228and front wall222when front wall222is lowered to the collapsed condition shown in the above-referenced drawings.

Rear support rail234is hingedly interconnected to rear wall224by a similar set of hinge members236, as shown. Rear support rail234extends above the upper surface239(seeFIG.20) of base panel a height H2that is at least equal to the combined thickness of side walls226and front wall222. This allows both the side walls, intermediate wall237for collapsible cargo bin220B and front wall222to rest in a nested position between bottom wall228and rear wall224when rear wall224is lowered to the collapsed condition shown in the above-referenced drawings.

Each hinge member236comprises three sleeve sections having coaxial bores adapted to receive an elongate rod retained within the bores. In a preferred implementation of the present disclosure, the rod comprises a threaded bolt retained by a nut. The two end sleeves are welded (or otherwise coupled) to a selected frame member with the intermediate sleeve similarly coupled to an adjacent wall member, as shown. Once assembled, the end sleeves and intermediate sleeve may freely rotate about the rod, thus allowing the hinged frame members/walls to pivot relative to each other.

Collapsible cargo bin220A and collapsible cargo bin220B each preferably include an elongated locking bar238slidably connected to the inner face of rear wall224and having an upper hook portion240adapted to engage a receiving aperture242of an adjacent wall. In the case of collapsible cargo bin220A, upper hook portion240is adapted to engage a receiving aperture242formed in the top surface of first side wall226. In the case of collapsible cargo bin220B, upper hook portion240is adapted to engage a receiving aperture242formed in the upper surface of intermediate wall237. Locking bar238includes a spring244to bias the hook portion240toward a position of engagement with the receiving aperture242.

Collapsible cargo bin220A and collapsible cargo bin220B comprise secondary retainer assemblies246provided to positionally retain the bins in the deployed configuration. In collapsible cargo bin220A, a secondary retainer assembly246is provided to releasably retain rear wall224and second side wall227, as shown. In collapsible cargo bin220B a set of secondary retainer assemblies246are provided to releasably retain both first side wall226and second side wall227to rear wall224.

The second retainer assembly246includes simple fixed pin supported by a projecting boss mounted to rear wall224along with a receiving aperture located in projecting boss of the side walls. The fixed pin and receiving aperture are cooperatively arranged so as to maintain the side wall in the deployed position during use, and allow for separation of the respective parts when locking bar238is disengaged and the adjoining walls are sufficiently adjusted toward their respective collapsed configurations.

Collapsible cargo bin220A and collapsible cargo bin220B each include a cargo bin receiver260enabling attachment of the bin assembly to trailer102by engagement with bin attachment point110of first elongate member112(seeFIG.2). A preferred arrangement of cargo bin receiver260includes a transverse receiver tube262mounted to the underside of bottom wall228using two opposing plates264. One plate264has an opening266to receiver tube262, thus forming a socket268adapted to receive the cylindrical tubular mount128projecting outwardly of first elongate member112. Receiver tube262and cylindrical tubular mount128each comprise a pair of opposing apertures270, thus allowing cargo bin receiver260to be held to tubular mount128using a removable pin or similar anchor.

According to one implementation, towable trailer system100may be arranged as a kit300. In reference toFIG.11, kit300may include trailer102, one or more collapsible cargo bins220, and a set of instructions302. Instructions302may detail functional relationships in relation to the structure of towable trailer system100(such that the towable trailer system100can be used, maintained, or the like, in a preferred manner). Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as user preferences, design preference, structural requirements, marketing preferences, cost, available materials, technological advances, etc., other kit arrangements such as, for example, providing tie-down straps, electrical harness adapters, storage bags, gas cans, etc., may be sufficient.

The implementations of the invention described herein are exemplary and numerous modifications, variations and rearrangements can be readily envisioned to achieve substantially equivalent results, all of which are intended to be embraced within the spirit and scope of the invention. Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U. S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientist, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application.