Patent ID: 12208845

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT(S)

With respect toFIGS.1-6, a trailer1according to the invention is shown and ready for towing by a power vehicle, such as a truck with a tow hitch. The trailer1generally includes the following major components: a frame10, a control system60, a storage bin80, and an extension device100, and a tandem wheel assembly300.

Now with reference toFIGS.1-4, the frame10will be discussed. In the shown embodiment, the frame10includes a plurality of support beams12, a plurality of connecting beams14, a front support16, a rear support18, a trailer connection section22, and.

As shown inFIGS.2and3, each support beam12is an elongated metal support extending along a length of the frame10, from a trailing end to a leading end thereof.

In the embodiment shown, each support beam12is I-shaped and includes a support rail13positioned on a lower end and running along a length thereof.

Each connection beam14runs substantially perpendicular and connecting to the plurality of support beams12. The front support16is a plate like member connecting the support beams12at a front end thereof, while the rear support is another plat like member connecting the support beams12at an opposite end thereof . . . . As assembled, the support beams12, connection beams14, front support16, and rear support form a undercarriage chassis20

As shown, in an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the trailer connection section22is a trailer hitch22positioned and connected to a leading end of the frame10, and, in particular, the front support16. The trailer hitch22includes a connector for connecting with a truck (i.e. ball mount; not shown).

According to the invention, the trailer1includes a tandem wheel assembly300. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the tandem wheel assembly300is positioned under the undercarriage chassis20and generally includes a rear wheel assembly310, a front wheel assembly340, and an extension assembly380.

As shown inFIGS.8, the rear wheel assembly310includes a pair of rear wheels312, a rear wheel frame314, a rear steering assembly320, and a rear drive assembly330.

In the embodiment shown, the rear wheel frame314includes a rear guide member315member having a body316and a pair of low friction guides318positioned at opposite side ends thereof. Each low friction guide318is a u-shaped member secured to the rear wheel frame314and is sized and shaped to correspond to receive the support rail13. The low friction guide318includes low frictions pads319are bearing pads known in the art to provide a low friction coefficient between the rear wheel frame314and the support rail13. In the shown embodiment, the low friction pads319line an inside surface of the low friction guide318. In this manner, the rear wheel assembly is movably secured to the frame in a manner that allows the wheel assembly to slide upon the frame support rails, and be alternately positioned in a first position for trailering, and a second position for self-propelled movement, as depicted inFIG.8, or any point in between. As can be seen in the exemplary embodiment ofFIG.8, the rear wheel assembly314is provided with u-shaped members slidably mounted on separate, parallel support rails13on the frame10, and are positioned such that the u-shaped members prevent twisting movement of the front wheel assembly, relative to the frame, as the spacing provided between the inside dimensions of the opposing u-shaped members is substantially the same, or nearly the same, as the maximum width dimension of the support rails13.

In the embodiment shown, the rear wheel assembly310includes steering capability using a rear steering assembly320according to the invention. However, one skilled in the art should appreciate that these rear wheels312may be non-steerable. As shown, the rear steering assembly includes a steering bracket322, a pair of steering arms324connected to the steering bracket322and the pair of rear wheels312.

As shown inFIG.8, in an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the rear wheel assembly310includes a rear drive assembly330according to the invention. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the rear drive assembly330includes a hydraulic motor assembly332and a rotor assembly334, and an engagement assembly370for each rear wheel312.

In an embodiment of the invention, the hydraulic motor assembly332generally includes a motor332a, a motor drive mechanism332b, and a motor housing332c. The motor332ais connected to the control system60using hydraulic lines (not shown). The motor332ais attached to the outside of the motor housing332c. The motor drive mechanism332bpositioned in a motor housing332cis engageable with the hydraulic motor332aand moveable by the engagement assembly370.

In an embodiment of the invention, the rotor assembly334includes a wheel hub334aand a drive shaft334bwith a rotor drive mechanism (not shown) engageable with the motor drive mechanism332bby the engagement assembly370. The drive shaft334bconnected to the wheel hub334a.

Many of the power system components are not shown for sake of complexity in the drawings, although a discussion is provided for purposes of enabling one skilled in the art to understand how the drive system is assembled and performed. One skilled in art should appreciate that other designs are possible. For instance, the rear drive assembly330may include other methods to move the rear wheels312, including chains, belts, or a drive shaft and a transmission connected to a combustion or electric engine, so that trailer1can be moved around a work site under its own power.

As shown inFIGS.7and8, the front wheel assembly340includes a pair of front wheels342, a front wheel frame344, a front steering350assembly, and a front drive assembly360.

In the embodiment shown, the front wheel frame344is u-shaped member having a body346and a pair of low friction guides348positioned at opposite side ends thereof. Each low friction guide348is a u-shaped member secured to the front wheel frame344and is sized and shaped to correspond to receive the support rail13. The low friction guide348includes low frictions pads349that are bearing pads known in the art to provide a low friction coefficient between the front wheel frame344and the support rail13. In the shown embodiment, the low friction pads349line an inside surface of the low friction guide318. In this manner, the front wheel assembly is movably secured to the frame in a manner that allows the wheel assembly to slide upon the frame support rails, and be alternately positioned in a trailer position A (depicted inFIG.1), and the self-propelled position B as depicted inFIG.8, or any point in between. As can be seen in the exemplary embodiment ofFIG.8, the front wheel assembly340is provided with u-shaped members slidably mounted on separate, parallel support rails13on the frame10, and are positioned such that the u-shaped members prevent twisting movement of the front wheel assembly, relative to the frame, as the spacing provided between the inside dimensions of the opposing u-shaped members is substantially the same, or nearly the same, as the maximum width dimension of the support rails13.

In the embodiment shown, the front wheel assembly340includes steering capability using a front steering assembly350according to the invention. However, one skilled in the art should appreciate that these front wheels342may be non-steerable. As shown, the front steering assembly includes a steering bracket352, a pair of steering arms354connected to the steering bracket352and the pair of front wheels342.

As shown inFIG.8, in an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the front wheel assembly340includes a front drive assembly360according to the invention. However, one skilled in the art should appreciate that this front wheels342may be non-driveable, without a drive system.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the front drive assembly360generally includes a hydraulic motor assembly362and a rotor assembly364, and an engagement assembly370for each front wheel342.

In an embodiment of the invention, the motor assembly362generally includes a motor362a, a motor drive mechanism362b, and a motor housing362c. The motor362ais connected to the control system60using hydraulic lines (not shown). The motor362ais attached to the outside of the motor housing362c. The motor drive mechanism362bpositioned in a motor housing362cis engageable with the hydraulic motor362aand moveable by the engagement assembly370.

In an embodiment of the invention, the rotor assembly364includes a wheel hub364aand a drive shaft364bwith a rotor drive mechanism (not shown) engageable with the motor drive mechanism362bby the engagement assembly370. The drive shaft364bconnected to the wheel hub364a.

Many of the power system components are not shown for sake of complexity in the drawings, although a discussion is provided for purposes of enabling one skilled in the art to understand how the drive system is assembled and performed. One skilled in art should appreciate that other designs are possible. For instance, the front drive assembly360may include other methods to move the front wheels342, including chains, belts, or a drive shaft and a transmission connected to a combustion or electric engine, so that trailer1can be moved around a work site under its own power.

In the shown embodiment, the rear wheel assembly310and the front wheel assembly340includes an engagement assembly370. As shown, each engagement assembly370generally includes a main shaft372, a first lever assembly374, and a second lever assembly376. The main shaft372is an elongated cylindrical member and connected to the first lever assembly374and the second lever assembly376at opposite ends thereof. The first lever assembly372and the second lever assembly376are connected to opposite rear wheels312or front wheel342, and engage and disengage the motor drive mechanism332b,362b, from the rotor drive mechanism (not shown) to rotate the wheel hub334a,364a.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the extension assembly380generally includes a rear end connector382, a moveable axle connector384, and a moving component386. The rear end connector382is connected to the rear wheel assembly310, while the moveable axle connector384is connected to the front wheel assembly340. The moving component386is a hydraulic actuator positioned and secure to the undercarriage chassis20in the shown embodiment. The moving component386is capable of extension and contraction. When connected to the front wheel assembly340, the front wheels342can be positioned between the trailing position A (seeFIGS.1and2) and the self-propelled position B (seeFIGS.5-8).

Now with reference to the Figures, the control system60will be discussed and generally includes a power system source (i.e. combustion engine, battery) and a control assembly connected (hydraulic and electrical lines) to the rear wheel assembly310, the front wheel assembly340, and the extension assembly380.

Regardless of the specific mode of powering the rear wheels312, the control system60controls starting, stopping and turning the rear wheels312, as well as for regulating the speed of the rear wheels312. Likewise, the control system60also controls starting, stopping and turning the front wheels342, as well as for regulating the speed of the front wheels342.

The control system60includes a plurality of controls which may be a series of buttons, levers, or other suitable controls which allow the operator to control expansion and retraction of the front wheel assembly340using the extension assembly.

In an embodiment, user controls may be provided on the control system60for controlling certain other features of the trailer1. As shown in the embodiment ofFIG.1, an operator stand may sit in operator's box62, allowing an operator to move along with the trailer1as the operator controls the trailer1movement. The control system60therefore provides the operator with the ability to control all features of the trailer1from a single location, while standing on the operator stand and moving along with the trailer1as the trailer1travels under its own power.

In a trailing position A, the front wheels342are positioned adjacent to the rear wheels312, while in the self-propelled position B the front wheels342are positioned to equally support the undercarriage chassis20and, more particularly, the storage bin80.

According to the invention, the front wheels342are positioned between the trailing position A and the self-propelled position B by the extension assembly380.

Now with reference to the embodiment depicted inFIGS.1-4, the trailer has a storage bin80, which generally includes a platform82, a plurality of retaining walls84, a tailgate90, and a pair of cover sections94.

The platform82includes a planar section extending substantially parallel with the frame10. In the shown embodiment, the platform82is a rectangular metal plate. However, one skilled in the art should appreciate that the platform82could be manufactured using different shapes and other materials, such as lumber, composite, and other metals. For instance, the platform82may include a framed metal structure on which a plurality of wood planks are arranged.

The plurality of retaining walls84includes a pair of side retaining walls86and a retaining end wall88. In the shown embodiment, each retaining wall84is metal plate. However, one skilled in the art should appreciate that each retaining wall84could be manufactured using other materials, such as lumber, composite, and other metals. For instance, each retaining wall84may include a framed metal structure on which a plurality of wood planks is disposed along the framed metal structure.

The plurality of retaining walls84is positioned and secured along outer edges of the platform82and, in particular, along a top planar surface thereof. In the shown embodiment, the pair of side retaining walls86are positioned along opposite longitudinal sides of the platform82, while the retaining end wall88is positioned at trailing end of the platform82. Each retaining wall84extends substantially perpendicular with respect to the top planar surface of the platform82. Each retaining wall84is mechanically secured to the platform82, for instance, using a weld or plurality of known mechanical fasteners. In addition, the retaining end wall88is secured to a pair of common ends of the side retaining walls86. In the embodiment shown, the retaining end wall88is mechanically secured to the pair of side retaining walls86, for instance, using a weld or other known mechanical fasteners or adhesives.

As shown, the tailgate90is positioned along a leading end of the platform82, opposite the retaining end wall88positioned along the trailing end thereof. In the embodiment shown, the tailgate90is made of a metal. However, one skilled in the art should appreciate that the tailgate90could be manufactured using other materials, such as lumber, composite, and other metals. For instance, tailgate90may include a framed metal structure on which a plurality of wood planks is disposed along the framed metal structure.

As shown, the tailgate90is positioned along an outer edge of the platform82and extends substantially perpendicular to the top planar surface thereof. The tailgate90is secured to the platform82, for instance, through a rotating fastener device, such as a rotating hinge92positioned at bottom of the tailgate90and connecting to the platform82. The rotating hinge92permits rotation of the tailgate90from a secured closed vertical position to one in which the tailgate90rotates away from the retaining end wall88making the platform82accessible. However, one skilled in the art should appreciate that other design are possible. For instance, the tailgate90may be pivotably mounted to side retaining walls86such that the tailgate90pivots away from the outer edge of the platform82or from the side retaining walls86, much like known dump trucks.

Each cover section94is a rectangular metal structure having a planar surface. Each cover section94is positioned along and connected to upper outer edges of the pair of side retaining walls86using a plurality of hinges96. However, one skilled in the art should appreciate that other designs are possible. For instance, other known rotating mechanisms could be used. Each cover section94measures approximately half a width as measured between the pair of side retaining walls86.

A pair of stops98are provided and positioned along a common side at opposite ends of the cover section94. In particular, each stop98is disposed along an outer edge of the cover section94that is proximate to the side retaining wall86when assembled. Each stop98is a metal plate having one end secured to the cover section94. In an exemplary embodiment, the stop98is semi-circle shaped having a free end configured to abut the side retaining wall86when the cover section94rotates about the hinge96. The stop98configuration determines that angle at which the cover section94is positioned in an open position. For instance, if the stop98has a 135 degree semi-circle shape, then the cover section94will be positioned at a 45 degree angle with respect to a plane extending across top surfaces of both side retaining walls86.

In the shown embodiment, a plurality of wall supports99are provided and disposed along outer surfaces of the platform82, the retaining walls84, the tailgate90, and the cover sections94. The wall supports99provide reinforcement for the planar surfaces of each of the outer surfaces. In the shown embodiment, each wall support89is a tubular structure of metal that is mechanically secured to the outer surfaces, for instance, using a weld. However, one skilled in the art should appreciate that other known fastening means are possible, including but not limited to screws, nuts and bolts, and adhesives.

Now with references toFIGS.4-6and8, the extension device100according to the invention will be described. As shown, the extension device100includes the following major components: a first extension section102, a second extension section120, and a storage bin platform section180.

As shown, the first extension section102is shown and generally includes a pair of lower supports104reciprocally connected to the support beams12and a lower lifting actuator assembly106connected to the front support16.

Each lower support104is an elongated structural support and, in the shown embodiment, a metal plate. Each lower support104includes a plurality of fastener receiving through-holes108positioned at a trailing end, leading end, and a middle section thereof. The pair of lower supports104are positioned parallel, and are rotatably secured to the frame10using fasteners. The lower lifting actuator assembly106includes a pair of hydraulic actuators connecting to the front support16at one end and to the middle section of the lower support104at another end thereof using fasteners.

As shown, the second extension section120is shown and includes a boom support122, a sliding support124, a sliding mechanism130, an upper lifting actuator assembly140, and an articulating arm assembly150.

The boom support122is elongated structural beams and, in the shown embodiment, a tubular metal beam. The boom support122includes a pair of fastener receiving brackets123with through holes positioned at a trailing end thereof and extending completely there through.

As shown, each sliding support124is an elongated structural beams having a boom support receiving passageway126opening from a trailing end thereof and extending there through a body of sliding support124. The boom support receiving passageway126is shaped to receive the boom support122and, as shown, a cross section area of the boom support receiving passageway126is larger than a cross section area of the boom support122. As a result, a leading end of the boom support122is positioned through the boom support receiving passageway126.

In the shown embodiment, each sliding support124is a tubular metal beam. Each sliding support124includes a fastener receiving through-hole128positioned at a leading end thereof and extending completely there through.

The sliding mechanism130is positioned between and connected to the boom support122and the boom support receiving passageway126.

Each sliding mechanism130includes an actuator section132which may be a known hydraulic cylinder having a barrel, a piston, piston rod, seals, and seal glands. However, one skilled in the art should appreciate that other actuator systems operated by a source of energy, such as electric current, hydraulic fluid pressure, or pneumatic pressure.

In the shown embodiment, the upper lifting actuator assembly140includes a pair of hydraulic actuators142is positioned between frame10and the second extension section120. Each hydraulic actuators142includes an actuator174which may be a known hydraulic cylinder having a barrel, a piston, piston rod, seals, and seal glands. However, one skilled in the art should appreciate that other actuator systems operated by a source of energy, such as electric current, hydraulic fluid pressure, or pneumatic pressure.

As shown, in an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the articulating arm assembly150is a pair of plate like members (seeFIG.8) rotatably connected to the sliding support124and the storage bin180using the storage bin platform section. It is also contemplated that the articulating arm may actuate to lift or otherwise move any useful item, and is not limited to containers as described herein, but rather, may include, pallet forks, temporary lighting fixtures, cherry picker buckets, and may feature a receiver for mounting a variety of accessories or implements.

As shown, the storage bin platform section180is shown and generally includes a platform182, a platform cross member184, a tilting actuator cross member (not shown), and a pair of bin tilting actuators (not shown).

Now with reference toFIGS.1,10, and11, operation of the trailer1according to the invention will be described.

Building materials can be loaded and secured in the storage bin80at a location different than the work site. A truck (not shown) connects to the frame10using the trailer hitch22. The operator positioned the front wheel assembly340apart from the rear wheel assembly310using the extension assembly380. The front wheel assembly340and the rear wheel assembly310are set to drive and steer using the control system60. The trailer1then can operate as a standard trailer and be towed behind the connected truck to the work site.

The operator then uses the control system60to move the trailer1to a desired location on the work site using the drive system of the front wheel assembly340and the rear wheel assembly310, as described above. The operator may now use the control system60to stabilize the trailer1.

Once the operator has determined that the trailer1is in position to unload building materials from the storage bin80, the operator can manage the stabilizers (not shown) to stabilize and level the trailer1. The operator then uses the control system60to control the extension device100and position of the storage bin80.

The operator can use the control system60to control the vertical and horizontal position of the storage bin80. In addition, the operator can slide the storage bin80horizontally with respect to frame10.

The foregoing illustrates some of the possibilities for practicing the invention. Many other embodiments and fields of use for the trailer1are possible and within the scope and spirit of the invention. It is, therefore, intended that the foregoing description be regarded as illustrative rather than limiting.