EP2542464A1 - Remorque - Google Patents

Remorque

Info

Publication number
EP2542464A1
EP2542464A1 EP11721446A EP11721446A EP2542464A1 EP 2542464 A1 EP2542464 A1 EP 2542464A1 EP 11721446 A EP11721446 A EP 11721446A EP 11721446 A EP11721446 A EP 11721446A EP 2542464 A1 EP2542464 A1 EP 2542464A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
frame
trailer according
trailer
relative
stabiliser
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP11721446A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Matthieu Philippault
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
South Bank University Enterprises Ltd
Original Assignee
South Bank University Enterprises Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by South Bank University Enterprises Ltd filed Critical South Bank University Enterprises Ltd
Publication of EP2542464A1 publication Critical patent/EP2542464A1/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
    • B62D21/00—Understructures, i.e. chassis frame on which a vehicle body may be mounted
    • B62D21/18—Understructures, i.e. chassis frame on which a vehicle body may be mounted characterised by the vehicle type and not provided for in groups B62D21/02 - B62D21/17
    • B62D21/20—Understructures, i.e. chassis frame on which a vehicle body may be mounted characterised by the vehicle type and not provided for in groups B62D21/02 - B62D21/17 trailer type, i.e. a frame specifically constructed for use in a non-powered vehicle
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
    • B62D63/00—Motor vehicles or trailers not otherwise provided for
    • B62D63/06—Trailers
    • B62D63/061—Foldable, extensible or yielding trailers

Definitions

  • the apparatus comprises a trailer that has a plurality of different operating configurations, wherein in a first of said configurations the apparatus is suitable for use as a support for one type of vehicle (such as a motorbike or jet ski) and in a second of said configurations the apparatus is suitable for use as a support for another type of vehicle (such as a boat or a car) or as a support for a storage box.
  • a first of said configurations the apparatus is suitable for use as a support for one type of vehicle (such as a motorbike or jet ski) and in a second of said configurations the apparatus is suitable for use as a support for another type of vehicle (such as a boat or a car) or as a support for a storage box.
  • trailers tend to be specifically designed for towing a particular type of vehicle.
  • a trailer for transporting sports bikes cannot be used for anything other than the transport of motorcycles.
  • a person who partakes in outdoor water sports and motorcycle racing will often have no option but to purchase one trailer for their sports bike and another for their boat. Since trailers are not inexpensive articles, it is a considerable financial burden to have to purchase multiple trailers.
  • a trailer comprising four frame elements that are coupled together to form a frame, a first and a second element of said frame each being suitable for coupling to a respective wheel assembly, and a third of said elements being moveable relative to a fourth, said frame being configured so that a movement of said third frame element relative to said fourth effects a change in distance between said first and second elements.
  • movement of said third element towards said fourth causes the distance between said first and second elements to increase.
  • said third frame element is moveable relative to said beam.
  • said third frame element may be mounted on said beam for movement relative thereto.
  • said third element can be slid back and forth along said beam.
  • the beam may be coupled at a first end to said fourth element.
  • the frame may further comprise means for coupling the trailer to a vehicle.
  • said frame is generally a parallelogram, said frame elements each being located at a respective apex of said parallelogram.
  • said frame comprises a plurality of arms that couple adjacent elements together.
  • Figs. 1 to 4 are a perspective view of a trailer according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention in different configurations;
  • Fig. 5 is a top plan view of the trailer shown in Fig. 3;
  • Fig. 6 is an underneath plan view of the trailer shown in Fig. 5;
  • Fig. 7 is an enlarged view of part of the trailer shown in Fig. 5;
  • Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the underneath of the part shown in Fig. 7 ;
  • Fig. 9 is a vertical section along the line A— A in Fig. 5 showing this part of the trailer in an unlocked state;
  • Fig. 10 is a vertical section along the line A— A in Fig. 5 showing this part of a trailer in a locked state;
  • Fig. 1 1 is a perspective view of another part of the trailer.
  • Fig. 12 is an elevation of a part of a locking mechanism for the part depicted in
  • FIGs 1 to 4 there are shown perspective views of the trailer 1 in various configurations.
  • the trailer 1 comprises four frame elements 3, 5, 7 & 9 that are coupled together (in a manner that will later be described) to form a frame 1 1.
  • the first and second frame elements 3, 5 are, in this particular arrangement, each coupled to a wheel assembly 13, but it will be appreciated that in some applications it might be beneficial to replace the wheel assemblies with skis or other devices that enable the trailer to be drawn behind a vehicle.
  • the trailer is shown in its storage configuration.
  • the trailer has been collapsed (by moving the third frame element 7 away from the fourth frame element 9 in the direction indicated by the arrow) to reduce its footprint, in particular by reducing the track (i.e. the spacing of, in this instance, the wheel assemblies) of the trailer, thereby facilitating storage or carriage of the trailer.
  • the third frame element 7 has been moved towards the fourth frame element 9 (in the direction indicated by the arrow), thereby causing the first and second frame elements 3, 5 to move apart and widen the track of the trailer.
  • the trailer is particularly suitable for supporting a bicycle, a motorbike or a jetski (either directly on the trailer or on a frame coupled to the trailer in a manner to be later described).
  • the trailer is particularly suitable for supporting a storage compartment (the like of which is known in the art) so that the trailer and storage compartment resemble a so-called box trailer.
  • the trailer is particularly suited for the transport of a larger storage compartment, a quad bike, two motorcycles or bicycles, or a boat (either directly on the trailer or on a frame coupled to the trailer).
  • the trailer is particularly well suited for supporting the front wheels of a vehicle such as a car, either directly on the trailer or on a suitable frame attached to the trailer.
  • the trailer is configured to have one storage configuration and three operating configurations, and first, second and third frame elements of the trailer are configured (in a manner that will later be described) to enable the trailer to be locked in a desired configuration. It will be appreciated, as foreshadowed above, that further operating configurations may be provided if desired. It may also be the case that it is not necessary to lock all three frame elements, and that the trailer may be adequately locked in a desired configuration by providing fewer than three locking mechanisms.
  • the respective frame elements are coupled together by arms 15, in this instance by an upper 15(i) and a lower 15(ii) arm.
  • arms 15(i) and a lower 15(ii) arm are coupled together by arms 15, in this instance by an upper 15(i) and a lower 15(ii) arm.
  • two arms are preferred as a single arm would need to be substantially larger, and hence heavier, it will be appreciated that a single arm or indeed that more than two arms may be provided if desired.
  • the arms are all of equal lengths so that the frame forms a parallelogram. This is not, however, an essential feature of the invention, and the arms coupling the fourth element 9 to the first and second elements 3, 5 could be longer or shorter than those coupling the third element 7 to the first and second elements 3, 5.
  • the frame elements are coupled to arms in such a way that the arms can pivot about the frame elements to thereby allow the frame elements to move relative to one another. This may be accomplished by any one of a variety of different mechanisms each of which is known to persons skilled in the art, but in a preferred implementation the arms are coupled to the frame elements by means of pivot pins (one pivot pin 20 being visible in Fig. 8) of which that extend through the frame element and the arms to thereby enable the arms to pivot relative to the frame element. Further details of the frame elements and the manner in which they couple to the arms 15 are later provided with reference to Fig. 9.
  • the fourth element 9 is coupled to a beam 21 that bisects the parallelogram formed by the frame, and the third element 7 includes a through hole 22 (Fig. 1 1 ) that is configured to allow the beam 21 to extend therethrough.
  • the arrangement is such that the third frame element can slide up and down the beam (when the locking mechanism has been unlocked) to vary the distance between the third and fourth frame elements 7, 9, and by virtue of the connecting arms 15 the distance between the first and second frame elements 1 , 3.
  • the through hole may be lined with a low- friction material (such as a low friction plastics material) to facilitate sliding of the third element 7 up and down the beam 21.
  • the beam 21 is provided with a plurality of through-holes 23
  • the third frame element 7 (one of which is obscured by the third frame element 7) that interlock with a locking mechanism provided on the third frame element 7 to lock the third element in position on the beam.
  • the number of through-holes 23 corresponds with the number of different configurations for the trailer as a whole. Further details of the locking mechanism are provided hereafter in connection with Figs. 1 1 and 12. Although it is preferred for a locking mechanism to be provided, it will be appreciated that it may not be necessary to lock the third element 7 on the beam if the first and second elements 1 , 3 are locked. Locking of the third element may also be accomplished by a variety of mechanisms that need not necessarily project into and through the beam.
  • the third element 7 may be locked to the beam 21 by a friction lock between the beam 21 and a locking element.
  • the beam 21 includes, at an end distal from the fourth element 9, a coupling 67 that enables the trailer to be coupled to a vehicle.
  • the beam may also be provided with a retractable support 69 that can be deployed when the trailer is not coupled to a vehicle to keep the trailer level.
  • the upper arms 15(i) are each provided with a coupling 17 that enables a support frame or storage container to be attached to the trailer. Any of a variety of different couplings, the like of which are known in the art, may be provided.
  • a pair of stabilising bars 19 that extend between the third element 7 and each of the first and second elements 3, 5.
  • the stabilising bars 19 are capable of pivoting relative to the frame elements to enable the frame to be reconfigured, and function to stiffen the frame when the frame has been locked in a selected configuration.
  • the stabilising bars 19 are coupled to a lower plate 25 of the third element by respective pivot pins 27, and include at an end distal from the pivot pins 27 a locking plate 29 that is pivotably coupled to the first and second elements, respectively.
  • the locking plates include a plurality of locking apertures 31 , the number of apertures corresponding to the number of through-holes 23 in the beam 21 and hence the number of different trailer configurations.
  • the apertures in the locking plate 29 are generally circular.
  • the first and second elements 3, 5 comprise upper and lower plates 35, 37 that are joined by a column 39.
  • a pin 41 extends through the column 39 and is coupled to one end of a handle 43 that includes a cam surface 45.
  • the cam surface is configured so that a pivotal movement of the handle towards the upper plate 35 (in the direction indicated by the arrow in Fig. 9) of the element tends to draw the pin 41 out of the column 39.
  • the other end of the pin 41 (i.e. the end distal from the handle 43) includes a washer 47 that is sized and configured to fit into the apertures 31 in the locking plate 29.
  • the pin 41 is sized so that the handle can only be pivoted to lie adjacent (as shown in Fig. 10) the upper plate 35 of the element when the washer 47 is aligned with an aperture 31 in the locking plate.
  • the third element locking mechanism (described below) overlies one of the through-holes 23 in the beam 21 .
  • the locking mechanism 33 comprises an overcentre mechanism that can only be operated to draw the pin 35 out of the cylinder and thereby enable the handle to lie adjacent the upper plate 35 of the element when the washer at the end of the pin 41 is registered with one of the apertures 31 in the locking plate 29.
  • the locking plate (and hence the stabilising bar 19 to which the plate is attached) cannot move relative to the element - thereby locking the element in a predetermined position relative to the stabilising bar 19.
  • Fig. 9 shows the locking mechanism in an unlocked state where the handle is generally upright, and the washer lies below the locking plate 29.
  • Fig. 10 shows the locking mechanism in a locked configuration, and as shown the handle 43 is adjacent the upper plate and the washer is located in an aperture in the locking plate 29. To unlock the locking mechanism one need only pull the handle in the direction indicated in Fig. 10, whereupon the washer moves out from registration with the locking plate and the element can move relative to the arms 15 and stabilising bar 19.
  • pivot pins 20 that coupled the arms 15 to the elements.
  • the pivot pins 20 include a threaded end portion that is configured to screw into the lower plate 37 to lock the pins in place, and an upper end that is formed as a nut to permit the pin to be tightened.
  • the third element 7 comprises an upper plate 49 that is joined to the lower plate 25 by a column 53.
  • the third element includes a locking mechanism 55 that comprises a locking pin 57 which is shown in Fig. 12.
  • the locking pin 57 includes a knurled knob section 59, a threaded barrel 61 (that engages with a complementary thread within the column 53), a conical section 63 that is configured to fit into complimentary funnel shaped inserts (not shown) located within the beam 21 in registration with the through holes 23, and a distal pin 65 that projects from the underside of the beam 21 when the third element is properly locked to the beam (and thereby provides a user of the trailer with an easy way to check that the third element is properly locked in place).
  • the locking pin 57 is formed (for example, machined) as a one-piece unit for strength.
  • the support structure may comprise bars that attach to the couplings 17 and a panel attached to the bars on which the wheels of the motorcycle bear.
  • the motorcycle may then be strapped to the trailer to keep it upright, or in a preferred arrangement adjustable stabilising bars may be provided that bear on the supporting bars at one end and on the motorcycle at the other.
  • adjustable stabilising bars may be provided that bear on the supporting bars at one end and on the motorcycle at the other.
  • the trailer may be provided with one or more ramps that engage with the trailer to facilitate the loading of a vehicle thereon.
  • the ramps may be configured to couple to the trailer when not in use to facilitate storage.
  • the aforementioned coupling component may have any of a number of known forms.
  • it could be of a conventional type that is configured to couple to a towball hook on the rear of a vehicle.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Transportation (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Body Structure For Vehicles (AREA)

Abstract

Remorque (1) comprenant quatre éléments (3, 5, 7, 9) de châssis qui sont assemblés pour former un châssis (11), un premier (3) et un deuxième (5) éléments dudit châssis convenant pour s'accoupler à un ensemble roue (13) correspondant, le troisième (7) desdits éléments étant mobile par rapport au quatrième (9), ledit châssis (11) étant configuré de façon à ce qu'un mouvement dudit troisième élément (7) de châssis par rapport audit quatrième (9) entraîne une modification de la distance entre lesdits premier (3) et deuxième (5) éléments.
EP11721446A 2010-03-02 2011-03-02 Remorque Withdrawn EP2542464A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GBGB1003472.6A GB201003472D0 (en) 2010-03-02 2010-03-02 A trailer
PCT/EP2011/053059 WO2011107493A1 (fr) 2010-03-02 2011-03-02 Remorque

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2542464A1 true EP2542464A1 (fr) 2013-01-09

Family

ID=42125857

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP11721446A Withdrawn EP2542464A1 (fr) 2010-03-02 2011-03-02 Remorque

Country Status (3)

Country Link
EP (1) EP2542464A1 (fr)
GB (2) GB201003472D0 (fr)
WO (1) WO2011107493A1 (fr)

Families Citing this family (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102016102226B4 (de) * 2016-02-09 2023-05-04 Limekon Gmbh Fahrzeug-Kombination, insbesondere für landwirtschaftliche Einsätze
WO2018014179A1 (fr) * 2016-07-19 2018-01-25 尚艳燕 Véhicule d'équilibre électrique
WO2018014279A1 (fr) * 2016-07-21 2018-01-25 尚艳燕 Véhicule à auto-équilibrage électrique
WO2018014280A1 (fr) * 2016-07-21 2018-01-25 尚艳燕 Véhicule à auto-équilibrage électrique
DE102017109116B4 (de) 2017-04-27 2024-07-18 good goods tegernsee GmbH Transportwagen
GB2631333B (en) * 2024-03-27 2025-07-30 Rac Motoring Services Vehicle recovery apparatus

Family Cites Families (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2380016A (en) * 1942-12-04 1945-07-10 Theodore R Black Collapsible vehicle
US2826425A (en) * 1955-07-26 1958-03-11 George F Hoeper Collapsible trailer
US3979133A (en) * 1975-09-08 1976-09-07 Spec-Co Industries, Inc. Foldable trailer
EP0008931A1 (fr) * 1978-08-31 1980-03-19 Jr. Peter J. Gietman Remorque pliante
GB2116488B (en) * 1982-02-25 1985-07-31 Kenneth Edward Marshall Foldable trailer or other wheeled vehicle
NL8205085A (nl) * 1982-12-31 1984-07-16 Wouden Adriaan Van Der Opvouwbare lastwagen.
AU625019B2 (en) * 1990-02-02 1992-06-25 Arthur Romaine Brakespeare Collapsible trailer
GB0002128D0 (en) * 2000-01-31 2000-03-22 Valler George E Foldable trailer chassis
US7097182B1 (en) * 2004-08-24 2006-08-29 Liu Zhi Jun Collapsible utility cart
ES2264380B1 (es) * 2005-05-31 2007-12-01 Luis Fernando Sierra Mantilla Remolque para vehiculos automoviles.
US7770913B2 (en) * 2006-10-06 2010-08-10 John Cannon Collapsible trailer and method for use of same
DE102006053683A1 (de) * 2006-11-13 2008-05-15 Horsch Maschinen Gmbh Fahrgestell mit Rädern oder Raupenlaufwerk

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
See references of WO2011107493A1 *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB201103513D0 (en) 2011-04-13
GB201003472D0 (en) 2010-04-14
GB2478632A (en) 2011-09-14
GB2478632B (en) 2012-07-18
WO2011107493A1 (fr) 2011-09-09

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP2542464A1 (fr) Remorque
US10328862B2 (en) Adjustable receiver structure
US10479284B1 (en) Load-bearing system for supporting cargo from a vehicle
CA2169574C (fr) Support mono-bras et console, pour porte-bicyclette
US5476201A (en) Vehicle attached bicycle carrying assembly
US5579973A (en) Carrier for lightweight two wheel vehicles, with capability for also towing a trailer
US9744910B2 (en) Foldable load carrier with a latching brace
US7766202B2 (en) Foldable carrier for a vehicle
US20100096424A1 (en) Hitch-mounted carrier
US20080142559A1 (en) External bicycle rack integrated within a vehicle
US7147281B2 (en) Motorcycle seat structure
US7273221B2 (en) Attachment system for bicycle accessories
US9211846B2 (en) Receiver mounted sporting equipment rack with longitudinal load bars
WO1999014079A1 (fr) Dispositif de transport de marchandises monte a l'arriere d'un vehicule
US10071692B2 (en) Pickup truck roof rack system
US5641108A (en) Bicycle and ski carrier for attachment to an automobile receiver hitch
EP4026734B1 (fr) Grille intégrée de véhicule
US20030080167A1 (en) Vehicle article carrier having telescopically extendable article carrier portion
US6623025B2 (en) Trailer hitch with trailer hitch accessory mounting assembly
US20240367590A1 (en) Quick-mounting quick-release vehicle roof rack cross bar
US10486611B1 (en) Assembly and adapter for supporting an apparatus on a vehicle tow hitch assembly
US8955453B2 (en) Personal land-sea transport apparatus
US10486609B2 (en) Adapter for supporting an apparatus on a vehicle tow high assembly
GB2490403A (en) Automobile with rear storage device
WO2024073800A1 (fr) Bâti de transport monté sur un véhicule

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20121002

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

DAX Request for extension of the european patent (deleted)
STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION IS DEEMED TO BE WITHDRAWN

18D Application deemed to be withdrawn

Effective date: 20130511