Patents by Inventor Karl M. Steins

Karl M. Steins has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 8684412
    Abstract: A Collapsible Trailer. The trailer is lightweight, but durable, and includes a set of detachable deck segments that can be assembled into a deck. The trailer further includes a suspension assembly that attaches to the deck once the deck is assembled or, alternatively, is permanently attached to one deck segment. Intra-deck segment support is provided by slidable rods that are extendable to bridge between a pair of adjacent segments. Each deck segment has a male edge to be inserted into a female edge to create an exceedingly strong, interlocking hinge-like structure. The deck and trailer can be assembled without the need for any tools. The deck segments, when disassembled, are stackable into a condensed deck stack. A foldable suspension facilitates the stackable storage and transportation of the trailer. The trailer is convertible into a cargo platform that can be attached directly to a conventional trailer hitch receiver on a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Inventor: Karl M. Steins
  • Publication number: 20120313346
    Abstract: The trailer is lightweight, but durable, and includes a set of detachable deck segments that can be assembled into a deck. The trailer further includes a suspension assembly that attaches to the deck once the deck is assembled or, alternatively, is permanently attached to one deck segment. Intra-deck segment support is provided by slidable rods that are extendable to bridge between a pair of adjacent segments. Each deck segment has a male edge to be inserted into a female edge to create an exceedingly strong, interlocking hinge-like structure. The deck and trailer can be assembled without the need for any tools. The deck segments, when disassembled, are stackable into a condensed deck stack. A foldable suspension facilitates the stackable storage and transportation of the trailer. The trailer is convertible into a cargo platform that can be attached directly to a conventional trailer hitch receiver on a vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2012
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Inventor: Karl M. Steins
  • Patent number: 8146941
    Abstract: A Collapsible Trailer is disclosed. Also disclosed is a trailer that is lightweight, but durable, and includes a set of detachable deck segments that can be assembled into a deck. The trailer further includes a suspension assembly that attaches to the deck once the deck is assembled or, alternatively, is permanently attached to one deck segment. The horizontal intra-deck segment support is provided by slidable rods that are extendable to bridge the intersection between a pair of adjacent segments. Each deck segment has a male edge and a female edge; the male edge can be inserted into the female edge to create an interlocking hinge-like structure to provide longitudinal stability along the special plane of the assembled deck. Furthermore, the deck and trailer can be assembled without the need for any tools or additional equipment. In all cases, the deck segments, when disassembled, stackable into a condensed deck stack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Inventor: Karl M. Steins
  • Publication number: 20030214117
    Abstract: A Collapsible Trailer is disclosed. Also disclosed is a trailer that is lightweight, but durable, and includes a set of detachable deck segments that can be assembled into a deck. The trailer further includes a suspension assembly that attaches to the deck once the deck is assembled. Still further, the trailer includes at least one longitudinal member for providing a frame to partially support the assembled deck. There are versions of the trailer that are held together by cable systems, as well as versions that include a metal frame. If the trailer has a frame, there are versions having an external frame, as well as versions having a frame that is internal to the deck segments. In any case, the deck segments, when disassembled, stackable into a condensed deck stack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2002
    Publication date: November 20, 2003
    Inventors: Karl M. Steins, Adrian Corbett