Floating collapsible utility trailer

Abstract

This invention describes a float able, collapsible utility trailer which can be filled with gear and towed behind a boat or, alternatively, pulled behind a person on dry land. The unit is collapsible for easy carrying and storage and comes with a carrying handle.

Description

[0001] This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 10/043,980 filed Jan 9, 2002.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] In the field of utility trailers, persons are at a disadvantage if they wish to carry extra objects when they go boating. Most trailers that are currently available, are either designed with very large capacities in mind, or are made specifically to convert into a boat. Examples of existing designs include trailers that are towed behind a motor-vehicle and are easily converted to either a motorized boat, a non-motorized boat, or a boat-like object. The current designs are designed with personal water-craft and small boat owners in mind who would like to carry extra objects such as coolers, canopies, beach chairs, etc. outside the boat area. This aggravates the problem of space consumption that the all carry-on items create, or in the case of personal crafts, is not available at all.

[0004] The current invention is a small collapsible trailer that is made from a flexible material, which makes the trailer very easy to collapse into a smaller size than it takes up when in use. The trailer is pulled like a wagon, then launched into the water, It can then be pulled from the water behind a PC or boat. The current invention is specifically designed for carrying bulky objects, such as water coolers, that ordinarily would take up too much space in small boats or is not available to personal water-craft owners. The current invention is water tight, and is designed to be towed behind a small boat or personal water-craft on the water. When the carry-on objects are in the utility trailer, more space is made available in the boat.

[0005] 2. Description of the Prior Art

[0006] Collapsible utility trailers are known in the art.

[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 3,940,813 discloses a collapsible trailer boat wherein the fore part and after part are hinged together so that the trailer can be pivotally moved. When open, the trailer represents a boat in the shape of a catamaran. The after portion of the boat has provisions to mount an outboard motor. When closed, the fore part rests on the after part with the fore part's bottom facing upwards. The after portion of the trailer/boat may be used as a single-room home when on land, while the fore part may be used as a separate craft

[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 3,090,973 discloses a boat having a front section and a rear section where the front section may be pivoted until it rests over the rear portion, forming a storage compartment. The trailer/boat has wheels that may be retracted. The patent also discloses the trailer/boat being capable of use as a sleeping or living quarters.

[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 2,659,464 discloses a hinged boat, shaped cargo carrier that is capable of being made water and dirt tight. The invention is made to be carried on top of a motor-vehicle.

[0010] The foregoing descriptions of prior art patents disclose trailers that all are made from hard materials and are all hinged at a center area to fold closed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The present invention offers a solution to the shortcomings of the prior art inventions

[0012] The object of the present invention is to provide a trailer that is small enough to be easily carried inside a motor vehicle. This will make it relatively easy for persons with small craft to carry the trailer without measurable loss of valuable space.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to wheels that easily rotate to which will allow the owner easy movement from the motor vehicle to the water, and return. The invention has straps mounted on the sides that allow for easy securing to the craft when in the water, allowing for towing the invention in the water on the side of the personal watercraft.

[0014] Another object of the present invention is that the trailer is fabricated from soft materials such as but not limited to vinyl, plastic and like materials that are easily sealed and made waterproof, as well as flexible. These materials allow the trailer to be made water tight, allowing the trailer to be towed behind or attached to the side of a boat. This advantage frees up valuable space in small personal boats. The trailer can be easily collapsed creating a small footprint for storage. Fabricating the present invention from soft materials has the additional benefit of making the floating trailer light.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] 1. Figure one shows the utility trailer in Top View.

[0016] 2. Figure two shows the utility trailer in a view looking up at the bottom of the trailer.

[0017] 3. Figure three is a side view of the right (starboard) side of the utility trailer.

[0018] 4. Figure four is a view looking aft at the bow of the utility trailer, also denoted as View A.

[0019] 5. Figure five is a view looking forward from the stern of the utility trailer, also denoted as View B.

[0020] 6. Figure six is a top view of the utility trailer showing the top compartment sealed with a zipper like apparatus.

[0021] 7. Figure seven is a view looking forward from the front of the trailer into the utility trailer, showing the horizontal and vertical internal compartments deployed.

[0022] 8. Figure eight shows the utility trailer in a collapsed storable position with holding straps.

[0023] 9. Figure nine shows an end view of the utility trailer in a collapsed storable position showing the stowed position of the bottom supports and flotation devices.

[0024] 10. Figure ten shows a 3 dimensional perspective view of the trailer and how each component collapses to create a storable utility trailer.

[0025] 11. Figure eleven shows a detailed view of a spreader bar, also known as view C.

[0026] 12. Figure twelve shows a detailed view of a wheel assembly.

[0027] 13. Figure thirteen shows an exploded isometric view of a second embodiment

[0028] 14. Figure fourteen shows a top view of the second embodiment

[0029] 15. Figure fifteen shows a left side view of the second embodiment

[0030] 16. Figure sixteen shows a front view of the second embodiment

[0031] 17. Figure seventeen shows a rear view of the second embodiment

[0032] 18. Figure eighteen shows a bottom view of the second embodiment

[0033] 19. Figure nineteen shows an isometric view of the storage compartment

[0034] 20. Figure twenty shows a cross sectional view of the cross support

[0035] 21. Figure twenty one shows an installed wheel assembly

[0036] 22. Figure twenty two shows a second embodiment of an installed wheel assembly

[0037] 23. Figure twenty three shows the third embodiment of a floating collapsible utility trailer in isometric view

[0038] 24. Figure twenty four is an isometric view without the cargo compartment

[0039] 25. Figure twenty five is a view looking up at the bottom of the floating collapsible utility trailer

[0040] 26. Figure twenty six shows the floating collapsible utility trailer in its stowed form

[0041] 27. Figure twenty eight shows a cross-sectional view of the floating collapsible utility trailer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0042] While the invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail, one specific embodiment, with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the embodiment illustrated.

[0043] Figure one in the drawings shows the top view of the utility trailer (1) which depicts a first lower flotation support (3) and a second lower flotation support (5). The utility trailer has a port (or right) side (2), a starboard (or left) side (4), a stern (or back) (12) and a bow (or front) (14) of the utility trailer (1). The bottom (7) of the utility trailer (1) has a multiplicity of bottom supports (9) the bottom supports running in the fore and aft direction of the utility trailer (1). The front (10) of the utility trailer (1) has a first bow flotation support (11), a second bow flotation support (13), a central bow flotation support (15) and a tow hitch (17) with a tow loop (19).

[0044] FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the utility trailer (1) which reveals a first wheel assembly (21) a second wheel assembly (23), a third wheel assembly (25) and a fourth wheel assembly (27). The first wheel assembly (21) and the fourth wheel assembly (27) are mounted on a first bottom support rail (41). The second wheel assembly (23) and the third wheel assembly (25) are mounted on a second bottom support rail (43) and are arranged so as to create a quadrilateral relationship between the first wheel assembly (21), the second wheel assembly (23), the third wheel assembly (25) and the fourth wheel assembly (27), where each wheel assembly is positioned in a vertex of the quadrilateral. Also shown is a first trailer spreader bar assembly (29) with a first threaded receptacle (31) in the second bottom support rail (43) to receiveably secure the first trailer spreader bar assembly (29). There is a second trailer spreader bar assembly (33) with a second threaded receptacle (35) mounted on the first bottom support rail (41) to receiveably secure the second trailer spreader bar assembly (33). In addition there is a first pivot (37) attached to the first bottom support rail (41) for the first trailer spreader bar assembly (29) and a second pivot (39) attached to the second bottom support rail (43) for the second trailer spreader bar assembly (33). As depicted in Figure two, the first spreader bar assembly (29) pivots about the first pivot (37) and is secured by a first clamp (90) which is mounted on the first bottom support rail (41). The second spreader bar assembly (33) pivots about the second pivot (39) and is secured by a second clamp (91) which is mounted on the second bottom support rail (43).

[0045] Figure three shows a side view of the right side of the utility trailer and shows the first bottom support rail (41) and wheel assembly (21) which is located toward the front (10) of the utility trailer (1) and mounted thereon. The fourth wheel assembly (27) is located toward the back (12) of the utility trailer (1). The first lower flotation support (3), the first bow flotation support (11) and the tow hitch (17) are seen in the side view. Additionally, the first bow flotation support (11) has a zipper (53) located on the first bow flotation support's (11) side and when the zipper (53) is unfastened, an opening (54) is created allowing a removable flotation support (51) to be pulled out for storage. An analogous structure exists for the opposing (left) side. Also denoted in figure three is a collapsible storage compartment (92) which is depicted as a bellows type of structure.

[0046] Figure four (or view A) shows a view looking aft at the bow of the utility trailer (1) and shows the first bottom support rail (41) and a second bottom support rail (43) opposing the first bottom support rail (41). The second wheel assembly (23) is mounted on the second bottom support rail (43), and the first wheel assembly (21) is mounted on the first bottom support rail (41). A first clevis (37) is mounted onto the first bottom support rail (41). A first support rod (45) has on one end a threaded portion (67) and an opposing end a standard rod end (65). The standard rod end (65) located on the first support rod (45) is pivotably mounted in the first clevis (37) located on the first bottom support rail (41). A rod cap (47) is threadably attached to the threaded portion (67) of the first support rod (45). Opposing the first clevis (37), and located on the second bottom support rail (43) is a first cavity (69) which is capable of firmly positioning the rod cap (47) when threadably extended. The first support rod (45) is in a perpendicular orientation to the first bottom support rail (41) and the second bottom support rail (43) when the rod cap (47) is positioned in the first cavity (69) located in the second bottom support rail (43). The collapsible storage compartment (92) is shown extending downwards and being secured on the first bottom support rail (41) and the second bottom support rail (43), and mounting the multiplicity of bottom supports (9) which is located within the collapsible storage compartment (92). When extended, the collapsible storage compartment (92) defines an internal watertight cavity (93) that encases the first lower floatation support (3), the second lower flotation support (5), and the multiplicity of bottom supports (9).

[0047] Figure five (or view B) shows a view looking from the bow to the stem of the utility trailer (1) and shows the first bottom support rail (41) and the second bottom support rail (43) opposing the first bottom support rail (41). The third wheel assembly (25) is mounted on the second bottom support rail (43), and the fourth wheel assembly (27) is mounted on the first bottom support rail (41). A second clevis (49) is mounted onto the second bottom support rail (43). A first support rod (45) has on one end a threaded portion (67) and an opposing end a standard rod end (65). The standard rod end (65) located on the first support rod (45) is pivotably mounted in the second clevis (49) located on he second bottom support rail (43). An internally threaded rod cap (47) is threadably attached to the threaded portion (67) of the first support rod (45). Opposing the second clevis (49) located on the first bottom support rail (41) is a second cavity (71) which is capable of firmly positioning the rod cap (47) when extended. The first support rod (45) is in a perpendicular orientation to the first bottom support rail (41) and the second bottom support rail (43) when the rod cap (47) is positioned in the second cavity (71) located in the first bottom support rail (41). The collapsible storage compartment (92) is shown extending downwards and being secured onto the first bottom support rail (41) and the second bottom support rail (43),

[0048] Figure six depicts a top view of the collapsible utility trailer (1) showing a top protective flap (55), a zipper (57) for the top protective flap (55). Attached to the sides of the sides (59) of the collapsible storage compartment (92) are a first starboard bow towing strap (22), a second starboard stern towing strap (24), a third port bow towing strap (26) and a fourth port stern towing strap (28). The towing straps (22, 24, 26, 28) can be used to pull the utility trailer (1) while the utility trailer (1) is in the water.

[0049] Figure seven shows a side view of the collapsible storage compartment (92), as seen from the bow of the collapsible utility trailer (1) looking to the stem. The collapsible storage compartment (92) has a pair of sides (59) opposing each other and a top portion (94) of the collapsible utility trailer (1). The top portion (94) showing the top protective flap (55), partially unzipped, and ajar from the top portion (94) of the collapsible utility trailer (1). When the collapsible storage compartment is expanded as shown, the pair of sides (59) show deployment of a vertical central deployable storage compartment (61) and a horizontal central deployable storage compartment (63) the horizontal central deployable storage compartment (63) being attached to the pair of sides (59) and the vertical deployable storage compartment (61) being attached to the top portion (94) and the bottom (7) of the collapsible utility trailer (1).

[0050] Figure eight is a side view of the collapsed utility trailer showing a carrying handle (73) for carrying the trailer.

[0051] Figure nine is an end view of the collapsed utility trailer showing the first lower flotation support (3), the second lower flotation support (5), the central bow flotation support (15), a multiplicity of bottom supports (9), the bottom (7) of the collapsible utility trailer (1), an end view of a spreader bar assembly (29, 31) and the carrying handle (73).

[0052] Figure ten illustrates, in three-dimensional perspective of how the various components of the collapsible utility trailer (1) fold in upon themselves to create a collapsed utility trailer.

[0053] Figure eleven is a close up view of a spreader bar assembly (29,33) showing the spreader bar assemblies (29,33) with the support rod (45). The support rod has a standard rod end (65) on one end. A bolt (75) is shown attaching the standard rod end (65) of the spreader bar assembly (29,33) to the corresponding clevis (37,39). A nut (77) fastens on to the bottom of the bolt (75) which passes through the corresponding clevis (37,39) and the standard rod end (65) allowing the spreader bar assembly (29,33) to freely rotate. The other end of the support rod (45) is shown with the external threads that threadably mate with the end cap (47). A lock nut (79) is used to secure the position of the end cap (47) on an alignment stud (81) after the end cap is extended which will secure the first bottom support rail (41) and the second bottom support rail (43) in their respective separated positions for travel. The alignment stud (81) is mounted and centered in the corresponding threaded receptacle (31,35).

[0054] Figure twelve shows a close up view of a wheel assembly (21,23,25,27). A first nut and bolt assembly (83) passes through a bottom support rail (41,43) and attaches a U-bracket (85) to the bottom support rail (41,43) where the nut and bolt assembly (83) may be made loose enough to allow the wheel assembly (21,23,25,27) to rotate allowing for easy transport. A wheel (87) is centered within and attached to the U-bracket (85) with a second nut and bolt assembly (89) allowing the wheel (87) to freely rotate.

[0055] With respect to figure thirteen, a second embodiment of the collapsible floating utility trailer (200) is shown having a first side support rail (202) and a second side support rail (204). The first and second side support rail (202,204) are both arranged in a parallel relationship. The first and second side support rails (202,204) may be made as two identical components. The first and second side support rails (202,204) each have a forward end (206,208) and an aft end (210,212), with the forward ends (206,208) and the aft ends (210,212) each having a hydrodynamic shape that allows the first and second side support rails (202,204) to cut through the water more easily than if the forward ends (206,208) of the first and second side support rails (202,204) were more square.

[0056] The first and second side support rails (202,204) each have a top side (214,216) and a bottom side (218,220) where the bottom sides (218,220) are shaped as most boats are shaped, i.e. “U” or “V” shaped, with the bottom of the “U” or “V” pointing downwards. The top sides (214,216) of the first and second side of the support rail (202,204) is essentially flat. The first and second side support rails (202,204) each are made as floatation devices, where the flotation devices are common in the art of ships and canoes. The first and second side support rails (202,204) can be made watertight and hollow, with air inside providing buoyancy or they may have light foam providing buoyancy or, as is done in canoes, watertight compartments in the forward (206,208) and aft ends (210,212) providing buoyancy.

[0057] The collapsible floating utility trailer (200) further has a first trailer cross support (222) and a second trailer cross support (224). The first and second trailer cross support (222,224) separate the first and second side support rails (202,204) to a predetermined length, and maintain the first and second trailer cross support (222,224) in a parallel relationship. The first and second trailer cross support (222,224) may be made identical for manufacturing purposes. The first and second trailer cross supports (222,224) each have a top surface (226,228) and a bottom surface (230,232). The top surfaces (226,228) of the first and second trailer cross supports (222,224) each has a recess (234,236). The recesses (234,236) provide additional storage area, and a flat surface for a collapsible storage compartment (248)when the collapsible storage compartment (248)is installed. The bottom surfaces (230,232) have a stiffening block (238,239), where the stiffening blocks (238,239) project downwards and provide a means to attach to the first and second side support rails (202,204).

[0058] One means of attachment for the first and second trailer cross supports (222,224) to the first and second side support rails (202,204) is provided when the first and second trailer cross supports (222,224) each have a pair of slots (240,242). The slots (240,242) are located on opposing ends of the first and second trailer cross supports (222,224), and interlock with a recess (244,246) defined in the forward (206,208) and aft ends (210,212) of the first and second side support rails (202,204). The recesses (244,246) of the first and second side support rails (202,204) have a shape complimentary to the pair of slots (240,242) in the first and second trailer cross supports (222,224). The interlocking feature herein defined may be made so the first and second trailer cross supports (222,224) either “snap” into the recesses (244,246) or are “press-fit” into the recesses (244,246) of the first and second side support rails (202,204). By manufacturing the first and second trailer cross supports (222,224) and the first and second side support rails (202,204) as identical components, fabrication and assembly costs will be reduced, and assembly is made easier as non-identical parts located on left/right or port/starboard are eliminated.

[0059] The collapsible storage compartment (248) has a first side (250), an opposing second side (252), a top (254), a bottom (256), a rear (258), and a front (260). When the collapsible storage compartment (248) is in the expanded position, the first side (250) is essentially parallel to the second side (252). The bottom (256) is attached to the first side (250) and the second side (252) creating an essentially flat bottom for storage. The front (260) is attached to the bottom (256), the first side (250) and the second side (252). The top (254) is attached to the front (260), the first side (250) and the second side (252). The rear (258) is attached to the first side (250), the second side (252), the top (254), and the bottom (256). When all the components are attached as herein defined, the collapsible storage compartment (248) becomes a water tight container that is capable of protecting the objects stored from the outer environment, such as when the collapsible floating utility trailer (200) is used on the water. A zipper (264) or other means is installed onto the collapsible storage compartment (248) to allow access to an interior compartment (266). The zipper (264) or other means runs from the front (260) to the top (254), and ends at the rear (258) of the collapsible storage compartment (248).

[0060] Support rods (268) are installed into the first (250) and second side (252) of the collapsible storage compartment (248) in order to provide support and give the collapsible storage compartment (248) the desired shape. In the front (260) and the rear (258) of the collapsible storage compartment (248) guide means (270) are installed. The guide means (270) are attached to the support rods (268) in the first (250) and second side (252) of the collapsible storage compartment (248) and to the front (260) and rear (258) of the collapsible storage compartment (248) as necessary. The guide means (270) are known in the art of folding tables, and are typically made as a series of links, typically of four (4) distinct rods attached together. Typically the guide means (270) are assembled in the shape of a triangle, where a first rod (272) and a second rod (274) are attached together and oriented to create an angle of ninety (90) degrees. A third (276) and fourth (278) rod are attached together in line (180 degrees) where the third rod (276) is attached to the second rod (274), and the fourth rod (278) is attached to the first rod (272). The first (272), second (274), third (276) and fourth rod (278) thereby create a triangular shape. The third (276) and fourth rod (278) each have interlocking detents (280, 282) to firmly position the guide means (270) into the triangular position. The first (272), second (274), third (276), and fourth rod (278) are attached in a way so as to provide a tight frictional fit therebetween. Moving the attach point (284) between the third (276) and fourth rod (278) towards the attach point (286) between the first (272) and second rod (274) allows the guide means (270) to collapse, thereby collapsing the collapsible storage compartment (248).

[0061] The optimal number of guide means (270) is four, where each guide means (270) is located in a corner of the collapsible storage compartment (248). i.e. the corner where the first side (250), the front (260), and bottom (256) meet; the corner where the first side (250), the rear (258), and the bottom (256) meet; the corner where the second side (252), the front (260), and bottom (256) meet; and the corner where the second side (252), the rear (258), and the bottom (256) meet.

[0062] The front (260) of the collapsible storage compartment (248) has a front flap (288) that extends around the first trailer cross support (222). At a first loose end (290) of the front flap (288) a first set of attach means (292) are located. Complementary attach means (294) are located on the first trailer cross support (222), and allow the front flap (288) and hence the collapsible storage compartment (248) to be attached to the first trailer cross support (222). The rear (258) of the collapsible storage compartment (248) has a rear flap (296) that extends around the second trailer cross support (224). At a second loose end (298) of the rear flap (296), a second set of attach means (300) are located. Complementary attach means (302) are located on the second trailer cross support (224) and allow the rear flap (296), and hence the collapsible storage compartment (248) to be attached to the second trailer cross support (224).

[0063] The first side (250) has a third set of attach means (304) located on a bottom edge (306) of the first side (250). A complementary set of attach means (308) is located on the first side support rail (202). When the third set of attach means (304) are connected to the complementary set of attach (308) means located on the first side support rail (202), the first side (250), and hence the collapsible storage compartment (248) is attached to the first side support rail (202). The second side (252) has a fourth set of attach means (310) located on a bottom edge (312) of the second side (252). A complementary set of attach means (314) is located on the second side support rail (204). When the fourth set of attach means (310) are connected to the complementary set of attach means (314) located on the second support rail (204), the second side (252), and hence the collapsible storage compartment (248) is attached to the second side support rail (204). In order to remove the collapsible storage compartment (248) from the first and second side support rails (202,204), and the first and second trailer cross supports (222,224), the attach means (292,294,300,302,304,308,310,314) must be disconnected, thereby allowing the collapsible storage compartment (248) to be removed from a trailer frame and collapsed for easy storage.

[0064] The attach means (292,294,300,302,304,308,310,314) may be snaps, over center latches, or Velcro® or other easily removable attach means.

[0065] The first and second side support rails (202,204) each have recesses (316,318,320,322) in the bottom (218,220) to accommodate the installation of wheel assemblies (324). In one embodiment, a wheel (326) with a through rod (328) is installed into the predefined recess (316,318,320,322), and the wheel (326) is “snap fit” into position, preventing unwanted movement or loss of the wheel (326). There would generally be at least 2 wheels (326) installed in the first and second side support rails (202,204), providing adequate rolling support for the trailer (200).

[0066] In a second embodiment of a wheel assembly, a wheel assembly (329) is bolted into the first and second side support rails (202,204), thus allowing the wheel (326) to rotate and provide a small amount of steering to the front and/or rear of the side support rails (202,204). The wheel assembly (329) consists of a wheel (326) having a through rod (328), and a “U” shaped bracket (330) that positions the wheel (326) therein. The “U” shaped bracket (330) has a bolt (332) projecting upwards to attach to a nut (334) installed in the recesses of the first and second side support rails (202,204).

[0067] A third embodiment of the disclosed invention is the preferred embodiment. Figure twenty three shows a perspective view of the third embodiment of the floating collapsible utility trailer (400).

[0068] The floating collapsible utility trailer (400) has a first side support rail (402) and a second side support rail (404). The first and second side support rails (402,404) are made as opposing mating components. The first and second side support rails (402,404) each have a forward end (406,410) and an aft end (408,412), the forward ends (406,410) and the aft ends (408,412) each having a hydrodynamic shape that allows the first and second side support rails (402,404) to cut through the water more easily than if the first and second side support rails (402,404) were made more square.

[0069] A left rail assembly (414) is comprised of the first side support rail (402), where the first side support rail (402) has a first floor support (416). The first floor support (416) extends towards an inside portion (418) of the floating collapsible utility trailer (400). In order to provide the maximum amount of support for the first floor support (416), a series of stiffening grooves (420) are incorporated into the first floor support (416). The first floor support (416) has a forward end (422) and an aft end (424). The aft end (424) of the first floor support (416) has an aft wall (426) projecting upwards. The first side rail (402) has a first side wall (428) projecting upwards where an aft end (430) of the first side wall (428) intersects with the aft wall (426) of the first floor support (416) creating a aft water-tight corner (432). The forward end (422) of the first floor support (416) has a first forward wall (434) projecting upwards. The first forward wall (434) may be inclined and shaped to provide a proper hydrodynamic shape, which also is visually pleasing to the owner of the floating collapsible floating utility trailer (400). The left rail assembly (414) has a first hand hold (436) defined therein, where the first hand hold (436) allows for easy grasping of the floating collapsible utility trailer (400).

[0070] A right rail assembly (438) of the floating collapsible utility trailer (400) is comprised of the second side support rail (404), where the second side support rail (404) has a second floor support (440). The second floor support (440) extends towards the inside portion (418) of the floating collapsible utility trailer (400). In order to provide the maximum amount of support for the second floor support (440), a series of stiffening grooves (442) are incorporated into the second floor support (440). The stiffening grooves (442) incorporated into the second floor support (440) are essentially in line, and parallel to the stiffening grooves (420) in the first floor support (416). The right rail assembly (438) has a second hand hold (444) defined therein, where the first hand hold (436) allows for easy grasping of the floating collapsible utility trailer (400).

[0071] The first and second hand holds (436,444) are generally opposing each other when the floating collapsible utility trailer (400) is expanded, allowing two individuals to easily carry the expanded floating collapsible utility trailer (400).

[0072] The second floor support (440) has a forward end (446) and an aft end (448). The aft end (448) of the second floor support (440) has an aft wall (450) projecting upwards. The second side rail (404) has a second side wall (452) projecting upwards where an aft end (454) of the second side wall (452) intersects with the aft wall (450) of the second floor support (440) creating an aft water tight corner (456). The forward end (446) of the second floor support (440) has a second forward wall (458) projecting upwards. The second forward wall (458) may be inclined and shaped to provide a proper hydrodynamic shape, which also is visually pleasing to the owner of the floating collapsible floating utility trailer (400).

[0073] In order to provide for the best water tight sealing for the floating collapsible floating utility trailer (400), the aft wall (426) of the first floor support (416) and the aft wall (450) of the second floor support (440) meet at a mid plane of the floating collapsible floating utility trailer (400) Correspondingly, the first floor support (416) and the second floor support (440) meet at the mid plane of the floating collapsible utility trailer (400) as well as the forward end (422) of the first floor support (416) and the forward end (446) of the second floor support (440) meeting at the mid plane of the floating collapsible floating utility trailer (400).

[0074] A first hinge means (460) is located on a top side (462,464) of the aft wall (426,450) of the first and second floor support (416,440), while a second hinge means (466) is located on a top side (468,470) of the forward wall (434,458) of the first and second floor support (416,440). The hinge means (460,466) may be simple “piano hinges”, or be made from flexible material, or other type means.

[0075] A first latch means (472) is shown attached to a bottom side (474,476) of the forward wall (434,458) of the first and second floor support (416,440), while a second latch means (478)(not shown) is attached to a bottom side (480,482) of the aft wall (426,450) of the first and second floor support (416,440).

[0076] In order to provide for the greatest buoyancy of the floating collapsible utility trailer (400), the left rail assembly (414) is designed having a first outer hull (484). The first outer hull (484) is depicted in FIG. 27 and is shown having a first bottom (486), a first side (488), a second bottom (490), and a first gunwale (492). The first floor support (416) is shown above the first bottom (486) creating a space (494) therebetween. A first interior wall (496) is shown opposing the first gunwale (492). As is shown, the first gunwale (492), the first floor support (416), the first interior wall (496), the first side (488), the first bottom (486), the second bottom (490), and a first mid wall (498) is shown creating a volume (500) therein enclosed. The enclosed volume (500) is water tight, and may be filled with a buoyancy enhancing material such as foam, or even air.

[0077] In order to provide for the greatest buoyancy of the floating collapsible utility trailer (400), right rail assembly (438) is designed having a second outer hull (485). The second outer hull (485) is depicted in FIG. 27 and is shown having a third bottom (487), a second side (489), a fourth bottom (491), and a second gunwale (493). The second floor support (440) is shown above the second bottom (487) creating a space (495) therebetween. A second interior wall (497) is shown opposing the second gunwale (493). As is shown, the second gunwale (493), the second floor support (440), the second interior wall (497), the second side (489), the third bottom (487), the fourth bottom (491), and a second mid wall (499) is shown creating a second volume (501) therein enclosed. The second volume (501) is water tight, and may be filled with a buoyancy enhancing material such as foam, or even air.

[0078] The first mid wall (498) is shown having a tongue (502) projecting into a corresponding groove (504) in the second mid wall (499). A gasket (506) is shown interspaced between the right rail assembly (438) and the left rail assembly (414) assuring that there will be a reduction, if not elimination of water leakage into the interior (418) of the floating collapsible utility trailer (400). The gasket (506) may be attached to either the right rail (438) or left rail assembly (414), where the best location would be in a groove (508) of the right rail assembly (438), thereby protecting the gasket (506) from inadvertent damage. The right rail assembly (438) is made a mirror image of the left rail assembly (414) except for the differences herein described.

[0079] The left rail assembly (414) has defined therein a first recess (510) and a second recess (512). A first wheel assembly (514) is shown inserted into the first recess (510), while a second wheel assembly (516) is shown inserted into the second recess (512). The right rail assembly (438) has defined therein a third recess (518) and a fourth recess (520). A third wheel assembly (522) is shown inserted into the third recess (518), while a fourth wheel assembly (524) is shown inserted into the fourth recess (520). The first, second, third, and fourth wheel assemblies (514,516,522,524) are mounted into their respective recesses (510,512,518,520) in a conventional fashion that is will known in the art.

[0080] A first forward portion (526) of the left rail assembly (414) is shown having a first through slot (528) defined therein. A first forward portion (530) of the right rail assembly (438) is shown having a second through slot (532) defined therein. The first through slot (528) and the second through slot (532) provide a means to attach a tow rope or hitch to the floating collapsible utility trailer in order to allow the floating collapsible utility trailer to be towed by a boat or pulled on land (using the aforementioned wheel assemblies).

[0081] A collapsible storage compartment (534) is shown expanded and positioned on the floating collapsible utility trailer (400). The collapsible storage compartment (534) has a first side (536), and opposing second side (538), a top (540), and a bottom (542). The front (548) of the collapsible storage compartment (534) has a first support rod (544), while the rear (550) of the collapsible storage compartment (534) has a second support rod (546). The first and second support rods (544,546) expanding the collapsible storage compartment (534) to its maximum volumetric capacity. The top (540) of the collapsible storage compartment (534) has a zipper means (552), the zipper means (552) being generally “U” shaped and allowing for a maximum opening when the zipper means (552) is un-hooked thereby allowing access to an interior of the collapsible storage compartment (534). The collapsible storage compartment (534) is held in place by the first and second support rod's (544,546) inherent stiffness in that the first side (536), opposing second side (538), front (548) and rear (550) are expanded to fill the interior (418) of the floating collapsible utility trailer (400), and are forcibly held in place. Standard attach means (not shown) are attached onto the collapsible storage compartment (534) to fix the collapsible storage compartment (534) in place.

[0082] Figure twenty six shows the floating collapsible utility trailer (400) in its storage state, whereby the left rail assembly (414) and right rail assembly (438) contact each other. The first and second hand holds (436,444) are shown adjacent to each other on the left rail assembly (414) and the right rail assembly (438) providing a mounting means, and a carrying means to position and mount the floating collapsible utility trailer (400) on a wall or ceiling.

Claims

1. A floating collapsible utility trailer, comprising:

a) a bow, said bow being essentially triangular in shape and being located in the front of the floating collapsible utility trailer, a stern, said stern being located in the rear portion of the floating collapsible utility trailer, said bow and said stern each being attached to a port side and a starboard side, a bottom, said bottom attaching to said bow, said stern, said port side and said starboard side, a top portion, said top portion attaching to said bow, said stern, said port side and said starboard side, said top portion defining an internal watertight cavity therein;

b) means to remove a top protective flap from said top portion creating access to said watertight cavity;

c) means for flotation of the floating collapsible utility trailer, said means for flotation being located on said bottom of the floating collapsible utility trailer;

d) a first bottom rail, said first bottom rail being attached to said bottom of the floating collapsible utility trailer and located on said starboard side, a second bottom rail, said second bottom rail being attached to said bottom of the floating collapsible utility trailer and located on said port side, at least four wheel means, a pair of said wheel means being attached to said first bottom rail, another pair of said wheel means being attached to said second bottom rail, said four wheel means creating a quadrilateral relationship between each other;

e) means to separate said first bottom rail and said second bottom rail when the floating collapsible utility trailer is expanded to carry objects;

f) means to store said means to separate said first bottom rail and said second bottom rail when the floating collapsible utility trailer is collapsed;

g) means to tow the floating collapsible utility trailer on land;

h) means to tow the floating collapsible utility trailer in the water; and

i) strap means to secure the floating collapsible utility trailer in a collapsed state when not in use

2. The floating collapsible utility trailer as claimed in claim 1, wherein:

a) said means to separate said first bottom rail and said second bottom rail is at least two spreader bar assemblies, a first spreader bar assembly is pivotably attached to said first bottom rail and is threadably secured to said second bottom rail, a second spreader bar assembly is pivotably attached to said second bottom rail and is threadably secured to said first bottom rail.

3. The floating collapsible utility trailer as claimed in claim 1, wherein:

a) said means for flotation consists of a first lower flotation support, and a second lower flotation support, said first lower flotation support being located on said port side and on said bottom of the floating collapsible utility trailer, said second lower flotation support being locate on said starboard side and on said bottom of the floating collapsible utility trailer;

b) said means for flotation further consists of a first bow flotation support, said first bow flotation support being located on said starboard side of said bow, said second bow flotation support being located on said port side of said bow, a central bow flotation support located between said first and said second bow flotation supports, towards the front of said bow of the floating collapsible utility trailer; and

c) means for removing said first bow flotation support from said starboard side bow, and means for removing said second bow flotation support from said port side bow.

4. The floating collapsible utility trailer as claimed in claim 1, wherein:

a) said means for towing the floating collapsible utility trailer in the water consists of at least four straps, a first strap and a second strap being located on said starboard side and located towards said top portion of said starboard side with said first strap being fixed near said bow of the floating collapsible utility trailer, and said second strap being fixed near said stern of the floating collapsible utility trailer, a third strap and a fourth strap being located towards said top portion with said third strap being fixed near said bow of the floating collapsible utility trailer and said fourth strap being fixed towards said stern of the floating collapsible utility trailer.

5. The floating collapsible utility trailer as claimed in claim one, wherein:

a) said bottom of the floating collapsible utility trailer has a multiplicity of bottom supports, said multiplicity of bottom supports being attached to said bottom of the floating collapsible utility trailer and extends from said bow to said stern of the floating collapsible utility trailer stiffening said bottom of the floating collapsible utility trailer, thereby offering support for articles stowed within said internal watertight cavity.

6. A floating collapsible utility trailer, comprising:

a) a first side support rail and a second side support rail, said first and second side support rails being arranged in a parallel relationship, said first and second side support rails each having a forward end, an aft end, a top and a bottom, said top of said first and second side support rails being essentially flat, said bottom of said first and second side support rails being shaped, said first and second side support rails being watertight and hollow and providing buoyancy thereby;

b) means to separate said first said second side support rail when the floating collapsible utility trailer is expanded to carry objects;

c) said forward ends of said first and second side support rails each having a hydrodynamic shape thereby reducing drag;

d) a collapsible storage compartment, said collapsible storage compartment having a first side, a second side, a front, a bottom, and a top, said first and second sides being essentially parallel when expanded said collapsible storage compartment being water tight defining an interior compartment therein, said collapsible storage compartment having a means to gain access therein, said collapsible storage compartment having support rods installed on said first side and said second side, said collapsible storage compartment having guide means attached to said support rods;

e) means to secure said collapsible storage compartment onto said floating collapsible utility trailer;

f) means to tow the floating collapsible utility trailer on land; and

g) means to tow the floating collapsible utility trailer in the water.

7. The floating collapsible utility trailer as claimed in claim 6, wherein:

a) said means to separate said first said second side support rail consists of a first and a second trailer cross support, said first and second trailer cross supports each having a top and a bottom surface, said top of said first and second trailer cross support having a recess defined therein, said first and second trailer cross supports having a bottom surface, said bottom surface stiffening block defined thereon, said stiffening block providing an attach means to said first and second side support rail; and

b) said attach means defined on said bottom surface of said first and second trailer cross supports being a pair of slots defined therein, said top of said first and second side support rails having a recess defined in said forward and said aft ends, each of said pair of slots attaching to said recess on said top of said first and second side support rail and being interlockingly fixed to said recesses defined in said forward and said aft ends of said first and second side support rails.

8. The floating collapsible utility trailer as claimed in claim 6, wherein said means to secure said collapsible storage compartment onto said floating collapsible utility trailer consists of

a) a front flap, a rear flap, a first side and a second side, said front flap having a first set of attach means, said first trailer cross support having complimentary attach means to allow said front flap to be removably attached to said first trailer cross support;

b) said rear flap having a second set of attach means, said second trailer cross support having complimentary attach means to allow said rear flap to be removably attached to said second trailer cross support;

c) said first side having a third set of attach means, said third set of attach means being located ons a bottom edge of said first side and being removably attached to a complimentary attach means located on said first side support rail; and

d) said second side having a fourth set of attach means, said fourth set of attach means being located ons a bottom edge of said second side and being removably attached to a complimentary attach means located on said second side support rail

9. The floating collapsible utility trailer as claimed in claim 6 wherein said means to tow said tow the floating collapsible utility trailer on land comprises;

a) said first side support rail having recesses defined on said bottom surface, said recesses allowing a wheel assembly to be attached to each recess therein; and

b) said second side support rail having recesses defined on said bottom surface, said recesses allowing a wheel assembly to be attached to each recess therein.

10. A floating collapsible utility trailer, comprising:

a) a left rail assembly having a first side support rail, said first side support rail having a forward and an aft end, said first side support rail having a first floor support, said first floor support extending towards an inside portion of the floating collapsible utility trailer, said first floor support having stiffening grooves defined therein;

b) said first floor support having a forward end and an aft end, said aft end of said first floor support having an aft wall projecting upwards, said first side rail having a first side wall projecting upwards and intersecting with said aft wall creating a watertight corner, said forward end of said first floor support having a first forward wall, said first forward wall projecting upwards and intersects with said first side wall creating a watertight corner, said first side wall having a first hand hold defined therein;

c) a right rail assembly having a second side support rail, said second side support rail having a forward and an aft end, said second side support rail having a second floor support, said second floor support extending towards an inside portion of the floating collapsible utility trailer, said second floor support having stiffening grooves defined therein;

d) said second floor support having a forward end and an aft end, said aft end of said second floor support having an aft wall projecting upwards, said second side rail having a second side wall projecting upwards and intersecting with said aft wall creating a watertight corner, said forward end of said second floor support having a second forward wall, said second forward wall projecting upwards and intersecting with said second side wall creating a watertight corner, said second side wall having a second hand hold defined therein;

e) a first hinge means, said first hinge means being located on a top side of said aft wall on said left and right rail assembly, a second hinge means, said second hinge means being located on a top side of said forward wall of said left and right side rail assembly, a latch means, said latch means being located on a bottom side of said forward wall of said first and second floor support, a second latch means being attached to a bottom side of said aft wall of said first and second floor support, said left rail assembly and said right rail assembly hingeably meeting at a mid plane;

f) said left rail assembly having a first outer hull, said first outer hull having a first bottom, a first side, a second bottom and a first gunwale, said first floor support being located above said first bottom creating a space therebetween, a first interior wall is shown opposing said first gunwale, said first gunwale, said first floor support said first interior wall, said first side, said first bottom, said second bottom, and said first mid wall creating a volume therein, said volume being water tight;

g) said right rail assembly having a second outer hull, said second outer hull having a third bottom, a second side, a fourth bottom and a second gunwale, said second floor support being located above said third bottom creating a space therebetween, a second interior wall is shown opposing said second gunwale, said second gunwale, said second floor support said second interior wall, said second side, said third bottom, said fourth bottom, and said second mid wall creating a volume therein, said volume being water tight;

h) said first mid wall having a tongue defined thereon, said right rail assembly having a groove defined therein to receive said tongue;

I) said left rail assembly further having a first recess and a second recess defined therein, a first wheel assembly being fixedly inserted into said first recess, and a second wheel assembly being fixedly inserted into said second recess, said right rail assembly further having a third recess and a fourth recess defined therein, a third wheel assembly being fixedly inserted into said third recess, and a fourth wheel assembly being fixedly inserted into said fourth recess; and

j) said forward portion of said left rail assembly having a first through slot defined therein, said first forward portion of said right rail assembly having a second through slot defined therein, said first and second through slot having means to attach a tow rope thereupon.

11. The floating collapsible utility trailer as claimed in claim 10 further having;

a) a collapsible storage compartment, said collapsible storage compartment having a first side, a second side a top, a bottom, a front and a rear, said front of said collapsible storage compartment having a first support rod, said rear of said collapsible storage compartment having a second support rod, said first and second support rods providing shape and support for said collapsible storage compartment;

b) said top of said collapsible storage compartment having a zipper means to allow access to said collapsible storage compartment; and

c) said collapsible storage compartment being attached to said left and right rail assemblies by attach means.