Trailer Type Patents (Class 280/789)
  • Patent number: 8403353
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of boat trailers, and in particular, to boat trailers with rotatable support structures. The boat trailer includes a front end configured for hitching to a towing vehicle, a rear end, a wheel assembly disposed between the front and rear ends for rolling engagement with the ground and a support frame assembly carried on the wheel assembly. The support frame assembly has a lower base frame portion and an upper carousel frame portion superimposed on, and pivotally connected to, the base frame portion. The carousel frame portion is configured to support a boat thereon. Also provided is a support frame lifting assembly connected to the support frame assembly and the wheel assembly. The support frame lifting assembly is operable to raise at least a portion of the support frame assembly above the wheel assembly so as to permit rotation of the carousel frame portion relative to the base frame portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignees: Andrew Fink Marine Limited, Maxiloda Corp.
    Inventor: Andrew James Fink
  • Patent number: 8376439
    Abstract: A deck assembly for use with a transporter vehicle is provided. The deck assembly includes a fastener, a first deck panel including an upper support surface, a first side wall and a second side wall, the first side wall defining at least one first opening, the second side wall defining at least one second opening and a second deck panel coupled to the first deck panel, the second deck panel including an upper support surface, a first side wall and a second side wall, the first side wall defining at least one first opening, the second side wall defining at least one second opening. The second side wall of the first deck panel is supported adjacent to the first side wall of the second deck panel such that the at least one first opening of the first deck panel is at least partially aligned with the at least one second opening of the second deck panel to define a through hole for the fastener. The fastener is received within the through hole and secures the first deck panel to the second deck panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Jerr-Dan Corporation
    Inventors: Sanjeev Kuriakose, Joseph G. Smitka
  • Patent number: 8322750
    Abstract: One embodiment of a beam structure may include a first side panel and a second side panel spaced apart from the first side panel. An intermediate panel extends from an intermediate portion of the first side panel to an intermediate portion of the second side panel. Further, the beam structure may include an end panel extending from an end portion of the first side panel to an end portion of the second side panel. The end panel may be spaced apart from the intermediate panel for configuring an enclosed channel bounded by the first and second side panels, the intermediate panel, and the end panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: EZ Loader Custom Boat Trailers, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Crow, Gary L. Potter
  • Publication number: 20120291691
    Abstract: An evacuation cabin includes an upper housing and a lower housing. The upper housing has a joining portion along a bottom edge of the upper housing and an opening at middle of one side of the upper housing for receiving an upper part of a water-sealable door. The lower housing has a joining portion corresponding and sealed to the joining portion of the upper housing such that the upper housing and the lower housing are sealed integrally and water-sealably, and an opening corresponding to the opening of the upper housing and for receiving a lower part of the water-sealable door. There are accommodated in the lower housing a power source acting as a weight to lower the center of gravity of the evacuation cabin so as to maintain the evacuation cabin in a stable condition when water floods the ground. A chassis, provided underneath the evacuation cabin, is mounted with an axle for installing wheels so that the evacuation cabin can stand stationary or be transported as a trailer by a mobile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2011
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Inventor: Stanley Shao-Ying LEE
  • Patent number: 8292328
    Abstract: An agricultural header assembly broadly includes a header and a header transport assembly. The header is disposed in a transport orientation when a rigid beam thereof is out of vertical alignment with the header center of gravity. The transport assembly includes first and second pairs of spaced apart wheels shiftably connected to the rigid beam for movement between a transport position and a field position. The first and second pairs of wheels define respective first and second midpoints therebetween when in the transport position. The first and second midpoints are each disposed in general vertical alignment with the header center of gravity when the header is in the transport orientation to substantially balance the header on the transport assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: AGCO Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Honas, Christopher T. Sauerwein, Randy Lohrentz
  • Patent number: 8263217
    Abstract: A support panel structure includes at least one panel which extends in longitudinal and cross direction of the support panel structure and essentially forms one integrated structure, which integrated structure is at least partly built up of at least one composite resin laminate building block comprising at least a first and a second face sheet of a fibrous reinforced material with sandwiched in between a sheet of a foamed core material, wherein the first and second face sheet and the sheet of core material are mutually connected by means of fibrous reinforcing material at least part of which extends in height direction of the resin laminate building block, further with the support panel structure including in height direction a multiplicity of composite resin laminate building blocks stacked on top of each other and bonded to each other, at least a first and a second superposed resin laminate building blocks which sandwich between them a layer of a foamed material, the resin laminate building blocks and foame
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Groep Stevens International
    Inventor: Jan Verhaeghe
  • Patent number: 8256799
    Abstract: A drop deck trailer frame includes a front section having a first upper surface, a rear section having a second upper surface lower than the first upper surface, and an improved connection between the front and rear sections which tends to reduce cracking which commonly occurs in drop deck trailer frames due to the stresses in the region of the connection. The connection preferably includes a semicircular weld. In addition, heat treated bent flanges are typically used to provide additional strength. Fasteners such as bolts are also typically used to connect various flanges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Mac Trailer Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Maiorana, Denis Gosselin
  • Patent number: 8235421
    Abstract: A transport frame includes a plurality of beams interconnected to form the frame with a first group of the beams intersecting and extending through a second group of the beams. The first group of the beams is secured to the second group of beams at their respective intersections. At least one of the beams comprises a polymer beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Inventor: Philip Biscan
  • Patent number: 8191957
    Abstract: A flatbed trailer includes first, second and third flatbed sections whereby the first and second sections are joinable in an extendable configuration and the first and third sections are joinable in an alternate and typically standard configuration. The trailer can be switched between the extendable and alternate configuration within a fairly short time. The invention thus eliminates the need for both a standard extendable trailer and a separate non-extendable trailer, and provides the ability to use the alternate configuration when the extendable configuration is not necessary in order to substantially reduce the weight which would otherwise be involved with the use of the extendable configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Mac Trailer Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Denis Gosselin, James A. Maiorana
  • Patent number: 8177258
    Abstract: A trailer system that is quickly and easily assembled and disassembled. The trailer components can be shipped and stored in a knockdown configuration and then quickly assembled with single wrench and little mechanical skill. A plurality of structural members are bolted onto a beam set to form the trailer bed. A simple trailer axle and wheel assembled can then be attached to the trailer bed. The shipping container is used to form the surfaces of the trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Inventor: Marty Williams
  • Patent number: 8167329
    Abstract: A fifth-wheel trailer having a forward section comprising an adjustable-height floor. The floor being capable of moving up to a raised position to provide sufficient clearance for a towing vehicle to attach to the trailer for towing. The floor also being capable of moving down to a lowered position to provide a trailer with an approximately even floor and a full-height ceiling throughout. The present adjustable-height floor does not interfere with the structural stability of the trailer's main frame including its pin box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Inventor: Garry Wayne Lee
  • Patent number: 8162352
    Abstract: A travel trailer configured to be coupled to and towed by a vehicle is provided. The travel trailer has a compartment that is attached to a chassis which includes a front end and a rear end. A plurality of wheels are attached to the chassis adjacent the rear end, and a hitch assembly is attached to the chassis adjacent the front end. The compartment at the front end of the chassis forms first and second corners. A recess, directed inwardly toward the interior of the compartment, is located at each corner of the compartment. Cavities formed by each recess may receive a portion of the vehicle while the vehicle is engaged in a turn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Heartland Recreational Vehicles, LLC
    Inventors: John M. Rhymer, Douglas M. Lantz, Scott J. Tuttle
  • Patent number: 8152200
    Abstract: Heavy equipment trailer and deck extension. The trailer has an elongated main deck with longitudinally extending frame members on opposite sides thereof, and ground engaging wheels toward the rear of the main deck. The extension has longitudinally extending frame members aligned with the frame members of the main deck, and coupling pins extend between the frame members of the main deck and the extension in load supporting relationship, with lock pins preventing longitudinal separation of the main deck and the extension. C-shaped channel members extend along the upper, lower, and outer sides of the extension, past the coupling pins, and along upper, lower, and outer side portions of the frame members of the main deck to hold the frame members in alignment and prevent sagging under load conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Harley Murray, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas Glen Murray, David Lee Trowbridge
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8136858
    Abstract: A flatbed trailer comprising front and rear flatbed trailer sections and a method of operation is provided. In one embodiment, a first support assembly is configured to lift the front flatbed trailer section relative to the rear flatbed trailer section, and second support assembly is configured to lift the rear flatbed trailer section relative to the front flatbed trailer section. Roller wheels may provide rolling engagement between the front and rear flatbed trailer sections, and slide members may provide sliding engagement between the front and rear flatbed trailer sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: MAC Trailer Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Denis Gosselin, James A. Maiorana
  • Patent number: 8096583
    Abstract: A drop deck trailer frame includes a front section having a first upper surface, a rear section having a second upper surface lower than the first upper surface, and an improved connection between the front and rear sections which tends to reduce cracking which commonly occurs in drop deck trailer frames due to the stresses in the region of the connection. The connection preferably includes a semicircular weld. In addition, heat treated bent flanges are typically used to provide additional strength. Fasteners such as bolts are also typically used to connect various flanges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Mac Trailer Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Maiorana, Denis Gosselin
  • Patent number: 8070214
    Abstract: A flatbed trailer includes first, second and third flatbed sections whereby the first and second sections are joinable in an extendable configuration and the first and third sections are joinable in an alternate and typically standard configuration. The trailer can be switched between the extendable and alternate configuration within a fairly short time. The invention thus eliminates the need for both a standard extendable trailer and a separate non-extendable trailer, and provides the ability to use the alternate configuration when the extendable configuration is not necessary in order to substantially reduce the weight which would otherwise be involved with the use of the extendable configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Mac Trailer Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Denis Gosselin, James A. Maiorana
  • Patent number: 8016316
    Abstract: A pneumatic drop frame trailer has lateral wheels connected to the frame by pivotal wheel support arms with airbags between the support arms and frame, a pivotal tongue member with an airbag between the tongue and the frame, a deck having an inclined ramp portion at the rear end, and a control box on the deck containing an air compressor, air storage tank, and associated valves and controls. The wheel airbags and tongue airbag can be inflated or deflated while hitched to a vehicle to raise or lower the frame evenly and horizontally relative to the ground and may also be inflated to provide stiffness or shock absorbing characteristics. When the wheel airbags are deflated, the bottom of the frame is disposed substantially horizontally and very close to the ground surface with the ramp portion substantially flush with the ground surface in a loading and unloading position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Inventor: William Carlton
  • Patent number: 7997605
    Abstract: A trailer with a pivoting and extendable tongue for use with all terrain vehicles (ATV) wherein the trailer tongue connects to a standard vehicle hitch receiver providing means for pivoting the trailer up in a raised transport or storage space saving configuration supported by the ATV or other vehicle receiver. The tongue is telescoping. The wheels are provided with heavy duty fenders which can be pivotally mounted on the wheel axles to function as sled runners. Support members extend from the axles to a selected point under the trailer frame at a selected angle in front of the wheels to function as brush guards so that the wheels are not caught in brush, hung on stumps, or deep gullies. A keeper can be removed to allow the fenders to be rotated forward and down to be used as sled runners when the ATV is towing a load in the snow. The wheels are also positioned under the trailer bed to extend pass the frame to allow the trailer to be backed over objects such as logs or gullies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Inventor: Floyd L. Kittrell
  • Publication number: 20110163517
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a safety trailer has semi-tractor hitches at both ends and a safety wall that is fixed to one side of the trailer. That side, however, can be changed to the right or left side of the road, depending on the end to which the truck attaches. A caboose can be attached at the end of the trailer opposite the tractor to provide additional lighting and impact protection. Optionally, the trailer can be equipped with overhead protection, lighting, ventilation, onboard hydraulics, compressors, generators and other equipment, as well as related fuel, water, storage and restroom facilities and other amenities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2010
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Applicant: Concaten Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin K. Groeneweg
  • Patent number: 7967338
    Abstract: The trailer chassis includes a plurality of frame members forming a substantially rectangular box frame. The rectangular box frame includes a central, elongate main sub-frame integral with a pair of spaced outboard frame rail sections where wheel wells are formed. The central main sub-frame is devoid of cross members to provide unhindered storage space. Select sections of the rectangular box frame are covered with rigid plating to strengthen the torsional rigidity of the trailer chassis. The front section of the rectangular box frame includes a raised platform with a hitch frame integral thereto for installing a hitch. The trailer chassis is detachably mounted to the trailer in order to permit separate shipment of the trailer chassis in a shipping container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Inventor: Russell L Anderson
  • Patent number: 7938427
    Abstract: A fifth wheel trailer of the type designed to be towed with a towing vehicle having a vehicle hitch assembly includes a trailer body having an elevated front portion, and a mounting arrangement extending downward from beneath the front portion. The front portion of the trailer body has a generally convex forward surface. The trailer further includes a trailer chassis supporting the trailer body. The trailer chassis includes a forward portion supporting the front portion of the trailer body. The forward portion of the trailer chassis has a pair of side frame beams that extend along the sides of the trailer chassis. The forward portion of the trailer chassis includes a curved forward edge beam that is joined to the forward ends of the pair of side frame beams. The curved forward edge beam generally matches the curve of the front portion of the trailer body and provides support for the trailer body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Thor Tech, Inc.
    Inventor: Barry Wade Ousley
  • Patent number: 7909355
    Abstract: A multi-purpose trailer provides further utility by being easily configurable in a carrying orientation, a drive-on loading orientation, and a storage orientation. The storage orientation is capable of near vertical storage, thus taking up very limited amounts of floor space in a garage or storage area. The drive-on loading orientation provides a ramped portion which easily accommodates the loading of wheeled vehicles without the need for additional ramp components or members. Further, mechanisms are provided to easily adjust between the various orientations including hydraulically lifting from a loading orientation to a transport orientation. To provide additional utility, provisions are made on the trailer surface for the attachment of multiple modular accessories.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: United Hydraulics, LLC.
    Inventors: William C. Thedford, Mickey Bowles, Thomas E. Mason
  • Patent number: 7905072
    Abstract: A support panel structure includes at least one panel which extends in longitudinal and cross direction of the support panel structure and essentially forms one integrated structure, which integrated structure is at least partly built up of at least one composite resin laminate building block comprising at least a first and a second face sheet of a fibrous reinforced material with sandwiched in between a sheet of a foamed core material, wherein the first and second face sheet and the sheet of core material are mutually connected by means of fibrous reinforcing material at least part of which extends in height direction of the resin laminate building block, further with the support panel structure including in height direction a multiplicity of composite resin laminate building blocks stacked on top of each other and bonded to each other, at least a first and a second superposed resin laminate building blocks which sandwich between them a layer of a foamed material, the resin laminate building blocks and foame
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Groep Stevens International
    Inventor: Jan Verhaeghe
  • Publication number: 20110042930
    Abstract: A transport frame includes a plurality of beams interconnected to form the frame with a first group of the beams intersecting and extending through a second group of the beams. The first group of the beams is secured to the second group of beams at their respective intersections. At least one of the beams comprises a polymer beam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Inventor: Philip Biscan
  • Patent number: 7891697
    Abstract: A folding trailer suitable for being towed behind a vehicle includes a platform having a center section, a forward section, and a rearward section. A first hinge element engages the center section and the forward section and has a first rotational centerline that is above the center section. The first hinge element enables the forward section to be folded relative to the center section. A second hinge element engages the center section and the rearward section and has a second rotational centerline. The second rotational centerline is longitudinally spaced apart from the first rotational centerline and above the center section. The second rotational centerline is vertically offset from the first rotational centerline and enables the rearward section to be folded relative to the center section. The rearward section engages the second hinge element for rotation about the second rotational centerline relative to the center section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Inventor: John G. Fahrbach
  • Patent number: 7878545
    Abstract: A travel trailer configured to be coupled to and towed by a vehicle is provided. The travel trailer has a compartment that is attached to a chassis which includes a front end and a rear end. A plurality of wheels are attached to the chassis adjacent the rear end, and a hitch assembly is attached to the chassis adjacent the front end. The compartment at the front end of the chassis forms first and second corners. A recess, directed inwardly toward the interior of the compartment, is located at each corner of the compartment. Cavities formed by each recess may receive a portion of the vehicle while the vehicle is engaged in a turn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Heartland Recreational Vehicles, LLC
    Inventors: John Mitchell Rhymer, Douglas M. Lantz, Scott J. Tuttle
  • Publication number: 20100320739
    Abstract: A trailer with a pivoting and extendable tongue for use with all terrain vehicles (ATV) wherein the trailer tongue connects to a standard vehicle hitch receiver providing means for pivoting the trailer up in a raised transport or storage space saving configuration supported by the ATV or other vehicle receiver. The tongue is telescoping so that it can be shortened before raising the trailer to the space saving position. The ball mount pivot device on the ATV trailer tongue includes two plates, one attached to each side of the mount. The plates include holes for the attachment of the trailer's tongue in a vertical attitude for space saving transport. Two pins hold the tongue vertically in the plates. Removal of the pins allows the trailer to be rotated downward from a vertical position to a horizontal position for towing behind a vehicle such as an ATV. The tongue includes a ball receiving member mounted on the distal end of the tongue for engagement with a ball extending from the ball mount.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2009
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Inventor: Floyd L. Kittrell
  • Patent number: 7845700
    Abstract: An apparatus comprising a front flatbed trailer section, a rear flatbed trailer section, a first support assembly carried by one of the front and rear flatbed trailer sections, and wherein the first support assembly at least partially disengages the other of the front and rear flatbed trailer sections. A method of extending a trailer comprising the steps of providing a first flatbed trailer section and a second flatbed trailer section with a slide member and a first support assembly, displacing the first support assembly in a first direction, separating the first and second flatbed trailer sections in a vertical direction, and moving one of the first and second flatbed trailer sections in a horizontal direction relative to the other of the first and second flatbed trailer sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Mac Trailer Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Denis Gosselin, James A. Maiorana
  • Patent number: 7837215
    Abstract: The present invention relates to polyurea composition coated trailers and methods of making the same. In an embodiment, the present invention is directed to a trailer comprising a frame having a front side and a back side, at least one axle coupled to the frame, a plurality of wheels coupled to the at least one axle, and a polyurea coating, wherein the polyurea coating encapsulates at least a portion of the frame. In an embodiment, the present invention is directed to a method for protecting a metal trailer from corrosion comprising cleaning the surfaces of a metal trailer and applying a layer of a polyurea composition to the surfaces of the metal trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Project Boat Management, LLC
    Inventor: Randy Wayne Hopper
  • Patent number: 7832767
    Abstract: A drop deck trailer frame includes a front section having a first upper surface, a rear section having a second upper surface lower than the first upper surface, and an improved connection between the front and rear sections which tends to reduce cracking which commonly occurs in drop deck trailer frames due to the stresses in the region of the connection. The connection preferably includes a semicircular weld. In addition, heat treated bent flanges are typically used to provide additional strength. Fasteners such as bolts are also typically used to connect various flanges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: MAC Trailer Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Maiorana, Denis Gosselin
  • Patent number: 7832155
    Abstract: A drop floor for a mobile home or a park model home creates additional space and headroom between the ceiling and floor. A home built according to the invention typically includes a frame supported upon an axle. The frame has numerous cross members extending between a pair of opposite side members and includes a first portion located at a first height with respect to the axle and a second portion located at a second height below the first height. A building structure is supported on the first and second frame portions. The invention includes a drop floor construction method where floor decking is attached to the second portion of the frame so that the floor decking is in contact with the frame and located at the second height, which is below the first height. The drop floor includes nailers, closure material and insulation so that the drop floor can rest upon the ground surface if desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Fairmont Homes, Inc.
    Inventor: James Shea
  • Patent number: 7828329
    Abstract: A transport frame includes a plurality of polymer beams interconnected to form the frame with a first group of the polymer beams intersecting and extending through a second group of the polymer beams. The first group of the polymer beams is secured to the second group of polymer beams by an adhesive at their respective intersections. At least one of the polymer beams provides a non-conductive raceway for routing electrical wires or cables through the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Inventor: Philip Biscan
  • Patent number: 7810835
    Abstract: A sport trailer including a center load supporting rail, wheels, mounting assemblies for the wheels, and a stowable towing tongue, the wheel mounting assemblies include a shock absorber connected to each wheel and to a bifurcated strut that extends outward from the center rail. Upper and lower dual swing arms pivot and extend from the center rail to a mounting bracket attached to the wheels. The upper swing arms are shorter than the lower swing arms to achieve negative camber. The towing tongue is removably received within an inner channel of the center rail and telescopes relative to the center rail to achieve different length configurations of the trailer. A rear tongue is removably received within the center rail inner channel at the back end of the trailer. The rear tongue telescopes relative to the center rail and includes a taillight assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Yakima Products, Inc.
    Inventor: John C. Koch
  • Patent number: 7802817
    Abstract: A building truss transport trailer device adapted for transporting upright or inverted building trusses. The base of the transport trailer device comprises a horizontal bed frame section, having top and bottom sides and a longitudinal axis. The bed frame section is supported on a set of wheels attached to the bottom side thereof. The bed frame section includes a tongue and hitch member adapted for attachment to a towing vehicle. A vertical support frame section extends from the top side of the bed frame section and is positioned along the longitudinal axis thereof. A fastening system is attached to the bed frame and adapted for fastening a plurality of upright or inverted building trusses, positioned on the bed frame section and against the vertical support frame section, to the trailer device for transport thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Northwest Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: James L. Hager, David B. Sundly
  • Patent number: 7770928
    Abstract: In accordance with one aspect of the present development, a platform trailer includes a chassis comprising first and second aluminum beams each including an upper flange and a lower flange connected by a web. The first and second beams are arranged parallel to each other and each extend from a forward end to a rear end in the direction of a longitudinal axis of the trailer. The first and second beams are each defined with an arch comprising an upwardly oriented apex located between the forward and rear ends. At least one axle assembly connected to the chassis and includes a left wheel and tire assembly and a right wheel and tire assembly. A platform is supported on the first and second beams of the chassis. The platform includes spaced-apart left and right side rails and a plurality of extruded aluminum panels that each extend from a left lateral end abutted with said left side rail to a right lateral end abutted with said right side rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: East Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventor: Howard D. Booher
  • Patent number: 7708299
    Abstract: A frameless modular trailer for towing behind a motor vehicle is provided. The trailer is made of slidably coupled extrusions for easy assembly. The front and side panels include a protrusion on the top surface. This protrusion allows for the stacking of additional panels for vary the height of the trailer. Additionally, one of a variety of top panels may be stacked on the front and side panels to multiple configurations for securing objects within the trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Smart Transport Solutions
    Inventors: Bernard Duval, Scott Boyd, Joel Nehring, Mark Adams
  • Publication number: 20100096845
    Abstract: A mobile trailer unit including an integrated self-contained, independent power systems and each unit being constructed and configured with a reinforced frame and all-terrain mobility suspension and traction systems, further including a superior insulated envelope construction for providing interior temperature management, including effective cooling or heating capabilities even in extreme temperature conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2009
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Inventor: Charles H. Leahy
  • Publication number: 20100090453
    Abstract: Trailer for carrying a welding unit for butt-welding pipe portions, comprising a chassis with brackets for supporting and locking the body of a welding unit for butt-welding pipe portions, the chassis being provided with at least one pair of steered wheels, which can be oriented by means of a drawbar, and at least one pair of driving wheels, which are actuated by an electric motor, which in turn is powered by a current generator which is provided, together with the associated internal-combustion engine, on board the trailer; the chassis also supports a hydraulic pump and a hydraulic unit to which the hydraulic components of the body of the welding unit are to be connected, and an electrical unit for connecting the electrical devices with which the welding unit is provided; the chassis is provided with a fuel tank for the internal-combustion engine and an oil tank for the pump, the hydraulic unit and the hydraulic components of the welding unit connected to the pump; in this manner, the welding unit can be mov
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2008
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Inventor: Renzo Bortoli
  • Publication number: 20100090452
    Abstract: A trailer including a trailer bed which is at least partly made of a composite material and at least one axle which extends in cross direction of the trailer and is connected to the trailer bed for suspending the wheels. The trailer bed includes an upper and a lower load absorbing surface, wherein the upper load absorbing surface includes in longitudinal direction a front and a back area and a connection area between them, wherein the connection area corresponds to a surface area where a bottom face of the upper load absorbing surface is connected to the lower load absorbing surface. The lower load absorbing surface includes in longitudinal direction a first part which is bent with respect to the upper load absorbing surface and which is connected with a first end part to the bottom face of the upper load absorbing surface. The lower load absorbing surface further includes a second part which extends from the first part along the upper load absorbing surface towards the back area thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2007
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Applicant: Groep Stevens International, Naamloze Vennootschap
    Inventor: Jan Verhaeghe
  • Patent number: 7690687
    Abstract: A trailer mounted crash attenuation system has an impact head assembly, a bursting tubular trailer frame member, and a breakaway axle assembly. Upon impact by a vehicle, the head assembly is urged forward bursting the tubular frame of the trailer. As the impact continues, the head assembly contacts an axle accelerator rod which results in the disengagement of the axle, trailer tire, and fenders from the trailer frame member. Impact energy is dissipated by the controlled deceleration of the vehicle as it moves forward through the attenuator system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Safety By Design Co.
    Inventors: John D. Reid, John R. Rohde, King K. Mak, Dean L. Sicking
  • Publication number: 20100072780
    Abstract: A stake system for providing a removable support for articles being transported on flatbed vehicles is provided. The stake system has a composite body with a cap on one end and a boot on the opposite end. A cover layer is shrink wrapped over the composite body and may include a heat-activated adhesive. The boot includes a flange that contacts the flatbed vehicle when the stake system is inserted into pockets formed in the flatbed vehicle. A pin is tethered to the boot and may be inserted into a hole in the boot adjacent to the underside of the flatbed vehicle. The pin provides a convenient means for locking the stake system to the vehicle and prevents the stake system from disengaging during operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2008
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Applicant: CONSOLIDATED EDISON COMPANY OF NEW YORK, INC.
    Inventor: Anthony F. Barna
  • Publication number: 20100066070
    Abstract: A trailer that has doors and openings to hold and transport items, and can convert to a flatbed trailer with a trunk door, a flatbed front, and flatbed sides.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2009
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Inventor: Linda Scott-Greavu
  • Patent number: 7677625
    Abstract: A primarily aluminum extendable flatbed trailer has front and rear flatbed sections adjustable to various trailer lengths. Reinforcing plates with holes therein are connected to an aluminum longitudinal rail on one flatbed section. Holes in the rail aligned with the reinforcing plate holes removably receive a locking pin which secures the front section to the rear section. The locking pin slidably engages the reinforcing plates and associated wear bars. A generally vertical web strengthener is secured to a vertical longitudinal web on the rail adjacent the suspension of the trailer. Tubular aluminum braces are used in various locations. A friction reducing plastic slide member on one flatbed section slidably engages the other flatbed section. Another trailer includes first, second and third flatbed sections whereby the first and second sections are joinable in an extendable configuration and the first and third sections are joinable in a standard configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Mac Trailer Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Denis Gosselin, James A. Maiorana
  • Patent number: 7677592
    Abstract: A trailer with interchangeable cargo specific pods positionable into alignment with a flatbed of the trailer and including fasteners in vertical alignment with fasteners of the trailer. The cargo specific pods may carry cargo such as bicycles, kayaks, canoes, skis, sailboats, skidoos, luggage, seadoos, surfboards, livestock, scoreboards, advertising panels, rowing sculls, contractor's equipment, camping units, and camper trailer pods. One or more pods may be placed on the flatbed at a time for transport by the trailer. One cargo pod includes doors to allow for easy access to cargo. A bicycle pod includes an arrangement of inclined grooved supports for receiving bicycle tires. Sets of hooks may be staggered in height from highest to lowest. Each grooved support includes a hook for hooking about a bicycle tire. A watercraft pod comprises a ladder assembly having opposing ladder towers, each tower including at least one support formed from a rung which pairs with an opposing rung.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Inventor: Stephen Giesler
  • Patent number: 7665768
    Abstract: The invention concerns a road trailer whose frame consists of profiles having a fin to support the floor and grooves on their upper and lower faces able to retain in rotation bolt heads and the lower edges of sidewalls (10). The side members and cross bars are joined by corner pieces which have a vertical orifice to receive the lower end of a post (9) comprising orthogonal grooves housing the side edges of the sidewalls (10). The corner pieces (30) have two perpendicular arms respectively fitted into the adjacent ends of profiles forming the frame. Mounting of the elements requires little tooling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: SMART Transport Solutions
    Inventor: Bernard Duval
  • Patent number: 7654609
    Abstract: A motorcycle trailer includes a base having an upper surface and a lower surface. The base is configured to receive a payload on the upper surface and further configured to support the payload on the upper surface. A first support is attached to the base and configured to support the lower surface of the base above the ground. A cylinder is configured to retract the first support such that the lower surface of the base is lowered to the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Lucky Manufacturing, LLC
    Inventors: John McNutt, William Chris Eley, Lance Tyler Ellis, Patrick C. Davidson
  • Patent number: 7619506
    Abstract: A sensor device for detecting whether a tractor and a trailer of a truck are connected includes a container having a plurality of tabs extending radially outwardly to engage an inside surface of a bearing plate of the trailer when the container is located in a hole in the bearing plate. A spring extends from a base of the container away from the face surface to bear upon an interior wall of the trailer to bias the tabs into contact with the inside wall when the container is located in the hole to maintain a position of the container therein. A sensor is also provided for sensing proximity of a ferrous material and being located in the container. The sensor senses proximity of ferrous material of a coupler carried by the tractor without sensing ferrous material of the bearing plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Paul James Knoll, Jeffrey J. Rhine, Kip Leggett, John Phillip Oeth, David C. Stillinger, David DeVinny
  • Publication number: 20090267338
    Abstract: A suspension system for use with a vehicle having a frame, two rails longitudinally spaced and secured to the vehicle frame, a hanger bracket depending from each rail, a beam pivotally mounted to each hanger bracket, an axle secured to and intermediate the beams, a support plate secured to each rail, a rail plate secured to each rail, and a bracket plate secured to each bracket. The suspension system includes two cross tubes, each with one end secured to a rail plate and the opposite end secured to the opposing side bracket plate. The system also includes a horizontal tube secured between each bracket plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2008
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Applicant: MAC TRAILER MANUFACTURING, INC.
    Inventor: Denis Gosselin
  • Patent number: 7575251
    Abstract: A travel trailer configured to be coupled to and towed by a vehicle is provided. The travel trailer has a compartment that is attached to a chassis which includes a front end and a rear end. A plurality of wheels are attached to the chassis adjacent the rear end, and a hitch assembly is attached to the chassis adjacent the front end. The compartment at the front end of the chassis forms first and second corners. A recess, directed inwardly toward the interior of the compartment, is located at each corner of the compartment. Cavities formed by each recess may receive a portion of the vehicle while the vehicle is engaged in a turn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: Heartland Recreational Vehicles, LLC
    Inventors: Brian R. Brady, John Mitchell Rhymer, Douglas Martin Lantz, Timothy Arthur Hoffman, Scott James Tuttle