GB2275908A

GB2275908A - Easy loading motorcycle trailer

Info

Publication number: GB2275908A
Application number: GB9305170A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John Winston Childs
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1993-03-12
Filing date: 1993-03-12
Publication date: 1994-09-14
Also published as: GB9305170D0

Abstract

A motorcycle trailer includes a load supporting beam or platform 3 (hereinafter referred to simply as a "platform") releasably connected at one end 19 to a frame (4, Fig 2 not shown) and mounted at or towards its other end for pivotable movement relative to the frame about a fulcrum (11, Fig 2 not shown). The frame includes ground engaging members 18 positioned between the releasable connection and the fulcrum, and the arrangement is such that when the platform is connected to the frame it is supported above ground level by the frame. When the platform is released from its connection to the frame, it can be lowered to a generally ground engaging position through pivotable movement of the platform relative to the frame about the fulcrum to allow easy loading of a motorcycle onto the platform. A motorcycle display stand is also disclosed (see figs 4 to 6 not shown). <IMAGE>

Description

IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO LIFTING APPARATUS This invention relates to lifting apparatus and more particularly to apparatus for raising a load supporting beam or platform between a ground engaging position and an elevated position. More especially, but not.exclusively, the invention relates to wheeled transporters, such as trailers, including a load supporting beam or platform and to static and movable stands for supporting and/or displaying such items as motor cycles.

According to the present invention in one aspect there is provided lifting apparatus including a load supporting beam or platform (hereinafter referred to simply as a "platform") releasably connected at one end to a frame and mounted at or towards its other end for pivotable movement relative to the frame about a fulcrum, the frame including ground engaging members positioned between the releasable connection and the fulcrum, and the arrangement being such that when the platform is connected to the frame it is supported above ground level by the frame, and that when the platform is released from its connection to the frame it can be lowered to a generally ground engaging position through pivotable movement of the platform relative to the frame about the fulcrum.

The lifting apparatus may comprise a transportable trailer or the like, or a stand for supporting or displaying an item such as a motor cycle.

The invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings in which: Figure 1 is a-side view of lifting apparatus in accordance with the invention; Figure 2 is an end view of the apparatus illustrated in Figure 1; Figure 3 is a plan view from above of the apparatus illustrated in Figures 1 and 2; Figure 4 is a side view of alternative lifting apparatus in accordance with the invention; Figure 5 is a perspective view of the apparatus illustrated in Figure 4 in an inclined position; and Figure 6 is a side view of the apparatus illustrated in Figure 4 in a different inclined position to that illustrated in Figure 5.

The lifting apparatus illustrated in Figures 1 to 3 of the drawings takes the form of a trailer 1 for transporting a motor cycle or the like. It will be understood that many items other than motor cycles can readily be transported by a trailer in accordance with the invention. The motor cycle is schematically illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 and bears the reference numeral 2. The trailer includes a central platform in the form of an elongate load bearing beam 3 supported within a frame 4 which is in turn supported by a pair of wheels 5 mounted on stub axles 6. The frame has at its front end a tow bar 7 which includes a releasable hitch mechanism 8 for connection to a vehicle. In the construction shown the frame 4 is an open structure produced from steel tubing and comprises a pair of side tubes which are turned inwardly to definethe tow bar 7. At their ends remote from the tow bar 7, the side tubes include inwardly projecting tubes 9.

The beam 3 is of box section, the upper surface defining the load bearing surface of the trailer. The beam 3 has upwardly and outwardly inclined side pieces 10 to define a channel into which the tyres of the motor cycle 2 can locate. The beam 3 is welded to a box section tube 11 whose ends lie adjacent to the open ends of the tubes 9. A rod 12 of circular section is located within the tubes 9, 11, the tubes 9 being secured to the free ends of the bar to enable the tubes 9 to rotate relative to the tube 11.

A jockey wheel 14 is carried by the forward end of the beam 3. The jockey wheel 14 is mounted on a vertical shaft 15 which passes through a sleeve 16 secured to the beam and includes a clamp 17. Thus, the height of the jockey wheel above ground level can be varied.

At its forward end, the beam 3 protrudes into a downwardly extending yoke 18 secured to the rear end of the tow bar 6. A pin 19 passes through apertures formed in the yoke sides. The forward end of the beam 3 extends into the yoke. Thus, with the pin 19 in place, the beam 3 is physically connected at its front end to the frame 4.

Also, with the pin removed the tow bar end of the frame can be raised relative to the beam 3.

As the tow bar end of the beam is raised, so the frame pivots about the wheel axles to move the rearward end of the frame 4downwardly. As the rear of the frame moves down, so the tube 11 and beam 3 is moved downwardly, the bar 12 rotating within the tube 11. Continued upward movement of the tow bar end of the frame causes the beam 3 to make contact with the ground. Thus, the beam 3 can be raised between an elevated position in which it effectively becomes part of the trailer frame and a lowered ground engaging position for ease of loading items, such as the motor cycle, onto and off from the beam.

The rear end of the beam supports an end stop 22 including clasp members 23 which bear against the tyres of the motor cycle 2. The forward end of the end stop 22 slides into the adjacent open end of the beam and is secured in place by removable bolts or pins. By adjusting the relative positions of the end stop and the beam, so the length of the beam 3 can be varied.

An end stop 24 is also provided at the forward end of the beam, this again including clasp members 25 for engaging the adjacent tyre of the motor cycle. The end stop 24 may also slide within the adjoining open end of the beam to vary the effective beam length.

In use, to lower the beam 3 to the ground, the front end of the beam is released from the yoke 18 by removing the pin 19 and the jockey wheel 14 raised. The forward tow bar end of the frame 4 is then raised so causing the frame to pivot about the wheel axles 6. As the frame pivots, so the tube 11 and beam 3 moves downwardly towards, and ultimately, into contact with the ground under the weight of the motor cycle, the rod 12 rotating freely within the tube 11.

Whereas the trailer described includes a load supporting beam, it will be appreciated that other load bearing members can readily be employed. Thus, the load bearing surface of the trailer may comprise a conventional floor which extends across the full width of the frame 4 thus enabling such items as motor vehicles, machinery, hire plant or other bulky or heavy items to be transported. It will also be understood that more than two wheels 5 may be provided, the axles of the rear wheels then acting as the fulcrum points about which the frame can pivot.

The lifting apparatus illustrated in Figures 4 to 6 takes the form of a display stand for an item such as a motor cycle. The display stand comprises a load bearing beam or platform 31 supported for rotation about a cross piece 32 of a support frame 33 (and vice versa). The platform 31 is secured by welding to a tube 34 through which the cross piece 32 extends. Thus, the beam 31 can rotate about the cross piece 32 to position the beam in either the horizontal position shown in Figure 4 or one of the inclined positions shown in Figures 5 and 6. The cross piece 32 is supported by legs 35 having angled sections 36 which extend rearwardly to define a ground engaging section 37 terminating in a handle 38.

The beam 31 comprises two separable lengths 31a, 31b, one of which includes the legs 35 and a front section 37a of the ground engaging section 37, and the other of which includes a second pair of legs 39 and a ground engaging section 40. The rear section 37b (separable from the front section) includes the handle 38. By manipulating the sections in the manner illustrated, so stands having generally horizontal or inclined positions as shown can be adapted. The angled sections 36 act as fulcrums.

It will be understood that the lifting apparatus described is merely exemplary of lifting apparatus in accordance with the invention and that modifications can readily be made thereto without departing from the true scope of the invention.

Claims

1. Lifting apparatus including a load supporting platform releasably connected at one end to a frame and mounted at or towards its other end for pivotable movement relative to the frame about a fulcrum, the frame including ground engaging members positioned between the releasable connection and the fulcrum, and the arrangement being such that when the platform is connected to the frame it is supported above ground level by the frame, and that when the platform is released from its connection to the frame it can be lowered to a generally ground engaging position through pivotable movement of the platform relative to the frame about the fulcrum.

2. Lifting apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the load supporting platform comprises a elongate beam.

3. Lifting apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 which comprises a transportable trailer.

4. Lifting apparatus as claimed in claim 3 wherein the load supporting platform carries a releasable towing hitch.

5. Lifting apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the load supporting platform has upwardly and outwardly inclined channel defining side pieces.

6. Lifting apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the platform includes clasps for attachment to a load supported by the platform.

7. Lifting apparatus as claimed in claim 1 which comprises a stand for supporting or displaying an item such as a motor cycle.

8. Lifting apparatus substantially as herein described with reference to Figures 1 to 3 of the accompanying drawings.

9. Lifting apparatus substantially as herein described with reference to figures 4 to 6 of the accompanying drawings.