GB2423750A - An adaptable luggage trailer - Google Patents

Abstract

A luggage trailer for achieving efficient use of space, whether in use or not, and for being stowed in the back of a car or van when not in use. Intended for taxis where there is occasional and unpredictable need for a trailer. The trailer has a platform which can be provided in a default way to carry normal luggage, and in an alternate way so as to carry bulky baggage items such as surfboards (figure 4). It is designed to be lightweight and collapsible for easy stowage but it can hold multiple luggage items, each much larger than itself.

Description

A Luggage Trailer This invention relates to a luggage trailer, and a kit,

and method of use for the same.

In the past, various luggage trailers have been proposed for attachment behind an automobile. Many of these are general-purpose trailers of the box type such as that shown in figure 1. Others are specialized for various purposes. All of these, and particularly those of the box type suffer from the problem that the dimensions of luggage must be within predetermined limits. They also have the disadvantage that they cannot be stowed conveniently in a car when not in use. Furthermore there is a trade-off relationship between the maximum size of a luggage item and the convenience of the trailer. Whilst such trailers may provide for specialised purposes, none are known which adequately satisfy the needs of those such as taxi drivers and particularly airport taxi drivers who may require extra luggage carrying capacity for a variety of shapes and amounts of luggage.

In this trade, there will typically be no need for additional luggage space the majority of the time, and to tow a trailer at all times is a major disadvantage. However at unpredictable intervals there may be an urgent need for extra space for standard luggage items such as suitcases. This need will not become apparent until arrival at a pick-up location. More rarely, but just as urgently, there may be a need for space for oversize baggage items which typically weigh less than standard luggage items. E.g. bicycles, surfboards and small canoes.

No known trailer has features which adequately meet these needs. For example, desirable features to meet these needs include 1) being compactly and conveniently stowable in the back of a car without overly taking up luggage space, 2) being suitable for carrying several items of standard luggage and of typical luggage weight and 3) being suitable for carrying several of any of bicycles, surfboards, skis and small canoes.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a luggage trailer permitting carnage of over-size luggage whilst still being compact and convenient whether in use or not.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a luggage trailer which can be stowed in the back of a car whilst still being adequate to carry multiple large items of baggage such as suitcases, surfboards and golf trolleys.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a luggage trailer able to carry multiple items each having base dimensions larger than that of the trailer.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a luggage trailer being suitable for use with both conventional luggage items and over-size luggage items.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a luggage trailer being easy to use and compact for stowing in the back of a car.

T

It is another object of the present invention to provide a luggage trailer adapted for being conveniently and compactly stowed in the back of a car when not needed, adapted to carry standard luggage conveniently when needed, and adapted to carry oversize luggage when needed.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a luggage trailer 2 for being towed behind an automobile, comprising wheels 3, a tow bar 6, an undercarriage 11, and a platform 4 for supporting luggage, wherein the platform and undercarriage are adapted to be connected together in at least two arrangements so as to provide any of at least two different platform shapes, sizes or orientations 13, 14.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a kit I for the luggage trailer of the first aspect.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of using the luggage trailer of the first aspect, or the kit 2 of the second aspect.

For a better understanding of the invention and to show how the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is an illustration of a known luggage trailer; Figure 2 is an illustration of a kit for a luggage trailer according to one embodiment of the invention; Figure 3 is an illustration of a luggage trailer according to one embodiment of the invention; Figure 4 is an illustration of the luggage trailer of figure 3, in an alternate configuration; Figure 5 is an illustration of the luggage trailer of figure 3, in an alternate configuration; Figure 6 is an illustration of the luggage trailer of figure 3, in an alternate configuration; and Figure 7 is an illustration of the undercarriage of a luggage trailer according to an embodiment of the invention.

In the following description, various aspects of the present invention will be described. For purposes of explanation, specific configurations and details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will also be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without the specific details.

Furthermore, well known features may be omitted or simplified in order not to obscure the present invention.

According to a general embodiment of the first aspect there is provided a luggage trailer 2 or a kit I for a luggage trailer 2 for being towed behind an automobile, comprising wheels 3, a tow bar 6, an undercarriage 11, and a platform 4 for supporting luggage, wherein the platform 4 and undercarriage 11 are adapted to be connected together in at least two arrangements so as to provide any of at least two different platform shapes, sizes or orientations The at least two different shapes sizes or orientations present different platform shapes as seen from above. A rotation about a vertical axis may satisfy this criterion (although not if the rotation is such as to leave the shape unchanged - as by a rotation of a circular platform, a 90 degree turn of a square platform or a 180 degree turn of a rectangular platform, around a vertical axis). At least two different shapes may in particular be provided by a degree rotation of a substantially level rectangular platform about a vertical axis.

Additionally the criterion may be satisfied by a hinged platform, or by multiple platform parts connectable together. Preferably the platform is not hinged.

More specifically the platform and undercarriage are adapted to be connected together in at least two sizes or shapes with reference to the tow bar 6.

According to a specific embodiment the at least two sizes or shapes are provided by at least two orientations about a vertical axis of a substantially rectangular or elongate platform, these being preferably substantially 90 degrees apart.

Note that the term vertical axis' means an axis being vertical relative to the undercarriage in use. Similarly the terms horizontal', level' and towing direction' refer to the same in use.

According to any embodiment there is provided a luggage frailer 2 or a kit I for a luggage trailer for being towed behind an automobile, comprising wheels 3, a tow bar 6, an undercarriage 11, a frame 10 for supporting luggage and retaining means 9, wherein the frame 10 is provided with supports 4, 4B for providing support to luggage items substantially below a or respective centres of gravity thereof and the retaining means is provided to retain luggage supported thereon.

Such a frame 10 preferably comprises struts 8 and platforms 4, 4B.

The retaining means 9 may comprise any of ropes and cords, which may be extensible or elasticised - such as bungee cords', and or of mesh or netting, which may also be extensible or elasticised. Such retaining means may be provided with or comprise protective means such as a tarpaulin, for protection against the elements.

Such a frame 10 is preferably foldable, collapsible or reassembleable.

It may be of (preferably at least four) reassemblable strut members 8 adapted to connect with platform members 4, 4B. Alternatively it may be of strut members 8 connected to platform members 4,4B adapted to fold substantially parallel by means of joints or hinges. The platform members 4, 4B may be substantially horizontal and planar or may merely have a substantially planar horizontal surface.

The platform members 4, 4B and strut members 8 may be of wood such as plywood', of plastic such as polypropylene, or of metal such as aluminium or Dural'. Combinations such as aluminium alloy struts 8 with plywood or preferably plastic platforms 4, 4B are contemplated.

According to any embodiment there is provided a luggage trailer 2 or a kit I for a luggage trailer 2 for being towed behind an automobile, comprising wheels 3, a tow bar 6, a platform and an undercamage 11, the undercamage having a box-like supporting structure connecting the wheels 3 or any axle or suspension members 7, to the platform, the platform being above the wheels 3.

Such a platform is preferably reassemblable or adjustable.

According to any embodiment there is provided a luggage trailer 2 or a kit I for a luggage trailer for being towed behind an automobile, comprising wheels 3, a tow bar 6, a platform and an undercamage 11, wherein the luggage trailer is adapted to be foldable, collapsible or reassemblable for stowing in an automobile when not in use.

A provided undercarriage 11 preferably is provided with a mudguard 5 for each wheel 3, it is preferably a tube structure such as of a substantially rectangular cross-section, and more preferably a box structure being a tube structure closed at at least one end, and preferably being substantially cuboidal. Any mudguard 5 may be of wood such as plywood, or preferably of plastic.

A towbar 6 may be provided being preferably removable, more preferably or additionally foldable, or most preferably or additionally telescopically retractable. It may be provided with a raised end such that in use it is substantially horizontal while the raised end reaches a typical height of a car's tow hitch. A removable or adjustable tow bar is preferably provided with fastening pins 12. Furthermore the towbar may be provided with a jockey wheel.

The wheels or undercarriage may be provided with suspension 7, and may even be provided with brakes. A light board may be provided to duplicate the light signals of the rear lights of a towing vehicle.

Further aspects and embodiments of the invention are set out in the claims.

Any combination of any of the features and embodiments hereinbefore and hereafter described may be combined to form a new embodiment.

Additionally any such combination may form a single feature from which either one or at least one item thereof must be provided, which may be combined with any embodiment to form a new embodiment. A description of every possible permutation has not been attempted here for the sake of brevity.

Description of the Preferred Embodiments.

An embodiment of this invention will now be explained with reference to the drawings. This invention is for use as a luggage trailer or may be provided as a kit for the same. Figure 1 shows a luggage trailer for being towed behind an automobile, comprising wheels, a tow bar, an undercarriage, and a platform for supporting luggage.

A first platform 4 and the undercarriage 11 are adapted to be connected together in either of two main arrangements 13, 14 so as to provide either of two main substantially horizontal platform shapes with respect to the undercarriage.

The first platform 4 is substantially rectangular or elongate and the two main arrangements are with the platform being provided pointing in a travelling direction or rotated 90 degrees about a vertical axis.

There is preferably provided a foldable, collapsible or reasemblable frame structure 10 which comprises the first platform 4. The frame structure comprises platform members 4, 4B of which the first platform is one, and struts 8 for supporting platform members 4B. This structure is adapted to provide tiered stowage of luggage. The luggage is supported below a or respective centres of gravity by a platform and may typically extend either side thereof. The frame structure is provided with retaining means 9 which may be cords or ropes, a mesh or netting, or a fabric or tarpaulin, any of which may be extensible or elasticised, or a combination thereof. Preferably the combination is of elasticised ropes such as bungee cords, and tarpaulin for additional protection against the elements. The first platform 4 is preferably attachable to the chassis by retaining means being clips or ties.

The combination of the features of the frame structure 10 and the first platform's two main orientations (or shapes) provides an unexpected advantage in space usage with typical luggage dimensions and typical automobile shapes. In a transverse orientation 13 of a rectangular or elongate frame structure 10 suitcases and conventional baggage may be stowed easily, whereas in a longitudinal orientation 14 skis, surfboards, golf trolleys and similarly relatively lightweight but oversized baggage can be stowed. This is possible without providing a platform 4, 4B of a size comparable with such oversized baggage.

The luggage trailer 2 (or kit 1) is provided so as to be foldable, collapsible or reassemblable, so as to be conveniently stowable in an automobile. Preferably the tow bar 6 is removable, and the first platform 4 may be suitable for removal from the undercarriage 11. The undercarriage 11 and wheels 3 may be provided foldable, collapsible or reassemblable.

The first platform 4 is preferably provided with a width less than 51cm, more preferably less than 41cm, and most preferably less than 31cm, but I preferably greater than 25 cm. The length is preferably less than 160cm, more preferably less than 120cm, more preferably less than 90cm, more preferably less than 70cm, but is preferably greater than 65cm. The height between platforms (of which one is preferably the first platform) is preferably less than 110cm more preferably less than 90cm more preferably less than 70cm, most preferably less than 55cm.

The first platform 4 is preferably provided substantially elongate or more preferably substantially rectangular. It is provided for placement in either of two main orientations 13, 14 being firstly substantially aligned with a towing direction, and secondly substantially horizontal and substantially at a right angle to a towing direction. The first platform 4 may be removably attachable to a chassis but is preferably provided with a joint such that it may rotate about a vertical axis, and means to retain it in either of the two main orientations.

The tow bar 6 may be adjustable, more preferably removable, and is preferably telescopic. Platforms 4, 4B are preferably of plastic, preferably muttiple, and preferably adapted to accept struts 8 to jointly form a frame structure 10. The platforms 4, 4B may be provided with grooves for accepting those struts 8 for storage. The frame structure 10 may constitute a sheMng system, preferably being a ventilated shelving system.

The frame structure 10, or parts thereof, are preferably provided with retaining means 9 for retaining luggage items on respective platforms. The retaining means 9 comprises ties or cords (such as bungee cords), and preferably an extensible mesh or netting. Additionally there is provided a canvas or tarpaulin for protection from wind, rain and snow.

The apparatus and methods disclosed and claimed herein can be made and executed without undue experimentation in light of the present disclosure. While the apparatus and methods of this invention have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variations may be applied to the apparatus, and methods and in the steps or in the sequence of steps of the method described herein without departing from the concept, spirit and scope of the invention. All substitutes and modifications apparent to those skilled in the art are deemed to be within the spirit, scope and concept of the invention as defined by the appended dainis.

Claims (10)

1. A luggage trailer (2) for being towed behind an automobile, comprising wheels (3), a tow bar (6), an undercarriage (11), and a platform (4) for supporting luggage, wherein the platform (4) and undercarriage (11) are adapted to be connected together in at least two arrangements (13, 14) so as to provide any of at least two different platform shapes, sizes or orientations.

2. The luggage trailer of claim I wherein the platform (4) is substantially flat and elongate and is adapted to be connected to the undercarriage (11) in an orientation (13) substantially transverse to a towing direction and an orientation (14) substantially aligned to the towing direction.

3. The luggage trailer of claim I or 2 wherein the platform (4) is rotably connected to the undercarriage (11) such as to permit fastening in at least two orientations.

4. The luggage trailer of any preceding claim being at least partially foldable collapsible or reassemblable, and being adapted to be stowed or stored in an automobile.

5. The luggage trailer of any preceding claim having a frame structure (10) comprising the platform (4), and at least one additional platform (4B) for supporting luggage items substantially below a centre of gravity of respective luggage items, the frame structure (10) further having struts (8) for supporting the at least one additional platform (4B) above the platform (4) and the luggage trailer (2) being provided with retaining means (9) for retaining luggage items on respective platforms (4, 48).

6. The luggage trailer of claim 5 the at least one additional platform (4B) being of substantially similar dimensions to the platform (4), there being at least four struts (8).

7. A kit (1) for the luggage trailer (2) of any preceding claim.

8. The method of using the luggage trailer (2) of any one of claims I to 6 to transport luggage.

9. A luggage trailer (2) substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to figures 2 to 7.

10. A kit (1) for a luggage trailer (2) substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to figures 2 to 7.