IE85426B1 - Tow trailer assembly - Google Patents
Tow trailer assembly Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- IE85426B1 IE85426B1 IE2005/0290A IE20050290A IE85426B1 IE 85426 B1 IE85426 B1 IE 85426B1 IE 2005/0290 A IE2005/0290 A IE 2005/0290A IE 20050290 A IE20050290 A IE 20050290A IE 85426 B1 IE85426 B1 IE 85426B1
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- IE
- Ireland
- Prior art keywords
- fork
- assembly
- tow trailer
- backstop
- hitch
- Prior art date
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- 241001236653 Lavinia exilicauda Species 0.000 claims description 59
- 238000011068 load Methods 0.000 abstract description 20
- 239000000969 carrier Substances 0.000 abstract 1
- 230000032258 transport Effects 0.000 description 13
- 230000037250 Clearance Effects 0.000 description 7
- 230000035512 clearance Effects 0.000 description 7
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 6
- 230000000875 corresponding Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000000153 supplemental Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000004642 transportation engineering Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000005484 gravity Effects 0.000 description 2
- 241001236644 Lavinia Species 0.000 description 1
- 241000008225 Pogonichthys macrolepidotus Species 0.000 description 1
- 210000000614 Ribs Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 238000005452 bending Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000789 fastener Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000006011 modification reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000036633 rest Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000630 rising Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000010959 steel Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000003466 welding Methods 0.000 description 1
Abstract
ABSTRACT A modular tow trailer assembly tows cargo behind a motor vehicle. A base assembly pivotally connects to a fork assembly. A hydraulic lifting cylinder moves the wheels downward relative to the fork assembly to raise the fork assembly into a towing position with the load substantially centered over the trailers wheels. The tow trailer is readily partially disassembled for fitting within a cargo container and transporting within a cargo carrier to field conditions.
Description
TOW TRAILER ASSEMBLY
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
. Priority:
The present application claims the benefit of U.S.
Provisional Application No. 60/631,811 filed on November 30,
2004 and U.S Application No. 11/068,091 filed on February 28,
2005.
. Field of the Invention:
The present invention relates to a tow trailer for
transporting cargo.
:3. Description of the Prior Art:
Cargo is often transported and stored on pallets or in
large cargo or shipping containers. Pallets are typically of
a standard construction having two flat wooden platforms with
wooden spacers therebetween creating a gap of several inches.
The forks of a forklift may be inserted into this gap to lift
the pallet and any materials thereon. Material on pallets or
in shipping containers is typically transported by loading a
number of pallets onto a large flatbed truck using a forklift,
driving the loaded truck to the point of destination, and
unloading the pallet by forklift at the destination. This
method of transport is efficient for large numbers of pallets,
but requires forklifts at both the point of origin and the
delivery point, and a flatbed truck for transporting the
pallet.
A variety of applications exist for the economical
transport of a single pallet of material. In the landscaping
business, for example, sod is generally purchased by the
pallet. Standard truck-and-forklift delivery methods are
acceptable when the particular landscaping project requires a
number of pallets of sod; however, many landscaping projects
arise requiting only a single pallet of sod. or less. Because
of the considerable expense involved, the transport of a
single pallet of material is generally cost—prohibitive using
existing transport methods.
For a variety of reasons, existing prior art devices
capable of transporting a single pallet of material are less
than entirely satisfactory. Many of these devices cannot
comply with Department of Transportation ground clearance
regulations (eleven (11) inches minimum) for load carrying.
other devices have a lifting platform pivotally connected
behind its wheel assembly, resulting in an unstable towing
configuration.
The device shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,584,639 to Walker,
Jr. solves many of the above problems and is incorporated in
its entirety by reference herein. The weight of the load is
centered over the wheels or slightly in front of the wheels
for a safe and stable towing configuration. The device also
provides adequate ground clearance during load carrying.
The ‘639 trailer, however, has a number of problems.
The ‘639 trailer is rigid and gives the cargo a bumpy ride
during transport. The ‘639 trailer also is not modular and
cannot be readily disassembled. Once the ‘639 trailer is
assembled, it is too big to be shipped with the rest of the
cargo and too difficult to disassemble during field use. The
‘639 trailer cannot easily fit into cargo planes and shipping
containers.
The ‘639 trailer cargo carrying capacity is not
adjustable. The ‘639 trailer cannot carry a variety of sizes
of pallets and shipping containers, especially tall cargo, and
is limited to loads with short heights. Furthermore, the
standard trailer hitch used on the ‘639 trailer cannot easily
hook up to larger vehicles, such as a Humvee or larger cargo
truck.
It would, therefore, be advantageous to have a modular
tow trailer that can transport cargo at one location, then the
tow trailer can be partially disassembled to a compact size
and transported with the rest of the cargo to a second
location. It would be further advantageous to have the
partially disassembled tow trailer fit within a cargo
container.
A further need exists for a modular tow trailer capable
of transporting larger pallets or cargo without the need for
forklifts or a large flatbed truck. Additionally, a need
exists for a modular tow trailer capable of lifting a pallet
of material a distance above the ground sufficient to comply
with Department of Transportation ground clearance regulations
without tilting the load so far beyond the horizontal position
that the cargo falls off of the pallet. Moreover, a need
exists for a modular tow trailer which allows the load to be
centered over the wheels of the trailer or slightly forward of
the wheels, such that the loaded device is stable when towed.
SUMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to the invention, a modular tow trailer of the
invention is used with a motor vehicle. The tow trailer has a
base assembly, a fork assembly, a backstop, a wheel assembly
and a hitch. The base assembly has a cross base between a
pair of parallel base arms. Each base arm releasably engages
the wheel arm of a wheel assembly. The wheel arm partially
extends from a sleeve.
The fork assembly has a pair of parallel diagonal fork
braces, fork receivers connected to the fork braces, and a
fork cross tie between the fork receivers. Each fork receiver
removably engages a fork.
The backstop has a pair of vertical uprights mounted to
the fork receivers. A horizontal tie bar releasably connects
to the uprights.
A spring slider has a slider cylinder slidingly engaging
a pivot bar and attached to a spring bar. A leaf spring
having a plurality of leaves attaches to each base arm. The
unattached leaf spring end is located above the spring
slider.
The opposite lateral ends of a pivot axle having
rotatingly engage the base arms. A pivot axle support mounts
to the fork receivers and rotatingly engages the pivot axle.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The novel features believed characteristic of the
invention are set forth in the appended claims. The invention
itself however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further
objects and advantages thereof, will best be understood by
reference to the following detailed description of an
illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings, wherein:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of an assembled tow
trailer of the invention;
Figure 2 is a perspective view of a fork assembly and
hitch of the tow trailer of the invention;
Figure 3 is a bottom plan view of a fork assembly and
hitch of the tow trailer of the invention:
Figure 4 is a perspective view of a fork assembly, hitch,
base assembly and pivot axle of the tow trailer of the
invention;
Figure 5 is a front plan view of a fork assembly, hitch,
base assembly and pivot axle of the tow trailer of the
invention;
Figure 6 is a side View of a wheel assembly of the tow
trailer of the invention;
Figure 7 is a front plan view of the tow trailer of the
invention without the wheel assembly or fork;
Figure 8 is a rear plan view of the tow trailer of the
invention without the wheel assembly or fork;
Figure 9 is a top plan view of the tow trailer of the
invention without the wheel assembly or fork;
Figure 10 is a side view of the hitch extension for the
tow trailer of the invention;
Figure 11 is a top plan view of the fork for the tow
trailer of the invention;
Figure 12 is a side view of the tow trailer of the
invention loaded and in the lower position;
Figure 13 is a side view of the tow trailer of the
invention loaded and in the raised position for transport;
Figure 14 is a perspective view of the tow trailer of the
invention in the upper position;
Figure 15 is a perspective view of the tow trailer of the
invention in the lower position;
Figure 16 is a perspective view of the tow trailer of the
invention partially disassembled and ready for shipping;
Figure 17 is a front perspective view of the tow trailer
of the invention partially disassembled and ready for
shipping;
Figure 18 is a partial close-up view of the leaf spring
engaging the spring slider;
Figure 19 is a partial close-up view of the axle support,
an upright and a horizontal backstop brace;
Figure 20 is a partial close-up View of the upright
brace, the diagonal backstop brace and spring slider engaging
the horizontal backstop brace;
Figure 21 is a partial close-up view of the pivot axle,
axle support and diagonal backstop brace; and
Figure 22 is a partial front perspective view of the tow
trailer of the invention in the up position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Turning to the figures where like reference numerals
refer to like structures, a modular tow trailer 10 hitches to
a motor vehicle 12 with an adjustable hitch 14 to transport
pallets and cargo containers. The tow trailer 10 includes a
base assembly 18, a fork assembly 16, a wheel assembly 22 and
a backstop 20. In this disclosure, the term “modular” refers
to the ability of a tow trailer operator to at least partially
disassemble and reassemble the tow trailer under field
conditions.
The fork assembly 16 has a fork cross tie 28 between
parallel horizontal right 24 and left 25 fork receivers. A
lower bracket support 30 connects to the center of the hitch
14 and to the fork cross tie 28. A diagonal fork brace 31
extends from each fork receiver 24, 25 to the hitch 14.
Forks 32 releasably matingly engage the fork receivers
24, 25. The fork 32 can include a head 34 with a split tail
36 projecting from the head 34. The tail 36 slides into the
open back end 26 of a fork receiver 24 and into channels 38
within the fork receiver 24. Once the fork 32 is in place
with the head 34 projecting from the fork receiver 24, the
fork 32 can be locked in position with a fork lock 40, such as
a locking pin 42 extending through fork apertures 44, 45 in
the fork receiver 24 and fork 32. A handle 46 can attach to
one end of the locking pin 42. The locking pin 42 can include
screws, bolts, pins, and the like. The tip of each head 34
can be chamfered to allow the forks 32 to smoothly engage the
cargo.
The base assembly 18 has a base frame 48 with parallel
base arms 50 and a cross base 52 therebetween. The base arms
50 are arranged outside of the fork receivers 24, 25 at a
distance sufficient to allow clearance for a cargo loaded on
the fork receivers 24, 25. The cross base 52 is disposed
horizontally above and essentially parallel to the fork cross
tie 28 of the fork assembly 16. Ribs 54 project from the top
of the base frame 48. A base conduit 56 can be located
beneath the base frame 48. An upper bracket 170 attaches to
the center of the cross base 52.
Each base arm 50 has an open base end 58 and wheel
chamber 60 for releasably matingly engaging a wheel arm 112.
A base hole 62 in the base arm 50 matingly engages a wheel
lock 64, such as a locking pin 66 and handle 67.
Each end of a pivot axle 70 matingly engages one of the
base arms 50, preferably through an axle aperture 68. The
pivot axle 70 ends can be capped. The pivot axle 70 passes
through axle support frames 104 rising vertically from the
intersection of each fork receiver 24, 25 and corresponding
diagonal fork brace 31 forward the backstop 20.
Each axle
support frame 104 has vertical 106, horizontal 107 and
diagonal 108 axle supports, with an optional supplemental
vertical axle support 109 located forward the vertical axle
support 106. The supplemental vertical axle support 109 is
preferably hollow to engage a tongue 130 for the hitch 14 when
not in use. The axle support frames 104 can be attached by
welding or bolting to backstop braces 80.
The backstop 20 has at least one cross beam 72 connecting
a pair of uprights 74. Preferably, the bottom of each upright
74 mounts to the top of the corresponding fork receiver 24, 25
behind the diagonal fork brace 31 of the fork assembly 16.
The front of each upright 74 can attach to a vertical axle
support 106. If desired, the height of the backstop 20 can be
adjusted using inner uprights and outer upright shells
slidably engaging each other and locking in position with a
lock, such as a pin inserted within matingly engaging
apertures within the upright and upright shell (not shown).
A pair of horizontal backstop braces 80 preferably secure
between the upper forward end of each diagonal fork brace 31
and the corresponding upright 74. Alternatively, the
horizontal backstop brace 80 can secure at hitch 14 or at the
junction of the hitch and the diagonal fork brace 31. Each
horizontal backstop brace 80 has a nub 81 projecting from the
of the brace and bores 82 in the top of the brace for
receiving at least part of a fork lock 84.
Optional upright braces 76 can extend from the top of the
horizontal backstop braces 80 to the uprights 74. Diagonal
backstop braces 77 extend from the lateral side of the
horizontal backstop braces 80 to the lateral side of the axle
support frame 104. Backstop conduit 78 can attach beneath the
diagonal backstop brace 77 and opens to the base arm conduit
56 through which electrical and/or hydraulic means thread.
Horizontal upper 86 and lower 87 tie downs attach to the
center and the top of the backstop 20. Tie down sliders 88
have a stem 90 that fits within the open ends 92 of the tie
downs 86, 87, and a lateral plate 94 projecting outwardly from
the stem 90. A fastener 96 with a hook 95 or eyelet can
fasten the lateral plate 94 to the stem 90.
A tie down lock 98 locks the tie downs 86, 87 to the
uprights 74. The tie down lock 98 can be spring loaded and
can include a locking pin 100 surrounded by a spring 101. One
end of the locking pin 100 can pass through a pin bore 102 in
the tie down 86, 87 and the other end connected to a handle
103.
when fully assembled for use transporting cargo, a wheel
assembly 22 releasably engages the base assembly 18. Each
wheel assembly 22 has an outer sleeve 110 partially enclosing
a wheel arm 112. A first end 114 of the wheel arm 112 inserts
within the open end 58 of a base arm 50 of the base assembly
18 and is locked with a wheel lock 64, such as a locking pin
with handle matingly engaging a wheel hole 63 and base hole
. A wheel axle 116 attaches to wheel 117 and rotatingly
engages the partially enclosed wheel arm 112 and the sleeve
110. A wheel handle 118 projects from the top of the sleeve
110. Wheel conduit 120 is located beneath the sleeve 110. A
fender frame 122 attaches to the sleeve 110 and a fender 124.
A light 126 attaches to the fender 124. The wheel assembly 22
can also include brakes.
One end of a wheel arm channel 176 rests on the pivot
axle 70. The wheel arm channel 176 is supported on the
diagonal backstop brace 76 with the connector 175. U-shaped
channel stops 178 are located on each end of the wheel arm
channel 176. A wheel channel lock 180 matingly engages at
least one of the Channel stops 178, such as a stop bore
through which a locking pin extends and the wheel hole 63 of
the wheel arm 112.
Open right and left fork storage receptacles 172 mount to
the top of the fork cross ties 28 medial to the backstop's
uprights 74 and extend forward toward the hitch 14. A storage
lock 174 engages each storage receptacle, such as a locking
pin with handle matingly engaging at least one hole in the
storage receptacle 172 and the fork 32 when the fork 32 is not
in use.
A battery receiver 182, such as a shelf or a box, spans
the tops of the storage receptacles 172. A battery 184 within
the battery receiver 182 is prevented from shifting by a
battery locking device 186, such as a tie, chain, cord,
bracket, brace, and the like. Wiring connects the battery 184
to a hydraulic pump 186, preferably through conduit. The
battery 184 can also be wired to the lights 126 on the fenders
124.
A height adjustable hitch 14 has a plurality of hitch
openings 128 for receiving a tongue 130. The hitch 14 has a
plurality of tongue receivers 132, 133, 134 stacked
vertically. Diagonal hitch members 140 attach to a
transverse hitch member 142 and one of the tongue receivers,
preferably the top tongue receiver 132. The transverse hitch
member 142 attaches to the horizontal backstop braces 80 and
one of the tongue receivers, preferably the top tongue
receiver 132. Alternatively, the transverse hitch member 142
can attach to the diagonal fork braces 31.
A hitch extension 190 composed of an extension body 200
with a plurality of stacked extension tongue receivers 192,
193, 194 matingly engages one of the tongue receivers of the
hitch 14 and is releasably locked in place with a hitch lock
148. An extension projection 198 projects outwardly from an
extension foundation 196 of the hitch extension body 200 and
matingly engages one of the tongue receivers of the hitch 14.
Extension legs 202 are between the tongue receiver 194 and
extension foundation 196. The hitch extension 190 can have
brackets.
The hitch end 144 of the tongue 130 inserts into one of
the tongue receivers of the hitch 14 or hitch extension 190
opposite the vehicle end 145. The tongue 130 locks to the
hitch 14 or hitch extension 190 with a hitch lock 148, which
can include a locking pin 136 inserted through an aperture
138, 139 within the tongue receiver and tongue 130. A chain
204 extending from the tongue and/or the vehicle further locks
the tongue 130 and hitch 14 together by wrapping around the
hitch and fastening to the locking pin. The hitch therefore
adjusts for a variety of heights to engage the rear of the
motor vehicle, such as a car, Humvee or cargo truck used as a
tow vehicle.
Leaf springs 146 fasten to the bottom of the each base
arm 50 of the base assembly 18 forward the wheel assembly 22
and preferably forward the base conduit 56. Each leaf spring
146 has multiple leaves, preferably three or four leaves 147
stacked and fastened to the base arm 50 at the attachment end
148. The unconnected leaves end 150 hangs over a lateral end
152 of a spring slider 154.
The spring sliders 154 have a spring bar 156 attached to
spring cylinders 158, 159. Each spring cylinder 158, 159
engages a pivot bar 160. The lateral spring cylinder 158 has
an outwardly extending spring handle 162. The spring
cylinders 158, 159 slide on the pivot bar 160 until reaching a
spring stop 164, such as a ridge 166. The ridge 166 is
located near the center and/or the lateral end of the pivot
bar 160. The pivot bar 160 attaches to the top of the
horizontal backstop brace 80 between the diagonal backstop
brace 76 and the nub 81.
A lifting device, such as a hydraulic cylinder 168,
pivotally mounts to an upper hydraulic bracket 170 attached to
the base assembly 18 at the center of the cross base 52 to
allow the hydraulic cylinder 168 to pivot about the upper
bracket 170. The hydraulic cylinder 168 has no bending moment
as the hydraulic cylinder 168 raises the forward end of the
base assembly 18. The hydraulic cylinder 168 mounts to a
lower hydraulic bracket 171 attached to the lower bracket
support 30 of the fork assembly 16. Although a hydraulic
cylinder is preferred, it will be clear to those skilled in
the art that a winch or other lifting devices could be used.
The hydraulic cylinder is of a standard commercially
available design, selected to have a lifting capacity
sufficient to raise the forks of the loaded tow trailer, and a
stroke of sufficient length to provide adequate ground
clearance for the tow trailer. The hydraulic cylinder 168 is
in fluid communication with a hydraulic pump 186 with an
actuator attached to one side of the hitch 14, or in any other
conveniently accessible location. The hydraulic pump 136
fastens to a pump bracket at the top of the hitch 14 behind a
jack assembly 188. The hydraulic pump 186 receives power from
the battery 184, or alternatively, may be connected to a power
outlet supplied on the tow vehicle.
when the fork assembly 16 and base assembly 18 are in an
upper position and the spring slider 154 is rotated rearward,
the unconnected end 150 of the leaf spring 146 are separated
from the spring slider 154 and open. When the fork assembly
16 and base assembly 18 are in a lower position and the spring
slider 154 is rotated forward, the leaves 147 of the leaf
spring 146 engage the spring slider and nest together.
The tow trailer assemblies and braces are preferably
rectangular or square steel tubing of sufficient structural
strength to support the loaded tow trailer assembly during
transit.
In operation, the tow trailer couples with a towing
vehicle using the hitch with or without the hitch extension.
The hydraulic cylinder is lowered to a fully retracted
position. The forks and fork receivers are positioned
essentially horizontally and raised slightly above the ground.
The tow trailer is towed to a position immediately in front of
the cargo to be transported, and then moved backward such that
the forks penetrate the pallet or slide under the cargo load.
The tow trailer is moved backward until the forward end of the
pallet or cargo load contacts the backstop indicating that the
cargo is properly positioned over or slightly in front of the
pivot axis. In order to provide a stable towing
configuration, the load should be positioned on the forks such
that its center of gravity is not behind the pivot axis. Such
a loading configuration could cause the rear of the fork
assembly to pivot downwardly about the pivot axis, resulting
in an upward force on the hitch, and potentially uncoupling
the tow trailer from the tow vehicle. By configuring the
backstop, the forks and the base assembly as described above,
the present invention properly positions the load’s center of
gravity in a stable towing configuration between the pivot
axis and the hitch.
Once the cargo has been properly engaged, the tow trailer
is moved to its raised or transport position. The operator
activates the pump using the hydraulic actuator, thus causing
the hydraulic cylinder to extend and move the base assembly's
cross base upward relative to the lower bracket support of the
fork assembly. As the cross base is raised, the base assembly
pivots about the pivot axle in a scissors-like fashion to move
the forks upwardly relative to the wheels. Because the
downward motion of the wheels is constrained by the ground,
this motion causes the fork assembly to pivot upward about the
hitch axis, thus raising the forks above the ground.
Because the entire length of the fork assembly pivots, a
small angle of inclination of the fork assembly raises the
forks to meet the ground clearance requirements without
inclining the cargo so steeply as to cause the load to shift
or fall from the tow trailer. Once the tow trailer is fully
raised, locking Straps can be installed on lugs located on the
base assembly’s cross base and the lower bracket support.
Locking pins are inserted into holes in the lugs. The
hydraulic pump and the hydraulic cylinder are deactivated.
The motor vehicle tows the tow trailer to the destination
where the above sequence of operations is reversed to unload
the cargo.
Once the cargo is unloaded, the modular tow trailer is
ready to be disassembled for shipment with the cargo. The
wheel assemblies unlock from the base arms of the base
assembly by removing the wheel locking pins from the wheel
holes and base holes and slide out of the base arms. The
wheel arms slide into the wheel channels and lock in place
with the stop lock releasably engaging the wheel arms and the
channel stop. The wheels can rest on the fork receivers.
The forks unlock from the fork receivers by releasing the
fork locks, such as by removing the fork locking pins. The
forks are placed into the fork storage receptacles, preferably
with the heads inserted into the fork storage receptacles and
the tail extending outward. The tip of the heads project
outside of the fork storage receptacles. Preferably, the
forks are locked into the fork storage receptacles using the
storage lock.
If desired, the tie down sliders can be pushed farther
into the horizontal tie down with the lateral plates moved
down or removed from the horizontal tie downs. Alternatively,
the horizontal tie downs can be removed from the back stop by
releasing from the tie down lock and stored. The tongue and
hitch extension can be removed from the hitch and placed onto
the cargo container or pallet. Alternatively, the tongue can
be stored in the axle support frame.
The modular tow trailer of the invention has a number of
advantages. After loading cargo at one location, one person
can easily disassemble the tow trailer, such as by removing
the wheel assembly and forks. The partially disassembled tow
trailer has a compact size and transports with the rest of the
cargo to a second location. The partially disassembled tow
trailer easily fits within a standard cargo container for
shipping with the cargo or storage. Once unloaded at the
destination site, one person can easily reassemble the tow
trailer for loading cargo.
The leaf springs provide a smoother ride for the cargo.
If the loaded tow trailer were to drop down due to a dip or
bump in the transport path, the unattached end of the leaf
spring compresses against the spring slider. The unattached
leaves then push the front end of the base assembly upward to
smooth the ride. When the tow trailer is not towing cargo,
the position of the spring slider can be changed to lock the
leaf springs in place.
The tow trailer can transport larger cargo loads without
the need for forklifts or a large flatbed truck and can carry
these larger loads a distance above the ground sufficient to
comply with Department of Transportation ground clearance
regulations without tilting the load so far beyond the
horizontal position that the cargo falls off of the pallet.
The backstop limits the insertion of the forks into the
pallet or under the shipping container to ensure proper
positioning of the load. In this manner, the weight of the
load is centered over the forks, or slightly forward of the
wheels of tow trailer and the loaded tow trailer is stable.
Once the pallet and cargo are in position, the tow
trailer can safely travel at highway speeds. The tow trailer
has the ability to load and unload the standard pallet under
its own power, with the ability to transport on rough terrain
or on the highway. The tow trailer can haul large and
oversized cargo when attached to a car, pickup, Humvee or
other truck using a standard ball or pintle hitch. If a
pintle hitch is used, the ball adapted tongue can be stored in
the supplemental vertical axle support. At the destination
site, the forks can be raised up to ten feet for loading
and/or unloaded cargo.
While the invention is shown in only one of its forms, it
is not thus limited but is susceptible to various changes and
modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of
the invention.
Claims (20)
1. A tow trailer assembly for use with a motor vehicle, comprising: a fork assembly having a pair of parallel diagonal fork braces, fork receivers connecting to the fork braces, and a fork cross tie connecting between the fork receivers; forks releasably matingly engaging the fork receivers; a backstop having a pair of vertical uprights mounting to the fork receivers; a horizontal tie bar releasably connecting to the uprights; a base assembly having a cross base between a pair of parallel base arms; a wheel assembly having a wheel arm releasably matingly engaging one of the base arms; a pivot axle having opposite lateral ends rotatingly engaging the base arms; and an axle support frame mounting to each fork receiver and rotatingly engaging the pivot axle.
2. The tow trailer assembly of claim 1, further comprising: a lifting device being mounted to the base assembly and the fork assembly.
3. The tow trailer assembly of claim 2, further comprising: a hitch attaching to the fork assembly, the hitch having a plurality of tongue receivers stacked vertically, a transverse hitch member, and diagonal hitch members attaching to the transverse hitch member and one of the tongue receivers.
4. The tow trailer assembly of claim 3, further comprising: a leaf spring attaching at an attachment end to the bottom of each base arm forward the wheel assembly.
5. The tow trailer assembly of claim 4, further comprising: horizontal backstop braces attaching to the backstop.
6. The tow trailer assembly of claim 5, further comprising: a pivot bar attaching to the horizontal backstop braces; and a spring slider slidingly engaging the pivot bar.
7. The tow trailer assembly of claim 6, wherein the leaf spring engages the spring slider.
8. The tow trailer assembly of claim 6, further comprising: diagonal backstop braces attaching to the horizontal backstop brace and the axle support frame; and 24 a wheel channel being supported by the diagonal backstop brace.
9. The tow trailer assembly of claim 8, further comprising: fork storage receptacles mounted to the fork cross tie.
10. The tow trailer assembly of claim 9, further comprising: a hitch extension matingly engaging one of the tongue receivers of the hitch.
11. The tow trailer assembly of claim 8, further comprising: upright braces extending from the horizontal backstop braces to the uprights.
12. The tow trailer assembly of claim 8, wherein the axle support frame further comprises: a vertical axle support mounting to the upright; a horizontal axle support attaching to the vertical support and the pivot axle; and a diagonal axle support attaching to the vertical support and the horizontal axle support.
13. A tow trailer assembly for use with 3 motor vehicle. comprising: a fork assembly having a pair of parallel diagonal fork 25 braces, fork receivers connecting to the fork braces, and a fork cross tie connecting between the fork receivers; fork storage receptacles mounted to the fork cross tie; a backstop having a pair of vertical uprights mounting to the fork receivers; a horizontal tie bar releasably connecting to the uprights; a base assembly having a cross base between a pair of parallel base arms; a pivot axle having opposite lateral ends rotatingly engaging the base arms; an axle support frame mounting to each fork receiver and rotatingly engaging the pivot axle; horizontal backstop braces attaching to the backstop; diagonal backstop braces attaching to the horizontal backstop brace and the axle support frame; and a wheel channel being supported by the diagonal backstop brace.
14. The tow trailer assembly of claim 13, further comprising: a lifting device being mounted to the base assembly and the fork assembly. 26
15. The tow trailer assembly of claim 14, further comprising: a hitch attaching to the fork assembly, the hitch having a plurality of tongue receivers stacked vertically, a transverse hitch member, and diagonal hitch members attaching to the transverse hitch member and one of the tongue receivers.
16. The tow trailer assembly of claim 15, further comprising: a leaf spring attaching at an attachment end to the bottom of each base arm forward the wheel assembly.
17. The tow trailer assembly of claim 16, further comprising: a pivot bar attaching to the horizontal backstop braces; and a spring slider slidingly engaging the pivot bar.
18. The tow trailer assembly of claim 17, further comprising: a wheel assembly having a wheel arm releasably locking within the wheel channel.
19. The tow trailer assembly of claim 18, further comprising: forks removably engaging the fork storage receptacles;
20. The tow trailer assembly of claim 19, further comprising: upright braces extending from the horizontal backstop
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
USUNITEDSTATESOFAMERICA30/11/20046 | |||
US63181104P | 2004-11-30 | 2004-11-30 | |
US11/068,091 US7326022B2 (en) | 2004-11-30 | 2005-02-28 | Tow trailer assembly |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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IE20050290A1 IE20050290A1 (en) | 2006-06-14 |
IE85426B1 true IE85426B1 (en) | 2010-01-06 |
Family
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