U.S. patent application number 09/842152 was filed with the patent office on 2002-12-05 for trailer gate-ramp lift spring assist apparatus.
Invention is credited to Licata, Cheryl Lynn, Licata, Kenneth Rocco.
Application Number | 20020180127 09/842152 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25286653 |
Filed Date | 2002-12-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020180127 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Licata, Kenneth Rocco ; et
al. |
December 5, 2002 |
TRAILER GATE-RAMP LIFT SPRING ASSIST APPARATUS
Abstract
This invention is a lift kit for conventional trailers which
include a foldable tailgate or trailer ramps mounted for pivotal
movement about a gate or ramp axis from a transport position
wherein the gate or ramps are elevated for transport to an unload
position wherein the gate is lowered to permit removal of objects
carried on the trailer, which incorporates a heavy duty helical
elongated spring having plurality coils with one end fixedly
mounted at the trailer end, at the other end of the spring an
adjustment which resists the force of gravity as the gate or ramps
move from its upper travel position to its lower unload position
which is fixedly mounted to the trailer gate or trailer ramp.
Inventors: |
Licata, Kenneth Rocco;
(Denver, CO) ; Licata, Cheryl Lynn; (Denver,
CO) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Kenneth R. Licata
10 South Vrain Street
Denver
CO
80219
US
|
Family ID: |
25286653 |
Appl. No.: |
09/842152 |
Filed: |
April 26, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
267/70 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B62D 33/08 20130101;
B62D 33/03 20130101; F16F 1/041 20130101; F16F 1/128 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
267/70 |
International
Class: |
F16F 009/00 |
Claims
We claim:
1. A pair of spring assist apparatus assembly kit for assisting
pivotal movement intermediate two elements, such as a said trailer
gate or said trailer ramps extending from a said trailer. Said
spring assist apparatus assembly kit comprising: a said spring
support eyelet with threaded shank adapted for attachment to said
trailer; a said helical heavy duty elongated coil spring connected
to an end of the said spring support eyelet with threaded shank for
attachment to said trailer; another said spring support eyelet with
threaded shank connected to an end of the said helical heavy duty
elongated coil spring for adjustment of tension of coil spring; a
said eyelet with threaded shank for connecting to said spring
support eyelet with threaded shank for adjustment of tension of
coil spring for attachment to said trailer gate or said ramps.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001]
1 611,997 Oct., 1898 Gillihan 16/72. 1,819,187 Aug., 1931 McFerrin
16/72. 1,880,870 Oct., 1932 Demo 16/78. 2,023,909 Dec., 1935 Wread
296/61. 2,527,653 Oct., 1950 Pierce 14/71. 2,559,007 Jul., 1951
Cliffe 14/71. 3,517,408 Jun., 1970 Manse 16/72. 3,834,565 Sep.,
1974 Goodman, Jr. et al. 269/61. 4,082,133 Apr., 1978 Halopoff
160/191. 4,603,461 Aug., 1986 Whippie 29/227. 4,640,049 Feb., 1987
Duncan 49/197. 4,657,233 Apr., 1987 Vroom 267/155. 4,765,026 Aug.,
1988 Dochnahl 16/289. 5,954,383 Sep., 1999 Beck, et al. 296/50.
6,098,970 Aug., 2000 Lowe 267/179 6,183,031 Feb., 2001 Ballard, et
al. 296/57.
STATEMENT OF FEDERALLY SPONSORED REASEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] "Not Applicable"
REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX
[0003] "Not Applicable"
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] This invention is a trailer-gate and trailer-ramp lift kit
relates to spring assist apparatus for assisting manual
repositioning of trailer gates or trailer ramps which consists of 3
eyelets with shanks, 2 used for spring support anchors, 1 used for
an adjustment for spring tension, a helical elongated coil spring
and a flexible cable.
[0005] These gates and ramps are used on conventional, commercial,
parks and recreational trailers used by cities, counties and states
for use in hauling landscape equipment such as walk-behind mowers,
aerators, riding lawn mowers, pipe pulling equipment for
underground sprinkler systems, sidewalk-wheeled sweepers and the
like. In construction such as backhoes, bob-cats, crawling
well-drilling equipment and the like. These trailer gates or
trailer ramps in order to support these loads are usually
constructed of steel and have considerable weight are generally
relatively long to permit a relatively shallow incline. They are
usually pivoted adjacent the bottom edge of the gate or ramp and
the entire weight of the gate or ramp is supported above the
pivotal point.
[0006] This helical elongated coil spring tension from the anchored
spring support on the trailer to the anchored spring support on the
trailer gate or trailer ramp effectively reduces the weight of the
trailer gate or trailer ramp, making it easier to let down or lift
up thereby reducing risk or injury to the back or arm of the
operator, especially operators of walk-behind mowers--as the result
of fatigue from cutting and maintaining grass in a regular workday,
also from letting down and lifting the trailer gate up a multitude
of times in a regular workday.
[0007] When the trailer gate or trailer ramp is in vertical
position and the safety attachment or latch is released to lower
the trailer gate or trailer ramp, the trailer gate or trailer ramp
can be eased down without having the full load on the operator
because of the tension on the helical elongated coil spring.
[0008] The problems attendant trailer ramps are known and various
solutions have been proposed U.S. PAT. NO. 3,843,565 is directed to
a hydraulic system for providing a source of power to raise and
lower a trailer ramp. Such a system is usable only if a source of
hydraulic fluid under pressure is available from the trailer itself
or from a draft vehicle.
[0009] U.S. PAT. NO. 4,065,824 illustrates a coil spring for
exerting a force to articulate a lip pivotally attached to a bridge
plate upon pivotal movement of the bridge plate.
[0010] U.S. PAT. NO. 4,657,233 which incorporates bearing to reduce
the friction attendant pivotal movement of the ramps. A housing
protective of a spring located at the pivoting junction.
[0011] U.S. PAT. NO. 6,183,031 the provision of a counter-balance
formed in a kit of pulleys, coiled spring and capable being mounted
directly on the horizontal top rail of the trailer support frame
with a counter-balance, with a cable attached to the trailer
gate.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] Therefore, a primary object of the present invention is the
provision of an improved spring assist apparatus for trailer gate
or trailer ramp and a method for using the same.
[0013] A further object of this present invention is the provision
of an apparatus which may be formed as a kit capable of being
mounted upon conventional and commercial trailers.
[0014] A further object of the present invention is to provide
apparatus for relieving the hazards to an operator attendant
unloading and loading trailer transported wheeled vehicles.
[0015] A further object of the present invention is the provision
of an improved apparatus for trailer gates and trailer ramps which
may be added to conventional trailers and which provide less
hardware, easier maintenance, easier access for malfunctions,
broken parts and easier access for replacement for broken
parts.
[0016] A further object of the present invention is the provision
of minimum interference with the load bearing capabilities of the
trailer.
[0017] A further object of the present invention is to provide a
kit for trailer gates and trailer ramps with conventional and
commercial trailers more economical to manufacture.
[0018] A further object of the present invention is the provision
to have more room on the top horizontal top-rail in order to add
needed accessories to the trailer with the apparatus to the rear of
the trailer anchored thereof.
[0019] A further object of the present invention is the provision
of an improved kit for trailer gates or trailer ramps which is
improved, durable in use and efficient in operation.
[0020] A further object of the present invention is this can be
fixedly mounted on square tubing trailer frames, angle iron trailer
frames, solid steel trailer frames, wood frames with ramps or
trailer gates.
[0021] A further object of this present invention is the eyelet
shanks that are threaded that are attached to the helical coil
spring can be fixedly mounted in either direction, horizontally or
vertically, for any attachment to any trailer with a trailer gate
or ramps.
[0022] A further object of the present invention when mounted at
the proper height from the trailer bed, it will reduce the gate
weight lowering and lifting.
[0023] These and other objects of the present invention will become
apparent to those skilled in the art as the description thereof
proceeds.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING
[0024] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a trailer that has a pivotal
mounted trailer gate having the spring assist apparatus of the
present invention thereon.
[0025] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a trailer that has pivotal
mounted trailer ramps having the spring assist apparatus of the
present invention thereon.
[0026] FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line 3-3 of the
trailer gate in the elevational view at the end of the trailer of
the spring assist apparatus of the present invention showing the
position of the spring attached to a eyelet with threaded shank for
adjustment.
[0027] FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along lines 4--4 is a view
similar to FIG. 3 showing the opposite side of the trailer gate at
the end of the trailer.
[0028] FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along lines 5-5 of the
trailer gate in the elevational view at the end of the trailer of
the spring assist apparatus of the present invention showing the
position of the spring attached to the eyelet with threaded shank
fixedly mounted at the end of the trailer where the vertical rail
support meets the horizontal toprail.
[0029] FIG. 6 is an enlarged sectional view of the trailer gate in
the unload position at the end of the trailer of the spring assist
apparatus of the present invention showing the position of the
spring attached to the eyelet with threaded shank fixedly mounted
at the end of the trailer where the vertical rail support meets the
horizontal toprail.
[0030] FIG. 7 is an enlarged sectional view similar to FIG. 6
showing the spring assist apparatus of the present invention
showing the position of the spring attached to an eyelet with
threaded shank for adjustment fixedly mounted to the trailer
gate.
[0031] FIG. 8 is an enlarged sectional side view of the trailer
gate in unload position at the end of the trailer of the spring
assist apparatus of the present invention showing the position of
the spring attached to the eyelet with threaded shank fixedly
mounted at the end of a trailer where the vertical support meets
the horizontal toprail.
[0032] FIG. 9 is an enlarged sectional side view similar to FIG. 8
showing the spring assist apparatus of the present invention
showing the position of the spring attached to an eyelet with
threaded shank for adjustment attached to an eyelet with threaded
shank fixedly mounted to the trailer gate.
[0033] FIG. 10 is an enlarged sectional side view of the trailer
ramp in the unload position, at the end of the trailer of the
spring assist apparatus of the present invention showing the
position of the spring attached to the eyelet with threaded shank
fixedly mounted at the end of the trailer to a trailer support
bracket.
[0034] FIG. 11 is an enlarged sectional side view similar to FIG.
10 showing the spring assist apparatus of the present invention
showing the position of the spring attached to an eyelet with
threaded shank for adjustment.
[0035] FIG. 12 is an enlarged sectional view taken along lines
12--12 of the trailer ramp in the elevational view at the end of
the trailer of the spring assist apparatus of the present invention
showing the position of the spring attached to an eyelet with
threaded shank for adjustment attached to an eyelet with threaded
shank fixedly mounted to the trailer ramp.
[0036] FIG. 13 is an enlarged sectional view taken of the trailer
ramp in the elevational view at the end of the trailer of the
spring assist apparatus of the present invention showing the
position of the spring attached to an eyelet with threaded shank
fixedly mounted to a trailer support bracket.
[0037] FIG. 14 is an enlarged sectional view of the trailer ramp in
unload position at the end of the trailer of the spring assist
apparatus of the present invention showing the position of the
spring attached to an end to an eyelet with threaded shank fixedly
mounted at the end of the trailer to a support bracket, at another
end attached to an eyelet with threaded shank for adjustment then
attached to an eyelet with threaded shank fixedly mounted to a
trailer ramp.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0038] Referring jointly to FIG.'s 1 & 2, there are shown
conventional trailers. The numeral 10 designates a trailer. FIG. 1
trailer 10 is comprised of a trailer frame 12, formed of a
horizontal toprail 14 and a horizontal bottom rail 16 comprises of
plurality of vertical rail supports 18 and a trailer bed 20.
[0039] A gate 22 to unload and load vehicles or equipment comprises
of a hinge 24 connected to the bottom frame member 26 of gate 22
and provides gate 22 pivotal movement about a horizontal axis with
an upper frame member 28 joined by side frames members 30. A
plurality of cross members 32 extending between frame members 26,
28 and extend parallel to side frame members 30. A strong screen
mesh 62 covers between and cross frames 32 and side frame members
30.
[0040] The front of the trailer is a tongue 34 and a hitch 36. A
pair of fenders 58 are mounted on the opposite sides of trailer 10
and surround a pair of wheels 38 which support the trailer 10 for
transporting.
[0041] FIG. 2 trailer 10 excludes a horizontal toprail 14, vertical
rail supports 18 and a gate 22 with a hinge 24. To unload and load
vehicles and equipment are a pair of ramps 40, 42 which are
pivotally secured for movement about a horizontal axis at end of
trailer 10.
[0042] Normally during transport of trailer 10 (See FIG. 1 & 2)
the gate 22 or ramps 40, 42 are secured with a locking bar, chain
or some other type of securing device not shown.
[0043] Referring jointly to FIG. 's 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 spring
assist apparatus 44 will be described in detail. For FIG. 1 trailer
10 is comprised of a heavy duty helical elongated spring having
plurality coils 46, an eyelet with a threaded shank 60 attached
with free movement to an end of the helical elongated spring 46
which includes a pair of spaced apart nuts 48, a pair of small flat
washers 50 spaced apart, which would fixedly mount to the end of
trailer end where the horizontal toprail 14 and the vertical rail
support 18 meet at the appropriate height between 10 inches and 14
inches above trailer bed 20. Attached with free movement at the
other end of the helical elongated spring 46 an eyelet with
threaded shank 60, which includes a pair of space apart nuts 48, a
lock washer 52, a pair of large flat washers 54 spaced apart, a
pair of small flat washers 50 spaced apart for adjustment of spring
tension of spring 46,which is attached to an eyelet with threaded
shank 60, which includes a pair of nuts 48 spaced apart, a pair of
small flat washers 50 spaced apart which would fixedly mount to
gate 22. Within and throughout the helical elongated spring 46
attached to the eyelets with threaded shank 60 at opposite ends of
spring 46 a flexible safety cable 56.
[0044] Referring jointly to FIG.'s 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14, spring
assist apparatus 44 will be described in detail for FIG. 2 trailer
10 is comprised of a heavy duty helical elongated spring having
plurality coils 46, an eyelet with a threaded shank 60 attached
with free movement to an end of the helical elongated spring 46
which includes a pair of spaced apart nuts 48, a pair of small flat
washers 50 spaced apart which would fixedly mount to the end of
trailer 10 where a brace support 64 which is at the appropriate
height between 10 inches and 14 inches which is welded on the side
of the horizontal bottom rail 16. Attached with free movement at
the other end of the helical elongated spring 46 an eyelet with
threaded shank 60 which includes a pair of spaced apart nuts 48, a
lock washer 52, a pair of large flat washers 54 spaced apart, a
pair of small flat washers 50 spaced apart for adjustment of spring
tension of spring 46 which is attached to an eyelet with threaded
shank 60, which includes a pair of nuts 48 spaced apart, a pair of
small flat washers 50 spaced apart which would fixedly mount to
ramps 40, 42. Within and throughout the helical elongated spring 46
attached to the eyelets with threaded shank 60 at opposite ends of
spring 46 a flexible safety cable 56.
[0045] The spring assist apparatus 44 of the present invention
improves the raising and lowering of the gate 22 or ramps 40, 42
because it resists the force of gravity when a proper adjustment to
the spring tension is made with the proper height at end of trailer
10. In absence of the spring assist apparatus 44 the gate 22 or
ramps 40, 42 is likely to have full weight by reason of gravity and
injure persons in the vicinity because of inclement weather,
fatigue or improper lifting technics.
[0046] In the drawings and specification, there has been set forth
an illustrative embodiment of the present invention and although
specific terms are employed, these are used in a generic sense only
and not for purposes of limitation. Substitution of equivalents are
contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but
is intended to cover the application or implementation without
departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present
invention.
* * * * *