U.S. patent application number 10/326193 was filed with the patent office on 2003-08-21 for floating collapsible utility trailer.
Invention is credited to Carter, Vita.
Application Number | 20030154901 10/326193 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 21929896 |
Filed Date | 2003-08-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030154901 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Carter, Vita |
August 21, 2003 |
Floating collapsible utility trailer
Abstract
This invention describes a float able, collapsible utility
trailer which can be filled with gear and towed behind a boat or,
alternatively, pulled behind a person on dry land. The unit is
collapsible for easy carrying and storage and comes with a carrying
handle.
Inventors: |
Carter, Vita; (Helendale,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Lewis M. Brande, Esq.
5976 Falling Tree Lane
Alta Loma
CA
91737
US
|
Family ID: |
21929896 |
Appl. No.: |
10/326193 |
Filed: |
December 20, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10326193 |
Dec 20, 2002 |
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10043980 |
Jan 9, 2002 |
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6536367 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
114/344 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60P 3/10 20130101; B60P
3/105 20130101; B63B 2003/085 20130101; B60P 3/42 20130101; B60F
3/0092 20130101; B63B 7/04 20130101; B62D 63/061 20130101; B63B
1/121 20130101; B63B 2001/201 20130101; B63B 1/20 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
114/344 |
International
Class: |
B60P 003/10 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A floating collapsible utility trailer, comprising: a) a bow,
said bow being essentially triangular in shape and being located in
the front of the floating collapsible utility trailer, a stern,
said stern being located in the rear portion of the floating
collapsible utility trailer, said bow and said stern each being
attached to a port side and a starboard side, a bottom, said bottom
attaching to said bow, said stern, said port side and said
starboard side, a top portion, said top portion attaching to said
bow, said stern, said port side and said starboard side, said top
portion defining an internal watertight cavity therein; b) means to
remove a top protective flap from said top portion creating access
to said watertight cavity; c) means for flotation of the floating
collapsible utility trailer, said means for flotation being located
on said bottom of the floating collapsible utility trailer; d) a
first bottom rail, said first bottom rail being attached to said
bottom of the floating collapsible utility trailer and located on
said starboard side, a second bottom rail, said second bottom rail
being attached to said bottom of the floating collapsible utility
trailer and located on said port side, at least four wheel means, a
pair of said wheel means being attached to said first bottom rail,
another pair of said wheel means being attached to said second
bottom rail, said four wheel means creating a quadrilateral
relationship between each other; e) means to separate said first
bottom rail and said second bottom rail when the floating
collapsible utility trailer is expanded to carry objects; f) means
to store said means to separate said first bottom rail and said
second bottom rail when the floating collapsible utility trailer is
collapsed; g) means to tow the floating collapsible utility trailer
on land; h) means to tow the floating collapsible utility trailer
in the water; and i) strap means to secure the floating collapsible
utility trailer in a collapsed state when not in use
2. The floating collapsible utility trailer as claimed in claim 1,
wherein: a) said means to separate said first bottom rail and said
second bottom rail is at least two spreader bar assemblies, a first
spreader bar assembly is pivotably attached to said first bottom
rail and is threadably secured to said second bottom rail, a second
spreader bar assembly is pivotably attached to said second bottom
rail and is threadably secured to said first bottom rail.
3. The floating collapsible utility trailer as claimed in claim 1,
wherein: a) said means for flotation consists of a first lower
flotation support, and a second lower flotation support, said first
lower flotation support being located on said port side and on said
bottom of the floating collapsible utility trailer, said second
lower flotation support being locate on said starboard side and on
said bottom of the floating collapsible utility trailer; b) said
means for flotation further consists of a first bow flotation
support, said first bow flotation support being located on said
starboard side of said bow, said second bow flotation support being
located on said port side of said bow, a central bow flotation
support located between said first and said second bow flotation
supports, towards the front of said bow of the floating collapsible
utility trailer; and c) means for removing said first bow flotation
support from said starboard side bow, and means for removing said
second bow flotation support from said port side bow.
4. The floating collapsible utility trailer as claimed in claim 1,
wherein: a) said means for towing the floating collapsible utility
trailer in the water consists of at least four straps, a first
strap and a second strap being located on said starboard side and
located towards said top portion of said starboard side with said
first strap being fixed near said bow of the floating collapsible
utility trailer, and said second strap being fixed near said stern
of the floating collapsible utility trailer, a third strap and a
fourth strap being located towards said top portion with said third
strap being fixed near said bow of the floating collapsible utility
trailer and said fourth strap being fixed towards said stern of the
floating collapsible utility trailer.
5. The floating collapsible utility trailer as claimed in claim
one, wherein: a) said bottom of the floating collapsible utility
trailer has a multiplicity of bottom supports, said multiplicity of
bottom supports being attached to said bottom of the floating
collapsible utility trailer and extends from said bow to said stern
of the floating collapsible utility trailer stiffening said bottom
of the floating collapsible utility trailer, thereby offering
support for articles stowed within said internal watertight
cavity.
6. A floating collapsible utility trailer, comprising: a) a first
side support rail and a second side support rail, said first and
second side support rails being arranged in a parallel
relationship, said first and second side support rails each having
a forward end, an aft end, a top and a bottom, said top of said
first and second side support rails being essentially flat, said
bottom of said first and second side support rails being shaped,
said first and second side support rails being watertight and
hollow and providing buoyancy thereby; b) means to separate said
first said second side support rail when the floating collapsible
utility trailer is expanded to carry objects; c) said forward ends
of said first and second side support rails each having a
hydrodynamic shape thereby reducing drag; d) a collapsible storage
compartment, said collapsible storage compartment having a first
side, a second side, a front, a bottom, and a top, said first and
second sides being essentially parallel when expanded said
collapsible storage compartment being water tight defining an
interior compartment therein, said collapsible storage compartment
having a means to gain access therein, said collapsible storage
compartment having support rods installed on said first side and
said second side, said collapsible storage compartment having guide
means attached to said support rods; e) means to secure said
collapsible storage compartment onto said floating collapsible
utility trailer; f) means to tow the floating collapsible utility
trailer on land; and g) means to tow the floating collapsible
utility trailer in the water.
7. The floating collapsible utility trailer as claimed in claim 6,
wherein: a) said means to separate said first said second side
support rail consists of a first and a second trailer cross
support, said first and second trailer cross supports each having a
top and a bottom surface, said top of said first and second trailer
cross support having a recess defined therein, said first and
second trailer cross supports having a bottom surface, said bottom
surface stiffening block defined thereon, said stiffening block
providing an attach means to said first and second side support
rail; and b) said attach means defined on said bottom surface of
said first and second trailer cross supports being a pair of slots
defined therein, said top of said first and second side support
rails having a recess defined in said forward and said aft ends,
each of said pair of slots attaching to said recess on said top of
said first and second side support rail and being interlockingly
fixed to said recesses defined in said forward and said aft ends of
said first and second side support rails.
8. The floating collapsible utility trailer as claimed in claim 6,
wherein said means to secure said collapsible storage compartment
onto said floating collapsible utility trailer consists of a) a
front flap, a rear flap, a first side and a second side, said front
flap having a first set of attach means, said first trailer cross
support having complimentary attach means to allow said front flap
to be removably attached to said first trailer cross support; b)
said rear flap having a second set of attach means, said second
trailer cross support having complimentary attach means to allow
said rear flap to be removably attached to said second trailer
cross support; c) said first side having a third set of attach
means, said third set of attach means being located ons a bottom
edge of said first side and being removably attached to a
complimentary attach means located on said first side support rail;
and d) said second side having a fourth set of attach means, said
fourth set of attach means being located ons a bottom edge of said
second side and being removably attached to a complimentary attach
means located on said second side support rail
9. The floating collapsible utility trailer as claimed in claim 6
wherein said means to tow said tow the floating collapsible utility
trailer on land comprises; a) said first side support rail having
recesses defined on said bottom surface, said recesses allowing a
wheel assembly to be attached to each recess therein; and b) said
second side support rail having recesses defined on said bottom
surface, said recesses allowing a wheel assembly to be attached to
each recess therein.
10. A floating collapsible utility trailer, comprising: a) a left
rail assembly having a first side support rail, said first side
support rail having a forward and an aft end, said first side
support rail having a first floor support, said first floor support
extending towards an inside portion of the floating collapsible
utility trailer, said first floor support having stiffening grooves
defined therein; b) said first floor support having a forward end
and an aft end, said aft end of said first floor support having an
aft wall projecting upwards, said first side rail having a first
side wall projecting upwards and intersecting with said aft wall
creating a watertight corner, said forward end of said first floor
support having a first forward wall, said first forward wall
projecting upwards and intersects with said first side wall
creating a watertight corner, said first side wall having a first
hand hold defined therein; c) a right rail assembly having a second
side support rail, said second side support rail having a forward
and an aft end, said second side support rail having a second floor
support, said second floor support extending towards an inside
portion of the floating collapsible utility trailer, said second
floor support having stiffening grooves defined therein; d) said
second floor support having a forward end and an aft end, said aft
end of said second floor support having an aft wall projecting
upwards, said second side rail having a second side wall projecting
upwards and intersecting with said aft wall creating a watertight
corner, said forward end of said second floor support having a
second forward wall, said second forward wall projecting upwards
and intersecting with said second side wall creating a watertight
corner, said second side wall having a second hand hold defined
therein; e) a first hinge means, said first hinge means being
located on a top side of said aft wall on said left and right rail
assembly, a second hinge means, said second hinge means being
located on a top side of said forward wall of said left and right
side rail assembly, a latch means, said latch means being located
on a bottom side of said forward wall of said first and second
floor support, a second latch means being attached to a bottom side
of said aft wall of said first and second floor support, said left
rail assembly and said right rail assembly hingeably meeting at a
mid plane; f) said left rail assembly having a first outer hull,
said first outer hull having a first bottom, a first side, a second
bottom and a first gunwale, said first floor support being located
above said first bottom creating a space therebetween, a first
interior wall is shown opposing said first gunwale, said first
gunwale, said first floor support said first interior wall, said
first side, said first bottom, said second bottom, and said first
mid wall creating a volume therein, said volume being water tight;
g) said right rail assembly having a second outer hull, said second
outer hull having a third bottom, a second side, a fourth bottom
and a second gunwale, said second floor support being located above
said third bottom creating a space therebetween, a second interior
wall is shown opposing said second gunwale, said second gunwale,
said second floor support said second interior wall, said second
side, said third bottom, said fourth bottom, and said second mid
wall creating a volume therein, said volume being water tight; h)
said first mid wall having a tongue defined thereon, said right
rail assembly having a groove defined therein to receive said
tongue; I) said left rail assembly further having a first recess
and a second recess defined therein, a first wheel assembly being
fixedly inserted into said first recess, and a second wheel
assembly being fixedly inserted into said second recess, said right
rail assembly further having a third recess and a fourth recess
defined therein, a third wheel assembly being fixedly inserted into
said third recess, and a fourth wheel assembly being fixedly
inserted into said fourth recess; and j) said forward portion of
said left rail assembly having a first through slot defined
therein, said first forward portion of said right rail assembly
having a second through slot defined therein, said first and second
through slot having means to attach a tow rope thereupon.
11. The floating collapsible utility trailer as claimed in claim 10
further having; a) a collapsible storage compartment, said
collapsible storage compartment having a first side, a second side
a top, a bottom, a front and a rear, said front of said collapsible
storage compartment having a first support rod, said rear of said
collapsible storage compartment having a second support rod, said
first and second support rods providing shape and support for said
collapsible storage compartment; b) said top of said collapsible
storage compartment having a zipper means to allow access to said
collapsible storage compartment; and c) said collapsible storage
compartment being attached to said left and right rail assemblies
by attach means.
Description
[0001] This application is a continuation of application Ser. No.
10/043,980 filed Jan 9, 2002.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] In the field of utility trailers, persons are at a
disadvantage if they wish to carry extra objects when they go
boating. Most trailers that are currently available, are either
designed with very large capacities in mind, or are made
specifically to convert into a boat. Examples of existing designs
include trailers that are towed behind a motor-vehicle and are
easily converted to either a motorized boat, a non-motorized boat,
or a boat-like object. The current designs are designed with
personal water-craft and small boat owners in mind who would like
to carry extra objects such as coolers, canopies, beach chairs,
etc. outside the boat area. This aggravates the problem of space
consumption that the all carry-on items create, or in the case of
personal crafts, is not available at all.
[0004] The current invention is a small collapsible trailer that is
made from a flexible material, which makes the trailer very easy to
collapse into a smaller size than it takes up when in use. The
trailer is pulled like a wagon, then launched into the water, It
can then be pulled from the water behind a PC or boat. The current
invention is specifically designed for carrying bulky objects, such
as water coolers, that ordinarily would take up too much space in
small boats or is not available to personal water-craft owners. The
current invention is water tight, and is designed to be towed
behind a small boat or personal water-craft on the water. When the
carry-on objects are in the utility trailer, more space is made
available in the boat.
[0005] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0006] Collapsible utility trailers are known in the art.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 3,940,813 discloses a collapsible trailer boat
wherein the fore part and after part are hinged together so that
the trailer can be pivotally moved. When open, the trailer
represents a boat in the shape of a catamaran. The after portion of
the boat has provisions to mount an outboard motor. When closed,
the fore part rests on the after part with the fore part's bottom
facing upwards. The after portion of the trailer/boat may be used
as a single-room home when on land, while the fore part may be used
as a separate craft
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 3,090,973 discloses a boat having a front
section and a rear section where the front section may be pivoted
until it rests over the rear portion, forming a storage
compartment. The trailer/boat has wheels that may be retracted. The
patent also discloses the trailer/boat being capable of use as a
sleeping or living quarters.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 2,659,464 discloses a hinged boat, shaped
cargo carrier that is capable of being made water and dirt tight.
The invention is made to be carried on top of a motor-vehicle.
[0010] The foregoing descriptions of prior art patents disclose
trailers that all are made from hard materials and are all hinged
at a center area to fold closed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] The present invention offers a solution to the shortcomings
of the prior art inventions
[0012] The object of the present invention is to provide a trailer
that is small enough to be easily carried inside a motor vehicle.
This will make it relatively easy for persons with small craft to
carry the trailer without measurable loss of valuable space.
[0013] Another object of the present invention is to wheels that
easily rotate to which will allow the owner easy movement from the
motor vehicle to the water, and return. The invention has straps
mounted on the sides that allow for easy securing to the craft when
in the water, allowing for towing the invention in the water on the
side of the personal watercraft.
[0014] Another object of the present invention is that the trailer
is fabricated from soft materials such as but not limited to vinyl,
plastic and like materials that are easily sealed and made
waterproof, as well as flexible. These materials allow the trailer
to be made water tight, allowing the trailer to be towed behind or
attached to the side of a boat. This advantage frees up valuable
space in small personal boats. The trailer can be easily collapsed
creating a small footprint for storage. Fabricating the present
invention from soft materials has the additional benefit of making
the floating trailer light.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] 1. Figure one shows the utility trailer in Top View.
[0016] 2. Figure two shows the utility trailer in a view looking up
at the bottom of the trailer.
[0017] 3. Figure three is a side view of the right (starboard) side
of the utility trailer.
[0018] 4. Figure four is a view looking aft at the bow of the
utility trailer, also denoted as View A.
[0019] 5. Figure five is a view looking forward from the stern of
the utility trailer, also denoted as View B.
[0020] 6. Figure six is a top view of the utility trailer showing
the top compartment sealed with a zipper like apparatus.
[0021] 7. Figure seven is a view looking forward from the front of
the trailer into the utility trailer, showing the horizontal and
vertical internal compartments deployed.
[0022] 8. Figure eight shows the utility trailer in a collapsed
storable position with holding straps.
[0023] 9. Figure nine shows an end view of the utility trailer in a
collapsed storable position showing the stowed position of the
bottom supports and flotation devices.
[0024] 10. Figure ten shows a 3 dimensional perspective view of the
trailer and how each component collapses to create a storable
utility trailer.
[0025] 11. Figure eleven shows a detailed view of a spreader bar,
also known as view C.
[0026] 12. Figure twelve shows a detailed view of a wheel
assembly.
[0027] 13. Figure thirteen shows an exploded isometric view of a
second embodiment
[0028] 14. Figure fourteen shows a top view of the second
embodiment
[0029] 15. Figure fifteen shows a left side view of the second
embodiment
[0030] 16. Figure sixteen shows a front view of the second
embodiment
[0031] 17. Figure seventeen shows a rear view of the second
embodiment
[0032] 18. Figure eighteen shows a bottom view of the second
embodiment
[0033] 19. Figure nineteen shows an isometric view of the storage
compartment
[0034] 20. Figure twenty shows a cross sectional view of the cross
support
[0035] 21. Figure twenty one shows an installed wheel assembly
[0036] 22. Figure twenty two shows a second embodiment of an
installed wheel assembly
[0037] 23. Figure twenty three shows the third embodiment of a
floating collapsible utility trailer in isometric view
[0038] 24. Figure twenty four is an isometric view without the
cargo compartment
[0039] 25. Figure twenty five is a view looking up at the bottom of
the floating collapsible utility trailer
[0040] 26. Figure twenty six shows the floating collapsible utility
trailer in its stowed form
[0041] 27. Figure twenty eight shows a cross-sectional view of the
floating collapsible utility trailer.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0042] While the invention is susceptible of embodiment in many
different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be
described in detail, one specific embodiment, with the
understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an
exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not
intended to limit the invention to the embodiment illustrated.
[0043] Figure one in the drawings shows the top view of the utility
trailer (1) which depicts a first lower flotation support (3) and a
second lower flotation support (5). The utility trailer has a port
(or right) side (2), a starboard (or left) side (4), a stern (or
back) (12) and a bow (or front) (14) of the utility trailer (1).
The bottom (7) of the utility trailer (1) has a multiplicity of
bottom supports (9) the bottom supports running in the fore and aft
direction of the utility trailer (1). The front (10) of the utility
trailer (1) has a first bow flotation support (11), a second bow
flotation support (13), a central bow flotation support (15) and a
tow hitch (17) with a tow loop (19).
[0044] FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the utility trailer (1) which
reveals a first wheel assembly (21) a second wheel assembly (23), a
third wheel assembly (25) and a fourth wheel assembly (27). The
first wheel assembly (21) and the fourth wheel assembly (27) are
mounted on a first bottom support rail (41). The second wheel
assembly (23) and the third wheel assembly (25) are mounted on a
second bottom support rail (43) and are arranged so as to create a
quadrilateral relationship between the first wheel assembly (21),
the second wheel assembly (23), the third wheel assembly (25) and
the fourth wheel assembly (27), where each wheel assembly is
positioned in a vertex of the quadrilateral. Also shown is a first
trailer spreader bar assembly (29) with a first threaded receptacle
(31) in the second bottom support rail (43) to receiveably secure
the first trailer spreader bar assembly (29). There is a second
trailer spreader bar assembly (33) with a second threaded
receptacle (35) mounted on the first bottom support rail (41) to
receiveably secure the second trailer spreader bar assembly (33).
In addition there is a first pivot (37) attached to the first
bottom support rail (41) for the first trailer spreader bar
assembly (29) and a second pivot (39) attached to the second bottom
support rail (43) for the second trailer spreader bar assembly
(33). As depicted in Figure two, the first spreader bar assembly
(29) pivots about the first pivot (37) and is secured by a first
clamp (90) which is mounted on the first bottom support rail (41).
The second spreader bar assembly (33) pivots about the second pivot
(39) and is secured by a second clamp (91) which is mounted on the
second bottom support rail (43).
[0045] Figure three shows a side view of the right side of the
utility trailer and shows the first bottom support rail (41) and
wheel assembly (21) which is located toward the front (10) of the
utility trailer (1) and mounted thereon. The fourth wheel assembly
(27) is located toward the back (12) of the utility trailer (1).
The first lower flotation support (3), the first bow flotation
support (11) and the tow hitch (17) are seen in the side view.
Additionally, the first bow flotation support (11) has a zipper
(53) located on the first bow flotation support's (11) side and
when the zipper (53) is unfastened, an opening (54) is created
allowing a removable flotation support (51) to be pulled out for
storage. An analogous structure exists for the opposing (left)
side. Also denoted in figure three is a collapsible storage
compartment (92) which is depicted as a bellows type of
structure.
[0046] Figure four (or view A) shows a view looking aft at the bow
of the utility trailer (1) and shows the first bottom support rail
(41) and a second bottom support rail (43) opposing the first
bottom support rail (41). The second wheel assembly (23) is mounted
on the second bottom support rail (43), and the first wheel
assembly (21) is mounted on the first bottom support rail (41). A
first clevis (37) is mounted onto the first bottom support rail
(41). A first support rod (45) has on one end a threaded portion
(67) and an opposing end a standard rod end (65). The standard rod
end (65) located on the first support rod (45) is pivotably mounted
in the first clevis (37) located on the first bottom support rail
(41). A rod cap (47) is threadably attached to the threaded portion
(67) of the first support rod (45). Opposing the first clevis (37),
and located on the second bottom support rail (43) is a first
cavity (69) which is capable of firmly positioning the rod cap (47)
when threadably extended. The first support rod (45) is in a
perpendicular orientation to the first bottom support rail (41) and
the second bottom support rail (43) when the rod cap (47) is
positioned in the first cavity (69) located in the second bottom
support rail (43). The collapsible storage compartment (92) is
shown extending downwards and being secured on the first bottom
support rail (41) and the second bottom support rail (43), and
mounting the multiplicity of bottom supports (9) which is located
within the collapsible storage compartment (92). When extended, the
collapsible storage compartment (92) defines an internal watertight
cavity (93) that encases the first lower floatation support (3),
the second lower flotation support (5), and the multiplicity of
bottom supports (9).
[0047] Figure five (or view B) shows a view looking from the bow to
the stem of the utility trailer (1) and shows the first bottom
support rail (41) and the second bottom support rail (43) opposing
the first bottom support rail (41). The third wheel assembly (25)
is mounted on the second bottom support rail (43), and the fourth
wheel assembly (27) is mounted on the first bottom support rail
(41). A second clevis (49) is mounted onto the second bottom
support rail (43). A first support rod (45) has on one end a
threaded portion (67) and an opposing end a standard rod end (65).
The standard rod end (65) located on the first support rod (45) is
pivotably mounted in the second clevis (49) located on he second
bottom support rail (43). An internally threaded rod cap (47) is
threadably attached to the threaded portion (67) of the first
support rod (45). Opposing the second clevis (49) located on the
first bottom support rail (41) is a second cavity (71) which is
capable of firmly positioning the rod cap (47) when extended. The
first support rod (45) is in a perpendicular orientation to the
first bottom support rail (41) and the second bottom support rail
(43) when the rod cap (47) is positioned in the second cavity (71)
located in the first bottom support rail (41). The collapsible
storage compartment (92) is shown extending downwards and being
secured onto the first bottom support rail (41) and the second
bottom support rail (43),
[0048] Figure six depicts a top view of the collapsible utility
trailer (1) showing a top protective flap (55), a zipper (57) for
the top protective flap (55). Attached to the sides of the sides
(59) of the collapsible storage compartment (92) are a first
starboard bow towing strap (22), a second starboard stern towing
strap (24), a third port bow towing strap (26) and a fourth port
stern towing strap (28). The towing straps (22, 24, 26, 28) can be
used to pull the utility trailer (1) while the utility trailer (1)
is in the water.
[0049] Figure seven shows a side view of the collapsible storage
compartment (92), as seen from the bow of the collapsible utility
trailer (1) looking to the stem. The collapsible storage
compartment (92) has a pair of sides (59) opposing each other and a
top portion (94) of the collapsible utility trailer (1). The top
portion (94) showing the top protective flap (55), partially
unzipped, and ajar from the top portion (94) of the collapsible
utility trailer (1). When the collapsible storage compartment is
expanded as shown, the pair of sides (59) show deployment of a
vertical central deployable storage compartment (61) and a
horizontal central deployable storage compartment (63) the
horizontal central deployable storage compartment (63) being
attached to the pair of sides (59) and the vertical deployable
storage compartment (61) being attached to the top portion (94) and
the bottom (7) of the collapsible utility trailer (1).
[0050] Figure eight is a side view of the collapsed utility trailer
showing a carrying handle (73) for carrying the trailer.
[0051] Figure nine is an end view of the collapsed utility trailer
showing the first lower flotation support (3), the second lower
flotation support (5), the central bow flotation support (15), a
multiplicity of bottom supports (9), the bottom (7) of the
collapsible utility trailer (1), an end view of a spreader bar
assembly (29, 31) and the carrying handle (73).
[0052] Figure ten illustrates, in three-dimensional perspective of
how the various components of the collapsible utility trailer (1)
fold in upon themselves to create a collapsed utility trailer.
[0053] Figure eleven is a close up view of a spreader bar assembly
(29,33) showing the spreader bar assemblies (29,33) with the
support rod (45). The support rod has a standard rod end (65) on
one end. A bolt (75) is shown attaching the standard rod end (65)
of the spreader bar assembly (29,33) to the corresponding clevis
(37,39). A nut (77) fastens on to the bottom of the bolt (75) which
passes through the corresponding clevis (37,39) and the standard
rod end (65) allowing the spreader bar assembly (29,33) to freely
rotate. The other end of the support rod (45) is shown with the
external threads that threadably mate with the end cap (47). A lock
nut (79) is used to secure the position of the end cap (47) on an
alignment stud (81) after the end cap is extended which will secure
the first bottom support rail (41) and the second bottom support
rail (43) in their respective separated positions for travel. The
alignment stud (81) is mounted and centered in the corresponding
threaded receptacle (31,35).
[0054] Figure twelve shows a close up view of a wheel assembly
(21,23,25,27). A first nut and bolt assembly (83) passes through a
bottom support rail (41,43) and attaches a U-bracket (85) to the
bottom support rail (41,43) where the nut and bolt assembly (83)
may be made loose enough to allow the wheel assembly (21,23,25,27)
to rotate allowing for easy transport. A wheel (87) is centered
within and attached to the U-bracket (85) with a second nut and
bolt assembly (89) allowing the wheel (87) to freely rotate.
[0055] With respect to figure thirteen, a second embodiment of the
collapsible floating utility trailer (200) is shown having a first
side support rail (202) and a second side support rail (204). The
first and second side support rail (202,204) are both arranged in a
parallel relationship. The first and second side support rails
(202,204) may be made as two identical components. The first and
second side support rails (202,204) each have a forward end
(206,208) and an aft end (210,212), with the forward ends (206,208)
and the aft ends (210,212) each having a hydrodynamic shape that
allows the first and second side support rails (202,204) to cut
through the water more easily than if the forward ends (206,208) of
the first and second side support rails (202,204) were more
square.
[0056] The first and second side support rails (202,204) each have
a top side (214,216) and a bottom side (218,220) where the bottom
sides (218,220) are shaped as most boats are shaped, i.e. "U" or
"V" shaped, with the bottom of the "U" or "V" pointing downwards.
The top sides (214,216) of the first and second side of the support
rail (202,204) is essentially flat. The first and second side
support rails (202,204) each are made as floatation devices, where
the flotation devices are common in the art of ships and canoes.
The first and second side support rails (202,204) can be made
watertight and hollow, with air inside providing buoyancy or they
may have light foam providing buoyancy or, as is done in canoes,
watertight compartments in the forward (206,208) and aft ends
(210,212) providing buoyancy.
[0057] The collapsible floating utility trailer (200) further has a
first trailer cross support (222) and a second trailer cross
support (224). The first and second trailer cross support (222,224)
separate the first and second side support rails (202,204) to a
predetermined length, and maintain the first and second trailer
cross support (222,224) in a parallel relationship. The first and
second trailer cross support (222,224) may be made identical for
manufacturing purposes. The first and second trailer cross supports
(222,224) each have a top surface (226,228) and a bottom surface
(230,232). The top surfaces (226,228) of the first and second
trailer cross supports (222,224) each has a recess (234,236). The
recesses (234,236) provide additional storage area, and a flat
surface for a collapsible storage compartment (248)when the
collapsible storage compartment (248)is installed. The bottom
surfaces (230,232) have a stiffening block (238,239), where the
stiffening blocks (238,239) project downwards and provide a means
to attach to the first and second side support rails (202,204).
[0058] One means of attachment for the first and second trailer
cross supports (222,224) to the first and second side support rails
(202,204) is provided when the first and second trailer cross
supports (222,224) each have a pair of slots (240,242). The slots
(240,242) are located on opposing ends of the first and second
trailer cross supports (222,224), and interlock with a recess
(244,246) defined in the forward (206,208) and aft ends (210,212)
of the first and second side support rails (202,204). The recesses
(244,246) of the first and second side support rails (202,204) have
a shape complimentary to the pair of slots (240,242) in the first
and second trailer cross supports (222,224). The interlocking
feature herein defined may be made so the first and second trailer
cross supports (222,224) either "snap" into the recesses (244,246)
or are "press-fit" into the recesses (244,246) of the first and
second side support rails (202,204). By manufacturing the first and
second trailer cross supports (222,224) and the first and second
side support rails (202,204) as identical components, fabrication
and assembly costs will be reduced, and assembly is made easier as
non-identical parts located on left/right or port/starboard are
eliminated.
[0059] The collapsible storage compartment (248) has a first side
(250), an opposing second side (252), a top (254), a bottom (256),
a rear (258), and a front (260). When the collapsible storage
compartment (248) is in the expanded position, the first side (250)
is essentially parallel to the second side (252). The bottom (256)
is attached to the first side (250) and the second side (252)
creating an essentially flat bottom for storage. The front (260) is
attached to the bottom (256), the first side (250) and the second
side (252). The top (254) is attached to the front (260), the first
side (250) and the second side (252). The rear (258) is attached to
the first side (250), the second side (252), the top (254), and the
bottom (256). When all the components are attached as herein
defined, the collapsible storage compartment (248) becomes a water
tight container that is capable of protecting the objects stored
from the outer environment, such as when the collapsible floating
utility trailer (200) is used on the water. A zipper (264) or other
means is installed onto the collapsible storage compartment (248)
to allow access to an interior compartment (266). The zipper (264)
or other means runs from the front (260) to the top (254), and ends
at the rear (258) of the collapsible storage compartment (248).
[0060] Support rods (268) are installed into the first (250) and
second side (252) of the collapsible storage compartment (248) in
order to provide support and give the collapsible storage
compartment (248) the desired shape. In the front (260) and the
rear (258) of the collapsible storage compartment (248) guide means
(270) are installed. The guide means (270) are attached to the
support rods (268) in the first (250) and second side (252) of the
collapsible storage compartment (248) and to the front (260) and
rear (258) of the collapsible storage compartment (248) as
necessary. The guide means (270) are known in the art of folding
tables, and are typically made as a series of links, typically of
four (4) distinct rods attached together. Typically the guide means
(270) are assembled in the shape of a triangle, where a first rod
(272) and a second rod (274) are attached together and oriented to
create an angle of ninety (90) degrees. A third (276) and fourth
(278) rod are attached together in line (180 degrees) where the
third rod (276) is attached to the second rod (274), and the fourth
rod (278) is attached to the first rod (272). The first (272),
second (274), third (276) and fourth rod (278) thereby create a
triangular shape. The third (276) and fourth rod (278) each have
interlocking detents (280, 282) to firmly position the guide means
(270) into the triangular position. The first (272), second (274),
third (276), and fourth rod (278) are attached in a way so as to
provide a tight frictional fit therebetween. Moving the attach
point (284) between the third (276) and fourth rod (278) towards
the attach point (286) between the first (272) and second rod (274)
allows the guide means (270) to collapse, thereby collapsing the
collapsible storage compartment (248).
[0061] The optimal number of guide means (270) is four, where each
guide means (270) is located in a corner of the collapsible storage
compartment (248). i.e. the corner where the first side (250), the
front (260), and bottom (256) meet; the corner where the first side
(250), the rear (258), and the bottom (256) meet; the corner where
the second side (252), the front (260), and bottom (256) meet; and
the corner where the second side (252), the rear (258), and the
bottom (256) meet.
[0062] The front (260) of the collapsible storage compartment (248)
has a front flap (288) that extends around the first trailer cross
support (222). At a first loose end (290) of the front flap (288) a
first set of attach means (292) are located. Complementary attach
means (294) are located on the first trailer cross support (222),
and allow the front flap (288) and hence the collapsible storage
compartment (248) to be attached to the first trailer cross support
(222). The rear (258) of the collapsible storage compartment (248)
has a rear flap (296) that extends around the second trailer cross
support (224). At a second loose end (298) of the rear flap (296),
a second set of attach means (300) are located. Complementary
attach means (302) are located on the second trailer cross support
(224) and allow the rear flap (296), and hence the collapsible
storage compartment (248) to be attached to the second trailer
cross support (224).
[0063] The first side (250) has a third set of attach means (304)
located on a bottom edge (306) of the first side (250). A
complementary set of attach means (308) is located on the first
side support rail (202). When the third set of attach means (304)
are connected to the complementary set of attach (308) means
located on the first side support rail (202), the first side (250),
and hence the collapsible storage compartment (248) is attached to
the first side support rail (202). The second side (252) has a
fourth set of attach means (310) located on a bottom edge (312) of
the second side (252). A complementary set of attach means (314) is
located on the second side support rail (204). When the fourth set
of attach means (310) are connected to the complementary set of
attach means (314) located on the second support rail (204), the
second side (252), and hence the collapsible storage compartment
(248) is attached to the second side support rail (204). In order
to remove the collapsible storage compartment (248) from the first
and second side support rails (202,204), and the first and second
trailer cross supports (222,224), the attach means
(292,294,300,302,304,308,310,314) must be disconnected, thereby
allowing the collapsible storage compartment (248) to be removed
from a trailer frame and collapsed for easy storage.
[0064] The attach means (292,294,300,302,304,308,310,314) may be
snaps, over center latches, or Velcro.RTM. or other easily
removable attach means.
[0065] The first and second side support rails (202,204) each have
recesses (316,318,320,322) in the bottom (218,220) to accommodate
the installation of wheel assemblies (324). In one embodiment, a
wheel (326) with a through rod (328) is installed into the
predefined recess (316,318,320,322), and the wheel (326) is "snap
fit" into position, preventing unwanted movement or loss of the
wheel (326). There would generally be at least 2 wheels (326)
installed in the first and second side support rails (202,204),
providing adequate rolling support for the trailer (200).
[0066] In a second embodiment of a wheel assembly, a wheel assembly
(329) is bolted into the first and second side support rails
(202,204), thus allowing the wheel (326) to rotate and provide a
small amount of steering to the front and/or rear of the side
support rails (202,204). The wheel assembly (329) consists of a
wheel (326) having a through rod (328), and a "U" shaped bracket
(330) that positions the wheel (326) therein. The "U" shaped
bracket (330) has a bolt (332) projecting upwards to attach to a
nut (334) installed in the recesses of the first and second side
support rails (202,204).
[0067] A third embodiment of the disclosed invention is the
preferred embodiment. Figure twenty three shows a perspective view
of the third embodiment of the floating collapsible utility trailer
(400).
[0068] The floating collapsible utility trailer (400) has a first
side support rail (402) and a second side support rail (404). The
first and second side support rails (402,404) are made as opposing
mating components. The first and second side support rails
(402,404) each have a forward end (406,410) and an aft end
(408,412), the forward ends (406,410) and the aft ends (408,412)
each having a hydrodynamic shape that allows the first and second
side support rails (402,404) to cut through the water more easily
than if the first and second side support rails (402,404) were made
more square.
[0069] A left rail assembly (414) is comprised of the first side
support rail (402), where the first side support rail (402) has a
first floor support (416). The first floor support (416) extends
towards an inside portion (418) of the floating collapsible utility
trailer (400). In order to provide the maximum amount of support
for the first floor support (416), a series of stiffening grooves
(420) are incorporated into the first floor support (416). The
first floor support (416) has a forward end (422) and an aft end
(424). The aft end (424) of the first floor support (416) has an
aft wall (426) projecting upwards. The first side rail (402) has a
first side wall (428) projecting upwards where an aft end (430) of
the first side wall (428) intersects with the aft wall (426) of the
first floor support (416) creating a aft water-tight corner (432).
The forward end (422) of the first floor support (416) has a first
forward wall (434) projecting upwards. The first forward wall (434)
may be inclined and shaped to provide a proper hydrodynamic shape,
which also is visually pleasing to the owner of the floating
collapsible floating utility trailer (400). The left rail assembly
(414) has a first hand hold (436) defined therein, where the first
hand hold (436) allows for easy grasping of the floating
collapsible utility trailer (400).
[0070] A right rail assembly (438) of the floating collapsible
utility trailer (400) is comprised of the second side support rail
(404), where the second side support rail (404) has a second floor
support (440). The second floor support (440) extends towards the
inside portion (418) of the floating collapsible utility trailer
(400). In order to provide the maximum amount of support for the
second floor support (440), a series of stiffening grooves (442)
are incorporated into the second floor support (440). The
stiffening grooves (442) incorporated into the second floor support
(440) are essentially in line, and parallel to the stiffening
grooves (420) in the first floor support (416). The right rail
assembly (438) has a second hand hold (444) defined therein, where
the first hand hold (436) allows for easy grasping of the floating
collapsible utility trailer (400).
[0071] The first and second hand holds (436,444) are generally
opposing each other when the floating collapsible utility trailer
(400) is expanded, allowing two individuals to easily carry the
expanded floating collapsible utility trailer (400).
[0072] The second floor support (440) has a forward end (446) and
an aft end (448). The aft end (448) of the second floor support
(440) has an aft wall (450) projecting upwards. The second side
rail (404) has a second side wall (452) projecting upwards where an
aft end (454) of the second side wall (452) intersects with the aft
wall (450) of the second floor support (440) creating an aft water
tight corner (456). The forward end (446) of the second floor
support (440) has a second forward wall (458) projecting upwards.
The second forward wall (458) may be inclined and shaped to provide
a proper hydrodynamic shape, which also is visually pleasing to the
owner of the floating collapsible floating utility trailer
(400).
[0073] In order to provide for the best water tight sealing for the
floating collapsible floating utility trailer (400), the aft wall
(426) of the first floor support (416) and the aft wall (450) of
the second floor support (440) meet at a mid plane of the floating
collapsible floating utility trailer (400) Correspondingly, the
first floor support (416) and the second floor support (440) meet
at the mid plane of the floating collapsible utility trailer (400)
as well as the forward end (422) of the first floor support (416)
and the forward end (446) of the second floor support (440) meeting
at the mid plane of the floating collapsible floating utility
trailer (400).
[0074] A first hinge means (460) is located on a top side (462,464)
of the aft wall (426,450) of the first and second floor support
(416,440), while a second hinge means (466) is located on a top
side (468,470) of the forward wall (434,458) of the first and
second floor support (416,440). The hinge means (460,466) may be
simple "piano hinges", or be made from flexible material, or other
type means.
[0075] A first latch means (472) is shown attached to a bottom side
(474,476) of the forward wall (434,458) of the first and second
floor support (416,440), while a second latch means (478)(not
shown) is attached to a bottom side (480,482) of the aft wall
(426,450) of the first and second floor support (416,440).
[0076] In order to provide for the greatest buoyancy of the
floating collapsible utility trailer (400), the left rail assembly
(414) is designed having a first outer hull (484). The first outer
hull (484) is depicted in FIG. 27 and is shown having a first
bottom (486), a first side (488), a second bottom (490), and a
first gunwale (492). The first floor support (416) is shown above
the first bottom (486) creating a space (494) therebetween. A first
interior wall (496) is shown opposing the first gunwale (492). As
is shown, the first gunwale (492), the first floor support (416),
the first interior wall (496), the first side (488), the first
bottom (486), the second bottom (490), and a first mid wall (498)
is shown creating a volume (500) therein enclosed. The enclosed
volume (500) is water tight, and may be filled with a buoyancy
enhancing material such as foam, or even air.
[0077] In order to provide for the greatest buoyancy of the
floating collapsible utility trailer (400), right rail assembly
(438) is designed having a second outer hull (485). The second
outer hull (485) is depicted in FIG. 27 and is shown having a third
bottom (487), a second side (489), a fourth bottom (491), and a
second gunwale (493). The second floor support (440) is shown above
the second bottom (487) creating a space (495) therebetween. A
second interior wall (497) is shown opposing the second gunwale
(493). As is shown, the second gunwale (493), the second floor
support (440), the second interior wall (497), the second side
(489), the third bottom (487), the fourth bottom (491), and a
second mid wall (499) is shown creating a second volume (501)
therein enclosed. The second volume (501) is water tight, and may
be filled with a buoyancy enhancing material such as foam, or even
air.
[0078] The first mid wall (498) is shown having a tongue (502)
projecting into a corresponding groove (504) in the second mid wall
(499). A gasket (506) is shown interspaced between the right rail
assembly (438) and the left rail assembly (414) assuring that there
will be a reduction, if not elimination of water leakage into the
interior (418) of the floating collapsible utility trailer (400).
The gasket (506) may be attached to either the right rail (438) or
left rail assembly (414), where the best location would be in a
groove (508) of the right rail assembly (438), thereby protecting
the gasket (506) from inadvertent damage. The right rail assembly
(438) is made a mirror image of the left rail assembly (414) except
for the differences herein described.
[0079] The left rail assembly (414) has defined therein a first
recess (510) and a second recess (512). A first wheel assembly
(514) is shown inserted into the first recess (510), while a second
wheel assembly (516) is shown inserted into the second recess
(512). The right rail assembly (438) has defined therein a third
recess (518) and a fourth recess (520). A third wheel assembly
(522) is shown inserted into the third recess (518), while a fourth
wheel assembly (524) is shown inserted into the fourth recess
(520). The first, second, third, and fourth wheel assemblies
(514,516,522,524) are mounted into their respective recesses
(510,512,518,520) in a conventional fashion that is will known in
the art.
[0080] A first forward portion (526) of the left rail assembly
(414) is shown having a first through slot (528) defined therein. A
first forward portion (530) of the right rail assembly (438) is
shown having a second through slot (532) defined therein. The first
through slot (528) and the second through slot (532) provide a
means to attach a tow rope or hitch to the floating collapsible
utility trailer in order to allow the floating collapsible utility
trailer to be towed by a boat or pulled on land (using the
aforementioned wheel assemblies).
[0081] A collapsible storage compartment (534) is shown expanded
and positioned on the floating collapsible utility trailer (400).
The collapsible storage compartment (534) has a first side (536),
and opposing second side (538), a top (540), and a bottom (542).
The front (548) of the collapsible storage compartment (534) has a
first support rod (544), while the rear (550) of the collapsible
storage compartment (534) has a second support rod (546). The first
and second support rods (544,546) expanding the collapsible storage
compartment (534) to its maximum volumetric capacity. The top (540)
of the collapsible storage compartment (534) has a zipper means
(552), the zipper means (552) being generally "U" shaped and
allowing for a maximum opening when the zipper means (552) is
un-hooked thereby allowing access to an interior of the collapsible
storage compartment (534). The collapsible storage compartment
(534) is held in place by the first and second support rod's
(544,546) inherent stiffness in that the first side (536), opposing
second side (538), front (548) and rear (550) are expanded to fill
the interior (418) of the floating collapsible utility trailer
(400), and are forcibly held in place. Standard attach means (not
shown) are attached onto the collapsible storage compartment (534)
to fix the collapsible storage compartment (534) in place.
[0082] Figure twenty six shows the floating collapsible utility
trailer (400) in its storage state, whereby the left rail assembly
(414) and right rail assembly (438) contact each other. The first
and second hand holds (436,444) are shown adjacent to each other on
the left rail assembly (414) and the right rail assembly (438)
providing a mounting means, and a carrying means to position and
mount the floating collapsible utility trailer (400) on a wall or
ceiling.
* * * * *