U.S. patent application number 10/869265 was filed with the patent office on 2005-12-22 for trailer tailgate.
Invention is credited to Devitt, Jon W., Wiertsema, Gerald.
Application Number | 20050280274 10/869265 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35479875 |
Filed Date | 2005-12-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050280274 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Devitt, Jon W. ; et
al. |
December 22, 2005 |
Trailer tailgate
Abstract
A wedge-shaped trailer tailgate providing a loading ramp and a
planar surface in combination with the trailer deck when the
tailgate is in its transport position. A planar deck is better for
cargo hauling, but also provides little wind resistance for
improved hauling efficiency. The wedge shape with elastic bumpers
attached provides for support on loading heavy objects such as
motorcycles. Taillights are recessed into the thick end of the
wedge-shaped trailer tailgate so they face backward when the
tailgate is in its transport position and are shielded under the
trailer deck when the tailgate is in its loading-ramp position.
Inventors: |
Devitt, Jon W.; (Ida Grove,
IA) ; Wiertsema, Gerald; (Ida Grove, IA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
STURM & FIX LLP
206 SIXTH AVENUE
SUITE 1213
DES MOINES
IA
50309-4076
US
|
Family ID: |
35479875 |
Appl. No.: |
10/869265 |
Filed: |
June 16, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
296/61 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60P 1/433 20130101;
B60P 3/122 20130101; B60P 3/07 20130101; B62D 33/03 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
296/061 |
International
Class: |
B62D 033/03 |
Claims
We claim:
1. A wedge-shaped trailer tailgate comprising: (a) a thick end,
disposed to a front of a trailer when the wedge-shaped trailer
tailgate is in a loading-ramp position; and (b) a hinge, an axis of
rotation of which is disposed above a top and toward the thick end
of the wedge-shaped trailer tailgate when said tailgate is in the
loading-ramp position, such that an angle of approach is shallow
when the tailgate is in the loading-ramp position and a trailer
deck and tailgate make up a substantially planar surface when the
tailgate is in a transport position.
2. The wedge-shaped trailer tailgate of claim 1 additionally
comprising at least one bumper operably attached to a bottom of the
wedge-shaped trailer tailgate and near the thick end when the
tailgate is in the loading-ramp position.
3. The wedge-shaped trailer tailgate of claim 2 wherein the bumper
is made of an elastic material.
4. The wedge-shaped trailer tailgate of claim 1 additionally
comprising taillights recessed into the thick end disposed to face
back when the wedge-shaped tailgate is in the transport
position.
5. The wedge-shaped trailer tailgate of claim 4 wherein the
taillights are protected under the trailer deck when the
wedge-shaped trailer tailgate is in the loading-ramp position, said
taillights facing forward.
6. The wedge-shaped trailer tailgate of claim 1 additionally
comprising a latch pin assembly comprising: (a) a substantially
U-shaped latch pin, a first end of the substantially U-shaped latch
pin pivotally engaging a hole in the trailer and a second end of
the substantially U-shaped latch pin made to optionally engage a
hole in the wedge-shaped trailer tailgate such that, when the
substantially U-shaped latch pin is engaged in the wedge-shaped
trailer tailgate, the wedge-shaped trailer tailgate is secured to
the trailer; (b) a nut affixed to the first end of the
substantially U-shaped latch pin; and (c) a spring into which the
first end of the substantially U-shaped latch pin engages, said
spring bearing on a surface of the trailer and the nut such that
the substantially U-shaped latch pin is forced toward the trailer
by the spring.
7. A method of constructing a wedge-shaped trailer tailgate, said
wedge-shaped trailer tailgate comprising an axis of rotation on
which said wedge-shaped trailer tailgate pivots for converting
between a transport position and a loading-ramp position, a thick
end as seen in cross section of the trailer tailgate, and a first
top surface when the trailer tailgate is in the loading ramp
position, said method comprising the steps of: (a) positioning the
axis of rotation on the thick end of the wedge-shaped tailgate
above the first top surface of the wedge-shaped trailer tailgate
when the wedge-shaped trailer tailgate is in the loading-ramp
position; and (b) determining the location of the axis of rotation
such that the first top surface of the wedge-shaped trailer
tailgate, when in the loading-ramp position, is substantially even
with a trailer deck and such that a second top surface of the
wedge-shaped trailer tailgate when in the transport position,
provides a substantially planar surface in combination with the
trailer deck.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Not applicable.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not applicable.
REFERENCE TO MICROFICHE APPENDIX
[0003] Not applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] 1. Field of the Invention
[0005] This invention relates generally to a trailer. More
particularly, this invention relates to a novel tailgate for a
trailer. The tailgate is especially suited, but not limited, to a
motorcycle transport trailer.
[0006] 2. Background Art
[0007] Utility trailers, as well as those for a specific use such
as the transport of motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles, snowmobiles,
etc. are often equipped with a tailgate. Usually, the tailgate
serves only to help keep the cargo in the trailer when the tailgate
is closed. Some trailers are equipped with tailgates that may be
used for a loading ramp. These tailgates tend to be either very
short, making the loading ramp too steep, or very long, so they
stand very high when closed. A tall closed tailgate results in
significant wind resistance, reducing the efficiency of the prime
mover pulling the trailer.
[0008] There is, therefore, a need for a trailer tailgate providing
an adequately shallow approach angle for loading, yet does not
present significant wind resistance when in transit.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] One object of the present invention is to provide a loading
ramp having a shallow slope for ease and safety of loading,
especially for loading street bike motorcycles that have a low
ground clearance. Another object is for the tailgate to be
aerodynamically efficient in transit at road speeds. Still another
object is for the tailgate to fold up in a transport position such
that a deck of the trailer and the folded tailgate, together, make
up a substantially planar surface.
[0010] The tailgate of the present invention pivots on an axis of
rotation that is disposed above the top surface of the tailgate
when in a loading-ramp position. This helps to maintain a lower
upper surface of the tailgate (again, when in its loading-ramp
position), making the slope of the ramp more amenable to loading.
The ramp is wedge shaped, with the thinnest edge of the wedge at
the rear when it is in its loading-ramp position. Rubber bumpers
are located near the axis of rotation of the tailgate, the bumpers
being positioned facing downward when the tailgate is in its
loading-ramp position. The rubber bumpers provide protection to the
tailgate and trailer when loading heavy objects by bearing on the
pavement or ground surface.
[0011] Due to the wedge shape of the tailgate, at the hinge end,
the thickness of the tailgate permits the tailgate to fold into a
transport position such that the trailer's deck and folded tailgate
together provide a substantially planar surface; in addition, when
in the loading-ramp position, the rubber bumpers are sufficiently
low to provide the support mentioned above when loading heavy cargo
such as a motorcycle. In the transport position, the tailgate of
the present invention also lies flat against the bed of the
trailer, thus providing little wind resistance. A latch pin secures
the tailgate in the transport position.
[0012] Other objects, advantages and novel features of the present
invention will become apparent from the following detailed
description of the invention when considered in conjunction with
the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a motorcycle transport
trailer with a trailer tailgate in a transport position;
[0014] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the trailer tailgate of the
present invention in a transport position;
[0015] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a latch-pin assembly for
securing the trailer tailgate;
[0016] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the trailer tailgate in its
loading-ramp position;
[0017] FIG. 5 is a side elevation view of a rear portion of the
trailer with the trailer tailgate in its transport position;
[0018] FIG. 6 is a side elevation view of a rear portion of the
trailer with the trailer tailgate in its loading ramp position;
and
[0019] FIG. 7 is a side elevation view of a rear portion of the
trailer with the trailer tailgate in its loading ramp position, a
motorcycle being loaded thereon.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0020] An example of a trailer 100 having a trailer tailgate 110 of
the present invention is shown in FIG. 1. The trailer 100 is drawn
by a tongue 120, the forward direction of the trailer being
parallel to and toward the tongue 120. The front of the trailer is
toward the tongue. Wheels 130 provide rolling support for the
trailer 100, in general. The trailer 100 depicted in FIG. 1, has
two wheels 130, only one visible. The trailer tailgate 110 of the
present invention is not limited to use on a single axle trailer
100. In particular, the wheels 130 support a deck 140 on which
cargo is supported for transport.
[0021] The trailer tailgate 110 in FIGS. 1 and 2 is shown in its
transport position. In this position, the trailer tailgate 110 lies
on the deck 140 of the trailer 100. When in the transport position,
the combination of the tailgate 110 and the exposed deck 140
preferably make up a substantially planar top surface. The wedge
shape of the tailgate 110 makes this possible. Recessed taillights
210 and reflectors 220 are disposed to the rear of the trailer
100.
[0022] An axis of rotation 230 is shown as a dot-dashed line in
FIG. 2. The trailer tailgate 110 pivots on this axis of rotation
230 when converting between the transport position (FIGS. 1, 2, and
5) and the loading-ramp position (FIGS. 4, 6, and 7). Note that the
axis of rotation 230 is below the trailer tailgate 110 when the
trailer tailgate 110 is in its transport position.
[0023] A latch pin 240 is used to secure the trailer tailgate 110
in the transport position. A latch pin assembly of the preferred
embodiment is detailed in FIG. 3. A spring 310 provides a force
compelling the latch pin 240 toward the trailer 100. A nut 320
disallows the latch pin 240 from being pulled from a hole in which
it is engaged on the trailer 100. An end 330 opposite that of the
nut 320 in the roughly U-shaped latch pin 240 engages a hole in the
trailer tailgate 110.
[0024] To convert the trailer tailgate 110 from its transport
position (FIGS. 1, 2, and 5) to its loading-ramp position (FIGS. 4,
6, & 7), the latch pin 240 is pulled away from the trailer 100,
compressing the spring 310 until the end 330 opposite the nut 320
disengages from the hole in the trailer tailgate 110. At this
point, the trailer tailgate 110 may be lifted from the deck 140 and
rotated about the axis of rotation 230 until it contacts the ground
or pavement behind the trailer 100.
[0025] The trailer tailgate 110 is shown in its loading-ramp
position in FIG. 4. The top surface of the trailer tailgate 110 (in
this position) at the front edge is substantially even with the
deck 140 of the trailer 100. The taillights 210 are protected in
this position. The axis of rotation 230 is now above the trailer
tailgate 110 in the loading-ramp position. The thin, rearmost edge
410 of the trailer tailgate 110 is typically supported by pavement
or ground behind the trailer 100.
[0026] The trailer 100 is shown from the side in FIGS. 5-7. The
trailer tailgate 110 is in the transport position in FIG. 5. A
characteristic height 510 is shown for the trailer tailgate 110.
After freeing the pin 240 and pivoting the trailer tailgate 110 on
its axis of rotation 230, the trailer tailgate 110 is in its
loading-ramp position as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. Note that the end
of the tailgate with the taillights 210 is noticeably lower in FIG.
6 than it was in FIG. 5 due to the location of the axis of rotation
230 relative to the trailer tailgate 110. Because of the lowering
of the characteristic height, the approach angle is quite shallow,
permitting items such as street bikes with a low ground clearance,
to be loaded without bottoming out.
[0027] A plurality of bumpers 610, made of an elastic material such
as rubber, are mounted on the surface of the trailer tailgate 110
closest to the ground when the trailer tailgate 110 is in its
loading-ramp position. Because of the wedge-shape of the tailgate,
the bumpers 610 are in a low position when in the loading-ramp
position.
[0028] In FIG. 7, the trailer tailgate 110 is being used to load or
unload a motorcycle 710. Note that, under the weight of the
motorcycle and/or people, the bumpers 610 are lowered down to come
into contact with the ground or pavement as shown by the arrow
beneath the trailer deck 140.
[0029] The above embodiments are the preferred embodiments, but
this invention is not limited thereto. It is, therefore, apparent
that many modifications and variations of the present invention are
possible in light of the above teachings. It is, therefore, to be
understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the
invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically
described.
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