Land vehicles – Wheeled – Articulated vehicle
Reexamination Certificate
1997-08-05
2001-04-10
Mai, Lanna (Department: 3619)
Land vehicles
Wheeled
Articulated vehicle
C254S420000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06213491
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to trailers pulled behind a motor vehicle, such as boat trailers and cargo trailers. In particular, the present invention relates to trailers including a novel apparatus for conveniently providing a temporary spare tire.
Boat trailers and the like are generally equipped with at least two inflatable tires. As is commonly known, inflatable tires may occasionally fail during use. For example, the tire may become punctured by a nail or other such object. A wheel may also become inoperative due to bearing failure, even if the tire itself remains inflated. Boat trailers are particularly susceptible to bearing failure, since the trailer wheels will often be submerged as the trailer is backed down a launching ramp.
When a wheel fails, it is generally necessary to stop the trailer quickly after the failure occurs. For replacement of both tires and bearings, a conventional jack is generally situated under the trailer frame to lift the failed wheel off the ground. The tire is then removed for replacement with a spare, or to allow servicing of the bearing. The trailer is lowered before the user can proceed to the desired destination.
It will be appreciated that on-the-spot repairs of this nature are often inconvenient, particularly in adverse weather conditions. In addition, many trailer operators will not have a spare bearing on-hand when a bearing failure occurs. In this situation, it will often be necessary to leave the trailer at the location where the failure occurred while a new bearing is retrieved. As a result, the trailer may be left unattended, giving rise to increased opportunity for theft or vandalism.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention recognizes and addresses the foregoing disadvantages, and others of prior art constructions and methods. Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide improvements to the art of vehicle trailers.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a novel spare tire adapter apparatus for use with a vehicle trailer.
It is a more particular object of the present invention to provide a spare tire adapter apparatus that may be easily installed when a wheel failure occurs.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a spare tire adapter apparatus that provides a temporary spare tire without removal of the failed wheel.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a spare tire adapter apparatus that can provide a temporary spare tire upon wheel failure on either side of the trailer.
It is a more particular object of the present invention to provide a spare tire adapter apparatus that may also function as a trailer tongue lift.
Some of these objects are achieved by a spare tire adapter apparatus comprising a bracket including first and second matable elements. A jack device is also provided, including a fixed portion and an extendable portion. The second matable element of the bracket is connected to the fixed portion.
The jack device further includes a jack mechanism operative to effect axial movement of the extendable portion with respect to the fixed portion. Often, the jack mechanism may include a shock absorbing element, such as a coil spring. A wheel assembly, including an axle element and a rotatable wheel supported thereby, is connected to the extendable portion. The wheel assembly may be removably connected to the extendable portion of the jack device.
In some exemplary embodiments, the first matable element and the second matable element of the bracket comprise a tubular receiver and a protruding insertion element, respectively. The insertion element may extend from the fixed portion of the jack device at approximately a right angle. For example, the insertion element may extend from the fixed portion at a compensated right angle such that the rotatable wheel will tend to a vertical orientation as the extendable portion of the jack device is axially extended.
The first matable element of the bracket may be removably connected to the fixed portion of the jack device. Preferably, the first matable element and the fixed portion of the jack device are configured to permit connection of the first matable element in a plurality of vertical positions.
Other objects of the invention are achieved by a trailer comprising a trailer frame. The trailer frame includes a front tongue portion adapted for attachment to a vehicle and a rear load carrying portion having a plurality of wheels. A first bracket element is connected to the front tongue portion of the trailer frame. Second and third bracket elements are connected to opposite sides of the rear load carrying portion generally adjacent respective wheels thereof. Often, the load carrying portion of the trailer frame will be adapted to carry a boat.
The trailer further comprises a jack device removably connectable to the trailer frame at any one of the first, second and third bracket elements, the jack device being operative to lift the trailer frame thereat. Preferably, the jack device includes a rotatable wheel mounted at a distal portion thereof to engage a ground surface when the trailer frame is lifted.
In some exemplary embodiments, the jack device includes a fixed portion and an extendable portion axially movable with respect to one another. For example, the jack device may include a manually-cranked jack mechanism.
The first, second and third bracket elements may each comprise a tubular receiver attached to the trailer frame. In such embodiments, a protruding insertion element is preferably connected to the jack device for receipt in the tubular receiver. The insertion element may be removably attachable to the jack device in a plurality of vertical positions.
Still further objects of the present invention are accomplished by a spare tire adapter apparatus for use with a trailer comprising a receiver element mountable to a frame of the trailer. A jack device is also provided, including a proximal portion and a distal portion. The jack device has a manual cranking mechanism operative to move the distal portion toward and away from the proximal portion.
The spare tire adapter device further includes an insertion element, receivable in the receiver element, and connected to the proximal portion of the jack device. At least one locking element is provided for securing the insertion element in position with respect to the receiver element. A wheel assembly is connected to the distal portion of the jack device.
In some exemplary embodiments, the insertion element extends from the proximal portion of the jack device at approximately a right angle. Preferably, the insertion element may extend from the proximal portion at a compensated right angle. In addition, the insertion element may be removably connected to the proximal portion of the jack device, such as for attachment in a plurality of vertical positions.
The jack device may preferably comprise a fixed portion and an extendable portion axially movable with respect thereto. In such embodiments, the wheel assembly may be removably connected to the extendable portion of the jack device.
Additional objects of the invention are achieved by a spare tire adapter apparatus for use with a trailer comprising a tubular receiver element mountable to a frame of the trailer. An elongate element having a proximal portion and a distal portion is also provided. An insertion element, receivable in the tubular receiver element, is connected to the proximal portion of the elongate element to extend therefrom at approximately a right angle. At least one locking element is provided to secure the insertion element in position with respect to the receiver element. A wheel assembly, including an axle element and a rotatable wheel supported thereby, is connected to the distal portion of the elongate element.
Still further objects of the present invention are achieved by a jacking apparatus for use with a trailer. The apparatus comprises a receiver element mountable to a frame of the trailer. A jack device is also provided, including a proxim
Fischer Andrew J.
Mai Lanna
Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough
LandOfFree
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