Universal equipment trailer
AssigneeDRM Industries, Inc.
InventorsGregory J. Frosch, Nathan A. Pickhard
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A universal equipment trailer allows the trailer to connect to a variety of towing vehicles, whether the towing vehicle uses a standard trailer hitch or kingpin hitch. A hydraulic or pneumatic system on the trailer can raise or lower a coupling assembly to place one of two available connectors in position for linking to the vehicle hitch. Because the coupling assembly locks into position once raised or lowered, the connection between the towing vehicle and the trailer is secure. The parts for the universal equipment trailer may also be supplied as a kit, allowing conversion of standard trailers to universal equipment trailers.
Claims22
A universal equipment trailer apparatus for connecting a trailer to a towing vehicle, the apparatus comprising:
- a first trailer deck rigidly connected to a first trailer riser and a second trailer riser;
- a coupling box frame rotatably connected to the first trailer riser and the second trailer riser by a plurality of rotational pins, wherein the coupling box frame is releasably connected to the first trailer riser and the second trailer riser by at least one of a plurality of locking pin pairs, wherein at least one side of the coupling box frame is a pin cylinder rest;
- a plurality of locking pin cylinders connected to the pin cylinder rest, wherein each locking pin cylinder interconnects one of the plurality of locking pin pairs;
- a rotational cylinder capable of raising and lowering the coupling box frame and a central coupling beam, wherein the rotational cylinder interconnects the coupling box frame and a lower surface of the first trailer deck;
- and
- the central coupling beam rigidly connected to the coupling box frame and extending between a pintle ring connector and a side of the coupling box frame opposite the pin cylinder rest, wherein a kingpin connector extends from a bottom surface of the central coupling beam.
A kit for converting a trailer to a universal equipment trailer apparatus, the kit comprising:
- a first trailer deck rigidly connected to a first trailer riser and a second trailer riser;
- a coupling box frame rotatably connected to the first trailer riser and the second trailer riser by a plurality of rotational pins, wherein the coupling box frame is releasably connected to the first trailer riser and the second trailer riser by at least one of a plurality of locking pin pairs, wherein at least one side of the coupling box frame is a pin cylinder rest;
- a plurality of locking pin cylinders connected to the pin cylinder rest, wherein each locking pin cylinder interconnects one of the plurality of locking pin pairs;
- a rotational cylinder capable of raising and lowering the coupling box frame and a central coupling beam, wherein the rotational cylinder interconnects the coupling box frame and a lower surface of the first trailer deck;
- and
- the central coupling beam rigidly connected to the coupling box frame and extending between a pintle ring connector and a side of the coupling box frame opposite the pin cylinder rest, wherein a kingpin connector extends from a bottom surface of the central coupling beam.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.