Multi-function load bearing apparatus
AssigneeJBT Manufacturing Corporation
InventorTerry Edward Tyler
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A multi-functional, compound apparatus that functionally provides at least one additional axle and wheels, that can be used with or without a trailer being towed to enable a vehicle to carry extra weight, extra long loads, and/or to tow a trailer heavier than the tow vehicle could otherwise safely tow is disclosed. The apparatus provides the additional payload carrying and towing capacity while maintaining the driving and steering capability of the tow vehicle, and removing the majority of the weight of the load from the rear portion of the tow vehicle. The apparatus may be used as a load bearing and distributing trailer hitch, or simply as a load bearing member to increase the payload capability of a carrying vehicle, or may be adapted to be used as a trailer itself.
Claims12
A load bearing multi-functional apparatus comprising:
- a rigid hitch extension member comprising a connection end rigidly connectable to a tow vehicle via a receiving opening of a receiver style hitch of the tow vehicle;
- a frame member connected perpendicularly to said hitch extension member;
- and
- a road engaging wheel assembly attached to said frame member having at least one pair of axle members, each axle member having an attached wheel, said wheels laterally spaced and having coincident axes of rotation.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.