US 6,527,494 B2 · Trailer having tilt and dump functions

Abstract

A frame configuration that is particularly adaptable for use on a trailer such that the frame configuration is operable in both a tilt mode of operation and a dump mode of operation. An actuating mechanism includes a linear actuator that is supported on the frame by a bracket and a yoke that connects to a load bed to power the vertical movement of the load bed in both tilt and dump functions. The linear actuator is pivotally mounted to permit a re-positioning of the actuator into an inoperative position. The frame configuration is provided with an articulated tilt frame in which the tongue is pivoted thereto allowing the load bed to pivot about a tilt axis which can coincide with the wheel axis of the trailer. The bed frame can be locked to the tilt frame for tilting upon articulation with the tongue, while a disconnection of the bed frame from the tilt frame enables the bed frame to pivot about the dump axis to provide a dump function in addition to the tilt function. The actuator can pivot about the connection thereof to the bed frame to position the actuator into a lowered inoperative transport position generally parallel to the trailer tongue. A modified screw jack can be part of a kit that can be utilized to provide the powered operations of the tilt function for existing gravity-based tilt trailers.

Claims42

Dependent claims

A trailer comprising:

an articulated frame having at least a pair of transversely opposed wheels rotatable about an axis of rotation, said articulated frame including a tilt frame pivotable about a tilt pivot axis and a draft tongue pivotally connected to said tilt frame for pivotal movement about an articulation axis located forwardly of said tilt pivot axis, said draft tongue being adapted for connection to a prime mover;
and
a bed frame supported on said articulated frame for selective pivotal movement relative to said articulated frame about a dump pivot axis oriented rearwardly of said tilt pivot axis, said bed frame being selectively movable with said tilt frame about said tilt pivot axis.

An actuating mechanism for use between a frame and a movable member pivotally connected to said frame to effect pivotal movement of said movable member relative to said frame, comprising:

a linear actuator supported on said frame and including a housing defining a first end of said linear actuator and an extensible member defining a second end of said linear actuator, said extensible member being linearly movable from an operative portion of said housing spaced from said first end;
and
a yoke connected to said linear actuator at a connection point and having arms pivotally connected to said movable member along a yoke pivot axis to effect vertical movement of said movable member relative to said frame in response to a corresponding linear movement of said extensible member, said yoke pivot axis being located such that said operative portion is located between said connection point and said yoke pivot axis when said linear actuator is fully retracted with said first and second ends spaced at a minimum distance.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Trailer having tilt and dump functions

Life of this patent

Trailer having tilt and dump functions

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims42