Stowable utility trailer

US5743541A · kind A · utility

Inventor

• Michael J. Cook · Flemington, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 11, 1996
• Grant date: Apr 28, 1998
• Expiry date: Jun 11, 2016

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B62D63/061
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A light weight utility trailer which may be readily converted between an operative and a stowable configuration includes a bed or body that pivotally carries a stud shaft to which a tow bar is secured. A pair of wheels are supported by a shaft pivotally connected to the bed. A first sprocket is secured to the pivot shaft and a second sprocket secured to the wheel support shaft, and a chain is trained about both sprockets. When the tow bar is rotated from the operative position extending forwardly of the bed to a stowable position beneath the bed, the stud shaft is thereby rotated and rotates the wheel support shaft by means of the chain from the operative position extending downwardly beyond the bottom of the bed to an inoperative position wherein the wheels are raised above the bottom of the bed. In the stowable position the wheels are within the profile of the sides of the bed and thus the trailer may be stowed in a minimum of space. Springs are provided to bias the wheel support shaft to rotate toward the operative position until the tow bar has been moved beyond a mid-point position in its travel toward the stowable position, at which time the springs move over-center and urge …