Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a foldable ramp adapted for use on a trailer, in particular to a foldable ramp for use on a trailer to facilitate loading and supporting a two-wheeled vehicle thereon.

Background of the Invention

Transportation of two-wheeled vehicles, particularly motorcycles, is typically facilitated by a trailer. The two- wheeled vehicles are loaded onto the trailer by means of a rigid ramp .

As storage space demands on the consumer increase, it is not surprising that several types of foldable trailers which occupy less space in a stowed configuration than in an operative configuration have been developed.

Typically, such foldable trailers either include a rigid frame on which a platform for bearing the two-wheeled vehicle is provided, together with a wheel assembly which is foldable between a stowed configuration and an operative configuration, or a foldable frame for bearing the two-wheeled vehicle supported by a rigid wheel assembly.

Typically, the width of the wheel assembly remains fixed regardless of whether the foldable trailer is in the stowed or operative configuration.

Rigid ramps may be attached to such foldable trailers to facilitate loading the two-wheeled vehicles thereon, but the ramp typically has to be removed from the foldable trailer before the trailer is folded into the stowed configuration.

The present invention seeks to overcome at least some of the aforementioned disadvantages.

It is to be understood that, although prior art use and publications may be referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that any of these form a part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a foldable ramp, adapted for use on a trailer, comprising a fixed ramp section fixed to the trailer, and a foldable ramp section having a free end and a fixed end hingedly attached to a rear end of the fixed ramp section, the foldable ramp section being pivotable about the rear end between an operative configuration and a stowed configuration.

In a preferred embodiment the foldable ramp comprises a fixed ramp section having a front end and a rear end, wherein the central ramp section is fixed, in use, to the trailer, a

foldable ramp section having a free end and a fixed end hingedly attached to the rear end of the fixed ramp section, the foldable ramp section being pivotable about the rear end between an operative configuration and a stowed configuration, a front ramp section having a first end hingedly attached to the front end of the fixed ramp section and a second end, the front ramp section being pivotable about the front end between an operative configuration and a stowed configuration.

Preferably, the foldable ramp is further provided with a front wheel support section having a free end and a fixed end hingedly attached to the second end of the front ramp section, the front wheel support section being pivotable about the second end between an operative configuration and a stowed configuration. The front wheel support section is provided with a wheel clamp, preferably a variable width wheel clamp.

In the preferred embodiment the fixed, foldable and front ramp sections and the front wheel support section are formed from respective U-shaped channel members. Preferably a base of the U-shaped channel members is provided with a protruding tread pattern.

In the preferred embodiment, when the foldable ramp is in the stowed configuration the front ramp section is receivable in a forward space defined by the fixed ramp section, the foldable ramp section is receivable in a rearward space defined by the fixed ramp section, and the front wheel support section is receivable in a space defined by the front ramp section.

Preferably, the fixed ramp section is variable in length and comprises a fixed portion and a movable portion translatable in longitudinal alignment with the fixed portion so as to vary an effective length of the fixed ramp section.

Typically, the front ramp section is pivotable about the front end of the fixed ramp section substantially in a range of up to 180° .

Typically, the foldable ramp section is pivotable about the rear end of the fixed ramp section substantially in a range of up to 225° .

Typically, the front wheel support section is pivotable about the second end of the front ramp section substantially in a range of up to 135°.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a trailer to transport a two-wheeled vehicle provided with a foldable ramp for use therewith, wherein the foldable ramp comprises a fixed ramp section having a front end and a rear end, wherein the fixed ramp section is fixed, in use, to the trailer, a foldable ramp section having a free end and a fixed end hingedly attached to the rear end of the fixed ramp section, the foldable ramp section being pivotable about the rear end between an operative configuration and a stowed configuration. The foldable ramp may further comprise a front ramp section having a first end hingedly attached to the front end of the fixed ramp section and a second end, the front ramp section being pivotable about the front end between an operative configuration and a stowed configuration, and a

front wheel support section having a free end and a fixed end hingedly attached to the second end of the front ramp section, the front wheel support section being pivotable about the second end between an operative configuration and a stowed configuration, wherein the foldable ramp section, the front ramp section, and the front wheel support section are disposed substantially parallel and adjacent to the fixed ramp section in the stowed configuration.

In the preferred embodiment the trailer is foldable.

Typically, the foldable trailer comprises a central draw bar, said draw bar having a first and second portion adapted at the free end of the first portion to be mountable to a towing vehicle, said draw bar being variable in length between an extended first position and a retracted second position, a ground wheel support to each side of the second portion of the draw bar by an articulated linkage which comprises an elongate link member pivotally mounted to a location to each side of the draw bar, the other end of the link member supporting a respective ground wheel, a brace member mounted at one end to each link member and the other end to the first portion whereby said link members extend laterally from the draw bar when in the first position and extend rearwardly from the location to be substantially adjacent the draw bar when said draw bar is in its second position, said ground wheel being fixed to the link member such that they maintain a substantially constant orientation throughout the movement of the link member between the limits of the movement thereof.

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In the preferred embodiment, the portions of the draw bar are pivotally connected at an intermediate location whereby when the draw bar is in its first position the portions are substantially coextensive and when the draw bar is in the second position the portions lie substantially adjacent and parallel to each other.

Typically, the link members are pivotally mounted at one end to the draw bar and at an opposing end to a hub assembly which supports respective ground wheels.

Preferably the link members are mounted in parallel relationship between the draw bar and each ground wheel .

In the description and claims of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the words "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" are used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features, but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Preferred embodiments, incorporating all aspects of the invention, will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is an isometric view of a foldable trailer to transport a two-wheeled vehicle provided with a foldable ramp for use therewith in accordance with the present invention shown in a stowed configuration;

Figure 2 is an isometric view of the foldable trailer provided with a foldable ramp of Figure 1, wherein the foldable trailer is shown in an operative configuration and the foldable ramp is shown in a configuration intermediate the stowed and operative configurations;

Figure 3 is an isometric view of the foldable trailer provided with the foldable ramp of Figures 1 and 2 shown in an operative configuration; and,

Figure 4 is an isometric view of the foldable trailer provided with a foldable ramp of Figures 1 to 3 , wherein the foldable trailer is shown in a loading configuration and the foldable ramp is shown in an operative configuration.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments of the Invention

Before the preferred embodiment of the present apparatus is described, it is understood that this invention is not limited to the particular materials described, as these may vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing the particular embodiment only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention in any way. It must be noted that as used herein, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" include plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs .

Referring to the accompanying figures, there is provided a foldable ramp 10 for a two-wheeled vehicle, adapted for use on a trailer 100 to facilitate loading and supporting the two- wheeled vehicle thereon. The two-wheeled vehicle typically comprises a motorcycle . In a preferred embodiment of the invention an effective length of the foldable ramp 10 can be varied to accommodate two-wheeled vehicles of different lengths ranging typically from about 2500 mm to 1000 mm, although the foldable ramp 10 may be readily adapted to vary its effective length to accommodate two-wheeled vehicles falling outside of the aforementioned range. In this way large motorcycles, such as those manufactured by Harley Davidson, or smaller minibikes can be readily loaded and supported on the trailer 100 for transport thereof.

The foldable ramp 10 includes a fixed ramp section 12 having a front end 11 and a rear end 13, a foldable ramp section 14 having a free end 15 and a fixed end 17 hingedly attached to the rear end 13 of the fixed ramp section 12, a front ramp section 16 having a first end 19 hingedly attached to the front end 11 of the fixed ramp section 12 and a second end 21, and a front wheel support section 18 having a free end 23 and a fixed end 25 hingedly attached to the second end 21 of the front ramp section 16.

Typically, the fixed ramp section 12, the foldable ramp section 14, the front ramp section 16, and the front wheel support section 18 are formed from rigid materials capable of bearing a load corresponding to the two-wheeled vehicle, such as zinc alume or zinc-plated steel. It is envisaged that the fixed ramp section 12, the foldable ramp section 14, the front

ramp section 16, and the front wheel support section 18 will be provided with a powder coated finish in various colours selected to correspond with the colour finish of the two- wheeled vehicle.

In this particular embodiment, the fixed ramp section 12, the foldable ramp section 14, the front ramp section 16, and the front wheel support section 18 are formed from respective U- shaped channel members. Preferably, a transverse surface of the foldable ramp 10, or in the case of the U-shaped channel members a base thereof, is provided with a protruding tread pattern, such as a die-punched protruding non-slip tread pattern as shown in Figure 1.

The foldable ramp section 14 is pivotable about the rear end 11 of the fixed ramp section 12 between an operative configuration and a stowed configuration. Typically, the foldable ramp section 14 is pivotable about the rear end 11 of the fixed ramp section 12 substantially in a range of up to 225°, whereby in the stowed configuration the foldable ramp section 14 is disposed substantially parallel and adjacent to the fixed ramp section 12 as shown in Figure 1. In the preferred embodiment, when the foldable ramp 10 is in the stowed configuration, the foldable ramp section 14 is receivable in a rearward space defined by the fixed ramp section 12.

When the foldable ramp 10 is in the operative configuration, the foldable ramp section 14 inclines downwardly and rearwardly from the fixed ramp section 12, typically at an angle of about 20-30° from the horizontal plane, whereby the

free end 15 of the foldable ramp section 14 is caused to engage a ground surface and afford an inclined surface.

In the preferred embodiment, the fixed end 17 of the foldable ramp section 14 is hingedly attached to the rear end 13 of the fixed ramp section 12 with a pair of opposing cup head square neck bolts . The cup head square neck bolts are transversely disposed between adjacent upright walls in respective opposing sides of the foldable ramp section 14 and the fixed ramp section 12.

The front ramp section 16 is pivotable about the front end 13 of the fixed ramp section 12 between an operative configuration and a stowed configuration. Typically, the front ramp section 16 is pivotable about the front end 13 of the fixed ramp section 12 substantially in a range of up to 180°, whereby in the stowed configuration the front ramp section 16 is disposed substantially parallel and adjacent to the fixed ramp section 12 as shown in Figure 1. In the preferred embodiment, when the foldable ramp 10 is in the stowed configuration, the front ramp section 16 is receivable in a forward space defined by the fixed ramp section 12.

When the foldable ramp 10 is in the operative configuration, the front ramp section 16 is substantially co-extensive with the central ramp section 12.

The front ramp section 16 is provided with a flange 26 downwardly depending from an underside thereof and disposed adjacent to the first end 19 of the front ramp section 16.

The fixed ramp section 12 is also provided with a flange 28

downwardly depending from an underside thereof and disposed adjacent to the forward end 11 of the fixed ramp section 12. When the foldable ramp 10 is in the operative configuration, leading faces of the flanges 26, 28 are disposed contiguously against one another such that further pivotal movement of the front ram section 16 about the front end 11 of the fixed ramp section 12 is prevented.

In the preferred embodiment, the first end 19 of the front ramp section 16 is hingedly attached to the front end 11 of the fixed ramp section 12 with a pair of opposing cup head square neck bolts . The cup head square neck bolts are transversely disposed between adjacent upright walls in respective opposing sides of the front ramp section 16 and the fixed ramp section 12.

The front wheel support section 18 is pivotable about the second end 21 of the front ramp section 16 between an operative configuration and a stowed configuration. Typically, the front wheel support section 18 is pivotable about the second end 21 of the front ramp section 16 substantially in a range of up to 135°, whereby in the stowed configuration the front wheel support section 18 is disposed substantially parallel and adjacent to the fixed ramp section 12 as shown in Figure 1. In the preferred embodiment, when the foldable ramp 10 is in the stowed configuration, the front wheel support section 18 is receivable in a space defined by the front ramp section 16.

When the foldable ramp 10 is in the operative configuration, the front wheel support section 18 inclines upwardly and

forwardly from the front ramp section 16, typically at an angle of about 30°.

The front wheel support section 18 is provided with an angled flange 22 downwardly depending from an underside thereof and disposed adjacent to the fixed end of the front wheel support section 18. The front ramp section 16 is also provided with an angled flange 24 downwardly depending from an underside thereof and disposed adjacent to the second end 21 of the front ramp section 16. When the foldable ramp 10 is in the operative configuration, leading faces of the angled flanges 22, 24 are disposed contiguously against one another such that further pivotal movement of the front wheel support section 18 about the second end 21 of the front ramp section 16 is prevented. The angle of inclination of the flanges 22, 24 from the undersides of the front wheel support and front ramp sections 18, 16, respectively, thus determines the angular range of movement of the front wheel support section 18.

In the preferred embodiment, the fixed end 25 of the front wheel support section 18 is hingedly attached to the second end 21 of the front ramp section 16 with a pair of opposing cup head square neck bolts . The cup head square neck bolts are transversely disposed between adjacent upright walls in respective opposing sides of the front ramp section 16 and the front wheel support section 18.

The front wheel support section 18 is provided with a wheel clamp to accommodate and secure a front wheel of a two-wheeled vehicle. Preferably, the wheel clamp is a variable width wheel clamp so that front wheels of different widths for

various types of two-wheeled vehicles can be accommodated and secured therein.

In the preferred embodiment, the fixed ramp section 12 is variable in length and comprises a fixed portion 32 and a movable portion 34 translatable in longitudinal alignment with the fixed portion 32 so as to vary an effective length of the fixed ramp section 12.

The fixed portion 32 is typically mounted to the trailer 100 at a first mounting location 36 disposed adjacent to a first end 31 of the fixed portion 32 and a second mounting location 38 disposed adjacent to a second end 33 of the fixed portion 32. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the opposing upright sides of the fixed portion 32 are provided with longitudinally disposed slots 35 adjacent to the first and second ends 13, 33 of the fixed portion 32, by which means the fixed portion 32 is mounted to the trailer 100 at the first and second mounting locations 36, 38.

Preferably, the first and second mounting locations 36, 38 are variable in distance with respect to the first and second ends 31, 33, depending on the length and the weight of the two- wheeled vehicle which is to be loaded onto the trailer 100. Adjustment to the distance of the first and second mounting locations 36, 38 from the first and second ends 31, 33 of the fixed portion 32 advantageously allows the two-wheeled vehicle to be more safely balanced, and therefore more safely secured, on the foldable ramp 10 and the trailer 100. In the preferred embodiment, the extent of the adjustment is limited by the extent of the slots 35 in the fixed portion 32.

The movable portion 34 has a free end 37 and a fixed end 39 mounted to a bracket assembly 135 of the trailer 100 which is itself translatable in longitudinal alignment with the trailer 100 so as to vary an effective length of the trailer 100 also. In the preferred embodiment the movable portion 34 is receivable in the fixed portion 32 such that the free end 37 of the movable portion 34 overlaps and translates longitudinally with respect to the first end 31 of the fixed portion 32. A more detailed of description of the bracket assembly 135 of the trailer 100 and its relationship thereto will be described in a subsequent part of this specification.

The foldable ramp 10 of the present invention is adapted for use with a trailer 100 arranged for transporting two-wheeled vehicles. The trailer 100 may be a rigid trailer or a foldable trailer as found in the prior art.

However, the foldable ramp 10 of the present invention is advantageously used with a foldable trailer 100 as described herein.

Referring to the accompanying Figures there is shown a foldable trailer 100 to transport a two-wheeled vehicle provided with a foldable ramp 10 in accordance with the present invention for use therewith.

The foldable trailer 100 comprises a central draw bar 111, subdivided into two portions Ilia and lllb which are interconnected by a pair of opposed plates 130 rigidly fixed to one end of one the two portions Ilia, lllb. One end of the

other portion is pivotally supported between the plates 130 about a transverse axis 112 whereby the draw bar 111 can have an extended first position at which the first portion Ilia extends forwardly of the second portion 111b and the portions Ilia, 111b are substantially coextensive, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, and a second position whereby the first portion Ilia lies substantially parallel and adjacent the second portion 111b as shown in Figure 1.

Additionally, the draw bar 111 is positionable in a third position intermediate the first and second positions at which the first portion Ilia extends forwardly of the second portion 111b and the portions Ilia, 111b are disposed substantially at an angle of about 120° with respect to one another, as shown in Figure 4. The third position is adopted for loading the trailer 100 with the two-wheeled vehicle, as the second portion 111b is conveniently oriented in a downwardly disposed inclination for loading the two-wheeled vehicle.

The pair of opposed plates 130 are provided with three spaced apertures 131 therethrough which are located and arranged in use to receive a locking pin (not shown) to secure the draw bar 111 in any one of the first, second and third positions, respectively.

The free end of the first portion Ilia is provided with a towing hitch 113. ^■

The other portion 111b of the draw bar 111 supports a pair of ground wheels 118 to each side of the draw bar 111 through a wheel assembly. The wheel assembly for each ground wheel 118

comprises a pair of parallel struts 119 which are each pivotally mounted at one end to the draw bar and at the other end to be a hub assembly 122 which supports the ground wheels 118, to provide a parallelogram type linkage therebetween.

The hub assembly 122 for each wheel comprises a stub axle (not shown) supported on a channel shaped bracket 34 which supports between its flanges the ends of the struts 119.

The wheel assembly for each wheel is also associated with a stabilizing brace 120 which extends between the first portion Ilia of the draw bar 111 and the forward most of the struts 119 at a point adjacent the hub assembly whereby on pivotal movement of the first portion Ilia relative to the second portion 111b wheels are moved towards or away from the second portion 111b through the parallelogram linkage provided by the struts 19 such that when the draw bar is in its first position the wheel assembly extends laterally from the draw bar and when in the second position the wheel assemblies and wheels respectively lie closely adjacent to the other portion 111b.

A free end 115 of the second portion 111b also supports the bracket assembly 135 having a spigot portion 136 receivable in the draw bar 111. The spigot portion 135 is translatable in longitudinal alignment with the second portion 111b so as to vary the effective length of the trailer 100. In this particular embodiment, the second portion 111b is provided with an aperture 137 adjacent to the free end 115 and the spigot portion 135 is provided with a plurality of spaced apertures extending along its length. The bracket assembly 135 is provided with a retaining or locking pin which is

receivable in corresponding aligned apertures in the spigot portion 136 and the second portion 111b, thereby securing the spigot portion 136 within the second portion 111b, its location determining the effective length of the trailer 100.

The spigot portion 136 is also provided with a plate member. When the trailer 100 is disposed in the first position it can be stored in an upright manner wherein the trailer 100 rests and/or balances on the plate member.

The bracket assembly 135 as described above is arranged to support the fixed end 39 of the movable portion 34 of the central ramp section 12.

The trailer 100 is provided with several additional bracket assemblies 140 arranged in use to receive and support the foldable ramp 10 of the present invention.

The bracket assembly 140 is provided with a transversely disposed hollow member 142 arranged in use to support the front ramp section 16. A pair of opposing L-shaped brackets

144 extend upwardly from an upperside of the hollow member

142, thereby defining a space in which the foldable ramp is receivable. The opposing L-shaped brackets 144 are fastened to the upperside of the hollow member 142 with a fastening means, such as a serrated flange nut, a nut/flat washer combination, or a spring washer.

The hollow member 142 is arranged to receive a transversely disposed elongate member having a pair of opposing D-rings at each end of the elongate member. In use, the two-wheeled

vehicle is secured to the foldable ramp 10 by tying the two- wheeled vehicle down with a flexible resilient member secured at each end to the opposing D-rings .

The bracket assemblies 140 are provided on the first portion Ilia of the draw bar 111, and on the second portion 111b of the draw bar 111 at two locations adjacent the free end thereof and the opposed plates 130, corresponding to and aligned with the first and second mounting locations on the fixed portion of the fixed ramp section 12. An additional bracket assembly 140 may also be provided in parallel alignment with the parallel struts 119, at a substantially equal distance from the first and second mounting locations.

In using the trailer 100 and foldable ramp 10 of the embodiment the draw bar 111 can adopt its third position as described above whereby the foldable ramp 10 is conveniently oriented for loading the two-wheeled vehicle thereon. In that position the two portions Ilia, 111b are locked together by locating the locking pin in the appropriate aperture 131 in the opposed plates 130 such that they are disposed in relation to one another at an angle of about 120°, as shown in Figure 4.

The foldable ramp 10 can then be positioned from the stowed to the operative configuration by pivoting the foldable ramp section 14 about the rear end of the fixed ramp section 12 up to 235°, pivoting the front ramp section 16 about the front end of the fixed ramp section 12 about 180°, and pivoting the front wheel support section 18 about the second end of the front ramp section 16 about 120°.

Referring to Figure 4, it can be seen that the foldable ramp section 14 engages the ground surface and is conveniently oriented to load the two-wheeled vehicle onto the foldable ramp 10. As the front wheel of the two-wheeled vehicle engages the front ramp section 16, the weight of the two- wheeled vehicle causes the front ramp section 16 to engage the bracket assembly 140 located on the first portion Ilia.

At this point the elongate members can be received in the hollow members and the two-wheeled vehicle can be secured to the trailer 100 with a plurality of flexible resilient members tied to opposing ends of the hollow members. Securing the two-wheeled vehicle at a plurality of locations along its length is advantageous because it places the strain on the frame of the two-wheeled vehicle during transport. In contrast, in the prior art, the two-wheeled vehicle is tied down at the handlebars, and a seal saver is frequently required because the front forks of the two-wheeled vehicle are placed under considerable strain.

The locking pin received in one of the apertures 131 corresponding to the securing the trailer 100 in the third position is then removed so that the trailer 100 can be positioned in its first position for towing.

The draw bar 111 of the trailer 100 adopts its first position as described above whereby it is extended. At that position the two portions IHa, 111b are locked together by locating the locking pin in the appropriate aperture 131 in the opposed plates 130 such that they are substantially co-linear. In

addition the struts 119 are held such that they extend laterally to each side of the draw bar and the wheels are held to be oriented to the direction of travel of the trailer. When in the first position the trailer 100 can be towed behind a vehicle on the roads and support a two-wheeled vehicle.

When the trailer 100 is to be stored the foldable ramp 10 is first folded in the reverse manner as described above. The locking pin is removed from the aperture 131 in the opposed plates 130, and the portions Ilia, 111b of the draw bar 111 can be unlocked from each other to allow pivotal movement to the second position whereby the first portion Ilia lies substantially parallel and closely adjacent to the second portion 111b. The locking pin may then be re-located in the appropriate aperture 130 to retain the trailer 100 in the second position.

Numerous variations and modifications will suggest themselves to persons skilled in the relevant art, in addition to those already described, without departing from the basic inventive concepts. All such variations and modifications are to be considered within the scope of the present invention, the nature of which is to be determined from the foregoing description.