GB2214886A - Temporary support stands for trailers - Google Patents

Abstract

A support for an articulated lorry trailer when not connected to a truck. The support (1) is wheel-mounted (4) for mobility and includes a platform (15) for engaging the underside of a trailer under the action of a manually operated jack (13). When under load, the wheels (4) move upwards on resilient mountings (5) so that the support (15) itself gives a steady foundation. The support (1) is capable of supporting trailers when fully loaded and yet it is mobile and easy to use. <IMAGE>

Description

A SUPPORT FOR AN ARTICULATED LORRY TRAILER The present invention relates to the support of trailers, and in particular to that of articulated lorry trailers when disconnected from their trucks.

At present, one of the problems encountered by users of articulated lorries is that of supporting a trailer when it has been disconnected from a truck. Generally speaking, articulated lorry trailers are supported by one or a pair of jockey wheels pivotally connected to the underside of the trailer. While such jockey wheels often provide sufficient support for empty trailers, they are generally not strong enough to support loaded articulated lorry trailers, especially if pallets or forklift trucks are being used inside of them. This is clearly a very unsatisfactory situation as the collapse of a support causes at best damage to a trailer, and at worst, serious injury.

The present invention is directed towards providing an articulated lorry trailer support to overcome these problems.

According to the invention, there is provided a trailer support comprising a wheel-mounted support frame and a trailer-engaging upper platform connected to the support frame.

Preferably, the platform is operatively connected to jacking means mounted on the support frame for movement in the vertical direction with respect to the support frame.

In one embodiment, the jacking means comprises at least two hydraulic ram means and an associated hydraulic pump.

Ideally, the hydraulic pump is manually operated. The hydraulic pump may, alternatively, be electrically operated possibly by a battery. In another embodiment the jacking means includes at least two pneumatic ram means.

In one embodiment, the jacking means includes a manually operated threaded spindle engaged to the platform.

In a still further embodiment of the invention, the trailer support further comprises a return spring means for the platform In one aspect of the invention, the wheels of the support frame are movable between an unloaded position in which they protrude downwardly below the support frame and a loaded position in which they do not protrude below the support frame.

Preferably, the wheels are resiliently mounted on the support frame.

In one aspect, the wheels are connected to the support frame by a leaf spring. Alternatively, the wheels are connected to the support frame by a helical spring. In a still further embodiment, the wheels are connected to the support frame by rubber bushings.

In a still further embodiment of the invention, the trailer support includes a stabilising cable for connection between the support frame and an articulated lorry trailer and/or a fixed anchor support.

The invention will be more clearly understood from the following description of a preferred embodiment thereof, given by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Fig. 1 is a perspective view from above of a trailer support according to the invention; Fig. 2 is a side view of the trailer support; and Fig. 3 is a side view of the trailer support, in use.

Referring to the drawings, there is illustrated an articulated lorry trailer support, indicated generally by the reference numeral 1. The trailer support 1 comprises a support frame 2 formed from rectangular box-section steel bars. The support frame 2 includes a rectangular base 3, to which are connected four wheels 4 mounted on resilient rubber supports 5. At each longitudinal end of the rectangular base 3 there is a pair of upwardly and inwardly inclined intermediate bars connected at their upper ends to an upper rectangular plate 7 at each end of which is attached a handle 6. Two upwardly directed hydraulic ram means 10, each comprising a cylinder 11 and a piston 12 are secured to the plate 7. Each of the hydraulic ram means 10 is connected to a manually operable hydraulic pump 13 having a handle 14.A trailer-engaging upper platform 15 is provided comprising a U-channel steel member with a wooden insert. The platform 15 includes a pair of downwardly projecting sleeves 16 for engagement with the pistons 12. A pair of return springs 16 are provided for connection between the support plate 7 and the platform 15.

In use, the trailer support 1 is mobile on the wheels 4 so that it may be pushed to any desired location. When it is desired to support an articulated lorry trailer, such as the trailer 30 of Fig. 3, the trailer support 1 is pushed into position so that the platform 15 is positioned transversely adjacent the underside of the trailer 30. The hydraulic pump handle 14 is then manually operated to urge the pistons 12, and therefore the platform 15, upwardly.

The platform 15 engages the underside of the trailer 30 and the support frame 2 is then pushed downwardly with respect to the wheels 4 against the action of the rubber supports 5. This process is continued until the support frame base 3 is at the same level as the wheels and engages the ground. When this happens, further operation of the hydraulic pump 13 pushes upwardly the platform 15 and the trailer 30. Generally speaking, there will be no need to push the trailer upwards by more than about a centimetre as all that is required is that the platform 15 presses tightly against the trailer 30. When it is desired to take the trailer support 1 away, the hydraulic pump handle 14 is operated to lower-the platform 15. The pair of return springs 16 also help to lower the platform 15.

It will be appreciated that the invention provides a trailer support which is extremely easy to use, inexpensive and which provides adequate support for an articulated lorry trailer, even when loaded. When not in use, the trailer support 1 is mobile as it may be easily pushed to any desired location. As the support frame base 3 engages the ground when the trailer support 1 is in use,it provides a steady foundation for supporting an articulated trailer.

This is particularly important when a trailer is being loaded. The trailer support 1 will therefore combine the advantages of both being mobile and of providing an adequate steady support under extreme loading conditions.

In a field test the trailer support 1 was used to support a 40 foot twin-axle articulated trailer which was loaded with various test weights, thus simulating the varying load and stability stresses to which the support would be subjected to, in use. Loads were applied in steps between a zero load at which the support was under a pressure of 17 bar and a maximum load of 33,960 kg at which the support was under a pressure of 165 bar. This maximum load was left for one hour, during and at the end of which there were no defects or signs of instability found. The hydraulic arms were checked in particular as these are critical. The support was also monitored during a stepped unloading of the trailer and again there were no signs of defects or instability. It was found, in fact, that during unloading a higher pressure of 178 bar was detected at the support because loads were removed from the tail of the trailer firstly.

It will be appreciated that in the extremely unlikely event of failure of the jack of the trailer support, the frame will support an articulated trailer adequately until an alternative support is used. Further, it has been found that when the trailer support is in position, a tractor may not be coupled to a trailer, thereby preventing unauthorized movement of the trailer.

It is envisaged that a stabilising cable may be easily connected between the support frame 2 and the articulated lorry trailer and/or to a ground support. This provides an extra safety feature.

Needless to say, the invention is not limited to the embodiment described. For example, the support frame may be of any desired shape other than that illustrated. Any other jacking means may be provided for lifting the upper support platform such as a pneumatic jack which may be either manually operated or connected to a heavy vehicle pneumatic system. Further, an electrically operated hydraulic pump may be used. The wheels need not necessarily be resiliently connected to the support frame.

It is envisaged for example, that rigid wheel supports may be used which are movable between "on" and "off" position.

Further, the wheels may be resiliently connected to the frame by any other resilient member such as a leaf or helical spring.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments hereinbefore described, but may be varied in construction and detail.

Claims (11)

1. A trailer support comprising a wheel-mounted support frame and a trailer-engaging upper platform connected to the support frame.

2. A trailer support as claimed in claim 1 in which the platform is operatively connected to jacking means mounted on the support frame for movement in the vertical direction with respect to the support frame.

3. A trailer support as claimed in claim 2 in which the jacking means comprises at least two hydraulic ram means and an associated hydraulic pump.

4. A tailer support as claimed in claim 3 in which the hydraulic pump is manually operated.

5. A trailer support as claimed in claim 3 in which the hydraulic pump is electrically operated.

6. A trailer support as claimed in claim 2 in which the jacking means includes at least two pneumatic ram means.

7. A trailer support as claimed in claim 2 in which the jacking means includes a manually operated threaded spindle engaged to the platform.

8. A trailer support as claimed in any of claims 2 to 7, further comprising a return spring means for the platform.

9. A trailer support as claimed in any preceding claim in which the wheels of the support frame are movable between an unloaded position in which they protrude downwardly below the support frame and a loaded position in which they do not protrude below the support frame.

10. A trailer support as claimed in claim in which the wheels are resiliently mounted on the support frame.

11. A trailer support arranged and adapted to operate substantially as herein described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.