NO343459B1

NO343459B1 - Multipurpose trailer

Info

Publication number: NO343459B1
Application number: NO20171456A
Authority: NO
Inventors: Erik Gran Kvaase
Original assignee: Multicargo As
Priority date: 2017-06-30
Filing date: 2017-09-08
Publication date: 2019-03-18
Also published as: NO20171456A1

Abstract

A multipurpose trailer comprising U-shaped frame comprising: a transverse member and two parallel spaced leg members connected to the cross member, a lifting device pivotally connected to the transverse member in between the leg members of the U-shaped frame, the lifting device comprises a support frame arranged with mountings for pivot connection to the transverse member and provided with tracks a carriage frame accommodating fork members and arranged with rollers for engagement with the tracks of the support frame for moving the carriage frame with the forks members relative to the support frame in between a fork member loading position and a fork member transport position. Lifting device support members are connected to the transverse member of the U-shaped frame and an upper portion of each of the lifting device support members is provided for pivot mounting of the support frame. A lower portion of each of the lifting device support members have mountings for pivot connection of an end portion of a displacement device and the other end portion of the displacement device have mountings for pivot connection to the support frame for controlling the angular displacement of the lifting device with the fork members relative the U-shaped frame.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to the field of trailers for towing behind motor vehicle such as a car, tractor, truck or other means of transport.

More specifically, the invention relates to a multipurpose trailer provided to meet the combined needs of both commercial and private owners when loading and transporting various kind of goods.

BACKGROUND

The task performing capacities of a traditional trailer hitched to a vehicle and a standard forklifting truck has been integrated in combined trailers. The standard forklifting truck used for loading and unloading in most circumstances appears too expensive for small businesses, and especially so for private owners, and not all loading/unloading points have a truck available for use. On this background the approach where the functional features of a forklifting truck is incorporated into a trailer construction, produces a versatile unit covering several needs and various application for the owner. The forklift mechanism is usually operated by utilizing a standard type of hydraulic or mechanical jack means for raising and lowering the forks and may be releasably or permanently attached to the trailer for instance inside the trailer frame. As the combination trailer aims to cover several needs, further equipment for specialized operations such as facilitating the loading and/or transport operation may be added to the trailer either on a permanent or a temporary basis.

In accordance with prior art, several attempts have been made to provide a sufficient solution to the meet the need of this specific customer group.

CA 1267111 discloses a trailer designed as a U- shaped frame having a tailgate to close the open part of the U-shape. A fork lift mechanism is arranged inside the enclosure of the U-shaped frame and has lifting forks that extend through the tailgate when placed in closed position. The lifting forks are arranged to be moved between a lowered position for loading/unloading of goods and an upper transport position where the goods such as pallets, package or other loads are stored within the enclosure of the U-shaped frame.

WO 94/06711 shows a towable transport unit also designed with a U-shaped frame and a fork or pallet lifting truck releasably attached interiorly in the U-shaped frame. Industrial containers, pallets, crates, tanks and portable buildings may be arranged for engagement with the forks.

GB 2145995 discloses a trailer having a boxed shaped frame with a U form, and lifting forks being connected to a cross bar which is to be lifted and lowered by the attachment of the crossbar to a vertical plunger. Additional jacks are provided for the tilting of the vertical plunger and thereby the attached crossbar bearing the lifting forks. The provision of a vertical plunger which is accommodated in guideway makes for the advantage of a simple arrangement both when regarding the assembly and the working of the arrangement.

Prior art documents also include US 2017/0120794 and US 6033177.

However, the simplicity of this arrangement has the apparent disadvantage that the lifting arrangement does not secure stable guiding when carrying out the lifting and lowering. The tilting jacks of GB 2145995 are welded to a bracket mounted in the top of arms that are arranged in the front of the U-shaped frame. The jacks appear to be hidden in an electrical mounting box and thus demand a somewhat cumbersome demounting if maintenance or replacement is required.

An object of the present invention is to solve, or at least substantially alleviate, the above-described disadvantages of the prior art.

A further object is to provide a multipurpose trailer that combines a light weight structure with high strength and stability of the frame. It is also an object of the invention to provide a construction that is simple to assemble and that provides a reliable solution both when regarding the multipurpose trailer as a whole, but especially when regarding the assembly, working and maintenance of the lifting device.

The aspect of providing the trailer with equipment to fulfil its multipurpose function is also an object of the invention.

SUMMARY

The invention is defined in the independent claims. Further additional features are set forth in the dependent claims.

The invention concerns a multipurpose trailer having a U-shaped frame comprising a transverse member and two parallel spaced leg members connected to the cross member. Further the multipurpose trailer comprises a lifting device which is pivotally connected to the transverse member in between the leg members of the U-shaped frame. The lifting device comprises a support frame arranged with mountings for pivot connection to the cross member, the support frame is also provided with tracks. Further the lifting device comprises a carriage frame which accommodates fork members and is arranged with rollers for engagement with the tracks of the support frame for moving the carriage frame with the forks members relative to the support frame in between a fork member loading position and a fork member transport position. A vertical displacement device may be provided for moving the carriage frame relative to the support frame for lifting and lowering of the fork members. The vertical displacement device may comprise a cylinder and piston assembly such as a jack unit.

Lifting device support members are connected to the transverse member of the U-shaped frame and an upper portion of each of the lifting device support members is provided for pivot mounting of the support frame. The upper portion of each of the lifting device support members may be provided with through holes for alignment with through holes provided in brackets attached to the support frame. The through holes of the upper portion of the lifting device support members may be aligned with through holes of the support frame brackets and a pivot bolt may be inserted into the through holes the support frame to establish pivot connection to the cross member.

A lower portion of each of the lifting device support members have mountings for pivot connection of an end portion of a displacement device and the other end portion of the displacement device have mountings for pivot connection to the support frame for controlling the angular displacement of the lifting device arranged with the fork members relative the U-shaped frame. By this arrangement for angular displacement of the lifting device a tilting of the lifting device is to be achieved.

The pivot connection between the end portion of the displacement device and the lower portion of the lifting device support member may be provided by through holes in the end portion of the displacement device aligned with through holes of the lower portion of the lifting device support member and the pivot connection may be provided by a pivot bolt inserted in the aligned through holes. In a similar manner the pivot connection between the other end portion of the displacement device and the support frame may be provided by through holes in the end portion of the displacement device aligned with through holes of a bracket attached to the support frame and a pivot bolt inserted into the through holes.

In one embodiment each displacement device comprises a stationary section such as a cylinder unit section arranged for pivot connection to the lower portion of the lifting device support members and a movable section as provided by a movable piston and piston rod arranged for pivot connection to the support frame. The displacement device may be provided by other means than a cylinder/piston unit for displacing the lifting device relative the frame structure.

The displacement device such as for instance jack means may be provided with a stationary section and a movable section in order to carry out a displacing movement, however the skilled person would realize that also other displacement means may be used. The displacement device may also comprise a mechanical displacement device which may be mechanically operated such as a bolt device.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention the upper portion of each of lifting device support members is supported by the transverse member and the lower portion of each of the lifting device support members is configured to position the displacement device below the transverse member. By this arrangement the load from the lifting device is transferred to the frame structure, and the displacement device is positioned at a location where inspection, maintenance and replacement of the displacement devices are easy to carry out.

The upper portion of the lifting device support member may have a resting portion arranged in contact with the top surface of the transverse member to ensure a supportive engagement between the transverse member and the lifting device support members. The lower portion of the lifting device support member may be positioned below the transverse member by an intermediate member which extends further than a side face of the transverse member with the intermediate member running in parallel with the side face when the lifting device support member is installed on the transverse member. As such the upper portion of the lifting device support member accommodates the lifting device, whereas the lower portion of the lifting device support member ensures the designated position of the displacement devices.

The lifting device support members may have various configurations, but needs to provide an attachment to the U-shaped frame, or may alternatively be configured as a part of the U-shaped frame, and should further be prepared for providing pivot connection with the lifting device and with the displacement device. The lifting device support members further should have a shape or assembly to position the displacement device (s) at a location where it is out of the way and at the same time is available for inspection, maintenance and replacement.

Each lifting device support member may be provided as a pair of arm elements arranged in a parallel spaced relationship where the upper portion is fitted to accommodate a pivot bolt suitable for supporting the lifting device, and the lower portion is fitted to accommodate a pivot bolt suitable for supporting the displacement device. The pivot bolt accommodating the displacement device is usually of a smaller size than the pivot bolt accommodating the lifting device, thus the two arm element is paired in a spaced relationship where the distance between the two arms at the upper portion is larger than the distance between the two arms at the lower portion. A part of the length of each arm or the entire arm length may have an orientation where the arms deviates from each other, that is the distance between the arms increases all along the arms or a part of the arms, when moving from the lower portion to the upper portion of the arms.

The versatility of the trailer may be realized by including the option of a tailboard to close off the U-shaped frame. The addition of a tailboard converts the space within the U-shaped frame to an enclosure and in the case where this space is to be used for transport of goods of loose volume, the tailboard ensures that the goods are kept within this space. Further the addition of a tailboard to the U-shaped frame contributes to the overall strength and the stability of the U-shaped frame. In one embodiment the tailboard may be arranged with a hinge at one end of the tailboard for connection to one of the leg members. The other end of the tailboard is arranged with guiding pins to be inserted in the other leg member. The tailboard may also be provided with hinges at both ends of the tailboard for connection to each of the leg members, or with some sort of bolting means to lock off the tailboard at one or both ends.

In one embodiment at least one locking bar (preferably two which may be interconnected by an intermediate locking rod) is connected to the support frame for instance pivotally connected or removably connected to the support frame. The at least one locking bar has a carrier positioned for supportive accommodation of the carriage frame to ensure a locking position of the fork members.

The locking bar may be provided as a two-part structure and the longitudinal extension of the locking bar and hence the distance between the connection portion and the carrier may be adjusted according to need by means of adjustment means (for instance holes and pins to regulate the size of the locking bar.)

Thus, by this locking arrangement, the fork members are locked vertically in the chosen position at one end of the fork members, which may preferably coincide with the front end of the multipurpose trailer.

To further ensure both front end and rear end locking of the fork members, the locking position of the fork members may be chosen so that the tip of the fork members engage a top surface (or an inner side surface or a recess ) of the tailboard for supportive purposes and additional locking of the fork member, when the tailboard is closed. This is a convenient solution in several situations, but especially when goods with a length extending outside the length of the frame structure is to be transported.

The U-shaped frame may be provided with recesses or inserts for receiving support structures to support load carried on the trailer or even to carry a cover, a superstructure or a house structure to cover parts or all of the trailer. In one aspect a cover or a house structure is provided to build in the lifting device, and may also have a door for access to the lifting device.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention the lifting device may comprise an assembly of off the shelf standard squared, rectangular profiles or other standardized profiles that are readily available on a regular basis. In a further aspect the U-shaped frame and also other suitable parts of the multipurpose trailer may comprise off the shelf standard profiles. In one application the same standard profile may be chosen for the U-shaped frame, the lifting device and the suitable parts of the multipurpose trailer. The application of off the shelf profiles ensures that costs are kept at a controllable level while maintaining a low weight and a satisfactory constructional strength of the multipurpose trailer. The profiles may be uniform for parts or all of multipurpose trailer.

In a further embodiment of the invention an expedient assembly of the carriage frame to the support frame is proposed. The support frame may have a constructional outline comprising two longitudinal members each provided with the tracks and a number of first cross members connecting the two longitudinal members at a first side of the tracks. (The first side of the track is the one closest to the transverse member when the support frame is installed on the frame structure.)The cross members are first installed at the one side of the tracks closest to the cross member, and the mounting of the remaining cross members at the other side of the tracks are carried out after the rollers have been installed. This procedure prepares for a simple installation of the rollers, as the cross members at inner side of the tracks are no hindrance for the subsequent installation of the rollers in the tracks. As such an initial assembly of the lifting device may comprise first providing for the mounting of the support frame to the transverse member of the U-shaped frame and then carrying out the installation of rolls of the carriage frame in the tracks of the support member, before ensuring the completion of the assembly of the lifting device by mounting a number of second cross members connecting the two longitudinal members at an opposite outer side of the tracks.

To ensure a multipurpose use of the trailer, various fork engaging structures may be provided for installment on the fork members. These fork engaging structures may include a loading platform with or without load, such as carrying craters, buildings, container etc or other load bearing structures suitable for specific tasks to be carried out. The loading platform is arranged with guiding sleeves for accommodation of the fork elements. When picking up the loading platform, the fork elements placed in loading position are inserted into the guiding sleeves, the loading platform is lifted into transport position by the fork members and ready for transport to a designated location.

In accordance with one embodiment the trailer may further comprise a floor member to be removably installed on the fork members. The floor member may be arranged with guiding sleeves for accommodation of the fork members, and the fork members may then be inserted into the guiding sleeves in a loading position and lifted into a transport position. Alternatively, the floor member may be accommodated on brackets arranged interiorly in the U-shaped frame, with or without the fork members acting as additional support for the floor member.

In one embodiment where the floor member is arranged with guide sleeves and installed on the fork members, a rear edge of the floor member has a guiding sleeve connected to a free tip of the fork members by a hinge for tipping of the floor member about a lateral beam structure connected to the frame structure.

In accordance with this embodiment the lateral beam structure is arranged to provide a fulcrum for the floor member when the fork members are lowered from the transport position. In a transport position the fork members are raised in a position where the floor member is levelled essentially horizontal with the frame structure. In addition to the guiding sleeve being arranged with the hinge, further guiding sleeves may be provided as open structures ensuring a steady position of the floor member during transport. In the tipped position, the floor member is released from engagement with the guiding sleeves (and the fork members).

The lateral beam structure may be arranged adjustable in the height direction H of the frame structure in order to decide the tipping angle of the floor member relative to the horizontal plane.

The floor member may be arranged with a tilting stop. The tilting stop is provided to rest against the top of the frame structure and determines or adjusts the tilting angle of the floor member. The tilting stop may be arranged adjustable along the length direction of the floor member.

These and other characteristics of the invention will be clear from the following description of an exemplary embodiment, given as a non-restrictive example, with reference to the attached drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig 1a- 1c shows in an overall view the frame structure of the multipurpose trailer with the lifting device mounted onto the frame structure.

Fig 2 shows the frame structure in a stripped version.

Fig 3a and 3b show the front section of the trailer in fig 1c from below and above.

Fig 4 is a further section of the trailer in fig 1c showing parts of the trailer in a closer detail.

Fig 5a shows a detail where two cylinder/piston assemblies are pivotally connected to the trailer and the lifting device.

Fig 5b shows an alternative embodiment to the one shown in fig 5a

Fig 6 shows the lifting device of fig 1 displayed in a side view.

Fig 7a is a perspective view of the lifting device mounted with a fork structure. to the of fig 1 displayed in a side view.

Fig 7b shows an enlarged view of a locking device.

Fig 8 is a perspective view of a support frame of the lifting device shown in figs 3,4.

Fig 9 is a perspective view of a carriage frame of the lifting device shown in figs 3,4.

Fig 10a and 10 show a side view of an embodiment where the multi-purpose trailer is equipped with a tiltable floor.

Fig 11 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the multi-purpose trailer where a house structure is mounted on top of the frame structure.

Fig 1a-1c show the multi-purpose trailer 1 here illustrated by a frame structure of the trailer. The frame structure comprises a U-shaped frame 5 built up by two parallel spaced leg members 2 interconnected by a transverse member 3 extending between the leg members 2. The front part of the trailer is made up by two inclining frame members 44 each connected at its rear end to the U-shaped frame and 10 and positioned to be joined due to their inclination at their front end by a support structure 6 arranged for accommodating the vehicle connecting point 10. Trailer wheels 16 are suspended in the U-shaped frame at the front end of the inclining frame members 4. A tailboard 7 is provided for closing off the U-shaped frame and is removably arranged from its closed position as shown in fig 1c. The tailboard may be arranged with a hinge at one end of the tailboard 7 for connection to one of the leg members, while the other end of the tailboard may be arranged with guiding pins for accommodation to the other leg member. As the skilled person will realize other suitable means may be provided for attaching the tailboard 7 to the frame structure 5 in a manner where the tailboard 7 is to be released when needed.

A lifting device 20 is connected to the transverse member 3 of the frame structure 5. As shown in fig 1a- 1c and figs 3a, 3b-5 the lifting device 20 is supported on the transverse member 3 as carried by lifting device support members 30. The lifting device support members 30 are attached to the transverse member 3 in a supportive manner for the load of the lifting device 20 (with or without cargo) to be transferred to the transverse member 3 in order to be carried by the frame structure 5. As shown in figs 1b, 1c, 2, 3, 4 an upper portion 31 of each of the lifting device support members 30 is arranged in contact with a top face 40 of the transverse member 3. The upper portion 31 and a part of an intermediate arm portion 32 which runs along a side face of the transverse member 3 is connected to the transverse member 3 by suitable means such as by welding. The intermediate arm portion 32 is configured with a shape where the intermediate arm portion 32 proximate to the upper portion 31 is in contact with the side surface 39, and when moving away from the upper portion 31 and approaching the lower portion 33, the intermediate arm portion 32 deviates from contact with the side face 39, and the lower portion 33 is positioned below the transverse member 3.

The upper portion 31 is provided for pivot mounting of the lifting device 20 and is arranged with through holes 32 for installation of pivot bolts 37 for connection of the lifting device 20 to the lifting device support members 30. A lower part 33 of the lifting device support members 30 is arranged for receiving an end portion of a displacement device 36 such as a cylinder/piston assembly in a pivot connection as provided by a pivot bolt 35 installed in through holes 34. The lower portion 33 of the lifting device support member 30 is configured to position each displacement device 36 below the transverse member 3. The other end portion of the displacement device 36 has a pivot connection such as pivot bolt connection 38 for instance to the lifting device 20 for angular displacement of the lifting device 20 and the tilting of the lifting device 20. The displacement device may be provided as an hydraulically operated jack mechanism as illustrated in the figs and is arranged for exerting a force capable of tilting the lifting device 20. The displacement devices for instance jack means is arranged with a movable part such as a movable piston and piston rod, in the figs illustrated by the connection to the pivot rod 38 and a stationary part such as a cylinder unit 50 which houses the piston. A pressure source (not shown) is provided to extend the piston in the cylinder unit 50 to move the lifting device 20 away from the transverse member 3. As the lifting device 20 has a pivot connection illustrated by pivot bolt 33, with the upper portion 31 of the lifting device support member 30, the displacement as carried out when extending the piston in the cylinder unit 50 is an angular displacement which results in a tilting of the lifting device 20.

As an alternative to the hydraulically operated jack mechanism, the displacement devices may be provided as a mechanically operated jack 90 for instance a bolt device as illustrated in fig 5b. Mechanically operated jacks 90 may replace the hydraulically operated jack mechanism 36 as shown in fig 3a, 3b, 4, 5a and 5b and the tilting may be achieved by displacing an inner part 91 relative to an outer part 92 by for instance a screwing operation. Attachment portions 93, 94 show possible connection points to the lower part 33 of the lifting device support members 30 and to the lifting device 20 respectively.

As shown in fig 3a, 3b,4 and 5a a pair of auxiliary support arms 43 have one end portion attached to the lifting device support member 30, preferably to the lower portion 33 of the lifting device support member, and the other end portion of the auxiliary support arms 43 is connected to the lower face 45 of the transverse member 3. The arrangement of the auxiliary support arms 43 supports the position of the lifting device support members 30 in a deviating manner away from the side face 39 to ensure that the displacement device is arranged in a position below the transverse member 3 where its end portions are available for maintenance and replacement of the displacement device 36.

As shown in fig 1c and 2 the lifting device support members 30 are arranged in pairs where two and two lifting device support members 30 are arranged spaced together for accommodating a pivot bolt 35 for provision of a pivot connection at each side of the lifting device 20 to ensure a secure attachment to the frame structure 5 and to provide a stable pivot connection when the lifting device 20 is to be tilted. The two lifting device support members 30 are shaped so that the space between the upper portion of the lifting device support members 30 are larger than the space between the lower portion of the lifting device support members 30. The configuration of lifting device support members 30 as such is adjusted fit for accommodation of the pivot bolts 37 at the upper portion 31 suitable for connection to the lifting device 20 and for accommodation of the pivot bolts 35 at the lower portion 33 for connection of the end portion of the displacement device 36.

The structural composition of the lifting device 20 is shown in detail in figs 6-7. The lifting device 20 comprises a support frame 21 (see fig 6 and 8 ) arranged with attachment portions provided with through holes 60 for receiving the pivot bolt 33 for pivotal connection of the lifting device 20 to the lifting device support members 30. Further attachment portions of the lifting device 20 is arranged with through holes 61 for receiving the pivot bolt 38 to connect the displacement devices 36 to the lifting device 20.

As shown in fig 6 the support frame 21 has two longitudinal members 62 each provided with the tracks 63 and a number of first cross members 64 connecting the two longitudinal members at a first side 65 of the tracks 63. The support frame 21 has an upper and lower accommodating bracket 67, 66 for receiving and supporting vertical displacement devices 72 such as for instance jack means arranged with a movable part and a stationary part that is provided for engagement with the support frame 21 and a carriage frame 22, as shown in fig 7a and 9.

The carriage frame 22 accommodates the fork members 41 and is arranged with rollers (not shown in the figs, but illustrated by roller bearers 69 intended for carrying the rollers. The carriage frame 22 also has a bracket 79 for engagement with the vertical displacement devices 72 for moving the carriage frame 22 in a vertical direction when rollers of the carriage frame 22 are engaged in tracks 63 of the support frame 63. As seen in fig 6, the vertical displacement devices 72 in the shown example also include a chain and sprocket solution 73 for expanding the displacement path of the lifting device 20, and in some circumstances, the chain and sprocket solution 73 may be arranged to double displacement path.

When the lifting device 20 is to be mounted to the transverse member 3 of the U-shaped frame, the support frame 21 as shown in fig 8 is connected to the transverse member 3 arranged with and a number of first cross members 64 connecting the two longitudinal members 62 at the first side 65 of the tracks 63 adjacent the cross member 63. This first side 65 is closest to the transverse member 3 in mounted condition when the support frame 21 is connected to the transverse member 3. Then the rolls of the carriage frame 22 are installed in the tracks 63 of the support member 21 before a number of second cross members 70 connecting the two longitudinal members are installed at an opposite second side 71 of the tracks 63. This assembly of the lifting device 20 ensures a simple procedure for building the lifting device 20.

Fig 7b shows an example of a locking bar 120 with a connection portion 121 for connecting with the cross member 70 of the support frame 21 (see fig 7a) The locking bar 120 also has a carrier 122. The locking bar 120 may be provided as a two-part structure and the longitudinal extension of the locking bar and hence the distance between the connection portion 121 and the carrier may be adjusted according to need by means of adjustment means 125 (for instance holes and pins to regulate the size of the locking bar.)

Locking bars 120, usually two, are each to be connected to the cross member 70 of the support frame 21 with the carrier 122 positioned to accommodate a cross member 130 of the carriage frame 22. The locking bars 120 may be pivotally connected to the support frame 21 and may be interconnected by a locking rod for the simultaneous lowering and raising of the locking bars as operated by rotation of the locking rod. The size or the longitudinal extension of the locking bars is chosen according to the desired level of the cross member 130 and hence the locking position of the fork members 41 attached to the carriage frame 22. When accommodated in the carriers 122, the cross member 130 is supported in engagement with a contact surface of the carrier, for instance resting against the inner surface of the hook shaped carriers 122 as illustrated in fig 7b. Thus by this locking arrangement the fork members are locked vertically in the chosen position at one end of the fork members, which in the shown example coincide with the front end of the multipurpose trailer.

To ensure a mechanical locking of the fork members 41, the locking position of the fork members may be chosen so that the free tip of the fork members 41 engage a top surface of the tailboard 7 for supportive purposes, see fig 1c, when the tailboard is closed. Alternatively, a support surface 131 or a recess configured in the inner surface of the tailboard 7 may function as supportive means for the same intention. This is a convenient solution in several situations, but especially when goods with a length extending outside the length of the frame structure 5 is to be transported. By this arrangement and the provision of the locking bars 120 and the choice of position of the carrier, both a front end and a back end locking is ensured for the fork members 41.

The lifting device as shown in the figs 6-9 is provided by an assembly of off the shelf standard squared or rectangular profiles.

Fig 10a and 10b show an embodiment where the multi-purpose trailer is arranged with a floor member 110 which is arranged with guiding sleeves for accommodation of the fork members. A rear edge of the floor member 110 has at least one of the guiding sleeves connected to a free tip of each of the fork members 41 by a hinge 111. The floor member 110 is carried by the frame structure 5 by means of a lateral beam structure 112 which provide a fulcrum for the floor member 110 when the fork members 41 are lowered as shown in fig 10 a and 10b. In a transport position the fork members are raised in a position where the floor member 110 is levelled horizontally with the frame structure 5. The floor member 110 then rests on the fork members 41. In addition to the guiding sleeve being arranged with the hinge 111, further guiding sleeves are provided as open structures which ensures a steady position of the floor member during transport. In a tipped position as shown in fig 10a and 10b, the floor member is released from engagement with the guiding sleeves (and the fork members).

The lateral beam structure 112 may be arranged adjustable in the height direction H of the frame structure in order to determine the tipping angle of the floor member 110 relative the horizontal plane.

Fig 10b shows the floor member 110 with a tilting stop 113. The tilting stop 113 is provided to rest against the top of the frame structure 5 and determines/ decides the tilting angle of the floor member 110. The tilting stop 113 is arranged adjustable along the length direction of the floor member 100. The position of the tilting stop 113 is to be chosen amongst engagement with one of plural hole sections 114 distributed along the longitudinal edge 115 of the floor member 110.

In fig 11 the U-shaped frame may be provided with recesses 115 or inserts for receiving support structures 116 to support load carried on the trailer or even to carry a cover, a superstructure or to form a frame work for a house structure 117 to cover parts or all of the trailer as shown in fig 11. In the shown illustration, the house structure has a door 119 with a door handle 118 for gaining access to the interior of the house structure 117 and to the lifting device 20 which is built in by the enclosure of the house structure as shown in fig 11. For depositing or retrieving goods such as a pallet inside the house structure 117, the door 119 and tailboard 7 are opened, the goods is stored or retrieved from the fork members 41 in a lowered position, the fork members 41 are raised into transport position and the door 119 and tailboard 7 are closed again. With the house structure 117 arranged on the frame structure 5, goods may be stored in a protective environment under dry conditions.

In the above detailed description, various aspects of the method and system have been described with reference to the illustrated exemplary embodiment. Various modifications and variations of the exemplary embodiment, as well as other embodiments of the method and system, are considered to lie within the scope of the present invention as defined in the claims.

Claims

1. Multipurpose trailer (1) comprising

-U-shaped frame (5) comprising a transverse member (3) and two parallel spaced leg members (2) connected to the transverse member (3),

-a lifting device (20) pivotally connected to the transverse member (3) in between the leg members (2) of the U-shaped frame, the lifting device (20) comprises a support frame (21) arranged with mountings for pivot connection to the transverse member and provided with tracks (63),

a carriage frame (22) accommodating fork members (41) and arranged with rollers for engagement with the tracks (63) of the support frame (21) for moving the carriage frame (22) with the forks members relative to the support frame (21) in between a fork member loading position and a fork member transport position,

c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n t h a t

- lifting device support members (30) are connected to the transverse member (3) of the U-shaped frame (5) and an upper portion (31) of each of the lifting device support members is provided for pivot mounting of the support frame (21),

-a lower portion (33) of each of the lifting device support members (30) have mountings for pivot connection of an end portion of a displacement device (36) and the other end portion of the displacement device have mountings for pivot connection to the support frame (21) for controlling the angular displacement of the lifting device (20) with the fork members relative the U-shaped frame.

2. Multipurpose trailer (1) in accordance with claim 1 comprises an assembly of off the shelf standard squared, rectangular profiles or other standardized profiles to provide the multipurpose trailer,

wherein the U-shaped frame (at least the transverse member and two parallel spaced leg members ), the lifting device (at least the support frame and the carriage frame) is provided by uniform profiles.

3. Multipurpose trailer in accordance with claim 1 or 2,

c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n t h a t,

the upper portion (31) of each of lifting device support members (30) is supported by the transverse member (3) and the lower portion (33) of each of the lifting device support members is configured to position the displacement device (36) below the transverse member (3).

4. Multipurpose trailer in accordance with one of the previous claims,

c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n t h a t, each displacement device (36) comprises a stationary section such as a cylinder unit section arranged for pivot connection to the lower portion (33) of the lifting device support members and a movable section such as a movable piston and piston rod arranged for pivot connection to the support frame (21).

5. Multipurpose trailer in accordance with one of the previous claims,

c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n t h a t at least one locking bar (120) is connected to the support frame (21) and the at least one locking bar (120) has a carrier (122) positioned for supportive accommodation of the carriage frame (22) to ensure a locking position of the fork members (41).

6. Multipurpose trailer in accordance with one of the previous claims,

c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n t h a t, it further comprises

-a tailboard (7) for closing off the U-shaped frame, which tailboard (7) is arranged with a hinge at one end of the tailboard for connection to one of the leg members (2), and the other end of the tailboard is arranged with guiding pins to be inserted in the other leg member, optionally a top surface of the tailboard or an inner surface or recess of the tailboard provides an additional locking of the fork members.

7. Multipurpose trailer in accordance with one of the previous claims,

c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n t h a t,

the lifting device (20) comprises an assembly of off the shelf standard squared or rectangular profiles.

8. Multipurpose trailer in accordance with one of the previous claims,

c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n t h a t, the support frame (21) comprises two longitudinal members (62) each provided with the tracks (63) and a number of first cross members (64) connecting the two longitudinal members (62) at a first side (65) of the tracks adjacent the transverse member (3) of the U-shaped frame, and an assembly of the lifting device (20) comprises

-the mounting of the support frame (21) to the transverse member (3) of the U-shaped frame,

-the installation of rollers of the carriage frame (22) in the tracks of the support member (21),

-completion of the assembly of the lifting device (20) by mounting a number of second cross members (70) connecting the two longitudinal members (62) at an opposite second side (71) of the tracks (63).

9. Multipurpose trailer in accordance with one of the previous claims,

c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n t h a t it further comprises

- a vertical displacement device (72) for moving the carriage frame (22) relative to the support frame (21) for lifting and lowering of the fork members (41).

10. Multipurpose trailer in accordance with one of the previous claims 1-7, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n t h a t it further comprises a floor member (110) wherein a rear edge of the floor member (110) has a guiding sleeve connected to a free tip of the fork members (41) by a hinge (111) for tipping of the floor member (110) about a lateral beam structure (112) connected to the frame structure (5).