improved modular trailer

Abstract

TITLE: IMPROVED MODULAR TRAILER The invention relates to a trailer (1) which can be modulated between a transport mode in which it is intended to be towed by human power and a camping mode in which it can provide a sleeping platform, said modular trailer (1) comprising a first platform (10) comprising feet (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d) movable between a storage position when said trailer (1) is in the transport mode and a use position when said trailer (1) is in the camping mode, each foot (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d) comprising a sole (13a, 13b, 13c, 13d) which in the use position rests on the ground. According to the invention, the sole (13a, 13b, 13c, 13d) of each leg (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d) is independently adjustable relative to the first plate (10) over a length L to enable the first plate (10) to be positioned in a horizontal plane regardless of the inclination of the ground in camping mode. Fig.3.

Description

Title of the invention: improved modular trailer Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a trailer which can be adapted between a transport mode in which it is intended to be towed by human power, in particular by a bicycle, and a camping mode in which it provides a sleeping platform for at least one person. State of the art

[0002] Document JP2011194909 discloses a trailer that can be adapted between a transport mode in which it is intended to be towed by human power, in particular by a bicycle, and a camping mode in which it provides a sleeping platform for at least one person. The modular trailer comprises a first platform comprising feet that can be moved between a storage position when the trailer is in transport mode and a use position when the trailer is in camping mode. Each foot comprises a sole, which in the use position rests on the ground so that the first platform supports the weight of a person.

[0003] However, the sole of each foot has a fixed position relative to the first tray. Thus, the first tray can be installed in a horizontal plane, only on a flat and horizontal ground

[0004] As a result, it is not possible to install the first panel in a horizontal plane on an inclined floor, which limits the choice of installation of the first tray in use mode. Summary of the invention

[0005] The present invention aims to remedy these drawbacks.

[0006] The technical problem underlying the invention consists of proposing a trailer which can be adapted between a transport mode and a camping mode and which allows for optimized installation in camping mode on sloping ground.

[0007] Another object of the invention is to propose a modular trailer which has an optimized design to obtain a reduced weight.

[0008] Another aim of the invention is to propose a modular trailer which has a simple and economical design to implement.

[0009] To this end, the invention relates to a trailer which can be adapted between a transport mode in which it is intended to be towed by human power, in particular by a bicycle, and a camping mode in which it provides a sleeping platform for at least one person, said adjustable trailer comprising a first platform comprising feet movable between a storage position when said trailer is in transport mode and a use position when said trailer is in camping mode, each foot comprising a sole which in the use position rests on the ground so that the first platform supports the weight of a person, characterized in that the sole of each foot is independently adjustable relative to the first platform over a length L to allow the first platform to be positioned in a horizontal plane regardless of the inclination of the ground in camping mode.

[0010] By a first tray comprising feet, it is understood that the feet are the only elements which connect the first tray to the ground to position it in a horizontal plane in camping mode.

[0011] Thus, it is possible to install the first tray in a horizontal plane on a wide variety of sloping floors.

[0012] Advantageously, the first tray is a single piece.

[0013] Advantageously, the first tray has four corners and four feet, each foot being arranged near a corner.

[0014] Advantageously, the length L is greater than 10 centimeters, preferably greater than 20 centimeters.

[0015] Thus, the first tray can be installed in a horizontal plane on a very inclined ground and even inclined in several directions.

[0016] Preferably, each foot extends in a direction perpendicular to the first plate in the position of use and each sole is movable in translation relative to the first plate along the perpendicular direction.

[0017] Thus, the adjustment of each sole in translation has a simple design.

[0018] Advantageously, each foot comprises at least one oblong opening which extends along the perpendicular direction and the modular trailer comprises a tightening screw, the tightening screw being arranged in an oblong opening and cooperating with a nut secured to the first plate to lock the foot and the sole in position once the length adjustment has been carried out.

[0019] Thus, the adjustment of each sole can be easily carried out, without tools.

[0020] Preferably, each foot comprises a notched anti-slip device along the perpendicular direction.

[0021] Such a device makes it possible to guarantee that the first platform remains in position relative to the sole and the foot even when a person with significant weight sits on the first platform.

[0022] Advantageously, the sole comprises a bottom wall in contact with the ground in camping mode, said bottom wall having a surface area greater than 10 cm2.

[0023] Thus, such a surface of the bottom wall of the sole makes it possible to adapt to all types of soil, especially soft soil without sinking.

[0024] Advantageously, the modular trailer comprises an intermediate reinforcement piece between the first platform and each leg, the intermediate reinforcement piece having a cross-section in a vertical plane in the shape of an L.

[0025] Thus, such an intermediate reinforcement piece makes it possible to keep each foot aligned along the direction perpendicular to the first platform, in particular when a person sits on the first platform.

[0026] Preferably, the modular trailer comprises a second platform movable between a moving position in which it is arranged above the first platform in the transport mode and a deployed position in which it is arranged next to the first platform in the camping mode, the first and second platforms forming a platform capable of receiving a person lying down, the second platform comprising feet identical to the feet of the first platform to allow the second platform to be positioned in the same horizontal plane in which the first platform is arranged.

[0027] Thus, it is possible to install the first and second tray in a horizontal plane on a wide variety of inclined floors.

[0028] Advantageously, the first and second plates have an identical surface S.

[0029] Thus, in transport mode, the trailer has a reduced surface area S on the ground equivalent to the surface area of ​​the first or second platform to be maneuverable and in camping mode, the first and second platforms form a platform having a surface area 2S which can accommodate a person lying down.

[0030] Advantageously, the first and second trays have a length of between 90 centimeters and 110 centimeters and a width of between 60 centimeters and 100 centimeters.

[0031] Advantageously, the modular trailer comprises a device for coupling the first and second platforms which comprises a U-shaped part.

[0032] Preferably, the first and second trays are made of a composite material from a resin and fibers to have a cumulative weight of less than 12 kg.

[0033] Such an arrangement makes it possible to obtain a reduced weight of the modular trailer so that it can be towed by human power, in particular by a bicycle in the transport mode.

[0034] Advantageously, the first tray forms a chassis and the second tray forms an upper part of the modular trailer in the transport mode, the first tray and the second tray being arranged parallel at a distance D.

[0035] Advantageously, the distance D is less than 30 centimeters.

[0036] Thus, the modular trailer has very low resistance to movement, particularly when there is wind.

[0037] Advantageously, the modular trailer comprises a tent, the tent being arranged between the first and second platforms in the transport mode.

[0038] Advantageously, the modular trailer comprises at least one wheel linked to the first platform in transport mode, said at least one wheel being removable from the first platform in camping mode.

[0039] Thus, the at least one wheel does not disturb the installation of the first tray, or also of the second tray in a horizontal plane in the camping mode. Brief description of the figures

[0040] The aims, aspects and advantages of the present invention will be better understood from the description given below of a particular embodiment of the invention presented by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the appended drawings in which:

[0041] [Fig-1] [Fig.l] is a view of a modular trailer in the transport mode in which it is towed by a bicycle according to a particular embodiment of the invention.

[0042] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a sectional view along the vertical section plane along line II-II of the modular trailer of [Fig.l].

[0043] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a perspective view of the first and second trays in the camping mode of the modular trailer of [Fig.l].

[0044] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a sectional view along the vertical section plane along line IV-IV of the first plate of [Fig.3].

[0045] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] is an exploded perspective view along a direction V of a foot of the first plate of [Fig.3], the same foot being arranged on the second plate.

[0046] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] is an exploded perspective view along a direction VI of the foot of [Fig.5].

[0047] [Fig.7] [Fig.7] is a detailed perspective view along a direction VII of the coupling device of the first and second plates of [Fig.3].

[0048] [Fig.8] [Fig.8] is an exploded perspective view from below of the first and second plate coupling device of [Fig.7].

[0049] Only the elements necessary for understanding the invention have been shown. To facilitate reading of the drawings, the same elements bear the same references from one figure to another.

[0050] It will be noted that in this document, the terms "horizontal", "vertical", "lower", "upper", "top", "bottom", "front", "rear", "longitudinal", "transverse", used to describe the modular trailer refer to this modular trailer resting on the ground, in use.

[0051] In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 8, a trailer 1 is modular between a transport mode in which it is intended to be towed by human power and a camping mode in which it provides a sleeping platform for at least one person. In the embodiment shown in [Fig.l], the modular trailer 1 is in the transport mode. The trailer 1 is designed in terms of weight and dimensions to be towed by a bicycle 100 driven by the muscular power of the user, even if it is possible to tow such a trailer with an electrically assisted bicycle. It is also possible to have the trailer towed by a walker or even by an animal, in particular a sled dog. The modular trailer 1 has a parallelepiped shape. The modular trailer 1 has two wheels 2, 3 and a tow bar 4 which connects the modular trailer 1 to the bicycle 100 in the transport mode.The modular trailer 1 comprises a first platform 10 which forms a chassis. The two wheels 2, 3 are assembled on the first platform 10 in transport mode. The modular trailer 1 comprises a second platform 30 movable between a moving position in which it is arranged above the first platform 10 in the transport mode ([Fig.l]) and a deployed position ([Fig.3]).

[0052] As seen in [Fig. 3], the modular trailer 1 is in the camping mode. The drawbar 4 is uncoupled from the bicycle 100 and the wheels 2, 3 are separated from the first tray 10. The first tray 10 has four corners 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d and four feet 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, each foot 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d being arranged near a corner 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d. The feet 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d are removable between a storage position when the modular trailer 1 is in the transport mode and a use position when the modular trailer 1 is in the camping mode. Each leg 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d has a sole 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d which, in the position of use, rests on the ground so that the first plate 10 supports the weight of a person. The sole 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d of each leg 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d is individually adjustable relative to the first plate 10 over a length L ([Fig.5]) to allow the first tray 10 to be positioned in a horizontal plane regardless of the inclination of the ground. In camping mode, the second tray 30 is in the deployed position in which it is arranged next to the first tray 10. The second tray 30 has four legs 12e, 12f, 12g, 12h identical to the four legs 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d of the first tray 10 and four soles 13e, 13f, 13g, 13h identical to the four soles 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d to allow the second tray 30 to be positioned in the same horizontal plane in which the first tray 10 is arranged. The first 10 and second 30 trays are held together by two coupling devices 40a, 40b of identical construction. The . first 10 and second 30 trays form a platform capable of receiving a lying person. The two coupling devices 40a, 40b are arranged on either side of the platform.

[0053] In the following, each foot 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, 12e, 12f, 12g, 12h will be called foot 12 and each sole 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d, 13e, 13f, 13g, 13h will be called sole 13. As seen in Figures 5 and 6, each sole 13 of each foot 12 is individually adjustable relative to the first 10 or the second 30 plate over a length L equal to 20 centimeters. Each foot 12 extends in a direction perpendicular 9 to the first 10 or the second 30 plate in the position of use. Each sole 13 is movable in translation relative to the first 10 or the second 30 plate along the perpendicular direction 9. Each foot 12 comprises a bar 15 connected to the sole 13. The bar 15 has a U-shaped cross-section. The bar 15 comprises two oblong openings 16a, 16b which extend along the perpendicular direction 9. The two oblong openings 16a, 16b are arranged in a superimposed manner.The first 10 or the second 30 plate has a peripheral edge 17, 37 which receives an intermediate reinforcing piece 18. The intermediate reinforcing piece 18 has a tenon 19 arranged vertically, along the perpendicular direction 9. The tenon 19 is dimensioned to cooperate with the interior of the U-shape and thus allow guidance in vertical translation of the bar 15, along the perpendicular direction 9 during length adjustment. The intermediate reinforcing piece 18 has a material return 20 which extends under the first 10 or the second 30 plate. The intermediate reinforcing piece 18 provided with the material return 20 therefore has an L-shaped cross-section in a vertical cutting plane. Each foot 12 has a screw 21 provided with a head 22 forming an operating handle and the first 10 or the second 30 plate has a fixed nut 24 provided with a tapped hole ([Fig.4]).The tenon 19 of the intermediate reinforcement piece 18 has a bore 24 aligned with the tapped hole. The screw 21 is arranged in an oblong opening 16a of the bar 15, in the bore 24 of the intermediate reinforcement piece 18 and cooperates with the nut 23 to form a system for adjusting / tightening and maintaining the sole 13 in position relative to the first 10 or the second 30 plate. The foot 12 also has a pierced support piece 25 arranged between the head 22 of the screw 21 and the bar 15.

[0054] The intermediate reinforcing piece 18 comprises first 26a and second 26b rows of teeth forming two racks which are arranged vertically, on either side of the tenon 19 ([Fig.5]). The bar 15 comprises third 27a and fourth 27b rows of teeth also forming two racks which are arranged on two free ends 28a, 28b of the U-shape ([Fig.6]). The third 27a and fourth 27b rows of teeth extend vertically along the bar 15 over a length l management greater than the length L. The first 26a and second 26b rows of teeth cooperate with the third 27a and fourth 27b rows of teeth when tightening the screw 21 to lock the adjustment in position of the sole 13. The first 26a and second 26b rows of teeth secured to the first 10 or second 20 plate as well as the third 27a and fourth 27b rows of teeth secured to the foot 12 form a notched anti-slip device of the foot 12 along the perpendicular direction 9.

[0055] Each sole 13 is substantially square with rounded corners. Each sole 13 has a bottom wall 29 in contact with the ground in the camping position. The bottom wall 29 has a surface area equal to 20 cm2.

[0056] According to Figures 3, 7 and 8, each coupling device 40a, 40b of the first 10 and second 30 plates comprises a U-shaped part 41. The U-shaped part 41 is manufactured from a bar which is bent. The U-shaped part 41 comprises two straight parts 42a, 42b arranged opposite each other. Each straight part 42a, 42b comprises a free end 43a, 43b provided with a perforation 44a, 44b ([Fig.8]). The first 10 and second 10 plates each comprise a through hole 14, 34 arranged near the edge 17, 37. The through holes 14, 34 extend along the perpendicular direction 9. The straight parts 42a, 42b of the U-shaped part are intended to be inserted into the through holes 14, 34 to bring the first 10 and second 20 plates together side by side. In this position, the free ends 43a, 43b protrude from the first 10 and second 30 plates.Each coupling device 40a, 40b comprises a nut 44 and a screw 45 provided with a head 46 which has a handle shape. The free ends 43a, 43b of the straight parts 42a, 42b each comprise a bore 47a, 47b. The screw 45 is intended to be inserted into the bores 47a, 47b and then to cooperate with the nut 44 to tighten the two straight parts 42a, 42b of the U-shaped part 41 and thus immobilize the first 10 and second 30 plates. Each coupling device 40a, 40b also comprises a first support washer 48 arranged between the head 46 of the screw 45 and the straight part 42a and a second support washer 49 arranged between the nut 44 and the straight part 42b.

[0057] As seen in [Fig. 2], the modular trailer 1 comprises a tent 5 which is arranged between the first 10 and second 30 platforms in the transport mode. The assembled tent 5 is not illustrated in the figures. The first platform 10 is covered by a foam mattress 6a and the second platform 30 is covered by a foam mattress 6b. A sleeping area 6 and the user's personal belongings 7 can also be installed between the first 10 and second 30 platforms. The feet 12 in the storage position are placed between the first 10 and second 30 platforms (not illustrated in [Fig. 2]). The first 10 and second 30 platforms are covered by a cover 8. The first tray 10 and the second tray 30 are arranged parallel to each other at a distance D which is at most equal to 25 centimeters. The first 10 and second 30 trays are made of a composite material from a polyester resin and fibers, in particular flax fibers, to have a cumulative weight of less than 12 kg. The first 10 and second 30 trays therefore have a single-piece construction.

[0058] Of course, the invention is in no way limited to the embodiment described and illustrated, which has been given only as an example. Modifications remain possible, in particular from the point of view of the constitution of the various elements or by substitution of technical equivalents, without departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

[0059] Thus, in a first variant embodiment not illustrated, the modular trailer 1 comprises skis and is intended to be towed by a skier.

[0060] In a second variant embodiment not illustrated, the second plate 30 comprises two feet identical to the four feet 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d of the first plate 10 to enable the second plate to be positioned in the same horizontal plane in which the first plate 10 is arranged. The two feet of the second plate 30 are arranged opposite the coupling devices 40a, 40b.

Claims

Claims

1. A trailer (1) that can be modulated between a transport mode in which it is intended to be towed by human power, in particular by a bicycle (100), and a camping mode in which it provides a sleeping platform for at least one person, said modular trailer (1) comprising a first platform (10) comprising feet (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d) movable between a storage position when said trailer (1) is in the transport mode and a use position when said trailer (1) is in the camping mode, each foot (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d) comprising a sole (13a, 13b, 13c, 13d) which, in the use position, rests on the ground so that the first platform (10) supports the weight of a person, characterized in that the sole (13a, 13b, 13c, 13d) of each foot (12a, 12b, 12c,12d) is independently adjustable relative to the first tray (10) over a length L to allow the first tray (10) to be positioned in a horizontal plane regardless of the inclination of the ground in camping mode.,

2. Modular trailer (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the length L is greater than 10 centimeters, preferably greater than 20 centimeters.

3. Modular trailer (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that each foot (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d) extends in a direction perpendicular (9) to the first platform (10) in the position of use and in that each sole (13a, 13b, 13c, 13d) is movable in translation relative to the first platform (10) along the perpendicular direction (9).

4. Modular trailer (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that each foot (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d) comprises at least one oblong opening (16a, 16b) which extends along the perpendicular direction (9) and in that it comprises a tightening screw (21), said tightening screw (21) being arranged in an oblong opening (16a, 16b) and cooperating with a nut (23) integral with the first plate (10) to lock the foot (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d) and the sole (13a, 13b, 13c, 13d) in position once the length adjustment has been carried out.

5. Modular trailer (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 4, characterized in that each foot (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d) comprises a notched device (26a, 26b, 27a, 27b) anti-slip along the perpendicular direction (9).

6. Modular trailer (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the sole (13a, 13b, 13c, 13d) comprises a bottom wall (29) in contact with the ground in the camping position, said bottom wall (29) having a surface area greater than 10 cm2.

7. Modular trailer (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it comprises a second tray (30) movable between a moving position in which it is arranged above the first tray (10) in the transport mode and a deployed position in which it is arranged next to the first tray (10) in the camping mode, the first (10) and second (30) trays forming a platform capable of receiving a lying person, the second tray (30) comprising feet (12e, 12f, 12g, 12h) identical to the feet (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d) of the first tray (10) to allow the second tray (30) to be positioned in the same horizontal plane in which the first tray (10) is arranged.

8. Modular trailer (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that it comprises a coupling device (40a, 40b) of the first (10) and second (30) platforms which comprises a U-shaped part (41).

9. Modular trailer (1) according to any one of claims 6 to 7, characterized in that the first (10) and second (30) platforms are made of a composite material from a resin and fibers to have a cumulative weight of less than 12 kg.

10. Modular trailer (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it comprises at least one wheel (2, 3) linked to the first platform (10) in the transport mode, said at least one wheel (2, 3) being removable from the first platform (10) in the camping mode.

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