Platform Trailer with Reinforced Neck

摘要

A platform trailer includes a neck reinforcement structure located in the neck region. The neck reinforcement structure includes a first beam reinforcement structure located adjacent an inner side of the first beam that is oriented toward the second beam, and a second beam reinforcement structure located adjacent an inner side of the second beam that is oriented toward the first beam. A plurality of internal cross members extend between and interconnect the first and second beam reinforcement structures. A fifth wheel plate is fixedly secured to and that extends between both the first and second beams. A kingpin is connected to the fifth wheel plate and is adapted to be engaged by an associated tractor fifth wheel. The neck reinforcement structure allows for use of aluminum alloy beams with a reduced height in the neck region of the trailer.

主权项

1. A platform trailer comprising:
a forward end and a rear end spaced apart from each other along a longitudinal axis; a cargo supporting platform that extends between said forward end and said rear end and including left and right laterally spaced-apart sides; a chassis supporting said platform, said chassis comprising first and second beams that extend parallel to said longitudinal axis, said first and second beams each comprising a first height H1 equal to a maximum height of said first and second beams; at least one axle assembly connected to said chassis and comprising left and right rotatable wheel and tire assemblies; said trailer comprising a neck region where said first and second beams each comprise a second height H2 that is less than 30% of said first height H1; said trailer further comprising a neck reinforcement structure located in said neck region, said neck reinforcement structure comprising:
a first beam reinforcement structure located adjacent an inner side of said first beam that is oriented toward said second beam;a second beam reinforcement structure located adjacent an inner side of said second beam that is oriented toward said first beam;a plurality of internal cross members that extend between and interconnect said first and second beam reinforcement structures; and,a fifth wheel plate that is fixedly secured to and that extends between both said first and second beams; said platform trailer further comprising a kingpin located in said neck region and adapted to be engaged by an associated tractor fifth wheel, wherein said second height H2 of said first and second beams is measured at an axial location along said longitudinal axis where said kingpin is located.