Abstract: In the present trailer, a pair of cross members are pivoted on the trailer frame about parallel horizontal fulcrum axes and extend transversely across a boat trailer frame. A keel receiver is provided on each cross member, extending to one side of the respective fulcrum axis. A pair of elongated bunk members extend longitudinally relative to the boat trailer frame, connected at ends to the two cross members such that the cross members are linked together by the elongated bunk members. A pair of elongated yokes are mounted at yoke pivots to the rearward cross member and extend longitudinally between forward and rearward yoke ends. A pair of short bunk members are mounted to the pair of elongated yokes on a transverse short bunk pivot axis that are transverse to the boat trailer frame.

Abstract: In the present hull and keel support, a pair of cross members are pivoted about parallel horizontal fulcrum axes and extend transversely across a boat trailer frame. Each cross member includes a central keel receiver on one side of the associated fulcrum axis. Gimbal arrangements pivotably mount the hull engaging members and establish a first pivot axis parallel to the fulcrum axis, enabling the hull engaging members and keel supports to conform to a variety of boat hull configurations, while maintaining a desired weight distribution proportion between the keel receivers and hull engaging members. The hull engaging members also move about second pivot axes, substantially perpendicular to the fulcrum axes. In a first preferred form, the hull engaging members are elongated bunks mounted to pairs of gimbal mechanisms, a forward pair of which are slotted to permit deflection of the bunks. In another preferred form, hull engaging rollers are mounted at opposed ends of pivoted bars.

Abstract: A folding implement frame includes a central tongue frame and a pair of elongated boom frames mounted to the tongue frame for movement about first pivot axes. The boom frames are movable about the first pivot axes between towing positions extending behind the tongue frame in a narrow roadway travel configurations, and outward operative positions extending substantially laterally of the tongue frame. Rigid boom pull bars have outward ends pivotably mounted to the boom frames on second pivots and inward ends mounted to strut linkages. The strut linkages are mounted to the tongue frame for pivotal motion thereon about third pivot axes, and to the boom pull bars for pivotal motion thereon. The strut linkages also include provisions for enabling adjustment of the length of the strut linkage to enable pivotal motion of the boom pull bars and boom frames between the operative and towing positions. The strut linkages remain connected to the boom pull bars and tongue frame during such motion.

Abstract: A boat trailer frame is described including an adjustable pair of elongated frame members extending from a tongue section to a wheel supported carriage. Bunks are mounted directly to the frame members. Forward ends of the frame members are pivotably mounted to the tongue and selectively clamped to the wheel carriage. Lateral adjustment of the distance between the frame members and bunks is provided to accommodate boat hulls of varying configurations. Such lateral adjustment is accomplished simply by pivoting the frame members together or apart about the forward pivots at the tongue. Clamps are included for selectively securing the frame members to the carriage assembly and tongue once a selected space between the bunks is achieved. Other clamps are used to facilitate longitudinal adjustment of the wheel carriage position along the frame members to adjust "tongue weight".

Abstract: An implement hitch assembly is described that can be removably attached to an implement and to a towing vehicle. The hitch assembly includes apparatus by which the implement frame is allowed to pivot freely about a selected axis relative to the towing tongue frame when the implement is in a lowered, operative position. Pivotal motion is transferred to a different pivot axis on the hitch assembly when the implement is elevated. The former pivot axis is locked in the raised position of the implement and selected resistance to pivotal motion about the other axis is provided to enable safe transport of the implement.

Abstract: A hitch assembly for interconnecting an agricultural tool with a towing vehicle to allow relative angular vertical articulation between the tool and vehicle during use and to lock rigidly with the tool for transport. The hitch includes two pivotably interconnected frames. A first wheel supported frame is adapted to be connected to the towing vehicle. The second frame is adapted to be rigidly connected to the tool. A control mechanism operates from the vehicle hydraulic system and is connected between the frames. The mechanism is operative to lock the frames together rigidly or to unlock the frames for relatively free pivotal movement. The control means includes provisions for tipping the tool forward and downward as it is being lowered to a ground-working, operative position. The effective height of the frames can also be varied to correspond with the height of the tool at its ground-working operative position.

Abstract: A boat trailer utilized particularly for transporting "shoal" or shallow keel sailboats behind a towing vehicle. The trailer includes a series of central keel rollers that receive and provide support for the sailboat along its fixed longitudinal keel. On either side of the keel rollers are resilient elongated bunks for engaging the sailboat hull and providing some support as well as preventing lateral tipping of the sailboat when held in a loaded condition. The resiliency of the bunks enables them to conform intimately to the hull of the sailboat. The bunks include areal hull engaging surfaces over which the weight of the boat is evenly distributed. Toggle mechanisms are provided at rearward ends of the bunks and are operable to laterally separate the rearward bunk ends.

Abstract: A trailer for carrying a centerboard type sailboat behind a towing vehicle. The trailer includes longitudinally flexible bunks that receive and conform intimately to the hull configuration on opposite sides of the longitudinal boat center line. A walking beam arrangement is located between the bunks and carrying frame to enable free flexing of the bunks while transferring weight of the boat to the framework. The longitudinal resiliency of the bunks enables loading and unloading of the sailboat in relatively shallow water and further facilitates even distribution of the sailboat weight over the entire bunk surface engaged therewith.