Abstract: A method for supporting the nose of an unfettered trailer disposed on a surface adjacent a loading bay, including the steps of 1) providing a supporting assembly movable along the surface relative to the nose of the trailer, and also movable between a stored, collapsed position wherein the supporting assembly does not interfere with movement of vehicles over the surface, and a raised, engaging position in which a portion of the supporting assembly is disposed vertically above the surface and engages and supports the nose of the trailer; 2) moving the supporting assembly along the surface and relative to the nose of the trailer with the supporting assembly in the stored position, 3) sensing the nose of the trailer with a sensor that is movable with the supporting assembly relative to the nose of the trailer, and 4) in response to the sensor sensing the nose of the trailer, automatically moving the supporting assembly from the stored position to the raised engaging position to support the nose of the trailer.

Abstract: A collapsible trailer safety stand may be positioned adjacent the front of a loading bay a predetermined distance away from a dock. The stand in one position engages adjacent the kingpin of an unfettered trailer. It has a top and bottom and has located proximate its bottom a base having pivotally attached thereto at least one lifting arm and at least one stabilizing arm. The arms have pivotally attached therewith a support which moves from a first position wherein the support is disposed substantially within the base and the safety stand lays substantially flat in the loading bay to a second position wherein the support is disposed adjacent the kingpin. The arms are engaged with a drive to drive the support from the first position to the second position locating the mechanism adjacent to the kingpin of the tractor trailer. The collapsible safety stand in use prevents nose diving of the trailer when the trailer is being loaded or unloaded.