Abstract: A stabilizing jack for vehicles comprises a pair of legs advanceable between retracted and extended positions by a drive assembly including a drive screw having left and right hand threaded sections. The drive screw is mounted on a slide frame which is slidably mounted to a base frame securable to a vehicle. Each leg is pivotally secured at a first end thereof to a screw follower threadably secured to a respective threaded section of the drive screw. When the legs are extended on uneven ground, one leg will engage the ground before the other preventing that leg from further downward advancement but causing the drive assembly to drive the slide frame in an opposite direction while the other leg continues to advance downward until it engages the ground.

Abstract: A trailer tongue jack system which in an exemplary embodiment has separable upper and lower housings which must be coupled together to form a complete operable system, and a driveshaft with a recessed non-standard coupling which must be coupled in order to allow the housings to be coupled.

Abstract: Trailer jack attachment assemblies which do not extend below the lowermost frame member of the trailer body so as to avoid increasing obstruction from roads and rough terrain. Attachment is made to the trailer frame without destroying its structural integrity. Cross-braces between laterally opposite attachments minimize localized twisting of individual frame members.

Abstract: The invention is a stabilization system for a fifth wheel trailer that prevents rocking and swaying of the trailer when parked. The rear end of the trailer is supported by a pair of adjustable supports that have a top railing joining them. The rail is moveably mounted on the two supports and is secured to the under side of the trailer. Each of the supports is independently adjustable to lower it to the ground. A pair of cross-braces connect the top of one adjustable support to the base of the other support to prevent swaying of the trailer when parked. A tripod type support is placed under the front end of the trailer to support the front end and to eliminate swaying at the front end of the trailer.

Abstract: A trailer tongue includes a support and a support leg slidingly and pivotally engaged with the support. When the support leg is raised or lowered the trailer tongue moves in a substantially vertical direction. In a preferred embodiment, the trailer tongue includes a rigid strut having first and second ends and a mechanism for extending and retracting the support leg pivotally connect to the support and the support leg. The first end of the rigid strut is pivotally connected to the support leg and the second end is pivotally connected to the support.

Abstract: The swivel jack assembly is used with trailers to vertically position a trailer tongue for mounting onto a hitch of the towing vehicle. The swivel jack assembly includes a jack-mounting bracket welded to an outer housing of the jack, and a tongue-mounting bracket mounted onto the tongue portion of a trailer. The jack also includes a novel swivel mechanism for pivoting the mechanism in either an upright support position or a horizontal stowed position. A cup-shaped section of the jack-mounting bracket nests within a cup-shaped section of the tongue-mounting bracket. When in the upright position, the jack extends vertically and may be used to raise or lower the tongue and support the trailer. The swivel jack assembly keeps the trailer in a level position when the trailer is disengaged from the towing vehicle. The swivel jack assembly is pivotally mounted onto the trailer tongue such that they can be pivotally repositioned to a stowed position when not in use.

Abstract: A stabilizing jack for vehicles comprises a pair of jack legs advanceable between retracted and extended positions by a single drive screw having left and right hand threaded sections which is mounted on a slide frame which is slidably mounted to and below a base frame. The base frame is securable to the frame of a vehicle such as a recreational vehicle for use in stabilizing the vehicle when parked. The drive screw has a screw follower or trunnion secured to each threaded section. Each leg is pivotally secured at a first end thereof to one of the screw followers. Struts or leg braces are pivotally connected at one end to each leg, medially thereof, and are pivotally connected at opposite ends to the base frame at the ends closest the respective leg.

Abstract: A trailer tongue includes a support and a support leg slidingly and pivotally engaged with the support. When the support leg is raised or lowered the trailer tongue moves in a substantially vertical direction. In a preferred embodiment, the trailer tongue includes a rigid strut having first and second ends and a mechanism for extending and retracting the support leg pivotally connect to the support and the support leg. The first end of the rigid strut is pivotally connected to the support leg and the second end is pivotally connected to the support.

Abstract: A vehicle chassis has lateral sides with a groove for a respective jack in each side. A jack in a groove in the chassis of a vehicle includes nuts which receive a horizontal, rotatable shaft which move the nuts selectively together or apart. A runner is movable to the ground or up to close the groove. Cross pieces are pivoted between the nuts and the runner so that the cross pieces selectively move the runner up or down.

Abstract: A quick-to-the-ground integrated vehicle leveling and stabilizing apparatus which may be easily and accurately connected to the underside of a vehicle and which may be extended to an operative position and retracted to a storage position with a minimum of operator time and effort. The components of the present invention are self-aligning so that upon being extended to the operative position, the components are automatically properly positioned for the subsequent leveling and stabilizing operations. The apparatus has integral components that need not be separated from the leveling and stabilizing apparatus itself when the apparatus is retracted to a storage position. Furthermore, the apparatus has increased strength and durability relative to known devices.

Abstract: Landing gear for supporting a vehicle including a body for attachment to the vehicle, and a tubular leg carried by the body and having a sliding fit with the body for up and down movement relative to the body. The landing gear further includes a mechanism for slidably moving the leg up and down relative to the body. The mechanism includes a nut inside the tubular leg having a threaded bore, an upper bulkhead extending across the inside of the leg adjacent the upper end of the leg, and a lower bulkhead extending across the inside of the leg below the upper bulkhead for supporting the nut in a generally fixed position relative to the leg between the upper and lower bulkheads. Both the upper and lower bulkheads include openings aligned with the threaded bore of the nut. The mechanism also includes a screw shaft in threaded interconnection with the threaded bore of the nut and extending axially in the tubular leg, and a bearing in the body above the leg journalling the screw shaft for rotation on its axis.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting an umbrella. The apparatus of the invention includes a base plate which is placed on the surface of the area in which the umbrella is desired, a hollow cylinder connected at its lower end to the base plate and extending upwardly therefrom for receipt and support of an umbrella shaft, and a jack for contacting the underside of a vehicle to place a downward force on the base plate.

Abstract: A foundation pier coupling system is semi-permanently attached to a movable dwelling, such as a mobile home or commercial coach, is provided. The invented system includes coupling members that are attached to a support beam of the dwelling and to a pier, for securing the pier to the dwelling. The coupling members are hingably coupled together, enabling the pier to pivot relative to the support beam. The pier is pivoted against the beam when transporting the dwelling with the pier attached to the beam. A retaining member is provided for retaining the pier against the beam, to prevent the pier from accidentally contacting a ground surface when the dwelling is in transit. At an installation site, the pier is pivoted away from the beam, until it is perpendicular thereto and to the ground, for installing the dwelling. The height of the pier is then adjusted to secure the pier to the ground and support the dwelling.

Abstract: The quick-release arrangement includes a coupler adapted to slidably engage a braked upper drive shaft and to slidably engage a lower drive shaft. The lower drive shaft is coupled to an associated jack leg such that when the upper drive shaft, the coupler, and the lower drive shaft are coupled together, the jack leg is braked. A spring urges the coupler into engagement with the lower drive shaft. A cam member supports the downwardly-biased coupler and permits the coupler to be cammed upward against the spring bias force such that the coupler slides along the upper drive shaft and, thus, out of engagement with the lower drive shaft. When it is desired to release the jack leg from the braking control of the upper drive shaft to thereby permit rapid lowering of the jack leg to the ground, a cam lever is used to easily overcome the spring bias force and effect camming. Inadvertent camming is prevented because the spring bias force is not overcome by normal vibration, jolting or jarring.

Abstract: A landing gear crank handle for raising and lowering vehicle landing gear is provided that includes a first hand hold that is horizontal when the handle is in a full extended position, a second hand hold connected to the first hand hold by a central portion, and an arm connected to the first hand hold; and a jaw connector attached to the arm and adapted to connect the crank handle to a landing gear crank mechanism and adapted to allow the crank handle to lock into a collapsed position, a partially extended position, and a full extended position.

Abstract: A quick-to-the-ground integrated vehicle leveling and stabilizing apparatus which may be easily and accurately connected to the underside of a vehicle and which may be extended to an operative position and retracted to a storage position with a minimum of operator time and effort. The components of the present invention are self-aligning so that upon being extended to the operative position, the components are automatically properly positioned for the subsequent leveling and stabilizing operations. The apparatus has integral components that need not be separated from the leveling and stabilizing apparatus itself when the apparatus is retracted to a storage position. Furthermore, the apparatus has increased strength and durability relative to known devices.

Abstract: The invention pertains to electrically operated levelers and stabilizers for vehicles, particularly recreational vehicles, wherein a reversible electric motor extends and retracts telescoping members mounted to the vehicle by a linkage system. Operation of the linkage system through a linkage and slot arrangement automatically pivots the stabilizer to a horizontal storage position and lowers the stabilizer to an operative position during extension of the telescoping members. The links are locked by an over-center relationship when the stabilizer is extended, and automatically unlock from the over-center relationship when the stabilizer members are retracted and raised. A foot at the outer end of the stabilizer automatically pivots between storage and operative positions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a trailer jack leveling adapter for improving a fifth wheel trailer jack stand having a pair of downwardly telescoping leg assemblies whereby one of the leg assemblies may be adjusted to compensate for an uneven supporting surface for leveling the trailer. The trailer jack leveling adapter comprises a connector fixedly attached to a lower end of a leg assembly. An elongated leg extension is longitudinally adjustably engaged with the connector. The leg extension is also pivotally connected at a lower end thereof to a leg assembly foot pad such that the leg extension and foot pad may be moved relative the leg assembly for leveling the trailer.

Abstract: A foundation pier for supporting a movable dwelling that substantially resists environmental forces, such as seismic and wind forces, and which is semi-permanently attached to the movable dwelling, such as a mobile home or commercial coach, is provided. The invented pier includes coupling members that are attached to a support beam of the dwelling and to the pier, for securing the pier to the dwelling. The coupling members are hingably coupled together, enabling the pier to pivot relative to the support beam. The pier is pivoted against the beam when transporting the dwelling with the pier attached to the beam. A retaining member is provided for retaining the pier against the beam, to prevent the pier from accidentally contacting a ground surface when the dwelling is in transit. At an installation site, the pier is pivoted away from the beam, until it is perpendicular thereto and to the ground, for installing the dwelling.

Abstract: An adjustable length leg and foot assembly is incorporated in a lifting/leveling leg for a fifth-wheel trailer. The foot is connected to the lower end of a threaded shaft, which in turn is received at its upper end by a nut welded to a U-shaped bracket on the leg. This enables the foot to be raised and lowered in infinite increments and avoids any need for insertion of boards or shims in making final leveling adjustments.

Abstract: An improved stabilizer jack for securement to the underside of a recreational vehicle. The jack includes a channel frame formed with downwardly and inwardly turned sidewalls terminating in spaced apart retaining edges forming a track. A hanger bracket is mounted to the frame having a pair of laterally opposite projecting axle tabs and a screw is rotatably mounted to the bracket and restrained against longitudinal movement. A trunnion plate is carried in the track and includes a threaded bore for engaging the screw. A support leg projects downwardly and outwardly from the track and has one end thereof pivotally carried from the trunnion plate, the medial portion of the support leg being pivotally connected to one end of a strut. The opposite end of the strut is formed with upwardly turned retainer flanges spaced laterally apart, the flanges each including an axle tab bore.

Abstract: Apparatus for stabilizing mobile homes and other towable motor trailers, when parked, includes a pair of stabilizing members engaging the vehicle at upper ends thereof and the ground beneath the vehicle at lower ends thereof. The stabilizing members are angularly adjustable relative to one another to enable positioning of the members in downwardly diverging angular relation to one another. An adjustable length chain extends between and interconnects the lower ends of the leg portions to retain them against outward angular movement once positioned. One or both of the leg portions are telescoping and selectively adjustable in length via an adjustment nut enabling increased end-to-end lengthening of the leg portions to exert lifting force pressure on the vehicle thereby stabilizing the vehicle and, if needed, leveling the vehicle.

Abstract: A recreational vehicle with a floor support design that integrates two pair of jack assemblies into the undercarriage frame. The jack mounting housing is a load bearing frame member to which the jack assemblies are mounted. The jacks in one embodiment are placed in a diagonal direction to the longitudinal centerline of the vehicle at the four corners of the carriage floor. The jack assembly incorporates a channel shaped leg and linkage arrangement which internest upon retraction in covering relation under a jack screw.

Abstract: A trailer jack mounting assembly which is rotatable has an outer support member which has a cylindrical bore and is mounted to a trailer frame adjacent to its hitch end with the outer support member receiving a horizontally disposed rectangular cross-section sleeve member rotatably fitted and restrained within the outer support member. A slidable latch member in the form of a U-shaped plate having a handle portion at its top fits within a track in the outer support member and is movable between open and closed positions whereby the rotation of the inner support carrying the jack can be placed in either an upright position or a horizontal position.

Abstract: A multi-purpose structure for vehicles of the nature of house trailers makes use of a pair of telescoping beams which serve in part as a cross-member or beam beneath the floor of the trailer and also in part as guideways for trunnions which are attached to upper ends of the ground-engaging legs, the legs being those which serve as stabilizers when the vehicle is parked. The same telescoping beams additionally serve as housings for jack screw drives which are used to move the stabilizing legs between ground-engaging and stowed positions.

Abstract: A screw jack incorporating a quick retract mechanism to permit movement of the jack into engagement with the ground such that only limited rotation of the screw is necessary for elevating the tongue of a trailer for disengaging a coupler on the trailer from a trailer hitch. The screw-type jack incorporates an improved handle which is rotatable about a horizontal axis between an active position for rotating the screw about a vehicle axis and a stowed position wherein the handle engages the body of the jack to prevent rotation of the screw. A support for the screw jack which incorporates improved versatility such that it can be interchangeably used on other jacks and can be used in applications involving uneven and/or non-level surface conditions.

Abstract: A leveler and support device for use with vehicles such as motor homes, trailers, recreational vans, automobiles, trucks, and other motorized vehicles. The device is attached to a vehicle, and comprises a support means, a support arm, a foot pad, and a lifting means. In use, the support arm is swung down from the support means, and a lifting means is provided between the support means and the support arm, whereby upon rotation of the lifting means, the support means and the support arm are caused to spread apart so as to lift the vehicle.

Abstract: Disclosed is a utility trailer having one or more stabilizers attached thto. The stabilizer is comprised of a pair of flat arms pivoted to the trailer and extending away therefrom, the arms defining holes disposed one above the other. A stanchion is vertically translatable through the holes in the arms and a spring in tension is stretched between the free end of the arms, whereby the free ends are biased toward each other and the edges of the arm holes bind against the stanchion to hold it in position. The arms may be pivoted away from each other to free the stanchion from the edges of the arm holes so as to allow the stanchion to be vertically translated to a new position relative to the trailer. A ground engaging foot is connected to the lower end of the stanchion.

Abstract: The invention provide an improved trailer dolly and an improved trailer dolly tongue support jack. More specifically, the invention provides a trailer dolly which includes a tongue support jack which is effective and convenient to operate. In the preferred embodiment, the improved dolly includes a tongue support assembly permits the dolly tongue jack to be rotated between and automatically locked in the tongue support positions and the trailer use positions. Although the tongue jack was developed primarily for use with trailer dollys it can be used to support conventional trailer tongues and similar uses.

Abstract: The present invention provides a three-piece telescoping jack that is capable of rapid coarse adjustments in height. The invention comprises first, second and third elongated tubular members that are somewhat nested in a telescoping relationship. The invention further comprises fine adjustment means for holding and adjusting the position of the second member in relation to the first and coarse adjustment means for holding and adjusting the position of the third member in relation to the second. The coarse adjustment means further allow the position of the third member to be rapidly adjusted, either retracted or extended, in relation to the second member. In a preferred embodiment, the fine adjustment means are a threaded nut and bolt. Also in a preferred embodiment, the coarse adjustment means are a pin and a series of holes in the second and third members.

Abstract: A re-railing jack for returning derailed track vehicles to the track includes a threaded jack screw pivotally mounted in a ground supported swivel base. A jack housing is longitudinally movable on the jack screw in response to rotation of the jack screw by a ratchet which engages the jack screw. The jack housing includes a first portion threadedly engaged to the jack screw and a second integral portion positioned in the coupler pocket which normally receives the automatic coupler of the track vehicle. The housing second portion is retained in the coupler pocket by the same pin which holds the coupler in place. The pin extends through transverse slots of the jack housing permitting the housing to pivot within the coupler pocket about the point of connection of the housing to the vehicle. The jack is thus safely connected to the vehicle in an efficient manner which facilitates lifting and combined downward lateral movement of the vehicle back on to the track.