Abstract: The invention provides a supporting arrangement for a trailer that is towable by a vehicle, in which the trailer includes a tongue for connecting the trailer to the vehicle. The supporting arrangement includes a tongue jack mounted on the tongue. In a deployed position, the tongue jack vertically supports the tongue and thereby prevents contact between the tongue and the ground. In a retracted position, the supporting arrangement holds the tongue jack clear of the ground. A motion detection arrangement senses a dangerous trailer configuration, in which the tongue jack is in the deployed position and actual or potential motion of the trailer above a safe speed is present, and then activates a retraction assembly that automatically moves the tongue jack from the deployed to the retracted position upon activation of the release mechanism. A manual activation arrangement is preferably also included for allowing activation of the release mechanism by a user.

Abstract: A tractor stand for supporting a front end of a tractor when the tractor is split for repairs or maintenance includes a pair of wheel assemblies, each wheel assembly has a pair of arms and an axle. One of the arms attaches to the frame of the tractor and the second arm includes an means for adjustably securing the second arm to the tractor such that the weight of the tractor is supported by the wheel assemblies. Each axle is inserted into a connecting bar. In a most preferred embodiment, an adjustable chain assembly extends from one of the arms of each wheel assembly for securing the wheel assembly to the front axle of the tractor.

Abstract: An auxiliary wheel assembly for temporarily supporting one side of a trailer frame wherein the assembly includes a wheel carried by a support tube and wherein clamping elements are used for securing the tube to and directly beneath the frame without interfering with the structural integrity of the frame. The assembly also includes a flexible reinforcing member which is adapted to extend between frame members on opposite side of the trailer to prevent twisting of the frame.

Abstract: The recreational vehicle jack remote control is for use with a recreational vehicle having a pair of support jacks which are raised and lowered by an electric motor connected to the jacks. The electric motor is controlled by a normally open, double-pole, triple throw switch in the recreational vehicle. The recreational vehicle jack remote control is a modification of the circuit which includes a portable radio frequency transmitter, at least one radio frequency receiver mounted in the recreational vehicle, and a plurality of relays. The transmitter has an "up" button for raising the support legs, and a "down" button for lowering the support legs. When the "up" button is pressed, the relay coil of at least one relay is energized, closing the relay switch contacts to apply current to the electric motor with the proper polarity for raising the legs.

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: A trailer and a method for loading a trailer onto a transport vehicle. The trailer is elevated, causing a rear axle assembly of the trailer to pivot from a forward position to a position that is generally normal to the trailer frame. A front wheel axle assembly is rotated upwardly, and the trailer is then subsequently slid/or pushed along a generally planar bed surface of the transport vehicle. The end of the bed surface contacts the rear axle assembly during the sliding process, and with continuing sliding the rear axle assembly moves from a normal position to a rearward position.

Abstract: A towing apparatus for motorcycles and recreational vehicles having a single-wheel design. A storage box is supported by the single wheel through a swing arm and dampening assembly arrangement which dampens and absorbs shock and vibration from the ground surface. The swing arm provides movement of the single wheel along a plane parallel to the plane of rotation of the vehicle wheels. The towing apparatus couples to the trailer hitch of the motorcycle or recreational vehicle through a universal type mounting hitch which maintains the trailer in rotational alignment with the trailer hitch.

Abstract: A portable trailer movable over a surface, includes a frame and a support leg connected to the frame. The support leg has a flexible joint including a first support member, a second support member separate from the first support member and a flexible member spanning a gap between the first and second support members. The flexible member preferably joins the first and second support members so that said first and second support members are capable of moving into one or more non-parallel orientations relative to one another for preventing damage to the support leg when the support leg comes in contact with the surface or an object on the surface. The support leg may also include a second flexible joint.

Abstract: A trailerable, mobile motor vehicle service unit is especially equipped to realign wheels and axles of a motor vehicle driven onto the unit. The unit provides a track on which a motor vehicle is driven and a track ramp portion that can be lowered to the ground to facilitate loading of a motor vehicle. Once loaded the ramp is once again raised to a horizontal position. The unit is lifted from its wheels by 4 fixed-length support legs positioned under the wheel position of the loaded motor vehicle which pivot by action of hydraulic cylinders which draw the respective legs to or extend them from the unit. The unit may also be lowered to the ground by first hydraulically relocating its wheels mounted on a slidable axle frame into a wheel storage area of the unit body frame before lowering the unit on its support legs.

Abstract: A load frame which mounts on a trailer between the trailer hitch connection and the trailer frame front cross member. The load frame is a wishbone-shaped structural unit which mounts to the trailer frame front cross member with a pivoting saddle on the two rear legs of the wishbone. The load frame includes a spindle mount connected to a wheel assembly and a retracting arm for engaging a retracting apparatus to adjust the relationship between the wheel assembly and the trailer frame. The spindle mount includes a suspension mechanism and a pivoting connection for the wheel assembly. The wheel assembly includes a spindle member which is slidably and rotatably attached to the spindle mount. A tire is rotatably attached to the wheel assembly. The tire extends downwardly from the spindle mount to roll along the ground and support a portion of the tongue weight of the trailer.

Abstract: An auxiliary wheel assembly for temporarily supporting one side of a trailer frame wherein the assembly includes a wheel carried by a strut which is vertically adjustable relative to a support tube. The assembly also includes clamping elements for securing the tube to and directly beneath the frame without interfering with the structural integrity of the frame.

Abstract: A vehicular trailer has a retractable skid provided for each side of the trailer to extend parallel to the axis of symmetry of the trailer from a position aft of the hitch to a position just forward of the wheels. The skids pivot vertically from a point at the forward end so that the back end of the skids can be lowered and braced to support the trailer and prevent the wheels dropping over the edge of supporting surfaces and becoming jammed against forward movement. Braces extend upward from the skids to the trailer frame when the skids are lowered.

Abstract: A trailer support wheel assembly having a wishbone frame pivotally connected to the trailer frame at two rear mounting points and adjustably connected to the trailer frame at a single forward point. A resilient suspension assembly and spindle is contained by the wishbone frame assembly, and the spindle is further connected to one or more wheels which may be lowered into contact with the ground. The wishbone frame assembly may be adjustably positioned to permit the wheels to carry a greater or lesser load portion of the trailer as it is connected to a vehicle.

Abstract: An anti-theft device is provided for use with semi-trailers of the type which have a Dolly-Leg, a Dolly-Leg crank, and a Dolly-Leg crank handle. The anti-theft device includes a housing, a locking bar, and a lock. The housing has a top, an end panel, a first side, a second side, and a notched bottom, with the first side and the second side each having formed therein a first side aperture and a second side aperture respectively. The notched bottom has downwardly depending therefrom at least two lock chain guide harnesses. The locking bar has formed therein at one end thereof a locking bar aperture. The locking bar extends through both the first side and the second side of the housing, such that the locking bar passes through both the first side aperture as well as the second side aperture. The lock is secured to the locking bar by attachment thereto through the locking bar aperture. The device also preferably includes a chain, with the chain also being secured to the locking bar.

Abstract: A trailer, as part of a tractor-trailer combination, wherein the trailer is an enclosed van having a collapsible goose neck which connects the trailer to the tractor and provides a ramp into the interior of the van, which is a substantially enclosed structure providing protection for its contents. The goose-neck has a raised and a lowered position and comprises a pair of opposing side plates, a platform, and a tongue. A pair of hydraulic cylinders are provided to lift the van, thus enabling the van to be unhitched from the tractor. A pair of pneumatic cylinders retain the goose neck in its raised position, until a fork lift engages the tongue. After engagement the cylinders are retracted and the goose neck is lowered and once doors carried by the van are opened, access into the interior of the van is available. In the lowered position, the supporting blocks support the trailer with the platform extending approximately parallel to the floor of the van.

Abstract: A support for the forward end of a log trailer serves to hold the fifth wheel hitch plate of the trailer clear of the ground, thus obviating the need to clean and regrease the plate before each occasion the trailer is hitched to a truck tractor for towing. Such log trailers have articulated booms, which allow them to be folded for transport on the back of a truck tractor. The forward hinge at the hitch plate fails to provide rigidity for the structure when the empty trailer is unhitched, however, thus allowing the hitch plate to fall to the ground unless otherwise supported. The present support comprises a pair of stands having horizontal support members which removably engage mating receptacles affixed to the forward log bunk of the trailer, to which the hitch plate is also affixed. The support members and receptacles preclude rotation of the receptacles, and thus the log bunk and hitch, about the support members, thus keeping the hitch plate and attached structure upright.

Abstract: A portable (removable) tongue for connecting a house trailer to a towing vehicle for towing the trailer from one location to another with the tongue being adapted for easy and rapid disconnection from the towing vehicle and trailer. The tongue is adapted to be attached to, and removed from, the frame which supports a house trailer and includes a coupler and hitch lock, a pair of arms connected to and diverging from the coupler and hitch lock, a first pair of coupling members associated with the free ends of each arm, and a second pair of coupling members adapted to be secured to the frame of the trailer, and a fastener for locking each first coupling member to a respective second coupling member. The tongue is adapted to be readily secured to the frame of the trailer for towing purposes and easily removed from the frame of the trailer while the trailer is parked in a trailer court for living purposes.

Abstract: A sliding jack post stand for a trailer is capable of movement in either of two directions by application of downward force on a lever by an operator standing on one side of a trailer to be moved. A low friction plate is mounted above and spaced from a ground plate on an intermediate spacer and support plate. A slider having parallel side edges bent to enclose opposed side edges of the low friction and support plates in sliding relation supports the lower end of a trailer jack post. The slider has a fulcrum located opposite a series of nests formed in the base plate. The base plate also has a fulcrum located opposite a series of nests formed in the slider. Movement in a first linear direction is accomplished by a force applied downwardly on the handle of an articulated lever placed against one fulcrum and one of the series of nests.

Abstract: A vehicle extender is connected to a towing vehicle by way of a towing beam bolted to the normal tow hitch and presenting two ball and socket joints so that the vehicle extender can pitch upwardly and downwardly but cannot yaw from left to right nor roll clockwise or anti-clockwise relative to the vehicle. The vehicle extender has a single castor mounted wheel set so located that even in reversing mode in which by castor action the wheel set swivels to a forward located position the center of gravity of a load in the vehicle extender such as sand still remains forwardly of the horizontal axis of rotation of the wheels of the wheel set providing for security and stability in use. The vehicle extender is very adaptable to different applications.

Abstract: A trailer assembly is provided for towing a vehicle having a lift arm which can be raised and lowered. The trailer assembly utilizes a front and rear frame support which are coupled to opposite ends of the frame of the vehicle being towed. A support leg, which is pivotally mounted to the front frame support, is coupled to the lift arm of the vehicle so that a support end of the support leg engages the ground, lifting the front frame support and causing the vehicle being towed to be raised off the ground. The rear frame support also has wheels which can be retracted and extended to facilitate lifting of the vehicle.

Abstract: A trailer with wheels located near its rearward end and a connecting arm extending from a mid-region of the forward end of the trailer. The connecting arm includes a gooseneck with a ball receptacle to connect with a ball protruding upwardly from the truck bed. A shroud is connected to the forward end of the trailer beneath the connecting arm and a powered hydraulic cylinder is carried inside the shroud and includes a rod extending downwardly to raise and lower the front of the trailer. A stabilizer arm terminating in a foot portion is carried by the shroud to extend downwardly and co-extensively with the rod to protect the hydraulic cylinder and rod from loading other than by the weight of the trailer and its load.

Abstract: A stabilizer apparatus for fifth wheel trailers uses a pair of assemblies for placement under front corners of the trailer when parked and leveled. The assemblies each include a leveling jack, a diagonal strut-forming leg, and a connecting chain to secure the jack base and foot of the leg together at a desired location. The top end of each leg has a notch to make contact with a pin securely attached to the underside of the trailer near the area where the top of a jack is located. In operation, each leg is located to extend outward from the trailer with its bottom in contact with the ground and its top contacting a pin on the trailer. By lowering the trailer and taking slack out of the connecting chain, the legs are held rigidly in position by the weight of the trailer, and side movement of the trailer is restrained.

Abstract: A new and improved spare tire and axle system for a trailer, comprising a spare tire, rim and hub assembly with an attachment plate secured thereto for coupling to a trailer. A handle raises the assembly and attachment plate to a storage position and lowers the assembly to an operative position. Locking components secure the assembly and attachment plate in one position or the other.

Abstract: A hitching arrangement for attaching a mower deck to a propelling vehicle has a lift shaft rotatably supported by the mower deck and extending transversely across the deck. At least one hitch arm is fixedly secured on one end to the lift shaft. The hitch arm has a hook located on its other end with a downwardly facing opening adopted for engagement with a generally horizontally disposed attaching member on the propelling vehicle. A cutting height adjustment mechanism is operably coupled to the lift shaft and adjusts the cutting height of the mower. The adjustment mechanism has a first position corresponding to an elevated cutting height of the mower deck and a second position corresponding to a lowered cutting height of the deck. A deck stand is provided which is releasably attached to the deck.

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: A towing assembly for towing a portable machine across a surface includes a drawbar assembly pivotally connected to a frame member of the machine, to permit the drawbar assembly to be pivotable between a first towing position a second support position. An adjustable support assembly is removably connected to the machine for selectably supporting one end of the machine on the surface.

Abstract: An improved landing gear assembly made up of a pair of supports having extensible legs, each support having a generally rectangular air lift bladder encased in a box enclosure, which forces a leg downwardly when the bag is inflated, there being an internal compression spring urging the leg upwardly against the air bladder, the leg and spring being located within a generally tubular housing. Each support includes a safety latch and lock mechanism for fixing the leg with respect to the leg housing. The safety latch and lock includes an array of notches formed on the lower end of the extensible leg, a pivoting latch for engaging a selected notch, a torsion spring urging the latch into engagement with a notch, a rotatable rod linked to the pivoting latch of each support, and a handle for rotating the rod.

Abstract: A portable (removable) tongue for connecting a house trailer to a towing vehicle for towing the trailer from one location to another with the tongue being adapted for easy and rapid disconnection from the towing vehicle and trailer. The tongue is adapted to be attached to, and removed from, the frame which supports a house trailer and includes a coupler and hitch lock, a pair of arms connected to and diverging from the coupler and hitch lock, a first pair of coupling members associated with the free ends of each arm, and a second pair of coupling members adapted to be secured to the frame of the trailer, and a fastener for locking each first coupling member to a respective second coupling member. The tongue is adapted to be readily secured to the frame of the trailer for towing purposes and easily removed from the frame of the trailer while the trailer is parked in a trailer court for living purposes.

Abstract: A pneumatic actuator for a trailer landing gear reduction assembly for directing the raising or lowering of the feet of a trailer. The pneumatic actuator replaces the hand crank which has traditionally been used for turning a gear reduction assembly of the trailer. The present invention can be incorporated onto the already existing trailer landing gear or the present invention can be milled directly onto the newly manufactured trailer.

Abstract: A landing gear assembly for use in supporting a semitrailer basically includes a main body and a leg axially extensible from the main body. An expansible membrane disposed within the main body is provided for displacing the leg to an extended position. A restrictive passage through the main body limits the travel of the leg through the main body. Upon compressing the expansible membrane, a biasing element disposed within the main body is provided for urging the leg back to a retracted position. The leg may be releasably secured in either an extended or retracted position.

Abstract: A vehicle is provided with a number of retractable supporting wheels. When this vehicle is coupled to a load, the supporting wheels can be lifted off the ground so that a very easily controllable assembly is produced. Through the correct selection of the position of the center of gravity, the wheel pressure on the drive wheels is as great as possible. Due to the fact that the supporting wheels can be raised independently, coupling with a load is facilitated.

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: The present invention provides a slidable support assembly which is affixed to an extensible jack leg of a typically heavily loaded commercial trailer and is used to support the front end of the trailer when not connected to a towing truck. The support assembly is able to slide laterally for the purpose of properly aligning the trailer hitching and towing vehicle mechanisms without injury to the operator.

Abstract: A device simply the alignment of a trailer tongue of a towed vehicle for coupling to the tow bar of a towing vehicle. The device includes a direction orientable wheeled body having a socket thereon to receive the lower end of a vertical tongue jack of the trailer whereby movement of the wheel of the device aligns the trailer tongue hitch socket with the hitch ball of a towing vehicle. Wheel movement is achieved by rotation of a gear in engagement with the wheel.

Abstract: A hauling system for a self-propelled vehicle and a trailer that is not self-propelled in which the self-propelled vehicle and the trailer are releasably connected by a system that is operable by a single operator who can align and connect the self-propelled vehicle and the trailer from the cab of the self-propelled vehicle. Lateral alignment is achieved by steering the self-propelled vehicle and is facilitated by masts located on the self-propelled vehicle and the trailer that are visible from the cab. Vertical alignment and the physical connection are completed through use of a jack or other lifting mechanism that is positioned on the trailer and is operated by a wireless control signal sent from the cab.

Abstract: A boat trailer rest comprising a base having a pair of major axis between opposed diagonal corners; walls extending upwardly from the base and terminating in a top; the top having major axis between opposed diagonal corners; a cradle in the top having a major axis coincident with one of the pair of major axis and a minor axis coincident with the other of the pair of major axis; and the cradle for supporting a jack wheel of the trailer substantially above the base.

Abstract: A pneumatic system for automatically extending or retracting a semi-trailer's landing gear to support, raise or lower the trailer, such system utilizing a pneumatic gear motor attached to the gear reduction box assembly's inboard shaft through a coupling, allowing axial movement of the inboard shaft, such pneumatic gear motor interconnected to dual air lines selectively activated by a landing gear control valve receiving air from a valve disposed on the semi-trailer's air brake line.

Abstract: A selectively lockable, articulated boat trailer comprising a carriage having a selectively pivoted front axle controlled by a jack column assembly. The carriage comprises a wheeled trailer and a separate front axle assembly adapted to be coupled to a conventional tow vehicle. The wheeled axle of the trailer is suspended perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the trailer. A system for retrofitting to existing trailers includes independent framework that receives the tongue of the trailer fixed to the jack column assembly. Regardless of the configuration, retrofit or original equipment, the separate front axle assembly is operatively coupled to the trailer by the jack column assembly. The jack column assembly provides lifting action and a pivot between the trailer section and the separate front axle assembly. Sleeved portions of the jack column assembly coaxially rotate relative to one another.

Abstract: A boat trailer comprises a rectangular rear frame section and a forwardly extending hitch bar. On the rear frame section is mounted a pair of longitudinally extending bunks onto which the boat can rest during transportation to avoid pressure points. Inside the bunks toward a longitudinal center line of the trailer are provided two pairs of roller assemblies which can be raised to a position to hold the boat above the bunks for loading and unloading and can be lowered to a position in which the boat is lowered onto the bunks and separated from the rollers to avoid pressure points during transportation. The roller assemblies are commonly actuated by a linear actuator arrangement at the front of the hitch bar. Each roller assembly includes four rollers independently pivotal to allow the rollers to follow the contour of the boat.

Abstract: A portable liquid reservoir comprising an open container mounted on a moveable frame. The reservoir is intended for fire fighting and has a liquid drain in which whirlpool prevention devices are incorporated to prevent the formation of whirlpools and allow water to be removed from the reservoir at a relatively high rate.

Abstract: An integrated group of mechanical aids and a method related to the coupling and the uncoupling of a towed vehicle of the well-known tongue-loaded, weight-transfer type, which aids and method permit the uncoupling of the towed vehicle from a prime mover while allowing all components of the coupling assembly to remain in place and attached to the towed vehicle all positioned for subsequent recoupling.

Abstract: A large flat exhibition platform of stair-step height (71/2 inches) and convertible to a highway trailer has jacking apparatus, wheels, wheel suspension apparatus and a trailer towing member retractably concealed therein and includes an energy source, hydraulic or pneumatic motor devices and motor controls, also concealed within the platform, to provide jacking to raise and lower the platform relative to a ground surface and to move the wheel suspension apparatus between roadable and retracted wheel positions without the need for any extra tools or equipment. Safety interlocks warn the operator or prevent trailering operation when the wheels are not fully extended to their roadable positions or when the towing member is not fully extended to its towing position. A fully sealed deep-cycle battery provides power for motor-driven hydraulic pumps for hydraulic motors.

Abstract: A goose neck trailer includes a ball receiver and an adjacent hydraulic ram having a caster wheel on the lower end thereof. A trailer stand is provided to hold the goose neck off the ground when the trailer is parked. A truck is provided with guide rails directing the trailer caster wheel to a position to locate the ball receiver immediately above the trailer ball. The hydraulic ram is manipulated to transfer the load of the trailer between the ground and the truck at various times in coupling and uncoupling the truck and trailer.

Abstract: An exhibitor trailer for the convenient displaying of goods, wares and services at exhibits and trade shows. The trailer overcomes the laborious task of having to unload the goods to be exhibited, setting up the goods for display and then reloading. The trailer includes a top panel which is retractable into a vertically disposed position to serve as a display panel. One side panel of the trailer is hinged at about midpoint so that a retractable display counter can project out from the side of the trailer for ease of viewing. In each corner of the trailer there is provided a vertically adjustable caster wheel to provide easy maneuverability and leveling of the trailer.

Abstract: A combination, retractable jack and support apparatus for trailer tongues. The jack is pivotally connected to counterbalance which is used to raise or lower the support apparatus. The design provides a sturdy horizontal support for trailers in port, disconnected from towing vehicles; and a means to facilitate mechanical retraction of the support apparatus when coupling to a towing vehicle for road travel.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method of using the apparatus for supporting and immobilizing a trailer, especially a detachable trailer towed by a motor vehicle. The apparatus is attached to the trailer frame, one unit attached either in front, or behind each of the rear wheels. The apparatus is comprised of an elongated support or "jack" pivotally attached to the trailer frame and having a ground engaging foot. For travel, the support pivots to a horizontal position and is locked to the trailer frame. When the trailer is to be immobilized, the support pivots downward until it contacts the ground. The trailer is then rotated against the support by using the towing motor vehicle to tow the trailer forward against the support causing the support to pivot to its fully deployed vertical position perpendicular to the trailer frame. The trailer is now fully supported by the invention and the wheels of the trailer have been raised off the ground. The support can be locked in this vertical position.

Abstract: A cushioned landing gear foot is attached to the landing gear leg by a tubular suspension axle within a housing abutment member on the lower end of the leg, and which abutment engages a resilient pad in a pocket on the foot when under compression load. The abutment member has a rectangular cross section including a flat bottom surface for abutting the pad. The clearance between this flat surface (in elevated condition) and the resilient pad is less than the potential vertical movement of the hollow suspension axle in a pair of slots into which it extends. The pad retaining pocket includes a pair of fore-and-aft inverted L-shaped retaining walls allowing approximately 20 degree fore-and-aft articulation of the foot on the leg, and approximately five degree side-to-side articulation. When the leg and foot are put under load, the pad will be deformed until a predetermined maximum force is applied to it, and then the axle will bear all load exceeding this predetermined amount.

Abstract: An apparatus is set forth to vary the wheel base configuration of a tractor-trailer apparatus, wherein the trailer is positionable upon a carriage mounted upon "C" shaped channel guide rails mounted on the framework of a tractor organization. The rails include a reciprocating carriage mounted thereon for engagingly latching and reciprocatingly positioning and securing the trailer relative to the tractor framework, whereupon retraction of the carriage simultaneously secures the trailer to the tractor and elevates the rear tractor wheels out of contact with an associated roadway. An electrical interlock is provided for indicating proper orientation of the trailer relative to the tractor.

Abstract: A blade sheathing device for loading bales of an agricultural product, e.g. silage, into an elongated, flexible bag, comprises a framework movable along the ground and supporting an open-ended drum that has an outer surface for supporting the bag in a compressed condition. The device has pads connected to the framework that can be lowered to a location underlying the wheels of a vehicle that is used to load a bale through the drum and into a space in the bag beyond the drum. The result is to immobilize the device during the loading operation by virtue of the weight of the vehicle on the pads. The same vehicle can be used between bale loading operations to pull the sheathing device forwards to a new location to dispense a portion of the bag from the surface of the drum and hence create a space in the bag to receive the next bale.

Abstract: A trailer tongue twister apparatus having an elongated channel-like bedplate including a threaded drive screw disposed longitudinally in the bedplate and supported thereform at the opposite ends of the screw by a pair of journal supports, the method of construction including a hex head nut at one end of the drive screw for rotating the screw through a threaded hole formed within a cylindrically shaped block trunnion affixed to a load-bearing sled that travels along a pair of flanges when the drive screw is rotated, the sled carrying a cylindrical receiver ring fashioned for receiving a support leg of a travel trailer tongue jack, while rotation of the drive screw applied an alignment force to the tongue jack resulting in fine adjustments to the trailer coupler, which simplifies the alignment process and improves the coupler efficiency by permitting alignment between the trailer coupler and a staionary tow vehicle ball hitch in either a horizontal or angular pattern.