The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Mar. 22, 1994
Filed:
Nov. 09, 1992
Donald J White, Russellville, AR (US);
Other;
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. The trailer is rigidly affixed to one portion and the separate front axle assembly pivotally secured to the other portion. The sleeved portions are maintained in a coaxial relationship. The sleeves captivate and rotate on an elongated insert, thereby providing articulation. The insert is in contact with bearings or bushings fitted into the sleeves to receive the insert. A locking mechanism mounted to the sleeved portion is secured to the separate front axle assembly. The lock can be set to two different settings, including a road position and a 'backing up' position. High-centering problems are eliminated since the front axle prevents the front portion of the frame contacting the ground.