Apparatus and Method for Lowering and Raising a Trailer

Abstract

A device and method used to raise or lower the landing gear of a semi-trailer. The device is incorporated into the structure of the landing gear of the semi-trailer and actuates the landing gear according to user selection. The user may select to actuate the landing gear through a motorized gear assembly within the device, by optionally attaching a handle to the landing gear via the device, or by engaging a separate motorized hand tool to the landing gear via the device. To use the handle or the motorized hand tool, the user actuates a shift lever disposed on the device which disengages the related mechanical means for actuating the landing gear. The flexibility for actuating the landing gear allows a user to raise or lower the landing gear according to the surrounding circumstances or in case one of the means for actuating breaks or fails.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]The present application is a non-provisional of U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 62 / 451,434, filed on Jan. 27, 2017 and of U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 62 / 472,825, filed on Mar. 17, 2017, which are incorporated herein by reference and to which priority is claimed pursuant to 35 USC 120.BACKGROUNDField of the Technology[0002]The invention relates to the field of lift devices for semi-trailers, specifically a new and useful apparatus for raising and lowering a sem-trailer.Description of the Prior Art[0003]Semi-trucks and other cargo trucks are crucial for delivering goods and supplies to and from various ports and harbors or across the country. Indeed, semi-trailers not only transport goods throughout the country from distribution centers to warehouses, they are also used to perform the shipping logistics for an untold number of businesses all over the globe. Typically, when a semi-truck arrives at its destination, a set of landing gear disposed...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention provides an apparatus for raising or lowering a semi-trailer using a motorized gear assembly and a shift lever. The apparatus includes a motor housing incorporated into a landing gear of the semi-trailer, a collar removably coupled to a handle shaft, and a hexagonal tip on the handle shaft that engages with a hexagonal aperture on a hand tool. The apparatus also includes a display screen on the motor housing and a rechargeable battery disposed within the housing. The method involves selectively actuating the shift lever, rotating the handle shaft, and engaging or disengaging the collar to or from the handle shaft. The apparatus and method provide a convenient and efficient way to raise or lower a semi-trailer.

Problems solved by technology

Because shipping time can be critical, semi-trailers often need to be turned around in as short a period of time as possible.

While the vertical support of the landing gear may be raised effectively using a handle or turn crank, it can be time consuming and physically difficult to perform when the shaft is not properly lubricated or when environmental conditions such as rain or extreme cold make it difficult for the user to exit the tractor unit and manually turn the crank shaft.

However, motorized actuators or the like do not allow for any alternative means for directly rotating the drive shaft in the event that the motorized actuator breaks down or fails.

Turning the gear assembly directly however is extremely time consuming and is far more labor intensive then turning the drive shaft via a traditional handle.

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