Apparatus for positioning a trailer stand underneath a trailer

Abstract

An apparatus for providing a gap between a supporting surface of a trailer stand and an underside of a trailer, is provided. The apparatus includes blocking member(s) that correspond to supporting surface(s) of the trailer stand, the blocking member(s) moveable between blocking and withdrawn positions. The blocking member(s) extends to a predetermined distance above the supporting surface(s) in the blocking position and when the trailer stand is advanced beneath the trailer and the distance between the supporting surface of the trailer stand and the underside of the trailer is less than the predetermined distance, the blocking member(s) blocks the trailer stand from being advanced any further beneath the trailer.

Description

APPARATUS FOR POSITIONING A TRAILER STAND UNDERNEATH A TRAILERField of the Disclosure

[0001] The present disclosure relates to portable trailer stands for semi-trailers. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a portable trailer stand and an apparatus for positioning the trailer stand underneath the trailer in a supporting position, and in an embodiment, to providing a vertical gap between a supporting surface of the trailer stand and an underside of the trailer.Background of the Disclosure

[0002] When a freight semi-trailer is set down on its landing gear, the semi-trailer can be left freestanding, i.e. , without a mechanical connection between the kingpin of the trailer and the shunt truck. Associated pneumatic and electrical connections between the truck and trailer are disconnected so that the brakes of the freight trailer are locked. The landing gear is lowered, the truck is driven off and the trailer is left freestanding, for example, adjacent to a dock opening, supported at the front end using only the trailer's landing gear.

[0003] Freestanding trailer stability is affected by a complex relationship involving the number of axles, trailer weight, landing gear placement, weight and placement of cargo, weight and position of forklift, and more. Furthermore, landing gear on trailers are not required to be inspected on a daily basis. If there are any cracks or potential failures in a landing gear, workers may not be aware of it. Transport trailers present a critical safety risk due to the weight of cargo and forklifts. When the truck disengages from the trailer, this creates at least two potential risks unless a secondary support system is utilized, the first potential risk being the collapse of the trailer’s landing gear and the second potential risk being that the trailer drops, tips or upends.

[0004] In addition to the weight of the cargo and forklift inside the trailer, when loading and unloading cargo from a freestanding freight trailer, the movement of the forklifts and cargo along the floor of the semi-trailer causes the semi-trailer to move . Significant movement can result in the trailer separating from the dock or possibly tipping over. Damaged or faulty landing gear of the freight trailer may not be able to accommodate the weight of the trailer, let alone the dynamic forces generated by a forklift and cargo moving through the trailer. In addition, the high center of gravity associated with most trailers makes the likelihood of the trailer upending and tipping over a real possibility. Collapse of the landing gear and / or dropping or tipping over of the trailer can result in damage to any goods within the trailer, the trailer itself, and the forklift, as well as injury to, or death of, the operator of the forklift and / or personnel around the trailer.

[0005] Some current portable trailer stands are manually or shuntably positionable and require an operator to one or more of, position the trailer stand underneath the trailer, make positioning and / or height adjustments to the trailer stand while the trailer stand is underneath the trailer, and withdraw the trailer stand from underneath trailer. This may leave the operator in a vulnerable position underneath or around the semi-trailer.

[0006] Other current portable trailer stands are shuntably positionable and are designed to be maneuvered and positioned using, for example, an intermodal vehicle, and do not require manual positioning by a directed operator. More specifically, these designs allow the trailer stand to be maneuvered and positioned entirely using the intermodal vehicle (commonly referred to as a “shunt truck”). These trailer stands are pushed into place by a vehicle such as a shunt truck, where the only operator required to manipulate the trailer stand is the driver in the vehicle while in the vehicle. One drawback of these shuntably positionable trailer stands can be that they may not allow for fine adjustments in the positioning of the trailer stand underneath the trailer or for fine adjustments in the height of the supporting surfaceof the trailer stand relative to the underside of the trailer, which fine adjustments could otherwise be made manually by an operator. In addition to moving back and forth and side to side, during the loading and unloading operations of a trailer, the trailer may also move up and down. In moving down, the underneath surface of the trailer may make contact with the supporting surface of the trailer stand and the trailer stand may become wedged underneath the trailer making the trailer stand difficult to remove from underneath the trailer stand using a shunt truck.

[0007] There is a need for a portable trailer stand that acts as a backup to the landing gear of a trailer that can support the trailer in the event of landing gear collapse and / or that inhibits a trailer from dropping or tipping over in the event of the trailer upending, and which can easily be removed from underneath the trailer when no longer required.Summary of the Disclosure

[0008] According to an aspect, there is provided an apparatus for providing a vertical gap between an underside of a nose of a trailer being supported by a landing gear, and a supporting surface of a trailer stand when at least a portion of the trailer stand is advanced beneath the trailer in a supporting position with the supporting surface capable of supporting the trailer in the event of the nose dropping, the nose tipping or a failure of the landing gear, the trailer stand having a plurality of landing areas, in an embodiment, in the form of vertically-oriented steps, for supporting the underside of the trailer during the nose tipping, the nose dropping or the failure of the landing gear, where one of the plurality of landing areas defines the supporting surface of the trailer stand. The apparatus comprises a base that is connectable to the trailer stand, and at least one blocking member that corresponds to a corresponding landing area of the plurality of landing areas, the at least one blocking member being movably connected to the base for moving thereabout between a blocking position and a withdrawn position. The at least one blocking memberextends to a predetermined distance above the corresponding landing area when in the blocking position. When the trailer stand is advanced beneath the trailer and a spacing between the corresponding landing area and the underside of the trailer is less than the predetermined distance above the corresponding landing area, the blocking member blocks the trailer stand from being advanced further beneath the trailer and the corresponding landing area is not located beneath the underside of the trailer. When the trailer stand is advanced beneath the trailer and the spacing between the corresponding landing area and the underside of the trailer is greater than the predetermined distance above the corresponding landing area, the blocking members permits the trailer stand to be advanced further beneath the trailer and the corresponding landing area is located beneath the underside of the trailer such that the corresponding landing area provides the supporting surface capable of supporting the trailer in the event of the nose dropping, the nose tipping or the failure of the landing gear. The at least one blocking member is structured such that when the corresponding landing area is located beneath the trailer, and the underside of the trailer moves to a secondary distance from the corresponding landing area that is less than the predetermined distance from the corresponding landing area, the at least one blocking member is driven from the blocking position towards the withdrawn position such that the at least one blocking member allows the trailer stand to be withdrawn from underneath the trailer.

[0009] In an embodiment, the one landing area of the plurality of landing areas that defines the supporting surface of the trailer stand when the trailer stand is in the supporting position, i.e., the given, designated or supporting landing area, is the one landing area of the plurality of landing areas that, when the at least a portion of the trailer stand is advanced beneath the trailer, the spacing between the one landing area and the underside of the trailer is greater than the predetermined distance above the one landing area and the at least one blocking member permits the trailer stand to be advanced beneath the trailer such that the one landing area is located beneaththe underside of the trailer and the ideal vertical gap, in an embodiment between about 1 inch and about 3 inches, between the underside of the trailer and the one landing area is provided.

[0010] In an embodiment, each blocking member corresponds to a separate and distinct landing area of the plurality of landing areas.

[0011] In an embodiment, the at least one blocking member is structured such that when the at least one blocking member blocks the trailer stand from being advanced further under the trailer, a secondary landing area adjacent the corresponding landing area is located beneath the underside of the trailer such that the secondary landing area provides the supporting surface capable of supporting underside of the trailer in the event of the nose dropping, the nose tipping or the failure of the landing gear.

[0012] In an embodiment, the at least one blocking member is pivotably connected to the base for pivoting thereabout between the blocking position and the withdrawn position.

[0013] In an embodiment, the at least one blocking member is eccentrically, pivotably connected to the base such that lowering the trailer onto the at least one blocking member drives the at least one blocking member to eccentrically pivot from the blocking position to the withdrawn position.

[0014] In an embodiment, an axis of rotation of the at least one blocking member about the base is offset from a central, longitudinal axis of the blocking member.

[0015] In an embodiment, the at least one blocking member includes a secondary contact face, and the secondary contact face is positioned on the at least one blocking member such that when the spacing between the underside of the trailer and the corresponding landing area is greater than the predetermined distance and the trailer is lowered into contact with the at least one blocking member, the underside of the trailer contacts at least the secondary contact face for driving the at least one blocking member towards the withdrawn position.

[0016] In an embodiment, the secondary contact face is an angled face that is formed at an acute angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the at least one blocking member.

[0017] In an embodiment, the at least one blocking member is pivotably connected to the base for pivoting from the blocking position towards the withdrawn position in a first rotational direction, and for pivoting from the withdrawn position towards the blocking position in a second rotational direction opposite the first.

[0018] In an embodiment, the at least one blocking member is pivotably connected to the base for pivoting back-and-forth between the blocking and withdrawn positions in opposing first and second rotational directions.

[0019] In an embodiment, the apparatus further comprises at least one primary stopper element that corresponds to the at least one blocking member.

[0020] In an embodiment, the at least one primary stopper element is positioned on the base to prevent the at least one blocking member from rotating beyond the blocking position in the second rotational direction.

[0021] In an embodiment, the at least one blocking member includes at least one blocking face, and the at least one blocking face is structured for abutting the trailer when the trailer is advanced towards the corresponding landing area and the spacing between the underside of the trailer and the corresponding landing area that is less than the predetermined distance.

[0022] In an embodiment, each landing area of the plurality of landing areas includes a riser for abutting the trailer as the trailer is advanced along the landing area.

[0023] In an embodiment, the at least one blocking member is positioned on the base such that in the blocking position, the at least one blocking face of the at least one blocking member is disposed in front of the riser of the corresponding landing area.

[0024] In an embodiment, the base is removably mountable to the trailer stand.

[0025] According to another aspect, there is provided a trailer stand for use with a trailer that is supported on landing gear. The trailer stand comprises a plurality of landing areas for supporting an underside of a nose of the trailer during the nose dropping, the nose tipping or a failure of the landing gear. The trailer stand also comprises an apparatus for providing a gap between the underside of the trailer and at least one landing area of the plurality of landing areas when the trailer is supported on the landing gear and the at least one landing area is advanced beneath the underside of the trailer in a supporting position. The apparatus includes a base that is connectable to the trailer stand, and at least one blocking member that corresponds to the at least one landing area, the at least one blocking member being movably connected to the base for moving thereabout between a blocking position and a withdrawn position. The at least one blocking member extends to a predetermined distance above the at least one landing area when in the blocking position. When the trailer stand is advanced beneath the trailer and a spacing between the at least one landing area and the underside of the trailer is less than the predetermined distance above the at least one landing area, the blocking member blocks the trailer stand from being advanced further beneath the trailer and the at least one landing area is not located beneath the underside of the trailer. When the trailer stand is advanced beneath the trailer and the spacing between the at least one landing area and the underside of the trailer is greater than the predetermined distance above the at least one landing area, the blocking members permits the trailer stand to be advanced further beneath the trailer and the at least one landing area is located beneath the underside of the trailer such that the underside of the trailer can collapse onto and engage the at least one landing area during the nose dropping, the nose tipping or the failure of the landing gear. The at least one blocking member is structured such that when the at least one landing area is located beneath the underside of the trailer, and the underside of the trailer moves to a secondary distance from the corresponding landing area that is less than the predetermineddistance from the corresponding landing area, the at least one blocking member is driven from the blocking position towards the withdrawn position such that the at least one blocking member does not obstruct the movement of the trailer relative to the at least one landing area.

[0026] In an embodiment, each blocking member corresponds to a separate and distinct landing area of the plurality of landing areas.

[0027] In an embodiment, the at least one blocking member is structured such that when the at least one blocking member blocks the trailer stand from being advanced further under the trailer, a secondary landing area adjacent the corresponding landing area is located beneath the underside of the trailer such that the secondary landing area provides the supporting surface capable of supporting underside of the trailer in the event of the nose dropping, the nose tipping or the failure of the landing gear.

[0028] In an embodiment, wherein the at least one blocking member is pivotably connected to the base for pivoting thereabout between the blocking position and the withdrawn position.

[0029] According to another aspect, there is provided a method of positioning a trailer stand underneath a parked semi-trailer, the method comprising: transporting a trailer stand using a transport vehicle so that at least a portion of the trailer stand is lifted off the ground, wherein the trailer stand is releasably engaged by the transport vehicle; approaching a front of the parked semi-trailer, while the parked semi-trailer is oriented with its rear end adjacent an opening of a loading dock, while at least the portion of the trailer stand remains lifted off the ground; repositioning the trailer stand, using the transport vehicle, underneath a front nose of the semi-trailer to provide a vertical gap between the underside of the parked semi-trailer and a supporting surface of the trailer stand; repositioning at least the portion of the trailer stand to contact the ground; and disengaging the trailer stand from the transport vehicle and maintaining the vertical gap.

[0030] According to another aspect, there is provided a method of positioning a trailer stand for a parked semi-trailer, the method comprising: lifting, using a transport vehicle, at least a portion of a trailer stand off the ground; deploying the trailer stand, while at least the portion of the trailer stand is off the ground, underneath a forward portion of the parked semi-trailer, opposite a rear end of the parked semi-trailer that is oriented adjacent an opening of a loading dock; repositioning at least the portion of the trailer stand to contact the ground, wherein deploying the trailer stand includes providing a vertical gap between the underside of the parked semi-trailer and a supporting surface of the trailer stand.

[0031] According to another aspect, there is provided a method of positioning a trailer stand underneath a parked semi-trailer, the method comprising: transporting the trailer stand using a transport vehicle so that at least a portion of the trailer stand is lifted off the ground, wherein the trailer stand is releasably engaged by the transport vehicle; approaching a front of the parked semi-trailer, while the parked semi-trailer is oriented with its rear end adjacent an opening of a loading dock, with the transport vehicle while at least the portion of the trailer stand remains lifted off the ground; repositioning the trailer stand, using the transport vehicle, underneath a front nose of the semi-trailer to provide a vertical gap between the underside of the parked semitrailer and a supporting surface of the trailer stand; repositioning at least the portion of the trailer stand to contact the ground; and disengaging the trailer stand from the transport vehicle and maintaining the vertical gap.

[0032] According to another aspect, there is provided a method of positioning a trailer stand for a parked semi-trailer, the method comprising: lifting, using a transport vehicle, at least a portion of a trailer stand off the ground; deploying the trailer stand, while at least the portion of the trailer stand is off the ground, underneath a forward portion of the parked semi-trailer, opposite a rear end of the parked semi-trailer that is oriented adjacent an opening of a loading dock, wherein deploying the trailer stand includes providing a vertical gap between the underside of the parked semi-trailerand a supporting surface of the trailer stand; and repositioning at least the portion of the trailer stand to contact the ground.Brief Description of the Drawings

[0033] Embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the attached Figures, wherein:

[0034] Figure 1A is a front, isometric view of an embodiment of a stepped trailer stand according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0035] Figure 1B is a rear, isometric view of the embodiment of the trailer stand in Figure 1B;

[0036] Figure 2 is an isometric view of the trailer stand in Figure 1 and a lifting apparatus, where the lifting apparatus is mounted on a shunt vehicle and the support structure of the lifting apparatus is releasably coupled to the trailer stand;

[0037] Figure 3 is a side-view of an embodiment of the stepped inner or outer plate of the trailer stand in Figure 1A;

[0038] Figure 4 is a partial, isometric view of the support legs of the trailer stand of Figure 1A;

[0039] Figure 5A is a front view of a bumper and frame member of the trailer stand of Figure 1A;

[0040] Figure 5B is an isometric view of a bumper and frame member of the trailer stand of Figure 1A;

[0041] Figure 6 is a partial, isometric view of one of the stepped landing assemblies of the trailer stand of Figure 1A;

[0042] Figure 7A is a front, isometric view of the trailer stand in Figure 1 A, where the trailer stand includes an integrally formed anti-pinch apparatus;

[0043] Figure 7B is a partial, side view of the trailer stand in Figure 1 A, where an anti-pinch apparatus is mounted to one of the outer plates of the trailer stand;

[0044] Figure 7C is a partial, perspective view of the trailer stand and anti-pinch apparatus in Figure 7B;

[0045] Figure 8A is a perspective view of the anti-pinch apparatus of Figure 7B, where the plurality of blocking members are all in the blocking position;

[0046] Figure 8B is a perspective view of the anti-pinch apparatus of Figure 7B, where the plurality of blocking members are all in the withdrawn position;

[0047] Figure 9 is an exploded view of the anti-pinch apparatus of Figure 7B;

[0048] Figure 10A is a schematic diagram of the trailer stand and anti-pinch apparatus of Figure 7B, where the trailer is being advanced over the corresponding landing area at a height less than the predetermined distance;

[0049] Figure 10B is a schematic diagram of the trailer stand and anti-pinch apparatus of Figure 7B, where the trailer has been blocked from advancing over the corresponding landing area by the blocking member and instead can be supported on an adjacent landing area;

[0050] Figure 10C is a schematic diagram of the trailer stand and anti-pinch apparatus of Figure 7B, where the trailer is supported on the adjacent landing area and a blocking member corresponding to the adjacent landing area is in the withdrawn position;

[0051] Figure 10D is a schematic diagram of the trailer stand and anti-pinch apparatus of Figure 7B, where the trailer is being advanced over the corresponding landing area at a height greater than the predetermined distance;

[0052] Figure 10E is a schematic diagram of the trailer stand and anti-pinch apparatus of Figure 7B, where the trailer is disposed over the corresponding landing area and the blocking member;

[0053] Figure 10F is a schematic diagram of the trailer stand and anti-pinch apparatus of Figure 7B, where the trailer can be supported on the corresponding landing area;

[0054] Figure 10G is a schematic diagram of the trailer stand and anti-pinch apparatus of Figure 7B, where the trailer is supported on the corresponding landing area and a blocking member that corresponds to the landing area is in the withdrawn position;

[0055] Figure 11A is a perspective view of the trailer stand and anti-pinch apparatus of Figure 7B, where the anti-pinch apparatus is mounted on the trailer stand and all the blocking members are in the blocking position;

[0056] Figure 11 B is a perspective view of the trailer stand and anti-pinch apparatus of Figure 7B, where the anti-pinch apparatus is mounted on the trailer stand and one of the blocking members is in the withdrawn position;

[0057] Figure 11C is a perspective view of the trailer stand and anti-pinch apparatus of Figure 7B, where the anti-pinch apparatus is mounted on the trailer stand and all of the blocking members are in the blocking position;

[0058] Figure 11 D is a perspective view of the trailer stand and anti-pinch apparatus of Figure 7B, where the anti-pinch apparatus is mounted on the trailer stand and one of the blocking members is in the withdrawn position;

[0059] Figure 12 shows a schematic diagram of an eccentrically pivotably connected blocking member from the anti-pinch apparatus of Figure 7B;

[0060] Figure 13 shows a perspective view of another stepped trailer stand according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0061] Figure 14 shows a side view of the trailer stand of Figure 13;

[0062] Figure 15A shows a perspective view of a frame of the trailer stand of Figure 13;

[0063] Figure 15B shows a perspective view of a stepped landing assembly of the trailer stand of Figure 13;

[0064] Figure 16 shows a side, section view of the trailer stand of Figure 13, where the trailer stand includes an integral anti-pinch apparatus;

[0065] Figure 17A is a perspective view of the trailer stand and anti-pinch apparatus of Figure 16, where the anti-pinch apparatus is integrally formed on the trailer stand and all the blocking members are in the blocking position; and

[0066] Figure 17B is a perspective view of the trailer stand and anti-pinch apparatus of Figure 16, where the anti-pinch apparatus is integrally formed on the trailer stand and one of the blocking members is in the withdrawn position.Detailed Description of the Embodiments

[0067] For simplicity and clarity of illustration, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the Figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements. In addition, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiment or embodiments described herein. However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments described herein may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the embodiments described herein. It should be understood at the outset that, although exemplary embodiments are illustrated in the figures and described below, the principles of the present disclosure may be implemented using any number of techniques, whether currently known or not. The present disclosure should in no way be limited to the exemplary implementations and techniques illustrated in the drawings and described below.

[0068] Various terms used throughout the present description may be read and understood as follows, unless the context indicates otherwise: “or” as used throughout is inclusive, as though written “and / or”; singular articles and pronouns as used throughout include their plural forms, and vice versa; similarly, gendered pronouns include their counterpart pronouns so that pronouns should not be understood as limiting anything described herein to use, implementation, performance, etc. by a single gender; “exemplary” should be understood as“illustrative” or “exemplifying” and not necessarily as “preferred” over other embodiments. Further definitions for terms may be set out herein; these may apply to prior and subsequent instances of those terms, as will be understood from a reading of the present description. It will also be noted that the use of the term “a” or “an” will be understood to denote “at least one” in all instances unless explicitly stated otherwise or unless it would be understood to be obvious that it must mean “one.”

[0069] As used herein, the terms “comprises” and “comprising” are to be construed as being inclusive and open ended, and not exclusive. Specifically, when used in the specification and claims, the terms “comprises” and “comprising,” and variations thereof mean the specified features, steps or components are included. These terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps, or components.

[0070] As used herein, the terms “about” and “approximately” are meant to cover variations that may exist in the upper and lower limits of the ranges of values, such as variations in properties, parameters, and dimensions.

[0071] Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to the systems, apparatuses, and methods described herein without departing from the scope of the disclosure. For example, the components of the systems and apparatuses may be integrated or separated. Moreover, the operations of the systems and apparatuses disclosed herein may be performed by more, fewer, or other components and the methods described may include more, fewer, or other steps. Additionally, steps may be performed in any suitable order. As used in this document, “each” refers to each member of a set or each member of a subset of a set.

[0072] The embodiments described herein are exemplary (e.g., in terms of materials, shapes, dimensions, and constructional details) and do not limit by the claims appended hereto and any amendments made thereto. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that there are yet more alternative implementations and modifications possible, and that the following examples are only illustrations of oneor more implementations. The scope of the disclosure, therefore, is only to be limited by the claims appended hereto and any amendments made thereto.Trailer Stand

[0073] The present disclosure provides for a trailer stand 120 that can be positioned beneath the underside of the nose of a trailer 160, and which functions to support the trailer 160 in the event of the nose tipping, the nose dropping or a failure of the landing gear of the trailer 160 (and an at least partial collapse of the trailer 160) or in the event of upending of the trailer 160. The trailer stand 120 generally includes at least one top surface, at least one bottom surface, at least one rear surface and at least one front surface. The at least one top surface defines at least one support surface on which an underside of the trailer 160 will land when the trailer stand 120 is positioned beneath the trailer 160 and when the landing gear of the trailer 160 fails such that the trailer 160 collapses at least partially downwards. The trailer stand 120 of the present disclosure can be various forms and sizes of trailer stands.

[0074] The present disclosure also provides for a lifting apparatus such as the lifting apparatus 110 shown in Figure 2. The lifting apparatus 110 as disclosed herein can be releasably coupled to the trailer stand 120. The lifting apparatus 110 functions to lift the trailer stand 120 off a ground surface when the lifting apparatus 110 is coupled to the shuntable trailer stand 200.

[0075] In an additional embodiment such as provided in Figures 1 A to 2, the trailer stand 120 is configured as a shuntable trailer stand 200, and the lifting apparatus 110 is connected to a shunt vehicle 102. The shunt vehicle 102 can be driven by an operator and can also house a control unit for controlling the operation of the lifting apparatus 110. By controlling the lifting apparatus 110 and the shunt vehicle 102, the shuntable trailer stand 200 can be picked up off the ground surface by the lifting apparatus 110 and repositioned along the ground surface by moving the shunt vehicle 102. In at least some embodiments, the shunt vehicle 102 and lifting apparatus 110 are used to reposition the shuntable trailer stand 200 such that the atleast one support surface of the trailer 160 is disposed at least partially beneath the underside of the trailer 160.

[0076] An embodiment of the shuntable trailer stand 200 is provided in Figures 1 A to 4. The shuntable trailer stand 200 includes pairs of front and rear legs 232, 234 as well as front and rear cross supports 233, 235 extending between each pair of legs 232, 234. In the specific embodiments of Figures 1A to 4, the pairs of front and rear legs 232, 234 are pairs of substantially vertical front and rear legs 232, 234. Each of the front and rear legs 223, 224 is supported on a bottom plate 238 such that each leg is normal to the bottom plate 238. The front cross support 233 is connected to a top surface of each front leg 232 and the rear cross support 235 is connected to a top surface of each rear leg 234.

[0077] In an embodiment, any of the pairs of front and rear legs 232, 234, and the front and rear cross-supports 233, 235 may be made from, but are not limited to, metal tubing, such as 6"x 6" steel tubing.

[0078] Between each of the front legs and each of the rear legs 232, 234 is a leg bracing member 242 which keeps the legs 232, 234 apart and prevents the legs 232, 234 from twisting relative to each other in the case where a ground surface on which the shuntable trailer stand 200 sits is not level. The leg brace member 242 may be formed from a metal plate, such as rolled steel plate.

[0079] In an embodiment, the structure of the shuntable trailer stand 200 also includes angled support beams 244 that are mounted on, and extend between, each of the front and rear legs 232, 234 and each of the front and rear cross supports 233, 235. In a further embodiment, the angled support beams 244 are welded in place between the cross supports 233, 235 and the legs 232, 234.

[0080] In the embodiment provided in Figures 1A to 4, the bottom plates 238 upon which one of front and rear legs 232, 234 are each mounted is itself mounted on a pair of support blocks 246 via a pair of angle brackets 245. The bottom plate 238 can be secured to the bottom of the front and rear legs 232, 234 by welding. Theangle brackets 245 that secure the bottom plate 238 on the support blocks 246 can also be secured in place by fasteners 247 which are threaded into the bottom plate 238 and each of the support blocks 246. In the exemplary embodiment provided in Figures 1A and 1 B, the fasteners 247 are threaded bolts.

[0081] In an alternate embodiment, the angle brackets 245 that secure the bottom plates 238 on the support blocks 246 can also be welded in place on the support blocks 246 and on a bottom surface of the bottom plates 238.

[0082] In the specific embodiment of Figures 1 A, 1 B and 3, two gussets 248 are mounted in place between the bottom plate 238 and each of the front and rear legs 232, 234 to further secure the legs 232, 234 on the bottom plate 238. In a further embodiment, the gussets 248 are welded in place between the bottom plate 238 and legs 232, 234.

[0083] In an additional embodiment such as provided in Figures 1A to 6, the shuntable trailer stand 200 is formed as a stepped shuntable trailer stand 200a.

[0084] In the specific embodiments provided in Figures 1A to 6, the shuntable trailer stand 200 is a stepped, shuntable trailer stand 200a that includes a plurality of stepped landing assemblies 250. The plurality of stepped landing assemblies 250 on the stepped shuntable trailer stand 200a include a pair of stepped landing assemblies 250 disposed on left and right sides of the cross supports 233, 235 of the stepped shuntable trailer stand 200a. Each stepped landing assembly 250 sits atop and is connected to the front cross support 233 of the front pair of legs 232 and the back cross support 235 of the back pair of legs 234. Each stepped landing assembly 250 comprises a stepped inner plate 252, a stepped outer plate 254, a plurality of frame members 256 extending between the stepped inner and outer plates 252, 254, and a plurality of bumpers 258 that are connected to the plurality of frame members 256.

[0085] The stepped inner and outer plates 252, 254 of each stepped landing assembly 250 are mounted in an upright orientation and are sized to traverse the gap between the front and rear cross supports 233, 235, and to extend beyond the frontand rear pairs of legs 232, 234. The plurality of frame members 256 of each stepped assembly 250 extend between and are connected between the stepped inner and outer plates 252, 254 to support the inner and outer plates 252, 254 in their upright orientations. As shown in Figure 3, the stepped inner and outer plates 252, 254 act much like stringers in stair construction, where each plate 252, 254 includes a plurality of treads 262 and a plurality of risers 261 that are disposed between adjacent treads 262 of the plurality of treads 262 to form stages or steps. The treads 262 and risers 261 of the stepped landing assemblies 250 are formed on each of the inner and outer plates 252, 254.

[0086] In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of treads 262 are about 8" to 10" in length, each having a riser 261 of about 3" in height. However, as the skilled person in the art will understand, any length of tread and any height of riser may be used and depends on the acceptable height that a trailer 160 may fall onto the shuntable trailer stand 200 and the acceptable amount of tread to support the underside 160a of the trailer 160 if the trailer 160 were to land on the shuntable trailer stand 200.

[0087] As shown in Figures 1 A, 1 B and 6, each stepped landing assembly 250 of the pair of stepped assemblies 250a is a series of support surfaces or landing areas260 configured as a plurality of vertically oriented steps that are defined by the treads 262 and / or the bumpers 258 of the stepped landing assembly 250a. The treads 262 and risers 261 of the stepped inner plate 252 correspond to the treads 262 and risers261 of the stepped outer plate 254. The plurality of treads 262 on the inner and outer plates 252, 254 are substantially aligned such that each tread of the plurality of treads262 on the inner plate 252 aligns with a tread 262 of the plurality of treads 262 on the outer plate 254. Each set of aligned treads 262 at least partially forms one landing area 260 of the plurality of landing areas 260. The landing area 260 can at least partially support the underside of the trailer 160 in the event of the nose dropping, the nose tipping or a failure of the landing gear of the trailer 160.

[0088] In the specific embodiment provided in Figure 3, the risers 261 are formed as angled risers at obtuse angles relative to the treads 261. While Figures 1 to 5 show a particular shape to the stepped inner plate 252 and stepped outer plate 254 to create the plurality of landing areas 260 on the stepped landing assemblies 250, it will be understood that any shape of the plates 252, 254 is feasible for creating the landing areas 260 to support the trailer 160. For example, in the alternate embodiment provided in Figure 6, the risers 261 on the stepped inner plate 252 and stepped outer plate 254 substantially vertical.

[0089] In an additional embodiment, the pair of stepped landing assemblies 250a the treads 262 and risers 261 of one of the pair of stepped landing assemblies 250a substantially match and are aligned with the treads 262 and risers 261 of the other of the pair of stepped landing assemblies 250a. In this way, each landing area 260 on one of the pair of stepped assemblies 250a matches and corresponds to one of the landing areas 260 on the other of the pair of stepped assemblies 250a.

[0090] In another additional embodiment such as provided in Figures 7A and 7B, each landing area 260 of the plurality of landing areas 260 is formed as an open step so that during rainy, snowy, or icy weather conditions, no build-up of water, snow, or ice forms on the landing area 260. While the example shown in Figures 1A to 7B shows each landing area 260 as being open, the landing areas 260 may be closed with a top or treading that traverses the width and length of landing area 260 for warmer, dryer climates, or for aesthetic purposes.

[0091] In an embodiment such as shown in Figure 6, each stepped landing assembly 250 of the pair of stepped landing assemblies 250a includes at least one of the plurality of bumpers 258. Each bumper 258 of the plurality of bumpers 258 can be said to be associated with one of the plurality of landing areas 260. Each bumper 258 is connected to each of the risers 261, the stepped inner plate 252 and the stepped outer plate 254. The bumper 258 is positioned for preventing metal-on-metalcontact between the risers 261 and the trailer 160 as the trailer is advanced over one of the landing areas 260 that is adjacent to the riser 261 .

[0092] I n an additional embodiment, the bumper 258 is structured to substantially prevent contact between the risers 261 of the stepped inner and outer plates 252, 254 and the trailer 160 that is to be supported on the shuntable trailer stand 200a. The bumper 258 is shown in more detail in Figures 5A and 5b and has a substantially rectangular shape. In this exemplary embodiment, the bumper 258 can be made to a sufficient size and shape to absorb the contact from a semi-trailer 160. The bumper 258 includes a central, rectangular bar 263 and a plurality of partially elastic plates 264 mounted to opposing sides of the rectangular bar 263. The sides of the rectangular bar 263 on which the partially elastic plates 264 are not mounted include at least one borehole 265 which is provided for mounting the bumper 258 to its corresponding frame member 256. In a further embodiment, the partially elastic plates 264 of the bumper 258 are made from molded rubber or plastic.

[0093] Referring to Figures 1A, 1 B, 5A and 5B, the at least one bumper of each stepped landing assembly 250 includes a plurality of bumpers 258. The plurality of bumpers 258 are disposed within the openings between the inner and outer plates 252, 254 of each stepped landing assembly 250. As shown in Figure 6, one of the frame members 256 is provided for each bumper 258 in each step of the landing assembly 250, and each of the bumpers 258 is mounted to the corresponding frame member 256. Each of the bumpers 258 is mounted to a corresponding frame member 256 such that a top surface of the bumper 258 is substantially co-planar to a corresponding tread 262 of each of the stepped inner and outer plates 252, 254. In this way, each bumper 258, together with the aligned treads 262 of the inner and outer plates 252, 254, form one of the landing area 260 of the plurality of landing areas 260. As described above, the landing area 260 can at least partially support the underside of the trailer 160 during the nose dropping, the nose tipping or an at least partial failure of the landing gear of the trailer 160. The underside of the trailer160 can be supported on one of the plurality of landing areas 260 such that the underside of the trailer 160 is resting on the aligned treads 262 of the inner and outer plates and / or on the top surface of the bumper 258.

[0094] Referring to the exemplary embodiments shown in Figures 1A, 1 B and 2, the shuntable trailer stand 200 also includes and defines therein at least one receiving channel 210 that is sized to receive a support structure 112 of the lifting apparatus 110.

[0095] In an additional embodiment, the at least one receiving channel 210 is positioned on the trailer stand 120 such that the receiving channel 210 is open in a direction towards the bottom of the frame of the trailer stand 120 and the support structure 112 is advanced up and into the receiving channel 210 such that the support structure 112 is at least partially received in the receiving channel 210.

[0096] In the specific embodiments of the shuntable trailer stand 200 provided in Figures 1A to 4, the shuntable trailer stand 200 includes a plurality of hook-shaped members 220 projecting in a rearward direction from the shuntable trailer stand 200. In this embodiment, the hooked form of each of the hook-shaped members 220 defines a channel portion therein. The hook-shaped members 220 of the shuntable trailer stand 200 are relatively aligned along the shuntable trailer stand 200 such that the channel portion of each of the plurality of hook-shaped members 220 can be said to collectively define the at least one receiving channel 210 of the shuntable trailer stand 200.

[0097] In an embodiment, the pair of stepped landing assemblies 250 define the at least one receiving channel 210 for support structure 112 of the lifting apparatus 110. In this embodiment, the plurality of hook shaped-members 220 of the trailer stand 120 are a plurality of hooks 220a that are formed as a part of the stepped landing assemblies 250. The plurality of hooks 220a extend from the trailer stand 120 to define a receiving channel 210 that is sized to receive at least a portion of the support structure 112.

[0098] In the specific embodiment provided in Figures 1A to 6, the plurality of hooks 220a are formed as part of the stepped inner and outer plates 252, 254 and extend out from a top, rearward portion of each inner face plate and outer face plate 252, 254. The hooks 220a of each of the inner and outer face plates 252, 254 have corresponding shapes and forms.

[0099] Referring to Figure 3, an embodiment of one of the inner and outer face plates 252, 254 is provided. As shown in Figure 3, the hook 220a that is formed as part of each inner and outer face plate 252, 254 projects in a rearward direction from the plate 252, 254. The hooks 220a project from the plate in a substantially horizontal orientation and the hook 220a defines an upside-down u-shaped channel 224. As shown in Figure 3, the hook 220a can include an angled tip portion 222 that is angled inwards, towards the u-shaped channel 224. The angled tip portion 222 of the hook 220a can facilitate receiving of the support structure 112 in the u-shaped channel 224 by guiding the support structure 112 towards the u-shaped channel 224 as the support structure 112 is driven to move relative to hook 220a.

[0100] The combined functioning of the vehicle 130 and lifting apparatus 110 in moving and lifting the trailer stand 120 will now be described with reference to the drawings. In repositioning the trailer stand 120 on the ground surface relative to the trailer 160, the lifting apparatus 110 mounted to the shunting vehicle 130 can be moved into the vicinity of the trailer stand 120 to releasably couple the lifting apparatus 110 to the trailer stand 120. A method for using the lifting apparatus 110 and vehicle 130 to manipulate the trailer stand 120 under an underside of a trailer 160 is also provided by the present disclosure. In this embodiment, the vehicle 130 and lifting apparatus 110 are maneuvered along a ground surface, towards the trailer stand 120 supported on the ground surface. The vehicle 130 is driven towards a rear side of the trailer stand 120 such that the rear side is substantially parallel to the vehicle 130 (e.g., the front vehicle bumper 132). The vehicle 130 advances the lifting apparatus 110 towards the trailer stand 120 until support structure 112 of the liftingapparatus 110 becomes releasably coupled within the receiving channel 210 of the trailer stand 120.

[0101] Once the trailer stand 120, 200 is releasably coupled to the lifting apparatus 110 11 , the lifting apparatus 110 is operated for lifting the trailer stand 120 from the ground surface. As the trailer stand 120 is lifted from the ground surface, it is coupled to the lifting apparatus 110 such that relative movement of the trailer stand 120 and lifting apparatus 110 is limited. The support structure 112 is securely received within the channel 210 defined by the hook-shaped members 220. The lifting apparatus 110 is structured to limit any pivoting of the trailer stand 120 relative to the lifting apparatus 110.

[0102] After lifting the trailer stand 120 from the ground surface, the lifting apparatus 110 and vehicle 130 are maneuvered towards the nose of the trailer 160. The lifting apparatus 110 is then operated to set the trailer stand 120 down on the ground surface at a predetermined distance from the nose of the trailer 160. Once the trailer stand 120 is set on the ground surface, the lifting apparatus 110 and vehicle 130 are then maneuvered forward such that the trailer stand 120 is shunted underneath the nose of a trailer 160. The lifting apparatus 110 and vehicle 130 shunt the shuntable trailer stand 200 under the nose of the trailer 160 until an underside of the trailer 160 is disposed over at least one support surface of the trailer stand 120. The trailer stand 120 can then be said to be in position under the trailer 160 for supporting the trailer 160 in the event of the nose dropping, the nose tipping or a failure of the landing gear of the trailer 160. The lifting apparatus 110 can then be operated to release the support structure 112 from the trailer stand 120 such that the lifting apparatus 110 and vehicle can be maneuvered away from the trailer 160.

[0103] For removing the shuntable trailer stand 200 from beneath the underside of the trailer 160, the vehicle can be maneuvered relative to the shuntable trailer stand 200 and the vehicle such that the lifting apparatus 110 is advanced towards the shuntable trailer stand 200, and the support structure $22 of the lifting apparatus110 is received in the receiving channel of the shuntable trailer stand 200 for releasably coupling the shuntable trailer stand 200 and the lifting apparatus 110. The vehicle can then be maneuvered backwards so that the shuntable trailer stand 200 is drawn out from beneath the underside of the trailer 160. The lifting apparatus 110 is then operated to lift the shuntable trailer stand 200 off the ground surface. The vehicle 130 can then be maneuvered to transport the lifted trailer stand 120 towards another destination.

[0104] In the various embodiments of the present disclosure, the shuntable trailer stand 200 has the plurality of landing areas 260, in the form of steps (or vertically oriented steps) for supporting an underside of the trailer 160 during the nose dropping, the nose tipping or a failure of the landing gear. Each of the plurality of landing areas 260 is separated from adjacent landing areas 260 by a riser (such as the risers 261). In the use of the lifting apparatus 110 to lift, relocate and place the trailer stand 120 beneath the underside 160a of the trailer 160, the lifting apparatus 110 can be applied for placing the trailer stand 120 under trailers that are at different heights above the ground surface (i.e. , trailers where the underside surface of the trailers are at varying heights above the ground). The lifting apparatus 110 and shunt vehicle 102 can be used to move the trailer stand 120 into a position beneath the underside 160a of the trailer 160 such that a vertical gap exists between the targeted ideal supporting surface of the trailer stand 120 and the underside 160a of the trailer 160. The ideal vertical gap between the targeted ideal supporting surface of the trailer stand 120 and the underside 160a of the trailer 160 is ideally sufficiently large enough to allow the trailer stand 120 to be placed under the trailer 160 as it is being moved into place and to allow the trailer stand 120 to be easily withdrawn from underneath the trailer 160, while at the same time providing a supporting surface for the trailer 160 to safely land and be supported in the event of trailer collapse, dropping, tipping or upending. For example, the underside 160a of a trailer 160 may be between about 40" to about 50" off the ground. The ideal vertical gap between the targeted idealsupporting surface of the trailer stand 120 and the underside 160a of the trailer 160 creates a "catch-zone" for a collapsed, dropped, tipped or upended trailer 160, which ideal vertical gap may be from about 1 inch to about 3 inches, whereby if the trailer 160 were to collapse, drop, tip or upend, it would safely land on, and be supported by, the targeted ideal support surface of the trailer stand 120. The trailer stand 120 is positioned under the trailer 160 until the ideal vertical gap is created by the appropriate support surface or vertically oriented support step of the trailer stand 120. For example, for trailers that are higher off the ground, the trailer stand 120 may be positioned further under the trailer 160, until the targeted ideal supporting surface of the trailer stand 120 is positioned underneath the trailer 160, i.e. , the targeted ideal supporting surface is the supporting surface with the height that corresponds with the ideal vertical gap between height of the supporting surface of the trailer stand 120 and the underside 160a of the trailer 160. This configuration means that whichever ideal targeted supporting surface or step is positioned under the trailer 160, the ideal vertical gap or "catch-zone" is obtained.

[0105] In this way, trailer stand 120 provides a support in the case of, for example, the nose dropping, the nose tipping or a failure of the landing gear of the trailer stand 120. While the trailer stand 120 can be used as a support for the nose dropping, the nose tipping or failure of landing gear of trailers of various heights, the trailer stand 120 in this embodiment has a fixed height. Effectively, the top supporting surface(s) of the trailer stand 120 (as defined by the plurality of landing areas 260 of the stepped landing assemblies on the trailer stand 120) will be at a static height above the ground surface when the trailer stand 120 is resting on the ground surface.

[0106] For some heights of trailer 160, the static height of the trailer stand 120 can make the placement and removal of the trailer stand 120 beneath the underside 160a of the trailer 160 difficult. Likewise, during the loading operation of the trailer, the height of the underside 160a of the trailer 160 off the ground surface may decrease due to the increased load in the trailer. In instances where the underside160a of the trailer 160 is at a height that is substantially equal to, or just slightly greater than the height of one landing area 260 of the plurality of landing areas 260, i.e. , less than the ideal vertical gap, there is a risk that the trailer stand 120 will become “stuck”, “wedged” or “pinched” underneath the underside 160a of the trailer 160, when the trailer stand 120 is shunted into place. When the height of the landing area 260 is similar to the height of the underside 160a of the trailer 160, the trailer stand 120 will run the risk of getting stuck underneath the underside 160a of the trailer 160). If a difference between the height of the underside 160a of the trailer 160 and a particular landing area 260 of the trailer stand 120 is sufficiently small, then frictional contact between the landing area 260 and the underside 160a of the trailer 160 will tend to occur when the trailer stand 120 is moved relative to the underside 160a of the trailer 160. In these instances, the magnitude of the frictional forces that develop due to the interaction between the trailer stand 120 and trailer 160 will tend to be quite high, at least partially due to the weight of the trailer 160 on the trailer stand 120. These high magnitude friction forces will act to retain the trailer stand 120 under the trailer 160, effectively “wedging” or “pinching” the trailer stand 120 in place underneath the trailer 160 and thereby making it difficult to remove the trailer stand 120 out from underneath the trailer 160.

[0107] In at least some embodiments of the trailer stand 120 of the present disclosure, the “wedging” of the trailer stand 120 beneath the underside 160a of the trailer 160 will begin to occur if a difference in height between a landing area 260 of the trailer stand 120 and the underside 160a of the trailer 160 is for example, under about % inch, for example, in a range from about ! inch to about 1 inch.Anti-Pinch Apparatus

[0108] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided an anti-pinch apparatus 700 (referred to hereinafter as the “apparatus 700”) that is configured for proper positioning of the trailer stand 120 underneath the underside 160a of the trailer160, for example, for substantially preventing the “wedging” or “pinching” of the trailer stand 120 underneath the underside 160a of the trailer 160.

[0109] In an embodiment, the apparatus 700 is structured for providing an ideal vertical gap between an underside 160a of a trailer 160 (being supported by landing gear) and a supporting surface (i.e. , a given, designated or supporting landing area 260 of the plurality of landing areas 260), when the supporting surface is advanced beneath the trailer 160 in a supporting position. The supporting surface (i.e., landing area 260) of the trailer stand 160 is capable of supporting the trailer in the event of the nose dropping, the nose tipping or a failure of the landing gear. In the context of the present disclosure, at least one of the plurality of landing areas 260 defines the supporting surface(s) of the trailer stand 120. As noted above, the trailer 160 is generally supported on landing gear, and the trailer stand 120 has the plurality of landing areas 260 for supporting the underside 160a of the trailer 160 during the nose tipping, the nose dropping or a failure of this landing gear.

[0110] Referring to the embodiments provided in Figures 7A to 9, the apparatus 700 comprises a base 710 that is connectable to the trailer stand 120, and at least one blocking member 720 that corresponds to a corresponding landing area 260a of the plurality of landing areas 260. The at least one blocking member 720 is movably connected to the base 710 for moving thereabout between a blocking position (shown in Figures 7B, 7C, and 8A) and a withdrawn position (shown in Figure 8B). As shown in Figure 7B, the at least one blocking member 720 extends to a predetermined distance (D1) above the corresponding landing area 260a when in the blocking position.

[0111] As shown in Figure 10A, the apparatus 700 is structured such that when the trailer stand 120 is advanced beneath the trailer 160 and a spacing (S1) between the corresponding landing area 260a and the underside 160a of the trailer 160 is less than the predetermined distance (D1) above the corresponding landing area 260a, the blocking member 720 blocks the trailer stand 120 from being advanced furtherbeneath the trailer 160, and the corresponding landing area 260a is not located beneath the underside 160a of the trailer 160. In this way, the at least one blocking member 720 of the apparatus 700 controls whether the underside 160a of the trailer 160 can be advanced over a particular landing area of the plurality of landing areas 260.

[0112] In the instances where the underside 160a of the trailer 160 is at a height that is too similar to the corresponding landing area 260a of the plurality of landing areas 260 (i.e. the spacing (S1) is less than or equal to the predetermined distance (D 1 )), then the blocking member 720 will block the underside 160a of the trailer 160 from lining up over this particular landing area. Because the at least one blocking member 720 blocks the trailer 160 from lining up over this corresponding landing area 260a, the trailer 160 will be forced down towards a secondary landing area 260b that is adjacent the corresponding landing area 260a, but at a lower height (as shown in Figure 10B). Said another way, the at least one blocking member 720 is structured such that when the blocking member 720 blocks the trailer stand 120 from being advanced further under the trailer 160, the secondary landing area 260b adjacent the corresponding landing area 260a is located beneath the underside 160a of the trailer 160 such that the secondary landing area 260b provides the supporting surface capable of supporting the trailer 160 in the event of the nose dropping, the nose tipping or a failure of the landing gear.

[0113] As shown in Figures 10D and 10E, the apparatus 700 is also structured such that when the trailer stand 120 is advanced beneath the trailer 160 and the spacing (S1) between the corresponding landing area 260a and the underside 160a of the trailer 160 is greater than the predetermined distance (D1) above the corresponding landing area 260a, the blocking member 720 permits the trailer stand 120 to be advanced further beneath the trailer 160, and the corresponding landing area 260a becomes located beneath the underside 160a of the trailer 160 such that the underside 160a of the trailer 160 can collapse onto and engage thecorresponding landing area 260a (in the event of the nose dropping, the nose tipping or a failure of the landing gear). When the height of the trailer 160 is above the predetermined distance D1 , the at least one blocking member 720 does not obstruct the movement of the trailer 160 relative to the corresponding landing area 260a, and the trailer 160 can be advanced such that the underside 160a of the trailer 160 is disposed above the corresponding landing area 260a. In this way, the at least one blocking member 720 allows the trailer stand 120 to be readily withdrawn from underneath the trailer 160, as the at least one blocking member 720 provides no obstruction to the movement of the trailer 160 when in the withdrawn position. The corresponding landing area 260a provides the supporting surface capable of supporting the trailer 160 in the event of the nose dropping, the nose tipping or a failure of the landing gear.

[0114] The operation of the at least one blocking member 720 of the apparatus 700 during an at least partial collapse of the trailer 160 will now be described with reference to Figures 10B, 10C, 10E, 10F and 10G. As shown in Figures 10E, 10F and 10G, the at least one blocking member 720 of the apparatus 700 is generally structured such that when the corresponding landing area 260a is located beneath the trailer 160 (see Figure 10E), and the underside 160a of the trailer 160 then moves to a distance (D2) from the corresponding landing area 260a that is less than the predetermined distance (D1) (see Figure 10F), the at least one blocking member 720 is driven from the blocking position (shown in Figure 10E) towards the withdrawn position (shown in Figure 10G). This movement of the trailer 160 from the height above the predetermined distance (D1) to the height at below the predetermined distance (D1) can be due to an at least partially collapse of the trailer 160.

[0115] Effectively, when the underside 160a of the trailer 160 is lowered to a height that is less than the predetermined distance (D1), the underside 160a of the trailer 160 will contact the at least one blocking member 720 and drive the at least one blocking member 720 towards the withdrawn position. As illustrated in Figures10F and 10G, when the at least one blocking member 720 is driven to the withdrawn position, the at least one blocking member 720 is in a position where it does not obstruct the downwards movement of the trailer 160 onto the corresponding landing area 260a, and the underside 160a of the trailer 160 can at least partially collapse down towards (or onto and engage) the corresponding landing area 260a (in the event of the nose dropping, the nose tipping or a failure of the landing gear).

[0116] In at least some embodiments, the apparatus 700 is arranged such that the at least one blocking member 720 will effectively provide no resistance to being driven towards the withdrawn position when the underside 160a of the trailer 160 contacts the at least one blocking member 720.

[0117] The above-described movement of the blocking member 720 also holds from the embodiment shown in Figures 10B and 10C, where the underside 160a of the trailer 160 is positioned over the secondary landing area 260b and the secondary landing area 260b provides the supporting surface capable of supporting the trailer 160 in the event of the nose dropping, the nose tipping or a failure of the landing gear. When the underside 160a of the trailer 160 moves to a distance from the secondary landing area 260b that is less than the predetermined distance (D1), the at least one blocking member 720 is driven from the blocking position (shown in Figure 10B) towards the withdrawn position (shown in Figure 10C).

[0118] In an embodiment such as provided in Figures 8A to 9, the base 710 of the apparatus 700 is removably mountable to the trailer stand 120. This structure of the base 710 allows for the apparatus 700 to be retrofitted onto an existing trailer stand 120.

[0119] In the specific embodiment provided in Figures 7A to 11 B, the base 710 of the apparatus 700 is a stepped base plate 710a. The stepped base plate 710a has a thin, polygonal form and includes a plurality of plate treads 710b and a plurality of plate risers 710c that at least partially correspond to the plurality of treads 262 and the plurality of risers 261 of the stepped inner and outer plates 252, 254 on the trailerstand 120. As shown in Figures 7B, and 7C, the base plate 710a can be connected to the trailer stand 120 such that each of the plurality of plate treads 710b are disposed in proximity to one of the plurality of landing areas 260 of the trailer stand 120.

[0120] In an embodiment such as provided in Figures 7B to 11 B, the base plate 710a is mounted to the trailer stand 120 via a plurality of screw assemblies 730. As shown in Figure 9, the base 710 includes a plurality of mounting apertures 712 which extend through the base 710 and which are arranged at regular, horizontal intervals along the length of the base plate 710a. The stepped outer plate 254 of each of the stepped landing assemblies 250 includes a plurality of receiving apertures (not shown). A screw assembly 730 of the plurality of screw assemblies 730 is received through each of the plurality of mounting apertures 712 and is held in the corresponding receiving apertures on the trailer stand 120.

[0121] In the specific embodiment provided in Figure 9, each screw assembly includes a securing screw 731 (such as a 1” shoulder screw), a pair of washers 732 and a locknut 733 connected on the end of the screw 731. The screw 731 of each screw assembly 730 is threaded through the mounting aperture 712 and into the receiving aperture for securing the base plate 710a onto the stepped outer plate 254 of the trailer stand 120.

[0122] In an alternate embodiment, the base 710 of the apparatus 700 is fixedly mounted to the trailer stand 120 (such as by welding or another permanent fixation means) such that the base 710 cannot be readily removed from the trailer stand 120.

[0123] In still another embodiment such as shown in Figure 7A, the base 710 of the apparatus 700 is integrally formed as part of the trailer stand 120. For example, at least one of the stepped outer plates 254 of the stepped landing assemblies 250 can form the base 710 of the apparatus 700 such that the at least one blocking member 720 is pivotably connected to the at least one stepped outer plate 254.

[0124] Various embodiments and configurations of the at least one blocking member 720 will now be described with reference to the drawings.

[0125] In an embodiment such as provided in Figures 8A, 8B, 11 A, 11 B, and 12, the at least one blocking member 720 is pivotably connected to the base 710 for pivoting thereabout between the blocking position and the withdrawn position.

[0126] In an additional embodiment such as provided in Figures 7A to 11B, the at least one blocking member 720 comprises a plurality of blocking members 720. Each blocking member 720 of the plurality of blocking members 720 corresponds to a separate and distinct landing area 260 of the plurality of landing areas 260. As shown in Figure 12, each blocking member 720 includes at least first and second ends 720b, 720c and a pivot point 720d about which the blocking member 720is pivotably connected to the base 710.

[0127] In another additional embodiment such as provided in Figure 7B, the plurality of blocking members 720 are arranged on the base 710 of the apparatus 700 such that the first end 720b of each blocking finger 720a extends to the predetermined distance (D1) above the corresponding stepped landing assembly when the blocking member 720 is in the blocking position.

[0128] In an embodiment, each of the plurality of blocking members 720 are structured to block the trailer 160 from lining up over a landing area 260 (that corresponds to the blocking member 720) unless the spacing (S1) between a landing area 260 and the underside 160a of the trailer 160 is at least about 1 ! inches.

[0129] In the specific embodiment provided in Figures 7A to 11 B, the plurality of blocking members 720 are formed as a plurality of blocking fingers 720a. Each blocking finger 720a of the plurality of blocking fingers 720a is spaced apart from the other blocking fingers 720a along the base plate 710a. Each blocking finger 720a is pivotably connected to the base 710, adjacent a distinct one of the plate treads 710b on the base plate 710a such that when the base plate 710a is connected on the trailer stand 120, each blocking finger 720a of the plurality of blocking fingers 720acorresponds to a separate and distinct landing area 260 of the plurality of landing areas 260. The base plate 710a includes a plurality of secondary receiving apertures 714 that correspond to the plurality of blocking fingers 720a of the apparatus 700.

[0130] In an additional embodiment, the first end 720b of each blocking finger 720a is a first contact end, and the second end 720c of each blocking finger 720a is a free second end. Each blocking finger 720a includes a through aperture 720e disposed along the length of the blocking finger 720a that defines the pivot point 720d of the blocking finger 720a. Each blocking finger 720a is pivotably connected to the base plate 710a via a mounting screw assembly 740 that is mounted through the through aperture 720e of the blocking finger 720a. The mounting screw assembly 740 includes at least a mounting screw 741 that is received through the through aperture 720e of the blocking finger 720a and a locknut 742. The blocking finger 720a can pivot about the mounting screw 741 for moving between the blocking and the withdrawn positions. An end of the mounting screw 741 of the mounting screw assembly 740 is securely received in a corresponding one of the secondary receiving aperture 714 for rotatably connecting the blocking finger 720a to the base plate 710a.

[0131] In another additional embodiment, at least one lubricating washer is provided as part of the mounting screw assembly 740 for reducing friction between the surface of the base plate 710a and the surface of each blocking finger 720a, as the blocking finger 720a pivots relative to the base plate 710a.

[0132] In an exemplary embodiment where each of the base 710 and plurality of blocking members 720 are made of steel, the at least one lubricating washer of the mounting screw assembly 740 includes polymer washers between the surfaces of the base 710 and blocking members 720 to act as a dry lubricant and reduce the chances of the blocking members 720 seizing up.

[0133] In an embodiment such as provided in Figures 7B, and 8A to 10A, each blocking member 720 of the plurality of blocking members 720 includes at least one blocking face 722. The at least one blocking face 722 of each blocking member 720is generally structured for being abutted by the trailer 160, when the blocking member 720 is in the blocking position, when the underside 160a of the trailer 160 is positioned at a height that is less than the predetermined distance (D1) above the corresponding landing area 260a, and when the trailer 160 is advanced towards the corresponding landing area 260a. As shown in Figure 10A, because the underside 160a of the trailer 160 is at a height that is less that the predetermined distance (D1) above the corresponding landing area 260a, the trailer 160 will abut the at least one blocking face 722 on the blocking member 720. The blocking face 722 is positioned on the blocking member 720such that contact between the trailer 160 and the blocking face 722 does not drive any motion of the blocking member, and the blocking member 720remains in the blocking position.

[0134] In the specific embodiment provided in Figures 8A to 9 and 12, each of the plurality of blocking fingers 720a has an elongated, at least partially rod-shaped form. The at least one blocking face 722 of each blocking finger 720a is a front, longitudinal face of the blocking finger.

[0135] Within the stepped landing assemblies 250 of the trailer stand 120, all but the last landing area 260 of the plurality of landing areas 260 includes an associated riser 261 of the plurality of risers 261. The riser 261 associated with each landing area 260 is positioned next to the landing area 260 and rises up to a height greater than that of the landing area 260. The riser 261 associated with each landing area 260 is provided for stopping the trailer 160, as the trailer 160 is advanced along the landing area 260, so that the trailer 160 does not advance past the end of the landing area 260. In the embodiments where the landing areas 260 include the plurality of bumpers 258 (such as shown in Figures 1 to 7C and 11A to 11 B), each bumper 258 can, together with the risers 261 on the inner and outer stepped plates 252, 254, define a contact surface. The trailer 160 will abut the contact surface when it has been fully advanced along one of the plurality of landing areas 260.

[0136] In the shunting of the trailer stand 120 via the lifting apparatus 110 and shunt vehicle 102, an operator of the shunt vehicle 102 can use contact between the trailer 160 and one of the risers as an indicator that the underside 160a of the trailer 160 is disposed in place over a landing area 260 that is adjacent to the riser 261 being contacted. In this position, the trailer 160 can be said to have been “fully received” over the landing area 260.

[0137] In at least some embodiments of the present disclosure, the at least one blocking member 720 of the apparatus 700 is structured, when in the blocking position, to prevent the trailer 160 from advancing fully along the corresponding landing area 260a and abutting a riser 261 adjacent the corresponding landing area 260a. In this way, the at least one blocking member 720 acts to prevent the trailer 160 from being fully received above the corresponding landing area 260a.

[0138] In an embodiment such as shown in Figures 7B and 7C, the at least one blocking member 720 is the plurality of blocking members 720, and each blocking member 720of the plurality of blocking members 720 is positioned on the base 710 such that in the blocking position, the at least one blocking face 722 of each blocking member 720is disposed in-front of the riser 261 of the corresponding landing area 260a. By positioning the blocking members 720 in this way, a trailer 160 being advanced above and along the corresponding landing area 260a at a height below the predetermined distance (D1) will abut the blocking member 720 and be substantially prevented from being fully received over the corresponding landing area 260a.

[0139] In an additional embodiment of the disclosure such as shown in Figures 11 A to 11 B, the at least one blocking member 720 is pivotably connected to the base 710 for pivoting from the blocking position towards the withdrawn position in a first rotational direction (R1), and for pivoting from the withdrawn position towards the blocking position in a second rotational direction (R2) opposite the first. Said another way, the at least one blocking member 720 is pivotably connected to the base 710for pivoting back-and-forth between the blocking and withdrawn positions in opposing first and second rotational directions (R1, R2).

[0140] In the specific embodiment provided in Figures 7A to 12, each of the plurality of blocking members 720 is connected to the base 710 so as to be substantially vertical when in the blocking position and substantially horizontal (or angled below the horizontal) when in the withdrawn position.

[0141] In an additional embodiment such as shown in Figure 11 B, the second rotational direction (R2) of motion for the at least one blocking member 720 on the base 710 is generally towards the back of the trailer stand 120, and the first rotational direction (R1) is generally towards the front of the trailer stand 120. Effectively, the second rotational direction (R2) for the at least one blocking member 720 is in the same general direction along which the trailer 160 moves when the trailer 160 is being advanced along one of the landing areas 260. In this embodiment, the apparatus 700 is structured for at least partially limiting the rotation of the at least one blocking member 720 in the second rotational direction (R2) such that the at least one blocking member 720 cannot rotate past the blocking position in the second rotational direction (R2).

[0142] In an embodiment such as shown in 7A to 12, the apparatus 700 includes at least one primary stopper element 750 that corresponds to the at least one blocking member 720. The at least one primary stopper element 750 is positioned relative to the at least one blocking member 720 on the base 710 such that when the at least one blocking member 720 is in the blocking position, a portion of the blocking member 720 will abut the primary stopper element 750 and thereby prevent further rotation of the at least one blocking member 720 in the second rotational direction (R2). The primary stopper element 750 effectively provides a “hard stop” for the motion of the at least one blocking member 720 in the second rotational direction (R2) so that the at least one blocking member 720 cannot be pushed past the blocking position when the trailer 160 abuts the at least one blocking member 720.

[0143] In an additional embodiment such as provided in Figure 8A to 9, the at least one primary stopper element 750 is a plurality of primary stopper elements 750 that correspond to the plurality of blocking members 720. Each primary stopper element 750 of the plurality of primary stopper elements 750 is positioned on the base 710 proximate a separate and distinct one of the plurality of blocking members 720 to prevent the blocking member 720 from rotating beyond the blocking position in the second rotational direction.

[0144] In the specific embodiment provided in Figures 8A to 9, the plurality of primary stopper elements 750 are formed as a plurality of stopper blocks 750a. These stopper blocks 750a are mounted on the base plate 710a (but could also be integrally formed with the base plate 710a) and are positioned below the pivot point of the associated blocking finger. The positioning of the stopper blocks 750a is such that the second free end of each blocking finger 720a will abut an associated stopper block 750a when the blocking finger 720a is in the blocking position, thereby preventing the blocking finger 720a from being rotated any further in the second rotational direction. It will be readily apparent that the stopper blocks 750a do not inhibit the motion of the blocking finger 720a in the first rotational direction (R1) at all, and as such the blocking finger 720a is able to rotate relatively freely towards the withdrawn position when the trailer 160 is lowered down on top of the blocking finger 720a.

[0145] In an embodiment such as provided in Figures 11C and 11 D, the apparatus 700 includes at least one secondary stopper element 770 that corresponds to the at least one blocking member 720. The at least one secondary stopper element 770 is provided as part of the apparatus 700 to inhibit the rotation of the at least one blocking member 720 in the first rotational direction such that the at least one blocking member 720 cannot rotate substantially past the withdrawn position in the first rotational direction. The at least one secondary stopper element770 is positioned on the base 710 to prevent this rotation of the at least one blocking member 720 substantially past the withdrawn position.

[0146] The at least one secondary stopper element 770 is positioned relative to the at least one blocking member 720 on the base 710 such that when the at least one blocking member 720 is in the withdrawn position, a portion of the blocking member 720 will abut the secondary stopper element 770 and the blocking element 720 will thereby be prevented from further rotating in the first rotational direction (R1). The secondary stopper element 770 thereby provides a “hard stop”, similar to the primary stopper element 750, such that the at least one blocking member 720 cannot be pushed past the withdrawn position when the trailer 160 is lowered down on top of the at least one blocking member 720 and the at least one blocking member 720 rotates from the blocking position towards the withdrawn position.

[0147] In the specific embodiment provided in Figures 11C and 11 D, the at least one secondary stopper element 770 is a plurality of secondary stopper elements 770 that are formed as a plurality of stopper bolt covers 770a. Each stopper bolt cover 770a of the plurality of stopper bolt covers 770a is mounted on top of a screw 731 of one of the plurality of screw assemblies 730, and each screw assembly 730 of the plurality of screw assemblies 730 is positioned proximate one blocking finger 720a. As the blocking finger 720a pivots in the first rotational direction, towards the withdrawn position, the blocking finger 720a will abut an associated stopper bolt cover 770a when the blocking finger 720a is in the withdrawn position, and the stopper bolt cover 770a will thereby prevent the blocking finger 720a from being rotated any further in the first rotational direction. It will be readily apparent that the stopper bolt covers 770a do not inhibit the motion of the blocking finger 720a in the first rotational direction (R1) at all and as such, the blocking finger 720a is able to rotate relatively freely towards the withdrawn position when the trailer 160 is lowered down on top of the blocking finger 720a.

[0148] In an embodiment such as provided in Figures 7A to 12, each blocking member 720of the plurality of blocking members 720 is eccentrically, pivotably connected to the base 710 such that lowering the trailer 160 onto the blocking member 720drives the blocking member 720to eccentrically pivot from the blocking position to the withdrawn position. By eccentrically connecting the blocking members on the base 710 of the apparatus 700, the area over which the underside 160a of the trailer 160 can contact the blocking member 720(as the trailer 160 is lowered towards the landing area) and still cause the blocking member 720to pivot in the first rotational direction is larger.

[0149] In the specific embodiment provided in Figures 7A to 12, the plurality of blocking fingers 720a are a plurality of eccentrically pivotably connected fingers 720a that are eccentrically biased towards the first rotational direction.

[0150] In an embodiment such as shown in Figure 12, the plurality of blocking members 720 are provided as further eccentrically biased due to the positioning of the contact point between the blocking members and the underside 160a of the trailer 160. The blocking member 720 is formed such that the contact point which the underside 160a of trailer 160 will contact is a position off of a longitudinal axis (L1) of the blocking member 720. In this way, the contact point on each blocking member 720can be said to be an eccentric contact point. By providing an eccentric contact point, a moment is generated during contact of the underside 160a of the trailer 160 at the contact point, thereby causing the blocking member 720to pivot in the first rotational direction towards the withdrawn position. In general, each blocking member 720 of the plurality of blocking members 720 includes at least one secondary contact face 724, where the at least one secondary contact face 724 defines the eccentric contact point of the blocking member 720.

[0151] In an additional embodiment such as provided in Figures 10E, 10F, 10G and 12, the secondary contact face 724 is positioned on the blocking member 720such that when the spacing between the underside 160a of the trailer 160 andthe corresponding landing area 260a is greater than the predetermined distance (D1) and the trailer 160 is then lowered into contact with the blocking member 720, the underside 160a of the trailer 160 contacts at least the secondary contact face 724 of the blocking member 720 for driving the blocking member 720towards the withdrawn position.

[0152] In another additional embodiment such as provided in Figure 12, the secondary contact face 724 of each blocking member 720is an angled secondary contact face 724 which is tapered and formed at an acute angle relative to the longitudinal axis (L1) of the blocking member 720.

[0153] In the specific embodiment provided in Figure 12, the secondary contact face 724 of each of the plurality of blocking members 720 is an angled secondary contact face 724a. The angled secondary contact face 724a extends down from a topmost end of the blocking finger 720a, along part of the length of the blocking finger 720a. The angled secondary contact face 724a is formed on a rear longitudinal face of the blocking finger 720a opposite the blocking face 722 of the blocking finger 720a.

[0154] In the installation and use of the apparatus 700 as disclosed herein, the apparatus 700 may be mounted to, or integrally formed on the trailer stand 120 in various arrangements. While the embodiments provided in Figures 7A to 12 depict the base plate 710a of the apparatus 700 mounted to the stepped outer walls of the trailer stand 120, it will be readily understood that other arrangements of the apparatus 700 on the trailer stand 120 could be provided. For example, the base plate 710a of the apparatus 700 could be mounted on the stepped inner plates 252 of the trailer stand 120 instead of on the stepped outer walls.

[0155] Referring to Figure 13, there is provided an alternate embodiment of the trailer stand 120 and the anti-pinch apparatus 700. In this embodiment, the trailer stand 120 is a height adjustable trailer stand 810, and the anti-pinch apparatus 700 is integrated as part of the height-adjustable trailer stand 810. Figures 13 to 16 show different views of the height-adjustable trailer stand 810 embodiment of the trailerstand 120. While the embodiment of the anti-pinch apparatus 700 on the height- adjustable trailer stand 810 is an integral anti-pinch apparatus 700, it will be readily understood that the apparatus 700 may be mounted to, or integrally formed on the trailer stand 120 in various arrangements. For example, the apparatus 700 may include the base plate 710a and be mounted to the stepped inner plate 252 of the height-adjustable trailer stand 810.

[0156] The structure of the height-adjustable trailer stand 810 will now be described with reference to the drawings.

[0157] In an embodiment, the height-adjustable trailer stand 810 comprises a frame 812, a lifting system 814, a wheel assembly 816, and two stepped landing assemblies 818. Each stepped landing assembly of the two stepped landing assemblies 818 is a series of support surfaces or landing areas 260 configured as a plurality of vertically oriented steps.

[0158] In an additional embodiment, the frame 812 of the height-adjustable trailer stand 810, shown in Figure 15A, comprises two leg assemblies 820 at each side of the height-adjustable trailer stand 810. Each of the leg assemblies 820 may have a front leg 822 and a back leg 824. In this embodiment, each front leg and each back leg comprise two elongated metal plates 828 connected substantially along one of their lengths to an inside elongated metal plate 830 and connected along one of their widths to a bottom base plate 832, such that the two elongated metal plates 828 are normal to the bottom base plate 832. Each bottom base plate 832 may sit on a ground surface, when positioned on the ground. While each front leg 822 and back leg 824 is shown to be a substantially U-shaped channel, it is understood that they may be any shape, such as, for example, a tubular shape.

[0159] Each front leg 822 and each back leg 824 may be connected by at least one cross support 834. While two cross supports are shown in Figures 13 and 14, it is understood that any number of cross supports may be employed to ensure the stability of the frame 812. Each cross support 834 may be connected to a gusset 835under each cross support 834 where the cross support connects to each leg 822, 824. The gussets 835 may be made from a metal sheet or plate and may be substantially triangular in shape; however, any shaped gusset 835 may be employed to create the appropriate amount of reinforcement to the trailer stand and frame.

[0160] In an embodiment, each leg assembly 820 of the height-adjustable trailer stand 810 may be connected by a plurality of cross supports, traversing the width of the height-adjustable trailer stand 810, creating the frame 812 around the lifting system 814. The plurality of cross supports may be of a width wide enough so that the height-adjustable trailer stand 810 is wide enough to support the full width of a semi-trailer, approximately 66". However, while the figures show a wide frame, it is understood that the height-adjustable trailer stand 810 may accommodate a frame 812 of any width. Figures 13 to 15A show the frame 812 to have a top front cross support 836, connected to the upper portion of each front leg, for example, the top of each front leg 822. The frame may also have a bottom front cross support 838, shown in Figures 13 and 14, connected to the lower portion of each front leg 822. The frame 812 may also have a top back cross support 840 connected to the lower portion of each back leg 824, for example, the top of each back leg 824, as shown in Figures 13 to 15A. The top back cross support 840 may have a handle 842 for user operation. The handle 842 is shaped and positioned on the top back cross support 840 such that a user or operator is a safe distance away from the semi-trailer when positioning the height-adjustable trailer stand 810 underneath the front nose portion of the trailer. Figures 13 to 15A show that the frame 812 may have two angled cross braces 844, connecting the top front cross support 836 to the bottom front cross support 838, to add stability to the frame 812. Figures 13 to 15A show that the frame 812 may also have two angled cross braces 846, connecting the top front cross support 836 to the top back cross support 840 to add stability to the frame. It is understood that while two angled cross braces 844, 846 are shown, any number of braces at any angle may be used to provide stability to the frame.

[0161] The cross supports and cross braces may be made from, but not limited to metal tubing, such as steel tubing.

[0162] Each leg assembly 820 may support a stepped landing assembly 818 shown in Figure 15B.

[0163] In an embodiment, the two stepped landing assemblies 818 of the height- adjustable trailer stand 810 include at least some of the above-described features of the stepped landing assemblies 250. For example, the two stepped landing assemblies 818 can include a stepped inner plate 252 and a stepped outer plate 254. The two stepped landing assemblies 818 can also include the plurality of treads 262 and plurality of risers 261 disposed between the plurality of treads 262. The top of each of the stepped inner and outer walls 252, 254 acts much like stringers in stair construction, having the treads 262 and risers 261, which align when each stepped wall is assembled to form the stepped wall assembly 818. The plurality of treads 262 of each of the two stepped landing assemblies 818 can thereby define the plurality of landing areas 260 on each of the two stepped landing assemblies 818.

[0164] In the specific embodiment provided in Figures 15B and 15C, each stepped landing assembly 818 includes stepped inner and outer walls 252, 254, where the stepped inner and outer walls 252, 254 are substantially symmetrical. The bottom of each stepped wall has, at each end, a downward arm 850, which fits within the channels created by the back and front legs 822, 824. Each of the downward arms 850 are connected by an elongated metal plate, thereby connecting the stepped inner and outer walls 252, 254, to form the stepped landing assembly 818. Each of the downward arms 850 has a plurality of holes 852 which substantially align with holes 854 in the back and front legs 822, 824, to connect and lock the stepped landing assembly 818 to the back and front legs 822, 824, allowing the stepped landing assembly 818 to be adjusted for height. When the stepped landing assembly 818 is adjusted to an appropriate height, a securing element (such as a clevis pin) may be placed in the appropriate hole 854 in the back (or front) leg 824, and insertedtherethrough to the aligned hole 852 in the first downward arm 850 and therethrough to the aligned hole 852 in the second downward arm 850 therethrough to the aligned hole 854 on the other side of the leg 822, 824. The securing element may be held in place by a suitable pin or other holding means. While it is shown that the legs 822, 824 have two holes 854 to align with the holes 852 in the stepped landing assembly 818, it is understood that any number of holes is possible to connect the stepped landing assembly to the legs.

[0165] In an additional embodiment, a sloped plate 866 connects the tops of the stepped inner and outer walls 252, 254 below each riser 261. The sloped plate 866 connects the stepped inner and outer walls 252, 254 together to make the weldment stronger by forming a box section. Another advantage of the sloped plate 866 is to assist in painting so that it is only the exterior of the weldment that needs to be painted and all painted surfaces are easily accessible for powder coating. At the top of the back of the stepped wall assembly 818 is a stop plate 864, which is substantially higher than the top riser of the stepped wall assembly 818. The stop plate 864 allows an operator to position the height-adjustable trailer stand 810 under a semi-trailer, giving a visual indication for how far under the semi-trailer the height-adjustable trailer stand 810 may be positioned. The stop plate 864 acts a positioning aid and is a hard stop to prevent the height-adjustable trailer stand 810 from sliding too far underneath the trailer.

[0166] In the use of the height-adjustable trailer stand 810, the height-adjustable trailer stand 810 is positioned under the trailer 160 until it reaches the one of the landing areas 260 with the height that corresponds with the height of the underside 160a of the trailer 160 off the ground surface. In this configuration, the trailer stand 810 is in the supporting position or mode such that if the landing gear of the trailer 160 collapses or fails and the trailer 160 begins to nose dive, the underside 160a of the trailer 160 will collapse onto and engage the given, designated or supporting landing area 260 and the trailer 160 will be supported on this landing area 260.

[0167] The height-adjustable trailer stand 810 is configured such that a height of the top surfaces of the two stepped landing assemblies 818 can be adjusted relative to a ground surface on which the height-adjustable trailer stand 810 sits. By adjusting the height of the top surface of the two stepped landing assemblies 818, the landing areas 260 can be brought closer or further away from the underside of the trailer 160. The height of the top surfaces of the two stepped landing assemblies 818 is adjusted by aligning the holes 852 (shown in Figure 15B) in the downward arms 850 to the appropriate holes 854 in the legs 822, 824. In some embodiments of the height- adjustable trailer stand 810, the treads 262 and / or risers 261 may be outfitted with bumpers (similar or the same as the bumpers 258) made of rubber or other shock absorbent material for abutting the trailer 160.

[0168] In an embodiment such as shown in Figures 16, 17A and, 17B, the apparatus 700 is integrally formed on each of the two stepped assemblies 818 of the height-adjustable trailer stand 810. The apparatus 700 is integrally formed with the stepped assembly 818 such that the stepped inner plate 252 of the stepped assembly 818 forms the base 710 of the apparatus. The plurality of blocking members 720 are formed as a plurality of curved blocking fingers 720f. Each curved blocking finger 720f of the plurality of curved blocking fingers 720f is spaced apart from the other curved blocking fingers 720f along the stepped inner plate 252. Each curved blocking finger 720f is pivotably connected to the stepped inner plate 252, adjacent a distinct one of the treads 262 on the stepped inner plate 252 such that each curved blocking finger 720f of the plurality of curved blocking fingers 720f corresponds to a separate and distinct landing area 260 of the plurality of landing areas 260. The blocking face 722 of each curved blocking finger 720f is positioned on the curved blocking finger 720f such that contact between the trailer 160 and the blocking face 722 does not drive any motion of the curved blocking finger 722f, and the curved blocking finger 722f remains in the blocking position. The at least one blocking face 722 of eachcurved blocking finger 720f is a front, longitudinal face of the curved blocking finger 722f.

[0169] In an additional embodiment, each blocking finger 720f of the plurality of curved blocking fingers 720f is eccentrically, pivotably connected to the stepped inner plate 252 such that lowering the trailer 160 onto the blocking finger 270f drives the blocking finger 270f to eccentrically pivot from the blocking position to the withdrawn position. By eccentrically connecting the blocking finger 270f on the base 710 of the apparatus 700, the area over which the underside 160a of the trailer 160 can contact the blocking finger 270f (as the trailer 160 is lowered towards the landing area) and still cause the curved blocking finger 270f to pivot in the first rotational direction is larger.

[0170] In an additional embodiment such as provided in Figures 17A and 17B, the secondary contact face 724 of each curved blocking finger 720f is positioned on the blocking member such that when the spacing between the underside 160a of the trailer 160 and the corresponding landing area 260a is greater than the predetermined distance (D1) and the trailer 160 is then lowered into contact with the blocking member 720, the underside 160a of the trailer 160 contacts at least the secondary contact face 724 of the blocking member 720 for driving the blocking member towards the withdrawn position.

[0171] In another additional embodiment such as provided in Figures 17A and 17B, the secondary contact face 724 of each curved blocking finger 720f is a curved, rear longitudinal face of the curved blocking finger 720f which is tapered along the length of the curved blocking finger 720f. The curved, rear longitudinal face of the curved blocking finger 720f extends down from a topmost end of the blocking finger 720f, along the length of the blocking finger 720f. The curved portion of this curved, rear longitudinal face extends substantially along the length of the curved blocking finger 720f.

[0172] The above-described embodiments are intended to be examples of the present disclosure and alterations and modifications may be affected thereto, by those of skill in the art, without departing from the scope of the disclosure that is defined solely by the claims appended hereto.

[0173] The specific embodiments described above have been shown by way of example, and it should be understood that these embodiments may be susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms. It should be further understood that the above-described embodiments are intended to be examples of the present disclosure and alterations and modifications may be affected thereto, by those of skill in the art, without departing from the scope of the disclosure that is defined solely by the claims appended hereto.Reference Numerals102 shunt vehicle110 lifting apparatus112 support structure120 trailer stand160 trailer160a underside of the trailer200 shuntable trailer stand200a stepped shuntable trailer stand210 receiving channel220 hook-shaped members220a hooks222 angled tip portion224 u-shaped channel232 front legs233 front cross supportrear legs rear cross support bottom plate leg bracing member angled support beam angle brackets support blocks fasteners stepped landing assembly a pair of stepped landing assemblies stepped inner plate stepped outer plate frame members plurality of bumpers landing areas a corresponding landing area b alternate landing area risers treads rectangular bar partially elastic plates bore hole anti-pinch apparatus base a base plate b plate treads c plate risers mounting aperturessecondary receiving apertures blocking member a blocking finger b first end c second end d pivot point e through aperture blocking face secondary contact face a angled secondary contact face screw assembly screw washer locknut mounting screw assembly mounting screw locknut primary stopper element a stopper block secondary stopper elementa stopper bolt cover

Claims

What is claimed is:1 . An apparatus for providing a vertical gap between an underside of a nose of a trailer when the trailer is being supported by a landing gear, and a supporting surface of a trailer stand when at least a portion of the trailer stand is advanced beneath the trailer in a supporting position with the supporting surface capable of supporting the trailer in the event of the nose tipping, the nose dropping or a failure of the landing gear, the trailer stand having a plurality of landing areas in the form of vertically-oriented steps for supporting the underside of the trailer during the nose tipping, the nose dropping orthe failure of the landing gear, where when the trailer stand is in the supporting position, a given one of the plurality of landing areas defines the supporting surface of the trailer stand, the apparatus comprising: a base that is connectable to the trailer stand; and at least one blocking member that corresponds to a corresponding landing area of the plurality of landing areas, the at least one blocking member being movably connected to the base for moving thereabout between a blocking position and a withdrawn position; wherein the at least one blocking member extends to a predetermined distance above the corresponding landing area when in the blocking position; wherein when the at least a portion of the trailer stand is advanced beneath the trailer and a spacing between the corresponding landing area and the underside of the trailer is less than the predetermined distance above the corresponding landing area, the at least one blocking member blocks the trailer stand from being advanced further beneath the trailer and the corresponding landing area is not located beneath the underside of the trailer; wherein when the at least a portion of the trailer stand is advanced beneath the trailer and the spacing between the corresponding landing area and the underside of the trailer is greater than the predetermined distance above the corresponding landing area, the at least one blocking member permits the trailer stand to be advanced further beneath the trailer providing the vertical gap between the underside of the trailer and the supporting surface of the trailer stand and the corresponding landing area is locatedbeneath the underside of the trailer such that the corresponding landing area provides the supporting surface capable of supporting the trailer in the event of the nose tipping, the nose dropping or the failure of the landing gear; and wherein the at least one blocking member is structured such that when the corresponding landing area is located beneath the trailer, and the underside of the trailer moves to a secondary distance from the corresponding landing area that is less than the predetermined distance from the corresponding landing area, the at least one blocking member is driven from the blocking position towards the withdrawn position such that the at least one blocking member allows the trailer stand to be withdrawn from beneath the trailer.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein each blocking member corresponds to a separate and distinct landing area of the plurality of landing areas.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one blocking member is structured such that when the at least one blocking member blocks the trailer stand from being advanced further under the trailer, a secondary landing area adjacent the corresponding landing area is located beneath the underside of the trailer such that the secondary landing area provides the supporting surface capable of supporting the underside of the trailer in the event of the nose tipping, the nose dropping or failure of the landing gear.

4. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the at least one blocking member is pivotably connected to the base for pivoting thereabout between the blocking position and the withdrawn position.

5. The apparatus of any one of claims to 1 to 4, wherein the at least one blocking member is eccentrically, pivotably connected to the base such that when the underside of the trailer moves to the secondary distance from the corresponding landing area that is less than the predetermined distance from the corresponding landing area and the underside of the trailer engages the at least one blocking member, the at least oneblocking member is driven to eccentrically pivot from the blocking position to the withdrawn position.

6. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein an axis of rotation of the at least one blocking member about the base is offset from a central, longitudinal axis of the at least one blocking member.

7. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the at least one blocking member includes a secondary contact face; and wherein the secondary contact face is positioned on the at least one blocking member such that when the underside of the trailer moves to the secondary distance from the corresponding landing area that is less than the predetermined distance from the corresponding landing area and engages with the at least one blocking member, the underside of the trailer engages at least the secondary contact face for driving the at least one blocking member towards the withdrawn position.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the secondary contact face is an angled face that is formed at an acute angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the at least one blocking member.

9. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the at least one blocking member is pivotably connected to the base for pivoting from the blocking position towards the withdrawn position in a first rotational direction, and for pivoting from the withdrawn position towards the blocking position in a second rotational direction opposite the first.

10. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the at least one blocking member is pivotably connected to the base for pivoting back-and-forth between the blocking and withdrawn positions in opposing first and second rotational directions.11 . The apparatus of claim 10, further comprising at least one primary stopper element that corresponds to the at least one blocking member.

12. The apparatus of claim 11 , wherein the at least one primary stopper element is positioned on the base to prevent the at least one blocking member from rotating beyond the blocking position in the second rotational direction.

13. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the at least one blocking member includes at least one blocking face; and wherein the at least one blocking face is structured for abutting a vertical wall of the nose of the trailer when the at least a portion of the trailer stand is advanced beneath the trailer and the spacing between the corresponding landing area and the underside of the trailer is less than the predetermined distance above the corresponding landing area.

14. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein each landing area of the plurality of landing areas includes a riser, wherein each riser is for abutting a vertical wall of the nose of the trailer as the at least a portion of the trailer stand is advanced beneath the trailer and the spacing between the corresponding landing area and the underside of the trailer is greater than the predetermined distance above the corresponding landing area.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the at least one blocking member is positioned on the base such that in the blocking position, the at least one blocking face of the at least one blocking member is disposed in-front of the riser of the corresponding landing area.

16. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the base is removably mountable to the trailer stand.

17. A trailer stand for use with a trailer that is supported on landing gear, the trailer stand comprising:a plurality of landing areas for supporting an underside of a nose of the trailer during the nose tipping, the nose dropping or a failure of the landing gear; an apparatus for providing a gap between the underside of the trailer and at least one landing area of the plurality of landing areas when the trailer is supported on the landing gear and the at least one landing area is advanced beneath the underside of the trailer in a supporting position, the apparatus comprising: a base that is connectable to the trailer stand; and at least one blocking member that corresponds to the at least one landing area, the at least one blocking member being movably connected to the base for moving thereabout between a blocking position and a withdrawn position; wherein the at least one blocking member extends to a predetermined distance above the at least one landing area when in the blocking position; wherein when at least a portion of the trailer stand is advanced beneath the trailer and a spacing between the at least one landing area and the underside of the trailer is less than the predetermined distance above the at least one landing area, the at least one blocking member blocks the trailer stand from being advanced further beneath the trailer and the at least one landing area is not located beneath the underside of the trailer; wherein when the at least a portion of the trailer stand is advanced beneath the trailer and the spacing between the at least one landing area and the underside of the trailer is greater than the predetermined distance above the at least one landing area, the blocking member permits the trailer stand to be advanced further beneath the trailer and the at least one landing area is located beneath the underside of the trailer such that the underside of the trailer can engage the at least one landing area during the nose tipping, the nose dropping or the failure of the landing gear and the trailer is supported by the trailer stand; and wherein the at least one blocking member is structured such that when the at least one landing area is located beneath the underside of the trailer, and the underside of the trailer moves to a secondary distance from the corresponding landing area that is less than the predetermined distance from the corresponding landing area and the underside of the trailer engages the at least one blocking member, the at least oneblocking member is driven from the blocking position towards the withdrawn position such that the at least one blocking member does not obstruct the movement of the at least one landing area relative to the trailer when the trailer stand is being withdrawn from beneath the trailer.

18. The trailer stand of claim 17, wherein each blocking member corresponds to a separate and distinct landing area of the plurality of landing areas.

19. The trailer stand of claim 17 or 18, wherein the at least one blocking member is structured such that when the at least one blocking member blocks the at least a portion of the trailer stand from being advanced further under the trailer, a secondary landing area adjacent the corresponding landing area is located beneath the underside of the trailer such that the secondary landing area provides the supporting surface capable of supporting underside of the trailer in the event of the nose tipping, the nose dropping or the failure of the landing gear.

20. The trailer stand of any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein the at least one blocking member is pivotably connected to the base for pivoting thereabout between the blocking position and the withdrawn position.

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