Hydraulically controlled flatbed trailer

Claim 1

A flat bed trailer adapted to be connected by the front end thereof to a source of motive power such as a tractor cab unit; said flat bed trailer comprising in combination a substantially rectangular flat bed, a rear wheel assembly mounted adjacent the rear end of said flat bed, means on the front end of said flat bed attaching same to the associated source of motive power, and means to raise and lower said flat bed from a ground engaging position to a towing position, said last-mentioned means including further means mounting said rear wheel assembly to said flat bed, said further means including an axle member pivotally secured transversely to said flat bed upon each side thereof, a wheel arm extending at an angle from said axle member, a ground engaging wheel on the end of each of said arms, an actuating link also extending at an angle from said axle member, hydraulic cylinder and piston assemblies extending between said flat bed and said actuating link, the extension and retraction of said piston and cylinder assembly raising and lowering said rear end of said flat bed relative to said ground engaging wheels, said means on the front end of said flat bed attaching same to said source of motive power including a substantially vertical standard secured to said source of motive power, a sleeve engaging said standard for sliding movement therealong, an attaching component secured to said flat bed and to said sleeve, and an hydraulic cylinder and piston assembly operatively connected between said attaching component and said standard, the extension and retraction of said cylinder and piston assembly raising and lowering respectively, the front end of said flat bed relative to the ground.