Self-loading trailer

Claim 2

A self-loading trailer for handling a load, which trailer comprises, in combination: a. a load cradle having a front portion, a rear portion and a cross bar carried by the front portion; b. wheel means supporting the cradle through a first pivotal axis for tilting the cradle in both the forward and rearward directions; c. a load engaging arm carried by the cross bar for free pivotal movement with respect to the front portion of the cradle; d. a hitch frame having a first end pivotally connected to the front portion of the cradle through a second pivotal axis and a second end for connecting to a tow vehicle through a third pivotal axis wherein, when the trailer is being pulled in a forward direction;

Claim 3

the horizontal plane within which the second pivotal axis is located is disposed above the cross bar, and 2. the horizontal plane within which the third pivotal axis is located is disposed above the horizontal plane within which the first pivotal axis is located; e. the hitch frame including at least one leg portion extending substantially rearwardly of the second pivotal axis for bearing downwardly against the cross bar and stopping the forward tilting movement of the cradle, with the second pivotal axis being disposed intermediate the leg portion and the second end of the hitch frame; and f. a cross brace for supporting the pivotal arm in a substantially upwardly extending position, which cross brace is carried by the first end of the hitch frame and is disposed forwardly of and above the cross bar when the trailer is being pulled in a forward direction.

Claim 4

the horizontal plane within which the second pivotal axis is located is disposed above the cross bar, and 2. the horizontal plane within which the third pivotal axis is located is disposed above the horizontal plane within which the first pivotal axis is located; e. the hitch frame including at least one leg portion extending substantially rearwardly of the second pivotal axis for bearing downwardly against the cross bar and stopping the forward tilting movement of the cradle, with the second pivotal axis being disposed intermediate the leg portion and the second end of the hitch frame; and f. a cross brace for supporting the pivotal arm in a substantially upwardly extending position, which cross brace is carried by the first end of the hitch frame and is disposed forwardly of and above the cross bar when the trailer is being pulled in a forward direction.

Claim 5

The trailer of claim 1 wherein the load engaging arm includes: a. a free terminal end, and b. a load engaging means carried by the free terminal end.

Claim 6

The trailer of claim 2 wherein the load engaging means includes a plurality of tines.

Claim 7

The trailer of claim 1 wherein the rear portion of the cradle includes means for engaging the ground surface.

Claim 8

The trailer of claim 4 wherein the ground engaging means includes a cylindrical-shaped roller.

Claim 9

The trailer of claim 1 wherein the wheel means includes: a. an axle, b. a wheel rotatably carried adjacent each end of the axle, and c. brake means for locking the wheels against rotation during tilting of the cradle.

Claim 10

The trailer of claim 1 wherein the cradle is of a substantially arcuate configuration.

Claim 11

The trailer of claim 1 wherein the second end of the hitch frame includes means for detachably connecting the hitch frame to the tow vehicle.

Claim 12

The trailer of claim 1 wherein the hitch frame includes two leg portions.

Claim 13

The trailer of claim 9 wherein the two leg portions are each of a substantially elongate configuration and have substantially parallel longitudinal axes.