Abstract:
The modular trailer of the present invention generally includes a base frame, a tire assembly, a tongue assembly, an end assembly and at least one modular carrier assembly. The modular carrier assembly is available in a plurality of configurations and can be used for transporting vehicles such as personal watercraft, all terrain vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles, golf carts and lawn and garden equipment. The modular carrier assemblies are removably securable to the base frame assembly to provide a myriad of structural and functional configurations for the trailer system. Each carrier assembly is fully compatible with the base frame and designed for ease-of-use and installation. Modular engagement of the carrier assembly to the base frame assembly is generally achieved using channeling frame members and fasteners and securing means capable of engagement and securement substantially without the use of tools. Additionally, the collapsible features of the adjustable portions of the base frame provide significant storability benefits.

Description:
PRIORITY  
       [0001]    The present invention claims priority to Provisional Application No. 60/341,502 filed Dec. 17, 2001, entitled MODULAR TRAILER SYSTEM and is incorporated by reference herein. 
     
    
     
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    The present invention relates generally to trailers, and more particularly to trailers capable of accepting a plurality of modular assemblies to substantially alter the design and use of the trailer while also allowing for collapsibility and storability.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0003]    Various configurations for sport and utility trailers have become commonplace. These trailers are generally referred to as small utility trailers. Conventional practice is to manufacture a trailer that is designed for use in one specific area. For instance, trailers are commonly manufactured to transport boats, snowmobiles, motorcycles, bicycles, All Terrain Vehicles (ATV&#39;s), Personal Watercraft (PWC&#39;s), canoes, kayaks, golf carts, lawn and garden equipment and other recreational or maintenance equipment. In addition, trailers are often designed around transporting non-sport related equipment, materials, and goods. Trailers having small bed walls are often used for holding cargo such as tools, lumber, furniture, gravel, and the like.  
           [0004]    The most significant drawback of the aforementioned trailers is that each one is designed for a single, narrow application. Consequently, an individual is typically required to purchase a separate trailer for each application. At the most, attempts are made to utilize flatbed trailers for two or three various applications. For instance, an end user may use it to haul cargo, and to transport ATVs or other more stable vehicles. However, since these flatbed trailers do not take into account the intricacies of popular trailered vehicles such as PWC&#39;s and motorcycles, features such as stability, security, safety, and convenience fall by the wayside. As a result, end users are faced with the costly purchase of multiple trailers. In addition to the initial purchase price for the multiplicity of trailers, the storage and maintenance costs associated with owning multiple trailers increases the financial burden and overall inconvenience.  
           [0005]    In addition to the singular focus of conventional trailers, the overall design of these trailers are significantly flawed. Traditional designs are cumbersome, difficult to handle, and difficult to store. Consequently, trailers are primarily purchased and utilized by those willing to tolerate the inconveniences, and to those willing to spend the time and effort required to fully understand and use their trailers. This creates a barrier to popular acceptance of these conventional trailers.  
           [0006]    Even those that choose to use specialized conventional trailers do not need to have the trailers out and ready for use at all times. Conventional designs do not promote ease of storage. This is especially troublesome for those end users having multiple trailers.  
           [0007]    So while outdoor activities are becoming more popular and the purchase and use of recreational vehicles is becoming more common, the transporting of such vehicles has progressed minimally over time. As a result, there is a need for a trailer system that substantially solves the above problems present with conventional trailer designs.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0008]    The present invention solves many of the problems that plague conventional trailer units by providing for a modular trailer system. The embodiments of the present invention are directed to a single modular trailer capable of being configured for use in trailering and storing a variety of different vehicles. The modular trailer is also configurable to transport or store a plurality of vehicles at the same time where the vehicles can be of the same or differing types. In addition, the trailer system in accordance with the present invention is designed for dramatically reducing the overall footprint required to store an unloaded modular trailer when not in use. With an improved modular trailer system (or a sport utility trailer—S.U.T.) such as the one disclosed, safety concerns such as load balancing, weight capacity and environmental factors are also addressed by providing proper compatibility between the transporting objects/vehicles and a correct modular assembly for the trailer.  
           [0009]    The trailer system in accordance with the present invention can include a base assembly having a base frame, a tongue assembly, and a wheel assembly. In addition, a variety of modular assemblies, also known as kits, are removably securable to the base frame assembly to provide a myriad of structural and functional configurations for the trailer system. Each modular assembly or kit is fully compatible with the base frame assembly, and designed for ease-of-use and installation. Modular engagement of the kits to the frame assembly is generally achieved using channeling frame members and fasteners capable of engagement and securement substantially without the use of tools. Alternatively, tools can be provided with each of the corresponding modular assembly kits. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0010]    [0010]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a modular trailer.  
         [0011]    [0011]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a modular trailer.  
         [0012]    [0012]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a base frame for a modular trailer.  
         [0013]    [0013]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an end assembly for a modular trailer  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a tongue assembly for a modular trailer.  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a carrier assembly for a modular trailer.  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a mounting channel for a modular trailer.  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a mounting channel for a modular trailer.  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 9 is an end view of an embodiment of a mounting channel for a modular trailer.  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 10 is a side view of an embodiment of a carrier assembly for a modular trailer.  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 11 is an end view of a tire channel for the carrier assembly of FIG. 10.  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a carrier assembly for a modular trailer.  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 13 is a side view of the carrier assembly of FIG. 12.  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 14 is an end view of the carrier assembly of FIG. 13.  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 15 is a side view of the modular trailer with a PWC carrier assembly.  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a PWC front support.  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 17 is a side view of a winch support.  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the winch support of FIG. 16.  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 19 is a top view of the winch support of FIG. 16.  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 20 is a side view of a roller mount.  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 21 is a side view of the modular trailer in a vertical storage position.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0031]    An embodiment of a modular trailer  100  is depicted in FIG. 1. In its most general configuration, trailer  100  includes a base frame  102 , a tire assembly  104 , a tongue assembly  106 , an end assembly  108  and a carrier assembly  110 . In a preferred embodiment, base frame  102 , end assembly  108  and carrier assembly  110  are manufactured of aluminum to reduce the overall weight of trailer  100 , while tongue assembly  106 , is made out of steel for better stiffness. While aluminum is a preferred material due to its low cost, high strength and its corrosion resistance, other materials exhibiting the same properties could be used as well. Examples of such materials include various plastic polymers, composite materials and other lightweight metals.  
         [0032]    Referring to FIGS.  2 - 3 , base frame  102  is defined by a front end  116 , a rear end  118  and a pair of side members  120 . Side members  120  are linked by a plurality of cross members  124  that lie in a transverse orientation to side members  120 . Side member  120  is a generally hollow member including a series of side member throughbores  126 . In a preferred embodiment, side member throughbores  126  lie in a horizontal plane. Alternatively, side member throughbores  126  can have a vertical orientation. Side member throughbores  126  are dimensioned to accommodate a side member fastener  127 . Most preferably, side member fastener  127  is a screw type fastener including a head design suitable for hand tightening and loosening. Alternatively, side member fastener  127  can be of a spring loaded pin design. Cross member  124  is a generally hollow member onto which a cross member plate  125  is attached, preferably welded. Cross member plate  125  is preferably a zinc plated steel plate including a series of cross member top bores  128  that lie in a vertical plane. Two of the cross members  124  include three cross member horizontal throughbores  129 . Side member  120  also includes an open end  130  at the rear end  118  of base frame  102 . Open end  130  provides access to a hollow interior  132  having a side member interior cross-section  134 . Base frame  102  also includes a pair of connecting angles  136  located proximate to the center of front end  116  and mounted transversely to the cross members  124 . Connecting angles  136  include a series of angle throughbores  138 . The pair of connecting angles  136  are positioned and mounted to accommodate the tongue assembly  106 . In addition, connecting angles  136  are mounted such that corresponding angle throughbores  138  are in horizontal alignment. Base frame  102  also includes a pair of wheel wells  140  and a pair of axle brackets  142 . In a preferred embodiment, base frame  102  is of welded construction. Alternatively, fasteners such as nuts and bolts can be used in assembling base frame  102 .  
         [0033]    Referring to FIG. 2 and FIG. 4, end assembly  108  includes a pair of insertion members  140  and an end member  142 . Insertion member  140  includes a series of insertion throughbores  144  that correspond to the orientation and spacing of side member throughbores  126 . Most preferably, insertion throughbores  144  are threaded to accommodate side member fastener  127 . Insertion member  140  is a generally hollow member having an exterior cross-section  146 . Insertion member  140  is selected such that exterior cross-section  146  will slidably insert into side member interior cross-section  134 . End member  142  also includes an end plate  143  having a series of end member top bores  147 , a license plate bracket  148  and a pair of rear trailer lights  149 .  
         [0034]    Referring to FIG. 2 and FIG. 5, tongue assembly  106  includes a first tongue member  150  and a second tongue member  152 . Both first tongue member  150  and second tongue member  152  have a generally hollow configuration and are preferably welded together. First tongue member  150  includes a plurality of hitch throughbores  154  for mounting a commercially available hitch coupler (not shown). Second tongue member  152  includes a series of tongue throughbores  156  corresponding to the spacing and orientation of angle throughbores  138 . A plurality of tongue fasteners  157  are dimensioned to insert through tongue throughbores  156  and angle throughbores  138 . Preferably, tongue fasteners  157  are of a spring loaded pin design. Alternatively, tongue fasteners could include nuts and bolts or other appropriate fastener designs. Second tongue member  152  is dimensioned such that it fits snugly between connecting angles  136 . Tongue assembly  106  also includes a pair of end caps  158 .  
         [0035]    Referring to FIG. 6, carrier assembly  110  is described generally with reference to a PWC support bunk  159  for ease of description. Carrier assembly  110  will generally include at least one mounting channel  160  and at least one support member  162 . Mounting channel  160  and support member  162  are preferably welded to form carrier assembly  110  but a variety of fasteners could also be employed. Mounting channel  160  includes at least one vertical projection  164  and at least one horizontal channel throughbore  166 . Vertical projection  164  is preferably press-fit into mounting channel  160  but could also be welded. Specific to PWC support bunk  159 , a pair of support extensions  168  connect the pair of mounting channels and a PWC member  170 . PWC member  170  has a generally hollow configuration and includes a plurality of PWC member throughbores  172 . PWC member throughbores  172  are meant to accommodate a series of roller assemblies  173  that are individually fastened with a series of bunk fasteners  171 . Alternatively, a protective cover or sheet can be used in place of roller assemblies  173 .  
         [0036]    Referring to FIGS.  7 - 9 , two embodiments of mounting channel  160  are depicted. A dual bore mounting channel  174  is comprised of a dual top plate  176  and a pair of dual side plates  178 . Dual bore mounting channel  174  is configured such that it can be placed over cross members  124  with the dual top plate  176  and the dual side plates  178  in intimate contact with the exterior of cross member  124 . Dual top plate  176  includes a pair of vertical projections  164  positioned to align with a pair of cross member top bores  128  or end member top bores  147 . Each dual side plate  178  includes a pair of horizontal channel throughbores  166 . The dual side plates  178  are affixed to the dual top plate  176  so that corresponding horizontal channel throughbores  166  are in horizontal alignment. A pair of channel fasteners  179  are fully inserted through the corresponding horizontal channel throughbores  166 . Channel fasteners  179  are preferably of a spring loaded pin design. Alternatively, channel fasteners  179  fasteners can include nuts and bolts, fasteners with retainers, interference fit fasteners or other appropriate fastener designs. In yet another embodiment, channel fasteners  179  can include a single bracket having a pair of mounting ends dimensioned to simultaneously insert into the horizontal channel throughbores  166 .  
         [0037]    A second embodiment of mounting channel  160  includes a single bore-mounting channel  180 . A single bore-mounting channel  180  is comprised of a single top plate  182  and a pair of single side plates  184 . Single bore mounting channel  180  is configured such that it can be placed over cross members  124  with the single top plate  182  and the single side plates  184  in intimate contact with the exterior of cross member  124 . Single top plate  182  includes vertical projection  164  positioned to align with cross member top bores  128  or end member top bores  147 . Each single side plate  184  includes a horizontal channel throughbore  166 . The single side plates  184  are affixed to the single top plate  182  so that corresponding horizontal channel throughbores  166  are in horizontal alignment. A single channel fastener  179  is then fully inserted through the horizontal channel throughbores  166 . While two embodiments of mounting channel  160  have been disclosed, numerous other embodiments are contemplated whereby the number of vertical projections  164  and horizontal channel throughbores  166  could be altered without departing from the spirit of the present invention.  
         [0038]    FIGS.  10 - 11  contain a depiction of an embodiment of carrier assembly  110 , hereafter referred to as bike carrier  186 , configured for carrying motorcycles and bicycles in an upright position. Bike carrier  186  includes a tire channel  188  and a pair of mounting channels  160 . It is specifically contemplated that additional mounting channels  160  could be included as part of bike carrier  186 . It is also specifically contemplated that mounting channels  160  could take the form of either single bore mounting channel  180  or dual bore mounting channel  174 . Most preferably, mounting channels  160  are welded to tire channel  188  however various fastener systems could also be employed.  
         [0039]    Tire channel  188  is preferably comprised of aluminum and includes a first bike member  190  and a second bike member  192 . Tire channel  188  includes a tire cross-section  194  defined by a tire floor  196  and a pair of tapered tire walls  198 . Tire channel  188  may also include a pair of tire top surfaces  200 .  
         [0040]    FIGS.  12 - 14  contain a depiction of a carrier assembly  110 , hereafter referred to as ATV carrier  202  configured for carrying ATV&#39;s, snowmobiles, golf carts, lawn and garden equipment and other vehicles in which a flat carrying surface is desired. ATV carrier  202  or similar flat carrying surface can be used as a utility bed for transporting a myriad of items such as tools, lumber, furniture, gravel and the like. ATV carrier  202  includes a carrier frame  204  comprising a pair of carrier side members  206  and a plurality of carrier cross members  208 . ATV carrier  202  also includes a plurality of mounting channels  160  supporting the carrier cross members  208 . It is specifically contemplated that mounting channels  160  could take the form of either single bore mounting channel  180  or dual bore mounting channel  174 . While ATV carrier  202  is depicted having four mounting channels  160 , it is specifically contemplated that additional mounting channels  160  could be included and the mounting positions on carrier cross members  206  could be adjusted. Fixedly attached to a top mounting surface  210  on carrier cross members  208  is a floor member  212 . Floor member  212  has a generally flat cross-section and is preferably made of treated plywood. Alternatively, floor member  212  can be made of plastic or composite materials. Alternatively, floor member  212  can include tracks, recesses or other grip enhancing surfaces. Each carrier side member  206  includes a projecting end  214  extending above floor member  212 .  
         [0041]    FIGS.  15 - 20  in combination with FIG. 6 contain a depiction of a carrier assembly  110 , hereafter referred to as PWC carrier  216 . PWC carrier  216  includes a pair of PWC support bunks  159 , a PWC front support  218 , a winch mount  220  and a front roller mount  222 . A PWC  223  is depicted as residing on PWC support bunks  159 . Alternatively, canoes and kayaks could be used in conjunction with PWC carrier  216 . PWC front support  218  is a generally hollow member including a front support member  224  having a series of front support throughbores  226  and a pair of mounting brackets  228 . A plurality of support fasteners  227  are dimensioned to fully insert through front support throughbores  226 . Preferably, support fasteners  227  are spring loaded pin fasteners but other fasteners such as nut and bolt, retainer clips and other fastener configurations could be employed. Each mounting bracket  228  consists of a pair of mounting angles  230  having angle bores  232 . A pair of angle fasteners  233  are dimensioned to fully insert through angle bores  232 . Preferably, angle fasteners  233  are spring loaded pin fasteners but other fasteners such as nut and bolt, retainer clip and other fastener configurations could be employed. Preferably, mounting angles  230  are welded to PWC front support  218 . Winch mount  220  includes a pair of corresponding side plates  234  welded to a top plate  236 . Side plate  234  is defined by a bottom surface  238 , a front surface  240 , a radial surface  242  and a top angled surface  244 . Each side plate  234  includes a pair of support bores  246  and a series of radial bores  248 . Top plate  236  includes a series of winch bores  250  for mounting a winch  251 . Front roller mount  222  includes a pair of mounting plates  252  with a v-shaped configuration. Each mounting plate  252  has a front mounting end  254 , a top mounting end  256  and a bottom mounting end  258 . Each mounting plate  252  includes a pair of front mounting bores  260 , a top mounting bore  262  and a bottom mounting bore  264 . Affixed mounting plates  252  using top mounting bores  262  and bottom mounting bores  264  are a pair of rollers  265 .  
         [0042]    [0042]FIG. 21 depicts trailer  100  in a vertical storage position  266 . Trailer  100  rests on end assembly  108  which is in contact with a floor surface  268 . Trailer  100  is shown next to a wall surface  270 .  
         [0043]    In actual use, trailer  100  is assembled by interconnecting the base frame  102  with the tire assembly  104 , tongue assembly  106 , end assembly  108  and at least one carrier assembly  110 . First, tire assembly  104  is mounted to the axle brackets  142 , most preferably using a torsion suspension axle assembly or a set of leaf springs on tire assembly  104 . Next, the tongue assembly  106  is positioned so that the second tongue member  152  resides within the connecting angles  136 . The tongue throughbores  156  are aligned with the angle throughbores  138  and tongue fasteners  157  are fully inserted through the connecting angles  136  and the second tongue member  152  resulting in the tongue assembly  106  being affixed to base frame  102 . The positioning of tongue throughbores  156  and angle throughbores  138  allow tongue assembly  106  to be installed in two distinct locations. The end assembly  108  is then positioned so that insertion members  140  are near to and in alignment with the open ends  130  on side members  120 . The insertion members  140  are inserted a desired length into the open ends  130  such that at least one of the side member throughbores  126  is in alignment with at least one of the insertion member throughbores  144  on both sides of base frame  102 . Side member fastener  127  is then inserted and preferably screwed through the side member throughbores  126  and insertion member throughbores  144  causing the end assembly  108  to be affixed to the base frame  102 . Finally, the user will select one or more carrier assemblies  110  appropriate for the vehicles to be trailered. Carrier assembly  110  can consist of bike carrier  186 , ATV carrier  202  or PWC carrier  216  or any combination thereof. Carrier assembly  110  is lifted into position such that mounting channel  160  is placed over the appropriate cross member  124  such that vertical projection  164  is inserted into cross member top bore  128 . Mounting channel  160  can take the form of either single bore mounting channel  180  or dual bore mounting channel  174 . The interaction of vertical projection  164  and cross member top bore  128  prevents mounting channel  160  from sliding on cross member  124 . Channel fasteners  179  are slidably inserted through horizontal channel throughbores  166 . The combination of channel fasteners  179  and the horizontal channel throughbores  166  result in the capture of cross member  124 . Thus, carrier assembly  110  can no longer be lifted from cross member  124 . This procedure is repeated for each mounting channel  160  on carrier assembly  110 .  
         [0044]    More specifically, bike carrier  186  is attached to trailer  100  such that second bike member  192  is proximate front end  116 . First bike member  190  is positioned so that the vertical projections  164  on mounting channels  160  insert into cross member top bores  128  on cross members  124 . Channel fastener  179  is then slidably inserted through horizontal channel throughbores  166  preventing mounting channel  160  from lifting off cross member  124 . Once bike carrier  186  is affixed to trailer  100 , a bike or motorcycle (not shown) can be loaded. The tires of the bike or motorcycle are positioned so that they reside within tire cross-section  194  of first bike member  190 . The bike or motorcycle is pushed forward in first bike member  190  until the front tire resides within second bike member  192 . Securing cords, ratcheting straps or other securing means can then be attached from the bike or motorcycle to base frame  102  to keep the bike or motorcycle in an upright position during transport.  
         [0045]    Referring to ATV carrier  202 , carrier frame  212  is positioned so that the vertical projections  164  on mounting channels  160  insert into cross member top bores  128  on cross members  124 . Channel fastener  179  is then slidably inserted through horizontal channel throughbores  166  preventing mounting channel  160  from lifting off cross member  124 . Once ATV carrier  202  is affixed to base frame  102 , a vehicle such as an ATV, snowmobile, golf card or lawn and garden equipment can be rolled onto floor member  212 . Securing cords, ratcheting straps or other securing means can then be attached from the vehicle to trailer  100  to keep the vehicle from rolling or sliding off floor member  212  during transport. Projecting ends  214  serve to prevent the vehicle from sliding off the sides of trailer  100 .  
         [0046]    Referring to PWC carrier  202 , the pair of PWC support bunks  159  are positioned so that the vertical projections  164  on mounting channels  160  insert into cross member top bores  128  on cross members  124 . Channel fastener  179  is then slidably inserted through horizontal channel throughbores  166  preventing mounting channel  160  from lifting off cross member  124 . PWC front support  218  is positioned near the front end  116  of base frame  102  and centered between PWC support bunks  159  such that mounting brackets  228  fit over cross members  124 . Angle fastener  233  is inserted through angle bores  232  and cross member horizontal throughbore  129  such that PWC front support  218  is fixedly attached to base frame  102 . Winch mount  220  is positioned with front surfaces  240  facing front end  116 . Winch mount  220  is placed over PWC front support  218  such that support bores  246  align with a pair of the front support throughbores  226 . Support fastener  227  is inserted through the support bores  246  and front support throughbores  226  such that winch mount  220  is affixed to PWC front support  218 . The pair of mounting plates  252  are positioned with the pair of side plates  234  such that the front mounting bores  260  align with two of the radial bores  248  and the top mounting bores  262  and bottom mounting bores  264  face the rear end  118 . A fastener is inserted through the front mounting bores  260  and the radial bores  248  such that the mounting plates  252  are affixed to the winch mount  220 . With respect to PWC carrier  216 , it is possible to have either individual v-shaped rollers  265  or a v-shaped protective surface mounted between top mounting bores  262  and bottom mounting bores  264 . The user will typically position trailer  100  such that the PWC  223  is centered between the PWC support bunks  159  with the front of PWC  223  facing the front end  116 . The PWC  223  is pushed or winched forward with winch  251  such that the hull of the PWC  223  comes into contact with the roller assemblies  173  on the PWC support bunks  159 . The PWC  223  is rolled forward until the front v-shape of the hull resides between the rollers  265  mounted between the top mounting bores  262  and bottom mounting bores  264 . Securing cords, ratcheting straps or other securing means can then be attached from the PWC to trailer  100  to keep the PWC from rolling or sliding backwards off the PWC support bunks  159  during trailering.  
         [0047]    When trailer  100  is not in use, the modular design allows a user to configure the trailer to occupy a minimum of storage space. In configuring the trailer  100  for storage, the user would first remove any carrier assemblies  110  mounted to the base frame  102 . Carrier assemblies  110  are removed by removing the fasteners from the horizontal channel throughbores  166  on each mounting channel  160 . The carrier assemblies  110  can then be lifted off of cross members  124 .  
         [0048]    Next, the user would fully insert the end assembly  108  into the base frame  102 . The user would remove the fastener located within side member throughbores  126  and insertion throughbores  144 . Once the fastener is removed, the user can slidably push on end member  142  such that the insertion members  140  slide into the side members  120 . Insertion is completed when end member  142  comes into contact with open end  130  of side members  120 .  
         [0049]    Once the end assembly  142  has been inserted into the base frame  102 , the user can remove the tongue assembly  106 . The user removes the fasteners connecting tongue throughbores  156  with the angle throughbores  138 . When the fasteners have been removed, second tongue member  152  is removed from between connecting angles  136  on base frame  102 .  
         [0050]    If the user desires to further reduce the space occupied trailer  100 , the trailer can then be positioned in a vertical storage position  266 . User would lift the front end  116  on base frame  102 . Lifting of the front end  116  causes the end member  142  on end assembly  108  to come into contact with a floor surface  268 . Further lifting of the front end  116  causes the tire assembly  104  to lift off the floor surface  268  and for the trailer  100  to be fully supported by the end member  142 . The user can then position trailer  100  so that it is leaning against a wall surface  270 .  
         [0051]    The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof, and it is, therefore, desired that the present embodiments be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.