Trailer system and methods of use

A trailer system and method of use for towing a load are provided. The trailer system include a trailer body supported by suspension arms on a trailer frame. A hoist mechanism having a winch device and a flexible connector can raise and lower the trailer body by swinging on the suspension arms, which maintain the trailer body in a substantially horizontal orientation during the swing. A modular wheel suspension can be attached to the trailer system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Trailers for towing that can tilt at the backend are used to more easily move a load onto a trailer floor. Trailers for towing are typically attached to a tow vehicle with a trailer tongue that is rotatably attached to a ball hitch or other rotatable connector. Usually, the back end of the trailer is lowered by tilting the entire trailer body over the wheel axles. There are several options for enabling this tilting: the tongue can rotate where it connects to the tow vehicle, the trailer body can tilt relative to the tongue, or the trailer can be removed from the two vehicle. When the backend of the trailer is tilted, the floor can be at an angle and used as a loading ramp. Depending on the length of the trailer, the angle of the tilted floor can provide a gradual ascent or a steep climb.

Tilting trailers can be beneficial when loading heavy pieces of equipment, such as industrial generators and pumps, fluid tanks, heavy duty vacuums, and the like. In some cases, it is not feasible to load large and/or heavy equipment onto a trailer with a tilted floor and some loads cannot be raised for placement on a trailer. There is a need for a trailer that can be lowered horizontally to ground level, where the trailer body is not angled or does not have an appreciable tilt. It would be further beneficial if the trailer could be adapted for direct attachment to a load. This could allow a load to be configured for towing without being transported on a trailer floor.

BRIEF SUMMARY

In accordance with the subject invention, the problem of lowering a towable trailer while maintaining a substantially horizontal orientation is solved by a trailer system comprising a trailer body that can swing to a lower or dropped position or a higher or raised position with the trailer body in a substantially horizontal orientation or horizontal alignment. A trailer system of the subject invention comprises a trailer body that can be raised and lowered on a trailer frame with a suspension apparatus. The suspension apparatus can include one or more suspension arms that comprise an upper end that can be rotatably attached to a trailer frame and a lower end that can be rotatably attached to a trailer body. The suspension arms allow the trailer body to swing forward and backward to raise and lower, respectively, the trailer body on the trailer frame.

The suspension apparatus can also include a hoist mechanism with a winch device operably connected to a flexible connector that is further attached to the trailer body. The winch device can raise and lower the trailer body with the flexible connector. When the flexible connector is under tension from the winch device, the trailer body can be pulled proximally and the suspension arms can guide the trailer body upwards as it swings upward between side arms of the trailer frame. Conversely, when tension is released on the flexible connector, the trailer body can swing to a lower or dropped position on the arms rotatably attached to the trailer frame. Advantageously, the suspension arms can control the swing motion and maintain the trailer body in a substantially horizontal position or orientation as the trailer body swings upward and downward. A load space in the trailer body can include a floor on which a load can be supported and when the trailer body is raised or lowered the floor maintains the substantially horizontal orientation. Alternatively, the load space of the trailer body can be open or without a floor and the sidewalls and/or or the front wall can be attached to a load. With either option, the orientation of the trailer body can remain substantially the same when raised or lowered allowing the load to be raised and towed with or without being supported on a trailer floor.

The trailer system can also have modular wheel suspensions that are capable of independent operation. The modular wheel suspensions can be operably attached to the trailer frame and can utilize stub axles that facilitate raising and lowing of the trailer body in the horizontal orientation. The stub axles can be operably attached to one end of a rocker arm and can support a wheel. The opposite end of the rocker arm can be rotatably attached to a housing that can also support a suspension mechanism for dampening shock and vibration from the motion of the wheel. The rocker arm can operably engage with the suspension mechanism.

The trailer frame can be on the outside of the trailer body. There can be a side arm on each side of the trailer frame and a brace that connects the side arms at the front, or proximal end, of the trailer frame. A tongue can be attached to the brace for connecting the trailer frame to a tow vehicle.

To use the trailer system, the tension on the flexible connector of the hoist mechanism can be released by the winch device, preferably in a controlled manner, which releases the trailer body to swing down and back, or distal to the trailer frame, on the suspension arms. As the trailer body swings, the suspension arms can support the trailer body in a substantially horizontal position. At ground level or when the suspension arms have reached a maximum extension, the trailer body can be in a substantially horizontal position, such that the sidewalls are in the same substantially horizontal position as in the raised position. If a floor is utilized with the trailer body, the floor can also be lowered in a substantially horizontal position. Thus, the entire trailer body can be at ground level in a substantially horizontal position. This can advantageously position the sidewalls and/or the front wall of the trailer body for attachment to the load, if the trailer body does not have a floor. Using the hoist mechanism, the trailer body can swing upwards horizontally, between the side arms of the trailer frame, until the suspension arms reach a minimum extension or swing radius. At this point, the trailer body and/or the load can be secured for towing.

DETAILED DISCLOSURE

The subject invention pertains to embodiments of a towable trailer system. More specifically, the subject invention provides one or more embodiments of a trailer system comprising a trailer body supported on a trailer frame. The trailer body can be lowered or dropped relative to the trailer frame for loading on a floor of the trailer or for attachment to a load, which can be subsequently raised to a height for towing.

The subject invention can be particularly useful for towing or hauling with a vehicle. As the ordinary artisan will be able to recognize, there are numerous other uses that would be applicable to the devices and methods of the subject invention. Thus, while the subject application describes, and many of the terms herein relate to, a use for towing and hauling, the subject invention can be utilized whenever and wherever it would be beneficial to move an load, with or without a vehicle, particularly when the load is not conducive to being placed on a traditional trailer bed.

In the description that follows, a number of terms are utilized. In order to provide a clear and consistent understanding of the specification and claims, the following definitions are provided.

As used herein, the term “substantially” refers to the complete or nearly complete extent or degree of an action, characteristic, property, state, structure, item, or result. For example, an object that is “substantially” in a given position including but not limited to vertical, horizontal, or adjacent to or aligned with another object, would mean that the object is either completely in that position or nearly completely in that position. The exact allowable degree of deviation from absolute completeness may in some cases depend on the specific context. However, generally speaking the nearness of completion will be so as to have the same overall result as if absolute and total completion were obtained.

As also used herein, the terms “about” or “approximately,” as used herein, are defined as at least close to a given value or either end of a range as is necessary to cover manufacturing variances, equipment tolerances, and normal variances in material, as understood by those skilled in the art.

Further, terms indicating relative direction or orientation, including but not limited to “upper”, “lower”, “top”, “bottom”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, “outer”, “inner”, “front”, “back”, and the like, are intended to facilitate description of the present invention by indicating relative orientation or direction in usual use, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention in any way to such orientations or directions.

Also, as used herein, and unless otherwise specifically stated, the terms “operable communication,” “operable connection,” “operably connected,” “cooperatively engaged,” “operably attached” and grammatical variations thereof mean that the particular elements are connected in such a way that they cooperate to achieve their intended function or functions. The “connection” or “engagement” may be direct, or indirect, physical or remote.

The term “wheel” is used herein merely for literary convenience. As used herein, a wheel can include, but does not necessarily require, a tire, rim, stub axle, and any other components necessary to functionalize a wheel.

The term “ground level” as used herein refers to a surface or terrain on which a trailer system, according to the subject invention, can be supported. The term can also refer more specifically to a surface or terrain on which the trailer body can be supported when lowered or dropped within the trailer frame. In certain instances, ground level can also refer to a maximum swing radius of the suspension arms.

Any reference in this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “example embodiment,” “further embodiment,” “alternative embodiment,” “select embodiment,” etc., is for literary convenience. The implication is that any particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with such an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. The appearance of such phrases in various places in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. In addition, any elements or limitations of any invention or embodiment thereof disclosed herein can be combined with any and/or all other elements or limitations (individually or in any combination) or any other invention or embodiment thereof disclosed herein, and all such combinations are contemplated with the scope of the invention without limitation thereto.

Finally, reference is made throughout the application to the “proximal end” or “proximal direction” and “distal end” or “distal direction.” As used herein, the proximal end or direction is that end nearest to or directed towards the trailer tongue or that end nearest or directed towards a tow vehicle. Conversely, the distal end is that end furthest from or directed away from the trailer tongue or the end towards which the trailer body can swing when lowered.

The present invention is more particularly described in the following examples that are intended to be illustrative only because numerous modifications and variations therein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. As used in the specification and in the claims, the singular for “a,” “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

It is further to be understood that the figures and descriptions of embodiments of the present invention have been simplified to illustrate elements that are relevant for a clear understanding of the invention, while eliminating, for purposes of clarity, other elements that may be well known. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that other elements may be desirable and/or required in order to implement the present invention.

Reference will be made to the attached figures on which the same reference numerals are used throughout to indicate the same or similar components. With reference to the attached figures, which show certain embodiments of the subject invention, it can be seen inFIG.1that a trailer system100of the subject invention comprises a trailer body200with sidewalls230. The trailer body can be positioned within a trailer frame300that has side arms320beside and on the outside of the sidewalls or on the opposite side as that of a load space240of the trailer body200. The trailer body can be coupled to the trailer frame by a suspension apparatus400that can include one or more suspension arms450rotatably attached to both the sidewalls and the side arms and having a swing radius467that allows the trailer body to swing proximally and distally between the side arms, while maintaining a substantially horizontal orientation30. A hoist mechanism410can be used to raise or lower the trailer body on the suspension arms. Finally, a modular wheel suspension500can be utilized to provide wheels545and a suspension mechanism510for towing the trailer system100. Each of these general components can have one or more sub-components, which will be discussed in detail below.

A trailer system100of the subject invention provides a unique and advantageous alternative to conventional trailers towed with a vehicle. The trailer system can be used with any of a variety of loads, including loads that are supported on a trailer floor or other supporting surface. Thus, the trailer system can have a trailer body with a floor or other supporting surface on which a load can be supported, and towed. Alternatively, the trailer system can have a trailer body without a supporting floor or supporting surface, such that the trailer body can be attached, directly or indirectly, to the load to be towed. For the sake of clarity and brevity, the trailer system will be described herein with a trailer body that does not include a floor or other supporting surface. It will be understood by a person of skill in the art that reference herein to a “load” or grammatical variations thereof can include, but does not require, a floor or other supporting surface.

The trailer body200of the trailer system100can provide a structure for towing a load. The trailer body can comprise one or more sidewalls230. Attached at or about the proximal end5of the sidewalls can be at least one front wall235. In one embodiment, there is at least one sidewall on a left side20and at least one side wall on a right side25of the trailer body and at least one front wall attached to at or about the proximal ends of the sidewalls. In a further embodiment, the sidewalls and the front wall define a load space240therebetween, such as shown, for example, inFIGS.1and6.

The front wall and sidewalls can form a rigid structure. Further, when the trailer body swings downward or drops to a lower position, the sidewalls can move simultaneously with the front wall.FIGS.1and6illustrate non-limiting examples of trailer bodies with parallel sidewalls that extend in a proximal5to distal10direction along the left20and right25sides of a trailer body200and the front wall235perpendicular to the proximal ends of the sidewalls. As shown, these components all have straight-sides, right angles, and flat surfaces. A person of skill in the art will recognize that the sidewalls and front walls can have other configurations.

The load space240can be an opening, space, or area between the sidewalls and front wall of a trailer body in which a load can be positioned for towing. In one embodiment, a load can be operably attached to at least one of a sidewall and the front wall. For example, large industrial equipment, such as generators, pumps, tanks, and other large and/or heavy loads can be placed in the load space and be permanently or removably attached to one or more of the sidewalls and front wall. In one embodiment, the trailer body can have one or more connecting structures220, such as shown, by way of example, inFIGS.4and6, which can be utilized to operably attach a load to the trailer body. For example, as shown inFIG.6, a trailer body can have connecting structures on the sidewalls and the front wall that can be used to attach and support floor or other supporting structure.

The trailer body200can be positioned within a trailer frame300. More specifically, a trailer frame can at least partially surround or “frame” the trailer body. In one embodiment, a trailer frame comprises at least one side arm320located beside and to the outside of a sidewall230of the trailer body200. In other words, the side arms can be on the opposite side of the load space240. As shown, for example, inFIGS.4,6, and8, a sidearm can be arranged on the outside of the sidewalls, or opposite to the load space. In a further embodiment, the trailer frame comprises a brace340attached to the proximal end5of the at least one side arm. In a still further embodiment, the brace is proximal to the at least one front wall235of a trailer body200. Stated another way, the brace can be on the outside of the front wall and opposite to the load space. In a specific embodiment, a trailer frame has a sidearm arranged on the outside of a sidewall on the left side20and a sidearm arranged on the outside of sidewall on the right side25of the trailer body. In a further specific embodiment, the trailer frame has a U-shape, wherein there is at least one brace attached to at or about the proximal end of the left and right side sidearms and proximal or to the outside of the front wall. Ideally, the trailer frame comprises a rigid structure capable of supporting a trailer body.

The trailer body200and the trailer frame300can be operably connected and the trailer body can be lowered and raised on the trailer frame, by the components of a suspension apparatus400. The suspension apparatus can swing the trailer body on the trailer frame to raise and lower the trailer body for towing and loading, respectively.FIGS.2,3, and7show non-limiting examples of trailer bodies being lifted and lowered with suspension apparatuses. A suspension apparatus can include components that operably connect the trailer body to the trailer frame, as well as components that can swing the trailer body on the trailer frame to raise and lower the trailer body. Advantageously, the suspension apparatus can swing the trailer body so that it maintains a substantially horizontal position or horizontal orientation30, as shown, for example, inFIGS.1and7, during the entirety of the swing motion. Stated another way, the orientation of the trailer body remains substantially the same when raised and lowered or dropped, as shown, by way of further example, inFIG.3.

A suspension apparatus400can comprise one or more elongated, substantially rigid suspension arms450that rotatably connect a sidewall230of the trailer body200to a side arm320of the trailer frame300.FIG.4shows an enlarged view of an embodiment of a suspension arm. A suspension arm can beneficially constrain or guide the swing motion of the trailer body. A suspension arm can have rotation point465at or near to an upper end460that allows the suspension arm to rotate on the side arm of the trailer frame. For example, as shown inFIGS.3and8, the rotation point can attach the upper end to a bottom side or underneath a sidearm, such that the suspension arm rotates under the sidearm. Other configurations are also possible. In one embodiment, the suspension arm has with a swing radius467, relative to the side arm. In a further embodiment, the swing radius can be at least about 30°, 35°, 40°, 45°, 50°, 55°, 60°, 65°, 70°, 75°, 80°, 85°, 90°, 95°, 100°, and/or a swing radius between any two of the listed values. In one embodiment, the rotation point465at the upper end460is rotatably connected to a U-bracket on the side arm that allows substantially free rotation of the suspension arm on the bottom of a side arm320.

Opposite to the upper end460of the suspension arm450is the lower end480, as shown, for example, inFIG.4. The suspension arm can also have a swing point485at or near the lower end, where the suspension arm can be rotatably attached, directly or indirectly, to the trailer body200, such as, for example, to the sidewall230. The swing point can be rotatably connected by any means known to those skilled in the art.FIG.4shows an example of a swing point that is rotatably connected at the swing point with a pin. Any of a variety of coupling devices can be utilized such as, by way of non-limiting examples, brackets, dowels, pins, slides, bolts, and other rotatable or slidable couplings known in the art.

As discussed above, a side arm320of a trailer frame300can be located on the outside of a sidewall of the trailer body. This configuration can provide a gap250, for example, as shown inFIGS.5and6, between the side arm and the sidewall that can be beneficial when the trailer body swings on the trailer frame. The gap can inhibit contact or interference between the trailer body and the trailer frame when the trailer body swings upwards or downwards. As also discussed above, a suspension arm450can be rotatably attached at a rotation point465on the side arm320and at a swing point485on the sidewall230. During towing, the suspension arm can be raised so as to be at least close to or in contact with the sidearm. To facilitate the positioning against the sidearm320and inhibit bending, torquing, or other misalignment of the suspension arm, which can occur because of the gap, the suspension arm can be configured with a turn or bend (B) that positions at least a portion of the lower end480nearer to the side wall to accommodate for the gap250and inhibit torquing or other tension on the suspension arm450.FIG.10shows a non-limiting example of a suspension arm with a bend that positions the lower end nearer to the sidewall. The swing point at the lower end480can also be operably attached to the sidewall. The bend can also inhibit lateral motion of the trailer body when swinging on the suspension arms450.

Alternatively, the side arm can be substantially straight and a spacer255can be utilized to compensate for the gap and stabilize the trailer body when the suspension arm is raised. A spacer can be a raised area or platform on the sidewall. Ideally, the spacer does not inhibit the swing motion of the trailer body on the suspension arms. In one embodiment a spacer is attached to or otherwise arranged or incorporated with the sidewall230of the trailer body to create a raised area or platform with a height that can substantially close or fill the gap between the sidewall and the side arm when the trailer body is raised. In one embodiment, shown in FIG.5, the spacer is arranged near the bottom end of the sidewall. When the sidewall swings downward or is dropped the spacer dislodges or is removed from a position the gap250between the side wall and the side arm. When the trailer body is raised the spacer can again tuck under or lodge under the side arm, closing all or most of the gap therebetween. This can beneficially inhibit sideways motion of the trailer body within the trailer frame. Thus, the spacer can stabilize the suspension arm as well as the trailer body on the trailer frame. In a further embodiment, the swing point485, where the suspension arm rotatably connects to the trailer body, can be arranged on the spacer, as shown, for example, inFIGS.4and7.

The distance (D) between the rotation point465and the swing point485of the suspension arm can be a factor in determining the maximum extent to which the trailer body can be lowered or dropped relative to the side arm of the trailer frame. The distance (D) can allow the trailer body to swing a ground level on which the trailer system100is supported. Alternatively, the distance (D) can allow the trailer body to swing to a ground level that is below that on which the trailer frame is supported. In other words, the distance (D) could allow the trailer body to swing to a ground level that is below that of the wheel or other support for the trailer frame, as shown, for example, inFIG.3. In one embodiment, the distance (D) can determine a swing radius467of the suspension arm. If the rotation point and the swing point are freely rotating, the swing radius can be at least about 90° and the suspension arm can be substantially vertical to the trailer frame, an example of which is shown by the dashed line image inFIG.3. Advantageously, as mentioned above, the suspension arms can have a swing radius467that also allows the trailer body to swing down and more distal to the trailer frame, such that the swing radius is larger than about 90°, which is not shown in the figures, but would be understood by a person of skill the art.

The suspension apparatus400can also include a hoist mechanism410to control lowering and raising of the trailer body200, which simultaneously controls the swing radius467. A hoist mechanism can include a flexible connector420that attaches to the trailer body and to a winch device430to swing the trailer body into the trailer frame. As used herein, winch device refers to any of a variety of devices that can apply tension by winding, turning, pulling or otherwise shortening the length of the flexible connector420between the trailer body and the winch device. A winch device can be operated manually, mechanically, electrically, pneumatically, hydraulically, by other methods known in the art, or some combination thereof to controllable shorten, such as, for example, by winding, or controllably release, such as by unwinding, the flexible connector. A flexible connector can be, but is not limited to, rope, chain, cord, wire, cable, fiber, or other type of at least partially flexible material. Preferably, the flexible connector comprises a material having a minimal, or at least acceptable, elasticity, as can be determined by a person of skill in the art. In one embodiment, the hoist mechanism comprises a winding device. In more specific embodiment, hoist mechanism comprises an electric winch. A person of skill in the art would be able to determine an appropriate winch device and flexible connector for raising and lowering a trailer body. Thus, variations in the configuration of the hoist mechanism utilized with embodiments of the subject invention, which provide the same functionality, in substantially the way as described herein, with substantially the same desired results, are within the scope of this invention.

In one embodiment, a flexible connector420is fixedly attached by an anchor end422to a front wall235of the trailer body200. In further embodiment, an opposite or winding end424of the flexible connector is operably engaged with the winch device430. The winch device can shorten or lengthen the flexible connector between the trailer body and the winch device, to raise or lower the trailer body, respectively. The winch device can be arranged on the trailer frame300.FIGS.1,2, and3show examples of a winch device arranged on or near the trailer tongue110.FIG.9shows an alternative example of a winch device arranged on the brace340of the trailer frame300. Where necessary, one or more guides435, such as, for example, blocks, eyelets, or pulleys, can be strategically placed to direct the path of the flexible connector to and from the winch device. As shown inFIGS.3and8, tension on the flexible connector can be released by the winch device allowing the flexible connector to lengthen so the weight of the trailer body causes it to drop and the suspension arms450to guide the trailer body downward and distally between the side arms320of the trailer frame.

When the winch device430applies tension to shorten the flexible connector and raise the trailer body to a position within the trailer frame for towing, the suspension arms can rotate upward and be close to or in contact with the side arms320of the trailer frame. In one embodiment, the suspension arms can be rotated until substantially parallel to the side arms, examples of which can be seen inFIGS.2and7. The winch device can hold tension on the flexible connector to maintain the trailer body in the upward position for towing. Alternatively, or in addition, the trailer body can be secured with a securing mechanism490that stabilizes the trailer body in the towable position on the trailer frame. In one embodiment the securing mechanism operably connects the trailer body temporarily to the trailer frame.FIGS.3,4, and8show examples of a securing mechanism comprising a swing arm latch492with a latch pin494. In one embodiment, the latch pin is arranged on a spacer255, to accommodate for the gap250between the side arm and the sidewall. The ability to select appropriate, alternative securing mechanisms490and the appropriate placement on a trailer body or trailer frame is within the capability of one of ordinary skill in the art and will not be described in further detail here.

Conventional trailers typically employ cross-body axles that connect the wheels on each side of the trailer body. When configured to tilt, the trailer body if usually tilted over the one or more cross-body axles, to lower the back end, placing the trailer body at an angle, so the trailer floor can be used as a ramp. As discussed above, embodiments of the subject invention utilize an alternative arrangement wherein the trailer body can be lowered horizontally to ground level or other desired level relative to a trailer frame. This capability is facilitated by a modular wheel suspension500that advantageously does not utilize a cross-body axle.

A modular wheel suspension500can comprise: a housing505, a suspension mechanism510, a rocker arm525, and a stub axle540. The stub axle can be used to support a wheel. Alternatively, the stub axle can used with other types of devices that can support the trailer frame at a desirable height above ground level. The modular wheel suspension can be operably attached to the trailer frame300and can support the trailer frame at a predetermined height that allows the trailer body200to be raised and lowered, as discussed.

The components of a modular wheel suspension500can be contained, enclosed, arranged, or otherwise supported in a housing505. The housing can be operably arranged on or attached to a sidearm320of the trailer frame300, such that the components of the modular wheel suspension are directed outwards or away from the trailer body, making them accessible from a side of the trailer system. In other words, a wheel of the modular wheel suspension can be furthest away from each side of the trailer body, as shown, for example, inFIGS.1and9.

The housing505of a modular wheel suspension can comprise a panel506and a plate508. In one embodiment, the panel and plate are approximately at a right angle to one another. The plate can be on or attached to the side arm320, so the panel is nearer to the trailer body200. By way of a non-limiting example, as shown inFIGS.6and9, the plate can be attached to a bottom side of the side arm of the trailer frame, so that the gap250, discussed above, is between the panel and the sidewall230of the trailer. In an alternative embodiment, the bottom side of the trailer arm can be utilized as a plate, such that the panel is fixedly attached to the side arm. The modular wheel suspension system can support the trailer frame300, and preferably does not interfere with the trailer body.

The housing can support a suspension mechanism510for dampening motion of the wheel during towing. In one embodiment, the suspension mechanism is supported on and extends from the plate508of the housing505. It can be beneficial, though not required, to use a passive suspension mechanism, in keeping with the modularity of embodiments of the modular wheel suspension of the subject invention. There are any of a variety of suspension mechanisms, passive and otherwise, which can be utilized with embodiments of the subject invention, including, but not limited to, bump stops, helical springs, pneumatic shocks, hydraulic shocks, torsion shocks, leaf springs, other types of suspension mechanisms, and combinations thereof, known to those with skill in the art.FIG.6illustrates a non-limiting example of a modular wheel suspension500that employs a helical spring for a suspension mechanism suspended from the plate508.FIGS.7-9illustrate non-limiting examples of modular wheel suspensions500that employ a leaf spring for a suspension mechanism that is suspended from the plate508.

To place the wheel in a position that allows the suspension mechanism to dampen shock and other motion from the wheel, particularly, but not limited to, when towing, a modular suspension system can comprise a rocker arm525. A rocker arm can support the wheel of the modular suspension mechanism. The rocker am can further respond to motion of the wheel, which can be translated to the suspension mechanism. In one embodiment, the rocker arm has a pivot end526that rotates or pivots around a pivot point527and that can be attached to the panel506of the housing. In a further embodiment, opposite to the pivot end is a suspension mount end529that can cooperatively engage, directly or indirectly, with the suspension mechanism510. The suspension mount end can make contact with the suspension mechanism. In a specific embodiment, shown inFIGS.5-9, the rocker arm is a substantially straight rod comprising an upper surface or suspension mount530at the suspension mount end529that abuts or otherwise operably makes contact with a leaf spring suspension mechanism.

A stub axle540can be operably connected to the rocker arm. Stub axles are shortened axles typically utilized to support a wheel545. Stub axles are known in the art and the ability to select an appropriate stub axle for a trailer system100is within the capability of a person having ordinary skill in the art. In one embodiment, the stub axle is operable connected at or near to the suspension mount end529of the rocker arm, such that, motion, such, as for example, non-horizontal motion, from the wheel can be translated through the stub axle to the suspension mount end to be dampened, muffled, or otherwise controlled by the suspension mechanism.

Trailers towed behind vehicle are probably one of the most common ways to move a load over the road or other terrain. The problem is getting the load on the trailer. The subject invention provides a unique and advantageous solution in the form of a trailer system that can be used with a floor to tow a load or can be directly attached to a load. A further advantage is the ability to lower the trailer body to a more convenient level placing a load on the trailer or for attaching the trailer body, so the attached load can be raised for towing.

All patents, patent applications, provisional applications, and other publications referred to or cited herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety, including all figures and tables, to the extent they are not inconsistent with the explicit teachings of this specification. Additionally, the entire contents of the references cited within the references cited herein are also entirely incorporated by reference.