Trailer jack support block

The trailer jack support block includes a solid rectangular parallelepiped member having surfaces for supporting the lower end of a trailer jack thereon. Attachment chains are provided for securing the support block to the trailer hitch. Grooves are provided on at least two surfaces for retaining the chains therein, if desired.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to support structure, and particularly to a trailer jack support block for supporting an unhitched trailer jack thereon.

2. Description of the Related Art

When unhitched, it is often desirable to support the trailer jack above the ground, particularly when the trailer is left on unpaved ground. This prevents the jack from engaging the ground and accumulating dirt thereon and possible damage thereto. An elevated position also allows water to drain freely from the jack, thereby retarding rust. Heretofore, such items as logs, concrete blocks and the like have been utilized to support the jack in an elevated position. These items have proven to be less than satisfactory and are often unavailable, in that they may be forgotten and left behind when the trailer is hitched and moved to another location. Retractable wheel apparatus has also been employed as a support for jacks. However these rack and pinion operated devices are relatively expensive and are not especially adapted to small- and medium-sized trailers. An inexpensive, durable trailer jack support having means for attachment to the trailer to prevent loss would certainly be a welcome addition to the art. Thus, a trailer jack support block solving the aforementioned problems is desired.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The trailer jack support block comprises a solid rectangular member having surfaces for supporting the lower end of a trailer jack thereon. Attachment chains are provided for securing the support block to the trailer hitch. Grooves are provided on at least two surfaces of the block for retaining chains therein, if desired.

Accordingly, the invention presents a support block that is durable, versatile, efficient and easy to use. The invention provides for improved elements thereof in an arrangement for the purposes described that are inexpensive, dependable and fully effective in accomplishing their intended purposes.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring toFIGS. 1-3, the trailer jack support block10is utilized to support the jack12of trailer hitch14above the ground. The block10is configured as a solid, rectangular parallelepiped having top and bottom faces16,16a, end faces18,18aand side faces20,20a. A pair of identically configured grooves22, whose purpose is discussed below, is disposed in each of the side faces20,20a. The grooves22are coextensive with the height of the side faces. Respective chains24have ends anchored in a respective groove. One end face18ahas a tail chain26anchored thereto. The block10may be fabricated from any suitable material, such as wood, plastic, synthetic rubber, etc.

In use, the block10is adapted to be oriented so that the jack12may be supported on the top16, bottom16a, or side faces20,20a. This permits the jack12to be supported at one of two elevations, as desired. If one of the side faces20,20ais selected as the support surface, the other side face will contact the ground. In this instance the chains24are positioned in the grooves22of the ground-contacting face to present a level ground-contacting surface and enhance stability. Exemplary dimensions of the block10are 16″ long, 8″ wide and 12″ wide. It should be noted, however, that the block10may be made with different dimensions, if desired.

When not in use to support the jack12, the chains24are used to attach and secure the block10to the frame of hitch14(seeFIG. 2). Conventional connector clips24aare provided on the free ends of chains24to effect the attachment. The tail chain26is also provided with a connector clip26aand is adapted to be permanently attached to the frame of hitch14. This scenario prevents the block10from being inadvertently left behind.