Patent ID: 7857331

Claim:
A trailer assembly comprising: a trailer frame that supports a load to be carried; at least one axle having laterally-spaced wheels and affixed to the trailer frame; a flip axle assembly including at least one axle having laterally-spaced wheels, the flip axle assembly being hingeably mounted to the trailer frame, so as to be rotated from engagement with a road surface and onto the trailer frame; and a drive system that rotates the flip axle assembly between a stowed position on the trailer frame and a deployed position wherein the flip axle assembly engages with the road surface, the drive system comprising a mechanical driver for applying a displacing force, and a linkage for transmitting the displacing force from the mechanical driver to rotate the flip axle assembly; wherein the mechanical driver comprises at least one hydraulic piston that applies the displacing force through a rear portion of the trailer assembly, wherein the linkage comprises at least one linkage member pivotally mounted between an operative end of the at least one hydraulic piston and the flip axle assembly to transmit the displacement force thereupon; wherein the drive system comprises at least one longitudinal channel coextensive with the at least one hydraulic piston, the longitudinal channel being parallel to the trailer frame, and extending outwardly from the rear portion of the trailer assembly, wherein the operative end of the at least one hydraulic piston comprises a respective roller assembly that rides within the longitudinal channel.