AU2017203803B2 - Low loader improvements - Google Patents

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a trailer of the type commonly known as a low loader, lowboy or float, 5 and to a folding gooseneck assembly for a trailer of this type. In one aspect, the low loader trailer comprises a folding gooseneck assembly at or toward a forward end of the trailer, a set of wheels at or toward a rear end of the trailer, and a trailer body interposing these. The folding gooseneck assembly is movable between at least a first configuration in which it forms a gooseneck for the trailer, and a second configuration in which it forms a ramp for the trailer. The trailer further comprises at least one landing leg 0 movable between at least an extended and a retracted position with respect to the trailer body, wherein in one aspect, the or each landing leg is so operatively associated with the folding gooseneck assembly that it will retract as the folding gooseneck assembly moves to its second, ramp forming configuration. 5 5/14 Avg%, N> -r '

Description

5/14

Avg%,

N>

-r

' LOW LOADER IMPROVEMENTS PRIORITY DOCUMENTS

[0001] The present application claims priority from Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2016902200 titled "LOW LOADER IMPROVEMENTS" and filed on 6 June 2016, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

[0002] The following publication is referred to in the present application and its contents are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety: Australian Patent Application No. 2014200988 titled "A TRAILER COMPRISING A FOLDING GOOSENECK"in the name of Ken Pitt.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a trailer of the type commonly known as a low loader, lowboy or float, and to a folding gooseneck assembly for a trailer of this type.

BACKGROUND

[0004] Lowboy (or float) trailers generally comprise a forward most top deck, a rearmost set of wheels, a trailer body comprising a deck set low between the wheels, and a gooseneck, where this gooseneck is a structure which extends between the deck of the trailer body and the top deck. This low deck height of the trailer body permits these trailers to carry high loads, which other trailers cannot. Consequently, lowboys are used to haul heavy equipment such as bulldozers, dump trucks, loaders, harvesters, tractors and other sizable industrial equipment.

[0005] The applicant's previous Australian Patent Application, No. 2014200988, discloses a trailer comprising a folding gooseneck assembly, which is adapted to fold into a ramp for loading and unloading of the trailer. This folding gooseneck assembly can lower a forward end of the trailer to the ground, and raise it again, provided that the trailer is coupled to a prime mover during these operations.

[0006] It is against this background, and the problems and difficulties associated therewith, that the present invention has been developed.

[0007] Certain objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein, by way of illustration and example, an embodiment of the present invention is disclosed.

SUMMARY

[0008] According to a first aspect, there is provided a low loader trailer comprising a folding gooseneck assembly at or toward a forward end of the trailer, a set of wheels at or toward a rear end of the trailer, and a trailer body interposing these, wherein the folding gooseneck assembly is movable between at least a first configuration in which it forms a gooseneck for the trailer, and a second configuration in which it forms a ramp for the trailer, the trailer further comprising at least one landing leg movable between at least an extended and a retracted position with respect to the trailer body, and wherein the or each landing leg is operatively associated with the folding gooseneck assembly to raise and lower a forward end of the trailer body as the folding gooseneck assembly changes configuration.

[0009] In one form, the or each landing leg is so operatively associated with the folding gooseneck assembly, that it will retract as the folding gooseneck assembly moves to its second, ramp forming configuration.

[0010] In one form, the or each landing leg is so operatively associated with the folding gooseneck assembly, that it will extend as the folding gooseneck assembly moves from its second, ramp forming configuration, to its first, gooseneck forming configuration.

[0011] In one form, the trailer is also adapted such that the or each landing leg is retractable while the folding gooseneck assembly is in its first, gooseneck forming configuration, and coupled to a prime mover (or tractor).

[0012] In one form, the folding gooseneck assembly comprises the or each landing leg.

[0013] In one form, the folding gooseneck assembly comprises atop deck, at least one gooseneck member depending from the top deck, and the landing leg, where the or each gooseneck member and the landing leg are pivotally connected to the trailer body at a common pivot point, the folding gooseneck assembly further comprising at least one linear actuator for effecting folding (hereinafter 'folding actuator') bridging pivotable connections with the gooseneck member and the landing leg.

[0014] In one form, the common pivot point is movable between at least a first position and a second position as the folding gooseneck assembly moves from its first configuration to its second configuration.

[0015] In one form, the common pivot point is movable from at least a first position to a second position as the folding gooseneck assembly moves from its first configuration to its second configuration.

[0016] In one form, the common pivot point is movable from its second position to its first position as the folding gooseneck assembly moves from its second configuration to its first configuration.

[0017] In one form, the folding gooseneck assembly further comprises a locking means for selectively securing the common pivot point in its first position.

[0018] In one form, the locking means selectively releases the common pivot point for movement from its first position to its second position.

[0019] In one form, the trailer further comprises at least one actuator for effecting movement of at least one landing leg (hereinafter 'leg actuator').

[0020] In one form, at least the top deck and the deck of the trailer body comprise means for adjustment of the width thereof.

[0021] In one form, the width adjusting means for the top deck comprises a lengthwise extending central portion, and extendable outrigger portions movable between retracted and extended positions with respect to the central portion.

[0022] In one form, the width adjusting means for the deck of the trailer body comprises a lengthwise extending central portion, and extendable outrigger portions movable between retracted and extended positions with respect to the central portion.

[0023] In one form, the locking means comprises a linear actuator (locking actuator) comprising a single barrel, and a pair of oppositely directed piston rods.

[0024] In one form, the folding gooseneck assembly further comprises two pairs of gooseneck members, where the barrel of the locking actuator extends laterally between the two innermost gooseneck members.

[0025] In one form, the folding gooseneck assembly comprises a pair of linear actuators for effecting folding (hereinafter 'folding actuators'), where each folding actuator bridges a pivotable connection with one of the gooseneck members, and a pivotable connection with the or each landing leg.

[0026] In one form, the trailer body comprises a pair oflengthwise extending rails, and wherein in use, when the piston rods are retracted, they are both withdrawn from bushes in the rails, and when the piston rods are extended, they are both inserted into the bushes in the rails.

[0027] In one form, the landing leg is an assembly comprised of a pair of laterally separated struts which are bridged by the barrel of the locking actuator, and a tubular cross-member, from which three foot members pivotally depend, and wherein from each strut there depends a mounting pin for effecting the pivotable connection with one of the folding actuators.

[0028] In one form, the low loader trailer as in anyone of the preceding claims, wherein the above mentioned actuators are hydraulic rams, so the trailer further comprises a hydraulic system for powering these rams, as well as a control system for controlling these.

[0029] According to a further aspect, there is provided a low loader trailer comprising a folding gooseneck assembly at or toward a forward end of the trailer, a set of wheels at or toward a rear end of the trailer, and a trailer body interposing these, wherein the folding gooseneck assembly comprises a top deck, a gooseneck member depending from the top deck, and at least one landing leg, where the gooseneck member and the or each landing leg are pivotally connected with respect to the trailer body at a common pivot point, the folding gooseneck assembly further comprising at least one linear actuator for effecting folding, the or each folding actuator bridging pivotable connections with the gooseneck member and the or each landing leg, and wherein in use, the folding gooseneck assembly is movable between at least a first configuration in which it forms a gooseneck for the trailer, and a second configuration in which it forms a ramp for the trailer, and the or each landing leg is movable between at least an extended and a retracted position with respect to the trailer body.

[0030] According to a further aspect, there is provided a folding gooseneck assembly for a low loader trailer, the folding gooseneck assembly being positioned at or toward a forward end of the trailer, the trailer further comprising a set of wheels at or toward a rear end thereof, and a trailer body interposing the folding gooseneck assembly and the wheels, the folding gooseneck assembly comprises a top deck, a gooseneck member depending from the top deck, and at least one landing leg, where the gooseneck member and the or each landing leg are pivotally connected with respect to the trailer body at a common pivot point, the folding gooseneck assembly further comprising at least one linear actuator for effecting folding, the or each folding actuator bridging pivotable connections with the gooseneck member and the or each landing leg, and wherein in use, the folding gooseneck assembly is movable between at least a first configuration in which it forms a gooseneck for the trailer, and a second configuration in which it forms a ramp for the trailer, and the or each landing leg is movable between at least an extended and a retracted position with respect to the trailer body.

[0031] According to a further aspect, there is provided a method of operation for the above-described trailer, the method comprising the steps of moving the folding gooseneck assembly from its first, gooseneck forming configuration, to its second, ramp forming configuration and retracting the or each landing leg so as to lower a forward end of the trailer body.

[0032] According to a further aspect, there is provided a method of operation for the above-described trailer, the method comprising the steps of moving the folding gooseneck assembly from its second, ramp forming configuration, to its first, gooseneck forming configuration and extending the or each landing leg so as to raise a forward end of the trailer body.

[0033] A detailed description of one or more embodiments of the invention is provided below along with accompanying figures that illustrate by way of example the principles of the invention. While the invention is described in connection with such embodiments, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to any embodiment. On the contrary, the scope of the invention is limited only by the appended claims and the invention encompasses numerous alternatives, modifications and equivalents. For the purpose of example, numerous specific details are set forth in the following description in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention.

[0034] For ease of description, a low loader trailer embodying the present invention is described below in its usual assembled position as shown in the accompanying drawings, and terms such as front, rear, upper, lower, horizontal, longitudinal etc., may be used with reference to this usual position. However, the low loader trailer may be manufactured, transported, sold, or used in orientations other than that described and shown here.

[0035] The present invention may be practiced according to the claims without some or all of these specific details. For the purpose of clarity, technical material that is known in the technical fields related to the invention has not been described in detail so that the present invention is not unnecessarily obscured.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0036] Embodiments of the present invention will be discussed with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:

[0037] Figure 1 is a side elevation of a semi-trailer coupled to a prime mover, where the trailer comprises a folding gooseneck assembly comprising a landing leg, which is extended;

[0038] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional detail view taken lengthwise through the folding gooseneck assembly configured as in Figure 1;

[0039] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional detail view taken lengthwise through the folding gooseneck assembly of Figure 1, with the landing leg retracted;

[0040] Figure 4 is a side elevation of the trailer of Figure 1, uncoupled from the prime mover with landing legs extended;

[0041] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional detail view taken lengthwise through the folding gooseneck assembly configured as in Figure 4;

[0042] Figure 6 is a side elevation of the trailer of Figure 1 illustrating a stage of the folding gooseneck's transformation into a loading ramp;

[0043] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional detail view taken lengthwise through the folding gooseneck assembly configured as in Figure 6;

[0044] Figure 8 is a side elevation of the trailer of Figure 1 illustrating a further stage of the folding gooseneck's transformation into a loading ramp;

[0045] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional detail view taken lengthwise through the folding gooseneck assembly configured as in Figure 8;

[0046] Figure 10 is a side elevation of the trailer of Figure1 illustrating the folding gooseneck configured as a loading ramp;

[0047] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional detail view taken lengthwise through the folding gooseneck assembly configured as in Figure 10;

[0048] Figure 12 is an isometric elevation of a top deck assembly from the folding gooseneck assembly;

[0049] Figure 13 is a plan elevation of the top deck assembly of Figure 12;

[0050] Figure 14 is an end elevation of the top deck assembly of Figure 12;

[0051] Figure 15 is a detail side elevation of a gooseneck member from the top deck assembly of Figure 12;

[0052] Figure 16 is a side elevation of a landing leg assembly from the folding gooseneck assembly;

[0053] Figure 17 is a front elevation of the landing leg assembly of Figure 16, with locking pins retracted;

[0054] Figure 18 is a front elevation of the landing leg assembly of Figure 16, with locking pins extended;

[0055] Figure 19 is a plan elevation of a trailer body from the semi-trailer of Figure 1;

[0056] Figure 20 is a detail cross-sectional view taken at A-A in Figure 19, and through a gooseneck hook seat;

[0057] Figures 21 through 25 are detail cross-sectional views through the gooseneck hook seat and gooseneck hook at various stages of the transformation of the folding gooseneck assembly; and

[0058] Figure 26 is a plan view of the trailer coupled to a prime mover.

[0059] In the following description, like reference characters designate like or corresponding parts throughout the figures.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0060] Referring now to Figure 1, where there is illustrated a low loader trailer 1 comprising a folding gooseneck assembly 10 at or toward a forward end of the trailer 1, a plurality of wheel sets 4 (four in this case) at or toward a rear end of the trailer 1, and a trailer body 2 comprising a deck 3 set low between the folding gooseneck assembly 10 and the wheel sets 4.

[0061] With reference to Figure 2, it can be seen that the folding gooseneck assembly 10 comprises a top deck 12 which, toward a forward end thereof comprises a connector (or kingpin) 14, for operatively connecting this to a coupling (or fifth wheel) 102 of a prime mover (or tractor) 100. With reference to Figures 12 through 15, it can be seen that from a rear end of the top deck 12 there depends two pairs of gooseneck members 20, which extend rearward and downward between the top deck 12 and the trailer body 2. Below each pair of gooseneck members 20, the top deck 12 comprises a generally U-shaped bracket 16.

[0062] Referring to Figure 2, the folding gooseneck assembly 10 further comprises at least one landing leg 30, and the gooseneck members 20 and the landing leg 30 are pivotally connected with respect to the trailer body 2 at a common pivot point A.

[0063] With reference to Figure 12, it can be seen that each gooseneck member 20 comprises a bush 22 comprising a through hole at a position toward a distal end thereof, and the innermost gooseneck member 20 of each pair comprises a guide wheel 24 on an outer side of a distal end thereof.

[0064] With reference to Figures 19 and 20, it can be seen that the trailer body 2 comprises a frame 60 comprising a pair of lengthwise extending rails 62 bridged by frame cross members. Toward a forward end thereof, each rail 62 comprises a bush 64 similar to the bushes 22 in the gooseneck members 20. An inwardly facing side of each rail 62 comprises a guide track 66 for one of the guide wheels 24, where each guide track 66 extends substantially vertically, and is positioned slightly aft of the bushes 64. Moreover, each of the rails 62 comprises a forward-most edge which is shaped into a downward turned hook 68.

[0065] Referring to Figure 2, the folding gooseneck assembly 10 further comprises a pair of linear actuators 40 for effecting folding (hereinafter 'folding actuators'), where each folding actuator 40 bridges a pivotable connection B with one of the pairs of the gooseneck members 20, and a pivotable connection C with the landing leg 30.

[0066] The folding gooseneck assembly 10 is movable between at least a first configuration in which it forms a gooseneck (i.e., a structure for bridging the deck and the top deck) for the trailer 1 (as illustrated in Figure 1), and a second configuration in which it forms a ramp for the trailer (as illustrated in Figure 10).

[0067] The common pivot point A is movable with respect to the trailer body 2, between at least a first, upper position Al (as illustrated in Figure 2), and a second, lower position A2 (as illustrated in Figure 11) as the folding gooseneck assembly 10 moves from its first, gooseneck forming configuration, to its second, ramp forming configuration.

[0068] That is to say, the common pivot point A moves from its first, upper position Al to its second, lower position A2 as the folding gooseneck assembly 10 moves from its first, gooseneck forming configuration (as illustrated in Figure 1) to its second ramp forming configuration (as illustrated in Figure 11).

[0069] Conversely, the common pivot point A moves from its second, lower position A2 to its first, upper position Al as the folding gooseneck assembly 10 moves from its second, ramp forming configuration to its first, gooseneck forming configuration.

[0070] The folding gooseneck assembly 10 further comprises a locking means for selectively securing the common pivot point A in its first position Al, and releasing so that the common pivot point A can move from its first, upper position to its second, lower position.

[0071] With reference to Figures 16 through 18, it can be seen that the locking mechanism 50 comprises a linear actuator (locking actuator) comprising a single barrel 52, and a pair of oppositely directed piston rods 54. When assembled, one each of the chassis rails 62 extends between one of the pairs of the gooseneck members 20, and the barrel 52 of the locking actuator extends laterally between the innermost gooseneck members 20, so that in use, when the common pivot point A is in its first, upper position Al, the piston rods 54 are extended into the bushes 22 and 64 to lock the common pivot point A in this position Al with respect to trailer body 2. When the piston rods 54 are retracted, they are withdrawn from bushes 64 in the rails 62 of the trailer body 2 (but remain inserted in the bushes 22 in the gooseneck members 20), so that the common pivot point A may move to its second, lower position A2.

[0072] The landing leg 30 is an assembly comprised of a pair of laterally separated struts 32 which are bridged by the barrel 52 of the locking actuator, and a tubular cross-member 34, from which three foot members 36 pivotally depend. From each strut 32 there depends a mounting pin 38 for effecting the pivotable connection B with one of the folding actuators 40. Alternatively, each of the struts 32 may form separate landing legs 30.

[0073] The landing leg 30 is movable by a linear actuator (hereinafter 'leg actuator') 70 (see Figure 3) between at least an extended position and a retracted position with respect to the trailer body 2.

[0074] In use, the landing leg 30 will retract as the folding gooseneck assembly 10 moves to its second, ramp forming configuration, thereby lowering the forward end of the trailer body 2 to the ground (see Figure 11), and extend as the folding gooseneck assembly 10 moves from its second, ramp forming configuration, to its first, gooseneck forming configuration, thereby lifting the forward end of the trailer body 2 off of the ground (see Figure 5).

[0075] Moreover, when the trailer 1 is hitched to the prime mover 100, the landing leg 30 is retractable while the folding gooseneck assembly 10 is in its first, gooseneck forming configuration (see Figure 3), so that the trailer 1 may be towed by the prime mover 100. The trailer body 2 is prevented from dropping to the ground by the hooks 68 of rails 62 being hooked on the U-shaped brackets 16 (see Figure 21) on the top deck 12.

[0076] Consider now the folding gooseneck assembly 10 in its first, gooseneck forming configuration, with the landing leg 30 extended to support the forward end of the trailer 1, as illustrated in Figures 4 and 5. The extended piston rods 54 are located in the bushes 22 and 64 to lock the common pivot point A in position Al with respect to trailer body 2, and the hooks 68 of rails 62 are hooked on the U-shaped brackets 16 (see Figure 21) on the top deck 12.

[0077] A change in configuration of the folding gooseneck assembly 10 is initiated by retraction (shortening) of the folding actuators 40, which lowers the forward end of the trailer body 2, and the forward end of the top deck 12, to the ground, this process being progressively illustrated in Figures 7 through 9.

[0078] At this stage (see Figure 9), the piston rods 54 are retracted from the bushes 64 in rails 62, thus allowing common pivot point A between the gooseneck members 20 and the landing leg 30, to move with respect to the trailer body 2. Further retraction of the folding actuators 40 causes the pivot point A to move downward, with this movement being guided by the guide wheels 24 running in the tracks 64, until the landing leg 30 extends substantially horizontally from the pivot point at position A2, and the top deck 12 forms a ramp having an upper surface which blends with the deck (upper surface) of the trailer body 2, as illustrated in Figures 10 and 11. This then is the second, ramp forming configuration of the folding gooseneck assembly 10, and the ramp can now be used to load and unload the trailer 1.

[0079] Transforming the folding gooseneck assembly 10 from this second, ramp forming configuration back into its first, gooseneck forming configuration, involves a reversal of the above-described process. This is initiated by an extension (lengthening) of the folding actuators 40, which drives the landing leg out of its substantially horizontal position, thus causing the pivot point A to move upward from position A2, with this movement being guided by the guide wheels 24 running in the tracks 64, until the pivot point A reaches position Al.

[0080] At this stage, the piston rods 54 are extended into the bushes 64 in rails 62, thus fixing pivot point A between the gooseneck members 20 and the landing leg 30, with respect to the trailer body 2.

[0081] Further extension of the folding actuators 40 raises the forward edge of the top deck 12 until the hooks 68 of rails 62 become hooked on the U-shaped brackets 16 (see Figure 21) on the top deck 12.

[0082] With the folding gooseneck assembly 10 in its first, gooseneck forming configuration, and the landing leg 30 extended to support the forward end of the trailer 1 (as illustrated in Figures 4 and 5), a prime mover 100 can be reversed beneath the top deck 12 and hitched via kingpin 14.

[0083] With the trailer 1 coupled to the prime mover 100, the folding actuators 40 can be deactivated, and the landing leg 30 retracted by retraction (shortening) of the leg actuator 70. The trailer 1 can then be towed by the prime mover 100.

[0084] All of the above-mentioned actuators for trailer 1 are hydraulic rams, so the trailer 1 further comprises a hydraulic system for powering these rams, as well as a control system for controlling these.

[0085] Advantageously, the folding gooseneck assembly of the trailer according to the present disclosure, can lower a forward end of the trailer to the ground, and raise it again, independently of a prime mover.

[0086] A further advantage of the folding gooseneck assembly 10 is that it provides a gradual ramp which is ideal for the transportation of vehicles having considerable forward or rear overhangs (such as buses or prime movers), or particularly large pieces of wheeled equipment, such as the dump trucks and loaders used in mining, harvesters or other large agricultural equipment.

[0087] With reference to Figure 26, it can be seen that in order to accommodate the especially wide track of vehicles of the later mentioned type, the trailer 1 comprises means for the widening of both the top deck 12 (which provides the ramp deck surface) and the trailer body deck 3.

[0088] More particularly, the top deck member 12 comprises a central portion 12a interposing outrigger portions 12b, which are movable between retracted and extended positions with respect to the central portion 12a. Similarly, the trailer body deck 3 comprises a central deck portion 3a and laterally extendable outrigger portions 3b, which are movable between retracted and extended positions with respect to the body 2a.

[0089] Throughout the specification and the claims that follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the words "comprise" and "include" and variations such as "comprising" and "including" will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers, but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

[0090] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement of any form of suggestion that such prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

[0091] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention is not restricted in its use to the particular application described. Neither is the present invention restricted in its preferred embodiment with regard to the particular elements and/or features described or depicted herein. It will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to the embodiment or embodiments disclosed, but is capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications and substitutions without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth and defined by the following claims.

Claims (12)

1. A low loader trailer comprising a folding gooseneck assembly at or toward a forward end of the trailer, a set of wheels at or toward a rear end of the trailer, and a trailer body interposing these, wherein the folding gooseneck assembly comprises a top deck, and at least one landing leg, where the gooseneck member and the or each landing leg are pivotally connected with respect to the trailer body at a common pivot point, the folding gooseneck assembly further comprising at least one linear actuator for effecting folding, the or each folding actuator bridging pivotable connections with the gooseneck member and the or each landing leg, and wherein in use, the folding gooseneck assembly is movable between at least a first configuration in which it forms a gooseneck for the trailer, and a second configuration in which it forms a ramp for the trailer, and the or each landing leg is movable between at least an extended and a retracted position with respect to the trailer body.

2. The low loader trailer of claim 1, wherein the or each landing leg is so operatively associated with the folding gooseneck assembly, that it will retract as the folding gooseneck assembly moves to its second, ramp forming configuration.

3. The low loader trailer as in either of the preceding claims, wherein the or each landing leg is so operatively associated with the folding gooseneck assembly, that it will extend as the folding gooseneck assembly moves from its second, ramp forming configuration, to its first, gooseneck forming configuration.

4. The low loader trailer as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the or each landing leg is retractable while the folding gooseneck assembly is in its first, gooseneck forming configuration and coupled to a prime mover.

5. The low loader trailer as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the folding gooseneck assembly comprises the or each landing leg.

6. The low loader trailer as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the common pivot point is movable between at least a first position and a second position as the folding gooseneck assembly moves from its first configuration to its second configuration.

7. The low loader trailer as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the common pivot point is movable from at least a first position to a second position as the folding gooseneck assembly moves from its first configuration to its second configuration.

8. The low loader trailer as in either of claims 6 or 7, wherein the common pivot point is movable from its second position to its first position as the folding gooseneck assembly moves from its second configuration to its first configuration.

9. The low loader trailer as in any one of claims 6 through 8, wherein the folding gooseneck assembly further comprises a locking means for selectively securing the common pivot point in its first position.

10. The low loader trailer of claim 9, wherein the locking means selectively releases the common pivot point between the landing leg and the gooseneck member for movement from its first position to its second position.

11. The low loader trailer of claim 10, wherein the locking means comprises a linear actuator (locking actuator) comprising a single barrel, and a pair of oppositely directed piston rods.

12. The low loader assembly of claim 11, wherein the folding gooseneck assembly further comprises two pairs of gooseneck members, where the barrel of the locking actuator extends laterally between the two innermost gooseneck members.

13. The low loader assembly of claim 12, wherein, the folding gooseneck assembly comprises a pair of linear actuators for effecting folding (hereinafter 'folding actuators'), where each folding actuator bridges a pivotable connection with one of the gooseneck members, and a pivotable connection with at least one landing leg.

14. The low loader assembly of any one of claims 11 through 13, wherein the trailer body comprises a pair of lengthwise extending rails, and wherein in use, when the piston rods are retracted, they are both withdrawn from bushes in the rails, and when the piston rods are extended, they are both inserted into the bushes in the rails.

15. The low loader trailer as in any one of claims 11 through 14, wherein the landing leg is an assembly comprised of a pair of laterally separated struts which are bridged by the barrel of the locking actuator, and a tubular cross-member, from which three foot members pivotally depend, and wherein from each strut there depends a mounting pin for effecting the pivotable connection with one of the folding actuators.

16. The low loader trailer as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the above-mentioned actuators are hydraulic rams, so the trailer further comprises a hydraulic system for powering these rams, as well as a control system for controlling these.

17. The low loader trailer as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the trailer further comprises at least one actuator for effecting movement of the landing leg (hereinafter 'leg actuator').

18. A method of operation for the low loader trailer as in any one of the preceding claims, the method comprising the steps of moving the folding gooseneck assembly from its first, gooseneck forming configuration, to its second, ramp forming configuration and retracting the or each landing leg so as to lower a forward end of the trailer body.

19. A method of operation for the low loader trailer as in any one of claims 1 through 17, the method comprising the steps of moving the folding gooseneck assembly from its second, ramp forming configuration, to its first, gooseneck forming configuration and extending the or each landing leg so as to raise a forward end of the trailer body.

20. A folding gooseneck assembly for a low loader trailer, the folding gooseneck assembly being positioned at or toward a forward end of the trailer, the trailer further comprising a set of wheels at or toward a rear end thereof, and a trailer body interposing the folding gooseneck assembly and the wheels, the folding gooseneck assembly comprises a top deck, a gooseneck member depending from the top deck, and at least one landing leg, where the gooseneck member and the or each landing leg are pivotally connected with respect to the trailer body at a common pivot point, the folding gooseneck assembly further comprising at least one linear actuator for effecting folding, the or each folding actuator bridging pivotable connections with the gooseneck member and the or each landing leg, and wherein in use, the folding gooseneck assembly is movable between at least a first configuration in which it forms a gooseneck for the trailer, and a second configuration in which it forms a ramp for the trailer, and the or each landing leg is movable between at least an extended and a retracted position with respect to the trailer body.

14 12 10 2 3 1

30 4 4 4 4

Figure 1 14 102 12 B 10 20 A, A1 1/15

1 24 2

40 C 30 66 62 Figure 2

14 12 70 20 10 1 A, A1 2 2/15

30 62

Figure 3

14 12 10 2 1 3

30 4 4 4 4

Figure 4 14 12 B 10 20 A, A1 3/15

1 24 2

40 C 30 66 62

Figure 5

14 12 10 2 1 3

30 4 4 4 4

Figure 6

14 12 4/15

B 10 20 A, A1 1 24 2

40 C 30 66 62

Figure 7

10 2 1 14 12 3

30 4 4 4 4

Figure 8 5/15

10 B 20 A, A1 14 12 24 1 2

40 C 30 66 62

Figure 9

10 2 1 14 12 3

30 4 4 4 4

Figure 10 6/15

1 B 20 A1 24 2 14 12

40 C 30 A, A2 62

Figure 11

12b 12

12a 20

12b

16 16 22 20 24 22 24 Figure 12 12b 20 22 7/15

12 24 A A 12a 20

24

20 22 12b Figure 13

20 20 20 20

22 20 24 24 20 22 12 Figure 14 8/15

20

22

16

Figure 15

30 52 38 54

32

36 Figure 16 30 52 52 50 9/15

32 32 38 38

36 34 36 34 36 Figure 17

54 32 52 50 32 54 10/15

36 34 36 36

Figure 18

A A

62

60

2 Figure 19 11/15

64 66

68

Figure 20

10

20

64 24 62

16 12/15

68

36 34

Figure 21

20 10 A, A1 1 12 24 2

68 16

36 C 64 62 Figure 22 12 20 10 13/15

A, A1 24

68

16 34

36 C 64 62 Figure 23

Figure 24 B

12 68 A1 64 14/15

16

36 34 30 24

Figure 25

12 12b 10 3b 3 2 1 100

12a 3a 15/15

12b 3b

Figure 26