Patents Examined by Brodie Follman
  • Patent number: 9616906
    Abstract: An extender accessory for a hand truck having a frame with two vertical frame portions, a plurality of cross bars connected between the frame portions, a pair of axle mounted wheels at lower ends of the frame portions and a platform extending forwardly from the lower ends of the frame portions. The extender accessory comprises an L-shaped support member being of a length longer than the width of the platform. A mechanism is for removably attaching the L-shaped support member against the lower ends of the frame portions and sit upon the platform. The L-shaped support member will overhang opposite sides of the platform, to allow the L-shaped support member to carry and stabilize a variety of loads placed thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: NIA
    Inventors: Paul Carlson, Donna Carlson
  • Patent number: 9527405
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a fuel cell having a cell stack and an end plate provided to receive pressing force, the end plate having such a strength as to resist the pressing force; and a vehicle-side stack frame on which the fuel cell is mounted in a vehicle underfloor region in such a mounting posture that fuel-cell unit cells are stacked horizontally. The vehicle-side stack frame is built over a range from an end plate side to the other end side of the cell stack in the stacking direction of the fuel-cell unit cells in an occupation area occupied by the fuel cell in the mounting posture in the vehicle underfloor region. In a region where it is assumed that external force can reach the occupation area in the vicinity of the end plate, the vehicle-side stack frame has a shortest distance to the end plate that is smaller than a shortest distance to any other members in the vicinity of the end plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Makoto Takeyama
  • Patent number: 9511624
    Abstract: The present invention relates to attaching aerodynamic wheel covers to the wheel of a truck or other heavy duty vehicle, and to a method of installation that does not require the removal of the nuts retaining the wheel to the hub of the axle and allows the air pressure of tires on such wheels to be easily adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: RealWheels Corporation
    Inventor: John Polka
  • Patent number: 9511787
    Abstract: The device is used to raise and move objects. The device has a box-like insert (2) for installing in the bottom side (3) of the object to be lifted. The box-like insert has at least three wheels (14), which are integrated in the box-like insert (2). By means of a pneumatic or hydraulic lifting apparatus in the box-like insert (2) having a hand pump (8) and a valve (9), the wheels (14) can be temporarily extended or pivoted downward out of the insert (2). The object equipped with the insert (2) is thus raised and can then be rolled away on the wheels (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: MP-System GmbH
    Inventors: Gerhard Muller, Hans Peter Abegg
  • Patent number: 9476211
    Abstract: A working device has a substructure for receiving a supporting device for ground support and an elongated working boom. The one end of the working boom is mounted on a rotary head bearing block, which projects beyond the substructure, in a pivotal manner about a horizontal axis. Furthermore, the rotary head is mounted on a rotary bearing of the substructure in a rotatable manner about a vertical axis by a radially projecting bearing ring. The bearing block and the bearing ring of the rotary head are rigidly connected to each other via a base plate provided with a central opening. The rotary head has an annular reinforcing structure which points away from the mounting plate in the direction of the substructure and is concentric about the bearing ring, the reinforcing structure compensating for the non-roundness of the support structure of the bearing block in the circumferential direction of the bearing ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Putzmeister Engineering GmbH
    Inventor: Karl Westermann
  • Patent number: 9469370
    Abstract: An accessory cross bar for a passenger carrier bicycle trailer comprising a bicycle carrier frame with a coupling arrangement at a front end of the frame for coupling of the bicycle trailer to a bicycle and a push-handle at a rear end of the frame. The accessory cross bar is adapted for horizontal mounting at the rear end of the bicycle trailer frame and has a non-circular cross-section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: Thule Child Transport Systems Ltd.
    Inventors: Daniel W. Britton, Wesley Justin Fleming, Paramjit Singh
  • Patent number: 9469281
    Abstract: An external mount travel limiter for landing gear extension legs which employs a pair of mechanically-operable cross-port valves fluidly coupled to the hydraulic circuit that are operably synchronized for actuation based on movement of the telescoping upper and lower leg assemblies of the landing gear between respective extend and retract travel stop limit positions. The valves are connected to the leg assemblies via an external drive shaft which synchronously drives a valve actuator that actuates one of the valves upon the lower leg assembly reaching a travel stop limit position in either direction. When actuated, each valve cross-ports the system's fluid flow from the valve's inlet port to the system's return line, thereby permitting all fluid flow and power to bypass the power drive motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Inventor: Paul L. Klassy
  • Patent number: 9463689
    Abstract: Hydraulic motor integrated in a vehicular wheel comprising a hub having a cylindrical symmetry supported by a articulated stub axle and defining a development axis of the hub and of the hydraulic motor, a motor body, rotatably integral with the articulated stub axle, having an annular shape and being equipped with radial pistons, a ring nut integral with a hub and wherein said radial pistons act, an hydraulic oil distributor, wherein the hydraulic oil distributor is housed in the hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: FPT INDUSTRIAL S.P.A.
    Inventors: Emanuele Colacito, Edoardo Curti, Massimo Melluso, Giorgio Rossia
  • Patent number: 9452343
    Abstract: Shown is a ski binding for fastening a ski boot with a firm or flexible sole onto a ski, which encompasses the following: a forefoot-fixing module with a fastening section and movable section and a support for the heel of the ski boot, wherein the movable section of the forefoot-fixing module encompasses a front receptacle and a rear receptacle, wherein the front and rear receptacle are together suitable for fastening a front section of the ski boot in the forefoot-fixing module, and releasing the latter given a correspondingly high torque. The ski binding has a Telemark downhill mode and/or a climbing mode and/or an alpine downhill mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: Technische Universitat Munchen
    Inventors: Bernhard Schröer, Hans-Martin Kroll
  • Patent number: 9440490
    Abstract: A spare stub assembly has a circular flange attached to a spindle that has been inserted within a hole centrally located in the central flange. A set of holes are disposed symmetrically about the large flat surface of the flange. The back end of the spindle is placed within a tubular member that has a corresponding second flange attached at an end thereof. This second flange likewise has a central hole and a set of holes disposed symmetrically about the large flat surface of the second flange. The back end of the spindle is inserted within the hole in the second flange associated with the tubular member and onwards therein; this is followed by the bolts and locking nuts application between the two sets of flanged holes thereby locking the two flanges together and permitting easy replacement of a worn spindle. Another spare stub assembly attached similarly to a third flange that is itself attached to the other end of the tubular member opposite the first flange is an option.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Inventor: Earland M. Crockett, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9434317
    Abstract: A vehicle step system and method incorporating an end of a vehicle bumper. The step system includes an end of the bumper movable between a first, closed position and a second, open position. When placed in the second, open position the end of the bumper includes a step surface. One example of the vehicle step system and method includes positioning the step surface below the top of the bumper. The end of the bumper may be pivotally connected at the bottom wherein an actuator operates to move the end of the bumper between the first, closed position and the second, open position. In an additional example, a latch operates to prevent movement of the end of the bumper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Adrian Nania
  • Patent number: 9429940
    Abstract: A self-propelled device includes a spherical housing and an internal drive system including one or more motors. The internal drive system acts to provide power to an interior surface of the spherical housing, thereby causing the self-propelled device to move. A biasing assembly can be included to enable the internal drive system to continuously engage an inner surface of the spherical housing. An external accessory magnetically interacts with interior magnetic components through the spherical housing such that as the self-propelled device rotates and maneuvers, the accessory component maintains a positional relationship to a top portion of the self-propelled device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: Sphero, Inc.
    Inventors: Ian H. Bernstein, Adam Wilson, Chun Kong, Ross MacGregor, Damon Arniotes
  • Patent number: 9428333
    Abstract: Systems and methods for installing a compressed natural gas housing apparatus to a vehicle are disclosed. The housing apparatus is configured to be retrofitted to existing cab liners used on refuse vehicles. The complete installation of the housing apparatus and roof liner are disposed below the roofline of the refuse vehicle. The housing apparatus can be configured to contain a variable number of compressed natural gas tanks. The housing apparatus is installed such that the length of the gas pipeline and electrical wiring connected to the apparatus from the vehicle engine and controller is minimized. The location of housing apparatus provides the additional safety of minimizing the exposure of the gas tanks to falling debris or prevent possible contact with the compressed natural gas tanks being damaged as vehicle travels under bridges, other low objects, or contact in the event of a rollover accident.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: Casella Waste Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary Simmons
  • Patent number: 9421917
    Abstract: An equipment holder for workers, fire fighters and rescue teams consisting of: a flat bar having a front side and a back side, an impact resistant rod body with a first leg and a second leg formed at angles to the body and attached to the flat bar, wherein the legs are spaced apart from each other the length of the rod body; a holster for securing additional equipment attached to the flat bar and the body, wherein hip waders and boots can be secured in an inverted position between the flat bar and the body and the flat bar can be fastened to an exposed portion of a vehicle for transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: RUBBER BOOT BUDDY, LLC
    Inventors: Conner Wayne Christian, Corey Howard Christian
  • Patent number: 9415787
    Abstract: A frame for attachment to an article is provided, the frame comprising a crosspiece and an arm, the crosspiece being coupled to the arm and comprising pegs, the pegs being structured and arranged for insertion within an article opening. The arm comprises a distal end for insertion within a second opening of the article. The frame comprises transport members, such as wheels or sliding members, adapted to permit the article and frame to be moved when the frame is attached to the article. The frame may be adapted for attachment to a portable cooler comprising a foot opening and a handle opening, the pegs being adapted for insertion within the foot opening, the arm adapted for insertion within the handle opening. The crosspiece and arm may be adjustable in length. One or more frames may be attached to the portable cooler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Inventor: David Shane Mericle
  • Patent number: 9415786
    Abstract: A cooler cart preferably includes a carrier member, a handle, an axle and a pair of wheels. The carrier member preferably includes a bottom frame, a top frame, a first axle frame member, a second axle frame member and a plurality of vertical frame members. An expandable cooler cart preferably includes a left rear support, a right rear support, a left middle telescoping section, a right middle telescoping section, a left front section, a right front section, a plurality of widthwise telescoping tubes and a plurality of pipe clamps. In use, the plurality of pipe clamps are loosened and the plurality of telescoping connections are slid to accommodate the outer perimeter of a cooler. The plurality of pipe clamps are then tightened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Inventor: Daniel P. Lorrigan
  • Patent number: 9409583
    Abstract: A spherical hauling device for moving foliage and waste. The device includes an operably expandable and collapsible frame generally spherical in shape when in an expanded position, and nearly flat when collapsed. The frame includes a pair of directly opposing hubs having coaxial hub axes of rotation, and a plurality of ribs exiting each hub radially and arching towards the opposing hub. Each hub has at least one track within which the ribs rotate between the expanded and collapsed positions. The device further includes an outer shell spanning the frame for containing the foliage and waste when the device is expanded. The outer shell can include a plurality of panels operably coupled to and extending between adjacent ribs. A yoke is operably coupled to each hub and includes at least one of a shaft and a retractible cord for rolling the device over variable terrain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Inventor: William Bors
  • Patent number: 9409616
    Abstract: A children's ride-on vehicle with a self-straightening mechanism/feature directed to self-correct or self-straighten the steering of the vehicle as it crosses varying types and conditions of terrain. The vehicle includes a main body, a front shaft connector to connect at least one wheel to the main body, a rear shaft connector to connect at least one rear wheel to the main body; and providing a spring piece to resiliently bias at least one of said front and rear shaft connector into a specified position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: Prince Lionheart, Inc.
    Inventors: Yafei Lu, Jing Jing Pi, Thomas E McConnell
  • Patent number: 9403546
    Abstract: A folding structure for a trolley includes at least two main poles and a movable member. The main poles are connected to a carrying platform having an operating rod, two roller sets, and a base that are motionally linked. A transverse plate is attached to upper ends of the main poles. The movable member is slidably mounted on the main poles and has a pull rod. The pull rod extends beyond the transverse plate for an extension distance. To prepare the trolley for use, the operating rod is pushed downward so that the roller sets expand in a horizontal direction and the base is laid down. Then the pull rod is set for its largest extension distance to facilitate a user's pulling trolley. After use, the trolley can be easily folded by lifting the operating rod that in turn drives the roller sets and the base to retract.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Inventor: Chung-Shiu Su
  • Patent number: 9399476
    Abstract: A carriage assembly includes a cart with a bottom wall and a peripheral wall. A top side of the cart is open. The peripheral wall has a front side, a back side, a first lateral side and a second lateral side. The cart may contain a plurality of objects. A handle is attached to the cart. A rolling apparatus is coupled to the cart to facilitate the cart is rolled along a support surface. The rolling apparatus is positionable in a deployed position to elevate the cart a maximum distance above the support surface. The rolling apparatus is positionable in a retracted position to lower the cart to a minimum distance above the support surface. A lock coupled to the cart and is in mechanical communication with the rolling apparatus. The lock releases the rolling apparatus to facilitate positioning the rolling apparatus between the deployed position and the retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Inventor: Diane Stankevitz