Patents Examined by Marlon Arce-Diaz
  • Patent number: 7556275
    Abstract: A saddle type vehicle includes a down tube extending downward from a head pipe for supporting a front fork, a rear wheel pivot unit provided on the down tube, and a rear wheel suspension device for supporting a rear wheel of the vehicle such that the rear wheel can pivot substantially upward and downward around the rear wheel pivot unit. The rear wheel pivot unit is disposed before an engine in the advancing direction of the vehicle. The engine is attached to the rear wheel suspension device such that the engine can pivot with the rear wheel suspension device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Toru Horiuchi
  • Patent number: 7549501
    Abstract: A steering system for a motor vehicle, including a steering gear and at least one tie rod, is characterized in that an actuator is provided, which can move an end section of the tie rod transversely to the direction in which the end section can be adjusted by the steering gear. A method of controlling a vehicle, in which steerable wheels of a vehicle are acted upon, is characterized in that a correction steering angle is superimposed on a steering angle of the steerable wheels which is given by a steering gear, which correction steering angle is brought about by an actuator which acts on one of the steerable wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: TRW Automotive GmbH
    Inventor: Dirk Kesselgruber
  • Patent number: 7516813
    Abstract: The present application relates to a telescopic loader, in particular a reach stacker, having a steering command input device, at least one pick-up to sense the steering angle and a processor unit which is in communication with the steering command input device and with the at least one pick-up and which generates a pre-set signal which can be forwarded to a steering actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: Liebherr-Werk Nenzing GmbH
    Inventors: Klaus Schneider, Marco Sonderegger
  • Patent number: 7510214
    Abstract: An ambulatory assistance device is provided, having a base that supports an individual in a generally upright position. A forward support frame is provided for engagement between the individual's upper extremities and the operating surface. Forward ambulation may be achieved by shifting the individual's mass toward one side of the device and then pulling on the support frame to pivot the opposite side of the device in a generally forward direction. Repeating the process in a mirror fashion moves the other side of the individual and the device in a generally forward direction. Optional platforms and foot restraints are provided for positioning and securing the individual on the base. Various base configurations are provided to adjust the performance of the device according to conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Inventor: Stuart G. Oxford
  • Patent number: 7506886
    Abstract: A slidable trailer hitch apparatus comprises a trailer hitch head operable to receive a cooperating portion of a trailer, the trailer hitch head adapted to be slidable and rotatable relative to the vehicle about an axis of rotation, first and second parallel spaced part guides fixedly located relative to the vehicle, and a body affixed to and rotatable with the trailer hitch head, the body having a center of rotation about the axis and a distal surface adapted to engage either of the first or second guides when the body is rotated relative to the first and second guides. The engagement of the distal surface upon either of the first or second guides displaces the center of the body and the trailer hitch head parallel to the first or second guide when the trailer hitch head is rotated relative to the first and second guides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: Victoria Industries Ltd.
    Inventor: K. Jeffrey Warnock
  • Patent number: 7497283
    Abstract: A device for stabilizing traction in a zero turn mower having a riding frame, a pair of front caster-type wheels, a primary right-side rear wheel and a primary left-side rear wheel, and an asymmetric drive system to said rear wheels for driving and steering, comprising: a) auxiliary right-side and left-side rear wheels rotatably mounted on stub axles positioned rearwardly of said primary rear wheels; b) a first rigid member extending between and pivotally coupled to said auxiliary right-side rear wheel and said primary right-side rear wheel; c) a second rigid member extending between and pivotally coupled to said auxiliary left-side rear wheel and said primary left-side rear wheel; d) a first drive coupling member for driving said auxiliary right-side rear wheel in tandem with said primary right-side rear wheel; and e) a second drive coupling member for driving said auxiliary left-side rear wheel in tandem with said primary left-side rear wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Inventor: Robert E. Hurley
  • Patent number: 7494154
    Abstract: A powered maneuverable and retractable trailer jack adapted for attachment to a tongue of a trailer has an external sleeve, a gear rack on an exterior of the external sleeve, a housing containing at least one gear engaged with the gear rack and operative to move the external sleeve relative to the housing, the housing including a mount configured for attachment to the tongue of a trailer whereby the external sleeve is laterally offset relative to the tongue of a trailer, an internal rod within the external sleeve, the internal rod extending through a wheel fork at a lower distal end of the internal rod and the external sleeve and attached to a drive gear which is engaged with a shaft gear upon a drive shaft rotationally mounted in the wheel fork, and a drive sprocket attached to the drive shaft, a wheel mounted upon an axle rotationally mounted within the wheel fork, and a wheel sprocket attached to the axle proximate to the wheel, and a chain which extends continuously from the wheel sprocket to the drive sp
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Inventors: Robert E. Richards, Mark J. Quintile
  • Patent number: 7490845
    Abstract: A fifth wheel mounting pin riser adaptation is provided, said riser adaptation allowing a mounting pin to be easily extracted from a fifth wheel assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Fontaine International
    Inventors: James Matthew Rhodes, Steven William Mann
  • Patent number: 7490682
    Abstract: A device for reversing the steering movement of a steering-wheel shaft of a vehicle by superimposing a further movement on the steering movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: RENK Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Max Witzenberger
  • Patent number: 7481291
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a vehicle which can travel in the front and back direction and which can turn by right and left wheels rotated when a rider riding on a step-board moves the position of rider's balance from the center of a vehicle base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Gousuke Nishikawa
  • Patent number: 7481285
    Abstract: A lifting and steering assembly for permitting a vehicle to be turned in a small area. The lifting and steering assembly includes at least one turning assembly for being coupled to the vehicle. The turning assembly comprises a shaft member is selectively extended from the vehicle whereby the turning assembly selectively engages the support surface to lift a portion of the vehicle off of the support surface. The turning assembly comprises an engaging means for engaging the support surface when shaft member of the turning assembly is extended from the vehicle. The engaging means is coupled to the shaft member. The engaging means is for advancing along the support surface to rotate the portion of the vehicle lifted off the support surface around a portion of the vehicle still in contact with the support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Inventor: Bobbie Savage
  • Patent number: 7478823
    Abstract: A drawbar clevis assembly includes a drawbar with a greater offset between the upper inboard member and the lower outboard member. The clevis assembly also includes a strap which is mounted to the drawbar and which has an opening in a mid portion. The strap is slid over the drawbar so that the opening receives a portion of the drawbar and so that the inner portion of the strap is attached to an underside of the inboard portion of the drawbar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Joseph Luther Doubet, Bryan Kirk Buerkle
  • Patent number: 7472919
    Abstract: In one embodiment a detachable tow hook assembly comprises a housing defining a passageway for detachably receiving a locking end portion of a tow hook for use in towing a vehicle. Desirably, the tow hook is inserted and rotated to a locking position for retention in place during towing of a vehicle without requiring fasteners or any retaining pins to retain the tow hook in place. Exemplary configurations for tow hooks, tow hook locking portions and tow hook receiving housings are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: Daimler Trucks North America LLC
    Inventors: Walter Hill Pratt, Napolyon Isikbay
  • Patent number: 7469764
    Abstract: A frame assembly is described including a tunnel, an engine cradle disposed forward of the tunnel and connected thereto, and a sub-frame disposed forward of the engine cradle and connected thereto. A forward support assembly extends upwardly from the subframe. An upper column extends upwardly from the engine cradle to connect with the forward support assembly. A rear brace assembly extends upwardly from the tunnel to connect with the forward support assembly and the upper column. In one embodiment, the frame assembly further includes an engine disposed in the engine cradle. An endless track is operatively connected to the engine and disposed beneath the tunnel for propulsion. A pair of skis is operatively connected to a steering device for steering. In another embodiment, the frame assembly further includes an engine disposed in the engine cradle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Bombardier Recreational Products Inc.
    Inventors: Bruno Girouard, Berthold Fecteau, Jérôme Wubbolts, Anne-Marie Dion
  • Patent number: 7467682
    Abstract: A motorcycle shifting arrangement is connected to a transmission of the motorcycle for shifting the transmission between a higher gear and a lower gear. The motorcycle includes an original shifting structure having an original shift member pivotally mounted on an original pivot shaft coupled to the transmission at a location adjacent a foot rest attached to a bottom portion of the motorcycle. A supplemental shifting structure is pivotally attached relative to a supporting structure at a forward location on the motorcycle and has a foot engaging shift member adjacent the foot rest for permitting shifting of the motorcycle between higher and lower gears while the motorcycle operator has a foot supported on the foot rest by applying downward force of the operator's toe on either of the original shift member or the foot engaging shift member of the supplementary shifting structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Assignee: SWH Enterprise, LLC
    Inventor: Scott W. Hahm
  • Patent number: 7467803
    Abstract: This application relates to rear suspension system for bicycles, such as freeride, downhill and trail-style mountain bikes. The suspension system includes a rear suspension for coupling the rear wheel of the bicycle to the bicycle frame, a rear shock absorber disposed entirely in front of the seat tube of the frame and a linkage for operatively coupling the rear suspension to the rear shock absorber. The linkage intersects the longitudinal axis of the seat tube for transmitting rear suspension forces around the seat tube to the rear shock absorber. The seat tube is preferably continuous and is disposed so that the bicycle seat is adjustable over a full range of seat positions. The seat tube orientation ensures that the seat is movable between optimum biomechanical positions for both uphill pedaling and aggressive downhill freeriding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Inventor: Noel Buckley
  • Patent number: 7461853
    Abstract: A boat hull shield device comprising a bracket member attached to the tongue of a trailer. An adjustable shield-support assembly is fastened to the bracket member and extending upwardly therefrom. A pair of planar shield members is adjustably attached to the shield support assembly, with the shield members each positioned to one side of the bracket member in an open V configuration. A pair of linear brace members further stabilizes the shield members. Each brace member is secured at a first end to one shield member and at a second end to the upright support fastened to the tongue of the trailer. The planar shield members are rotationally adjustable relative to a horizontal axis, which is perpendicular to the trailer tongue and pivotally adjustable relative to a vertical axis, that is perpendicular to the trailer tongue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Inventor: Wayne A. Larson
  • Patent number: 7461854
    Abstract: A steering connection assembly is provided that interconnects a towed implement with a tow vehicle. The steering connection assembly includes a tongue member having a forward end pivotally connected at the tow vehicle so as to rotate about a first vertical axis, and a rearward end fixed relative to the frame of the agricultural implement. A drive linkage has a forward end pivotally connected at the tow vehicle so as to rotate about a second vertical axis. A steering linkage interconnects the rearward end of the drive linkage to a series of caster wheel assemblies in support of the frame of the implement. In response to a turn of the tow vehicle, the drive linkage communicates a turn signal via rotation about the second vertical axis so as to cause the steering linkage to steer the caster wheel assembly in the turn direction of the tow vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: CNH Canada, Ltd.
    Inventor: Terrance A. Friggstad
  • Patent number: 7458593
    Abstract: In a support structure of a motor-driven steering assist apparatus interposed between an upper steering shaft in a steering wheel side and a lower steering shaft in a tire wheel side, a steering angle regulating means for limiting a maximum steering angle of the upper steering shaft is provided between the upper steering shaft and a vehicle body side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: Showa Corporation
    Inventors: Mitsuo Saito, Koichi Hata
  • Patent number: 7455131
    Abstract: A suspension system for a tracked vehicle that includes at least four suspension cylinders for suspending at least two track module frames to a chassis of the tracked vehicle to allow torsional flexing to accommodate terrain unevenness with significantly less terrain damage to provide a smoother, safer ride, with bump absorption and improved stability. The suspension cylinders can be hydraulic cylinders, pneumatic cylinders for air bags, powered jackscrews or manual jackscrews. The suspension system also includes lateral links for attaching the at least two track frame module to the chassis to allow the track module frame to move vertically, to tilt and to angle for resiliently tracking uneven surfaces. Longitudinal links for attaching each of the at least two track frame module to the chassis to keep the at least two track module frames centered within the chassis of the tracked vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Inventor: Norman Rittenhouse