Patents Examined by Stephen T. Gordon
  • Securing assembly for securing a tower to a wind turbine tower
    Patent number: 11325519
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a securing assembly (1) for securing an elongated support tower (2) to a wind turbine tower (3). The securing assembly (1) comprises a base part (1a) including: a tower holding part (4), a fixed part (5), two arms (6), a plate (6c) arranged at the outer part of each of the two arms (6), the plates (6c) can adapt to the curvature of the wind turbine tower (3) and each comprising at least one rope sliding element (9). The securing assembly (1) comprises a rope (8), being arranged via the rope sliding elements (9), and a rope tightening device (11) arranged on the base part (1a). The rope (8) presses the plates (6c) against the wind turbine tower (3) when tightened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: S&L Accesss Systems AB
    Inventors: Michael Strandberg, Kenneth Lundberg
  • Stake assembly
    Patent number: 11319000
    Abstract: A stake assembly is disclosed with reference to a vehicle that includes a bed with a deck and a wall, and a rail secured to the wall. The stake assembly includes a stake axis, a stake base, a rail adaptor supported from the stake base, and a deck adaptor supported from the stake base. The stake base extends along the stake axis. The rail adaptor extends laterally to the stake axis beside the stake base and is configured to secure to the rail. The deck adaptor extends along the stake axis beneath the stake base and is configured to secure to the deck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher M. Higgins
  • Lashing system and method for use in cargo ships
    Patent number: 11312454
    Abstract: A lashing system is usable on cargo ships that are transporting shipping containers, optionally as a supplement to standard lashing bridges provided on cargo ships. The lashing system includes a support that can interface with the pre-existing interlocking system provided on the shipping containers. The support can be lifted and placed on a stack of shipping containers using the same cranes used for loading and unloading shipping containers. The lashing system includes lashings that are attached to the support and are releasably connectable to another shipping container or to a structure of the cargo ship. The tension in the lashings is preferably monitored during the trips of the cargo ships.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Inventors: James V. Maher, David Sverre, Ricky Brown, Eugene Pentimonti
  • Dump cart
    Patent number: 11299187
    Abstract: A dumping cart is disclosed. The cart allows for complete dumping while maintaining four wheels on the ground and can rotate the rear set of wheels to allow the bed of the cart to be completely turned over for emptying. Also disclosed is a method of attaching an article retaining bed to a cart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: Tricam Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph P. Foley, Benjamin P. Williams, Benjamin M. Wernberg, Dennis D. Simpson
  • Supportive belly pad for a rounded trailer
    Patent number: 11292377
    Abstract: A structurally supportive belly pad is connected to a rounded trailer and configured to support the same near the rear end of the trailer. The belly pad may be arcuately curved complementary to the curvature of the rounded trailer. However, if the belly pad were laid flat, it includes a pair of parallel legs aligned in a generally longitudinal direction with a plurality of transverse ribs extending therebetween. The shape of the belly pad is configured to provide structural support for the trailer which is beneficial especially when the trailer is raised and lowered, typically through hydraulic mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: MAC Trailer Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott A. Kibler
  • Article storage structure
    Patent number: 11292394
    Abstract: A fixing component is configured such that the other end portion of the fixing component is engaged with a second support member by elastically deforming an elastic portion provided to at least one of the fixing component, a first support member, the second support member. Accordingly, the fixing component can be brought to interfere (contact) with the article so as to fix the article by an elastic force (restoring force) of the elastic portion. Since this structure requires no nut when fixing the article, no tool is required for fastening the nut, and thus the procedure of fixing the article can be reduced, compare to a case of requiring a nut (related art).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Toshinobu Takashi
  • Support arm for a load bunk of a vehicle
    Patent number: 11286008
    Abstract: A support arm for a loading bunk of a transport vehicle, having a horizontal and a vertical section, each section comprising an inner and outer segment, which are telescopically connected to each other so that the length of the vertical and horizontal sections is variable. Each section further comprising an inner hydraulic actuator with at least one hydraulic pressure chamber, connected to the segments of the horizontal and vertical sections so that movement of the hydraulic actuators changes the lengths of the vertical and horizontal sections respectively. The vertical section being fixedly connected to the horizontal section on one end of the inner or outer segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Juho M. Keskinen, Turo Oinonen, Matti Karhunsaari, Perttu Auvinen
  • Cargo hold clamp assembly for a pickup truck cargo bed
    Patent number: 11273750
    Abstract: Provided is a cargo hold assembly for use in a cargo bed of a pickup truck. The cargo hold assembly comprises a base configured to be mounted to a side-wall portion of the cargo bed; and a clamping assembly pivotally mounted to the base. The clamping assembly provides a clamp mechanism including a top clamp arm and a bottom clamp arm, wherein the top clamp arm is moveable relative to the bottom clamp arm to permit the engagement and retention of cargo therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignee: ABC TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventors: Ian W. Buckley, Timothy J. Miron, Samuel F. Parker, Olga O. Sementsova
  • Tailgate open position adjustment system
    Patent number: 11254371
    Abstract: Methods and systems for adjusting a position of a tailgate of a vehicle. The system includes a cable connecting the tailgate to a spool configured to turn in a first direction to wind the cable, and turn in a second direction to unwind the cable. The system includes a cable release located between the spool and the tailgate, the cable release, when in the unengaged state, allowing the cable to move through the cable release when the spool turns in the first direction, and preventing movement of the cable through the cable release when force is applied to the cable from the tailgate, and the cable release, when in the engaged state, allowing the cable to move through the cable release when the spool turns in the second direction. The system includes a button configured to toggle the cable release between the engaged state and the unengaged state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: TOYOTA MOTOR ENGINEERING & MANUFACTURING NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Ryan C. Harris, Scott L. Frederick
  • Expandible height cargo bed system with mid-bed access
    Patent number: 11247735
    Abstract: A cargo bed system for a vehicle includes an inner shell and an outer shell operably coupled to the inner shell so as to be movable with respect to the inner shell between a lowered position and a raised position so as to vary a height of a cargo bed defined by the cargo bed system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Paxton S. Williams, Colby Steven Williams, Marjorie R. Williams, Scott Louis Frederick
  • Lashing system and method for use in cargo ships
    Patent number: 11235841
    Abstract: A lashing system is usable on cargo ships that are transporting shipping containers, optionally as a supplement to standard lashing bridges provided on cargo ships. The lashing system includes a support that can interface with the pre-existing interlocking system provided on the shipping containers. The support can be lifted and placed on a stack of shipping containers using the same cranes used for loading and unloading shipping containers. The lashing system includes lashings that are attached to the support and are releasably connectable to another shipping container or to a structure of the cargo ship. The tension in the lashings is preferably monitored during the trips of the cargo ships.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: Trendsetter Vulcan Offshore, Inc.
    Inventors: James V. Maher, David Sverre, Ricky Brown, Eugene Pentimonti
  • Dump truck bed with a chain adherent release device
    Patent number: 11230214
    Abstract: The present invention is a dump truck with a bed with a chain adherent release device, wherein the bed has a bottom and two side walls, an inside configured to hold materials, a front wall and a back edge. The bed has a lifted position and a flat, unlifted position. Attached inside the bed is a chain adherent release device which has two bed side chains positioned proximate and parallel to the side walls, at least one bed inner chain spaced between the side chains, and at least one bed cross chain approximately perpendicular to the bed side chains, attached to the side chains and positioned between the front and back of the bed, but not attached to the bottom of the bed. The chains have a sufficient length to have direct contact with the bottom of the bed, and to lie in the bottom of the bed when the bed is in in the flat and unlifted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Assignee: Devine Holdings Corp.
    Inventor: Michael Justin Balderas
  • Structure and method for securing and transporting equipment racks
    Patent number: 11230221
    Abstract: A clamping device secures an equipment rack during shipping. The clamping device includes a gripping portion having first and second surfaces positionable along opposing sides of a respective one of a front and rear lateral logistic bar. The clamping device also includes a clamp mechanism attached to the gripping portion for movement between a disengaged position and an engaged position to selectively engage the first and second surfaces to the opposing sides of the respective one of the front and rear lateral logistic bars positioned adjacent to an equipment rack within a carrier shipping enclosure. A mounting feature is attached to the gripping portion to hold one end of a longitudinal logistic bar positioned along a lateral side of the equipment rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Assignee: Dell Products, L.P.
    Inventors: Steven Embleton, James D. Curlee, Rene J. Salas, Joseph A. Bartole, Bruce E. Lykins, Eric M. Tunks, Joshua S. Keup
  • Haul truck body and a method for manufacturing a haul truck body
    Patent number: 11225205
    Abstract: The invention relates to a haul truck body, comprising a front wall and two opposing side walls. Each side wall presenting an inner surface and an upper edge portion extending rearwardly from a rear end of side wall towards the front wall. Also, each side wall presents an upper reinforcement element which is integrally formed with the side wall and extends along the upper edge portion of the side wall. The invention also relates to a truck and a method for manufacturing a haul truck body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Assignee: Metso Sweden AB
    Inventors: Fredrik Larsson, Henrik Persson
  • Dunnage bag and load strap hanger apparatus and method
    Patent number: 11220203
    Abstract: A dunnage bag and load strap hanger apparatus includes a dunnage bag and load strap hanger and a handle mounted applicator block operative to support and affix the dunnage bag and load strap hanger. The dunnage bag and load strap hanger is fabricated from three distinct and separate parts: a generally planar support substrate and two release papers covering adhesive patches or regions on the support substrate. The support substrate in one embodiment is a sheet that is further divided into two contact members separated by a resilient coupler. Each contact member preferably has a contact body, a hanging loop distal to the resilient coupler, and in alternative embodiments an adhesive coating or other fasteners and affixers. In one alternative embodiment there is one affixing surface, and a fastener to couple two contact members together to support a load strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2022
    Inventors: John R. Wilson, William M. Wilson
  • Truck bed with selectively actuated magnetic floor sections
    Patent number: 11220204
    Abstract: A pick-up truck bed having controllably magnetized areas for retaining cargo or attachment devices. A first permanent magnet may be attached below the lower surface of the truck bed with a second permanent being rotatable relative to the first permanent magnet to control the magnetic flux provided to retain objects in the truck bed. Alternatively, one or more electromagnets may be provided that may be turned on to retain objects in the truck bed and turned off to allow removal of objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2022
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mohammad R. Aghili, Kevin Lucka, Aed M. Dudar, Dennis Seung-Man Yang
  • Vehicle storage compartment
    Patent number: 11220220
    Abstract: A vehicle storage compartment is provided herein. The vehicle storage compartment includes a frame including a cross member. A track system having first and second tracks is coupled to first and second sides of the frame, respectively. A rotatable member is coupled to the cross member and configured to move from a closed position to an open position. A cover coupled to the cross member and configured to extend along the first and second tracks from a first position to a second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2022
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Kevin Mozurkewich, James Hugh Fowler, Luis Javier Benavides
  • Securing cargo for rail transport using polymer foam material
    Patent number: 11220205
    Abstract: A cargo restraint panel may include a foam component. That foam component may have at least one polymer foam sheet. A front face fibrous reinforcing material may be bonded to and substantially cover a front face of the foam component. A rear face fibrous reinforcing material may be bonded to and substantially cover a rear face of the foam component. The cargo restraint panel may include one or more edge guards. Cargo may be secured in a railcar or other conveyance by, e.g., placing cargo restraint panels between cargo units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2022
    Inventor: Matthew Bullock
  • Motorcycle tie down bracket
    Patent number: 11214187
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for securing a motorcycle to a base surface for transport. In some embodiments, a tie down bracket has a central bar configured for attachment to a frame of the motorcycle at a medial location thereof, such as behind a gas tank and forward of a seat supporting area of the motorcycle. First and second attachment plates are attached to opposing proximal and distal ends of the central bar. Each of the first and second attachment plates is configured to receivingly engage at least a first strap for securement to the base surface and at least a second strap for securement to a handle bar portion of the motorcycle. In this way, the motorcycle is secured to the base surface near a center of gravity of the motorcycle and little or no compressive strain is placed on a front fork suspension of the motorcycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Inventor: Magic Schwarz
  • Transport platform
    Patent number: 11214436
    Abstract: A transport platform for loading, conveying, and storing elongated loads which are cut to length, in particular round wood, includes a support structure with a base assembly which is made of longitudinal and transverse supports. A base-side corner fitting is provided on each of the four corner regions of the base assembly, and the transport platform can be locked on a semi-trailer contour, for example of a semitrailer of a truck or another transportation device, by the corner fitting. The base assembly additionally has a vertical support on each of the four corner regions. The vertical support terminates with an upper corner fitting, to which an additional transport platform stacked thereon can be locked or into which a container stacker for loading the transport platform engages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: Allog GmbH
    Inventor: Stefan Grabmeier