Patents by Inventor Michael H. Dilgard
Michael H. Dilgard has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 11325466Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for extending the length of a vehicle without the need to rebalance the original drive assembly. The method includes disconnecting the front drive shaft segment from the vehicle transmission, extending the length of the vehicle frame, and inserting a drive shaft extension segment which includes: a rigid tubular shaft rotatable about a longitudinal axis; a universal joint mounted at the tubular shaft front end and having a front flange configured for mounting to the transmission; and a bearing assembly mounted to the tubular shaft The extension segment rear end includes a rearward facing flange configured for mounting to a forward facing flange of the front drive shaft segment that was disconnected from the vehicle transmission. The extension segment is installed in the vehicle between the vehicle transmission and the front drive shaft segment without the need to rebalance the original drive assembly.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2016Date of Patent: May 10, 2022Assignee: U-HAUL INTERNATIONAL, INC.Inventors: Dean Cerimeli, Robert A Dolan, Michael H Dilgard, Javier Nolasco, Jeremy Donohue
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Publication number: 20160152136Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for extending the length of a vehicle without the need to rebalance the original drive assembly. The method includes disconnecting the front drive shaft segment from the vehicle transmission, extending the length of the vehicle frame, and inserting a drive shaft extension segment which includes: a rigid tubular shaft rotatable about a longitudinal axis; a universal joint mounted at the tubular shaft front end and having a front flange configured for mounting to the transmission; and a bearing assembly mounted to the tubular shaft The extension segment rear end includes a rearward facing flange configured for mounting to a forward facing flange of the front drive shaft segment that was disconnected from the vehicle transmission. The extension segment is installed in the vehicle between the vehicle transmission and the front drive shaft segment without the need to rebalance the original drive assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 8, 2016Publication date: June 2, 2016Inventors: Dean Cerimeli, Robert A. Dolan, Michael H. Dilgard, Javier Nolasco, Jeremy Donohue
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Patent number: 9283842Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for extending the length of a vehicle without the need to rebalance the original drive assembly. The method includes disconnecting the front drive shaft segment from the vehicle transmission, extending the length of the vehicle frame, and inserting a drive shaft extension segment which includes: a rigid tubular shaft rotatable about a longitudinal axis; a universal joint mounted at the tubular shaft front end and having a front flange configured for mounting to the transmission; and a bearing assembly mounted to the tubular shaft. The extension segment rear end includes a rearward facing flange configured for mounting to a forward facing flange of the front drive shaft segment that was disconnected from the vehicle transmission. The extension segment is installed in the vehicle between the vehicle transmission and the front drive shaft segment without the need to rebalance the original drive assembly.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2013Date of Patent: March 15, 2016Assignee: U-Haul International, Inc.Inventors: Dean Cerimeli, Robert A Dolan, Michael H Dilgard, Javier Nolasco, Jeremy Donohue
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Publication number: 20140144023Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for extending the length of a vehicle without the need to rebalance the original drive assembly. The method includes disconnecting the front drive shaft segment from the vehicle transmission, extending the length of the vehicle frame, and inserting a drive shaft extension segment which includes: a rigid tubular shaft rotatable about a longitudinal axis; a universal joint mounted at the tubular shaft front end and having a front flange configured for mounting to the transmission; and a bearing assembly mounted to the tubular shaft. The extension segment rear end includes a rearward facing flange configured for mounting to a forward facing flange of the front drive shaft segment that was disconnected from the vehicle transmission. The extension segment is installed in the vehicle between the vehicle transmission and the front drive shaft segment without the need to rebalance the original drive assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 27, 2013Publication date: May 29, 2014Inventors: Dean Cerimeli, Robert A. Dolan, Michael H. Dilgard, Javier Nolasco, Jeremy Donohue
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Patent number: 7360801Abstract: A latching system comprising a base having a first keeper secured thereto, a closable member adapted to engage the base, an elongated member rotatably secured to the closable member, said elongated member including a first connector adapted to engage the first keeper when the closable member engages the base and the elongated member is rotated, and a latch plate assembly hingedly secured to the closable member and adapted to rotate the elongated member.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2001Date of Patent: April 22, 2008Assignee: U-Haul International, Inc.Inventors: Patrick W. Breslin, Michael H. Dilgard, Edward J. Votruba, David L. Simpson, Thomas F. Bone
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Patent number: 6994393Abstract: A trailer including an inner frame that is made of metal, an outer shell that is made of a non-metal and that at least partially surrounds the inner frame, and at least one wheel rotatably secured to the inner frame. In a preferred embodiment, the outer shell is made of a plastic. The inner frame includes a lower frame portion with which the at least one wheel is rotatably secured, and an upper frame portion that supports at least a portion of the weight of the outer shell. Preferably, the upper frame portion includes a middle support member that extends upwardly from the lower frame portion, and a first bar assembly that is hingedly connected to the middle support member. In another embodiment, a second bar assembly is hingedly connected to the middle support member.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2003Date of Patent: February 7, 2006Assignee: U-Haul International, Inc.Inventors: Edward J. Votruba, Patrick W. Breslin, Michael H. Dilgard, David L. Simpson, Thomas F. Bone
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Patent number: 6749248Abstract: A trailer including an inner frame that is made of metal, an outer shell that is made of a non-metal and that at least partially surrounds the inner frame, and at least one wheel rotatably secured to the inner frame. In a preferred embodiment, the outer shell is made of a plastic. The inner frame includes a lower frame portion with which the at least one wheel is rotatably secured, and an upper frame portion that supports at least a portion of the weight of the outer shell. Preferably, the upper frame portion includes a middle support member that extends upwardly from the lower frame portion, and a first bar assembly that is hingedly connected to the middle support member. In another embodiment, a second bar assembly is hingedly connected to the middle support member.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2003Date of Patent: June 15, 2004Assignee: U-Haul International, Inc.Inventors: Edward J. Votruba, Patrick W. Breslin, Michael H. Dilgard, David L. Simpson, Thomas F. Bone
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Patent number: 6722727Abstract: A trailer including an inner frame that is made of metal, an outer shell that is made of a non-metal and that at least partially surrounds the inner frame, and at least one wheel rotatably secured to the inner frame. In a preferred embodiment, the outer shell is made of a plastic. The inner frame includes a lower frame portion with which the at least one wheel is rotatably secured, and an upper frame portion that supports at least a portion of the weight of the outer shell. Preferably, the upper frame portion includes a middle support member that extends upwardly from the lower frame portion, and a first bar assembly that is hingedly connected to the middle support member. In another embodiment, a second bar assembly is hingedly connected to the middle support member.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2003Date of Patent: April 20, 2004Assignee: U-Haul International, Inc.Inventors: Edward J. Votruba, Patrick W. Breslin, Michael H. Dilgard, David L. Simpson, Thomas F. Bone
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Publication number: 20030218359Abstract: A trailer including an inner frame that is made of metal, an outer shell that is made of a non-metal and that at least partially surrounds the inner frame, and at least one wheel rotatably secured to the inner frame. In a preferred embodiment, the outer shell is made of a plastic. The inner frame includes a lower frame portion with which the at least one wheel is rotatably secured, and an upper frame portion that supports at least a portion of the weight of the outer shell. Preferably, the upper frame portion includes a middle support member that extends upwardly from the lower frame portion, and a first bar assembly that is hingedly connected to the middle support member. In another embodiment, a second bar assembly is hingedly connected to the middle support member.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 8, 2003Publication date: November 27, 2003Applicant: U-Haul International, Inc.Inventors: Edward J. Votruba, Patrick W. Breslin, Michael H. Dilgard, David L. Simpson, Thomas F. Bone
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Patent number: 6634701Abstract: A trailer including an inner frame that is made of metal, an outer shell that is made of a non-metal and that at least partially surrounds the inner frame, and at least one wheel rotatably secured to the inner frame. In a preferred embodiment, the outer shell is made of a plastic. The inner frame includes a lower frame portion with which the at least one wheel is rotatably secured, and an upper frame portion that supports at least a portion of the weight of the outer shell. Preferably, the upper frame portion includes a middle support member that extends upwardly from the lower frame portion, and a first bar assembly that is hingedly connected to the middle support member. In another embodiment, a second bar assembly is hingedly connected to the middle support member.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2003Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Assignee: U-Haul International, Inc.Inventors: Edward J. Votruba, Patrick W. Breslin, Michael H. Dilgard, David L. Simpson, Thomas F. Bone
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Patent number: 6631941Abstract: A trailer including an inner frame that is made of metal, an outer shell that is made of a non-metal and that at least partially surrounds the inner frame, and at least one wheel rotatably secured to the inner frame. In a preferred embodiment, the outer shell is made of a plastic. The inner frame includes a lower frame portion with which the at least one wheel is rotatably secured, and an upper frame portion that supports at least a portion of the weight of the outer shell. Preferably, the upper frame portion includes a middle support member that extends upwardly from the lower frame portion, and a first bar assembly that is hingedly connected to the middle support member. In another embodiment, a second bar assembly is hingedly connected to the middle support member.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2003Date of Patent: October 14, 2003Assignee: U-Haul International, Inc.Inventors: Edward J. Votruba, Patrick W. Breslin, Michael H. Dilgard, David L. Simpson, Thomas F. Bone
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Patent number: 6601908Abstract: A trailer including an inner frame that is made of metal, an outer shell that is made of a non-metal and that at least partially surrounds the inner frame, and at least one wheel rotatably secured to the inner frame. In a preferred embodiment, the outer shell is made of a plastic. The inner frame includes a lower frame portion with which the at least one wheel is rotatably secured, and an upper frame portion that supports at least a portion of the weight of the outer shell. Preferably, the upper frame portion includes a middle support member that extends upwardly from the lower frame portion, and a first bar assembly that is hingedly connected to the middle support member. In another embodiment, a second bar assembly is hingedly connected to the middle support member.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2003Date of Patent: August 5, 2003Assignee: U-Haul International, Inc.Inventors: Edward J. Votruba, Patrick W. Breslin, Michael H. Dilgard, David L. Simpson, Thomas F. Bone
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Publication number: 20030107239Abstract: A trailer including an inner frame that is made of metal, an outer shell that is made of a non-metal and that at least partially surrounds the inner frame, and at least one wheel rotatably secured to the inner frame. In a preferred embodiment, the outer shell is made of a plastic. The inner frame includes a lower frame portion with which the at least one wheel is rotatably secured, and an upper frame portion that supports at least a portion of the weight of the outer shell. Preferably, the upper frame portion includes a middle support member that extends upwardly from the lower frame portion, and a first bar assembly that is hingedly connected to the middle support member. In another embodiment, a second bar assembly is hingedly connected to the middle support member.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 8, 2003Publication date: June 12, 2003Inventors: Edward J. Votruba, Patrick W. Breslin, Michael H. Dilgard, David L. Simpson, Thomas F. Bone
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Publication number: 20030107234Abstract: A trailer including an inner frame that is made of metal, an outer shell that is made of a non-metal and that at least partially surrounds the inner frame, and at least one wheel rotatably secured to the inner frame. In a preferred embodiment, the outer shell is made of a plastic. The inner frame includes a lower frame portion with which the at least one wheel is rotatably secured, and an upper frame portion that supports at least a portion of the weight of the outer shell. Preferably, the upper frame portion includes a middle support member that extends upwardly from the lower frame portion, and a first bar assembly that is hingedly connected to the middle support member. In another embodiment, a second bar assembly is hingedly connected to the middle support member.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 8, 2003Publication date: June 12, 2003Applicant: U-Haul International, Inc.Inventors: Edward J. Votruba, Patrick W. Breslin, Michael H. Dilgard, David L. Simpson, Thomas F. Bone
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Publication number: 20030107240Abstract: A trailer including an inner frame that is made of metal, an outer shell that is made of a non-metal and that at (east partially surrounds the inner frame, and at least one wheel rotatably secured to the inner frame. In a preferred embodiment, the outer shell is made of a plastic. The inner frame includes a lower frame portion with which the at least one wheel is rotatably secured, and an upper frame portion that supports at least a portion of the weight of the outer shell. Preferably, the upper frame portion includes a middle support member that extends upwardly from the lower frame portion, and a first bar assembly that is hingedly connected to the middle support member. In another embodiment, a second bar assembly is hingedly connected to the middle support member.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 8, 2003Publication date: June 12, 2003Inventors: Edward J. Votruba, Patrick W. Breslin, Michael H. Dilgard, David L. Simpson, Thomas F. Bone
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Patent number: 6575523Abstract: A trailer including an inner frame that is made of metal, an outer shell that is made of a non-metal and that at least partially surrounds the inner frame, and at least one wheel rotatably secured to the inner frame. In a preferred embodiment, the outer shell is made of a plastic. The inner frame includes a lower frame portion with which the at least one wheel is rotatably secured, and an upper frame portion that supports at least a portion of the weight of the outer shell. Preferably, the upper frame portion includes a middle support member that extends upwardly from the lower frame portion, and a first bar assembly that is hingedly connected to the middle support member. In another embodiment, a second bar assembly is hingedly connected to the middle support member.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2001Date of Patent: June 10, 2003Assignee: U-Haul International, Inc.Inventors: Edward J. Votruba, Patrick W. Breslin, Michael H. Dilgard, David L. Simpson, Thomas F. Bone
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Patent number: D469681Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2001Date of Patent: February 4, 2003Assignee: U-Haul International, Inc.Inventors: Edward J. Votruba, Patrick W. Breslin, Michael H. Dilgard, David L. Simpson, Thomas F. Bone
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Patent number: D469683Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2001Date of Patent: February 4, 2003Assignee: U-Haul International, Inc.Inventors: Edward J. Votruba, Patrick W. Breslin, Michael H. Dilgard, David L. Simpson
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Patent number: D470744Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2001Date of Patent: February 25, 2003Assignee: U-Haul International, Inc.Inventors: Edward J. Votruba, Patrick W. Breslin, Michael H. Dilgard, David L. Simpson, Thomas F. Bone
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Patent number: D478495Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2001Date of Patent: August 19, 2003Assignee: U-Haul International, Inc.Inventors: Edward J. Votruba, Patrick W. Breslin, Michael H. Dilgard, David L. Simpson, Thomas F. Bone