With Wheeled Buoyant Landing Or Launching Aid Patents (Class 114/344)
  • Patent number: 11952743
    Abstract: A loader for a work vehicle includes a loader arm, a mast section rotatably connected to the loader arm, an implement removably attached to the loader arm, a first actuator connected between the loader arm and the mast, a second actuator connected between the loader arm and the implement, and a first roller apparatus having a use position and a storage position. The first roller apparatus is positioned nearer a ground surface in the use position than in the storage position. The first roller apparatus is in contact with the ground surface in the use position and spaced apart from the ground surface in the storage position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventor: Thomas L. Kennedy
  • Patent number: 11845516
    Abstract: A pontoon boat includes port and starboard pontoons and cross members connecting the pontoons. A shock absorber may be installed at each point of connection of the pontoons to the cross members. A cross member may be embodied as a double-webbed beam having first and second parallel flanges and first and second webs disposed between and connected to the flanges. Each pontoon may include a two-stage lifting strake having a first surface and a second surface inclined from the first surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Assignee: BARLETTA BOAT COMPANY, LLC
    Inventors: William Fenech, Mark Neibert
  • Patent number: 11772751
    Abstract: A system for the recovery of a surface marine craft by a carrier ship includes a lifting device with which the carrier ship is intended to be equipped and which includes a lifting unit of the davit type, equipped with a lifting cable including, at one end, a connection interface, a pole bearing a guide cable, an anchor connected to one end of the guide cable, the connection interface for the lifting cable being coupled removably to the anchor, and a hauling cable. The system also includes a receiving device with which the marine craft is intended to be equipped, the receiving device including a forward module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: ECA ROBOTICS
    Inventor: Maël Fichou
  • Patent number: 11708133
    Abstract: The recovery device comprises a floating cradle configured to receive and support the vehicle, the cradle having an entrance for the vehicle situated at a rear end of the cradle and delimited between two lateral portions, the cradle being configured or capable of being configured with a rear lateral extension extending toward the rear from one of the two lateral portions, the other lateral portion having no rear lateral extension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Assignee: NAVAL GROUP
    Inventors: Eric Jouvion, Pierre-Alan Michel, Eric Perrot
  • Patent number: 11661128
    Abstract: A dolly for a water vessel is an apparatus that facilitates the transportation of a water vessel on land. The apparatus serves as a universal attachment for water vessels. The apparatus includes left brace assembly, a right brace assembly, a connector bar, a first roller assembly, and a second roller assembly. The left brace assembly and the right brace assembly attach onto a transom of a water vessel. The left brace assembly and the right brace assembly may be adjusted to accommodate transoms of varying heights. The connector bar mounts the left brace assembly with the right brace assembly, thereby positioning the first roller assembly and the second roller assembly. The first roller assembly and the second roller assembly uplift the water vessel and rolls the water vessel across the ground. The apparatus further includes a cradle mechanism which further supports a paddleboard or a kayak.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Inventor: David Listro
  • Patent number: 11648868
    Abstract: A vessel guidance system is used with a boat trailer typically having a frame formed of a pair of side rails with numerous transverse rails ding therebetween. The guidance system includes a pair of elongated, buoyant supports, each hingedly attached to the front end of one the trailer side rails. Each support configured to receive a pontoon or a discrete portion of a boat hull. Extending from the rear end of each support is a V-shaped guide for capturing the nose cone and the skeg on a pontoon or boat hull. Once the hull or pontoon is captured, the vessel is guided onto the supports as the vessel is further propelled onto the trailer. As the towing vehicle withdraws the trailer from the water, the supports gradually lower the vessel onto the trailer frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Inventor: Peter Tishenko
  • Patent number: 11643123
    Abstract: A multi-terrain cart, comprising a cart body, two front and two rear non-pivoting wheels, a swivel wheel positioned forwardly or rearwardly to the front and rear non-pivoting wheels, respectively, an actuator for applying a downward force to the swivel wheel which causes the swivel wheel to be set at an operative position and two of the non-pivoting wheels to be raised relative to an underlying ground surface, and means for setting an angle of the swivel wheel relative to a lengthwise extending centerline of the cart body to cause the cart to rotate about a center of rotation that is determined by the set angle of the swivel wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Inventor: Nir Yifrah
  • Patent number: 11524752
    Abstract: An assembly for a watercraft according to an example of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a flotation device including an elongated slot and a mount that has first and second flanges extending outwardly from a bracket body. The first flange is configured to be mechanically attached to a frame, and the second flange is slideably received in the slot to secure the flotation device. A method of assembly for a watercraft is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Inventor: Michael Dee Miller
  • Patent number: 11505282
    Abstract: A pontoon boat includes port and starboard pontoons and cross members connecting the pontoons. A shock absorber may be installed at each point of connection of the pontoons to the cross members. A cross member may be embodied as a double-webbed beam having first and second parallel flanges and first and second webs disposed between and connected to the flanges. Each pontoon may include a two-stage lifting strake having a first surface and a second surface inclined from the first surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: BARLETTA BOAT COMPANY, LLC
    Inventor: Mark Neibert
  • Patent number: 11485182
    Abstract: An amphibian (1) for use on land and water, comprising: a hull having a planing surface (2), and at least one retractable suspension apparatus (4) movable from a vehicle supporting position to a retracted position, comprising for each wheel (5), upper and lower suspension arms (8, 9) that are pivotably connected at inboard ends to a support structure within the hull; and are pivotably connected at outboard ends to a suspension upright (7). Upright (7) extends from a first, upper connection past a second, lower connection to a location (10) for a wheel hub mounting. The suspension upright when deployed in land use extends externally of the hull across a side face (2A) of the planing surface; while lower suspension arm (9) remains above the top of planing surface (2) throughout use of the amphibian on land. This suspension arrangement allows the hull to have no cutouts in its planing surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Assignee: Gibbs Technologies Ltd
    Inventor: Alan Timothy Gibbs
  • Patent number: 11420717
    Abstract: An oar for use in propelling a watercraft through water includes a first circular paddle portion. An edge hole extends into an edge of the first paddle portion. The oar also includes a second circular paddle portion, with an edge hole extending into an edge of the second paddle portion. The oar also includes a handle portion having a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The first paddle portion edge hole and the handle portion first end are structured so that the handle portion first end is detachably securable in the first paddle portion edge hole. The second paddle portion edge hole and the handle portion second end are structured so that the handle portion second end is detachably securable in the second paddle portion edge hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher E. Dragan, Travis M. Blais, Angela Piculi, Philip J. Babian
  • Patent number: 11065927
    Abstract: A power train for an amphibian operable in land and marine modes includes a prime mover, at least a first land propulsion unit, a first marine propulsion unit, a second marine propulsion unit, and at least one speed change transmission. The prime mover is arranged to drive the at least first land propulsion unit through/via the at least one speed change transmission in land mode, and the prime mover is arranged to drive the first marine propulsion unit and the second marine propulsion unit through/via the at least one, or another, or combinations of, speed change transmission in marine mode. In addition, the present invention provides an amphibian comprising the power train.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: Gibbs Technologies Limited
    Inventor: Alan Timothy Gibbs
  • Patent number: 11027803
    Abstract: A universal receiver for transporting a watercraft may include a first knuckle receiver attachable to the watercraft, an adapter repositionable within the knuckle receiver, and a wheeled support leg. Typically, the adapter is detachable from the support leg and includes a ridge to mate with a corresponding channel and recessed cavity in the receiver. The result is a wheel assembly to repositionably secure the support leg between a first position and at least a second position that is generally angular offset from the first position, thereby securing the leg and preventing rotation about the watercraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: BooneDOX, Inc.
    Inventor: Chad Brinkley
  • Patent number: 10974556
    Abstract: A boat is fitted with retractable wheels which can pivot between an extended land position and a retracted water position. A slot is formed in the hull of the boat. A housing sealing engages about the slot to prevent water entering the boat through the slot. The housing supports a pivot. An arm member is connected to the pivot and a wheel is connected to the arm member. The arm member can pivot through the slot between the wheel retracted and wheel extended positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Inventor: Andrew Vincent Ryan
  • Patent number: 10967691
    Abstract: A retractable wheel and/or track drive assembly for an amphibian comprising an actuator, a retraction linkage assembly movable between a protracted position and a retracted position, a suspension assembly at least partially connected to the retraction linkage assembly and movable between a protracted position and a retracted position, and at least one wheel and/or track drive, wherein when the retraction linkage assembly and the suspension assembly are protracted then the retraction linkage and/or suspension assembly supports and/or holds at least one wheel and/or track drive in a ground engaging position for use on land.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Gibbs Technologies Limited
    Inventor: Alan Timothy Gibbs
  • Patent number: 10946940
    Abstract: A ship including at least two hull sections spliced together along the axial direction of the ship. The two adjacent hull sections are connected through a splicing structure. The splicing structure includes a first matching structure and a second matching structure. The first matching structure includes a protrusion and a groove that are in a vertical inserting fit. The second matching structure includes a fixed base and a rotating base for rotating to press the fixed base. The hull sections of the present invention are stable to connect and convenient to disassemble and assemble.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: FUJIAN DOOFAR OUTDOOR SPORTING GOODS CO., LTD
    Inventor: Xi Zhen Lin
  • Patent number: 10894586
    Abstract: An assembly for a watercraft according to an example of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a flotation device defining an elongated slot extending between opposed ends of the flotation device, and an elongated mount that has first and second flanges extending outwardly from a bracket body. The first flange is configured to be mechanically attached to a frame, and the second flange is slideably received in the elongated slot to secure the flotation device. A method of assembly for a watercraft is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2021
    Inventor: Michael Dee Miller
  • Patent number: 10850807
    Abstract: A pontoon boat includes port and starboard pontoons and cross members connecting the pontoons. A shock absorber may be installed at each point of connection of the pontoons to the cross members. A cross member may be embodied as a double-webbed beam having first and second parallel flanges and first and second webs disposed between and connected to the flanges. Each pontoon may include a two-stage lifting strake having a first surface and a second surface inclined from the first surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: BARLETTA BOAT COMPANY, LLC
    Inventor: Mark Neibert
  • Patent number: 10822064
    Abstract: The invention concerns a boat (10) comprising a hull (11) that is suitable for being towed on a solid surface and comprises a hitching device (30) comprising a straight drawbar (39) and a hitching mechanism (31), characterised in that the hitching device is movable in translation along an axis parallel to a longitudinal axis of the hull (11) between a stowed position in which the hitching device is more retracted into the hull and a deployed position in which the hitching device extends further out of the hull than when in the stowed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: WETTONCRAFT
    Inventor: Eric Divry
  • Patent number: 10717497
    Abstract: An expandable pontoon boat includes a center section, a first side section, and a second side section. First and second telescoping assemblies connect the first side section to the center section, and third and fourth telescoping assemblies connect the second side section to the center section. The telescoping assemblies may be extended and retracted to extend and retract the first and second side sections from the center section, thereby widening and narrowing the boat, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: LIPPERT COMPONENTS, INC.
    Inventor: Carl Yoder
  • Patent number: 10589823
    Abstract: A pontoon boat includes port and starboard pontoons and cross members connecting the pontoons. A shock absorber may be installed at each point of connection of the pontoons to the cross members. A cross member may be embodied as a double-webbed beam having first and second parallel flanges and first and second webs disposed between and connected to the flanges. Each pontoon may include a two-stage lifting strake having a first surface and a second surface inclined from the first surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: BARLETTA BOAT COMPANY, LLC
    Inventors: William Fenech, Mark Neibert
  • Patent number: 10569843
    Abstract: There is provided a folding boat structure for facilitating transportation, the structure comprising: a central structure having a fixed primary hull; outrigging supporting at least one secondary hull structure having a secondary hull to the central structure, wherein: the outrigging is double hinged so as to be user configurable in a deployed configuration and a stowed configuration and wherein: in the deployed configuration, the at least one secondary hull is located laterally adjacent the main hull and downwardly orientated; and in the stowed configuration, the at least one secondary hull is located above the main hull and upwardly orientated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Inventor: Aaron Kiellerup
  • Patent number: 10553128
    Abstract: A water rollover simulation system includes a simulation training device. The simulation training device is connected to a track, wherein one end of the track is submerged in water. The simulation training device begins a simulation on another portion of the track not submerged in water, moves toward the end of the track, and completes the simulation by allowing one or more trainees to escape the simulation training device while the simulation training device is submerged under water. The water rollover simulation system includes various safety features. The safety features can be activated automatically after a predetermined amount of time, or manually via a remote control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: The Government of the United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of Homeland Security
    Inventor: Jack B. Mounts, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10427769
    Abstract: A system of brackets and rails for attaching wheels, towing devices, and other accessories to small pontoon watercraft in various locations and combinations to increase the transportability and utility of the watercraft. Among the advantages are the ability to tow the watercraft by hand or bicycle, and to allow other devices such as a human powered pedal drive, trolling motor, bike rack, cargo rack, and other accessories to be attached easily and without the use of tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Inventor: Patrick D. Garrett
  • Patent number: 10407147
    Abstract: An aftermarket adaptor apparatus for a float-board is disclosed. My invention permits a user to adapt a conventional buoyant water float-board (typically a “stand-up paddleboard”, surf board, or other floatable device), to effectively convert it into a foot-propelled exercise board. The adapted float-board allows a user to travel across, over, and through water by the action and means of the user's feet treading and ambulating upon a treadmill integral to said adaptor apparatus (after its attachment onto said float-board). In practice, the treadmill is affixed onto and over the upper surface of the float-board at the time of the adapter being attached. Accordingly, the affixed adaptor upgrades a simple float-board for treadmill propulsion through the water. The adapted float-board permits a user to “self-propel” over, across, and through a body of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Inventor: Hector Joaquin Benedi
  • Patent number: 10358158
    Abstract: A trailer having a framework configured for selectively switching between a wheel-based towing mechanism and a ski-based towing mechanism and wherein the trailer framework is lightweight and configured for supporting an enclosed trailer that may be constructed of lightweight composite paneling. The trailer framework can also be used with a pivotable and removable tow-bar where the tow-bar is configured with a plurality of pivotable attachment points for pivotably securing to the framework. The tow-bar is also connectable to any tow-vehicle and can be removed from the tow-vehicle and the trailer framework when not in use, or can be pivoted upwardly about the trailer framework for storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: INTELLI-CORE LLC
    Inventors: Kyle Chas Bjorkman, Jesse Richard Gamble
  • Patent number: 10315554
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to boat trailers and, more particularly, to an improved, automatic, self-leveling floating guide-on post assembly mounted to a pontoon boat trailer. A pair of floating guide-on post assemblies are mounted on the rear member of a trader frame in the cavity between the pontoons of a pontoon boat. The floating guide-on post assemblies each include an upwardly extending cylindrical shaped exterior support tube, and a buoyant interior cylinder tube and wheel assembly adapted to contact and guide a pontoon during loading on and unloading off a boat trailer. The floating guide-on post assemblies include a mounting system comprised of U-shaped bolts and clamps that allow the guide-on post to be mounted to a pontoon boat trailer frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Inventor: Gordon Henry Hess
  • Patent number: 10232760
    Abstract: Apparatuses, watercraft supports comprising the apparatuses, and methods of loading watercraft on the watercraft supports for promoting centering of a watercraft while loading the watercraft onto a watercraft support. The apparatuses include at least two units each having a rigid arm having first and second ends and a barrier component configured to float on water. The first end of the rigid arm is configured to be secured to a watercraft support such that the rigid arm pivots relative to the watercraft support. The second end of the rigid arm is configured to be secured to the barrier component such that the rigid arm pivots relative to the barrier component. The units may be located adjacent to oppositely-disposed longitudinal sides of the watercraft support and used to directing the watercraft to be centered over the watercraft support during loading from a body of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Inventor: Clifford Leasure
  • Patent number: 10149423
    Abstract: A drawbar for finishing attachments is arranged to attach to a fore-aft frame member of a tillage implement. The drawbar has a saddle with spaced apart side walls defining a channel configured to receive the frame member. When the frame member is received in the channel, the side walls of the saddle overlap side walls of the frame member and extend in the fore-aft direction rearward of an end of the frame member. The side walls of the saddle and the frame member have mounting openings that align along a lateral direction transverse to the fore-aft direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: David L. Steinlage, Jerry R. Merkle, Bryan D. Blauwet, Luc Janelle, Jeremy Nefzger, Shawn J. Becker, Humberto Moreno
  • Patent number: 10086664
    Abstract: A floatable land vehicle is provided that includes a base body having at least one buoyancy body that is detachably fastened to the base body, the buoyancy body containing an at least partially filled tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: General Dynamics European Land Systems—Germany GmbH
    Inventor: Werner Fraundorfer
  • Patent number: 10053199
    Abstract: A multi-purpose personal watercraft for deployment in different configurations as desired by a user. The multi-purpose personal watercraft comprises a base frame which forms a watercraft base which includes side extensions, an aft floor board, and a bow portion, as well as two opposing mirror image side floats with which the base frame is selectively integrated. When in place, the opposing side floats form the multi-purpose personal watercraft's U shaped hull and enable the selective attachment of a rudder assembly behind the multi-purpose personal watercraft's stern. With respect to propulsion, base frame is configured to enable the selective deployment of pedal propellers, a user's legs, or a trolling motor. A dual steering system enables the control of up to two discrete steering mechanisms from a single position on the watercraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Inventor: Robin Smith
  • Patent number: 10029761
    Abstract: An expandable and contractible boat comprises a first outer hull and a second outer hull symmetrically shaped and arranged with respect to one another. The first and second outer hulls are movable relative to one another, and each of the first and second outer hulls includes an outboard side portion, an inboard side portion, a bottom portion between the outboard side portion and the inboard side portion, and a concave chine portion connecting the outboard side portion and the bottom portion. A cross-section of each of the first and second outer hulls is recessed at the concave chine portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Inventor: Lanny Ralph Poppell
  • Patent number: 9956837
    Abstract: An amphibian (1) for use on land and water, comprising: a hull having a planing surface (2), and at least one retractable suspension apparatus (4) movable from a vehicle supporting position to a retracted position, comprising for each wheel (5), upper and lower suspension arms (8, 9) that are pivotably connected at inboard ends to a support structure within the hull; and are pivotably connected at outboard ends to a suspension upright (7). Upright (7) extends from a first, upper connection past a second, lower connection to a location (10) for a wheel hub mounting. The suspension upright when deployed in land use extends externally of the hull across a side face (2A) of the planing surface; while lower suspension arm (9) remains above the top of planing surface (2) throughout use of the amphibian on land. This suspension arrangement allows the hull to have no cutouts in its planing surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Gibbs Technologies Ltd.
    Inventor: Alan Timothy Gibbs
  • Patent number: 9926056
    Abstract: A small watercraft end portion transportation device utilizes a hull cradle attached to a hull carrier to protect a watercraft during portage. The hull cradle has form-fitting cradle plates which wrap around the sides of the bow or stern and support the underside hull. Plate cushions can be used to more evenly distribute pressures to the cradle and protect the craft. Tie attachments, tie cables and tie downs can be used to secure the craft in the cradle. The lower hull carrier uses a number of hull carrier supports which together support the cradle above a carrier wheel assembly and provide additional plate protection to the craft and cradle. A modified set of rear hull carrier supports extend downwards from the lower hull carrier and attach to a carrier wheel assembly. The hull carrier supports act as independent suspension systems to absorb shock from the wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Inventor: Michael John Krueger
  • Patent number: 9777446
    Abstract: A floating device for transfer of personnel and material to and from the shore, where the device is divided into sections that are mutually brought together by articulated couplings to form an extended, continuous path for the transfer of said personnel and material, as the sections are set up to be reset between a parked, folded position and an extended, using position. The device is characterized by a first section (10) that comprises mutually separated hull sections (14, 16) that are connected via a deck (12) where the other sections (20, 30) in the device are set up to be parked in under the deck (12) between the hull parts (14, 16) of the first section (10), and also that the device comprises means to securely couple the other sections (20, 30) to the first section (10) up under the deck, as the hull parts can be ballasted to be able to raise and lower the first section (10) with regard to the other sections (20, 30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: Cruise Ventures AS
    Inventor: Asbjørn Nes
  • Patent number: 9663209
    Abstract: A multi-purpose personal watercraft for deployment in different configurations as desired by a user. The multi-purpose personal watercraft comprises a base frame defining a watercraft base which includes selectively foldable side extensions, a removable aft floor board, and a bow portion, as well as two opposing side floats with which the base frame is selectively integrated. When in place, the opposing side floats defines form the multi-purpose personal watercraft's U shaped hull and enable the selective attachment of a rudder assembly. With respect to propulsion, base frame is configured to enable the selective deployment of pedal propellers, a user's legs, or a trolling motor. A dual steering system enables the control of up to two discrete steering mechanisms from a single position on the watercraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Inventor: Robin Smith
  • 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: 9403471
    Abstract: A vehicle system is disclosed herein. The vehicle system includes first and second shell members, each extending along respective first and second axes between respective stern ends and junction ends. Each shell member also includes respective hull walls extending along the respective axes, interconnecting the respective stern ends and junction ends. Each shell member defines respective volumes of space accessible through respective perimeters. The vehicle system also includes a first hinge assembly interconnecting the first shell member and the second shell member. The first hinge assembly is mounted to the first junction end and to the second junction end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Inventors: Allan R. Delorme, Jonathan M. Dusterhoft
  • Patent number: 9376184
    Abstract: A method and system for providing ground mobility for a dock is provided. The system includes at least one wheel assembly. Each wheel assembly includes a base element configured to be secured to a bottom portion of a dock, and at least one wheel rotatably coupled to the base element. Each wheel assembly is configured such that when the base element is secured to the bottom portion of the dock, the dock is at least partially supported by and rolls along ground on the wheels. The at least one wheel assembly is buoyant in water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: Techstar Plastics Inc.
    Inventor: William Garth Taylor
  • Patent number: 9370979
    Abstract: There is provided an amphibious vehicle including a plate aluminum planing boat hull (10) having a transverse collision bulkhead (12) and a pair of recesses (13) disposed each side of the stem (14). Transom portions (17) are located at either side of a central pod (21). The collision bulkhead (12) and the transom portions (17) support respective pairs of extendable strut and wheel assemblies (24) each comprising a mounting bracket (25) and a coil spring over shock absorber assembly (27). Spaced suspension rods 31 extend through the bottom of the bracket to provide for suspension travel to stop (35). The upper ends of the suspension rods are secured to a header assembly (36) which forms the upper mount for a wheel strut assembly (37) consisting of double acting hydraulic ram (40) secured to a strut casing (44) of square section passing through a bearing pack assembly (46) mounted to the suspension rods (31).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Inventor: Ross Anthony Stevens
  • Patent number: 9260009
    Abstract: A hydrogen tank is mounted on a roof so that a valve unit mounted to one end in a longitudinal direction of the hydrogen tank is separated as far apart as possible from a front platform and a middle platform of a fuel cell equipped bus and so that the longitudinal direction of the hydrogen tank is in a lateral direction of a vehicle. Thus, even if hydrogen leaks from the valve unit or a fusible plug valve of the valve unit is fused to discharge hydrogen from the tank, the influence of the leaking or discharged hydrogen on the front platform and the middle platform can be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hideaki Mizuno, Yoshiaki Naganuma
  • Patent number: 9221520
    Abstract: A module for making a modular ferry and/or a floating bridge including a floatation tank, where the floatation tank is made in the form of two floatation half-tanks hinged together around a hinged line between an opening position in which the two half-tanks are substantially aligned and form the floatation tank, and a closing position in which a half-tank is folded back upon the other half-tank such as a lid thus forming a container box able to enclose all or part of the elements for making the ferry or floating bridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: CEFA
    Inventors: Roger Roy, Frederic Schmidt
  • Patent number: 9199522
    Abstract: A carrying axle (1) for trailers and a method for the production thereof are provided. The axle (1) includes an axle body (4) having an outer supporting axle tube (10) in which a rocker arm assembly (6), which is bent once or several times, is introduced. The rocker arm assembly (6) is produced as a metal, tubular stamped and bent single piece. The rocker arm assembly is stamped from a platine (21) or a sheet metal strip (23) and is bent in order to form an angled tube (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: ALOIS KOBER GmbH
    Inventors: Gerhard Beck, Wolfgang Hildensperger, Robert Köhler, Georg Schuster, Stefan Uhl, Peter Wegscheider
  • Patent number: 9120360
    Abstract: The invention concerns an amphibious vehicle (100) comprising: a chassis (102) having a housing (106a) having an opening (202) having edges, for said housing (106a), a handling device (108a) having a fixed part (210) fixed to the chassis (102) and a movable part (104a) mounted so as to be able to move on the fixed part (210) and comprising among other things a wheel (104a), the movable part (104a) being able to move between a running position wherein the wheel (104a) is outside the housing (106a), and a retracted position wherein the wheel (104a) is in the housing (106a), and a hatch system (204) having a hatch (206), designed to adopt alternately an open position in which it does not close off the opening (202) or a closed position in which it comes into abutment against the edges of the opening (202) and closes it off at least partly, the movable part (104a) being designed to be moved into a locking position in which a locking element (104a) of the movable part (104a) locks the hatch (206) in the closed
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Inventor: Guirec Daniel
  • Patent number: 9108708
    Abstract: The invention relates to a small vessel marina which includes a stocks framework, which contains sliding elements at a distance from each other and joining beams between them, a boat trailer for a boat, which boat trailer is installed on top of the sliding elements and arranged movable along them, and in front of the boat trailer is connected a pier with steps with a connecting rail, which pier is movable along the boat trailer on top of the sliding elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Inventor: Olavi Venalainen
  • Patent number: 8955453
    Abstract: A transportation apparatus for use as a towable watercraft is provided. The transportation device comprises a watercraft component, a mounting component, and an axle component. The transportation apparatus allows a single user to tow and portage the transportation apparatus with a standard bicycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Inventor: Justin Angelow
  • Patent number: 8910584
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a storage unit that converts into a boat. The storage unit can store emergency or other supplies as well as components for quickly converting the storage unit into a boat. The compact design of the storage unit allows it to be stored in many different locations including inside or outside a home, business, institution, church, or other buildings, and above or below ground such as on a deck or patio, in a shed, garage, or basement, etc. where it can be quickly accessed and converted into the boat. The storage unit is further convertible into a cart using the components for converting the storage unit into the boat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Inventor: Troy Bengtzen
  • Patent number: 8651508
    Abstract: A portable trailer dock system features a floating dock assembly pivotally mounted atop a trailer frame to allow elevating of a free end of the floating dock assembly above the corresponding distal end of the trailer opposite the towing end thereof so that the dock can be held above the water surface when the trailer is backed into a body of water to temporarily install the dock thereat. In another embodiment, the connection between the dock and trailer is releasable to allow floating of the dock further out over the water. Another embodiment features a cover disposed over an a-frame neck of the trailer and a pair of extensions pivotally mounted to opposite sides of the neck for selective pivoting into deployed positions cooperating with the a-frame cover to form a walkway between the dock and the towing vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Inventor: Preston Woodhouse
  • Patent number: 8596211
    Abstract: A floating dock mover that utilizes electrically powered devices to aid in relocating a floating dock whenever water levels change in a lake or reservoir. Electrical powered winching mechanisms are used to adjust cables lengths to maintain a position, or aid to obtain a new position of the dock in relation to the shoreline. Additionally, a motorized speed reducer is used to turn the wheels on the dock walkway, which moves the walkway and dock away from, or toward the shore. By electrically powering winch cable lengths, plus electrically powering the walkway wheels, the dock can be relocated horizontally and vertically and maintain a relative desired position in relation to a moving shoreline. An additional electrically motorized unit is used to operate an anchor which aids in maintaining a dock in a desired position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Inventors: Lester L. Ramey, Richard H. Dawkins
  • Patent number: 8543256
    Abstract: According to typical practice of the present invention, a vehicle is remotely controlled and is travelable both in water and on land. The vehicle has two liquid-containment components that are situated generally one above the other. Pumping devices bring about transfer of cargo liquid (e.g., fuel or water) from either component to the other component. In accordance with the liquid transfer, the vehicle turns over, about its longitudinal axis, between two generally opposite buoyant positions, each of which is stable and viable for marine navigation. When the flow of the liquid sufficiently shifts weight from one component to the other, the vehicle inverts; that is, the emptying component flips from the bottom to the top, and the filling component flips from the top to the bottom. One of the buoyant positions of the vehicle is characterized by wheels for amphibiously transitioning the vehicle from water travel to land travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Gabor Karafiath