Ground-engaging Patents (Class 188/5)
  • Patent number: 11802599
    Abstract: A braking system includes a frame, an actuator coupled to the frame, a rotating joint coupled to the actuator and the frame, an arm coupled to the rotating joint, a brake pad having a connector, the connector pivotably coupled to the arm, and a torsion spring positioned at the connector to bias the brake pad relative to the arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2023
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2023
    Assignee: Duplicent, LLC
    Inventor: Curren Krasnoff
  • Patent number: 11643055
    Abstract: A rapid deceleration mechanism for a vehicle is provided herein. The rapid deceleration mechanism includes a cutting mechanism configured to be coupled to a body of the vehicle, e.g., via a tether. An actuating mechanism is configured to selectively actuate (e.g., release or propel) the cutting mechanism towards a road surface on which the vehicle is driving to cause the cutting mechanism to cut a channel in the road surface. The channel defines a bollard area in the road surface. At least a portion of the cutting mechanism is disposed at least partially within the channel, against the bollard area, to anchor the body of the vehicle relative to the road surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: NURO, INC.
    Inventors: Trevor Andrew Vidano, Daniel Jason Ratner
  • Patent number: 11598383
    Abstract: A braking system includes a frame, an actuator coupled to the frame, a rotating joint coupled to the actuator and the frame, an arm coupled to the rotating joint, a brake pad having a connector, the connector pivotably coupled to the arm, and a torsion spring positioned at the connector to bias the brake pad relative to the arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: DUPLICENT, LLC
    Inventor: Curren Krasnoff
  • Patent number: 11584338
    Abstract: A safety brake system is provided. The safety brake system includes a frame configured to be mounted to a vehicle above a vehicles tire; at least one sliding arm slidably coupled to the frame; and at least one actuator, wherein the actuator deploys the sliding arm to extend out of the frame and engage a driving surface in a braking position, and the actuator retracts the sliding arm to retract back within the frame in a driving position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Inventor: Henry Hinhnay
  • Patent number: 11529985
    Abstract: Provided are mechanical braking systems for wheeled trolleys, trolleys including a mechanical braking system and methods for controlling movement thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Assignees: KETER PLASTIC LTD., MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yaron Brunner, Omer Menashri, Izhar Shany, Uri Parizer, Grant T. Squiers
  • Patent number: 11530011
    Abstract: The device provides an energy return mechanism associated with flexing and straightening of the scooter rider's support leg. The device includes an energy return mechanism having an end connected to the scooter such that resilient force exerted by the mechanism is longitudinally aligned with the scooter to act in a generally rearward/upward direction. A free end of the mechanism cradles the front of the rider's support leg, just below the knee. When the rider flexes the support leg, the resilient mechanism distorts in a longitudinal direction. When the rider straightens the leg, the forces stored in the resilient mechanism supplement the force of the rider's muscles. Thus, the device reduces the amount of energy used by the rider. The mechanism can be configured as an accessory to a conventional scooter or be integrated into a scooter. Certain embodiments are foldable and compatible with the foldable scooters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Inventor: Benjamin F. Bailar
  • Patent number: 11331232
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a wheelchair improvement kit and a manual wheelchair. The improvement kit includes an anti-tip device including a pair of multifunction tube assemblies. Each multifunction tube assembly includes a mount tube configured for pivotally mounting one on each side of the wheelchair, a slide tube slidably engaged to the mount tube where both ends of the slide tube extend beyond the mount tube, a slide tube brake engaging or releasing the position of the slide tube relative to the mount tube, and an extendable pole inserted into the top of the slide tube. The top of the extendable pole is fitted with a hand grip. The anti-tip device further includes a pair of guide tubes configured for mounting one on each side of the wheelchair. When the multifunction tube assembly is used as the anti-tip device, the slide tube passes through the guide tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Inventor: Marvin Joseph Glover
  • Patent number: 11319007
    Abstract: A structural element of a body shell, which includes a firewall, two front steel fins and two steel side rails, is mounted by: a) providing a structural element made of aluminium alloy and including, a top, and an inner side edge opposite an outer side edge; b) placing the structural element adjacent to the firewall, while the outer side edge is connected together with one of the front fins and the inner side edge is connected with one of the corresponding side rails. In step a), an outer side mounting part made of steel is also provided and secured to the outer side edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: RENAULT s.a.s.
    Inventors: Julien Carrie, Edouard Girault
  • Patent number: 11236475
    Abstract: A warning structure includes a bracket and a warning member mounted on the bracket. The bracket includes a main body, rollers rotationally mounted to the main body, and a stopping assembly including a rotating mechanism and a stopping member coupled to the rotating mechanism. The rotating mechanism is rotationally coupled to the main body. One of the rollers is mounted adjacent to the stopping member. When the rotating mechanism is rotated, the stopping member is engaged with a ground to prevent the bracket from moving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: HONGFUJIN PRECISION ELECTRONICS(TIANJIN)CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Ke-Cheng Lin
  • Patent number: 11220245
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are described that provide an braking system for a motor vehicle. The braking system extends a friction device from beneath the vehicle to contact the driving surface. Orientation of the friction device and forces applied to the braking device can be adjusted during the braking procedure. In some braking devices forces generated during braking are directed to a load bearing arm and supporting frame, thereby minimizing damage to actuating devices. The friction device can be retracted after use, permitting normal vehicle operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2022
    Assignee: Duplicent, LLC
    Inventor: Curren Krasnoff
  • Patent number: 11186362
    Abstract: Braking systems for aircraft are disclosed. An example braking system includes a brake pad movably coupled to a lower section of a fuselage of the aircraft. The brake pad is movable between a stowed position and a deployed position. An actuator is configured to deploy the brake pad from the fuselage during an emergency braking event. The brake pad to engage a surface of a runway and increase frictional force to reduce a speed of the aircraft during the emergency braking event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Steve G. Mackin, Christopher T. Jasklowski
  • Patent number: 11129475
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a base to switch the apparatus between slidable and non-slidable states, for example a laboratory analysis device, wherein the base is adapted to be located on a flat surface, the base comprising a bottom section adapted to contact the flat surface when the base is located on the flat surface, a movable section that is adapted to assume a retracted position and an extended position, wherein, in the retracted position, the movable section does not contact the flat surface when the base is located on the flat surface, and, in the extended position, the movable section contacts the flat surface when the base is located on the flat surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: DIONEX SOFTRON GMBH
    Inventors: Andreas Hermann Josef Unger, Matthias Westermayer
  • Patent number: 11053994
    Abstract: A braking system includes a frame, a linear actuator coupled to the frame, a rotating joint coupled to linear actuator and the frame, a force applicator coupled to the rotating joint, and a friction mat coupled to the force applicator. The first linear actuator is operable to cause the rotating joint to rotate relative to the frame and the force applicator is operable to vary a distance between the friction mat and the rotating joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: Duplicent, LLC
    Inventor: Curren Krasnoff
  • Patent number: 10960911
    Abstract: A trolley for medical equipment includes a base mounted on a plurality of wheels. A brake device including at least one deformable brake pad is located beneath the trolley base. A release mechanism is provided to move the brake pad between a raised position in which it is spaced above a floor surface on which the trolley wheels rest, and a lowered position in which the brake pad is pressed against the floor surface under the weight of the brake device to a exert a braking force on the trolley.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: Keymed (Medical & Industrial Equipment) Ltd.
    Inventor: John Hynes
  • Patent number: 10899344
    Abstract: A method and system enabling a process for preventing a vehicular accident is provided. The method includes continuously monitoring vehicular impact conditions associated with a vehicle in motion. In response, an imminent impact event associated with the vehicle in motion and an external object is detected and a surface of a roadway below the vehicle in motion is scanned by sensors of the vehicle. Results of the scanning indicate that the roadway surface is safe for deployment of a destructive friction based braking mechanism of the vehicle. The destructive friction based braking mechanism is deployed with respect to a first braking force threshold and it is determined if rate of speed decrease exceeds a specified speed decrease threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Nixon Cheaz, Anthony Diaz, Michael E. Head, Jordana H. Kerr, Rohit Shetty
  • Patent number: 10780870
    Abstract: A railway vehicle, including an emergency braking device including at least one brake module, wherein each module includes a contact element intended to be in contact with the ground at the moment of braking, and movable between a retracted position and a deployed position in which the contact element is in contact with the ground and is able to slow down the moving railway vehicle by applying a pressure force to the ground, and at least one control unit that is capable of communicating commands to the brake module, wherein the control unit is able to communicate to the brake module the command to deploy the contact element to its deployed position when at least a portion of the vehicle leaves the track on which the vehicle is traveling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: Alstom Transport Technologies
    Inventor: Frederic Hallonet
  • Patent number: 10766734
    Abstract: The frame brake assembly includes a sleeve, a piston, a brake, and a retracting device. The piston translates within the sleeve between an upper first position and a lower second position. A brake is coupled to a lower portion of the piston beneath the sleeve. As the piston moves between positions, the brake moves in a corresponding manner. In the second position, the brake is lowered into contact with the ground. The retracting device is used to automatically return the piston and brake to the first position. When installed on the coiling machine, the frame brake assembly is coupled to the frame of the coiling machine and is in selective engagement with a pair of spool arms. Rotation of the spool arms induces translation from the first position to the second position in the frame brake assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Inventors: James Newgent, Tammy Newgent
  • Patent number: 10709622
    Abstract: Various implementations include neonatal transport apparatuses and systems employing such apparatuses. In one particular implementation, an apparatus includes: an isolation stage; a first mount on a first portion of the isolation stage, the first mount configured to engage a mounting frame of a neonatal transport unit; a second mount on a second portion of the isolation stage, the second mount configured to engage a stretcher; and a stabilizing coupler extending from the second portion of the isolation stage, the stabilizing coupler positioned to directly couple the isolation stage with a floor underlying the stretcher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: CHILDREN'S HEALTH CARE
    Inventor: Robert Preston Parker
  • Patent number: 10451347
    Abstract: A condensation-controlling insulation system includes an interior insulation layer for application to a cold surface. The system may further include an exterior absorption layer adapted to retain condensation during a first environmental condition and to release the condensation as a vapor during a second environmental condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: John C. Gray, Daniel F. Reynolds
  • Patent number: 10433453
    Abstract: A computer server rack has a platform, configured to support at least one server, with a front end and an opposed back end. The server rack also has a height adjuster coupled to the platform, and a control positioned a first distance from the front end and a second distance from the back end. The first distance is smaller than the second distance, and the control is configured to control the height adjuster to change a height of the back end of the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: Hewlett Packard Enterprise Development LP
    Inventor: Perry D. Franz
  • Patent number: 10343655
    Abstract: An emergency braking system for vehicles, having a hydraulic unit assembly, an oil accumulator assembly that connects to the hydraulic unit assembly, and a brake assembly that connects to the oil accumulator assembly. The brake assembly has at least one brake pad that is mounted underneath a vehicle. When deployed, the at least one brake pad makes contact to produce a predetermined friction with a surface the vehicle is moving upon to stop the vehicle. The hydraulic unit assembly has an oil reservoir connected to an electric motor. The oil accumulator assembly has an oil accumulator connected with a conduit to the oil reservoir. The brake assembly has a hydraulic cylinder and an emergency brake pedal that actuates a pedal switch actuator when the emergency brake pedal is pressed with a predetermined force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Inventor: Julian Enrique Bustamante Laparra
  • Patent number: 10328570
    Abstract: A creeper has a frame with a first end and a second end; a body cushion mounted at the first end; a head cushion mounted at the second end, and hingedly connected to the frame; and a plurality of wheel assemblies rotatably mounted to the frame. Each wheel assembly includes a wheel with an attachment member; a bracket having a first opening and a second opening; and first and second fasteners. The first opening in the bracket corresponds to a first opening in the frame, and the first fastener passes through the respective first openings. The second opening in the bracket corresponds to one of a second opening and a third opening in the frame, and the second fastener passes through the second opening of the bracket and one of the second or third openings to rotate the bracket between an operation and a storage position, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: SHINN FU COMPANY OF AMERICA, INC.
    Inventor: Colin O'Donnell
  • Patent number: 10322607
    Abstract: A compact mechanic?s creeper comprising an elongate body comprising a back rest portion and a head rest portion, a pair of ground contacting wheels, one of each of the wheels on either side of the back rest portion, each of the wheels rotating about a respective fixed axis of rotation positioned substantially at a right angle to a length of the elongate body and a ground contacting swivel towards a top end of the elongate body. When a user lies supine on the creeper with his head on the head rest portion, an upper edge of the pair of wheels are positioned on either side and substantially at a level of the user?s hips. In a particular embodiment the respective fixed axes of rotation are at an angle to one another and meet at a point above a center of the back rest portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Inventors: Erik Sieb, André Wagner
  • Patent number: 10166165
    Abstract: An attachment to a mobility aid, such as a walker, wheeled walker or rollator, or wheelchair that automatically positions a slip resistant surface under the foot of the user. An attachment bracket is attached to sides of the mobility aid. A retracting slip resistant surface and cleat assembly is removably attached to each attachment bracket. A cleat head assembly has engaging and disengaging replaceable cleats that selectively engage and disengage a slippery surface. Secure footing is obtained on wet or slippery surfaces preventing falls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Inventor: Daniel J. McGuire
  • Patent number: 10137355
    Abstract: A device for support and propulsion comprising a shaft, a spring element coupled to the shaft, and a swing arm coupled to the shaft and the spring element. A lower portion of the spring element comprises a ground interface, optionally comprising a wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: Brennan Innovation Inc.
    Inventor: Joel Leslie Brennan
  • Patent number: 10065612
    Abstract: A vehicle braking arrangement includes a braking plate and a link arm arranged to connect the braking plate to a vehicle. The braking plate is movable from a rest position to a braking position where contact is made with the ground. The braking plate is arranged for a first mode of operation, corresponding to the rest position, and a second mode of operation, corresponding to the braking position. In the first mode of operation, the braking plate has a first contact area arranged to face the ground, and in the second mode of operation, the braking plate has a second contact area arranged to face the ground. The second area exceeds the first area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: AUTOLIV DEVELOPMENT AB
    Inventors: Christian Svensson, Dan Bråse, Erik Rydsmo, Jan-Erik Källhammer
  • Patent number: 10046824
    Abstract: The present invention refers to an electric vehicle. As compared with the solution in prior art which is that assembling the finished product of wheel hub motor with the casing, the inventor of present invention creatively dismantles the structure of the original finished product of wheel hub motor with discarding at least one hub cover. Such solution simplifies the structures and reduces the weights of the wheel hub motor and the electric vehicle, moreover, it can reduce the gap between the casing and the wheel hub motor and thus decrease the overall thickness of the electric vehicle, especially decrease the thickness of the electric unicycle for easy to carry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Inventor: Junkai Zhang
  • Patent number: 10029362
    Abstract: The welding Wood Creeper Recliner is designed for the welding field, focusing on the overhead welding. This creeper comprise on the frame, the back-receiving and the sitting part which are made of wood allowing the use of the electric equipment without the risk of electrocution as would be with metal material. The frame it is the base of the creeper, the seating-part it is mounted on top of the frame which it is elevated to prevent the user to slide forward and the back-receiving has a reclining mechanic system designed to lounge to seven position depending on height of the project. Additionally this wood creeper has a four caster wheels allowing the user to move without stopping the welding procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Inventor: Neyda Yadira Fuentes
  • Patent number: 9994278
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a scooter comprises a deck configured to support a rider, a front wheel and a rear wheel, a head tube, a steering column, and a foot brake. The steering column can include a steering tube and a handlebar assembly, and the steering column can be used to steer the scooter by controlling a direction of the front wheel. The foot brake can be configured to apply a braking force to the rear wheel when the foot brake is pressed down. A plurality of neck members can connect the deck to the head tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: Bravo Sports
    Inventors: Jack B. Lovley, II, Joseph C. Klingl, Mark Groenhuyzen, Kenneth Edlauer
  • Patent number: 9950726
    Abstract: A displacement arrangement for use in a combination dolly-pallet includes an impelling member movable between first and second positions. A linkage is pivotally connected to the impelling member. When the impelling member moves between the first and second positions, the linkage moves pivotally relative to the impelling member to an extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Loadhog Limited
    Inventors: Benjamin Joel Thompson, Scott James Buss, Robert Guy Nussbaum
  • Patent number: 9884514
    Abstract: A floor brake assembly for an article of furniture includes a base adapted to be affixed to an article of furniture, a plunger having a brake pad at a plunger first end and movable between a first position where the brake pad engages a floor and a second position where the brake pad is free of the floor, a pivot arm rotatably mounted to the base, a first activation arm pivotally mounted to the base, and a second activation arm pivotally mounted to the base. The pivot arm is rotated between a braking position and an unbraking position to cause the plunger to move between the first and second positions by way of the first and second activation arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignee: Sauder Manufacturing Co.
    Inventors: Timothy J. Johnson, Steven Stieglitz, Martin J. Krause, Jr., Anthony J. Warncke
  • Patent number: 9868328
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for slowing a transfer trailer that is used for transporting heavy work machines on a sloping base, the transfer trailer having a chassis with axles and wheels mounted on the axles. The transfer trailer is towable by a transfer vehicle. The method includes the steps of providing the transfer trailer with a brake mounted on the chassis and an operating device, the brake having a brake surface operable to press directly on the base for continuous dragging against the base, operating the operating device to allow pressure to be applied to the brake surface to press directly on the base for continuous dragging against the base to slow the transfer trailer, and measuring at least one control variable relating to the control of the speed of the transfer trailer during the braking and obtaining measurement data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignee: SLEIPNER FINLAND OY
    Inventor: Ossi Kortesalmi
  • Patent number: 9802107
    Abstract: A ridable kart having a front portion rotatably coupled to a rear portion. The front portion includes an inner surface that is adjacent to an outer cover portion and the two surfaces move relative to one another. The outer cover portion includes window portions or openings through which a portion of the inner surface is visible. The inner surface includes a visual feature that is visible through the window portions and the visual features moves relative to the window portions when the front portion rotates relative to the rear portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: Razor USA LLC
    Inventor: Ian Desberg
  • Patent number: 9770110
    Abstract: A head support apparatus for supporting a head of a person. The head support apparatus includes a tube and a rod configured to slidably and lockably couple to the tube. A cup and pad are coupled to an upper end of the rod. In use, a lower end of the tube bears on a support. A person's chin is rested on the pad whereby the weight of the person's head is supported by the head support apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Inventor: Joseph R. Biggs
  • Patent number: 9669736
    Abstract: A vehicle includes vehicle body-side steps having a plurality of abutment surfaces on which seat-side protrusions abut from above. Each abutment surface has a height different from each other, with the seat being adjustable in height by selectively abutting the seat-side protrusions on the abutment surfaces. A rider's seat has a covering portion formed at a front portion thereof and extending substantially in parallel with an inclined upper surface of a fuel tank. When abutment positions of the seat-side protrusions are changed from either first ones of the abutment surfaces to second ones, the covering portion changes a position thereof so as to slide substantially in parallel with the inclined upper surface of the fuel tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Ryoji Imai
  • Patent number: 9662780
    Abstract: An apparatus and method utilize a conventional portable shop vacuum to facilitate the collection of dust generated by a machine tool in a workshop. Selective translation of the machine tool along a workshop floor among chosen locations is enabled by virtue of casters provided by the shop vacuum. A selectively operated actuating mechanism renders the machine tool stationary at any one particular chosen location along the workshop floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Inventor: Glenn W. Harte
  • Patent number: 9532656
    Abstract: A floor brake assembly for an article of furniture includes a base adapted to be affixed to an article of furniture, a plunger having a brake pad at a plunger first end where the brake pad engages a floor and a second position where the brake pad is free of the floor, a pivot arm rotatably mounted to the base, a first activation arm pivotally mounted to the base, and a second activation arm pivotally mounted to the base. The pivot arm is rotated to a braking position and an unbraking position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: Sauder Manufacturing Co.
    Inventors: Timothy J. Johnson, Steven Stieglitz, Martin J. Krause, Jr., Anthony J. Warncke
  • Patent number: 9487190
    Abstract: An extreme emergency brake system designed for vehicles such as trucks, truck-trailers, buses, automobiles, and also for airplanes, during an extreme emergency situation that requires an emergency stopping ability in the event of failure of the normal service brake system, or due to dangerous weather conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Inventor: Alfredo Alvarado
  • Patent number: 9463837
    Abstract: A tricycle includes a frame, a front fork connected to the frame, two rear forks each comprising a shank connected to the frame and two prongs extending from the shank, a front wheel rotationally connected to the front fork, two rear wheels each rotationally connected to the prongs of a corresponding one of the rear forks, and a steering mechanism connected to a selected one of the rear forks. There is a distance between an axis of the shank of each of the rear forks and a vertical line in which a center of the corresponding rear wheel rests when the rear wheels are laid on the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: JIN CHANG SHENG INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Ming-Jhang Li
  • Patent number: 9421898
    Abstract: The present document describes a trailer for lifting a heavy load, the trailer comprising a base frame defining an opening for receiving the load upon displacement of the trailer toward the load; and a structural frame upwardly extending from the base frame, the structural frame including a lifting frame above the heavy load for removable attachment to the heavy load; and a lifting device for lifting the heavy load removably attached to the lifting frame and thereby to permit displacement of the heavy load with the trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Inventors: Guillaume Huet, Steve Labrie
  • Patent number: 9272411
    Abstract: A creeper (10) includes a longitudinally extending pad (11) having a body portion (12), a headrest (13) at one end of the body portion (12) and an extension (14) at the other end of the body portion (12). A frame (15) carries the pad (11) and includes longitudinally extending laterally spaced side rails (16, 17) positioned at the lateral periphery of the pad body portion (12), and laterally extending longitudinally spaced cross rails (18, 19) positioned at the longitudinal periphery of the pad body portion (52). Support rails (21, 22) are carried by the cross rails (18, 19) and are positioned at the periphery of the headrest (13) and at the periphery of the pad extension (14), respectively. Caster assemblies (25) are located outside of the profile of the pad (11), and a cover (30) is positioned over each caster assembly (25). The caster assemblies (25) are attached to the cover (30) with an extension (34) of the side rails (16, 17) positioned therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: Whiteside Mfg. Co.
    Inventor: Kirt E. Whiteside
  • Patent number: 9156420
    Abstract: A vehicle behavior control apparatus includes: a pair of underbody airbags that is provided in a lower portion of a vehicle on both sides in a vehicle width direction, and is inflated and deployed toward a road surface when being supplied with gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Osamu Fukawatase
  • Patent number: 9150369
    Abstract: An adjustable leg assembly for a mobile loading dock having an elongate, adjustable housing with incremental slots and a compression spring within the housing. The leg assembly also includes a lock bracket for insertion into the slots to contact and hold the spring in place and a baseplate for contact with the ground. A user removes the bracket from the slots allowing the spring to compress which shortens the length of the adjustable housing allowing movement of the loading dock to a different location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Inventor: Grant Leum
  • Patent number: 9107513
    Abstract: The various embodiments herein provide a baby walker with braking mechanism to control a movement of the baby walker from moving into dangerous areas. The baby walker comprises a sensor unit, a wave transmitter system, a braking system and a power supply unit. The sensor unit is configured to sense an obstacle in the way of walker. The wave transmitter system, in communication with the sensor unit, is configured to generate signals on sensing the obstacle. The braking system, in communication with the wave transmitter, is configured to control movement of the walker upon reception of signals from the wave transmitter. The power supply unit is configured to supply electric power to the sensor unit, the wave transceiver the braking system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Inventor: Amirmasood Asfa
  • Patent number: 9038787
    Abstract: A complementary braking system for removing liquids and solid debris from a motor vehicle's pathway and applying frictional contact in front of two or more of the motor vehicle's tires provide slowing and prevent further movement of the vehicle. The complementary braking system includes a resilient blade disposed forwardly of the motor vehicle's tires and above a road surface. The resilient blade includes an upwardly curved leading edge followed by a generally horizontal flat portion. The system also includes a pair of releasable latches that maintain the resilient blade in an elevated position until released to fall into contact with a road surface The system also includes a pair of electric motors for returning the resilient blade to an elevated latched position above the surface of the road in response to released pressure on the brake pedal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Inventor: Adel A. E. Al-Mubarak
  • Patent number: 8905198
    Abstract: An example wheel restraint includes a wheel chock that is manually movable between a retracted or release position clear of a wheel of a vehicle at a loading dock and an operative position to block the path of the wheel. In the release position, the chock can be manually moved freely along a track that is mounted to a driveway of the dock. When the chock is manually moved from its release position to its operative position, a locking feature automatically restricts the movement of the chock relative to the track. When the chock is manually moved back to its release position, the locking feature automatically disengages. Although the wheel chock is connected to a track, much of the force exerted by the wheel against the chock can be transmitted directly from the chock to the driveway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Rite-Hite Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew Brooks, Jonathan Andersen, Kurt Lessard, Kyle Nelson, Timothy Cotton, Ben Wieberdink, Bradley J. Stone, Donald L. Anton, Joseph Manone, Norbert Hahn
  • Publication number: 20140265177
    Abstract: A braking device is provided for an in-line skate where the braking device selectively alters the motion of the in-line skate depending upon the angulation of the in-line skate relative to a surface. As a user angulates or tilts the in-line skate, the braking device increasingly engages the surface to provide a braking force to alter the motion of the in-line skate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: Richard M. Batenburg, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8827047
    Abstract: Various embodiments provide a ground-engaging vehicle braking assembly for a vehicle. The assembly generally comprises: a base subassembly mounted to a portion of the vehicle; a common member comprising a first portion and a second portion, the first portion of the common member being rotatably attached to the base subassembly; a first linkage subassembly comprising the first portion of the common member; and a second linkage subassembly comprising the second portion of the common member and a pad member, the pad member being configured to engage a ground surface over which the portion of the vehicle is travelling. An associated method of operating the assembly is also provided, wherein multiple modes of operation are incorporated. A system is also described, wherein at least one processor is configured to move various linkage subassemblies of the assembly based upon one or more predetermined parameters related to mode of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: University of Florida Research Foundation, Incorporated
    Inventors: Wilfred Jerome Baker, Carl D. Crane, Shannon Cay Ridgeway
  • Publication number: 20140188334
    Abstract: A wheel chock system includes a hydraulic assembly coupled to a vehicle. Adjustment arms are mounted adjacent each tire, each adjustment arm having a proximal end operatively coupled to the hydraulic assembly and a distal end adjacent a road-encountering surface of a respective tire, the pair of adjustment arms being movable between deployed released configurations upon operation of the hydraulic assembly. A pair of chocks is coupled to respective second ends of the adjustment arms, the chocks being situated in contact with a respective vehicle tire at the deployed configuration and displaced from the respective vehicle tire at the extended configuration. An actuator is operatively coupled to the hydraulic assembly and configured to actuate the adjustment arms to move between deployed and released configurations. Sensors cause automatic deployment of the chocks when the vehicle ignition is turned off, when the gear is parked, and when the driver leaves his seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2012
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Inventor: Christopher R. Foster
  • Publication number: 20140182979
    Abstract: A device for limiting rotation of a wheel, such as a wheel on a skateboard, comprising a physical stop secured against one wheel of the skateboard. Multiple physical locks may be used, each secured against single wheel. The physical stop may comprise a block of resilient material placed in a semi-compressed state into the gap between the skateboard deck and the wheel such that the block exerts pressure on the wheel sufficient to prevent the wheel from freely rotating. Alternately, the physical stop may comprise a holder at least partially surrounding the wheel and at least one protrusion from the holder adjacent a rolling surface of the wheel, where the protrusion is capable of functioning as a chock and substantially preventing the wheel from rolling against a surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2013
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Inventor: Roger Hansen