Gear Driven Patents (Class 254/425)
  • Patent number: 11945418
    Abstract: A vehicle leveling system includes a jack adapted to be mounted to a vehicle frame without modifying the vehicle frame. In a particular embodiment, the jack includes a first bracket adapted to urge against the bottom and side surfaces of a member of the frame and configured to be fastened to a member of the frame through a manufacturer-provided aperture in the frame. The jack additionally includes a second bracket to couple the first bracket to the jack. In a more particular embodiment, the first bracket includes a horizontal adjustment feature, and the second bracket includes a vertical adjustment feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: Quadra Manufacturing, LLC
    Inventors: Johnnie Eugene Lehman, Gary Anthony Lehman, Robert Daniel Slack
  • Patent number: 11857118
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device (10) for displaceably positioning a kitchen appliance (11) on a working surface (12), comprising a displacement means (13) for displacing the kitchen appliance (11) on the working surface (12), wherein the displacement means (13) is designed for installation in a ground area (14) of a base unit (16) of the kitchen appliance (11), and a displacement means (15) for displacing the displacement means (13) between a deactivated state (Z1) of the displacement means (13) for positioning the displacement means (13) spaced from the working surface (12) and an activated state (Z2) of the displacement means (13) for positioning at least a part of the displacement means (13) on the working surface (12) for displacing the kitchen appliance (11). The invention further relates to a base unit (16) with a device (10) according to the invention, as well as a method for operating a base unit (16) according to the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: Vorwerk & Co. Interholding GmbH
    Inventors: Torsten Lang, Felix Haunschild, Lennart Rusch
  • Patent number: 11318917
    Abstract: A manual trailer lifting jack with drill power option includes: an outer tube; an inner tube that is telescopically slidable within the outer tube; a foot that is connected to a bottom of the outer tube; a top block that is connected to a top of the outer tube; a threaded rod that pass through a center of the top block and is rotatably held within the outer tube and fixed from axial movement relative to the outer tube; a threaded block that is connected to a top of the inner tube and has threads that engage the threaded rod so that a rotation of the threaded rod causes the inner tube to slide axially within the outer tube; a driving gear that is connect the top block and drives the threaded rod; a gear shaft that includes a bevel gear and a hexagonal head; and a gear housing that houses the gear shaft, driving gear, and the top block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: FORCOME (ZHEJIANG) CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Chenpan Xiang
  • Patent number: 10953818
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention may provide a step, rock guard, handyman jack storage and even jack lift point system that can be made for most 4×4 vehicles. One product may resolve individual problems that may become apparent once a lift kit and larger wheels are installed on a 4×4 vehicle. Products can be made to fit two-door Jeeps, four-door Jeeps, Trucks, SUV's, or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Inventors: Patrick Graham, Brandon Graham
  • Patent number: 10899320
    Abstract: The jack foot adjustment device is a tongue jack for a trailer. The jack foot adjustment device provides both a fine height adjustment accessed by a hand cranked and a gross height adjustment accessed by pushing the foot plate of the device with the user's foot. Retracting the foot plate can be accomplished by turning the hand rack in the opposite direction and/or by pulling the release handle and allowing a foot spring to pull up on the lower foot. The fine height adjustment uses a vertical screw turned by the crank to pull or push an upper foot out of or into the body that is coupled to the trailer. The gross height adjustment uses a spring loaded pawl to allow downward movement of a lower foot while preventing upwards movement of the lower foot unless a handle releases the pawl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Inventor: Clinton Speirs
  • Patent number: 10093286
    Abstract: An example leveling/stabilization system for a vehicle includes a jack, an actuator, a user interface device, and a controller. The jack is adapted to be fixed to the vehicle and is extendable from a stowed position to an auto-deployed position. The actuator is coupled to the jack and is operative to extend and retract the jack responsive to signals from the controller. The user interface device is adapted to receive input from a user. The controller is responsive to an auto-deploy signal from the user interface and operative to provide the control signals to the actuator causing the actuator to continuously extend the jack from the stowed position for a predetermined time period, thereby positioning the jack in the auto-deployed position. No level sensor is required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: Quadra Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Johnnie Eugene Lehman, Gary Anthony Lehman, Robert Daniel Slack
  • Patent number: 8967667
    Abstract: The invention relates to a supporting device for a semi-trailer or the like, comprising an outer supporting tube and an inner supporting tube, wherein the inner supporting tube is telescopically arranged in the outer supporting tube and may be moved in the axial direction relative to the outer supporting tube by a spindle mechanism mounted inside the outer supporting tube. The supporting device may further comprise an actuating device for actuating the spindle mechanism, which is configured as a separate structural unit and arranged outside of the outer supporting tube. The invention further relates to a semi-trailer having at least one such supporting device as well as an actuating device and a transmission device for use in such a supporting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Saf-Holland GmbH
    Inventor: Elmar Weber
  • Publication number: 20140367626
    Abstract: A jack assembly is shown and describe. The jack assembly may include a first tube having first and second end portions and a central portion between the first and second end portions, and a second tube positioned within the first tube and movable with respect to the first tube. The jack assembly may also include an expanded portion on the first tube, the expanded portion having a larger inner diameter than an inner diameter of the central portion, and a bushing attached to the expanded portion, where the bushing generally prevents contact between the first and second tubes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2013
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Applicant: Cequent Performance Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Kawa-She Quoen Okerlund, Frank Drake
  • Patent number: 8910924
    Abstract: A jack for use with a towed vehicle is disclosed. The jack may include a first housing, a pair of cam surfaces, and a second housing telescopically moveable relative to the first housing. The jack may also include a pair of engaging members positionable to a first position generally inhibiting relative telescopic movement between the first and second housings and a second position generally not inhibiting relative telescopic movement between the first and second housings, and a handle attached to the engaging members, where the handle is selectively positionable along the cam surfaces positioning the engaging members to the first and second positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Cequent Performance Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Erik Alanko
  • Publication number: 20140246637
    Abstract: An improved jack assembly includes multiple handle attachment positions. The jack assembly includes an outer tube and an inner tube moveable with respect to the outer tube. The outer tube includes a first handle attachment position to engage inner gearing and a second handle attachment position to engage inner gearing. A handle may be removably connected to the first attachment position or second attachment position. The outer tube may be connected to a mounting fixture and adjustable with respect to the mounting fixture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2013
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: CEQUENT CONSUMER PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventor: Derek Anderson
  • Publication number: 20140203228
    Abstract: An in-line jack includes a body, an extendable shaft, drive mechanics, and a motor. The body has first and second distal ends. The extendable shaft is movably disposed within the body and has a distal end extending out of the second distal end of the body. The drive mechanics are disposed within the body and are adapted to move the extendable shaft with respect to the body. The motor is mounted at the first distal end of the body and is adapted to selectively drive the drive mechanics. A coupling mechanism can be provided to selectively alternately couple: (i) a planetary gear system associated with the motor to a drive shaft of a jack screw assembly and (ii) a manual crankshaft to the drive shaft to operate the jack manually. The body and the motor each has a generally cylindrical outer surface with an outer diameter equal to or less than about three inches. The body, the jack screw assembly, the coupling mechanism, the planetary gear system, and the motor are substantially axially aligned with each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2014
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: Rieco-Titan Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. MCCARTHY, John L. VERRE, Douglas A. BAKKER
  • Patent number: 8714528
    Abstract: A lever system for actuating a plunger pin on a trailer jack includes a lever, an attachment member for attaching the lever to the plunger pin and an engagement member which limits the movement of the lower end of the lever toward the trailer jack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Inventor: Otis Young
  • Patent number: 8672298
    Abstract: A jack includes an outer tube, an inner tube and a lifting device. The outer tube has a positioning member and a driving rod connected thereto. The positioning member is positioned by an object and the driving rod is driven by a crank. The inner tube is located in the outer tube and the lifting device is located on the top of the inner tube so as to lift the outer tube. The positioning member is located on the top of the outer tube and the driving rod is located below the positioning member. The positioning member is positioned by a pivotal device which pivots the positioning member to a desired angle and positions the positioning member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Inventor: Wu-Chih Hsieh
  • Patent number: 8579326
    Abstract: An extensible support leg includes at least two reciprocally-slidable portions, a maneuvering screw axially constrained to a first portion, a threaded volute axially constrained to a second portion and screwed on the maneuvering screw, and a rotating drive shaft which is connected to the maneuvering screw by a mechanical gear change, and is rotatable to set the maneuvering screw in rotation. The mechanical gear change includes: two first cogged crown wheels, coaxial and rotatably solid with the maneuvering screw; two second cogged crown wheels mounted coaxially and rotatably idle on the drive shaft, which enmesh directly with a respective first cogged crown wheel, realizing two gears having different transmission ratios; and a cursor, which is solidly rotatably associated to a portion of the drive shaft between the second cogged crown wheels, and is mobile, in a direction of the drive shaft axis, between first and second enmeshed positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Simol S.p.A.
    Inventor: Valter Righetti
  • Patent number: 8573564
    Abstract: A lifting system and method are disclosed for lifting bulk sized, extremely high weight objects, such as a house, other buildings, skids, chemical plant modules, refinery modules or storage facility, or the like, from one position to another position. The system includes at least one cylinder housing a respective hydraulically actuated, telescoping piston. A lifting plate having an upper face is in operable communication with the piston and is further horizontally offset from the respective piston whereby, when the lifting system is positioned for lifting the high weight object, each of the upper faces may be positioned in close proximity to the ground and under the high weight object at the lifting points, without positioning any of the pistons under the high weight object. A method of operation is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Inventor: Richard J. Rashall
  • Patent number: 8523148
    Abstract: An improved jack assembly for use with a trailer tongue of a towed vehicle. The jack assembly including telescoping height adjustment of the assembly, a pivot assembly for pivoting between a vertical and horizontal stowed position, and a clip for maintaining a handle assembly in a stowed position when not in use. The jack assembly also includes the use of bushings for the telescoping tubes to enhance the sliding movement between the tubes and aid in maintaining the axial alignment of the tubes thereby extending the life of the jack assembly. The pivot assembly further includes an attachment bracket that may be rotated to accommodate at least two different sizes of trailer tongues.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Cequent Trailer Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Russ Beck, Eric Anderson, Joseph J. Peschmann, Kawa-She-Quoen Okerlund, Todd Walstrom, Todd Trowbridge
  • Patent number: 8408522
    Abstract: The invention relates to a lifting device (10), in particular a semitrailer support or the like, comprising a shank tube (11) and a support tube (12) which is movable with respect to the shank tube, wherein on the shank tube a lifting gear mechanism (26) is arranged which comprises an input shaft arrangement (27) for connecting a drive device, and an output shaft arrangement (28) for driving a lifting spindle (20) which is arranged within the support tube and which acts on a pressure plate (18) arranged within the shank tube, wherein the pressure plate is located above the lifting gear mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Haacon Hebetechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Holger Birkholz, Werner Dölger, Robert Miltenberger, Ralf Natterer
  • Patent number: 8388023
    Abstract: The invention relates to a lifting device (10), in particular a semitrailer support or the like, comprising a shank tube (11) and a support tube (12) which is movable with respect to the shank tube, wherein on the shank tube, a lifting gear mechanism (26) is arranged which comprises an input shaft arrangement (27) for connecting a drive device and an output shaft arrangement (28) for driving a lifting spindle (20) which is arranged within the support tube and which rests with one end on a pressure plate (18) arranged within the shank tube and interacts with the moving end with a spindle nut (25) arranged in the support tube, wherein the spindle nut comprises a locking collar (90) with at least two locking devices (107, 108, 109, 110) which interact with locking latches (103, 104, 105, 106) formed on the tube wall of the support tube in such a manner that, with a coaxial alignment of the spindle nut with the support tube, the spindle nut can be inserted, in an assembly rotational angle position, into the suppo
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Haacon Hebetechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Holger Birkholz, Konrad Lazarus, Robert Miltenberger, Ralf Natterer
  • Patent number: 8360397
    Abstract: In a ball screw device, a ball screw linear-movement member is screwed with a ball screw rotary member and configured to linearly move in accordance with a relative rotation with the ball screw rotary member. A housing is holding the ball screw rotary member. A motor is disposed in a motor chamber of the housing, and configured to rotate the ball screw rotary member with a rotor coupled to the ball screw rotary member. A stopper is configured to collide with a brake when an amount of a relative linear movement between the ball screw rotary member and the ball screw linear-movement member becomes no less than a prescribed amount. The brake is configured to decelerate rotation of the rotor by the collision of the stopper with respect to the brake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: JTEKT Corporation
    Inventor: Hajime Watanabe
  • Patent number: 8327979
    Abstract: A portable, non-motorized automatic lift and transport apparatus allows users to lift and transport a small, powered vehicle with minimal physical exertion and without the need for secondary power source. The apparatus is comprised of a base and platform connected to a gear housing. The gear housing telescopically engages and moves vertically within a vehicle mount via a gear system. The drive wheels of the small, powered vehicle to be transported power the gear system attached to the gear housing to rotate the gear system and subsequently lift the to-be-transported vehicle using its own power source. A storage position is provided that can be used without disengaging a transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Inventors: Patrick Lynch, Jeff Rogers, Jeff Crouch, Joseph D. Whitney
  • Patent number: 8276885
    Abstract: A support jack, in particular for supporting semitrailers, includes a vertically telescopically displaceable supporting element having an outer sleeve, and an inner sleeve that can be vertically displaced in a telescopic fashion, each sleeve having a rectangular cross-section with four sidewalls. At least the inner sleeve has a wall plate joined to two adjacent side walls with welding seams that improve the bending stiffness of the support jack. The welding seams can be located inside or outside either of the sleeves. Such a support jack can be located on the lower side of any vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Jost-Werke GmbH
    Inventors: Gerald Müller, Günter Seidel, Jośe Algüera
  • Patent number: 8246011
    Abstract: A slidable adjustable jacking device where the numbers of rotations of a hand crank on a jacking device may be greatly reduced by using a slidable screwjack inner member to re-position a load-carrying member. New in the art is the use of a slidable screwjack inner member and an affixed bar within a tubular outer member and an affixed passageway. This invention re-positions a slidable screwjack inner member to a location and then pins the member such that the member is fixed relative to a trailer. The device is useful for raising or lowering the tongue of a trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Inventor: Elmer C. Fox, III
  • Patent number: 8136840
    Abstract: A height-adjustable support (10) for semi-trailers or the like, comprising a support outer tube (13) which can be fastened to a chassis of the semi-trailer, a slidable support inner tube (14) arranged in the support outer tube (13), at whose lower end region a foot (15) is fastened and which is connected with a nut (17) located on a spindle (16) which is drivable by means of a transmission wherein the transmission has at least a bevel gear stage (20, 24) and a shiftable transmission area located upstream having gearwheels with spur toothing for a fast-gear operation and a low-gear operation, and wherein the at least present gearwheels and pinions, i.e.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: SAF-Holland GmbH
    Inventor: Reinhold Riedl
  • Patent number: 8096529
    Abstract: A semitrailer landing gear, particularly for supporting trailers, including a supporting element, which can be telescopically displaced in the height thereof and which has an outer sleeve and an inner sleeve, the outer sleeve having a fastening flange for placing on a vehicle. The aim of the invention is to develop semitrailer landing gears with a reduced weight as well as with favorable manufacturing costs. To this end, the invention provides that at least one lateral wall of the outer sleeve and/or of the inner sleeve is provided with an angled wall section extending in an axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Jost-Werke GmbH
    Inventors: Gerald Müller, Günter Seidel, José Algüera
  • Patent number: 8052125
    Abstract: A motor drive for camper jacks or screw jacks that rapidly operates the screw jack between a retracted position and an extended no load position. A manual operator then operates the screw jack between the extended no load position and an extended loaded position. The motor drive and manual operator share a right angle gear mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Norco Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Bernard F. Garceau
  • Patent number: 7926600
    Abstract: A vehicle leveling assembly includes a plurality of jack assemblies corresponding to four quadrants of a vehicle, and a plurality of sensors for determining jack position and rate of movement. A method of detecting contacting between the shafts of the jack assemblies and the ground includes measuring pulse width of current emitted by the hall effect sensor to monitor the speed of the shafts and recognizing contact with the ground when the shaft slows down. A method of detecting contacting between the shafts of the jack assemblies and the ground includes measuring the electric motor current signal and correlating a pulse from the current signal to the electric motor revolutions per minute and travel of the shafts. A method of calibrating the leveling assembly includes measuring a change in inclination as the jack assemblies are extended a known distance to determine the distance between the jack assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Dura Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Charles Lee Flynn, Christopher E. Curtis
  • Patent number: 7862285
    Abstract: Disclosed is a hoist trolley having a pair of jacking plates with apertures for attaching the plates to a compressor. Fixed to the opposing ends of the jack-plates are telescopic legs with extendable retractable wheels and a screw jack that is used to elevate the load, once the plates are attached, enabling the wheels to be extended. Once extended, the jack base plate is raised with the wheels supporting the load. Transporting the load is accomplished by providing a pair of rails cantilevered from a stand. Also provides are additional elements to enhance the range of applications for the compressor trolley including a pry bar incorporating a motive member whereby the bar can be used in the similar function of supporting some part of the load while moving to a workspace and a depending pivot arm having one element of a fastener, with the other incorporated into an opposing jacking plate. Furthermore, the spaced apart trolley rails can include integral rollers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Inventor: Michael J Dove
  • Publication number: 20100176359
    Abstract: A screw jack for lifting a vehicle that includes an outer sleeve section and a threaded section that rotates relative to the outer sleeve section. The screw jack also includes a drive assembly with a rotary position sensor. The drive assembly is in driving engagement with the threaded section. The screw jack also includes an extending section that translates relative to the outer sleeve section and the threaded section and is driven by the threaded section. Extension of the extending section is continuously monitored using the signal from the rotary position transducer when the jack is in operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2010
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Inventor: Craig Wisner
  • Publication number: 20100001244
    Abstract: The invention relates to a lifting device (10), in particular a semitrailer support or the like, comprising a shank tube (11) and a support tube (12) which is movable with respect to the shank tube, wherein on the shank tube a lifting gear mechanism (26) is arranged which comprises an input shaft arrangement (27) for connecting a drive device, and an output shaft arrangement (28) for driving a lifting spindle (20) which is arranged within the support tube and which acts on a pressure plate (18) arranged within the shank tube, wherein the pressure plate is located above the lifting gear mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2007
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Applicant: Haacon Hebetechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Holger Birkholz, Wemer Dölger, Robert Miltenberger, Ralf Natterer
  • Patent number: 7584979
    Abstract: A powered retractable motorcycle stand is disclosed having a stationary upper assembly mounted to a motorcycle and a moving lower assembly for ground contact. The stationary assembly includes a horizontal driven shaft coupled to an electric motor coupled. Gear reduction means transfers torque from the horizontal shaft to a vertical screw shaft that extends to a ground contact position and retracts into a protective housing. The vertical screw shaft is pinned so that it does not rotate and is restricted to linear movement. A safety device to prevent operation of the motorcycle while the stand is engaged is included. Motorcycle anti-theft means are also included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Inventors: Daniel Labonte, Jeanne Labonte
  • Patent number: 7423392
    Abstract: A trailer jack system includes an electric linear actuator having an electric motor, a source of electric power, and a controller that supplies a first voltage to the electric motor when the electric linear actuator is loaded and a second voltage to the electric motor when the electric linear actuator is unloaded. The electric linear actuator also includes a cylindrically shaped housing, a leg coaxially extending and retracting from the housing, and a support foot at a free end of the leg. The controller supplies the first voltage to the electric motor when a motor current of the electric motor is below a predetermined threshold value and supplies the second voltage to the electric motor when the motor current is above the predetermined threshold value. Preferably, the first voltage is about 24 volts and the second voltage is about 12 volts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: Atwood Mobile Products LLC
    Inventor: George Patrick Gill
  • Patent number: 7380825
    Abstract: Landing gear for selectively supporting a semitrailer and a method of assembly of the landing gear is provided. The landing gear includes a leg having an upper section and a lower section telescopingly received in the upper section. A lead screw extends and retracts the upper and lower sections relative to each other upon rotation thereof. An input shaft applies a torque to the lead screw to drive rotation thereof, the input shaft being rotatable about a rotation axis and movable in translation along the rotation axis for shifting between a first position for low gear operation and a second position for high gear operation. An output shaft, axially aligned with the input shaft, has an output gear for transmitting torque to the lead screw. A gearing subassembly is received in the upper leg section and is configured to augment lift when the input shaft is in the first position and augment speed in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: SAF-Holland, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael W. Peveler
  • Patent number: 7377488
    Abstract: A landing gear assembly comprises a first leg member adapted to couple to a vehicle frame member, and a second member operably coupled to the first leg member and moveable between a raised storage position and a lowered in-use position. The landing gear assembly further comprises a flexible member operably coupled with the drive mechanism and the second leg, such that the drive mechanism extends the flexible member and moves the second leg from the storage position to the in-use position, and wherein the flexible member is adapted to support a weight exerted on the first and second legs. In certain embodiments disclosed herein, the flexible member comprises a ribbon constructed of natural fibers. Other embodiments comprise additional pulleys and flexible members adapted to raise the second leg member from the in-use position to the raised storage position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: SAF-Holland, Inc.
    Inventor: Randy L. Schutt
  • Patent number: 7325786
    Abstract: A mechanical jack that is used with trailers that has a functional combination of several working gears as well as a drop leg feature is disclosed. The mechanical jack has a gearbox having gears that not only have the capacity to handle a relatively heavy load, but also have the ability to handle small and midsize loads while maintaining sufficient and commercially acceptable cranking speeds without excessive force required. The jack includes a crank or handle for use with the mechanical jack that assists in both effective raising and lowering of the jack, as well as efficient transition from one working gear to another. The jack may also utilize an electric motor as the source of input power to the jack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Cequent Trailer Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Frank J. Drake, III
  • Patent number: 7296779
    Abstract: An extendible leg adapted for mounting to a vehicle includes an outer member and an inner member. The inner member is telescoped slidably into the outer member, and has a first end extending axially beyond said outer member. A nut is fixed relative to the inner member. A rotatable screw is axially fixed relative to the outer member and threadably engaging the nut, wherein rotation of the screw axially drives the nut to axially move the inner member relative to the outer member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Actuant Corporation
    Inventors: Nikesh Bakshi, Adam Tipton, Craig J. Reske
  • Patent number: 7296784
    Abstract: A leveling leg assembly adapted for mounting to a vehicle includes an outer member and an inner member telescoped slidably into the outer member. The inner member has a first end extending beyond the outer member. The inner member is telescopically driven out of the outer member from a retracted position toward an extended position. A first bracket is fixed to the outer member, and a second bracket is fixable to the vehicle, wherein one of the first and second brackets has a plurality of holes formed therethrough, and the other of the first and second brackets has at least one hole formed therethrough that is aligned with at least one of the plurality of holes to fix the first bracket relative to the second bracket at a desired height relative to the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Actuant Corp.
    Inventor: Gary D. Peter
  • Patent number: 7163207
    Abstract: A demountable drive mechanism for coupling to a drive shaft of an operating device, the drive mechanism being directly secured to the drive shaft to cause the drive shaft to rotate, the drive mechanism comprising a geared electric motor having an output for coupling to the drive shaft, the drive mechanism having a torque arm adapted to engage a reaction surface so that the electric motor can impart torque to the drive shaft, and a controller to control operation of the electric motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Razor International Pty Ltd.
    Inventors: Darryl W. Baird, Geoffrey R. Watson
  • Patent number: 7152848
    Abstract: A thrust bearing for receiving thrust loads along the axis of a rotating shaft. The thrust bearing comprising a first bearing member having a race, a second bearing member having a race and ball bearings received in the races of the first and second bearing members for permitting relative rotating motion of the first and second bearing members. The second bearing member being formed to engage a rotating shaft to transmit axial forces between the shaft and the thrust bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: The Holland Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard J. Pfleging, Jr., Matthew P. Tubbe, Gary D. Hensiek, Kim G. Baechler
  • Patent number: 7044445
    Abstract: A hydraulic-mechanical vehicle elevating system for providing a built-in jack assembly which elevates a vehicle so the vehicle may be maintained. The hydraulic-mechanical vehicle elevating system includes a plurality of hydraulic jacks and/or mechanical jacks secured to a frame of a vehicle, a hydraulic pump connected to a reservoir and a control panel which controls fluid flow to the hydraulic jacks, and a crank handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Inventor: Jerry L. Crawford
  • Patent number: 7025332
    Abstract: A mechanical arm includes a base that mount on a selected support. A proximal arm member has a proximal end portion pivotally secured to the base and a distal end portion pivotally secured to a distal arm member. The base has a first fixed gear element disposed thereon, and a second fixed gear element is disposed on the distal arm member. A drive shaft is rotatably disposed on the proximal arm member and includes a first end portion provided with a first drive gear engaging the first fixed gear element and a second drive gear provided with a second drive gear engaging the second fixed gear element such that rotation of the drive shaft acts to pivot the arm members. A drive acts to rotate the drive shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: RV Safety Products, LLC
    Inventor: Richard G. Rincoe
  • Patent number: 6926305
    Abstract: A trailer landing gear drive system in which pneumatic, hydraulic and electric motors, as well as the traditional hand crank, are easily interchangeable. The landing gear jack mechanism is disposed to easily connect to any one of these drive motors. The system can utilize any one of the three motor combinations without making any change to the jack itself. Each drive motor output shaft is keyed to connect to the input shaft driving the worm gear of the jack. The output shaft of each type of motor is keyed the same so that the motors are swappable with respect to the input shaft of the landing gear. The hand crank shaft is also keyed to be the same as the keyed motor output shafts. Each motor may include a flange to permit it to be secured to the landing gear. The system eliminates the gear reduction box and replaced it with a worm gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Inventor: Jeffrey Daniel
  • Patent number: 6926261
    Abstract: A trailer tongue jack includes a grease (or zerk) fitting for providing grease to internal parts The jack includes an outer tube and an inner telescoping tube. A threaded insert (or nut) is fixedly attached inside an upper end of the inner telescoping tube. A screw shaft threadedly cooperates with the insert to extend or retract the inner telescoping tube from a lower end of the outer tube. A crank is provided to turn the screw shaft either directly or through gears, and a thrust bearing carries a vertical load between the screw shaft and the outer tube. The grease fitting allows the internal parts, and the thrust bearing in particular, to be easily lubricated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: Kaper II, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald H. Renshaw
  • Patent number: 6893006
    Abstract: A mechanical jack that is used with trailers that has a functional combination of several working gears as well as a drop leg feature is disclosed. The mechanical jack has a gearbox having gears that not only have the capacity to handle a relatively heavy load, but also have the ability to handle small and midsize loads while maintaining sufficient and commercially acceptable cranking speeds without excessive force required. The jack includes a crank or handle for use with the mechanical jack that assists in both effective raising and lowering of the jack, as well as efficient transition from one working gear to another. The crank provides an efficient way to change from one operating gear of the jack to another, and facilitates operator use of the mechanical jack to which it is connected, in order to provide improved cranking and improved changing of one operating gear to another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: Cequent Trailer Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Frank J. Drake, III
  • Patent number: 6827335
    Abstract: A center motor driven stabilizer jack having a motor driven slip differential which drives a left and a right thread screw lowering attached stabilizer legs which adjust and compensate for uneven terrain at the same time. The stabilizer jack slip differential, motor and the thread screws are mounted horizontally providing a low profile. The center drive system creates a beam style support the stabilizer legs to be moved further out for greater stability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Inventor: Joseph M. Medberry
  • Publication number: 20040159827
    Abstract: A mechanical jack that is used with trailers that has a functional combination of several working gears as well as a drop leg feature is disclosed. The mechanical jack has a gearbox having gears that not only have the capacity to handle a relatively heavy load, but also have the ability to handle small and midsize loads while maintaining sufficient and commercially acceptable cranking speeds without excessive force required. The jack includes a crank or handle for use with the mechanical jack that assists in both effective raising and lowering of the jack, as well as efficient transition from one working gear to another. The crank provides an efficient way to change from one operating gear of the jack to another, and facilitates operator use of the mechanical jack to which it is connected, in order to provide improved cranking and improved changing of one operating gear to another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2003
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Applicant: The Hammerblow Corporation
    Inventor: Frank J. Drake
  • Patent number: 6722635
    Abstract: A jack includes a motor, a gear assembly operably connected to the motor, a ram, and a plurality of screws driven by the gear assembly to move the ram.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Atwood Mobile Products, Inc.
    Inventor: John Scott Erickson
  • Patent number: 6634688
    Abstract: The present application discloses a method for mounting a vehicle jack in a stored position on a motor vehicle. The present application also discloses a combination of a vehicle and a jack stored on the vehicle, and a vehicle jack configured to be stored on a vehicle. Further, the present application also discloses a motor vehicle having an arrangement for retaining a vehicle jack thereon in a stored position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignee: Ventra Group Inc.
    Inventors: Brent H Foat, Wayne Doswell
  • Patent number: 6598886
    Abstract: A demountable drive mechanism for the landing gear of a semi-trailer, the landing gear including legs that are extendable and retractable by rotation of a drive shaft through a gear mechanism, the drive shaft being axially displaceable to change the ratio of the gear mechanism, the drive mechanism comprising an electric motor having an output shaft adapted to be coupled to the drive shaft of the landing gear assembly, the electric motor being coupled to the landing gear through a torque arm so that the electric motor can impart torque to the drive shaft, means to axially displace the drive shaft to change the gear ratio, and means to control operation of the electric motor and axial displacement of the drive shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Inventors: Darryl W. Baird, Geoffrey R. Watson
  • Publication number: 20030111656
    Abstract: A jack includes a motor, a gear assembly operably connected to the motor, a ram, and a plurality of screws driven by the gear assembly to move the ram.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2001
    Publication date: June 19, 2003
    Applicant: Dura Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: John Scott Erickson
  • Patent number: RE43535
    Abstract: The swivel jack assembly is used with trailers to vertically position a trailer tongue for mounting onto a hitch of the towing vehicle. The swivel jack assembly includes a jack-mounting bracket welded to an outer housing of the jack, and a tongue-mounting bracket mounted onto the tongue portion of a trailer. The jack also includes a novel swivel mechanism for pivoting the mechanism in either an upright support position or a horizontal stowed position. A cup-shaped section of the jack-mounting bracket nests within a cup-shaped section of the tongue-mounting bracket. When in the upright position, the jack extends vertically and may be used to raise or lower the tongue and support the trailer. The swivel jack assembly keeps the trailer in a level position when the trailer is disengaged from the towing vehicle. The swivel jack assembly is pivotally mounted onto the trailer tongue such that they can be pivotally repositioned to a stowed position when not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Cequent Performance Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael John Roll