Single End Suspension Of Transported Vehicle Patents (Class 280/402)
  • Patent number: 11845375
    Abstract: A wheel grid includes a crossbar configured to be coupled to a boom of a tow vehicle and including a distal tip. The wheel grid further includes an L-arm rotatably coupled to the crossbar at a proximal end of the L-arm and configured to rotate from an engaged position to a stowed position. As the L-arm rotates from the engaged position to the stowed position, a distal portion of the L-arm intersects with a vertical line passing through the respective left or right distal tip of the crossbar. In the stowed position, the distal portion of the L-arm is positioned laterally inward relative to the distal tip of the crossbar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2023
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Assignee: Oshkosh Corporation
    Inventors: Bradley S. Kresge, Todd Werner
  • Patent number: 11772568
    Abstract: An embodiment includes a travel system comprising: a first arm and a second arm, the first arm including an aperture; a hub pivotally coupled to the first and second arms; a male hitch insert, coupled to the hub, configured to insert within a female hitch; a handle bar support coupled to the male hitch insert and configured to receive a handle bar of a stroller; a void, located between the first and second arms, configured to receive a wheel of the stroller; and a post configured to (a) extend from the first arm to the second arm, (b) mate with the second arm, (c) extend between support members of the wheel and secure the stroller to the system. Other embodiments are described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: FOURTH ROW, LLC.
    Inventor: Michael Bohmer
  • Patent number: 11701993
    Abstract: A hauling apparatus is disclosed, the hauling apparatus comprising a frame adapted to be secured to a hauling vehicle and a pivotable wheel-receiver pivotably secured to the frame about a vertical pivot axis thereof, wherein the pivotable platform is adapted to receive thereon a non-steerable wheel of a hauled vehicle and provide angular movement between the hauling vehicle and the hauled vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: MARC BERGERON
    Inventor: Marc Bergeron
  • Patent number: 11565619
    Abstract: A wheel grid includes a crossbar configured to be coupled to a main boom of a wheel lift tow vehicle; two L-arms, each coupled to the crossbar at a respective pivot point and including an extension member and a wheel brace member; and a crossbar end coupled to each end of the crossbar and including a cantilevered portion, the crossbar ends each configured to engage a tire of a towed vehicle. The L-arms are configured to rotate into a stowed position in which each L arm is positioned under one of the cantilevered portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: Oshkosh Corporation
    Inventors: Bradley S. Kresge, Todd Werner
  • Patent number: 11407466
    Abstract: A tilting, preferably three-wheeled, vehicle is disclosed that has a tilting mechanism and a universal steering linkage that allows the vehicle to have leaning and steering characteristics substantially similar to those offered by an in-line two-wheeled vehicle, but that does not require complex linkages and/or control systems to operate effectively. A tilting linkage is operably secured to a frame to allow a pair of spaced apart wheels to remain substantially aligned with the plane of the vehicle throughout its range of movement while still providing an increasing camber between the wheels as tiling of the vehicle increases. A tilting lock system may be provide to limit tilting of the vehicle upon predetermined criteria.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: ARCIMOTO, INC.
    Inventors: Robert Mighell, Michael R. Lowell
  • Patent number: 11285767
    Abstract: A motorcycle towing hitch 20 includes a receiver 22 to which is attached a lift system 24. The lift system 24 is operable to raise and lower a cradle 26 which receives the front wheel 30 of a motorcycle 32 to hold the front wheel captive in the cradle. The cradle 26 is hinged relative to the lift system to be rotatable about an upright axis 28, for instance, when towing the motorcycle around a corner. A restraint system 34 is provided for preventing the handlebars of the motorcycle to rotate relative to the motorcycle frame. In this manner, when the motorcycle is towed around a corner, the motorcycle frame does not tilt downwardly into the corner as would be the case if the motorcycle frame were permitted to rotate relative to the motorcycle handlebars when negotiating a corner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Inventor: John Alfred Berggren, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10913598
    Abstract: The apparatus is a grappling device that allows multiple trash bins or material movers to be linked together so that all can be moved simultaneously to the curb and removed after emptying. The apparatus is a removable connector that is coupled to a vehicle at one end and engages a handle of a bin or suitable material mover at the other. Additional refuse/recycle bins can be linked into the train configuration with robust tie-downs, such as bungee cords, EPDM Trucker's cords, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Inventor: C. Tyson Fisk
  • Patent number: 10807425
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to towing devices. More specifically, the invention relates to a towing device configured to be mounted on a towing vehicle having a fifth wheel. The towing device may include a horizontal member and a vertical member. A frame pan extends below the horizontal member and includes connection members which are movable through slits and configured to engage and secure to the frame of the towing vehicle. The vertical member of the towing device includes a hitch assembly to facilitate the connection of a hitch, such as a pintle or ball hitch, to a coupler of a trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: Pro-Tote Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: James Gesto
  • Patent number: 10654326
    Abstract: Tow coupling (100) having a tow coupling part (128) for fitment to a tow ball (104) of the vehicle, a load coupling (190) for coupling to a load to be towed, and a tow element (180) pivotally connecting to the tow coupling part (128) and to the load coupling part (190). Pivoting of the tow element (180) with respect to the tow coupling part (128) varies the vertical position of the load coupling part (190). Positioning structure (220), between the tow coupling part (128) and the tow element (180) permits setting that position. The positioning structure (220) is resiliently biased by a spring (260) so as to resiliently bias the tow element (180) such that the load coupling (190) assumes a selectable set position, from which the load coupling (190) is however upwardly displaceable under pivoting of the tow element (180) against that resilient bias.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: AERO-TECH PTY LTD.
    Inventors: Warwick Brook Tozer, Cameron Ronald Tozer
  • Patent number: 10525996
    Abstract: A wheelbarrow conversion assembly for facilitating a wheelbarrow to be rolled without lifting the wheelbarrow includes a wheelbarrow that has a bucket and a pair of support legs. A bracket is removably coupled to the wheelbarrow and the bracket is positioned on each of the support legs. A pair of rollers is each of the rollers is rotatably coupled to the bracket to roll along a support surface. Each of the rollers supports weight of the wheelbarrow to facilitate the wheelbarrow to be rolled without lifting the wheelbarrow. In this way the rollers facilitate a physically disabled user to roll the wheelbarrow along the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Inventors: Jerry Donald, Barbara Donald
  • Patent number: 10486581
    Abstract: A roller-drawbar raises and supports drive wheels of a vehicle being towed off of the ground surface while rollers fitted onto each lifting and supporting drawbar arm causes the drive wheels to rotate while being towed preventing damage to the vehicle's drivetrain during the towing process is taught. The inventive principles include a pivotable roller-drawbar designed so that a wrecker can back-up to a vehicle to be repossessed and easily and rapidly position the roller-drawbar under the vehicle to securely lift and support its drive wheels. Relying on the pivotability of the roller-drawbar, the vehicle to be repossessed can be removed from its parking space even if the vehicle is parallel parked tightly between two other vehicles without damaging any vehicles parked close-by and towed to a safer location in just a couple of minutes without any damage to the repossessed vehicle or its drivetrain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Inventor: Enrique Collazo
  • Patent number: 10406653
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for coupling a first and second wheeled vehicle. The apparatus includes a first area with a stop to engage an undersurface of the first wheeled vehicle and a second area with spaced apart openings to receive wheels of the second vehicle. The apparatus also includes a hook member positioned between the first and second areas and including surfaces to engage a perimeter of the frame of the first wheeled vehicle. The method includes engaging a perimeter of the frame of the first wheeled vehicle with the hook member. The method further includes rotating the stop about an engagement point between the hook member and the frame of the first wheeled vehicle until the stop engages an undersurface of the frame. The method further includes positioning a pair of wheels of the second vehicle in the spaced apart openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: DYNAMIC CONCRETE, LLC
    Inventors: Ron Yagur, Patrick Pollitt
  • Patent number: 10399833
    Abstract: A vehicle lift adapter system in one embodiment includes a central support bar including a mounting portion configured to be removably mounted on a jack arm of a floor jack, a first outer support arm supported by the central support bar, a first wheel capture base with a first middle portion located between a first and a second base end portion, the first wheel capture base operably connected to the first outer support arm, a first wheel capture arm configured to be supported by the first end portion, and a second wheel capture arm configured to be supported by the second end portion, wherein the first end portion and the second end portion are arranged such that a weight applied to the first wheel capture arm and the second wheel capture arm is substantially centered on the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignees: Bosch Automotive Service Solutions Inc., Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Robert J. Kochie, Robert A. Jensen
  • Patent number: 10390477
    Abstract: A carrier mountable to a vehicle for carrying a conventional broadcast spreader features a mounting bar for coupling to the vehicle in a mounted condition and a holder arranged at an end of the mounting bar for supporting the spreader. The holder has a first portion which is in fixed relation to the mounting bar and a second portion which is pivotally coupled to the first portion so as to be movable from a storage position to a lowered position where a front end of the second portion is arranged at the ground. The holder includes a first receptacle for receiving a lower portion of the spreader and a pair of channels, one of which is supported on the second portion so as to be movable therewith and another one which is supported in fixed position on the first portion, which collectively form an enclosure for receiving the leg of the spreader in the storage position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Inventors: Keith Jantz, Shawn Aloisio
  • Patent number: 10035445
    Abstract: A hub and suspension assembly for tow dolly and car hauler trailer with drop-down capability comprises: a suspension tower, a screw, a chuck, a lug member, an upper threaded block, a spring, a lower non-threaded block, an axle, and a hub. The tow dolly comprises: a plurality of frame members, a first and a second hub and suspension assembly for tow dolly and car hauler trailer with drop-down capability, and a first and a second wheel and tire assembly. Car hauler trailer comprises: a plurality of frame members; a first, second, third, and fourth hub and suspension assembly for a tow dolly and a car hauler trailer with drop-down capability; and a first, second, third, and fourth wheel and tire assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Inventor: Mark Andrew Sharp
  • Patent number: 9937603
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for coupling a first and second wheeled vehicle. The apparatus includes a first area with a stop to engage an undersurface of the first wheeled vehicle and a second area with spaced apart openings to receive wheels of the second vehicle. The apparatus also includes a hook member positioned between the first and second areas and including surfaces to engage a perimeter of the frame of the first wheeled vehicle. The method includes engaging a perimeter of the frame of the first wheeled vehicle with the hook member. The method further includes rotating the stop about an engagement point between the hook member and the frame of the first wheeled vehicle until the stop engages an undersurface of the frame. The method further includes positioning a pair of wheels of the second vehicle in the spaced apart openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Inventors: Ron Yagur, Patrick Pollitt
  • Patent number: 9913771
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a lifting and transporting device. The device of the invention is useful for lifting and moving any object which has a pair of spaced apart wheels but is particularly adapted for the lifting and transporting of hospital beds. The bed lifter includes an improved means of engaging a bed and supporting the load of the bed or bed/patient combination during lifting and transportation by engaging the bed wheels and not the bed frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: Austech & Design Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Peter Raymond March, Kenneth Ian Bell
  • Patent number: 9873445
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides vehicle transportation and storage assemblies that can include a moving frame coupled to a loading frame and a support frame extending at an angle other than normal from the moving frame to the loading frame. Vehicle moving, storage, and/or maintenance methods are provided that can include supporting a vehicle with an assembly in a first position, with the first position supporting the vehicle substantially parallel to the road surface, and pivoting the assembly to support the vehicle in a second position, the second position supporting the vehicle substantially normal to the road surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Inventor: Tim Davison
  • Patent number: 9840120
    Abstract: The positionable towing hitch includes a first beam supporting a movable housing assembly and a second beam assembly movable in the housing. The first beam protrudes out of the housing for mounting to a hitch receiver of a vehicle. A first beam driver assembly is coupled to the first beam to selectively extend and retract the housing with respect to the first beam in a horizontal direction. A second beam driver assembly is coupled to a second beam to selectively raise and lower the second beam with respect to the housing in a vertical direction. A ball mount bracket is fixed to the second beam for mounting a ball mount thereon to move with the second beam. The movements of the housing and the second beam facilitate positioning of the ball mount for connection to a trailer to be hitched.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: KUWAIT UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Khaled Ahmed Alhazza, Al-Hussain Ali Othman, Mahmoud Ahmed Hussain, Abdulla Turky Al-Enzi, Abduljaleel Khalid Al-Shamouty
  • Patent number: 9636957
    Abstract: A truck towing system is described. The truck towing system provides for a first truck to tow a second truck in a back to front relationship, i.e., the front portion of the second truck (the towed truck) is connected or attached to a rear portion of the first truck (the towing truck). The truck towing system includes an upper member to connect with a first truck. A middle member joins the upper member and a lower member in a fixed engagement. The lower member supports a front portion of a second truck. A beam member is engaged to the lower member, and the beam member extends and retracts from an interior of the lower member. The beam member connects to a rear portion of the second truck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: TRUCKMOVERS.COM, INC.
    Inventors: L. Thomas Duvall, Dean West, Jeff Brawley
  • Patent number: 9637039
    Abstract: A vehicle tow assembly includes an elongated, rigid upper member that attaches to a tow vehicle, and a rigid, elongated lower member that attaches, using U-bolts and/or a chain, to a vehicle to be towed. A downwardly-slanting connecting member connects the upper and lower members such that the upper member is higher off the ground than the lower member. A saddle block on the upper member can be turned one way to engage the fifth wheel of the tow vehicle and can be flipped 180 degrees to engage the frame of the tow vehicle when no fifth wheel is present.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Logistics and Transportation, LLC
    Inventors: Gustavo Vildosola, Rodolfo Moyeda, Leopoldo Flores, Enrique Valdes
  • Patent number: 9555831
    Abstract: A tractor-trailer for hauling a load is provided which is convertible from a conventional steering arrangement to a stinger steering arrangement to maneuver relatively long loads around tighter corners, roundabouts and other obstacles. The tractor-trailer includes a rear wheel assembly with a telescoping reach and a towing tractor including a chassis and a stinger to selectively attach to the telescoping reach of the rear wheel assembly. The stinger is movably coupled to the chassis to move between a stowed configuration for conventional steering and a deployed configuration for stinger steering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Inventor: Gale Dahlstrom
  • Patent number: 9539951
    Abstract: The invention provides a device for towing a motorcycle behind a land vehicle with a front wheel of the motorcycle off the ground. The device has a platform connectable via a support bar to a hitch receiver of the towing vehicle. The platform is pivotally connected to the support bar in order to allow the motorcycle to tilts as the towing vehicle turns. The platform has a stationary front stopper for the front side of the motorcycle wheel supported by the platform and a rear stopper which is pivotally connected to the platform and which forms a mechanism for automatically locking the front wheel of the motorcycle from behind when the rear stopper is turned during loading the wheel onto the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Inventor: Dan Levi
  • Patent number: 9511638
    Abstract: A transport hitch apparatus which is attached to a standard semi-truck tractor via the truck's frame and fifth-wheel, and which is capable of lifting and towing agricultural implements using an array of different hitch connections. The transport hitch is customizable, and is capable of conforming to several semi-truck tractor frame types and implement hitch types. In the practice of an aspect of the present invention, an agricultural implement is attached to the transport apparatus via a two-point or drawbar hitch. The transport apparatus includes a self-contained electrically powered hydraulic lift system capable of lifting large agricultural implements for transport. The transport apparatus is mounted to a tandem axle semi-truck tractor fifth wheel and frame. The transport apparatus is designed to quickly attach to any standard semi-truck tractor. The hydraulic lift system allows implements of any shape or size to be raised or lowered to an ideal towing height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Bestway, Inc.
    Inventors: Don Patrick Meenen, David C. Benson, Michael A. Brainard
  • Patent number: 9457630
    Abstract: A device comprises an outer sleeve and an inner sleeve that is rotatably supported at least partly in an interior of the outer sleeve. A hollow axle is located in an interior of the inner sleeve, and a skewer is supported within an inner region of the hollow axle. The skewer is slidable along an axis of hollow axle. First and second slots are located on the hollow axle. A lever that is rotatable about the axis of the hollow axle includes a mechanism for causing the rod to slide along the axis to change respective widths of the slots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Ronald L. Anderson
  • Patent number: 9371028
    Abstract: A vehicle towing apparatus 1 includes a wheel cradle 5 provided on a rear of a automobile 2 serving as a towing vehicle and holds a front wheel 7 serving as a wheel of a vehicle 6 to be towed in the wheel cradle 5, the wheel cradle 5 including two arm members 21, 21 forming a space receiving a width of the front wheel 7 in a lateral direction, the each arm member 21 connecting a first end thereof to the automobile 2 with an attachment body 4 and connecting a second end to each other, thereby forming a closed holding region 24 holding the lower portion of the front wheel 7 to be inserted therein. Therefore, the structure of the wheel cradle 5 can be simplified, and the front wheel 7 can be stably held.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: HONDA ACCESS CORP.
    Inventor: Yoshimasa Misono
  • Patent number: 8992155
    Abstract: A transport hitch apparatus which is attached to a standard semi-truck tractor via the truck's frame and fifth-wheel, and which is capable of lifting and towing agricultural implements using an array of different hitch connections. The transport hitch is customizable, and is capable of conforming to several semi-truck tractor frame types and implement hitch types. In the practice of an aspect of the present invention, an agricultural implement is attached to the transport apparatus via a two-point or drawbar hitch. The transport apparatus includes a self-contained electrically powered hydraulic lift system capable of lifting large agricultural implements for transport. The transport apparatus is mounted to a tandem axle semi-truck tractor fifth wheel and frame. The transport apparatus is designed to quickly attached to any standard semi-truck tractor. The hydraulic lift system allows implements of any shape or size to be raised or lowered to an ideal towing height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Bestway, Inc.
    Inventors: Don Patrick Meenen, David C. Benson, Michael A. Brainard
  • Publication number: 20150048594
    Abstract: A truck towing system is described. The truck towing system provides for a first truck to tow a second truck in a back to front relationship, i.e., the front portion of the second truck (the towed truck) is connected or attached to a rear portion of the first truck (the towing truck). The truck towing system includes an upper member to connect with a first truck. A middle member joins the upper member and a lower member in a fixed engagement. The lower member supports a front portion of a second truck. A beam member is engaged to the lower member, and the beam member extends and retracts from an interior of the lower member. The beam member connects to a rear portion of the second truck.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2014
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Inventors: L. Thomas Duvall, Dean West, Jeff Brawley
  • Patent number: 8882123
    Abstract: A bicycle tow hitch comprises an apparatus to enable a master bicycle to tow a slave bicycle behind it. The apparatus comprises a plurality of tubular members which make up a master unit and a slave unit being joined using a plurality of bolts. The slave unit is installed onto the front wheel of the slave bicycle and prevents the front wheel of the slave bicycle from rotating. The master unit is installed onto the rear portion of the master bicycle and supports the slave unit in a way that suspends the front wheel of the slave bicycle above the ground while leaving the rear wheel of the slave bicycle in contact with the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Inventor: Douglas M. Gingras
  • Patent number: 8876139
    Abstract: A truck towing system is described. The truck towing system provides for a first truck to tow a second truck in a back to front relationship, i.e., the front portion of the second truck (the towed truck) is connected or attached to a rear portion of the first truck (the towing truck). The truck towing system includes an upper member to connect with a first truck. A middle member joins the upper member and a lower member in a fixed engagement. The lower member supports a front portion of a second truck. A beam member is engaged to the lower member, and the beam member extends and retracts from an interior of the lower member. The beam member connects to a rear portion of the second truck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Truckmovers.com, Inc.
    Inventors: L. Thomas Duvall, Dean West, Jeff Brawley
  • Patent number: 8876140
    Abstract: A trailer assembly operable to transport vehicles includes a first frame section adapted to be directly selectively couplable to a trailer hitch of an automobile, has at least two spring suspensions coupled thereto, and has at least two tires coupled to the frame section by the at least two spring suspensions. A second frame section is selectively and rotatably coupled to the first frame section and an offset axle is coupled at opposing distal ends thereof to the at least two spring suspensions and coupled along its length to the second frame section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Inventor: Eric Lloyd Barnett
  • Publication number: 20140217699
    Abstract: A front tow extended saddle is disclosed. The saddle allows a first towing truck to mount a second truck, facing forward, behind the first truck, in order to tow the second truck to a distant location. The saddle allows the towed truck to face forward during transport, thus allowing for the normal loads and stresses of movement on the towed truck. This configuration is preferable to movement with the towed truck facing-rearward, in which the typical aerodynamic surfaces of a large truck act as a drag during transport, imposing high wind loads and unusual stresses. The front tow extended saddle is also designed to minimize the required vertical rise on the towed truck, which also avoids additional stresses during loading and unloading onto the towing truck.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: ATC TRANSPORTATION LLC
    Inventor: Donald W. SCHUETTENBERG
  • Patent number: 8690514
    Abstract: A heavy duty vehicle recovery system employs a crane/tow boom assembly which is pivotally mounted to an upright assembly and is transformable between various positions. Two variably positionable booms with slidable extensions are provided. The crane/tow boom assembly extends rearwardly from the lower portion of the upright assembly. When the upright assembly is in an upright position, the boom assembly is upwardly pivotal from the upright assembly. When the upright assembly is in a reclined position, the crane/tow boom assembly is pivotally transformable to a transport position generally parallel to the upright assembly. The crane booms may be independently positioned at different elevational angles and different extensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Inventor: Martin A. Marola
  • Patent number: 8684412
    Abstract: A Collapsible Trailer. The trailer is lightweight, but durable, and includes a set of detachable deck segments that can be assembled into a deck. The trailer further includes a suspension assembly that attaches to the deck once the deck is assembled or, alternatively, is permanently attached to one deck segment. Intra-deck segment support is provided by slidable rods that are extendable to bridge between a pair of adjacent segments. Each deck segment has a male edge to be inserted into a female edge to create an exceedingly strong, interlocking hinge-like structure. The deck and trailer can be assembled without the need for any tools. The deck segments, when disassembled, are stackable into a condensed deck stack. A foldable suspension facilitates the stackable storage and transportation of the trailer. The trailer is convertible into a cargo platform that can be attached directly to a conventional trailer hitch receiver on a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Inventor: Karl M. Steins
  • Publication number: 20140084566
    Abstract: A vehicle recovery tool is used to tow disabled vehicles. The recovery tool includes a structural member that is mounted on an axle assembly including wheels. The structural member is configured to be coupled to or engage a vehicle to be towed that is positioned behind the recovery tool and to be coupled to or engage a towing vehicle positioned in front of the vehicle. A linear actuator is used to lift the structural member as well as the vehicle to be towed to a raised position. With the structural member in the raised position, the linear actuator further positions the structural member into a locked position in which the load of the vehicle being towed is supported by a control linkage against a stop, preferably on the axle assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2013
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Inventor: LeRoy G. Hagenbuch
  • Patent number: 8636296
    Abstract: In one example, mobile industrial equipment for coupling to a truck for on highway transportation is provided. The mobile industrial equipment includes a frame to connect to the truck, a plurality of wheels connected to the frame, and a track assembly connected to the frame. In another example a method for using mobile equipment is provided. The method includes transporting mobile industrial equipment over the highway with a plurality of wheels connected to a frame of the mobile industrial equipment. The frame of the mobile industrial equipment is separated from the truck. The mobile industrial equipment is moved while separated from the truck using a track connected to the frame of the mobile industrial equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Crusher Rental & Sales, Inc.
    Inventor: Steve L. Gilbert
  • Patent number: 8622413
    Abstract: A front tow extended saddle is disclosed. The saddle allows a first towing truck to mount a second truck, facing forward, behind the first truck, in order to tow the second truck to a distant location. The saddle allows the towed truck to face forward during transport, thus allowing for the normal loads and stresses of movement on the towed truck. This configuration is preferable to movement with the towed truck facing-rearward, in which the typical aerodynamic surfaces of a large truck act as a drag during transport, imposing high wind loads and unusual stresses. The front tow extended saddle is also designed to minimize the required vertical rise on the towed truck, which also avoids additional stresses during loading and unloading onto the towing truck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: ATC Transportation LLC
    Inventor: Donald W. Schuettenberg
  • Publication number: 20130334790
    Abstract: A trailer assembly operable to transport vehicles includes a first frame section adapted to be directly selectively couplable to a trailer hitch of an automobile, has at least two spring suspensions coupled thereto, and has at least two tires coupled to the frame section by the at least two spring suspensions. A second frame section is selectively and rotatably coupled to the first frame section and an offset axle is coupled at opposing distal ends thereof to the at least two spring suspensions and coupled along its length to the second frame section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Inventor: Eric Lloyd Barnett
  • Patent number: 8602437
    Abstract: A motorcycle dolly hitch assembly couples to a vehicle to tow a motorcycle. The assembly includes a hitch arm having a first end configured for coupling to a vehicle. A support sleeve is coupled to a second end of the hitch arm. A support member has a first arm and a second arm. The second arm is slidably inserted into the support sleeve. A cradle, configured for supporting a wheel of a motorcycle, is coupled to the first arm of the support member. A locking mechanism is mechanically coupled to the second arm of the support member and the support sleeve wherein a position of the support member is lockable into a static position relative to the support sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Inventor: Edward J. Morris
  • Patent number: 8585072
    Abstract: An apparatus for towing a motorcycle has a support platform with torque arms joined by a cross bar. The front wheel of the motorcycle is secured to the support platform and the motorcycle frame is secured to the cross bar. The support platform, torque arms, and cross bar prevent the motorcycle from lying to either side or turning about its steering neck as a towing vehicle turns. Instead, the support platform rotates about a pivot post held by upper and lower pivot sleeves. The lower pivot sleeve is secured to a tongue that attaches to a trailer hitch. The pivot post may slide up and down while supported by a jack, raising and lowering the support platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Inventor: James Momaly
  • Patent number: 8556285
    Abstract: A bellows provides a transition for two vehicles of an articulated vehicle, which are articulately connected to each other. The bellows has at least one substantially U-shaped circumferential frame, the substantially U-shaped circumferential frame includes at least one coupling arrangement for attaching a cover shaped as an expansion or concertina bellows, and the at least one coupling arrangement is connected with the substantially U-shaped circumferential frame by way of at least one articulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Hübner GmbH
    Inventor: Knud Mosaner
  • Publication number: 20130147155
    Abstract: A truck towing system is described. The truck towing system provides for a first truck to tow a second truck in a back to front relationship, i.e., the front portion of the second truck (the towed truck) is connected or attached to a rear portion of the first truck (the towing truck). The truck towing system includes an upper member to connect with a first truck. A middle member joins the upper member and a lower member in a fixed engagement. The lower member supports a front portion of a second truck. A beam member is engaged to the lower member, and the beam member extends and retracts from an interior of the lower member. The beam member connects to a rear portion of the second truck.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2013
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: Truckmovers.Com
    Inventors: L. Thomas Duvall, Dean West, Jeff Brawley
  • Patent number: 8448972
    Abstract: A towing device for towing an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) behind a vehicle featuring two parallel support bars for cradling rear wheels of the ATV; a first wheel connected to the first ends of the support bars via a first wheel axle connector and a second wheel connected to the second ends of the support bars via second wheel axle connector; eye rings disposed on the support bars adapted to receive ends of straps, the straps being for securing rear wheels of the ATV; an undercarriage bracket pivotally attached to the first support bar for supporting and securing the rear axle of the ATV; and a curved towing arm having a ball hitch tongue for connecting the towing arm to a hitch of the vehicle and two connecting brackets for engaging and securing a front axle of the ATV.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Inventors: David P. Belcher, Paul Belcher
  • Publication number: 20130076004
    Abstract: A tail wheel transporter with an off-center single-beam chassis in a tricycle carriage coupled to a towing arm. The single beam chassis pivotably supports a lifting foot member of a four bar mechanism that is side mounted on the single-beam chassis. The lifting foot supports two studs, one fixed and one adjustable, for engaging a tail wheel. The lifting arm is coupled to the four bar mechanism and is manually operated to lift the tail wheel off the ground. In the lifted position, the lifting arm is latched to the towing arm so that constant manual force to maintain lift is not required. The tail wheel is received on the studs between the front and rear axles and exerts force below the height of the rear axle, so no manual force is required to maintain balance during operation. A low-profile bifurcated front wheel allows use under low-hanging vehicle parts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Inventor: Daniel S. Perry
  • Patent number: 8382141
    Abstract: An axle security fixture comprises one or more bracket portions configured to be secured about a rail of a truck frame, a receiving portion contiguous with the bracket portions for receiving a plurality of axles, and a cover situated atop the axles and secured to the receiving portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: ATC Transportation, LLC
    Inventor: Donald W. Schuettenberg
  • Patent number: 8382142
    Abstract: A trailer which is sized to be towed behind a motorcycle. The trailer includes a cargo bay for storing luggage, spare parts, tools or other cargo. The trailer is preferably towed behind a motorcycle in a group of motorcycles. In the unfortunate event that one of the motorcycles breaks down or a rider is unable to continue operating his or her motorcycle, the cargo bay can be converted to a towing configuration for towing the disabled motorcycle. This allows the group of motorcycles to continue riding, and the disabled motorcycle can be towed to a repair location at a more convenient time for the entire group of riders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Inventor: James B. Edmondson
  • Patent number: 8371599
    Abstract: A truck towing system is described. The truck towing system provides for a first truck to tow a second truck in a back to front relationship, i.e., the front portion of the second truck (the towed truck) is connected or attached to a rear portion of the first truck (the towing truck). The truck towing system includes an upper member to removably connect with a first truck. A middle member joins the upper member and a lower member in a fixed engagement. The lower member supports a front portion of a second truck. A beam member is removably engaged to the lower member, and the beam member extends and retracts from an interior of the lower member. The beam member connects to a rear portion of the second truck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Inventors: L. Thomas Duvall, Dean West, Jeff Brawley
  • Patent number: 8360456
    Abstract: Apparatus for towing bicycles, comprising a towing arm, a connector, adapted to fix the towing arm to a towing vehicle, a joint for interconnection between the towing arm and the connector, which defines a first oscillation axis and a second oscillation axis, the first oscillation axis being parallel to the resting surface of the towing bicycle to which the connector is coupled during use, a fork for connection of the towing arm to the hub of the front wheel of the bicycle to be towed, the fork being locked to the towing arm during use, a strut pivoted on the towing arm, and a coupling assembly which is adapted for connection of the strut to the bicycle to be towed. The first oscillation axis is transverse to the anteroposterior direction of the towing bicycle and the second oscillation axis is perpendicular to the resting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Inventor: Paola Peruzzo
  • Publication number: 20130009384
    Abstract: An apparatus for recovering large disabled off-highway vehicles. The apparatus utilizes a trailing axle structure configured to hook up and tow off-highway disabled vehicles. The apparatus includes a trailing axle in conjunction with a trailing structure that is raised and lowered with hydraulic cylinders in relation to the trailing axle so that the trailing structure can hook and unhook from disabled off-highway vehicles as well as hook and unhook from off-highway lowboy trailers either mid section on the trailing structure or at the rear of the trailing structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2012
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Inventor: LeRoy G. Hagenbuch
  • Patent number: 8348589
    Abstract: A Universal Folding Boom Trailer for transporting multiple vehicles provides a safe and legal manner for towing. The trailer includes a winch for loading and unloading the towed vehicles and can act alone as a crane if desired. Further, this trailer arrangement backs up like a conventional trailer. The Universal Folding Boom Trailer provides a means for a driver to haul multiple vehicles in both directions. The driver is able to attach the trailer to a personal fifth wheel and tow any type of unit: a fifth wheel trailer, a ball hitch trailer, or a gooseneck, among others—instead of dead-heading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Wastow Enterprises LLC
    Inventor: Doyle E. Watkins