Convertible Patents (Class 280/415.1)
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Patent number: 6945553Abstract: The pressure hitch is operable from the cab of a towing vehicle. The towing vehicle is equipped with a basic ball hitch and a vertically orientable hydraulically operated ram having a rubber pressure stub at its lowermost end in an orientation above the basic ball hitch. The towed vehicle has an inverted cup-shaped socket for coupling (without need for grip tightening) on the basic ball hitch. The ram's rubber pressure stub is vertically movable for pressing against the upper outer surface of the socket and is the sole structure for holding the socket and basic ball hitch together during towing operations. The ideal towing vehicle is a front end loader.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2004Date of Patent: September 20, 2005Inventors: Ronald F. Gerres, Steven M. Gerres
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Patent number: 6868581Abstract: A garden cart handle having a main shank having a principal axis, a first end pivotably connectable to a garden cart and a second end opposite the first end. A handgrip portion is connected to the second end of the main shank, having a principal axis disposed substantially orthogonal to the principal axis of the main shank, a first end and a second end. A hinged portion, having an inboard end and an outboard end, is connected to the handgrip portion through a pivoting connection so as to allow the hinged portion to pivot about the principal axis of the handgrip portion. A flange is disposed on the outboard end of the hinged portion, shaped and sized to connect to a trailer tongue of a tractor. A latch is disposed on the second end of the main shank, shaped and sized to secure the hinged portion against pivoting.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2003Date of Patent: March 22, 2005Assignee: International Development Corp.Inventor: John Browder
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Patent number: 6845991Abstract: By providing a plurality of cooperating, foldable panel members in combination with a plurality of foldable wheel assemblies, a unique wagon or cart construction is attained which is capable of being folded into a small, compact area, whenever desired, and then quickly and easily deployed into a fully erected and operational position, which enables virtually any desired object to be easily transported. In addition, in the preferred construction of this invention, an automatically deployed structural supporting member is incorporated into the wagon/cart for providing inherent strength and rigidity to the wagon/cart when fully erected. In this way, heavy objects previously incapable of being transported are capable of being accommodated with ease.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2003Date of Patent: January 25, 2005Inventors: Louis N. Ritucci, Joseph K. Patterson, Donald Barker
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Publication number: 20040119262Abstract: A receiver hitch-mountable utility cart has a support frame for supporting a payload, a hitch arm rigidly attached to the support frame, the hitch arm shaped to engage a receiver hitch bar of an over-the-road vehicle, a wheelbase assembly with wheels for transporting the cart with the wheels on the ground, and a user-operable translation mechanism connecting the wheelbase to the frame, enabling the frame to be raised and lowered relative to the wheelbase by operation of the translation mechanism, such that the cart, in an uppermost position, may be aligned and connected to the receiver hitch bar of the over-the-road vehicle, and the wheels may then be retracted to carry the cart entirely on the receiver hitch bar.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 28, 2002Publication date: June 24, 2004Inventor: James Veril Stout
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Publication number: 20040113390Abstract: An easily installed and removed conversion system for a camper/trailer fifth-wheel hitch to a conventional bed mounted 50-59 mm steel ball which itself can be removed to clear the truck bed. The system consists of four basic sections: (1) The upper end steel load distribution thrust plate which attaches to the existing king pin of the trailer/camper utilizing a tapered ring and easy to tighten or loosen specially tapered set screws; (2) The lower section or coupling which interfaces with the ball that is mounted on the tow vehicle; (3) The cylindrical mid section or extension, welded to the thrust plate and which connects the upper and lower sections together; (4) The optionally removable truck bed mounted ball that may be replaced with a bed hole plug leaving the bed unobstructed while the trailer/camper is not connected.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 15, 2003Publication date: June 17, 2004Inventor: Slavin P. Broussard
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Patent number: 6733026Abstract: A folding cart is disclosed which has a forward section, a main section, and a rear section, along with forward and rear end rails and left and right side rails. The forward and rear portions of the left and right side rails fold to a coplanar position with the main portion of each respective side rail, while the forward and rear end rails fold down to a position coplanar with the forward section and rear section, respectively. The forward and rear sections may then be rotated to a position over the main section. The forward and rear sections each have mounted to their bottom surfaces a dual wheel assembly, each dual wheel assembly having a pair of wheels which may be folded to a position parallel to their respective forward or rear section. The forward dual wheel assembly is mounted to the front section of the folding cart a rotating pivot, while the rear dual wheel assembly is mounted directly to the rear section. Finally, a folding handle is provided which is attached to the forward dual wheel assembly.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2003Date of Patent: May 11, 2004Inventors: Beverly J Robberson, James D. Robberson
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Patent number: 6722380Abstract: A hitch-mounted umbrella support is provided for use with a vehicle having a hitch receiver at the rearward end thereof. A hitch bar is selectively receivably mounted in the receiver and has a clevis secured to its rearward end. A support bar is selectively adjustably pivotally secured to the clevis and extends therefrom. The inner end of the support bar has a plurality of longitudinally spaced-apart openings formed therein which are adapted to be selectively registered with a plurality of longitudinally spaced-apart openings formed in the clevis. A U-shaped locking pin is extended between the clevis and the support bar to lock the support bar in various positions with respect to the hitch bar. A hollow tube is secured to the outer end of the support bar and receives the pole of the umbrella therein. The umbrella may be pivotally moved from side to side with respect to the vehicle and may be moved towards the vehicle or away from the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2002Date of Patent: April 20, 2004Inventor: John C. Hafer
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Patent number: 6712381Abstract: An apparatus for mounting a hitch to a vehicle. The apparatus may include a base connected to the vehicle. A mount, having a fastening portion and a main portion, may also be included. The fastening portion may receive a plurality of hitches thereon. The main portion may pivotably engage the base to provide a pivoting motion of the mount with respect to the base between a stowed position and a towing position distinct from the stowed position. A pivot may connect the main portion to the fastening portion to provide rotation therebetween. The apparatus may also include a hitch system having a first ball hitch monolithically formed to have a shank. A second hitch may be monolithically formed to have an aperture therein. The aperture of the second ball hitch may be shaped to axially receive and engage the shank of the first ball hitch.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2000Date of Patent: March 30, 2004Assignee: Wing Enterprises, Inc.Inventor: Newell Ryan Moss
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Patent number: 6698782Abstract: A multi-functional vehicle for being used selectively on land or in a body of water, the vehicle includes a vehicle frame mounted on two grouped pairs of frame wheels. A passenger cabin is releasably attached to the vehicle frame. A pair of floatation pontoons is releasably attached to the passenger cabin. The vehicle frame is convertible between a cabin receiving configuration and a load receiving configuration. The vehicle can be used to carry additional passengers or load while being attached to conventional vehicles such as conventional ATV vehicles. The trailer can be specifically designed so as to be able to follow the often rugged off-road terrain on which some vehicles such as ATV vehicles are commonly used. The passenger cabin can be readily converted into a water craft through a set a quick and ergonomical steps. The vehicle may also be used on a gliding surface such as snow and converted into a gliding vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Inventor: Michel Bouchard
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Patent number: 6688627Abstract: A bicycle, which readily converts to a chair, has front and rear joints to allow the front and rear wheel assemblies of the bicycle to move out of the plane of the bicycle frame to form a substantially U-shaped frame onto which a seat fabric may be stretched to form a sling chair. The fabric may be stowed in a roller tube and may be deployed in a manner similar to that of a retractable window shade. Retractable stands may be deployed under the wheels to provide the legs of the chair.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2002Date of Patent: February 10, 2004Inventor: Ruowei Z. T. Strange
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Patent number: 6679511Abstract: A heavy equipment (such as a tractor loader backhoe) transporter is disclosed. The transporter apparatus includes a tongue assembly and a rear axle assembly. The tongue assembly is adapted to connect to the front of the heavy equipment and the rear axle assembly is adapted to connect to the rear of the heavy equipment. When the assemblies are connected to the heavy equipment, a new unitary trailer is formed.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2002Date of Patent: January 20, 2004Inventors: Donald M. Parker, Merl P. Parker
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Patent number: 6659497Abstract: A mobile tri-modal trailer having a load bearing earth-traversing mode, a felled game processing mode and an equipment transport mode. When the three distinct modes are combined into the tri-modal trailer user may, if desired, transport substantial weight to a hunting location via a any convenient vehicle. Once the user has arrived at the hunting location, the tri-modal trailer is parsed into its three distinct operational functions and supporting apparatus. The felled game processing mode in concert with the equipment transporting mode's supporting apparatus i.e., the felled game processing equipment, is removed from a substantially rectangular member and a retractable A-frame is removed from the confines of its storage chamber. The retractable A-frame is erected into a selected upright position. The felled game processing equipment is attached to the retractable A-frame. After processing the felled game the parsed three modes are recombined into the tri-modal trailer.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2002Date of Patent: December 9, 2003Inventor: Michael S. Owens
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Patent number: 6659490Abstract: A fifth wheel trailer hitch adaptor system for providing a safer and more stable way to tow a fifth wheel trailer. The fifth wheel trailer hitch adaptor system includes a vehicle. A receiver is secured to the vehicle. The receiver has an aperture extending through the receiver. A fifth wheel trailer hitch member has a base portion. A connection bar is secured to the base portion. The connection bar has a distal portion extending outwardly from the base portion. The distal portion is insertable through the aperture in the receiver. The distal portion has a hole extending through the distal portion. A pin member is couplable to the distal portion through the hole whereby the connection bar is secured to the receiver.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2001Date of Patent: December 9, 2003Inventor: Benny M. Simpson
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Patent number: 6604752Abstract: The hitch attachment has a base plate with a toe-heel receiver for the attachment carrier of a front end loader on one face side and a hydraulically operable hitch on the other face side. The hydraulically operable hitch has a draw bar extending out from the base plate with a hitching opening at its outer end. A boom mounted to the upper edge of the base plate projects angularly upward to an elevated location above the hitch opening of the draw bar, and a hydraulic ram assembly equipped with a hitching pin is removably suspended from the outer end of the boom. A mid-level assembly has a circumscribing bracing structure that holds the hydraulic ram assembly in stable condition for the entry of the hitching pin into the hitching opening of the draw bar. A removable link in the circumscribing bracing structure facilitates easy removal of the hydraulic ram assembly for replacement.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2002Date of Patent: August 12, 2003Inventors: Ronald F. Gerres, Steven M. Gerres
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Patent number: 6561533Abstract: An apparatus for hitching two bicycles together including a first hitch which connects the apparatus to one of the bicycles and a second hitch which connects the apparatus to the second bicycle. The second hitch includes a stem which is slid through and secured to the head tube of the second bicycle after the front fork and wheel have been removed from the second bicycle.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2001Date of Patent: May 13, 2003Inventor: David M. Snobl
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Patent number: 6557882Abstract: An improved utility trailer for all terrain vehicles including brush and tree deflectors, spring suspension, flotation tires, enclosed storage and animal transport compartment, tail gates and side rails, dumping capability, conversion to personnel transporter further including a windshield to prevent personnel injury from low limbs and brush or mud thrown up by the ATV and an awning to provide shade and reduce heat. The trailer may also include such amenities as passenger cushions and drink holders.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2001Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Inventor: Michael H. Harrington
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Publication number: 20030067138Abstract: A conveniently transportable, foldable infant stroller for safely and smoothly carrying an infant at walking speed and at a relatively higher speed than the normal walking speed of approximately 3-4 miles per hour, and convertible to a trailer for safely and smoothly carrying an infant pulled behind a bicycle. The stroller has a collapsible child enclosure that folds onto the seat portion. A folding trailer hitch assembly is pivotally attached to the frame of the stroller. A front wheel is removable from the stroller to convert the stroller to a trailer. The rear wheels are removable for storage.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 9, 2001Publication date: April 10, 2003Inventor: Paul Kahmann
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Publication number: 20030052472Abstract: An apparatus for securing a towing vehicle to a towed vehicle. The apparatus includes a base, a mount movably secured to the base and one or more hitches attached to the mount. The mount may rotate, pivot, translate, or otherwise move in relation to the base in order to move the hitch between various positions including one or more towing positions and at least one stored or stowed position. The hitch, or hitches, may also be movably secured to the mount for additional flexibility in configuring the apparatus in the towing and stowed positions. Additionally, when multiple hitches are provided, each of the multiple hitches may be configured as different size or style of hitch such that a user may select one of the hitches depending on the intended use thereof.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 5, 2002Publication date: March 20, 2003Inventors: Newell Ryan Moss, Jack W. Bowers, H. Arthur Wing
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Publication number: 20030038451Abstract: A multi-functional vehicle for being used selectively on land or in a body of water, the vehicle includes a vehicle frame mounted on two grouped pairs of frame wheels. A passenger cabin is releasably attached to the vehicle frame. A pair of floatation pontoons is releasably attached to the passenger cabin. The vehicle frame is convertible between a cabin receiving configuration and a load receiving configuration. The vehicle can be used to carry additional passengers or load while being attached to conventional vehicles such as conventional ATV vehicles. The trailer can be specifically designed so as to be able to follow the often rugged off-road terrain on which some vehicles such as ATV vehicles are commonly used. The passenger cabin can be readily converted into a water craft through a set a quick and ergonomical steps. The vehicle may also be used on a gliding surface such as snow and converted into a gliding vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 26, 2002Publication date: February 27, 2003Inventor: Michel Bouchard
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Patent number: 6511088Abstract: The present invention concerns that of a new and improved apparatus which enables mounting of heavy duty equipment to existing trailer hitch hardware currently found on my pickups, vans, SUV's, recreational vehicles, and automobiles. The type of heavy duty equipment that could be attached to the apparatus of the present invention would include a heavy duty table, a work station, a vise, a spool and/or a winch, and a level working surface.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2001Date of Patent: January 28, 2003Inventor: William Kahlstorf
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Patent number: 6497428Abstract: A selectable trailer hitch apparatus is attached to a vehicle and includes a vehicle attachment member attached to the vehicle. With a first embodiment, the vehicle attachment member is a single horizontal structure. With additional embodiments, the vehicle attachment member includes a first horizontal hitch assembly support portion, a riser support portion, and a second horizontal hitch assembly support portion. The selectable trailer hitch apparatus permits one of a plurality of trailer hitches to be used at a time for a particular trailer. A base plate is attached to the vehicle attachment member. The base plate extends in a horizontal orientation and includes an axle reception channel. A plurality of trailer hitches are connected to the top side of the hitch-supporting selector plate. An axle is connected to the bottom side of the hitch-supporting selector plate, and the axle is inserted into the axle reception channel.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2001Date of Patent: December 24, 2002Inventor: Robert H. Ross
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Publication number: 20020175492Abstract: The invention is for a wheeled platform on which components can be assembled to create architectures for task performing machines. The major components of a machine assembled on the wheeled platform are a propulsion component, a power supply component, and a task-performing component. Articulation between the components is provided by means of interfaces, and a coupling attachment is provided for linking controls and utilities between the components.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 12, 2001Publication date: November 28, 2002Inventor: Leslie Van Ornum
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Patent number: 6481737Abstract: A pontoon trailer travel kit minimizes transverse spaces between a pontoon boat trailer and the pontoons of a pontoon boat. The kit comprises a bunk bracket that is mountable to and adjustable along a lift arm of the trailer. A bunk assembly is fastened to and is adjustable on the bunk bracket in directions perpendicular to the directions of adjustment of the bunk bracket. A kit is installed on a lift arm on each side of the trailer. The kits are pre-set such that the bunk of each bunk assembly is in close proximity to a pontoon. The boat is substantially prevented from sliding laterally on the trailer. In a modified embodiment, only the bunk assembly is used, and it is clamped directly to the trailer lift arm. That embodiment is used with boats in which the pontoons are exceptionally closely spaced to each other.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2001Date of Patent: November 19, 2002Assignee: Karavan Trailers, Inc.Inventor: Douglas A. Dray
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Method of converting a refuse collection body to a semi-trailer and a refuse collection semi-trailer
Patent number: 6471233Abstract: A method of converting a refuse collection body into a semi-trailer. A refuse collection body having a front end and a rear end, and a frame extending along a bottom of the body from adjacent the front end to adjacent the rear end is provided. A king pin is mounted to the frame proximate the front end for attachment to a fifth wheel of a tractor and an axle assembly is mounted to the frame proximate the rear end.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2001Date of Patent: October 29, 2002Assignee: The Heil Co.Inventor: Marcel G. Stragier -
Patent number: 6428031Abstract: A trailer hitch assembly includes a cross member, a pair of mounting brackets carried on the cross member, a first receiver box carried on the cross member and extending in a substantially horizontal plane and a second receiver box carried on the cross member and extending upwardly at an angle between 10-30° with respect to the horizontal plane.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2000Date of Patent: August 6, 2002Assignee: Reese Products, Inc.Inventors: Richard W. McCoy, Thomas W. Lindenman
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Patent number: 6416073Abstract: A conversion system for enabling a camper trailer with a king pin to be towed by a vehicle having a ball-type hitch. The system includes a clamp comprising two U-shaped members adapted to be fitted around the king pin of the trailer, a plate which is connected to the U-shaped members, a neck which is connected to the plate, and a socket at the lower end of the neck for connection to a conventional ball-type hitch. The conversion system can be attached to any conventional gooseneck camper trailer without modifying or damaging the trailer or the hitch. Then the camper trailer can be towed by a truck with a conventional ball-type hitch.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2000Date of Patent: July 9, 2002Assignee: Quick-Hitch, Inc.Inventor: Dewey R. Marcy
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Patent number: 6386569Abstract: An adapter includes connector elements for releasably coupling to a quick-connect coupling of a loader or other off-road vehicle, and a fifth-wheel for releasably coupling to a fifth-wheel king pin equipped trailer. The adapter is adapted for connecting to the coupling from either a resting position on the ground, or a hanging position from the fifth-wheel king pin of the trailer.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2000Date of Patent: May 14, 2002Inventor: Joseph Wick
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Publication number: 20020024194Abstract: A selectable trailer hitch apparatus is attached to a vehicle and includes a vehicle attachment member attached to the vehicle. With a first embodiment, the vehicle attachment member is a single horizontal structure. With additional embodiments, the vehicle attachment member includes a first horizontal hitch assembly support portion, a riser support portion, and a second horizontal hitch assembly support portion. The selectable trailer hitch apparatus permits one of a plurality of trailer hitches to be used at a time for a particular trailer. A base plate is attached to the vehicle attachment member. The base plate extends in a horizontal orientation and includes an axle reception channel. A plurality of trailer hitches are connected to the top side of the hitch-supporting selector plate. An axle is connected to the bottom side of the hitch-supporting selector plate, and the axle is inserted into the axle reception channel.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 4, 2001Publication date: February 28, 2002Inventor: Robert H. Ross
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Patent number: 6315316Abstract: A hitch mount assembly that has an elongate support member having a longitudinal axis for parallel orientation with a longitudinal axis of a towing vehicle. The elongate support member includes a connective end that is adapted to be coupled to a receiver on a towing vehicle and a table support end that is oppositely located from the connective end. A turntable is rotatably coupled to the elongate support member at the table support end by a rotation facilitating mounting. A plurality of hitch ball assemblies are mounted to the turntable and each hitch ball assembly has a ball portion positioned above the turntable, a post portion that extends through the turntable through a ball mounting aperture in the turntable, and a threaded end of the post portion extending below the turntable. A spacing member is interposed between the turntable and the elongate support member.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 1999Date of Patent: November 13, 2001Inventor: Walter Wyant
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Patent number: 6302423Abstract: A method and apparatus for modifying a truck with a fifth wheel to carry a device, such as a sander. A mounting structure is provided having a pair of spaced-apart brackets, each of which includes a pair of mounting plates secured to opposing end portions of a girder. A pair of bars are secured between the girders to form a substantially rectangular frame that extends around and above the fifth wheel. Upper surfaces of the bars are disposed above the fifth wheel. The device is supported on the upper surfaces of the mounting structure, above the fifth wheel.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2000Date of Patent: October 16, 2001Inventor: Kevin R. Alexander
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Patent number: 6241271Abstract: A removable trailer hitch ball in which a generally spherical configuration hollow ball with opposed upper and lower vertically aligned bore holes for removable attachment to a stud with a cross bore aligned with transversely aligned holes on opposite sides of the hollow ball. A removable lock pin with a spring loaded detent ball is inserted through the transversely aligned holes of the hollow ball and stud. The spring loaded detent ball is protruded into a cavity between the side of the stud and the inner wall of the hollow ball to detachably secure the hollow ball onto the stud which may be integrally formed at the end of a drawbar for detachable connection to a receiver of a trailer hitch. Different size balls may be detachably secured to a given stud. In one embodiment the stud is formed in a shank integrally at one end of a drawbar.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 1998Date of Patent: June 5, 2001Assignee: Draw-Tite, Inc.Inventor: Jacob S. Belinky