Laterally Spaced Parallel Connections Patents (Class 280/460.1)
  • Patent number: 11945529
    Abstract: A modular slave vehicle articulatable at one end thereof to another slave vehicle and at another end thereof to an independently driven master vehicle, simultaneously. The slave vehicle comprising a body including a driving system; a structural frame supporting said body; a master coupling system in the form of a mechanical stress absorbing coupling mechanism; at least one first slave coupling device; at least one second slave coupling device; said first and second coupling devices, when mounted to two adjacent slave vehicles intended to be articulated to each other, are detachably connectable to each other to form a tandem coupling configured to constrain all DOF therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: Plasan Sasa Ltd.
    Inventors: Amir Ben Shoshan, Asaf Engel
  • Patent number: 11377151
    Abstract: Methods and systems for attaching accessories to a vehicle. The system includes a first plurality of attachment devices located on a frame rail of a first vehicle, the first plurality of attachment devices spaced apart by a distance. The system also includes a second plurality of attachment devices located on a frame rail of a second vehicle, the second plurality of attachment devices spaced apart by the distance. The system also includes a plurality of engagement members of a vehicle accessory, each engagement member of the plurality of engagement members spaced apart by the distance and configured to engage with respective attachment devices from the first plurality of attachment devices or the second plurality of attachment devices. The system also includes a plurality of connectors configured to secure the plurality of engagement members to the first plurality of attachment devices or the second plurality of attachment devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: TOYOTA MOTOR ENGINEERING & MANUFACTURING NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventor: Colby Steven Williams
  • Patent number: 11364755
    Abstract: A vehicle front-end assembly having a vehicle frame, a first tow hook and a skid plate. The vehicle frame has a first front side member with a front-end portion. The first tow hook has a forward portion and a rearward portion. The rearward portion of the first tow hook is attached the front-end portion of the first front side member by a first mechanical fastener. The skid plate has a main section, a first attachment flange extending from a first lateral side of the main section, the first attachment flange being fixed to the first front side member by the first mechanical fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2022
    Assignee: NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventor: Alan Greggs
  • Patent number: 11345198
    Abstract: A vehicle connection system in accordance with present embodiments includes a first connection mechanism having a shaft with a first portion coupled to a second portion by a hinged joint. A locking element extends from the second portion. Guides extend on opposing sides of the second portion such that a channel is formed between the guides and the guides block movement of the second portion about the hinged joint outside of the channel. The guides are positioned between the locking element and the hinged joint along the shaft. A second connection mechanism is configured to couple with the first connection mechanism and includes a locking box configured to receive the locking element via an aperture in the locking box and configured such that rotation of the locking element while in the locking box via rotation of the shaft interlocks the locking element with the lock box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: Universal City Studios LLC
    Inventors: Nicholas Alexander Delgado, Vanessa Elizabeth Nuñez Osorio, Christopher André Phillips, Ryan Ramong Morrison
  • Patent number: 11155132
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a weight distribution tag trailer, having at least some of the following features: (a) a frame assembly, including beams and cross beams and side axle beams, (b) an axle coupled to the frame assembly, (c) shims for optional position between an axle assembly and the side axle beams to allow adjustment of load and balance (d) at least two wheels rotatably mounted to the axle, wherein at least one beam includes an end complementarily sized to be received by a vehicle receiver hitch assembly, and at least one other beam includes a clamp for coupling the beam to a cross frame of the vehicle receiver hitch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Inventor: Roy Pack
  • Patent number: 10894453
    Abstract: A coupling device that couples with a cart includes a coupling portion that couples with the cart, a base portion that guides the coupling portion, and a driving motor that drives the coupling portion. The driving motor drives and controls the coupling portion so as to be changeable among a first state in which the coupling portion is housed, a second state in which the coupling portion is capable of coupling with the cart, and a third state in which the coupling portion couples with the cart. With the coupling portion and a side frame of the cart facing each other, the coupling portion changes from the second state to the third state, thereby causing the coupling portion and the side frame to be coupled to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2021
    Assignee: SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Norito Fujihara, Nobutoshi Tsujimoto, Takurou Miyamoto, Hiroki Osawa, Hiroto Isome, Fumihiro Matsuura
  • Patent number: 10828951
    Abstract: Vehicle coupling assemblies suitable for facilitating a resilient coupling between a rear vehicle and a vehicle wheel on a front vehicle may include a coupling assembly arm. The coupling assembly arm may be resiliently length-variable responsive to application of a longitudinal extension force on the coupling assembly arm. A wheel engagement member may include an engagement member body rotatably carried by the coupling assembly arm. The engagement member body may be suitably sized and configured for engagement with the vehicle wheel on the front vehicle in substantially concentric relationship with respect to the vehicle wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Inventor: Justin W. Earnest
  • Patent number: 10787209
    Abstract: An antijackknife system for a trailer having a trailer hitch with a ball joint and alignment arms, a housing on the underside of the trailer at a front end of the trailer, and a front end of the housing having a ball joint socket. A slide plate is in an interior of the housing and an actuator is on the underside of the trailer. The actuator is operatively coupled to a rear end of the slide plate. Casters are attached to an axle assembly at a rear end of the trailer. The casters each have a locking plate attached thereto with the locking plate having a locking slot. Locking pins are positioned on the axle assembly. The slide plate is placed in a first position by the actuator wherein the ball joint socket rotates freely on the ball joint and the locking pins are placed in the locking slots. Alternatively, the slide plate is placed in a second position by the actuator wherein the ball joint socket does not rotate on the ball joint and the locking pins are pulled out of the locking slots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Inventor: Richard D. Meyer
  • Patent number: 10765053
    Abstract: One exemplary embodiment is a hitch assembly including forward and rearward lateral members, first and second longitudinal members and a lifting member which are coupled together to form a laterally-articulating pitch-adjustable quadrilateral. The forward lateral member is coupled with the first longitudinal member by a first joint and the second longitudinal member by a second joint. The rearward lateral member is coupled with the first longitudinal member by a third joint and the second longitudinal member by a fourth joint. The lifting member is coupled with the rearward lateral member by a first flexible rigging member and a second flexible rigging member. The quadrilateral can articulate between a left-leaning configuration, a rectangular configuration, and a right-leaning configuration. The lifting member can be adjusted to vary an amount of slack in one or both of the flexible rigging members and to raise and lower the rearward lateral member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: ABI ATTACHMENTS INC.
    Inventor: Kevin V. Keigley
  • Patent number: 10683025
    Abstract: A platform for a pushchair includes a frame with at least one wheel, and a device for reversibly connecting to the frame of a pushchair supported by the frame. The device can be attached between left and right uprights of the pushchair, belonging to left and right rear portions of the pushchair frame, parallel to and facing each other, with respective and second female housings. The device includes: first and second male elements moving relative to the frame between a connection position and a disconnection position; and a mechanism for activating the first and second male elements, this mechanism being suitable for: jointly moving, through the action of only one hand of a user, the first and second male elements from their connection position to their disconnection position; and automatically returning the first and second male elements from their disconnection position to their connection position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Assignee: BABYZEN
    Inventor: Jean-Michel Chaudeurge
  • Patent number: 10315475
    Abstract: A towing hook attachment structure includes: a towing hook; a bumper reinforcement having: a first wall extending in a vehicle width direction, a wall surface of the first wall facing the vehicle cabin; and an second wall and a third wall respectively extending to the vehicle cabin side from an upper end and a lower end of the first wall; and a nut member fastening the towing hook to the bumper reinforcement. The first, second and third walls are respectively provided with a first, second and third holes. The nut member is fixed to the bumper reinforcement while extending in a vehicle height direction and being inserted in the second hole and the third hole. A tip of the towing hook is inserted in the bumper reinforcement through the through hole and is fastened to the nut member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignees: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha, Aisin Keikinzoku Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Yatsunami, Kiyoichi Kita, Jun Shobo, Yohei Kanatani
  • Patent number: 9987890
    Abstract: A trailer for a tractor may include a platform having a frame with an axle frame member and swivel mountings, and a pair of wheels each being mounted to rotate and swivel. A linkage connects the platform to the tractor, with a forward mount configured to mount on the tractor and permit the linkage to pivot about a pivot axis extending substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the trailer. The linkage has a rearward mount configured to mount on the platform and permit the linkage to pivot about a roll axis extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the trailer. In embodiments, the rearward mount includes a roll joint located at a juncture of the linkage and the platform, and the juncture is located substantially in a vertical lateral plane extending between the swivel mountings of the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Inventor: Stanley E. Jans
  • Patent number: 9566955
    Abstract: A length-adjustable telescopic tube (1) has a longitudinal axis (L), an inner tube (2) and an outer tube (4). In one of the tubes (2, 4) a component (20) is arranged, which features first attachment structures (28a, 28b). The tube (2, 4) has second attachment structures. Furthermore, at least one plug-in element (50, 60, and 70) with third attachment structures (58, 68, and 78) is provided, which cooperate with the first (28a, 28b) and second attachment structures (48a, 48b) to form a form-locking connection with the component (20) in at least one direction along the longitudinal axis (L) or perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: Jost-Werke GmbH
    Inventor: Günter Seidel
  • Patent number: 9022409
    Abstract: A steerable caddy trailer is provided that has an improved structure including a main frame assembly, spindle assemblies attached to each end of the main frame for attachment of a wheel, a pair of swinging arms forwardly extending from the main frame and pivotally attached to the main frame, and tie rods connecting the swinging arms with the spindle assembly such that pivoting of the swinging arms steers the wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Inventor: Roger A. Montag
  • Patent number: 8998239
    Abstract: A low profile trailer and method of use with mountable equipment includes an axle system allowing reduced trailer deck height, open trailer sides, and peripheral trailer stabilizer legs, said axle system comprising aligned axle structures at each of two sides of the trailer, each said axle structure including a sleeve fixedly attached to the trailer body and including an axle assembly slidably received in the sleeve such that the sleeve and axle assembly is structured to allow removal and insertion of an axle assembly on one trailer side without the necessity of replacing the axle assembly on the other trailer side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Inventor: John A. Vlahakis
  • Patent number: 8950775
    Abstract: A receiver device for engaging a landing gear adapter unit with a tug. In exemplary embodiments, the adapter may include a tow bar with a neck portion between a pair of spaced arm portions. The receiver device forms a travel path boundary for the neck portion and is configured to be complementary with and to engage the neck portion. A mounting portion is provided for mounting the receiver device on the tug in an operative configuration relative to a landing gear-receiving base thereon. At least one releasable locking member is positioned along the travel path to interrupt travel of the neck portion. The locking member is movable between a first unlocked position and a second locked position. Further, in the second locked position, the locking member is configured to lock the mounting portion in the operative configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Inventor: Michael Moore
  • Patent number: 8833790
    Abstract: An assembly and method allow military vehicles to be towed. In an embodiment, a towing assembly for towing a vehicle with a towing vehicle includes a lunette. The lunette attaches the towing assembly to the towing vehicle. The towing assembly also includes tow bars. The tow bars are attached to the lunette. At least one of the tow bars is laterally moveable. The towing assembly also includes tow legs. Each tow leg is slidably engaged with an interior of a tow bar. The tow leg is attachable to the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Black Mountain Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Kyle L. Greenwood, Matthew Howell, Devin Gerland
  • Patent number: 8727059
    Abstract: The invention relates to a hinge assembly for connecting two vehicle parts to a vehicle that is capable of crab steering, has articulated frame steering and comprises articulating vehicle axles. Four structural elements are connected to each other by four hinge connections, the hinge centers being arranged in a common plane in a basic state, such that they form a frame which is substantially rigid with respect to thrust forces in that plane. Two of the structural elements forming opposite sides of the frame can in each case be rotated about a rotational axis located in said plane with respect to the other three structural elements. Furthermore, the hinge connections are designed in such a manner that, starting from the basic state, the two rotational axes can be articulated relative to each other in that one of the rotational axis can be pivoted out of the plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Ammann Schweiz AG
    Inventors: Christoph Anliker, Lino Giovanoli
  • Patent number: 8556286
    Abstract: A crash attenuator includes a crash cushion having a front end, a rear end, and a trailer hitch component disposed adjacent the front end. The trailer hitch component is capable of being secured to a mating hitch component located on a towing vehicle, such that the hitch components are capable of being rotated relative to each other about a substantially vertical axis. The crash attenuator further includes at least one wheel supporting the crash cushion. The wheel is rotatable about a substantially horizontal axis and is spaced rearwardly from the hitch component. A pair of tethers are positioned on opposite sides of the hitch component and are moveable relative to one or more retraction mechanisms connected to the crash cushion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Energy Absorption Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Bret Eckert, Michael J. Buehler, James B. Welch
  • Patent number: 8464816
    Abstract: A first chassis and second chassis hingedly connects to the first chassis, wherein each of the first and second chassis includes a plurality of wheels which are operably connected to a hydraulic motor. The hydraulic motor operably connects to an engine which is operably connected to the first chassis. A transmission pump operably interconnects the hydraulic motor and the engine and a flow divider operably interconnects the transmission pump and the hydraulic motor to regulate hydraulic flow to the hydraulic motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: CARSAF, LLC
    Inventor: Brian E. Carrier
  • Patent number: 8388012
    Abstract: A crash attenuator includes a crash cushion having a front end, a rear end, and a trailer hitch component disposed adjacent the front end. The trailer hitch component is capable of being secured to a mating hitch component located on the towing vehicle, such that hitch components are capable of being rotated relative to each other about a substantially vertical axis. The crash attenuator further includes at least one wheel supporting the crash cushion. The wheel is rotatable about a substantially horizontal axis and is spaced rearwardly from hitch component. One or more tethers are positioned on opposite sides of the hitch component and are moveable relative to one or more guides connected to the crash cushion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Energy Absorption Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Buehler, Bret Eckert, James B. Welch
  • Publication number: 20120294701
    Abstract: An auto-latch mechanism enabling a towing vehicle to hook-up and tow-away a disabled vehicle without the need for either operator of the vehicles to exit their interior. In a preferred embodiment, the auto-latch mechanism includes opposing guide plates and a plunger pin with a distal portion movable to a location between the plates. When a connecting portion of the disabled vehicle is positioned between the opposing plates, the plunger pin may be engaged to the connecting portion, to thereby accomplish hook-up of the disabled vehicle to the towing vehicle. A method for using the auto-latch mechanism is also disclosed and claimed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: MILLER INDUSTRIES TOWING EQUIPMENT INC.
    Inventor: John M. Cullum
  • Patent number: 8286985
    Abstract: An architecture is presented that provides a double hinged tow hitch. The tow hitch is attached to a tow vehicle and allows full traction to the ground and complete control of steering. The tow hitch comprises two hinges secured together by a pin positioned at an upper portion of the hinges and a pin positioned at a lower portion of the hinges. The pins secure the hinges together and allow the hinges to flex in two positions. Additionally, the tow hitch comprises springs positioned on either side of the hinges and rubber positioned between the hinges to act as a shock absorber. When pressure is applied to the tow hitch, the springs will collapse into either the upper or lower portions of the hinges, causing the hinges to flex in two positions and pressing against the rubber between the hinges, thus acting as a suspension system for the tow hitch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Inventor: David Frocklage
  • Patent number: 8215657
    Abstract: A dolly to, inter alia, provide load support to a tractor trailer rig in which the dolly may be selectively attached to the tractor or the trailer as a means of engaging a second trailer. A coupling assembly in which the engaging vehicle, whether tractor or trailer, includes a transverse locking bar disposed at an acute angle to the direction of movement, which is selectively coupled to the dolly having a plate disposed at substantially a same acute angle as the transverse locking bar, wherein the plate includes a channel adapted to receive the locking bar, and the dolly having an air bag suspension system engaged with the air system of the tractor, wherein the pumping up of the air bag suspension system secures the locking bar in the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Inventor: Richard T. Gist
  • Patent number: 8136830
    Abstract: A crash attenuator includes a crash cushion having a front end and a rear end, and a restraint element disposed adjacent the front end and capable of being coupled to a towing vehicle. The crash attenuator further includes at least one wheel supporting the crash cushion. The restraint element is operable between at least an impact condition and a non-impact condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Energy Absorption Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Buehler, Bret Eckert, James B. Welch
  • Patent number: 8042825
    Abstract: An accessory towing apparatus that connects a towing vehicle to a gooseneck-type trailer. The accessory towing apparatus includes a chassis framework assembly mounted on an axle having two ground engaging wheels. The chassis assembly includes three linkage arms, which are attached to and extend from the framework. The ends of the three linkage arms are designed to engage and couple with three brackets attached to the main frame of the towing vehicle. When the respective coupling mechanism of the three linkage arms are each engaged, they are substantially parallel to one another and pivot about a substantially common axis. An automatic alignment and attachment system may also be included to greatly simplify the attachment process of the gooseneck-type trailer to the towing vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Inventor: Joseph P. Jamieson
  • Patent number: 7905507
    Abstract: A trailer reversal self-correcting assembly (10) adapted to be disposed between the tow bar (12) of a vehicle (14) and the tow member (16) of a trailer (18), the assembly (10) comprising a tow arm (20) pivotally connected to the tow bar (12) at its first end and to the tow member (16) at its second end, a first extension mount (26) extending laterally from the tow bar (12), and a second extension mount (30) extending laterally from the tow member (16), a first correcting linkage device having at least a first linkage member (38) connected between the first extension mount (26) and the second extension mount (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Inventor: Ottavio Perri
  • Patent number: 7874570
    Abstract: A steerable caddy trailer is provided that has an improved structure including a main frame assembly, spindle assemblies attached to each end of the main frame for attachment of a wheel, a pair of swinging arms forwardly extending from the main frame and pivotally attached to the main frame, and tie rods connecting the swinging arms with the spindle assembly such that pivoting of the swinging arms steers the wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Inventor: Roger A. Montag
  • Patent number: 7823902
    Abstract: An accessory towing apparatus that connects a towing vehicle to a gooseneck-type trailer. The accessory towing apparatus includes a chassis framework assembly mounted on an axle having two ground engaging wheels. The chassis assembly includes three linkage arms, which are attached to and extend from the framework. The ends of the three linkage arms are designed to engage and couple with three brackets attached to the main frame of the towing vehicle. When the respective coupling mechanism of the three linkage arms are each engaged, they are substantially parallel to one another and pivot about a substantially common axis. An automatic alignment and attachment system may also be included to greatly simplify the attachment process of the gooseneck-type trailer to the towing vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Inventor: Joseph P. Jamieson
  • Patent number: 7810832
    Abstract: A steerable caddy trailer is provided that has an improved structure including a main frame assembly, spindle assemblies attached to each end of the main frame for attachment of a wheel, a pair of swinging arms forwardly extending from the main frame and pivotally attached to the main frame, and tie rods connecting the swinging arms with the spindle assembly such that pivoting of the swinging arms steers the wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Inventor: Roger A. Montag
  • Publication number: 20100232925
    Abstract: An auto-latch mechanism enabling a towing vehicle to hook-up and tow-away a disabled vehicle without the need for either operator of the vehicles to exit their interior. In a preferred embodiment, the auto-latch mechanism includes opposing guide plates and a plunger pin with a distal portion movable to a location between the plates. When a connecting portion of the disabled vehicle is positioned between the opposing plates, the plunger pin may be engaged to the connecting portion, to thereby accomplish hook-up of the disabled vehicle to the towing vehicle. A method for using the auto-latch mechanism is also disclosed and claimed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2009
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Applicant: MILLER INDUSTRIES TOWING EQUIPMENT INC.
    Inventor: John M. Cullum
  • Publication number: 20100194074
    Abstract: An accessory towing apparatus that connects a towing vehicle to a gooseneck-type trailer. The accessory towing apparatus includes a chassis framework assembly mounted on an axle having two ground engaging wheels. The chassis assembly includes three linkage arms, which are attached to and extend from the framework. The ends of the three linkage arms are designed to engage and couple with three brackets attached to the main frame of the towing vehicle. When the respective coupling mechanism of the three linkage arms are each engaged, they are substantially parallel to one another and pivot about a substantially common axis. An automatic alignment and attachment system may also be included to greatly simplify the attachment process of the gooseneck-type trailer to the towing vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2010
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Inventor: Joseph P. Jamieson
  • Publication number: 20100052288
    Abstract: A modular cart for a gas turbine engine is disclosed. The modular cart may have a first cart with a first connection portion and a first mounting location. The modular cart may further have a second cart with a second connection portion and a second mounting location. The first connection portion of the first cart may be configured to attach to the second connection portion of the second cart. The modular cart may also have a cart component configured to interchangeably mount to either the first mounting location of the first cart or to the second mounting location of the second cart.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Inventors: Daniel James Doll, Jason Michael Robertson, Antonio Acuna
  • Patent number: 7635037
    Abstract: A motorized towing device comprising a chassis, at least one motor, at least two wheels, a controller, and a quick release attachment mechanism. The controller operates the motor to cause the rotation of the wheels and the movement of the chassis over a surface. The quick release attachment mechanism releaseably secures the chassis to an object desired to be towed or moved while permitting rotational movement of the device relative to the object about a generally horizontal plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Assignee: 1498456 Ontario Inc.
    Inventors: Simon Treadwell, Alastair Jenkins
  • Patent number: 7631881
    Abstract: A towable wheeled vehicle releasably attachable to a towing vehicle at two horizontally spaced apart points provides a frame supporting a deck, a wheel carriage having a leaf spring suspension and a tubular steering axle with rotatable and turnable wheels at each end, and an electrically powered pneumatic system. Airbags communicating between the steering axle and the frame inflate and deflate to axially rotate the steering axle in axle sleeves carried by the leaf spring suspension reversing the caster and camber of the wheels responsive to activation of the towing vehicle's back up lights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Inventor: Greg Broemeling
  • Publication number: 20090194968
    Abstract: A high-performance, light-duty, utility trailer that is pulled by a tow vehicle utilizing a two point coupling to the tow vehicle and a swiveling axle assembly. This novel design includes a tilting hitch assembly attached to the trailer frame and swiveling casters attached to the rear corners of the trailer frame, creating a three point “landing gear” for easy installation onto the tow vehicle and providing good un-hitched mobility allowing the trailer owner to easily move the trailer out-of-the-way when stored between each use. A wheel swiveling assembly that can be configured to provide steering geometry capable of being customized to accommodate driving habits and road conditions. A two point hitch assembly that allows the removal of adaptors when not in use for both functional and aesthetic purposes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Inventor: Ned Anthony Ardagna
  • Patent number: 7527279
    Abstract: A trailer hitch assembly is used with a trailer having a plurality of wheels each rotatable about a horizontal axis and a vertical axis. The hitch assembly includes coupling elements on the trailer for fixedly engaging the trailer to a towing vehicle in a horizontal plane parallel to the ground surface during a rearward motion of the vehicle and the trailer and for pivotably linking the trailer to the vehicle in the horizontal plane during a forward motion of the vehicle and the trailer. A locking mechanism automatically preventing rotation of the wheels about the respective second axes during the forward motion of the trailer and the vehicle and for enabling rotation of the wheels about the respective second axes during the rearward motion of the trailer and the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Inventor: Vincent C. McCalip
  • Patent number: 7497457
    Abstract: An accessory towing apparatus that connects a towing vehicle to a gooseneck type trailer. The accessory towing apparatus includes a chassis assembly mounted on an axle having two ground engaging wheels. The chassis assembly includes two linkage arms, which are attached to and extend from the axle. The ends of the two linkage arms are designed to engage two brackets attached to the main frame of the towing vehicle. The linkage arms may further include a pivot point near the axle attachment point that permits the arms to pivot and spread away from one another in order to facilitate the engagement of the linkage arms in their respective brackets. A novel clamping lever system may also be utilized to secure the two linkage arms into their respective brackets. An automatic alignment and attachment system may also be included to greatly simplify the attachment process of the gooseneck type trailer to the towing vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Inventor: Joseph P. Jamieson
  • Patent number: 7484749
    Abstract: A tow-bar adapter for towing a loaded trailer behind a combat vehicle permits opening of a rear ramp door on the vehicle and supporting the open door on the adapter as the vehicle proceeds forward. Longitudinal legs each have first ends provided with a lateral bore axially aligned with each other. Pins extend through each lateral bore and through bosses mounted on the vehicle, allowing rotational movement of the legs about the pins. Cross members extend between and are connected to the legs and a caster assembly is connected to the cross members to provide vertical support for the tow-bar adapter and any carried load. A towing pintle on a cross member connects to a trailer, and the caster assembly rotates about a vertical axis to allow the tow-bar adapter to slew and follow along behind the vehicle as it turns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Chris Doyle, Steven F. Naud
  • Patent number: 7472919
    Abstract: In one embodiment a detachable tow hook assembly comprises a housing defining a passageway for detachably receiving a locking end portion of a tow hook for use in towing a vehicle. Desirably, the tow hook is inserted and rotated to a locking position for retention in place during towing of a vehicle without requiring fasteners or any retaining pins to retain the tow hook in place. Exemplary configurations for tow hooks, tow hook locking portions and tow hook receiving housings are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: Daimler Trucks North America LLC
    Inventors: Walter Hill Pratt, Napolyon Isikbay
  • Patent number: 7461854
    Abstract: A steering connection assembly is provided that interconnects a towed implement with a tow vehicle. The steering connection assembly includes a tongue member having a forward end pivotally connected at the tow vehicle so as to rotate about a first vertical axis, and a rearward end fixed relative to the frame of the agricultural implement. A drive linkage has a forward end pivotally connected at the tow vehicle so as to rotate about a second vertical axis. A steering linkage interconnects the rearward end of the drive linkage to a series of caster wheel assemblies in support of the frame of the implement. In response to a turn of the tow vehicle, the drive linkage communicates a turn signal via rotation about the second vertical axis so as to cause the steering linkage to steer the caster wheel assembly in the turn direction of the tow vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: CNH Canada, Ltd.
    Inventor: Terrance A. Friggstad
  • Patent number: 7281721
    Abstract: A suspension system for a dump truck which is to be connected to a paver using a truck hitch. In one example, a system for connecting a dump truck to a paver includes a liftable and steerable suspension of the truck, the suspension having an adapter with a laterally outwardly facing concave side. A truck hitch of the paver engages the concave side of the adapter to attach the truck hitch to the suspension. In another example, a method of connecting a dump truck to a paver includes the steps of: interconnecting a hydraulic actuator between a frame of the truck and an axle of a suspension of the truck to thereby transmit a load from the frame to the axle; then raising a bed of the truck, the load increasing as the bed is raised; and increasing pressure in the hydraulic actuator in response to the increasing load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Watson & Chalin Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Herbert D. Hudson, Cully B. Dodd, Thomas N. Chalin
  • Patent number: 7128330
    Abstract: A transportable storage container assembly for transport by a tow vehicle. The assembly includes a trailer having a center rail with a two-point trailer hitch at the front end and a pivotable single wheel at the rear end. The trailer has a first cross channel adjacent the front end of the rail and a second cross channel adjacent the rear end of the rail. A storage container mounted on the trailer includes bottom support skids at each end that seat in the cross channels and are secured in the channels by casters that are attached to the skids through mounting holes in the cross channels. There is a jack on the bottom of the trailer rail movable along the length of the rail to facilitate the raising of the trailer for attachment to, and disattachment from, the tow vehicle trailer hitch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Inventor: Gerald W. Krauss
  • Patent number: 7125033
    Abstract: Towing apparatuses suited for use with, for example, three-point hitches or quick hitches. At least some of the present towing apparatuses include a male hitch member that is positioned such that a force acting through the male hitch member (such as a force transmitted to the male hitch member through the female hitch member of the structure being towed) does not cause the particular towing apparatus to rotate about an axis along which the towing apparatus is pivotally coupled to a towing vehicle (such as through a three-point hitch or a quick hitch).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Inventor: John J. Forrister
  • Patent number: 7040644
    Abstract: A combination of a tractor hydraulic arm assembly and a hitch adapter installed between the two arms of the arm assembly, the hitch adapter consisting of a length of “U” shaped steel channel, having a plurality of holes formed in the top surface, with trailer hitches mounted in the holes and a steel shaft fastened to the underside of the channel and a yoke mounted on each end of the channel. The steel shaft is mounted in holes formed in the arm assembly and locked in place with implement clips, with the yolks straddling the two arms to prevent rotation of the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Inventors: Charles M. Adams, Michael S. Adams
  • Patent number: 6991246
    Abstract: A trailer hitch assembly is used with a trailer having a plurality of wheels each rotatable about a horizontal axis and a vertical axis. The hitch assembly includes coupling elements on the trailer for fixedly engaging the trailer to a towing vehicle in a horizontal plane parallel to the ground surface during a rearward motion of the vehicle and the trailer and for pivotably linking the trailer to the vehicle in the horizontal plane during a forward motion of the vehicle and the trailer. A locking mechanism automatically preventing rotation of the wheels about the respective second axes during the forward motion of the trailer and the vehicle and for enabling rotation of the wheels about the respective second axes during the rearward motion of the trailer and the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Inventor: Vincent C. McCalip
  • Patent number: 6938910
    Abstract: The invention relates to a tow carriage, especially for towing motorcars with the aid of a motor-cycle (2) or some other small vehicle. The carriage (1) comprises at least two wheels (3, 4 and 5, 6) which supported are steerable by means of a steering device (22, 23) and via articulated pulling rods (7-10) can be coupled to preferably, the rear frame portion (11) of motor-cycle. On said pulling rods (7-10) there is, at each respective joint (16, 17), mounted an angle information transmitter (18, 19) which, when the rods (7, 9 and 8, 10) turn relatively each other in response to the motor-cycle (2) turning, actuate the steering device (22, 23) steering the wheels or, alternatively, said steering device (22, 23) being actuated by direction sensor mounted on the motor-cycle in order to detect a acceleration and turning/banking, the wheels (3, 4 and 5, 6) always assuming a correct steering angle as determined by the route of the motor-cycle (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Inventors: Mattias Liljeberg, Michael Liljeberg
  • Patent number: 6866284
    Abstract: Impact attenuating device for vehicles with frame side members. The attenuator includes an attenuating part, wheels and a connecting part which connects the device to the vehicle either in an operating position or in a transport position. To be able to transport the attenuator between different roadwork areas easily and in a manner safe for traffic, the impact attenuating device is connected like a trailer to the vehicle when in the transport position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Assignee: Vägverket
    Inventor: Arne Carlsson
  • Publication number: 20040173993
    Abstract: A mountable actuating device for motorized vehicles includes a frame, a first hitching device and a second hitching device movable with respect to the frame, a first actuator connected to the frame for moving the first hitching device between a first position and a second position, and a second actuator connected to the frame for moving the second hitching device with respect to the frame between a third position and a fourth position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2004
    Publication date: September 9, 2004
    Inventor: Robert P. Cassoni
  • Patent number: 6755433
    Abstract: A transportable storage container assembly for transport by a tow vehicle. The assembly includes a trailer having a center rail with a two-point trailer hitch at the front end and a pivotable single wheel at the rear end. The trailer has a first cross channel adjacent the front end of the rail and a second cross channel adjacent the rear end of the rail. A storage container mounted on the trailer includes bottom support skids at each end that seat in the cross channels and are secured in the channels by casters that are attached to the skids through mounting holes in the cross channels. There is a jack on the bottom of the trailer rail adjacent the midpoint to facilitate the raising of the trailer for attachment to, and disattachment from, the tow vehicle trailer hitch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Inventor: Gerald W. Krauss