Wheel Or Tire Support Body Patents (Class 280/79.4)
  • Patent number: 10710623
    Abstract: The propane tank dolly comprises a base platform, a containment wall, a pair of wheels, and a handle. The propane tank dolly may be used to transfer a propane tank from a grill to a vehicle and may also be used to protect both the propane tank and the vehicle while the propane tank is transported to a tank exchange center in the vehicle. The propane tank is placed on the base platform within the containment wall and a lid may be placed onto the top of the containment wall. The handle may be extended from within left and right handle bases to move the propane tank dolly on the pair of wheel. The handle may be collapsed into the left and right handle bases to facilitate placing the propane tank dolly and propane tank into the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Inventor: Mark Stys
  • Patent number: 10427652
    Abstract: A kingpin removal system including a cart assembly having one or more wheels and a yoke assembly carried by the cart assembly and positionable around a steering spindle of a vehicle's wheel end assembly. The yoke assembly can include a pair of plates interconnected by a pair of rods. An intermediate plate is positioned between the pair of yoke plates. A wheel end support mechanism can be carried by the cart assembly and a hub mounting ring can be carried by the wheel end support mechanism. The hub mounting ring can be positioned to connect to and support the wheel end assembly once the kingpin is removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: Stemco Products, Inc.
    Inventors: William Chirrey, Paul Dolan, Eric Downing, Thor David Sabgash, David Osowski
  • Patent number: 10245995
    Abstract: A method for reverse maneuvering a flat-towed dinghy attached to a towing vehicle. A carrier includes a platform, two caster wheels, and a drag mechanism. The drag mechanism is configured to present greater resistance to lateral movement than the two caster wheels. When the front tires of a flat-towed dinghy are loaded onto a pair of carriers, the dinghy is maneuvered in reverse without the dinghy front wheels reverting to the maximum turn that is normally caused by the dinghy front wheel steering caster angle. The dinghy rolls onto the carrier when the flat-towed dinghy is moved in the backward direction. A chock or stop device prevents the front tire from rolling off the platform when the flat-towed dinghy is moving in the backward direction. The dinghy rolls off the carrier when the dinghy is moved in the forward direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Inventor: Richard R. Larsen
  • Patent number: 10213354
    Abstract: An autonomous wheeled transportation device (1) for transporting beds and other items. The wheeled transportation device (1) comprises a base, with a lower part having a number of wheels (8, 12, 22). The autonomous wheeled transportation device (1) comprises at least one movable first engagement member (13) adapted to engage a frame part (14) of a bed, the movable first engagement member being movable between a resting engagement member position at or below a plane and horizontal surface (6) of the wheeled transportation device (1), and an activated engagement member position in which the movable first engagement member (15) engages the frame part (14) of the bed. The autonomous wheeled transportation device (1) comprises a further engagement member (19) located above said at least one substantially horizontal and plane surface (6), and adapted to engage a patient support base of the bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: IDEAssociates (IOM) Limited
    Inventor: Preben B. Fich
  • Patent number: 10093368
    Abstract: A dolly for supporting a tire of a motorcycle or motor scooter off the ground is provided. The dolly comprises: axially aligned wheels supported by a frame which has a frame part forward of the wheels and a frame part behind the wheels, the forward frame part having an open end being such that the motorcycle or motor scooter tire can locate in the open end, at least one tire gripping member on the forward frame part and adapted to wedge the tire when the forward frame part is lifted and release the tire when the forward frame part is lowered, and a wheel on the frame part behind the wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: BLACK MC PTY LTD.
    Inventors: Stuart Ian Black, Stephen John McGuiness
  • Patent number: 9816283
    Abstract: A method is provided for operating a towing robot, where in the event an error occurs during autonomous driving of a vehicle within a parking lot, the error causing the vehicle to be no longer able to continue its autonomous driving, the towing robot is instructed to tow the vehicle to a predetermined position, so that the towing robot tows the vehicle to the predetermined position in response to the instruction. Also described herein are a towing robot, a parking system, as well as a computer program.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan Nordbruch, Rolf Nicodemus, Albrecht Irion, Stefan Hoffmann
  • Patent number: 9010774
    Abstract: The invention relates to a raiser (2) for skidpan practice with motorcycle, comprising a supporting portion (3) with support wheels (5a-c) and a raising portion (6). The raising portion (6) is attachable to the front wheel of the motorcycle in such a way that it allows the front wheel to rotate around a first rotational axis. The raising portion is raisable and lowerable with respect to the supporting portion. The raising portion is rotatable around a second axis of rotation that essentially extends in the direction of motion of the front wheel, allowing the raiser to be used with motorcycles as they lean sideways in curves. In one embodiment, the second axis of rotation of the raiser is arranged below the upper end of the supporting wheels or below the rotational axes of the supporting wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Cedergrens Mek. Verkstad Aktiebolag
    Inventor: Curt Cedergren
  • Patent number: 8967637
    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: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Inventor: Daniel S. Perry
  • Patent number: 8950760
    Abstract: A mobile and adjustable dolly having an adjustable ā€œVā€ shaped dolly frame. The dolly frame comprises first and second pivotal frame members rotationally coupled to a central support frame member forming a ā€œVā€ shape. The central support frame member comprises a series of angle maintaining features for securing each frame member at any of a plurality of angled configurations. A distal caster, having a wheel rotation disposed therewith, is assembled to a distal end of each frame member and a central caster is assembled to a pivotal region of the dolly frame. A vehicle support subassembly is disposed upon and extends upward from the each respective frame member. An elongated handle assembly extends from the central caster. The elongated handle assembly further comprises a wheel chock, which removably engages with the central wheel when subjected to the weight of the elongated handle assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Inventor: Steven S. Davis
  • Patent number: 8910957
    Abstract: A self-loading mini dolly includes a dolly frame; a front dolly arm carried by the dolly frame; a wheeled front axle carried by the front dolly arm; a front dolly platform carried by the front dolly arm, the front dolly platform selectively deployable between lowered and raised positions; a rear dolly arm carried by the dolly frame in spaced-apart relationship to the front dolly arm; a wheeled rear axle carried by the rear dolly arm; and a rear dolly platform carried by the rear dolly arm, the rear dolly platform selectively deployable between lowered and raised positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Inventor: Curtis C. Hassell
  • Patent number: 8905423
    Abstract: Provided is an all-terrain trailer for hauling large objects over uneven landscapes. The trailer is capable of carrying items within its volume in both its deployed and stowed state. Deployed, the trailer is a basket shaped body with a pair of wheels removably secured via a removable axle. The trailer is attached to the lead vehicle using a removable trailer hitch linkage that is secured to the basket body via fasteners. In a stowed state, the tires and axle are stored within a storage area in a lower portion of the basket body. In one embodiment, a false bottom is placed over the storage area, creating a flat trailer bed that objects can be laid upon. The basket body is removably secured to the hood of a lead vehicle, thereby providing a carrying basket while the vehicle is in transit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Inventor: Brian Hart
  • Patent number: 8893443
    Abstract: A support structure of the type used as a truss for entertainment productions is disclosed. The support structure includes a plurality of frame segments arranged to form a truss and an implement bracket attached to the truss, the implement bracket connecting an implement to the truss. The implement bracket deploys from a stowed position within a space defined by the truss through a window of the truss formed by truss frame segments to a working position outside the space defined by the truss.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Tait Towers Manufacturing, LLC
    Inventor: Adam Davis
  • Patent number: 8882434
    Abstract: A vehicle wheel dolly is provided that includes a well for positioning and capturing a tire and wheel assembly of an automobile, the well including a generally flat first plate, a first side wall, a second side wall, a rear wall, a second plate, a third plate, a plurality of casters secured to said wheel dolly and wherein a first set of casters of said plurality of casters are secured to said second plate and said third plate near said rear wall and a second set of casters of said plurality of casters are secured to said second plate and said third plate, said second set of casters configured to be positioned on said second plate and said third plate to create a fulcrum thereby enabling said vehicle wheel dolly to pivot about said second set of casters as the wheel and tire assembly enter said well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Inventor: Kenneth LaBruyere
  • Publication number: 20140319791
    Abstract: The invention relates to a raiser (2) for skidpan practice with motorcycle, comprising a supporting portion (3) with support wheels (5a-c) and a raising portion (6). The raising portion (6) is attachable to the front wheel of the motorcycle in such a way that it allows the front wheel to rotate around a first rotational axis. The raising portion is raisable and lowerable with respect to the supporting portion. The raising portion is rotatable around a second axis of rotation that essentially extends in the direction of motion of the front wheel, allowing the raiser to be used with motorcycles as they lean sideways in curves. In one embodiment, the second axis of rotation of the raiser is arranged below the upper end of the supporting wheels or below the rotational axes of the supporting wheels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2012
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Inventor: Curt Cedergren
  • Patent number: 8870197
    Abstract: An apparatus for lifting and moving an inoperative vehicle is disclosed. The invention includes a horizontal rigid platform having a front side, a back side, a left side, a right side, a top surface and a bottom surface. The apparatus includes a first tire roller supported on a left protruded portion extending from the front side and a second tire roller supported on a right protruded portion extending from an adjustable lower plate. The electric motor is operated using a controller to lift a vehicle wheel off the ground. The apparatus utilizes a plurality of casters attached to the horizontal rigid platform to move the vehicle in desired direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Inventor: Sekora John
  • Patent number: 8678329
    Abstract: A device for transporting a ladder has first and second frame positions, the lower ends of which are pivotally mounted on an axle that also mounts a wheel for rolling along the ground. The upper ends of the frame portions are moveable toward and away from each other allowing the device to collapse for storage. A hook is mounted on the upper end of each of the frame portions for attachment to adjacent rungs of the ladder. A strap connects the upper ends of the frame portion to prevent them from separating from each other beyond a given distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Inventors: Thomas G. Bryant, Sr., Angel M. Feliciano, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8657305
    Abstract: A self-loading tow dolly that permits components of the dolly to be easily removed and replaced. The tow dolly also reduces overall weight by using aluminum slotted hubs mated with 8-inch aluminum slotted wheels and by employing dissimilar materials that do not require welding and improves lubrication by providing strategically placed lubricant ports and lubricant reservoirs for rotating components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Inventor: Curtis C. Hassell
  • Patent number: 8651501
    Abstract: A mobile and adjustable dolly having an adjustable ā€œVā€ shaped dolly frame. The dolly frame comprises first and second pivotal frame members rotationally coupled to a central support frame member forming a ā€œVā€ shape. The central support frame member comprises a series of angle maintaining features for securing each frame member at any of a plurality of angled configurations. A distal caster, having a wheel rotation disposed therewith, is assembled to a distal end of each frame member and a central caster is assembled to a pivotal region of the dolly frame. A vehicle support subassembly is disposed upon and extends upward from the each respective frame member. An elongated handle assembly extends from the central caster. The elongated handle assembly further comprises a wheel chock, which removably engages with the central wheel when subjected to the weight of the elongated handle assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Inventor: Steven Davis
  • Publication number: 20130134685
    Abstract: An apparatus for lifting and moving an inoperative vehicle is disclosed. The invention includes a horizontal rigid platform having a front side, a back side, a left side, a right side, a top surface and a bottom surface. The apparatus includes a first tire roller supported on a left protruded portion extending from the front side and a second tire roller supported on a right protruded portion extending from an adjustable lower plate. The electric motor is operated using a controller to lift a vehicle wheel off the ground. The apparatus utilizes a plurality of casters attached to the horizontal rigid platform to move the vehicle in desired direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Inventor: Sekora John
  • Patent number: 8398097
    Abstract: A retainer extends across first and second overlapping hinged beams to retain the hinged beams against pivotal movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventors: Richard A. Junk, Ryan S. Jaskowiak
  • Patent number: 8337135
    Abstract: An apparatus, system and method allows for the towing of a vehicle. Specifically, the apparatus cradles an exposed wheel hub of a vehicle having had a tire removed. The wheel hub sits within the cradle or well, while the apparatus is disposed on a tow truck or a tow dolly. The tow truck or tow dolly safely moves the vehicle without damaging the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Inventor: Warren Underwood
  • Patent number: 8284251
    Abstract: In a tire type determination method, a surface image of a tread portion of a tire mounted on a vehicle is captured by a camera fixed at a predetermined position in a tilted hanger conveyor line, which is located downstream in a vehicle-carrying direction with respect to a position at which the tire of the vehicle is lifted from the ground and starts moving diagonally upward. Further, image information is extracted from the surface image of the tread portion, and a tire type is determined by checking the image information against registered information. A vehicle inspection system includes a tire type determination portion and a vehicle type information obtaining portion so as to determine the tire type using the method. A conformance determination portion determines whether the tire type determined by the tire type determination portion conforms to a specified tire type searched based on the vehicle type information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazutsugu Suita, Kazufumi Kimura, Rikio Azumaya
  • Publication number: 20120090921
    Abstract: A lifting device has a lifting track mounted on a wall and a carriage with a lift frame movable along the track. A dolly with wheels at opposing ends is arranged to support various cargo thereon including personal vehicles such as motorcycles or snowmobiles or other comparably sized objects. The lift frame of the carriage has lift forks arranged to be received a wheel track of the dolly which receives wheels of a personal vehicle thereon. Guide flanges alongside the lifting track are engaged by upper and lower guide followers to prevent binding of the lift frame along the lifting track. The dolly includes longitudinal rails mountable at different lateral distances to accommodate different vehicle wheel configurations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2011
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Inventor: Murray W. Janz
  • Patent number: 8137044
    Abstract: A wheel handling apparatus includes a wheel engaging arrangement for holding a wheel assembly that is to be removed from a vehicle. The wheel engaging arrangement includes a first and a second wheel support arm, each of which is curved to follow the circumference of the wheel assembly to define a cradle in which the wheel assembly can rest as it is removed from the vehicle. The wheel handling apparatus further includes a wheel pivoting arrangement whereby the wheel engaging arrangement can be moved between a first orientation and a second orientation thus causing the wheel assembly held by the wheel engaging arrangement to be moved between a first and second orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Prowse Holdings Pty Ltd.
    Inventor: David Slee
  • Patent number: 8132999
    Abstract: A dolly is disclosed for a semi-trailer that has a compromised structure due to a load shift or an accident. The dolly provides transverse support between the axles. The dolly includes a lift mechanism that provides a uniform lifting force, transversely to a trailer between the axles where a structural failure of the trailer is likely to occur. The dolly includes a removable saddle and a wheeled portion that includes a lift. The removable saddle can be removed from the dolly and positioned under the trailer. A tow truck boom winch can then be used to lift the saddle and enable the wheeled portion to be positioned under the trailer. Adjustable lift stands on the wheeled portion enable the lift stands to be mechanically secured under the saddle to support the trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Lundin Recovery Equipment LLC
    Inventor: Richard E. Lundin
  • Patent number: 8091905
    Abstract: A motorcycle low-profile positioning creeper allows a medium to large motorcycle to be easily mounted on the positioning creeper and easily moved to any desired position on a horizontal surface such as a showroom floor or storage area. The positioning creeper comprises a low slung H-frame body and four rotatable wheels. The low slung H-frame body is a plate and comprises four corners and four protrusions. The four protrusions protrude upward and outward respectively from the corners and are separated from adjacent longitudinal protrusions a distance greater than a motorcycle tire width. The four rotatable wheels are mounted respectively under the four protrusions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Inventor: Tung-Ming Chen
  • Patent number: 8061952
    Abstract: The wheel and tire dolly apparatus provides a compact, mobile support for holding a wheel and tire at an adjustably chosen height within the cradle with backplate. The cradle can be pivoted with relation to the triangular base with omnidirectional casters. Two pivot arm casters optionally pivot outward to provide a wider base support. A spring loaded stop holds the wheel and tire within the cradle. The foot pedal controls raising and releasing of the upright within the vertical sleeve, the upright supporting the cradle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Inventor: William J. Scherden
  • Patent number: 8052159
    Abstract: A motorcycle side kickstand dolly used with one or two conventional wheel dollies that allows a medium to large motorcycle to be mounted easily on the dollies and moved easily to any desired position on a horizontal surface. The motorcycle side kickstand dolly in accordance with the present invention comprises an H-frame support panel, a side kickstand brace and four wheels. The H-frame support panel comprises a low-slung panel and four protrusions. The low-slung panel has four corners. The protrusions are formed respectively on the corners and protrude up and out from the corners. The side kickstand brace is mounted on the low-slung panel between two adjacent protrusions and has an upper edge, a recess and a strengthening lip. The recess is formed downward from the upper edge. The strengthening lip is formed on and protrudes transversely from the upper edge. The wheels are mounted rotatably respectively under the protrusions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Inventor: Tung Ming Chen
  • Patent number: 8029006
    Abstract: A stackable dolly includes a platform having upper and lower surfaces and a peripheral edge. A plurality of legs are generally coextensive with the platform and extend from the platform beyond the peripheral edge and extend radially outwardly from the platform beyond the platform periphery. Each leg includes an upper surface generally coextensive with the upper surface of the platform a lower surface serving as a mounting surface. The legs are equally angularly spaced from each other about the axis along the periphery of the platform. Casters are secured to each mounting surface of each leg. Engaging members are provided below the platform lower surface each engaging member being arranged approximate to the peripheral edge to abut against the peripheral edge of a cooperating dolly placed below the platform when the platform is supported on the cooperating dolly. The engaging members are restricting lateral movements of the engaged dollies relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: JPJ Investment Holding Co.
    Inventor: Artem Kalajyan
  • Patent number: 8016303
    Abstract: A dolly is particularly adapted to lift, support and maneuver a four-wheel vehicle. The dolly comprises an adjustable, generally U-shaped frame assembly for each vehicle tire. The frame assembly has pairs of reciprocally opposed first and second frame members adapted to be positioned adjacent opposite sides of a tire and to lift the vehicle by way of the tires. A castering wheel assembly supports the vehicle on a ground surface. The frame assembly is pivotably mounted on a tractor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Stuart G. Ullman, Ryan T. Hayleck, Michael J. Plackett, Reginald B. Page
  • Patent number: 7980570
    Abstract: Trolley for a slidable cantilever gate comprising two L-shaped plates, each provided with a load-bearing wall and a base wall which is extended without interruption from the load-bearing wall by means of a substantially orthogonal fold. The load-bearing walls are rigidly connected by means of screws or rivets with the two base walls oriented in opposite directions so as to form a support base on ground. Each load-bearing wall is provided with two first through openings aligned with respective corresponding first openings of the other load-bearing wall so to jointly define two first seats adapted to house first rotatable support means for two pairs of support wheels; and with a second through opening aligned with that corresponding on the other load-bearing wall so to jointly define a second seat for receiving a guide wheel, rotatably supported by second rotatably support means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Fratelli Comunello S.p.A.
    Inventor: Franco Comunello
  • Patent number: 7975790
    Abstract: A wheel driving apparatus for a moving apparatus is provided. The wheel driving apparatus includes a wheel, a driving motor to generate a driving power to rotate the wheel, a gear box to transmit the rotational force of the driving motor to the wheel, and a guide shaft movable vertically with respect to the base member, wherein the wheel, the driving motor, the gear box, and the guide shaft are connected integrally with each other to move vertically with respect to the base member in unison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Samsung Gwangju Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Myeong-ho Kim, Sam-jong Jeung, Jeong-gon Song, Il-du Jung, Ju-sang Lee, Heung-yi Kim, Sam-hyun Choi, Jang-youn Ko, Kyoung-woung Kim, Dae-hyung Kim, Hak-bong Lee, Yoon-kyung Cho
  • Patent number: 7942620
    Abstract: A tire handling apparatus comprises a structural body composed of a hydraulically actuated scissor lift assembly for adjusting the height of a tire receiving platform; a movable plank that can be stowed away when not in use but is protruding off the side of the body so that it can receive a tire removed from a vehicle. The plank slides longitudinally across the length of the receiving platform so as to be in line with an empty receiving niche. The structural body is on wheels so that the tire handling apparatus can be moved from location to location as required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Inventors: Real Simard, Martin Simard
  • Patent number: 7845655
    Abstract: A factory layout including a track circuit, one or more wheeled carts for traversing the track circuit and a tire/wheel assembly carried by the wheeled cart. One or more work stations can be positioned at locations along the track circuit. Various wheeled cart embodiments are disclosed and various work station configurations are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Android Industries LLC
    Inventors: Lawrence J. Lawson, Edwin Reece, Robert Reece
  • Patent number: 7815201
    Abstract: A dolly assembly for use in towing a disabled vehicle, preferably including a main tube with a dolly wheel mounted at each end, and a method of using same. In one preferred embodiment, the main tube is capable of selective expansion or contraction along its longitudinal axis, to facilitate adjustment and placement of dolly axle assemblies connecting opposed, generally parallel dolly assemblies. Force leveraging mechanisms may be used to aid the selective expansion or contraction of the main tube, such as ratchet or rack and pinion mechanisms. In an alternative embodiment, and for ease in transport, the dolly assembly may be pivotably collapsed along its main tube about either a vertical or horizontal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Inventive LLC
    Inventors: Charles J. Ceccarelli, III, Kevin B Haight
  • Patent number: 7677582
    Abstract: An apparatus for removing, installing and/or servicing a vehicular component, such as a wheel/tyre, a motor or the like, particularly for large mining and/or earthmoving equipment. The apparatus includes a carrier device (100) and a component handling device (200). The carrier device (100) enables the apparatus to be moved over a substrate surface, and is preferably a U-shaped chassis having a pair of outwardly extending arms (140), and at least three wheels (120,130). The component handling device (200) is removably coupled to the carrier device (100). The component handling device (200) includes a frame (270) of complementary shape to the chassis to support the lower portion of the vehicular component, and, a support element (210). At least one retaining arm (220) extends from the support element (210) to provide support to an upper end of the vehicular component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Justoy Pty Ltd.
    Inventors: Robert Ian Hedley, Christopher Nash Whybin
  • Patent number: 7673887
    Abstract: A self-loading tow dolly is described. The inventive tow dolly permits components of the dolly to be easily removed and replaced. The inventive tow dolly also reduces overall weight by using aluminum slotted hubs mated with 8-inch aluminum slotted wheels and by employing dissimilar materials that do not require welding and improves lubrication by providing strategically placed lubricant ports and lubricant reservoirs for rotating components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Inventor: Curtis C. Hassell
  • Patent number: 7665744
    Abstract: A reverse drive for a motorcycle. In one embodiment, the drive includes a flexible frame. A plurality of rollers are mounted to the flexible frame and configured to be positioned substantially horizontally. A motorcycle-interface is attached to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Inventor: William A. Phillips
  • Patent number: 7641205
    Abstract: A cart is described for use in transporting and loading kayaks and similar watercraft. The cart includes first and second side frame members having forward and rear ends; a support member extending between the frame members adjacent the frame member rear ends; a bracing member extending between the frame members adjacent the frame member forward ends; a wheel assembly adjacent the rear ends of the frame members, the assembly including first and second axle ends and wheels carried on the axle ends; and an anti-reverse braking means preventing rearward movement of the cart upon tilting of the cart upward. The braking means may include a first component attached to a frame member and a second component attached to a rotatable component of the wheel assembly, the first and second components being moved into locking engagement upon upward tilting of the cart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Inventor: Henry A. Privette
  • Patent number: 7635134
    Abstract: A device for changing a vehicular component on a first vehicle. The device includes a frame for releasably receiving a vehicular component. The frame is configured to facilitate the frame being positioned in a component changing position with respect to the first vehicle. The device also includes a first actuator for moving the frame to a first position and a second position to thereby mount the vehicular component on the first vehicle or receive the vehicular component from the first vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Assignee: Justoy Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Robert Ian Hedley, Christopher Nash Whybin
  • Publication number: 20090250890
    Abstract: A dolly assembly for use in towing a disabled vehicle, preferably including a main tube with a dolly wheel mounted at each end, and a method of using same. In one preferred embodiment, the main tube is capable of selective expansion or contraction along its longitudinal axis, to facilitate adjustment and placement of dolly axle assemblies connecting opposed, generally parallel dolly assemblies. Force leveraging mechanisms may be used to aid the selective expansion or contraction of the main tube, such as ratchet or rack and pinion mechanisms. In an alternative embodiment, and for ease in transport, the dolly assembly may be pivotably collapsed along its main tube about either a vertical or horizontal axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2008
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Applicant: INVENTIVE LLC, D/B/A IN THE DITCH TOWING PRODUCTS
    Inventors: Charles J. Ceccarelli, III, Kevin B. Haight
  • Patent number: 7475901
    Abstract: A folding trailer may be capable of moving between a use position and a storage position. The folding trailer may include an axle that is capable of moving between a first position in which the axle is generally aligned along an axis and a second position in which the axle is disposed in a folded configuration. The folding trailer may also include a towing arm that is movable between an extended position in which a portion of the towing arm extends beyond the front portion of the frame to facilitate attached to a towing vehicle and a collapsed position in which the towing arm is at least substantially disposed underneath the frame. In addition, the trailer may include an adjustment assembly that is sized and configured to adjust the position of the axle between the first and second positions, and adjust the position of the towing arm between the extended and collapsed positions. Advantageously, the adjustment assembly may have different configurations and arrangements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: Lifetime Products, Inc.
    Inventors: David C. Winter, Brandon Smith, S. Curtis Nye, Mitch Johnson, Jered Larsen, Doug Fuller
  • Patent number: 7469958
    Abstract: A multiple use vehicle accessory is provided. The accessory includes a first a first member and second member that are longer in the longitudinal direction than in the lateral direction. An end support is attached to both an end of the first member and to an end of the second member. The end support extends at an angle to the longitudinal direction. A cross member extends in the lateral direction and spans the distance between opposite sides of the second member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Inventor: Daniel K. Hastings
  • Patent number: 7431314
    Abstract: A wheeled hand truck installs, removes, and transports rim-mounted tires and brake drums for vehicles. The truck comprises an elongated frame and extended fork section supported by a transverse axle having wheels at the ends bracketing the frame. The frame includes a handle section extending opposite the fork section that terminates in a grip. The fork section extends opposite the handle for straddling beneath a tire or drum on both sides of its center of gravity. The tire rests against the handle portion and fork, while the drum is mounted in a movable cylinder. The tire or drum is transported by balancing the weight of the tire on the wheels while pushing on the grip. The truck also has an extended lift step for providing leverage, a kickstand, an oil catch pan for brake drum drips, and grab pins for spoke-type hub and drum assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: International Tire Shuttle, Inc.
    Inventor: Randy L. Donaldson
  • Patent number: 7398979
    Abstract: A reel stand has a main frame consisting of a rod, a connecting member and a standing frame. The rod is connected in the connecting member with its lower portion. The standing frame connected with the connecting member has a T-shaped rod and a wheel axle. The T-shaped rod includes a horizontal rod and a longitudinal rod connected vertically with the horizontal rod. The rear portion of the longitudinal rod is bent upwards to form a free end for connecting with the connecting member. The wheel axle is connected with the longitudinal rod on the bent portion of the longitudinal rod to parallel with the horizontal rod, and fitted with a wheel at its two ends respectively. The standing frame carries the band reel to stand on the ground and can be moved around.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Inventor: Hsiu-Man Yu Chen
  • Publication number: 20080131246
    Abstract: A removable tire caddy and method of use for providing convenient access and manipulation of a vehicle-mounted spare tire. The removable tire caddy includes a unitary carriage designed to support a tire on its frame and at least one wheel coupled to the frame. In the center of the carriage is a structure for engaging a cable of a spare tire lift-and-carry apparatus that extends or retracts to move the spare tire and wheeled carriage between a release position and a storage position under the vehicle. When the carriage is disengaged from the cable, the user is able to move the tire about easily, as the weight of the tire and carriage is borne by the at least one wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2007
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Inventor: Joseph M. Altman
  • Patent number: 7334804
    Abstract: A portable tire and wheel lifting apparatus includes a base, a pair of lifting arms pivotally coupled in a scissor configuration, pneumatic cylinders, an air input device, and an air outlet valve. In use, a tire and wheel are smoothly rolled from the ground to the lifting arms, which are in a retracted configuration. The air input device adds air to the pneumatic cylinders, causing the lifting arms to move from the retracted to an extended configuration, thus raising the tire and wheel. The tire and wheel are turned to line up the rim with the vehicle's hub and fastened to the vehicle. The air outlet valve selectively releases air from the pneumatic cylinders, allowing the lifting arms to move from the extended to the retracted configuration. The tire and wheel lifting apparatus is small enough to fit inside the cavern defined by a spare tire and wheel for storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Inventors: Knecole A. Mitchell, Tyler Russell, III
  • Patent number: 7325816
    Abstract: A motorcycle dolly is provided for supporting a front wheel or rear wheel of a motorcycle or other similar two-wheel vehicle on a work surface. The motorcycle dolly includes a frame, a wheel support platform carried by the frame, a plurality of casters attached to the frame, and a first clamping member and a second clamping member pivotably attached to the frame. The wheel support platform selectively receives either the front wheel or rear wheel thereon, and the plurality of casters support the motorcycle dolly for movement on the work surface. The first clamping member and second clamping member can be selectively pivoted with respect to one another to clamp either the front wheel or rear wheel therebetween. As such, when either the front wheel or rear wheel is securely retained between the first clamping member and second clamping member on the motorcycle dolly, the motorcycle can be repositioned using the motorcycle dolly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Inventor: Charles Richard Johnson
  • Patent number: 7300063
    Abstract: A vehicle dolly on which the vehicle can rest and which can be attached to either the rocker panel of the vehicle or positioned so that the vehicle can rest on it if there are no rocker panels, so that the vehicle which is non-drivable either because it has no engine in it or because it has been badly damaged in an accident, can be easily pushed to any location in the body shop or in a home repair garage, or can be more easily towed up the ramp to a flat bed truck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Inventor: Ivo Prizmich
  • Patent number: 7284942
    Abstract: A motorcycle dolly which rolls upon a flat surface on four lower wheels positioned in a set radius on the flat surface, the dolly including an upper surface adapted to securely receive a rear wheel of a motorcycle while remaining stationary as the rear wheel of the motorcycle is rolled onto the upper surface, the dolly rolling along the flat surface in an arc equal to the set radius, the radius being the equivalent of the distance between the flat surface contact point of a front wheel and the contact point of the rear wheel, wherein the front wheel of the motorcycle remains stationary upon the flat surface, while the rear wheel upon the upper surface of the dolly is pivotal rotated along the radius, sliding the rear of the motorcycle along the flat surface for movement to a stored position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Inventor: Keith Allen