Trailer-type Vehicle Having Load-receiving Portion Pivotable Relative To At Least One Other Component Of Vehicle Patents (Class 414/482)
  • Patent number: 11745634
    Abstract: A trailer with at least one tilting axle unit, comprising a telescopic support or slide (3), a hinge (221) and a fifth-wheel coupling (4), designed to longitudinally move at least one posterior axle unit and to lift and rotate it so that a vehicle can be loaded on a loading deck (13) of said trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Inventors: Elena Soso, Stefano Soso
  • Patent number: 11358658
    Abstract: A rotatable trailer bed includes a frame, a trailer bed, a turntable swivel assembly, and a plurality of swivel casters. The frame includes a bed section, a hitch section, and two wheel sets. The hitch section is adjacently connected a front end of the bed section. The two wheel sets is rotatably mounted to the bed section. The plurality of swivel casters is mounted to the bed section is perimetrically positioned around the bed section. The trailer bed is rotatably mounted to the bed section through the turntable swivel assembly as the plurality of swivel casters maintain the balance and level of the trailer bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Inventor: Jamie Baker
  • Patent number: 10160278
    Abstract: A vehicle stabilization system including a frame; a wheel; a control arm connected to the frame and the wheel; a fluid spring connected to the frame and the control arm; a stabilizer connected to the frame and operable between a retracted and extended position; a reservoir; and a fluid manifold connected to the fluid spring and the chamber, fluidly coupling the spring interior and stabilizer chamber to the reservoir interior. A vehicle stabilization method including maintaining an orientation of the vehicle frame, coupling the frame to a support surface using a stabilizer by introducing a fluid to a chamber of the stabilizer, and retracting a wheel by reducing a quantity of fluid within a fluid spring coupling the wheel to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: Aktv8 LLC
    Inventors: Joshua Coombs, Timothy Williams, Gary Meyers
  • Patent number: 10146226
    Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for autonomous vehicle sequential car loading and alignment. A vehicle comprising a wireless communication module and a processor. The processor determines whether the vehicle will fit inside a string of railcars based on capacity and dimension data received from the railcars. When the vehicle fits, the processor autonomously navigates the vehicle to a farthest available space on the string of railcars, and positions the vehicle within the space to satisfy spacing requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, Pietro Buttolo, Annette Lynn Huebner, Paul Kenneth Dellock
  • Patent number: 9896036
    Abstract: An equipment carrier for sporting and recreational equipment that attaches to a loading surface such as a roof or truck bed of a vehicle and more specifically to the design and operation of an equipment carrier having a motorized winch, gridded platform, and rotating disk that provides for electrically raising and lowering the sporting equipment onto and off of a vehicle for transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Inventor: Robert C. Baxter, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9090441
    Abstract: A fork lift for a truck may have at least one mounting beam for pivotally supporting a fork lift mast on a truck frame. The fork lift may extend well below a level of the truck bed to enable engagement of palletized loads resting on the ground by the forks of the fork lift. The mast and fork of the fork lift may be adjusted by removably attaching a pivot connection of the mounting beam to the mast at a selected position along the mast. Attachment elements on the mast may be formed by one or more attachment structures or points. The pivot connection may be attached directly to the mast or may be attached via an attachment bracket having a bracket attachment mechanism that may include one or more attachment elements similar to those on the mast for mutual attachment at a desired height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Inventor: Richard J. Mizner
  • Publication number: 20150110590
    Abstract: An interchangeable platform that encompasses side beams at the sides and at least one support structure, with what the side beams are fastened to each other. Side beams are into sideways direction, perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, at least partially open and closed from up and down and they have an upside-down G-profile. An interchangeable platform encompasses at least one longitudinal guide. The interchangeable platform can be guided by the guide to the transport device, can be locked by side beams to the transport device and load fastening equipment can be fastened to side beams. Additionally a transport device that encompasses side guides.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2013
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventor: Seppo Narinen
  • Patent number: 8961097
    Abstract: A system for transporting containers includes a trailer frame with independent hoist systems for loading and unloading multiple containers. The trailer frame supports the containers during transport, inclines to load/unload the containers, and supports a tilting sub-frame that loads/unloads a container. Thus, the system is chassis-less.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Inventors: Daniel A. Doron, Leo S. Doron
  • Patent number: 8931997
    Abstract: An apparatus for picking up stacks of bales and moving them into and/or out from a trailer. The trailer has a moving floor and is pivotally attached to the prime mover along a vertical axis and along a horizontal axis. Tandem wheels attached to the frame are moveable between a forward position and a rear position and can be locked in either the forward or rear position. Ground engaging tracks are attached to the trailer for moving the trailer forward or back. A starter conveyor section operatively attached to the rear of the trailer with a forward end being adjacent to the rear of the moving floor. The starter conveyor section tilts with the trailer to have a first elevated position when the frame is in transport position and a second position close to the ground when the trailer is in the tilted loading/unloading position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Inventor: Gary L Kelderman
  • Patent number: 8925934
    Abstract: A torsion slide suspension has a pair of polyethylene slides on each side of the suspension that is received in slide channels on a trailer frame. The torsion slide suspension has a rubber spring on top for bearing against the trailer frame and provides suspension to support the wheels of a ground level loading trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Anderson Mfg., Inc.
    Inventor: Donald R. Anderson
  • Publication number: 20140334905
    Abstract: This mobile, cylinder transport cart is based on a four cylinder transport cart, designed to minimize the handling of nitrogen and oxygen cylinders in the loading, transporting and servicing process and to provide boosted compressed gas for an aircraft, oxygen to fill crew and passenger oxygen bottles. The cylinders are locked into place by a cylinder locking clamp. The rotational loader is locked into place by a spring loaded plunger that locks loader into in either horizontal or vertical position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2013
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Applicant: TRONAIR INC.
    Inventors: Paul A. Spinazze, Wayne Grebe
  • Publication number: 20140173898
    Abstract: An installation apparatus for handling a component of a wind turbine is provided. The installation apparatus includes a base, a support portion and an extensible arm having opposing ends connected to the support portion and the base, respectively. The extensible arm is adapted to move the support portion relative to the base and about a transverse axis of the installation apparatus between a transport position and an installation position. In the transport position the support portion rests on the base. In the installation position the support portion and the base form an angle. An assembly including such an installation apparatus and a method of mounting a wind turbine are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2013
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Inventors: Henning Poulsen, Kristian Soeholm
  • Patent number: 8684437
    Abstract: A portable mobile recycling center having a drop deck semi-trailer with an enclosed storefront section for office and storage with a bulk recycling section comprising an articulated boom mounted thereto providing means for handling and weighing recyclables and a roll-off recyclables receptacle at the rear of the trailer providing for bulk storage of recyclables. The mobile unit provides recycling opportunities for residential areas that have no means of recycling their large and small unwanted materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Inventor: Jeff L. Collins
  • Publication number: 20130315694
    Abstract: An apparatus for picking up stacks of bales and moving them into and/or out from a trailer. The trailer has a moving floor and is pivotally attached to the prime mover along a vertical axis and along a horizontal axis. Tandem wheels attached to the frame are moveable between a forward position and a rear position and can be locked in either the forward or rear position. Ground engaging tracks are attached to the trailer for moving the trailer forward or back. A starter conveyor section operatively attached to the rear of the trailer with a forward end being adjacent to the rear of the moving floor. The starter conveyor section tilts with the trailer to have a first elevated position when the frame is in transport position and a second position close to the ground when the trailer is in the tilted loading/unloading position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2012
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Inventor: Gary L. Kelderman
  • Patent number: 8585342
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for stacking hay bales. The hay bale stacker includes a trailer having chassis and a platform, a hay clamping assembly (J) positioned at a longitudinal edge of the platform, the clamping assembly is pivotally coupled to the hay bale platform to selectively move between a horizontal bale clamping position and a vertical bale unloading position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Ashmore Engineering Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Adrian Smith
  • Patent number: 8573916
    Abstract: A trailer is provided for a helicopter. The trailer includes a chassis, at least two lifters provided on the chassis, at least two drivers provided on the chassis and connected to the lifters, at least two locks for locking the lifters in an upper position and a connector for connecting the chassis to a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation
    Inventors: Long-Cherng Hwu, Hsu-Chih Cheng, Yen-Tsung Tsai, Yang-Ming Chuang, Chin-Lung Hsieh, Fu-Huang Chen, Pei-En Wu, Chuang-Lu Wang
  • Patent number: 8573915
    Abstract: A trailer for transporting large equipment, buses, recreational vehicles, wherein the trailer includes a main deck at its forward end which is supported upon first and second elongated frame members. First and second running gear beams extend rearwardly from the rearward ends of the first and second frame members with each of the running gear beams including an upwardly and rearwardly extending first beam portion, a rearwardly and horizontally extending second beam portion and a downwardly and rearwardly extending third beam portion. First and second ramps are positioned laterally outwardly of the third beam portions of the first and second running gear beams and are movable between upper and lower positions. Vertically movable bolsters are positioned between the wheels of the axles which support the trailer at the rearward end thereof. The bolsters may be moved from a lower transport position to an upper loading/unloading position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Dakota Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Dale J. Dierks, Michael R. Hanson, Don L. Huber, Ray E. Paradis, A. Dean Oehlerking, Cynthia A. Bjerrum
  • Publication number: 20130183125
    Abstract: A device for gathering and removing chicken litter from chicken houses and for compacting the litter onto a compost pile. The scraper, hauler and compacter cleans and levels the floor of a chicken house as the scraper is being pulled by a tow vehicle such as a small tractor. A tiltable container is filled with the litter as scraping is done. When the container is full, the apparatus is towed to a compost pile where the scraper is either backed onto the pile or can be pulled up onto the pile. The container is tilted and the tailgate is opened. The apparatus is configured such that the wheels are in the rear and when the container is tilted into an unloading position with the tailgate hanging down in front of the wheels, the tailgate levels the litter out as the apparatus is moved forward. The wheels compress the litter onto the compost pile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Inventors: Kevin V. Koehn, Rusty L. Schmidt
  • Publication number: 20130064632
    Abstract: A convertible trailer system includes a convertible trailer having a segmented lower deck, and a segmented upper deck mounted thereover. The segmented lower deck includes floating forward and rear belly ramps which are independently actuable relative to each other so as to be selectively raised and lowered relative to a pair of side rails which define the belly forward of the trailer wheels. When in a fully lowered position the belly ramps are lowered to a lower extremity between the pair of side rails so as to be substantially entirely below uppermost edges of the pair of side rails. When in an elevated position the belly ramps are elevated so as to be co-planar with or above the uppermost edges of the side rails whereby freight may be loaded laterally onto the belly ramps over the pair of side rails.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2010
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Inventor: William Pawluk
  • Patent number: 8382142
    Abstract: A trailer which is sized to be towed behind a motorcycle. The trailer includes a cargo bay for storing luggage, spare parts, tools or other cargo. The trailer is preferably towed behind a motorcycle in a group of motorcycles. In the unfortunate event that one of the motorcycles breaks down or a rider is unable to continue operating his or her motorcycle, the cargo bay can be converted to a towing configuration for towing the disabled motorcycle. This allows the group of motorcycles to continue riding, and the disabled motorcycle can be towed to a repair location at a more convenient time for the entire group of riders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Inventor: James B. Edmondson
  • Publication number: 20120321421
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for conveying granular and powered bulk materials is provided. The apparatus can include a trailer having a trailer bed that can tilt or rotate from a substantially horizontal position to an inclined position. The apparatus can further include a container that can be placed on the trailer bed for transport. The container can include a gate at one end to allow bulk material contained therein to exit the container when the gate is opened and the trailer bed is tilted or rotated to the inclined position. The apparatus can further include a pneumatic conveyor having a feed hopper to receive bulk material and to move the bulk material into a fluidizing chamber wherein pressurized air or gas flowing through the chamber conveys the bulk material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2012
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Inventor: CLAUDE LAVOIE
  • Patent number: 8322965
    Abstract: A trailer combination and trailer components are designed to provide dual functionality in terms of hauling a very high tonnage piece of heavy equipment and the ability to continue to haul more typical pieces of heavy equipment. To accomplish this task, a trailer auxiliary is provided that is adapted to connect to a typical low boy trailer. The trailer auxiliary is equipped with mechanisms to provide a bed assembly that is designed to link to the low boy trailer so that the bed assembly and bed of the trailer auxiliary receive the high tonnage piece of equipment. The trailer auxiliary can be equipped with ramps to interface with the trailer and auxiliary to facilitate the loading of the heavy equipment. The trailer combination also includes a hauling vehicle for each of the low boy trailer and auxiliary, with a spacing bar assembly mounted to one of the vehicles to link the vehicles together when hauling the trailer and the auxiliary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Inventor: Francis V. Smith
  • Patent number: 8317452
    Abstract: A converter dolly is disclosed for use with a tandem trailer arrangement. In accordance with an important aspect of the invention, the converter dolly is multi-functional and is user configurable. In particular, the converter dolly in accordance with the present invention includes an adjustable saddle can be adjusted to fit any conventional trailer. The saddle is carried by a wheeled cart, which includes a fifth wheel assembly for coupling to a tandem trailer. The saddle is configured to seat a tandem trailer. The height of the saddle relative to the underside of the tandem trailer is user configurable. In an extended position, the tandem trailer is seated in the saddle which prevents rotation of the tandem trailer with respect to the converter dolly thus eliminating one of the three pivot points in a conventional tandem trailer arrangement. In order to provide steering for the tandem trailer, the wheels on the wheeled cart are carried by self steering axles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Lundin Recovery Equipment LLC
    Inventor: Richard E. Lundin
  • Patent number: 8272829
    Abstract: A trailer assembly 10 having a frontal support and storage portion 12 and a back support and storage portion 14 and the portions 12 and 14 are selectively and independently articulatable, such that portion 14 may be selectively raised and lowered independent of the movement of the portion 12, portion 12 may be selectively raised and lowered independently of the portion 14, and both portions 12 and 14 may be lowed and raised in a substantial concurrent manner in order to facilitate the loading and unloading of items upon and/or from the trailer assembly 10 without the need for a ramp or other such aid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Inventor: Ronald L. Rupp
  • Patent number: 8191922
    Abstract: An improved drop-bed trailer provides a trailer without ramps that lowers to the ground, enabling one person to load/offload motorcycles, etc. A trailer frame with independently pivotal elongated members on each side of the frame, a wheel on each elongated member. A rubber spring or steel coil spring suspension system on the end of each elongated member. A winch and cable pulley system connected to each end of the elongated members via cable connector fitting through the two snap-in bushings. Cable retrieval upon the winch causes the elongated members to be drawn parallel to the frame in raised locked position. A cable tension device keeps the primary cable uniformly coiled upon the winch while providing slack to the secondary cable for complete compression of the suspension system. A safety restrictor device is mounted to the trailer frame to limit the pivotal movement of the elongated members in the event of a cable mechanism failure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Inventor: Gerald Edward Gabourie
  • Patent number: 8152100
    Abstract: An amphibious aircraft trailer includes a frame supported on a wheel/suspension bearing axle for movements over a roadway surface. Incorporated into the trailer is a cradle configured to engage a hull of the amphibious aircraft when it is loaded and unloaded in water conditions. A lift mechanism interposed between and coupled to the frame and the cradle is operable to displace the cradle vertically with respect to the frame such that landing gear associated with the amphibious aircraft can be extended or retracted while on the trailer. The trailer may also include a plurality of wheel tracks aligned with the landing gear to facilitate the aircraft's loading and unloading in its ground based mode of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: ICON Aircraft, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Nicholas, Kirk Hawkins, Matthew Gionta
  • Patent number: 8118315
    Abstract: A trailer with a tilting bed includes an hydraulic tilt control. The tilt control includes piston-and-cylinder units for restraining or cushioning the pivotal movement of the bed between a transport mode and a tilt mode. A flow control valve provides fine control of the rotation of the bed when equipment is placed thereon and the trailer converts to a transport mode with the bed level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Inventor: Fred W. Mann
  • Publication number: 20120020761
    Abstract: A system for unloading bales from a bale wagon including a mobile trailer frame and a bed frame pivotably movable with respect to the trailer frame between a first position for receiving bales and a second position for unloading bales. A push-off member is provided for pushing bales off of the bed frame when the bed frame is in the second position. A pushing device is connected to the trailer frame. The push-off member is selectably connectable to the pushing device when the bed frame is in the second position. The push-off member is disconnected from the pushing device when the bed frame is not in the second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2010
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Inventor: Edward H. Priepke
  • Publication number: 20120017543
    Abstract: A system for loading a bale in a continuous storage bag includes a structure configured and disposed to releasably dispense the bag in response to receiving a bale directed inside the structure, the directed bale being inserted inside the bag. A bale wagon receives the bale and a push-off member directs the bale inside the structure from the bale wagon. A first member is selectably movable between a first position and a second position with respect to the bale wagon to selectably secure the bale wagon to the structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2010
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Inventor: Edward H. PRIEPKE
  • Patent number: 8016316
    Abstract: A pneumatic drop frame trailer has lateral wheels connected to the frame by pivotal wheel support arms with airbags between the support arms and frame, a pivotal tongue member with an airbag between the tongue and the frame, a deck having an inclined ramp portion at the rear end, and a control box on the deck containing an air compressor, air storage tank, and associated valves and controls. The wheel airbags and tongue airbag can be inflated or deflated while hitched to a vehicle to raise or lower the frame evenly and horizontally relative to the ground and may also be inflated to provide stiffness or shock absorbing characteristics. When the wheel airbags are deflated, the bottom of the frame is disposed substantially horizontally and very close to the ground surface with the ramp portion substantially flush with the ground surface in a loading and unloading position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Inventor: William Carlton
  • Publication number: 20110200416
    Abstract: A system for transporting containers includes a trailer frame with independent hoist systems for loading and unloading multiple containers. The trailer frame supports the containers during transport, inclines to load/unload the containers, and supports a tilting sub-frame that loads/unloads a container. Thus, the system is chassis-less.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Inventors: Daniel A. Doron, Leo S. Doron
  • Patent number: 7976265
    Abstract: A trailer has a deck frame arranged to carry a load thereon for being towed by a towing vehicle in a transport position spaced above the ground. The deck frame is further arranged to be lowered from the transport position to a loading position at ground level. Side rails supporting wheels thereon are hinged at a rear of the deck frame and are pivotally coupled to a hitch arm at a front end. A lift mechanism lifts the front end of the deck frame in the loading position relative to the front of the side rails to simultaneously raise the rear end of the deck frame by lowering the front of the side rails relative to the ground. The hitch arm may remain coupled to the towing vehicle as the deck frame is displaced between the loading and transport positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Inventor: Merlin Badry
  • Patent number: 7963738
    Abstract: A vehicle trailer apparatus for carrying vehicles and other objects has a front bed having a frame of spaced apart frame rails connected by at least one transverse support, a front bed platform over at least a part of the front bed, a tongue with hitch affixed to the front bed frame, at least two spaced apart wheels affixed to the frame via an axle, a rear tilt bed, having a plurality of spaced apart bed rails, hingedly attached to the front bed, a bed platform over at least a part of the tilt bed, the tilt bed selectively pivoted in incline or decline relative to the front bed to at least about a 40 degree angle, whereby adjacent positions of the front bed rear edge, the sleeve of the hinge, and the tilt bed platform front edge are retained in incline and decline of the tilt bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Inventor: David M. Haulsey
  • Patent number: 7950685
    Abstract: A rear loading lowboy trailer is described having a pair of rear wheel assemblies mounted to a chassis of the trailer for movement between transport and loading positions such that the wheel assemblies are aligned across a back of the chassis when they are in the transport position and raised and positioned outwardly when the chassis is in the loading position. A linkage mechanism moves each of the wheel assemblies in both horizontal and vertical directions so as to move each of the wheel assemblies between the transport and loading positions. Each linkage mechanism automatically fastens the wheel assembly to the chassis of the trailer when the wheel assembly is moved to its transport position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Inventor: LeRoy G. Hagenbuch
  • Publication number: 20110085879
    Abstract: A bin, including a receptacle movable between a first condition of use for loading and a second condition of use in which it can be engaged for emptying; and attachment means including first and second elongate sleeves for engagement by respective forks of a front lift truck, wherein in the second condition of use the receptacle is arranged in a manner whereby forks of a front lift truck can engage respective sleeves of the attachment means so that the bin can be lifted and emptied by the truck.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2010
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Applicant: TRAILER TRASH PTY LTD
    Inventors: Thomas Alexander Garfield Jamieson, Dale Patrick Cooney
  • Patent number: 7802958
    Abstract: The invention relates to versatile cargo trailer decks, and to methods for moving cargo onto such cargo trailer decks. In embodiment, a cargo trailer deck may have first and second moving apparatus attached to a deck member. The first moving apparatus may be adapted to move cargo between the back end of the deck member and the front end of the deck member, while the second moving apparatus may be adapted to rotate cargo from one orientation on the deck member to a second orientation on the deck member. The deck member may be adapted to move in backward, forward, left, right, vertical, and tilt directions, in order to align the deck member for loading and/or unloading cargo.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Anibal Garcia, Myles Rohrlick, Thomas Reiner, Genevieve Gaspar
  • Patent number: 7703789
    Abstract: A load coupling apparatus for a wheeled vehicle includes load linkage members that pivotally suspend the vehicle and load weight below the axles of the vehicle, allowing limited relative displacement of the axles and the load in the direction of vehicle travel. The load is displaced by moving the axles in the desired direction of travel, whereafter the suspended load follows the axles in a swinging motion as the effects of gravity overcome the load inertia. The effort required to initiate movement of the load is significantly reduced due to the relative displacement of the axles and the load, and the mechanical advantage afforded by the load linkage members. Once in motion, the load continues to track the axles in the direction of travel, providing continued reduction in motive effort even when the load reaches a constant forward speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Inventor: Herman R. Mitchell
  • Patent number: 7665952
    Abstract: A trailer, having the capability of lowering its deck to the ground surface for ease of loading and unloading from the ground; raising its deck to a loading dock height for ease of loading and unloading from a loading dock or other elevated surface; and tilting its deck for dumping is disclosed. The deck is maintained in a transport position for travel. All the changes in position may be effected by a single actuator. Rollers, affixed to a rail affixed to the deck roll inside C-channels affixed to the frame arranged at a diagonal to the vertical when raising or lowering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Inventor: Bruce E. Schmidt
  • Publication number: 20100040445
    Abstract: A roof stowage system includes a support having a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The second end is pivotably coupled, at least indirectly, to the roof. A lift is coupled to the support and operable to selectively cause the support to pivot between a first position and a second position. The support is generally parallel with and adjacent to the roof when in the first position. The first end of the support is generally adjacent to a floor when in the second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2009
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Inventor: Casey Kuenzli
  • Patent number: 7658587
    Abstract: A hydraulic tail trailer comprising a main deck having a main tail assembly pivotally connected to the rearward end thereof with the pivotal connection therebetween being located forwardly of the centerline of the rear axle of the trailer suspension system. The location of the hinge between the main deck and the main tail assembly, by being located forwardly of the centerline of the rear axle, provides a main tail having an increased length thereby providing a lower loading angle without increasing the overall length of the trailer. The forward end of the main deck is pivotally connected to the rearward end of an upper deck so that the main deck may be raised which further reduces the angle between the rearward end of the main deck and the forward end of the main tail for loading and unloading purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Dakota Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Dale Dierks, A. Dean Oehlerking, Ray Paradis, Brent Hohman, Cynthia Bjerrum, Don Huber, Steve Koch
  • Publication number: 20090295124
    Abstract: A trailer has a deck frame arranged to carry a load thereon for being towed by a towing vehicle in a transport position spaced above the ground. The deck frame is further arranged to be lowered from the transport position to a loading position at ground level. Side rails supporting wheels thereon are hinged at a rear of the deck frame and are pivotally coupled to a hitch arm at a front end. A lift mechanism lifts the front end of the deck frame in the loading position relative to the front of the side rails to simultaneously raise the rear end of the deck frame by lowering the front of the side rails relative to the ground. The hitch arm may remain coupled to the towing vehicle as the deck frame is displaced between the loading and transport positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2009
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Inventor: Merlin Badry
  • Patent number: 7614451
    Abstract: A method for servicing a well comprises providing at least one trailer, providing at least one towing vehicle, providing servicing equipment, supporting the equipment with the trailer, and moving the towing vehicle, so as to move the trailer along with the equipment. The combination gross weight rating or combination gross vehicle weight of the trailer and the towing vehicle may be less than 26,001 pounds or less than less than the commercial drivers license threshold, under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's regulations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith Blaschke, Stanley Combs, John Heaton, Bryan Walker
  • Patent number: 7594791
    Abstract: A trailer body has a generally U-shaped lifting portion. A container lifting mechanism has a lifting hydraulic cylinder assembly and a lifting frame. Coupled to a lifting beam is an associated pulley. A lifting means is a hydraulic cylinder body. The trailer body has a pair of dual wheel spindle assemblies and a steering and drive assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Inventors: Christopher E. Neuguth, Christopher J. Cannava
  • Publication number: 20090196722
    Abstract: An articulated vehicle is provided including a stabilization system configured to resist roll-over of a trailer portion of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2008
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Applicant: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Eric Richard Anderson
  • Patent number: 7566196
    Abstract: A trailer and a system for picking up and centering spools and a method for stabilizing the trailer when not attached to a towing vehicle. The device to pick up and hold the spools of cable utilizes the mechanical advantages that are gained through the use of a fulcrum and a lever. The use of the fulcrum increases mechanical advantage making it possible to lift and transport heavy spools by a single individual without the use of hydraulics, electric motors, pulley systems and numerous other embodiments. Another feature of this invention is the position and pivoting action of the rack and range of motion of the rack. The angled support rail pivots along with the rack. The pivoting rack has a pocket system with a built-in locking device that secures the spool during transport. The pockets facilitate easy pick-up and form a secure nesting position for the spool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Assignee: Great Lakes Manufacturing Inc.
    Inventor: Craig French
  • Patent number: 7559736
    Abstract: A wheeled cart having a bed, two side walls, a front wall and an open end which is connected to a towing vehicle. The bed of the cart is raised or lowered to be inclined toward the open end to load the cart. The bed is level when the cart is loaded. A latch secures the rack within the cart and the latch is manually releasable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Inventor: Thomas Streett Mohan
  • Patent number: 7556466
    Abstract: A trailer including: (i) a trailer frame supported by ground engaging wheels; (ii) an auxiliary drawbar pivotable from a retracted inoperative position to an extended or towing position located behind the trailer frame; and a (iii) main drawbar capable of being attached to a prime mover. There is also provided a pivot frame pivotally attached to the trailer frame by pivot attachment joints which may extend from an extended leading position for maintenance apparatus to a retracted transportation position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: Tru-Turf Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Raymond J. Dufty
  • Patent number: 7534083
    Abstract: A trailer includes a deck frame which can be supported in a lowered transport position in which the deck frame is spaced above the ground below a height of the wheels corresponding to a deck between configuration and a raised transport position in which the deck frame is spaced above the ground substantially at or above the height of the wheels corresponding to a deck over configuration. Consumers are thus only required to purchase a single trailer to meet the advantages of both trailer configurations. Load supports, independent of a lift mechanism of the trailer, are provided in addition to the linkage which controls displacement of the deck frame between the two positions to ensure that the deck frame is supported on the wheels in a manner so as to safely bear a load on the deck frame in both the lowered and raised positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Inventors: Andre Trudeau, Claude Trudeau
  • Publication number: 20090035109
    Abstract: Systems and methods for attaching a vessel to a trailer. A system for attaching a vessel to a trailer having a winch tower includes an attachment device coupled to the vessel. A release mechanism configured to suspend the attachment device in a stand-by position. When activated, operable to release the attachment device, such that it engages the winch tower on the trailer, the result is the attachment device being in the engaged position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2007
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Inventor: Ronnie J. Smith
  • Patent number: RE41126
    Abstract: A frame configuration that is particularly adaptable for use on a trailer such that the frame configuration is operable in both a tilt mode of operation and a dump mode of operation. An actuating mechanism includes a linear actuator that is supported on the frame by a bracket and a yoke that connects to a load bed to power the vertical movement of the load bed in both tilt and dump functions. The linear actuator is pivotally mounted to permit a re-positioning of the actuator into an inoperative position. The frame configuration is provided with an articulated tilt frame in which the tongue is pivoted thereto allowing the load bed to pivot about a tilt axis which can coincide with the wheel axis of the trailer. The bed frame can be locked to the tilt frame for tilting upon articulation with the tongue, while a disconnection of the bed frame from the tilt frame enables the bed frame to pivot about the dump axis to provide a dump function in addition to the tilt function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Innovations By Contract, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph C. Hurlburt