About Axis Of Wheels Of Vehicle Having Two Wheels, And Relative To Tow-engaging End Of Vehicle Patents (Class 414/485)
  • Patent number: 8286942
    Abstract: A portable lifting apparatus includes a base having a portability system rendering the apparatus movable along a surface; a lift arm connected to the base; a deck to support an object, and being moveably engaged with the lift arm via a lifting system that is adapted to lift the deck along a portion of the lift arm; and a hitch connector, connected to the deck, and adapted to hitch the apparatus to a vehicle hitch receiver. When the apparatus is not hitched, the lifting system can lift the object from a first position to a second position; and when the apparatus is hitched, the lifting system can lift the apparatus above the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Inventor: Michael Robert Thesier
  • 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: 7802817
    Abstract: A building truss transport trailer device adapted for transporting upright or inverted building trusses. The base of the transport trailer device comprises a horizontal bed frame section, having top and bottom sides and a longitudinal axis. The bed frame section is supported on a set of wheels attached to the bottom side thereof. The bed frame section includes a tongue and hitch member adapted for attachment to a towing vehicle. A vertical support frame section extends from the top side of the bed frame section and is positioned along the longitudinal axis thereof. A fastening system is attached to the bed frame and adapted for fastening a plurality of upright or inverted building trusses, positioned on the bed frame section and against the vertical support frame section, to the trailer device for transport thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Northwest Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: James L. Hager, David B. Sundly
  • Patent number: 7438516
    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 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: February 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Forestfield Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Raymond J. Dufty
  • Patent number: 7303368
    Abstract: A trailer for a walk greensmower comprises a trailer frame supported by a pair of ground engaging trailer wheels. The trailer frame includes a pair of spaced, parallel wheel ramps. A tongue is provided for connecting to a tow vehicle. The trailer frame is pivotal relative to the tongue and to the trailer wheels to tilt into an inclined loading position for loading the walk greensmower by driving the walk greensmower up the wheel ramps using the powered transport wheels of the walk greensmower. Once the walk greensmower is loaded onto the wheel ramps, the trailer frame is pivoted into a transport position in which the wheel ramps no longer engage the ground and the walk greensmower is carried on the wheel ramps. In one embodiment of this trailer, the wheel ramps comprise cylindrical rails and the transport wheels are grooved to ride on the top sides of the rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: The Toro Company
    Inventors: Gerald E. Goman, Robert D. Patton, John E. Close, Christopher C. Dickey
  • Patent number: 6840730
    Abstract: A bale moving apparatus provides a generally horizontal tow frame with a linear support axle supported by a pair of opposing wheels. A tow bar provides a tow strut, a rest bar, and a winch. A bale support is pivotally joined to, and extends upwardly from the support axle assembly, and is rotatable between an upright attitude and a tilted-back attitude for securing a hay bail. A triangle formation of bale impaling spikes in mutually parallel disposition are used for impaling a hay bale at center and on two sides for securing the bail. The bale is pulling into the tilted-back attitude so as to enable resting the hay bale on the bale rest surface during travel. The rest surface is movable so as to enable placement of the hay bale's center of gravity on the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Inventor: Emmanuel P. Noualy
  • Patent number: 6840543
    Abstract: There is provided a trailer (65) having a trailer frame (68) supported by ground engaging wheels (84). A pivot frame (69) is pivotally attached to the trailer frame (68) by pivot attachment means (72). The pivot frame (69) is attachable to maintenance apparatus such as a mower (100) in use. There is also provided connection means such as a drawbar (70) to a prime mover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: Forestfield PTY Ltd.
    Inventor: Raymond Jeffrey Dufty
  • Patent number: 6695564
    Abstract: A self-loading cart for a greens mower including a wheel-supported mobile frame with a tilting bed pivotally mounted to the frame for movement between a rearwardly and downwardly inclined loading position and an upwardly pivoted substantially horizontal loaded position. As the bed moves to the loaded position, a locking tongue on the mobile platform projects through the bed and engages the loaded mower for a retention of the mower. Simultaneously, a latch automatically engages between a support beam of the bed and the mobile platform to lock the bed in the loaded position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Inventor: James W. Pfisterer
  • Patent number: 6688834
    Abstract: A self-contained hydraulic power unit is described for powering a hydraulic actuator such as a hydraulic cylinder or a hydraulic motor positioned on a grain trailer or the like. A battery operated hydraulic pump pressurizes a hydraulic accumulator so that when needed, hydraulic fluid can be supplied from the pressurized hydraulic accumulator to a valve which in turn is connected to a hydraulic actuator or actuators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Inventor: Vinc L. Aulick
  • Publication number: 20030156931
    Abstract: A self-loading cart for a greens mower including a wheel-supported mobile frame with a tilting bed pivotally mounted to the frame for movement between a rearwardly and downwardly inclined loading position and an upwardly pivoted substantially horizontal loaded position. As the bed moves to the loaded position, a locking tongue on the mobile platform projects through the bed and engages the loaded mower for a retention of the mower. Simultaneously, a latch automatically engages between a support beam of the bed and the mobile platform to lock the bed in the loaded position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2002
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Inventor: James W. Pfisterer
  • Patent number: 6592139
    Abstract: A wheeled transport vehicle includes a frame with two slidably interconnected frame members. A tongue projects from one of the members and is operable to move one of the frame members between extended and retracted positions. Wheel mounting members are pivotally connected to the frame. Mechanical linkage interconnecting the wheel mounting members and the tongue result in raising or lowering of the trailer frame. Stabilizers and locks are utilized to maintain trailer stability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Inventor: Robert Shanahan
  • Patent number: 6527494
    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: January 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: Innovations By Contract, Inc
    Inventor: Joseph C. Hurlburt
  • Patent number: 6520521
    Abstract: A tilting trailer suspension which has forwardly disposed, independent swingarms pivotally attached to a trailer main platform and a second u-shaped perimeter frame attached to the rear portion of the swingarms and extending over the swingarms converging at a latching point on the trailer tongue. Each swingarm has a stub axle mounted at its forward end for wheel attachment. A spring is mounted between the forward end of each swingarm and the perimeter frame to provide suspension. Tilting is accomplished by unlatching the u-shaped perimeter frame from the tongue portion of the main frame and raising it so that the swingarms pivot about the connection to the main frame. The rearward end of the trailer platform drops to the ground at a low angle, while the u-shaped perimeter frame assumes an upwardly extending attitude.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Inventor: William Rodgers Mayfield
  • Publication number: 20020176768
    Abstract: A method of using a wheel lift towing vehicle to carry vehicles as a vehicle-carrying towing vehicle is disclosed. A modular vehicle carrier comprising a tow bed of sufficient dimension and constitution to carry at least one automotive vehicle thereupon is mated with a wheel lift device of the wheel lift towing vehicle. The tow is tilted bed into a position for vehicle loading and unloading by raising the wheel lift device, and into a position for travel by lowering the wheel lift device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2002
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Applicant: Stomper Designs, Inc.
    Inventor: Lynn D. Stomski
  • Patent number: 6179544
    Abstract: An improved automatic underride protection actuator for a trailer, the trailer being translatable over a ground surface, includes a rotatable ramp that is shiftable between a ground engaging load/unload disposition when the tiltable bed is in the load/unload disposition and an underride protection disposition when the tiltable bed is in the transport disposition. The ramp underride protection disposition is a disposition in which the ramp depends from a tiltable trailer bed the ramp and is rotatably displaceable from the ramp underride protection disposition by impact oft the ramp with the ground surface, such displacement substantially preventing damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Towmaster, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian Weseman
  • Patent number: 6113338
    Abstract: A rear loading trailer includes a rearward end lowering mechanism to eliminate or reduce unnecessary weighting of the rear wheels and axle during loading or unloading of heavy equipment such as mining earth movers, shovels and the like. The lowering mechanism lowers the rearward end of the trailer and a ramp associated therewith onto a ground surface. With the ramp and trailer end supported at grade, the trailer body and the ground support the weight of the equipment during initial loading/unloading rather than the axles and/or wheels, thereby avoiding possible damage to the wheels and axles. The ramp moves with the trailer end so that trailer lowering would cause the ramp to also lower to the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Inventor: Francis V. Smith
  • Patent number: 6053691
    Abstract: An automatic underride protection actuator for a trailer, where the trailer has a forward end and an opposed rearward end and has a tiltable bed supported by a trailer frame, the tiltable bed being tiltable with respect to the trailer frame between a transport disposition and a load/unload disposition, the tiltable bed presenting a trailer rear margin, a rotatable ramp being operably coupled to the tiltable bed proximate the trailer rear margin, the automatic underride protection actuator including an actuation apparatus. The actuation apparatus is operably coupled to the trailer frame and to the rotatable ramp, the actuation apparatus acting to rotate the rotatable ramp between a ground engaging load/unload disposition when the tiltable bed is in the load/unload disposition and an underride protection disposition when the tiltable bed is in the transport disposition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignee: Towmaster, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian H. Weseman
  • Patent number: 5975828
    Abstract: A suspension system for wheeled vehicles which allows the body or frame of a vehicle, such as a trailer, to be lowered or tilted. The suspension system includes an off-set axle which, when rotated, adjusts the clearance beneath the wheeled vehicle so that the body or frame thereof can be lowered or tilted. The off-set axle includes a central portion which can be rotated by applying tension to a tensioning member attached thereto. In one embodiment the tensioning member is coupled to a shuttle which in turn is detachably coupled to another tensioning member that can be detached from the shuttle and used to pull a load onto the vehicle. The shuttle can be used to transfer tension between the tensioning members and lock the axle into a desired position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Inventor: Ross A. Weldy
  • Patent number: 5830509
    Abstract: Microparticulate carrier materials for a large and varied group of pharmaceutical and cosmetic agents are disclosed. Microdispersions of such carrier materials charged with at least one isomer or derivative of 2-amino-1-phenylpropanol are also described. The microdispersions can be formulated for oral, parenteral, topical, inhalation and suppository administration. The formulations have varied uses depending on the pharmaceutical and or cosmetic agent utilized. The microparticles are suitably charged particles of silica, alumina, boron, charcoal and the like and have a particle size of about 3 to about 250 .mu.m. The pharmaceutical and cosmetic active materials complex with the microparticles. The liquid carrier for the microparticles include water, propylene glycol, alcohols such as methanol, ethanol and propanols, and dimethyl sulfoxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Inventors: Daniel David West, Richard Breitbarth, deceased, by Amy Martrildonno, administratrix
  • Patent number: 5795115
    Abstract: A system for latching a vehicle to a flatbed carrier including: at least one latch assembly mounted on the carrier outboard of respective ones of at least one of the vehicle's wheels; each latch assembly including a box-like bracket having longitudinally extending, vertically spaced, co-planar flanges defining a longitudinally extending vertical gap, at least one plate-like safety latch mounted for movement about a vertical pivot axis towards and away from the flanges, a biasing mechanism for urging each safety latch about its pivot axis towards the co-planar flanges, and a fixed stop mounted adjacent the forward end of the gap, a wheel latch flange mounted on each vehicle wheel disposed inboard of each latch assembly when the vehicle is loaded on the carrier; each wheel latch flange including a laterally extending stub shaft having an enlarged protuberance on its outboard end with a diameter greater than the height of the gap and an inboard portion with a diameter less than the height of the gap, whereupon w
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Inventor: Joe H. Collins
  • Patent number: 5738379
    Abstract: An improved trailer structure constructed of light-weight material and especially adapted for hauling snowmobiles is described. An improved tongue structure, having a pair of opposed channels extending longitudinally, is shown arranged to cooperate with a hitch structure on a vehicle to allow an enhanced turning radius between the trailer and the vehicle. The improved tongue works in cooperation with an integrally formed tongue support channel for vertical and lateral support. An improved rear frame member protects associated lights and has a ramp member to protect the deck of the trailer when objects are slid onto the trailer from the rear. Side panel members and support beams support the trailer deck and can support associated stake holders for mounting auxiliary removable sides and ends on the trailer frame around the trailer deck. Each of the components is integrally formed by extruding a light-weight material, and cut to length for assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Inventor: Wayne Floe
  • Patent number: 5540538
    Abstract: A trailer for carrying power driven equipment which can be driven onto or off from either side or the rear thereof is disclosed. The trailer comprises a drawbar having a trailer hitch for coupling to a vehicle that tows the trailer, a second coupling device for allowing the trailer bed of the trailer to be disconnected from the drawbar, and a universal joint that not only allows for the tilting up and down of the trailer bed, but also rotational motion of the trailer bed, thereby allowing the trailer bed to be arranged to accommodate side loading/unloading of the equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1996
    Inventor: Ronald R. Head, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5387070
    Abstract: The present invention provides a coupling device which, when mounted to a transport, serves to catch and immobilize a moving vehicle equipped with a coupling unit. The coupling device may be mounted onto a snowmobile trailer and includes a coupling system which effectively couples onto a snowmobile ski eyelet when the ski enters a coupling zone. The device includes appropriate mounts for mounting the device to the snowmobile trailer bed and a ski impacting plate which, when struck by the ski, causes a coupling pin retainer to move sufficiently to release the coupling pin. The released coupling pin couples to the eyelet and stops the snowmobile from further movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1995
    Inventor: James E. Roeling
  • Patent number: 5354165
    Abstract: A dump trailer for the transportation of containers including a frameless trailer frame to receive and hold a rail transportable container for overland transport. A support system engageable on a fifth wheel of a tractor having a telescopically extensible hoist assembly and interconnected draft arms contains support and locking flanges to secure the container to the trailer and a pair of container contents transport guides extending over the trailer's frame to its free end during dumping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 11, 1994
    Inventor: Howard Booher
  • Patent number: 5259720
    Abstract: A trailer is arranged to have a rigid trailer frame, including radial rods projecting medially of the trailer frame, with the radial rods having rod rollers equally spaced relative to a cylindrical support collar. The cylindrical support collar rotatably mounts a trailer floor arranged for selective securement relative to the trailer and for selective rotation thereto. The trailer structure is arranged for tilting relative to an associated support leg that is selectively secured to a support tongue mounted overlying the leg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1993
    Inventor: Anthony R. Lobner
  • Patent number: 5228712
    Abstract: A fully collapsible ramp trailer is disclosed which is provided with an adjustable axle for balancing the weight of a vehicle-towed motorcycle for optimum transport. In the assembled disposition, the ramp unfolds into three rigidly coupled sections with a hinged rear ramp. The forward section of the ramp trailer includes a fount wheel capturing well for receiving the front wheel of a motorcycle. The middle section of the ramp in the assembled disposition rigidly braces relative to the capturing wheel well portion at one end and rigidly braces to the axle section of the ramp at the other end to form a unitary and rigid bed upon which the motorcycle can be rolled for loading and unloading. The rear ramp hinges with respect to the three section ridged frame and moves from a ground engaged ramp position to an upwardly folded abutted position to the rear wheel of a loaded motorcycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1993
    Inventor: Guenter O. Speier
  • Patent number: 5165836
    Abstract: An apparatus for lifting and transporting one or more large bales of material, comprising a trailer to be towed by a towing device and hydraulically powered by an outside source, preferably incorporated in the towing vehicle. The apparatus has tines adapted to fit beneath a bale and cradle and lift the bale in the manner of a fork lift, which is done by exerting force downwards on the wheels of the trailer, thus lifting the frame and attached tines. Connection to the towing device's three-point hitch also affords a lifting device. A device may be provided for shifting the trailer between a transport position, where the trailer is generally aligned behind the towing device, and a working position where the trailer is aligned outwardly and behind the towing device. The tines are positioned generally horizontally and substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis of the trailer. Bales are lifted by the apparatus off the ground for transportation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1992
    Inventor: Ernest Shonka
  • Patent number: 5090718
    Abstract: A towing carriage includes a double H shaped frame having a longitudinal axis and a pair of parallel tubular members transverse to the longitudinal axis. A pair of angle irons are affixed longitudinally between the tubular members. An axle assembly is supported by axle supports affixed to the angle irons. The axle assembly includes a pair of wheels situated so that the tubular members straddle the wheels. A channel beam is affixed to the front tubular member with a downward facing channel opening. A tow bar is pivotably mounted within the channel opening and extends longitudinally forward toward the towing vehicle. A hitch cup is provided at the forward endd of the tow bar to mate with a trailer hitch on the towing vehicle. A pivot pin passes through the tow bar and channel beam to restrain relative rotation between the tow bar and the carriage frame. In one aspect, a pair of wheel ramps are provided with mounting posts arranged to fit within the transverse openings of the tubular members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1992
    Inventor: Frank Kauffman
  • Patent number: 5039271
    Abstract: Trash handling apparatus that includes a hopper mounted to tilt to a dump position off a trailer, a friction wheel to engage a wheel of the trailer and to be turned by forward movement of the trailer, reeling in a cable of a drum system so as to tilt the hopper back to an upright position after dumping where at it is locked in place until the hopper is again to be dumped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1991
    Inventor: Vincent D. Julian
  • Patent number: 5016897
    Abstract: A towing carriage includes a double H shaped frame having a longitudinal axis and a pair of parallel tubular members transverse to the longitudinal axis. A pair of angle irons are affixed longitudinally between the tubular members. An axle assembly is supported by axle supports affixed to the angle irons. The axle assembly includes a pair of wheels situated so that the tubular members straddle the wheels. A channel beam is affixed to the front tubular member with a downward facing channel opening. A tow bar is pivotably mounted within the channel opeing and extends longitudinally forward toward the towing vehicle. A hitch cup is provieed at the forward end of the tow bar to mate with a trailer hitch on the towing vehicle. A pivot pin passes through the tow bar and channel beam to restrain relative rotation between the tow bar and the carriage frame. In one aspect, a pair of wheel ramps are provided with mounting posts arranged to fit within the transverse openings of the tubular members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1991
    Inventor: Frank Kauffman
  • Patent number: 4968210
    Abstract: A vehicle carrier which may be used to transport compact automobiles behind motorhomes or other suitable towing vehicles and consists of two primary substructures, a main frame and a trailer bed. The automobile which is to be transported can be loaded on to or unloaded from the carrier by a single person since it is not necessary for him to be inside or in close proximity to the vehicle, nor does he have to step down from the vehicle after it is loaded on to the vehicle carrier. The carrier can be easily moved or rolled by hand and also provides means to reduce the road shock and sway which may be transferred from a vehicle carrier to a towing vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 6, 1990
    Inventor: James F. Friederich
  • Patent number: 4900215
    Abstract: A dolly for lifting one end of a vehicle and for towing the vehicle includes a pair of identical tandem wheel assemblies interconnected by a pair of spaced parallel steel tubes. At least one of the wheel assemblies includes a hydraulic piston which, in spreading one pair of arms on crank members coupled to the wheel assemblies, forces together the second pair of arms. The ends of the spaced parallel steel tubes are coupled into sockets on the ends of the second pair of arms so that their forcing together operates to lift a vehicle whose tires are resting across the steel tubes. The invention includes means for locking the tubes in their raised position and further includes vehicle wheel locking plates that are actuated by the lifting process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 13, 1990
    Inventor: Charles P. Nowell
  • Patent number: 4813841
    Abstract: A vehicle carrier features a tiltable vehicle bed which, when a vehicle is driven rearwardly on the bed, both tilts upwardly at its front end and slides rearwardly to the ground so that the vehicle can be unloaded, the bed thereby making a less abrupt angle with the ground for facilitating unloading and loading of the vehicle. When a vehicle is driven onto the tilted bed, the latter both tilts downwardly at its front end and slides forwardly. All the foregoing is accomplished automatically by the vehicle itself without the need of any additional form of power to tilt or slide the bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1989
    Inventor: Edwin E. Eischen
  • Patent number: 4735545
    Abstract: A boat cradle for supporting boats, comprising a frame supported on legs and carrying support arms of adjustable length that extend upwards from said frame. According to the invention, the frame is supported on three leg structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 5, 1988
    Assignee: Knijpstra Konstruktie B.V.
    Inventor: Hette Knijpstra
  • Patent number: 4666359
    Abstract: A towable dolly comprises a platform for supporting an object either alone or on a standard dolly, a wheel assembly pivotally secured to the forward end of the platform, and a lifting or tilting assembly for tilting the platform upwardly at its rear end relative to the wheel assembly so that it is raised from the ground in its towing position. A tow bar assembly projects forwardly from the wheel assembly for connection to a standard vehicle tow bar connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1985
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1987
    Inventor: Willard J. Parr
  • Patent number: 4639043
    Abstract: A trailer designed to be towed behind a vehicle with a frame that is slidably attached to the trailer body. Inclined ramps are formed on the members of the frame such that when the frame slides rearward relative to the trailer, rollers on the underside of the trailer body cause the trailer to rotate about the axle. The slidable connection between the trailer and the draw bar yoke is slightly negatively inclined to insure that the mechanism will move freely and to enable the trailer to be returned to the horizontal position by merely applying a forward force on the frame. The invention also employs means to secure the trailer body to the frame when the trailer is in its normal horizontal position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1984
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1987
    Inventor: Richard W. Morissette
  • Patent number: 4394105
    Abstract: This invention provides a tipping trailer where the trailer frame is pivotably connected to a hopper for the trailer. Upon release of a lock the hopper may tilt on its pivot with the frame such that a portion thereof makes contact with the surface below and on reversal of the trailer the hopper will tilt and roll back until it is up-ended.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1981
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1983
    Inventor: Gordon B. Mitchell
  • Patent number: 4348143
    Abstract: A large round hay bale trailer having a fork lift cradle pivotally mounted on a two wheel trailer frame, the cradle being formed by pipe having 90.degree. vertical and horizontal bends to provide fork, back support and horizontal connecting elements. Laterally extending pipe sections welded to the cradle pipe provide pivotal bearings for a horizontal wheel axle pipe to which trailer frame elements are also secured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1980
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1982
    Inventor: Clofford L. Hedgespeth
  • Patent number: 4326827
    Abstract: An apparatus for retrieving and carrying large cylindrical objects and adapted to be secured behind a towing vehicle, the apparatus comprising an A-frame having a wheel supported cradle assembly pivotally secured to one end thereof, a pivotal bail member provided on the cradle assembly, the cradle assembly being movable to a first position for an initial engagement with the lower portion of the cylindrical object and to a second position whereby gravity acts on the bail member for moving the bail into engagement with the outer periphery of the object and a third position for elevating the object into a carrying position whereby the object may be transported from site to site by the apparatus, and the movement of the cradle assembly being reversed for discharging the object from the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1980
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1982
    Inventor: Darrell A. McNutt
  • Patent number: 4317593
    Abstract: A high lift dump box trailer for lifting, transporting and dumping a load of material at a high elevation. The trailer includes a pair of retractable members that stabilize the trailer to permit dumping of the contents of the dump box when the dump box is in an elevated condition. The trailer includes a hydraulic suspension system that provides for wheel adjustment when transporting a load on a side hill and a fluid accumulator shock absorber system that provides for smooth riding over rough roads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1979
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1982
    Inventor: Jussi Sarvela
  • Patent number: 4295772
    Abstract: A tiltable device for forming weather-proof stacks of hay bales which in the preferred embodiment contains thirty bales per stack comprising a tiltable bed of generally "L" shaped cross-section carried on an axle and adapted to be towed behind a hay baler, the forward legs portion of the bed providing a platform oriented somewhat greater than 90.degree., the device being equipped with hydraulic means to tilt the same and a side rail situated to enable a bale stacking person to ride with the device as it tilts back to deposit a stack of bales.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1980
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1981
    Inventor: Lawrence Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 4260315
    Abstract: A front wheel drive vehicle having a bed supported by the rear wheels of the vehicle by a pair of jacks. The jacks cause lowering of the bed rear end to rest on the road surface for embarkation of a disabled vehicle on the bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1978
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1981
    Inventor: Joseph A. Bouffard
  • Patent number: 4222698
    Abstract: A trailer assembly for transporting snowmobiles. The trailer assembly includes a movable frame, preferably supported on wheels, a first snowmobile support portion mounted on the frame, and a second snowmobile support portion mounted on the frame in cooperative relationship with the first support portion. A mechanism is provided for adjusting the relative angular position between the first and second support portions, the adjusting mechanism being adapted to move the support portions between a first position and a second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1978
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1980
    Assignee: Arctic Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Stuart R. Boelter
  • Patent number: 4215963
    Abstract: A two-wheeled trailer has a V-shaped hay-bale-holding cradle pivoted about an axis closely above and parallel to the wheel axle. In its bale-loading position, parallel arms of the cradle extend rearwardly from the trailer and close to the ground for sliding under a large cylindrical bale when the trailer is backed-up by a tractor. The then-upright part of the cradle is tiltable forwardly and downwardly into its upright-V bale-carrying position in which it is automatically latched. The trailer is hitch-connected to a tractor by a tow-bar which is longitudinally extendably attached to the trailer chassis. A cable connects the cradle to the front end of the tow bar so that an extending pull thereon (when the wheel brakes are set) causes the cradle to tilt to its latched bale-carrying position. A latch normally holds the tow bar in its slightly extended hauling position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1979
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1980
    Inventor: Ralph L. Doner
  • Patent number: 4212365
    Abstract: An articulating coupling for connecting two wheeled vehicles includes a pivot connection and a tilt mechanism. The pivot connection is provided between the two vehicles so that they can turn relative to each other in the horizontal plane and be selectively turned relative to each other. The tilt mechanism includes a horizontal pivot connection between the two vehicles so that vertical movement of at least a portion of one vehicle adjacent to the horizontal pivot connection will move a portion of the other vehicle adjacent to the pivot connection in the same direction and cause the other vehicle to pivot about the axis of its wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1978
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1980
    Inventor: Paul F. Curry
  • 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