Carrier Comprises Movable Component Of Load-receiving Portion (e.g., Tailgate, Section Of Floor, Etc.) Patents (Class 414/545)
  • Patent number: 11923158
    Abstract: A safety switch assembly for use on a movable device. The assembly includes a bracket, an impact surface that is held in position in the bracket, and a switch. The bracket and impact surface are clamped against the movable device. The impact surface is an easily replaceable component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Inventors: André Haake, Oliver Haake, Patrick Haake, Jonas Haake
  • Patent number: 11807148
    Abstract: A vehicle, cargo transfer device of the vehicle and a method of transferring a package between a vehicle to a delivery platform. A lift platform is extended from a floor of the vehicle via a support structure. The package is moved to the lift platform from one of the floor and the delivery platform. The lift platform is rotated via a turntable through a rotation angle. The support structure supports the turntable and the lift platform. The package is moved from the lift platform to the other of the floor and the delivery platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Adhithya Ravishankar, Spencer C. Price
  • Patent number: 11725353
    Abstract: A highway work basket apparatus includes a vertically movable lift platform that can be selectively mounted on either side of the work basket. The frame of the work basket supports a pair of lift mechanisms mounted on opposing sides at the forward end of the work basket. A detachable lift platform is provided for selective attachment to one of the opposing lift mechanism to enable movement of highway markers between the levels of the truck bed and the surface of the highway. The floor of the lift platform has conveyors embedded therein and powered by the hydraulics of the highway truck on which the work basket is mounted to facilitate the movement of the highway markers onto or off of the surface of the highway. The frame of the work basket also supports a hitch receiver to permit a trailing attachment of a directional sign.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: Betts Platinum Group, LLC
    Inventors: Richard S. Johnson, Collin E. Johnson, Jason M. Rohrer
  • Patent number: 11654816
    Abstract: The disclosure provides apparatuses, systems, and methods for enabling lift cylinders within rail-type liftgates to perform both lifting and closing motions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: Liftwave, Inc.
    Inventor: Blake Sessions
  • Patent number: 11472327
    Abstract: An assembly for assisting in lifting a tailgate includes an elongated housing extending along a predetermined length, a spring anchored at one end at a first end of the housing, and a connector having a first end affixed to the opposite end of the spring and extending through the housing. In one embodiment, at least three rollers are provided for engaging the connector. The rollers may be arranged in a variety of configurations to maintain the connector and spring in a generally centered location within the housing. In another embodiment, at least two vertically aligned guides are provided. A vehicle for integrating the foregoing assemblies is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: BACKSAVER INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Ralph Norfleet, Jason Norfleet
  • Patent number: 11279266
    Abstract: A motor home seat lift apparatus is provided which is located within the vehicle at the front passenger door, which is foldable to a storage location adjacent to the dashboard and forward of the front passenger seat, and which unfolds for usage to place a lift seat adjacent to the level of the front passenger seat, from which a user can slide onto (or off of) the lift seat. The lift seat is then movable from the that level, downward and outward through the opened front passenger door, to a level comfortably adjacent the ground level, for the user to then stand upon when exiting the lift seat. In general, the apparatus includes a lift seat which moves laterally within the vehicle into and out of the door, and rotates up and down between the exterior ground level and the passenger seat level, above the passenger compartment floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: Newmar Corporation
    Inventors: Jim Stichter, Steve Hulse, Steve Wolf
  • Patent number: 11241993
    Abstract: A vehicle may include a door pivotally mounted to a vehicle body at a lower end portion of the door, to open or close an opening formed at a portion of one surface of the vehicle, while being configured to form a bottom surface connected to a floor of the vehicle in a state of completely pivoting toward an outside of the vehicle in accordance with an opening operation of the door, forming a terrace space connected to an internal compartment of the vehicle, and a seat slidably mounted in the internal compartment of the vehicle, to provide a seating compartment for passengers, while being configured to be slidable outwards toward the opening of the vehicle, providing a seating compartment in the terrace space when the terrace space is used in accordance with the opening operation of the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2022
    Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA MOTORS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Dong Eun Cha, Jin Ho Hwang, Sang Heon Lee
  • Patent number: 11186214
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a truck trailer has a cargo container that defines a cargo area therein. The trailer has a rear cargo lift having a platform disposed within the cargo area at a rear end of the trailer. The platform is vertically movable between a floor of the trailer and a first elevation that is above the floor. The trailer has an upper cargo deck supported within a portion of the cargo area that is between the rear lift and a front end of the trailer. The upper cargo deck divides the portion of the cargo area into upper and lower areas. The upper cargo deck can align with the rear cargo lift at the first elevation so as to receive cargo into the upper area, and translate the cargo to a second elevation that is above the first elevation so as to receive cargo in the lower area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Vinay Das, John Christopher James Barge, Darren Wells
  • Patent number: 10800311
    Abstract: An operating mechanism for a ramp door includes a door actuation system and a limit stop system. The actuation system is connected between the door and a frame or the vehicular structure directly and is operable to pivot the door between closed, deck, and ramp positions. The limit stop system selectively limits the pivoting of the door to a range between the closed and deck portion or to a range between the closed and ramp positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: LIPPERT COMPONENTS, INC.
    Inventors: Bryan J. Roth, Jeffrey K. Albrecht, Dominick Bilancio, David G. Skinner, Samuel Evans
  • Patent number: 10793046
    Abstract: The rack and pinion lift for a tailgate is configured for use with a pickup truck. The rack and pinion lift for a tailgate is a moving platform. The rack and pinion lift for a tailgate is configured for use as a cargo lift. Specifically, the moving platform formed by the rack and pinion lift for a tailgate: a) raises and lowers cargo between the ground and an elevation that is roughly level with the bed of the pickup truck. The rack and pinion lift for a tailgate comprises a port structure, a starboard platform, and a loading platform. The port structure mounts on the tailgate. The starboard structure mounts on the tailgate. The loading platform attaches to the port structure and the starboard structure. The port structure and the starboard structure vertically raise and lower the loading platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Inventor: Jayson Jenkins
  • Patent number: 10589654
    Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle (1) having a vehicle body (2) and a loading arrangement (5), which comprises a first loading platform (6) and a lifting unit (7) having a guide system (8) and an actuating mechanism (9). The first loading platform (6) is liftable and lowerable by means of the actuating mechanism (9). The loading arrangement (5) comprises a bearing unit (14), which defines a pivot axis (16), as well as a pivoting unit (15). The bearing unit (14) is disposed on the guide system (8). The first loading platform (6) is mounted on the bearing unit (14) in a manner pivotable about its pivot axis (16) and is in driving communication with the pivoting unit (15). By means of the pivoting unit (15), the first loading platform (6), in its relative position with respect to the guide system (8), is adjustable around the pivot axis (16) of the bearing unit (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: ROSENBAUER INTERNATIONAL AG
    Inventors: Alexander Ronacher, Stefan Zauner
  • Patent number: 10494238
    Abstract: In some embodiments, apparatuses and methods are provided herein useful to loading totes. In some embodiments, there is provided a system for loading totes on shelves of racks secured inside a delivery truck including: a plurality of hydraulic lifts. Each of the plurality of hydraulic lifts comprises: a hydraulic system; a top surface; a stop mechanism; and at least one lift-to-rack alignment sensor; and a control circuit configured to: access a multi-dimensional positional matrix; determine a physical location associated with a tote based at least on the multi-dimensional positional matrix and a tote identifier; determine a particular hydraulic lift of the plurality of hydraulic lifts based on the physical location; activate the stop mechanism to position the tote on the top surface of the particular hydraulic lift; and operate the hydraulic system to move the tote to a height of a shelf of a rack based on the physical location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: Walmart Apollo, LLC
    Inventors: Sai Phaneendra Sri Harsha Viswanath Putcha, Luke M. Reynolds, Christian J. Munoz
  • Patent number: 9862324
    Abstract: A driver lift device lifts a driver to enter an elevated cab on farm equipment or the like. The device includes an elongated post vertically mounted to a vehicle proximate an entry into a cab of the vehicle. Each of a top end and a bottom end of a pole is coupled to the post such that the pole is positioned in parallel spaced relationship to the post. Each of a plurality of rollers is coupled to a housing defining a vertical path through the housing. The pole extends through the vertical path. A foot support is coupled to the housing. A winch is coupled to the top end of the pole. A strap couples the housing to the winch whereby operation of the winch elevates and lowers the foot support on the pole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Inventor: Roy A. Schut
  • Patent number: 9738205
    Abstract: A lift assembly for a vehicle is described. The lift assembly can includes a hitch assembly for removable attachment to the vehicle, and first and second support members rotatably secured to the hitch assembly. As a lifting mechanism mounted to the hitch assembly provides a lifting force to one of the support members, the platform assembly can be raised from a lowered position to a raised position. The lift assembly can be removably engaged with a cart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Inventor: Peter M. Parker
  • Patent number: 9555743
    Abstract: A driver lift device lifts a driver to enter an elevated cab on farm equipment or the like. The device includes an elongated post vertically mounted to a vehicle proximate an entry into a cab of the vehicle. Each of a top end and a bottom end of an elongated pole is coupled to the post such that the pole is positioned in parallel spaced relationship to the post. The pole extends through the tube wherein the tube is slidable along the pole. A foot support coupled to the tube. A winch is coupled to the top end of the pole and a cable is coupled to and extends between the winch and the tube such that operation of the winch elevates and lowers the foot support on the pole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Inventor: Roy A. Schut
  • Patent number: 9481282
    Abstract: A liftgate for loading and unloading cargo from a vehicle. The liftgate includes a moveable load platform having a proximal deck section and a distal deck section pivotally coupled to the proximal deck section. A side ramp is pivotally coupled to the distal deck section to facilitate unobstructed side loading and unloading of the distal deck section of the load platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Anthony Lifegates, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Walker
  • Patent number: 9403469
    Abstract: A lift for attachment to a vehicle is described. The lift includes a hitch assembly with a hitch receiver insert, a first support member, and a second support member. Each of the two support members may include an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion oriented at an angle with respect to the associated lower portion. The support members may be mounted to the hitch assembly, at locations separated by a first offset, and may be mounted to a platform assembly, at locations separated by an equivalent second offset. As a lifting mechanism mounted to the hitch assembly provides a lifting force to one of the support members, the platform assembly is raised from a lowered position to a raised position, with a platform included in the platform assembly being maintained, by way of the two equivalent offsets, in a substantially horizontal orientation over the course of travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Inventor: Peter M. Parker
  • Patent number: 9365149
    Abstract: A truck having a truck body with lift track and a battery electrically connected to the body and a platform for moving along the lift track. A box holding a hydraulic unit with solenoid valves for moving the platform is attached to the truck body. A movable wireless switch having an internal power source is on the platform. When a user operates a switch the movable wireless switch emits a movement signal from a movable antenna electrically connected to the truck body. A fixed wireless switch is on the truck body. When a user operates a switch the fixed wireless switch emits a movement signal from an antenna electrically connected to the body. A wireless receiver receives the movement signal and then applies control signals to the hydraulic unit. The wireless receiver also receives a sensor signal and emits an alert if the hydraulic unit has a problem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Inventor: Dieter Nowak
  • Patent number: 9149397
    Abstract: A wheelchair lift includes a platform assembly to receive a wheelchair and a power control assembly to control a movement of the platform assembly between an unfolded configuration and a folded configuration. The platform assembly includes an inner plate and an outer plate, wherein the inner plate is pivotably coupled to a holding arm by a hinge element and the outer plate is pivotably coupled to the inner plate. The wheelchair lift further includes a linkage assembly having a first end coupled to the outer plate and a second end (52), and a fixing element being coupled to the inner plate such that the fixing element is moved with a rotational movement of the inner plate around the hinge element, when the inner plate is moved between the folded and the unfolded configuration, wherein the second end of the linkage assembly is coupled to the fixing element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: Autolift S.r.l.
    Inventors: Marco Gallingani, Gabriele Ovi
  • Patent number: 9028195
    Abstract: An apparatus for loading and unloading a truck with cargo includes a mounting frame for attaching adjacent to a truck doorway. The mounting frame includes a first guide member forming a first channel, a first support member slideably received within the first channel, a second guide member forming a second channel, and a second support member slideably received within the second channel. A platform for supporting the cargo is pivotally coupled to the first support member and to the second support member. A power driven lift elevator slides the first support member within the first channel and slides the second support member within the second channel to thereby raise and lower the platform. A power driven platform elevator pivots the platform respect to the first and second support members to move the platform between horizontal and vertical positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Inventor: Robert P. Heynssens
  • Patent number: 8992156
    Abstract: A conveyor is arranged to be mounted underneath a hopper bottom highway transportation truck which has two longitudinally spaced dump hoppers each with a bottom discharge opening to carry the discharged material to the side of the trailer from each of the hoppers in turn. The conveyor is thus carried between the bottom discharge openings so that it can be raised up between them during transport. From the mounting point at one side between the openings the conveyor is lowered so that its loading end is lowered and then the conveyor pivots to one side or the other so that its loading end is underneath the selected bottom discharge opening. The conveyor runs in a direction so that it lifts the material from the selected discharge opening upwardly to the mounting point at the one side for discharge to the side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Haukaas Manufacturing Limited
    Inventors: Greg Haukaas, Beric Duane Haukaas, Vincent Colistro
  • Patent number: 8973898
    Abstract: A portable and foldable lift can be attached to a surface such as a tailgate of a truck. The lift can be slid off the gate and used to lift heavy objects from the ground to the bed of the truck. The portable and foldable lift is returned in a folded position to the tailgate for easy storage. The portable and foldable lift can also be attached to a work bench, either on top or underneath, and can be folded up and stored out of the way.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Inventor: Brent Hurd
  • Patent number: 8967669
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a vehicle for transporting passengers can include a chassis, a support member, and a labyrinthine girder. The support member can be rigidly engaged to and project from the chassis. The labyrinthine girder can include a coupling platform that is coupled to the support member. The labyrinthine girder can form a partial enclosure that surrounds a portion of the frame rail. An offset distance can be disposed between the labyrinthine girder and the frame rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Champion Bus, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth Kane, Shawn Yopp, John Smyczak
  • Patent number: 8936275
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a vehicle for transporting passengers can include a passenger section, an elevated passenger section, a subfloor discontinuity, and a retractable step. The subfloor discontinuity can be located between the passenger section and the elevated passenger section. The subfloor discontinuity can span the elevation change. The retractable step can be located at the subfloor discontinuity. The retractable step can include a housing, a riser door, and an articulating tread. The housing can at least partially surrounds a volume. The riser door can be in rotatable engagement with the housing such that the riser door rotates into and out of the volume of the housing. The articulating tread can be in rotatable engagement with the housing such that the riser door rotates into and out of the volume of the housing. The retractable step can articulate between a step position and a ramp position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Champion Bus, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth Kane, Shawn Yopp, John Smyczak
  • Publication number: 20140314534
    Abstract: A lifting system includes a vertically extending parallel pair of fixedly spaced apart guide surfaces, a linear actuator suspended vertically between said pair of guide surfaces, a vertically elongate runner member having a pivotal connection to a lower end of said linear actuator to be vertically reciprocated by said actuator, a load bearing member at a lower end of said runner member at a location spaced downwardly from said pivotal connection and a vertically spaced apart pair of sliding contact members on said runner member for relatively slidable contact with said pair of guide surfaces during vertical reciprocation of said runner member by said actuator. Each of said contact members comprises a projecting contact pad having a concave surface for slidable contact with one of said guide surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2014
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicant: MAXON INDUSTRIES, INC., dba MAXON LIFT CORP.
    Inventor: Karapet Ablabutyan
  • Patent number: 8820044
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for fixing an end-side of a flyer chain, wherein the fixing can be carried out by a clamping through the exertion of a force on partial sections of an outer circumferential surface of at least one plate-link of at least one end-side link of the flyer chain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Rexnord Kette GmbH
    Inventors: Franz Joseph Holschbach, Ralf Steup, Bernhard Bleser, Herbert Rapp, Ulrich Gerlach, Jörg Heuer, Michael Schopp, Jörg Lindemaier
  • Patent number: 8807283
    Abstract: A lift apparatus configured to move a passenger platform of the lift apparatus between a first position and an elevated second position. A stairway of the example lift apparatus may be used as a stairway when the passenger platform is arranged in the first position. As the passenger platform is raised to the elevated second position, hinged steps of the stairway are transformed into a horizontal surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Inventors: Dennis Shell, David Shell
  • Patent number: 8739935
    Abstract: A portable wheel chair lift device includes a lift car, a support base, and a lifting mechanism coupled thereto to selectively raise or lower the lift car while allowing the floor of the lift car to be fully-lowered to the ground surface. The lift car floor can be folded and collapsed to a reduced width allowing transport through narrow passages. Transport casters are removably mounted to the bottom of the lift car to facilitate transport. The lift device includes a height adjustment control within the lift car to repeatably raise the lift car to the height of a stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: AGM Container Controls, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Zuercher, James T. Coble
  • Patent number: 8740539
    Abstract: A lifting system includes a vertically extending parallel pair of fixedly spaced apart guide surfaces, a linear actuator suspended vertically between said pair of guide surfaces, a vertically elongate runner member having a pivotal connection to a lower end of said linear actuator to be vertically reciprocated by said actuator, a load bearing member at a lower end of said runner member at a location spaced downwardly from said pivotal connection and a vertically spaced apart pair of sliding contact members on said runner member for relatively slidable contact with said pair of guide surfaces during vertical reciprocation of said runner member by said actuator. Each of said contact members comprises a projecting contact pad having a concave surface for slidable contact with one of said guide surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Maxon Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Karapet Ablabutyan
  • Patent number: 8708634
    Abstract: A vehicle carrier assembly adapted to be mounted to the rear of a recreational vehicle which is designed to carry and transport a secondary vehicle. The carrier assembly includes a lift system which includes a pivoting subassembly combined with a deployable ramp. The ramp extends from the pivoted subassembly at an angle until it reaches the ground. The ramp extends from the pivoted subassembly in a direction perpendicular the longitudinal axis of the recreational vehicle. The secondary vehicle would then drive onto the angled ramp. The ramp is then retracted back to its first position, atop the pivoting subassembly. The pivoting subassembly is then pivoted back from its deployed angular position back to an original horizontal position. The secondary vehicle is secured to the vehicle carrier. The recreational vehicle is now ready to travel with an easily mountable and demountable secondary vehicle aboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Inventor: Walter B. Mears
  • Patent number: 8523508
    Abstract: A vehicle provided with at least one front axis and at least one rear axis, one vehicle frame and at least one loading box or loading surface which can be raised or lowered in a vertical direction by way of lifting devices, in addition to a loading ramp located in the rear area of the vehicle. At least one loading box or loading surface is arranged behind at least one rear axis such that it forms an inner loading ramp (9). At least one opening surface is arranged in a lateral (16) and rear position (20) on the vehicle frame and used to release loading openings for loading or emptying.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Inventor: Walter Hurler
  • Patent number: 8308177
    Abstract: A lift assembly installable on a vehicle. The lift assembly includes a support structure securable to the vehicle, a pair of parallel vertically extending geared tracks and a vertically moveable drive assembly. The drive assembly includes (a) a mounting structure; (b) a selectively reversible motor; (c) a pair of gears; and (d) a moveable first tread. The gears are engaged with the tracks and rotatably supported on the mounting structure. The gears are also drivingly coupled with the motor wherein operation of the motor selectively raises and lowers the mounting structure relative to the support structure. The moveable first tread is secured to the mounting structure and is adapted to support an operator whereby raising and lowering the mounting structure raises and lowers an operator positioned on the first tread. In some embodiments, the lift assembly includes water-resistant foot-operable switches to control the raising and lowering of the mounting structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Inventors: Gary L. Fravel, William C. Hamrick
  • Patent number: 8282335
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system of installing a liftgate under a vehicle bed. In one implementation, the system includes a liftgate and a mounting device. The mounting device comprises at least one mounting bracket having a group of multiple substantially horizontal slots vertically stacked relative to one another so as to be at different heights relative to ground when the bracket is installed under a vehicle bed essentially parallel to ground. The slots are vertically spaced on the bracket relative to one another to accommodate different vehicle bed heights so as to maintain the liftgate within a desired vertical ground clearance when mounted in a slot on said bracket under a vehicle bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: RS Drawings, LLC
    Inventor: Paul Bark
  • Patent number: 8177471
    Abstract: A goods handling' apparatus for a cargo storage and transport vehicle includes a movable cargo platform continuous with a portion of cargo enclosure floor, when the cargo platform is in an upper position. Cargo may be slid between the trailer floor and the cargo platform. A vertical actuator raises and lowers the cargo platform between the upper position and a lower position atop the ground or other vehicle support surface whereupon cargo may be slid between the cargo platform and the ground or other positions. The cargo platform is disposed substantially within the plan perimeter of the floor of the cargo module during raising and lowering. A modular system may be integrated into the cargo enclosure, or may be incorporated into a modular enclosure for appending to a cargo box of the prior art. An underside is disposed in vertically adjusting communication with the cargo platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Inventor: Ronald R Nespor
  • Publication number: 20120070259
    Abstract: A three-point linkage system includes a frame, an upper lift arm assembly pivotally mounted to the frame and a lower lift arm assembly pivotally mounted to the frame. The lower lift arm assembly is linked to the upper lift arm assembly for movement therewith. An actuator is connected to the frame and the upper lift arm assembly to move the upper lift arm assembly and the lower lift arm assembly linked to the upper lift arm assembly relative to the frame. A top link arm is pivotally connected to the upper lift arm assembly such that the top link arm moves with the upper lift arm assembly as the upper lift arm assembly is moved by the actuator. The top link arm including connecting structure for connecting the top link arm to an implement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2010
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Inventor: Mark Altemeier
  • Patent number: 8132997
    Abstract: An apparatus mountable on a vehicle and having a mounting section and a lift section. The lift section is moveably coupled to the mounting section. A drive chain having a plurality of articulating links and defining opposite first and second ends is operably coupled with a drive gear. At least one of the drive gear and the first and second ends of the drive chain is coupled to the mounting section and at least another one of these items is coupled to the lift section. The rotation of the drive gear movingly drives the chain and thereby moves the lift section relative to the mounting section. In some embodiments, the ends of the drive chain are coupled to one of the mounting section and the lift section and the drive gear is mounted on the other one of the mounting section and the lift section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Razor Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Bennett J. Reuille, Thomas C. Wetmore
  • Patent number: 8105007
    Abstract: A vehicle transport ramp system having a transport vehicle with a transport vehicle bed, a first side wall and an opposing second side wall; an upper ramp having a first upper ramp end and a second upper ramp end operative to form a door, and a first upper ramp edge and an opposing second upper ramp edge; a lower ramp having a first lower ramp side and a second lower ramp side, a first lower ramp edge and a second lower ramp edge, a first lower ramp end pivotally connected to the second upper ramp end, and a second lower ramp end pivotally mountable to the transport vehicle bed; a first lower ramp enclosure panel and a second side wall enclosure panel mountable to the first lower ramp side, and a first side wall enclosure panel and a second side wall enclosure panel to enclose the transport vehicle as the lower ramp is lowered toward the driving surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Inventor: Peter L. Dunkel
  • Publication number: 20120020764
    Abstract: A goods handling' apparatus for a cargo storage and transport vehicle includes a movable cargo platform continuous with a portion of cargo enclosure floor, when the cargo platform is in an upper position. Cargo may be slid between the trailer floor and the cargo platform. A vertical actuator raises and lowers the cargo platform between the upper position and a lower position atop the ground or other vehicle support surface whereupon cargo may be slid between the cargo platform and the ground or other positions. The cargo platform is disposed substantially within the plan perimeter of the floor of the cargo module during raising and lowering. A modular system may be integrated into the cargo enclosure, or may be incorporated into a modular enclosure for appending to a cargo box of the prior art. An underside is disposed in vertically adjusting communication with the cargo platform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2011
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Inventor: Ronald R. Nespor
  • Publication number: 20110305550
    Abstract: A vehicle-mountable cargo transport apparatus configured for association with a motor vehicle so that the motor vehicle has a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) up to about 10,000 lbs and may be capable of transporting a cargo up to about 3,500 lbs or more and a motor vehicle including a vehicle-mountable cargo transport apparatus are disclosed. The motor vehicle includes a chassis cab or cutaway chassis and the vehicle-mountable cargo transport apparatus. The vehicle-mountable cargo transport apparatus includes a cargo-carrying unit and an extensible spacer mechanism. The extensible spacer mechanism is configured for reversibly increasing a distance of the cargo-carrying unit with respect to the ground so as to accommodate at least one of receiving and delivering a cargo at a conventional loading dock.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2010
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Inventor: Andrew Ralph Haire
  • Patent number: 8043040
    Abstract: A goods handling' apparatus for a cargo storage and transport vehicle includes a movable cargo platform continuous with a portion of cargo enclosure floor, when the cargo platform is in an upper position. Cargo may be slid between the trailer floor and the cargo platform. A vertical actuator raises and lowers the cargo platform between the upper position and a lower position atop the ground or other vehicle support surface whereupon cargo may be slid between the cargo platform and the ground or other positions. The cargo platform is disposed substantially within the plan perimeter of the floor of the cargo module during raising and lowering. A modular system may be integrated into the cargo enclosure, or may be incorporated into a modular enclosure for appending to a cargo box of the prior art. An underride is disposed in vertically adjusting communication with the cargo platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Inventor: Ronald R. Nespor
  • Patent number: 7926618
    Abstract: A portable wheel chair lift device includes a lift car, a support base, and a lifting mechanism coupled thereto to selectively raise or lower the lift car while allowing the floor of the lift car to be fully-lowered to the ground surface. A scissors-like brace selectively locks the front door of the lift car to the support base when the lift car is elevated. The lift car floor can be folded and collapsed to a reduced width allowing transport through narrow. Transport casters are removably mounted to the bottom of the lift car to facilitate transport. The lift device includes a height adjustment control within the lift car to repeatably raise the lift car to the height of a stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: AGM Container Controls, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Zuercher, James T. (“Tim”) Coble
  • Patent number: 7857573
    Abstract: A cart stop suitable for use with a lift platform is described. The cart stop has a closed position which allows a cart or other wheeled device to move over it. The cart stop also has an open position which prevents the cart or other wheeled device from rolling off of the lift platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Maxon Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Karapet Ablabutyan, Aida Sahakyan
  • Patent number: 7811046
    Abstract: A bifurcated, dual-compartment trailer having a front storage compartment and a rear storage compartment, each having a power driven live floor. The storage compartments are selectively separated by a moveable or openable partition having a closed position and an open position. In the closed position the partition divides the front compartment from the rear compartment and provides a barrier that prevents bulk material contained in either compartment from mixing with bulk material in the other compartment. The trailer includes a rear door, and when opened, the rear compartment may be unloaded using the rear live floor, after which the partition may be opened and the front compartment unloaded using both the front and rear live floors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Inventors: Bruce Reuser, John Reuser
  • Patent number: 7806647
    Abstract: A lift gate apparatus for a truck or trailer body is provided that includes a platform and a drive mechanism operable to pivot the platform between a stowed position and a deployed position, and vertically move the platform from a bed-level position and a lower than bed-level position. In some embodiments, the drive mechanism utilizes a pneumatic motor to power one or both of a pivot drive and a lift drive. In some embodiments, the drive mechanism utilizes one or more pneumatic cylinders within the pivot drive or lift drive. In some embodiments, one or more pneumatic cylinders are arranged to both pivot the platform and vertically lift the platform, thereby combining the functionality of the pivot drive and the lift drive. The emergency brake system of the truck or trailer body can be used as a source of compressed air to power the pneumatic motor and/or cylinders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Patriot Lift Co., LLC
    Inventors: Celio J. Gomes, David F. Rivers
  • Patent number: 7665948
    Abstract: An anti-injury protection device for hydraulic lifting platforms of good-lifts, air platforms and similar includes tetrahedral structures (1) that may be applied for protection of the edges of sharp boards (P) of good-lifts, air platforms and similar, from which telescopic structures (6) are projecting for the protection of the edges, and of light devices (7) which get automatically started when they get into contact with the surface of the plane to be protected; in the lower part of the structures (1), horizontally pivoted planes (4, 5) are provided, kept in resting position by magnets or other and which, once opened, add their own fluorescence to the intermittent danger light signal placed on top of the tetrahedron so as to attract and contemporarily call the attention for showing the obstacle and the dangerous area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Inventor: Paolo Castorino
  • Patent number: 7635248
    Abstract: A sliding deck for carrying loads in transit and both lifting or lowering the loads includes a spaced pair of pivoting outer tubular tower members having hydraulically operated cylinders interior to a pair of telescoping tubular inner members located interior to the outer tubular tower member in which the pivoting of the tower members is controlled about a pivot by a supporting hydraulically-operated cylinder. A friction-relieving feature for accommodating movement of the interior telescoping member may include a Teflon brand wear pad fixed on the inner surface of the fixed outer tubular tower member. Together, the fixed outer tubular member and the sliding interior tubular member form a pivoting tower-like support member at an incline relative to the truck bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Assignee: Sidney Slide L.P.
    Inventor: Michael H. Nolan
  • Publication number: 20090297313
    Abstract: A cart stop suitable for use with a lift platform is described. The cart stop has a closed position which allows a cart or other wheeled device to move over it. The cart stop also has an open position which prevents the cart or other wheeled device from rolling off of the lift platform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Inventors: Karapet Ablabutyan, Aida Sahakyan
  • Publication number: 20090285661
    Abstract: A goods handling' apparatus for a cargo storage and transport vehicle includes a movable cargo platform continuous with a portion of cargo enclosure floor, when the cargo platform is in an upper position. Cargo may be slid between the trailer floor and the cargo platform. A vertical actuator raises and lowers the cargo platform between the upper position and a lower position atop the ground or other vehicle support surface whereupon cargo may be slid between the cargo platform and the ground or other positions. The cargo platform is disposed substantially within the plan perimeter of the floor of the cargo module during raising and lowering. A modular system may be integrated into the cargo enclosure, or may be incorporated into a modular enclosure for appending to a cargo box of the prior art. An underride is disposed in vertically adjusting communication with the cargo platform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2009
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Inventor: Ronald R. Nespor
  • Publication number: 20090208315
    Abstract: A vehicle provided with at least one front axis and at least one rear axis, one vehicle frame and at least one loading box or loading surface which can be raised or lowered in a vertical direction by way of lifting devices, in addition to a loading ramp located in the rear area of the vehicle. At least one loading box or loading surface is arranged behind at least one rear axis such that it forms an inner loading ramp (9). At least one opening surface is arranged in a lateral (16) and rear position (20) on the vehicle frame and used to release loading openings for loading or emptying.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2009
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Inventor: Walter HURLER
  • Patent number: 7568877
    Abstract: A goods handling apparatus for a cargo storage and transport trailer of, or connectable to, a vehicle. The preferred apparatus includes a movable cargo platform forming a separate part of, and continuous with, the trailer floor when the cargo platform is in an upper position whereupon cargo may be slid between the trailer floor and the cargo platform. A vertical actuator attached to the cargo platform raises and lowers the cargo platform between the upper position and a lower position atop the ground or other vehicle support surface whereupon cargo may be slid between the cargo platform and the ground or other vehicle support surface. The cargo platform is positioned substantially within the plan perimeter of the floor of the trailer when cargo on the cargo platform is lifted or lowered. A side module is also available.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Inventor: Ronald R. Nespor