Tractor Or Trailer Patents (Class 446/434)
  • Patent number: 11788250
    Abstract: A compact utility loader compact utility loader comprising a frame, a first track and a second track positioned on either side of the frame, and a pair of loader arms. The loader arms are configured to couple with an attachment via a hitch plate and a hitch pin. The compact utility loader is configured such that as the loader arms are raised and lowered, the hitch pin follows a path approximately defined by a curve f(x)=4.641e0.34x The value “x” represents a horizontal direction and the function f(x) represents a vertical direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: Great Plains Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Carlson, John Relph, Matthew Shobe, Jeff Welsh
  • Patent number: 8376804
    Abstract: A multi-directional radio controlled toy, having a main vehicle with housing configured as a creature-like head containing propulsion and control components including two drive motors with controller, drive wheels coupled with the motors, power supply and wireless signal receiver coupled with the controller. An unpowered body portion trails the main vehicle and body members movably connected together by articulated couplings to permit body articulation throughout substantially the entire body portion of the creature-like device. A jaw moving mechanism in the main vehicle is powered by the motors to raise an upper jaw portion of the head until tripped by contact of a trigger at the front end of the main vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: William Willett, Chung Ming (Bryan) Cheng, Chun Wing (Edward) Wong
  • Patent number: 7976356
    Abstract: A boom assembly for a bucket of a toy vehicle comprises at least one bucket bearer, which is articulated to a frame of the toy vehicle by a first swivel joint, and at least one telescopic support with two telescopic elements, which can be displaced in telescopic manner with respect to one another. One of the telescopic elements is articulated to the bucket bearer by a second swivel joint, the other telescopic element is articulated to the frame by a third swivel joint. Furthermore, at least one latch mechanism is provided, the latch mechanism having a latch body which is provided on one of the telescopic elements, and a counter body which is provided on the bucket bearer. The bodies of the latch mechanism are positioned with respect to one another such that when the bucket bearers are moved from a lowered basic position into a raised position, the latch body comes to rest against the counter body before the raised position is reached, the telescopic support being bent with the production of a bending tension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Bruder Spielwaren GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Paul Heinz Bruder
  • Patent number: 7927174
    Abstract: A toy vehicle is provided having a wheel base, a chassis, and a cab. The wheel base has pairs of rear wheels. The chassis is attached to the wheel base about a horizontal rotational axis which is capable of raising and lowering the chassis from a first position to a second position. The cab is pivotally attached to the chassis such that the cab is able to remain in a substantially horizontal position when the chassis is moved. The cab further includes a pair of joints that secure arms, which have at the end a wheel. The joint enables the arms to move when the chassis moves. When moving the cab, the vehicle transforms between the first and second positions, where the wheels attached to the arms are able to move with the cab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Rehco, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel Kim, Ryan Kratz
  • Patent number: 7497757
    Abstract: An electric motor toy transport trailer configured to transport an electric motor toy 21 includes a charger 17 includes a rechargeable main power source 17a and a charging connector 17c connected to the rechargeable main power source 17a via a cord 17b. The rechargeable main power source 17a is housed in the electric motor toy transport trailer body 12 in a manner such that the rechargeable main power source 17a is disposed at a position lower than the upper edge of tires 13. The charging connector 17c is stored in an openable and closable container box 14 provided on the electric motor toy transport trailer body 12.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: Kyosho Corporation
    Inventor: Takashi Hamasaki
  • Patent number: 7195271
    Abstract: Children's ride-on vehicle assemblies that include a leading vehicle, a trailing vehicle, and a connection apparatus, such as a hitch assembly, that selectively interconnects the leading and trailing vehicles. At least the leading vehicle includes a drive assembly adapted to propel the vehicle along a ground surface. In some embodiments, at least the leading vehicle is a battery-powered ride-on vehicle. The hitch assembly is adapted to interconnect the leading and trailing vehicles and to provide a limited range of pivoting of the vehicles relative to each other. In some embodiments, the hitch assembly includes a pinch-relief mechanism that is adapted to provide at least a predetermined clearance between the vehicles. In some embodiments, the hitch assembly is adapted to provide limited pivotal ranges in at least two planes. In some embodiments, the hitch assembly is adapted to selectively uncouple and recouple the vehicles from and to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: William R. Howell, Gary G. Lenihan
  • Patent number: 6827627
    Abstract: The invention relates to a toy vehicle having steerable wheels, to a steering mechanism for such a vehicle, and to a steering module incorporated in the steering mechanism. The steering module includes a coil having a first end and a second end with a central axis extending between the first and second ends thereof, a bar disposed adjacent the first end of the coil and mounted along a substantially linear axis generally perpendicular to the central axis of the coil. The coil and the bar are mounted to be moveable relative to each other. The bar includes first and second magnets mounted on the bar along the substantially linear axis. The first and second magnets each include a north pole and a south pole, with the north pole of the first magnet facing the first end of the coil and the south pole of the second magnet facing the first end of the coil. The steering mechanism is compact in size with few parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Inventor: Sek Wan Tsang
  • Patent number: 6786795
    Abstract: A toy vehicle has a tractor and trailer that is countable to the tractor. The tractor includes a tractor hitch assembly and an operating assembly for propelling the tractor in forward and reverse directions and for turning the tractor 360° in place. The trailer has a trailer body and a tongue extending therefrom with a trailer hitch assembly connected to the trailer tongue. The tractor and trailer hitch assemblies are arranged and countable together to enable relative pitch and roll between the tractor and trailer and rotation of the tractor under the trailer tongue at least on a flat surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Bang Zoom Design Ltd.
    Inventors: Sean Mullaney, Michael Hoeting, Neil Hamilton, Steven Fink, Tommie Lucas, Robert Paul Spalinski, Matthew James Del Duke
  • Patent number: 6672936
    Abstract: A toy vehicle (10) comprising a part (12) resembling a truck tractor, a part (14) resembling a truck trailer and a pivotal connection (16) therebetween. The pivotal connection (16) is positioned between a platform portion (20) of the tractor part (12) and a front portion (22) of the trailer part (14) that extend over the tractor's platform portion (20). The pivotal connection (16) includes a recess-and-projection arrangement allowing pivotal movement between the tractor part (12) and the trailer part (14), and a groove-projection arrangement limiting the maximum turning radius between the tractor part (12) and the trailer part (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: The Little Tikes Company
    Inventor: Aaron Shaffer
  • Patent number: 6520829
    Abstract: A model racing toy including a convertible model transport vehicle, a model vehicle and model vehicle accessories. The model transport vehicle may be converted by means of a push button or other such device into a model racing pit stop. The convertible transport includes a storable deployment ramp which is ejected when the conversion button is pressed, allowing the model vehicle to move from an exemplary position atop the model transport vehicle. The vehicle is equipped with activation points, motors and a speaker. The activation points compose a variety of different switches, designed to resemble vehicle parts. When a specific activation point is activated, it triggers a series of actions by the motors and speaker, prompting the user to make certain repairs. The successful making of repairs activates other activation points, which provide affirming messages and vehicle motion to simulate the continuance of a race after repair has been made.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: The Little Tikes Company
    Inventor: Kenneth D. Temple
  • Patent number: 6439954
    Abstract: A weight transferring sled toy for simulating a weight transfer sled used in truck and tractor pulls. The weight transferring sled toy includes a main body portion that has a main body base and a pair of tracks that extend upward from the main body base. A pair of wheels are coupled to a rear portion of the main body portion. An axle extends between the wheels and is coupled to the rear portion of the main body portion. An axle gear is coupled to a medial portion of the axle. A bar extends between a forward portion of the tracks. A drive chain extends between the bar and the axle gear such that rotation of the axle gear rotates the drive chain. A weight sled is positionable on the tracks. The weight sled has a hook member for engaging the drive chain whereby the weight sled is moved along the tracks when the wheels rotate and the hook member is engaged to the drive chain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Inventors: Lyle F. Walter, Judy Walter
  • Patent number: 6110003
    Abstract: A trailer is provided including a neck adapted for engaging a towing structure. A frame is fixedly attached to the neck. A plurality of wheel assemblies are coupled to the frame. Also included is a deck pivotally attached to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Inventor: Robert W. Green
  • Patent number: 5989096
    Abstract: A remotely-controllable motorized toy vehicle having a highly-maneuverable skid steering system driven by single or dual motors, having a separately motorized lift device pivotally secured to the chassis of the vehicle operative to lift and transport transportable elements, and also having an automatic tow hitch mechanism. The lift and hitching mechanism is coupled to a motorized lift gear train which provides for the sequential actuation of the lift for lifting and transport of the transportable elements and acutation of the hitch mechanism for hitching and unhitching towed vehicles. The vehicle is constructed with a particular wheel track to wheel base ratio providing improved skid steering as well as enhanced manueverability and stability. The mechanisms and gear trains have proper ratios and dimensions providing for the proper sequence of hitch actuation during upward and downward movement of the lift device whereby the hitch is operative only upon extended upward operation of the lift.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Rokenbok Toy Company
    Inventors: William M. Barton, Lonnie C. Pogue, Jon M. Drechny
  • Patent number: 5879221
    Abstract: A remotely-controllable motorized toy bulldozer vehicle has a highly-maneuverable skid steering system and a motorized blade lift mechanism pivotally secured to the chassis of the vehicle operative to permit the blade to free float at its lower positions but operative in the elevated position of such blade to positively hold it up at a set level. A hitch is provided for hitching to a trailer and hitch driver is responsive to such blade being lifted to higher elevations to automatically unhitch the hitch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Assignee: Rokenbok Toy Company
    Inventors: William M. Barton, Lonnie C. Pogue, Daniel J. Aldred
  • Patent number: 5846120
    Abstract: A toy trailer for towing or hauling transportable elements including a unique tow hitch assembly and suitable for use with remotely-controllable motorized toy vehicles having a highly-maneuverable skid steering systems driven by single or dual motors, having a separately motorized loading device pivotally secured to the chassis of the vehicle operative to load, push or pull transportable elements or load same on to the trailer, the motorized vehicle having in one embodiment a hopper mounted on the vehicle, and having an automatic tow hitch mechanism with both the hopper and the hitching mechanism coupled to a motorized loading device gear train which mechanism provides for the sequential actuation of, first, the scoop for loading transportable elements into the hopper or on to the trailer and, second, for actuation of both the hopper for dumping and the hitch mechanism for hitching and unhitching of trailer vehicles, and including control means responsive, without wires connected to the vehicle, to operator c
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Assignee: Rokenbok Toy Company
    Inventor: William M. Barton, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5512001
    Abstract: A toy vehicle includes a sound generating mechanism for generating realistic vehicle engine sound and a smoke generating mechanism for generating simulated smoke vapors. The sound generating mechanism and the smoke generating mechanism are simultaneously actuatable by moving an accessory, such as a spoiler, on a cab portion of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1996
    Assignees: Stephen Schwartz Design, Design Lab
    Inventors: Michael Kent, Thomas P. Hamilton, Stephen Schwartz, Henry Sharpe, III, Ralph Beckman, Bryan Thurston
  • Patent number: 5433645
    Abstract: A model trailer is provided of the type for hauling trash from a collection point to a disposal site. The trailer has a frame, a hitch at one end of the frame and wheels at the other end. The trailer also has a trailer body including a base, a front wall, opposite side walls and a side-hinged rear gate. Within the trailer body is a remote radio controlled pusher blade which can be moved longitudinally of the trailer body to discharge contents of the trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1995
    Assignee: Daniel J. O'Neill
    Inventor: Thomas C. Henning, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5328402
    Abstract: A toy trailer including a hopper, with the hopper including bottom wall doors pivotally mounted and arranged for closing and opening relative to cables directed to a winding axle is provided. Trailer wheels are mounted below the trailer floor, that in turn is positioned rearwardly of the trailer hopper for simulation of a bottom dump trailer organization.A framework is provided and arranged for mounting onto and extending over the hopper. The framework includes a canopy reciprocatably mounted in the framework. Further, the trailer wheels have a support deck to optionally include lock plates slidable and selectively latched relative to the trailer floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1994
    Inventor: Jon D. Hallford
  • Patent number: 5232393
    Abstract: A toy trailer (10) for releasably engaging and being pulled behind a toy vehicle (24), and for being supported by and moved over a selected travel surface. The toy trailer (10) includes a bed portion (12) defining an upper cargo supporting surface (13), and defining a front end portion (20) provided with a pair of selectively spaced ramp sections (28 and 30). The bed portion (12) also defines a rear end portion (18) provided with at least a pair of oppositely disposed wheel members (16). A neck member (22) is included for releasably coupling the bed portion (12) with a toy truck or tractor (24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1993
    Inventor: Jerry H. Brown
  • Patent number: 4869700
    Abstract: The toy combination includes a self-powered toy vehicle with driven wheels adjacent the front thereof and a toy trailer with non-driven wheels and with a receptacle on the trailer in front of its wheels releasably receiving the rear of the toy vehicle. The toy vehicle and trailer include cooperative details for locating and interlocking them together when the rear of the vehicle is received in the receptacle. The toy vehicle and trailer are configured such that the toy combination formed thereby resembles a tractor-trailer type truck whose front wheels comprise the driven wheels of the toy vehicle and whose rear wheels comprise the wheels of the trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1989
    Assignee: Lionel Trains, Inc.
    Inventors: Victor G. Reiling, Jr., Brian L. Dean, Daniel J. Cooney
  • Patent number: 4708683
    Abstract: A toy car carrier having handles which are movable between inoperative and operative positions. When in operative positions, the handles may be held to carry or propel the toy car carrier and to confine the toy cars to the toy car carrier. When the handles are moved to inoperative positions, they release the toy cars for removal from the toy car carrier.In its preferred form, the toy car carrier is a tractor-trailer type of vehicle wherein both the tractor and the trailer are capable of carrying toy cars, and both are provided with ramps for toy car loading and unloading purposes. A coupling between the tractor and trailer has dual functions: to pivotally couple the tractor and trailer for normal use, and to lock the tractor and trailer relative to each other for carrying purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1986
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1987
    Inventors: Roger W. Lehmann, Michael I. Satten
  • Patent number: 4698044
    Abstract: An articulated toy vehicle capable of negotiating a difficult terrain such as a terrain characterized by successive troughs and peaks and other irregularities. The articulated vehicle is composed of a wheeled tractor section and a series of wheeled trailer sections linked thereto by means of a motor-driven, multi-section drive shaft, each section of which is operatively coupled to a wheel axle of a respective vehicle section. The drive shaft sections are intercoupled by detachable universal joints whereby as the vehicle traverses the difficult terrain, it assumes a sinuous formation conforming to the varying contours of the terrain to provide a distributed traction making it possible for the vehicle to overcome the difficulties presented by the terrain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1986
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1987
    Inventors: Melvin R. Kennedy, Dietmar Nagel, Abraham A. Arad
  • Patent number: 4661082
    Abstract: A display article comprising a promotional truck assembly which is made entirely of corrugated fiberboard materials. A uniquely engineered series of cuts and score lines permits the article to be shipped in a completely flat or knockdown position. Upon receipt by the retail merchant, consumer or collector, the device may be readily assembled into a highly durable and attractive unit. No separate fasteners or glue of any kind are required for assembly of the unit which may be easily completed even by persons unfamiliar with display assembly techniques. It is contemplated that the device would be suitable for advertising and hobby/collector uses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1987
    Assignee: Merchandising Innovations, Inc.
    Inventor: Phil B. Sheffer
  • Patent number: 4615223
    Abstract: A frictional resistance measuring apparatus having a platform (28) attached to a frame (20). A pair of tandem wheels (36) are also attached to the frame (20), the combination providing a resistance surface and a rotational drive source when placed upon the ground or floor. A movable weight box (38) is slideably disposed and captivated within the frame (20) and is free to move fore and aft. A gear reduction drive arrangement in the form of gears and roller chains transmit the rotation of the wheels (36) to a linear movement when removably connected to the weight box (38). When a remote power source in the form of a model vehicle is attached to the front of the apparatus and operated, the frictional resistance of the platform (28) is increased proportionately as the weight box (38) simultaneously moves forward from the rear placing the box with weights progressively closer to the platform (28) thereby increasing the resistance providing measurement of the pulling power of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1985
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1986
    Inventor: Gregory L. Nause
  • Patent number: 4599078
    Abstract: A transformable toy assembly is disclosed which provides at least two assembly elements separable and combinable with respect to each other and independently reversibly transformable between at least two forms different from each other. The assembly elements are combined together in various forms to provide forms different from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1985
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1986
    Assignee: Takara Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Obara
  • Patent number: 4596533
    Abstract: A toy vehicle having a rear hitching element engageable by a dynamic coupler at one end of a sled-type trailer which may be more or less loaded by a player. The coupler is attached to a spring-biased piston slidable within a box projecting from the trailer whereby the extent to which the piston is withdrawn from the box when the trailer is hauled by the work vehicle depends on the magnitude of the load placed on the trailer. Operatively coupled to the piston is a load-indicating meter whose reading not only tells the player how great a load has been placed on the trailer, but also indicates the ability of the vehicle to haul this load, for the meter pointer will not move beyond the point at which the vehicle is stalled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1985
    Date of Patent: June 24, 1986
    Assignee: Buddy L Corporation
    Inventors: Melvin R. Kennedy, Dietmar Nagel, Abraham A. Arad
  • Patent number: 4571211
    Abstract: A toy pull-sled accessory for a self-propelled toy vehicle is supported for towing on a play surface by a forward friction pad and freely rotatable rear wheels. Friction with the surface is increased by a weight with a pivotally depending pawl movable along a ratchet rack from over the rear wheels toward and over the forward friction pad. Mounted for rotation on a rear wheel axle is a gear which periodically shuttles the rack forward against a rearward return bias to advance the weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1984
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1986
    Assignee: Marvin Glass & Associates
    Inventor: Wayne A. Kuna
  • Patent number: 4545777
    Abstract: A dioramatic running toy including a running member and a dioramatic panel removably attached to the running member so as to enable the dioramatic panel to run with the running member. The present invention further relates to a dioramatic running toy assembly including a plurality of dioramatic running toys capable of running in combination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1983
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1985
    Assignee: Takara Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hirohisa Satoh
  • Patent number: 4540377
    Abstract: A 4.times.4 conversion accessory for vehicles including a pair of spaced apart axles secured to an elongated transverse central frame member. Relatively large lugged wheels are attached to the ends of each axle for rotation with respect to the frame member. Mounting wells for releasably receiving the wheels of the vehicle are carried by the axles adjacent each lugged wheel to support the vehicle on the conversion accessory. Each well has a substantially solid outer circular wall and a spaced apart inner circular wall with a generally vertical slot extending down below the center of the inner wall. A telescoping frame member and mounting wells carried for sliding movement along the transverse axles accommodate vehicles having different wheel bases. In another version, the elongated frame member includes a compressible spring and releasable actuator for propelling a combined vehicle and 4.times.4 converter accessory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1984
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1985
    Assignee: Marvin Glass & Associates
    Inventors: Steven F. Rehkemper, Steven P. Hanson, Harry Disko
  • Patent number: 4516948
    Abstract: A reconfigurable toy assembly having foldable portions to allow the toy assembly to simulate a toy combination vehicle having a tractor unit and a trailer unit separatably connected to each other. The tractor unit when separated from the trailer unit is reversibly reconfigurable into a robotic humanoid form, while the trailer unit is reversibly reconfigurable into a play space for the robotic humanoid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1984
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1985
    Assignee: Takara Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Obara
  • Patent number: 4505686
    Abstract: A toy transport set is disclosed which includes a toy truck having a cab and a trailer for carrying one or more toy vehicles, such as toy cars. The trailer is convertible from a transport configuration in which the trailer is releasably coupled to the cab, into a bridge configuration wherein the trailer forms a bridge having a relatively smoothly curving upper surface over which toy vehicles can move and under which toy vehicles may pass. The trailer has a main body portion with a substantially semi-circular upper exterior surface and a substantially flat bottom surface, and two end portions which are pivotally connected adjacent respective ends of the main portion. The end portions each have a surface having a concave contour matching a portion of the upper surface of the main body portion such that the end portions can be placed in facial engagement with the upper exterior surface of the main body portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1983
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1985
    Inventor: James F. Mariol
  • Patent number: RE35082
    Abstract: A vibrating and sonic device for toy gun installed in a chamber of a toy gun body comprises a motor driven by pulling a trigger and a eccentric cam generating shaking effect which is directly transmitted to the toy gun body. Another effects of sound "Bang! Bang! Bang!" as well as flashes are also included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 7, 1995
    Assignee: S. R. Mickelberg Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Tien-Hsiang Kuo