Patents Examined by A. M. Boehler
  • Patent number: 10543880
    Abstract: A bracket cover is configured to cover at least a portion of a bracket that is attachable to a handlebar of a bicycle. The bracket cover comprises a cover main body. The cover main body is formed in a tubular shape having a first end portion and a second end portion. The cover main body has an opening part extending from at least one of the first end portion and the second end portion such that the opening part forms a first edge portion and a second edge portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Naoki Fujimoto, Yoshimitsu Miki, Yasuhisa Watanabe, Yasuyuki Komada
  • Patent number: 10538238
    Abstract: A modular rear drive unit for a hybrid vehicle comprises a torque distributing unit, an electric motor-generator, and a gearing arrangement operatively connecting the electric motor-generator with the torque distributing unit. The modular rear drive unit also includes an integrated housing and rear cradle supporting and surrounding the torque distributing unit, the electric motor-generator, and the gearing arrangement. The integrated housing and rear cradle operatively mounts to the vehicle body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Shawn H. Swales, Joel M. Maguire, Goro Tamai, Peter J. Savagian
  • Patent number: 10538276
    Abstract: A straddle-type vehicle includes a vehicle body frame; a power unit supported by the vehicle body frame; a seat mounted at a position higher than the power unit; a handle bar mounted at a position more forward than the seat; a pair of front wheels spaced apart from each other in a vehicle width direction; a pair of suspensions spaced apart from each other in the vehicle width direction and connecting the pair of front wheels to the vehicle frame; and a vehicle body vibration control damper including end portions connected to a first attachment portion and a second attachment portion, respectively, mounted on the vehicle body frame so as to be spaced apart from each other in a vehicle front-back direction, and mounted so as to extend in the vehicle front-back direction with at least a portion thereof located between the pair of suspensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kazunari Takata, Keijiro Ota, Chisei Asami, Koji Kobayashi, Seiji Sawai
  • Patent number: 10526031
    Abstract: A fender assembly for a tractor, as well as a tractor having such a fender assembly. The fender assembly is constructed as first and second fender parts, connected via a rail. The rail has a partial spiral or helical shape. As a result, the second fender part is moveable on the rail along a path substantially parallel to a portion of the circumference of a wheel of the tractor, in a direction downwardly and outwardly relative to the first fender part. This provides a fender assembly allowing for improved access to tractor components located inboard of the fender assembly, as well as allowing for ease of access to the second fender part for an operator standing on the ground adjacent the tractor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: AGCO International GmbH
    Inventor: Erich Freytag
  • Patent number: 10518841
    Abstract: A bicycle comprises a wheel, a frame supported on the wheel and including a tube hole, a motor mounted to the frame, a battery including battery hole extending completely through the battery, and a battery mounting pin extending through the battery hole and tube hole to secure the battery to the frame. In one embodiment, the tube includes spaced-apart first and second walls, with the tube hole through the first wall and a threaded hole through the second wall and aligned with the tube hole. Preferably, the battery mounting pin includes a threaded end, and the battery mounting pin is positioned through the tube hole and through the battery hole with the threaded end threaded into the threaded hole. The invention is also embodied in a method of mounting a battery to an ebike including the steps of aligning the battery hole with the tube hole and inserting a battery mounting pin through the tube hole and completely through the battery hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: SPECIALIZED BICYCLE COMPONENTS, INC.
    Inventors: Jan Talavasek, Vincent Patureau, Marco Sonderegger, Marc Pallure, Daniel Lentz
  • Patent number: 10518828
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include a trailer assembly for transporting a plurality of proppant containers along a roadway, and associated methods. The trailer assembly includes a skeletal frame having open areas between structural components to enhance weight reduction of the frame, and first, second, third, and connector sections. Additionally, the frame includes a pair of spaced-apart side rails and three or more wheel and axle assemblies to facilitate movement of the trailer assembly. The trailer assembly includes a first pair of outriggers coupled to and arranged transverse the pair of side rails, and a second pair of outriggers arranged proximate the first pair of outriggers. The outriggers have a coupling element positioned at each distal end to engage and secure a proppant container of the plurality of proppant containers to the trailer assembly. Each distal end is positioned to extend outwardly from an axis of the trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: OREN TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: John Oren, Joshua Oren
  • Patent number: 10513300
    Abstract: A bicycle seat post assembly includes a lower seat support secured to the frame, an upper seat support secured to the seat and movable relative to the lower seat support, and an adjusting mechanism coupling the lower seat support to the upper seat support. The adjusting mechanism includes a powered actuator engageable with both the lower seat support and the upper seat support and configured to move the upper seat support relative to the lower seat support, and a coupling device selectively connecting the powered actuator to one of the lower seat support or the upper seat support. The coupling device has a connected state wherein the powered actuator is operatively connected to the one of the lower seat support or the upper seat support and a disconnected state wherein the powered actuator is operatively disconnected to the one of the lower seat support or the upper seat support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2019
    Assignee: SPECIALIZED BICYCLE COMPONENTS, INC.
    Inventor: Jeffrey K Bowers
  • Patent number: 10513304
    Abstract: A configurable cycle vehicle (10) has an adjustable frame (12) which is formed from a plurality of relatively configurable frame members (26, 28, 30, 32, 34), and which can be separately arranged in a first, upright riding condition, or alternatively in a second, recumbent riding condition. A method of conversion of a cycle vehicle between first and second riding conditions is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2019
    Assignee: Intuitive Designs (Jersey) Ltd
    Inventor: Wendy Thomson
  • Patent number: 10507701
    Abstract: Provided is a trailer platform having an adjustable ball position. The platform has a first end portion sized to removably mount within a trailer hitch receiver and a second end portion opposite the first end portion. A movable ball mount having a ball hole sized to mount a trailer ball is on the movable ball mount and the movable ball mount is movably mounted on the second end portion of the platform so that the movable ball mount can be moved between a retracted position and an extended position on the platform to adjust a distance between the first end of the platform the ball hole, with the extended position providing a greater distance between the ball hole and the first end portion than the distance between the ball hole and the first end portion in the retracted position. Also provided is a method of using the movable ball mount to provide slack to disconnect a trailer coupler from the trailer ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: Kennco Investments, LLC
    Inventor: Russell R. Kennedy
  • Patent number: 10501141
    Abstract: A folding tricycle, having a first rear frame rotatably connected on a first end thereof with a first end of a first bottom frame; a second rear frame rotatably connected on a first end thereof with a first end of a second bottom frame; the first rear frame rotatably connected on a second end thereof with a first rear wheel; the second rear frame rotatably connected on a second end thereof with a second rear wheel; the first and second bottom frames rotatably connected on second ends thereof with a first end of a front frame; a seat frame rotatably connected on a front end thereof with one of a second end of the front frame and a front bearing member; a front wheel connected with a handlebar through one of the front frame and the front bearing member; first and second support frames connected respectively on first end thereof with the first and second rear frames and configured to stabilize the tricycle in an unfolded position; and a locking mechanism configured to lock the tricycle in an unfolded position; t
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: Mobius Design Ltd.
    Inventors: Shay Cohen, Amit Nir, Shlomi Avital
  • Patent number: 10472006
    Abstract: The powered hand truck with pivoting tracks includes a chassis containing the components for general operation. A common pivot axle extends through the chassis and a pair of tracks is pivotally attached to opposite ends of the common pivot axle. This connection to the pivot axle permits each track to pivot passively with respect to the chassis independently of the other. An extendable control arm has one end attached to each opposing side of the chassis and an opposing end attached to a corresponding track. The control arm controls the extent of pivoted positioning of the connected track to dampen pivoting of the corresponding track within a predetermined range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Inventors: Steven Borntrager, James Borntrager
  • Patent number: 10470953
    Abstract: A wheelchair anti-rollback device utilizes one-way roller clutches which incorporate a selectable free-rotation functionality such that the wheelchair user can select between anti-rollback and free-wheeling modes. The anti-rollback mode is of utility when the wheelchair user is propelling up ramps. The modal selection is by means of a knob positioned on the centerline rotation axis of the mechanism. The mechanism also included functionality that allows mode change from anti-rollback to free-wheeling to be made at any time, including while the chair is on an inclined ramp. The invention can incorporated into the hub of the rear wheels of a wheelchair or into the toggle mechanism of typically used to actuate parking brakes. When incorporated into a wheelchair, the invention gives the wheelchair user greater control and ease in ascending ramps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Inventor: Stephen Green
  • Patent number: 10457349
    Abstract: A vehicle component that can include a suspension system for bicycles, electric bicycles, or electric scooters. The vehicle component can include a sliding four-bar system with a link pivotally connecting a swing arm to the front triangle and a sliding link slidably connecting the swing arm to a front triangle bottom portion. The resulting suspension system can be optimized to balance forces of generate a balance of forces between of drive and driven loads against the mass of the rider and inertia while still free for the rear wheel to trace the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Inventor: Darrell W. Voss
  • Patent number: 10457324
    Abstract: An all-wheel steer trailer is disclosed which includes an elongated frame, having a forward end and a rearward end, with the forward end of the frame having the rearward end of an elongated tongue secured thereto about a horizontal axis. The rearward end of the tongue is pivotally secured, about a horizontal axis, to a pair of wheels at the forward end of the frame. The invention includes an improved structure wherein the pivoting of the front wheels of the trailer also causes the pivoting of the rear wheels of the trailer so that the rear wheels track the front wheels of the trailer as the trailer is being turned. The trailer includes an improved means for pivoting the rear wheels of the trailer with respect to the front wheels of the trailer as the trailer is being turned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Inventor: James A. Hellbusch
  • Patent number: 10442479
    Abstract: A moving mechanism includes a support; a driving device mounted on the support; a controller arranged on the support; two sets of moving assemblies respectively mounted at two ends of the support; wherein each of the moving assemblies includes a track and two synchronous wheels of different diameters arranged inside the track, such that the moving mechanism is functioned and run freely over stairs, rugged road surfaces and all-terrain ground under the action of the driving device and the controller. Besides, the moving mechanism is equipped on electric vehicles and toys. The moving mechanism applies a breakthrough composite structure of a half-wheel-half-track configuration in combination with an additional omni-directional wheel, whereby the moving mechanism and the electric vehicles and toys equipping the same are adaptable to different road surfaces and stairs of various angles, and also convenient and reliable to use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: LAI PING AUBREY CHAN
    Inventor: Lai Ping Aubrey Chan
  • Patent number: 10434925
    Abstract: An electric moving device for vehicles, relating to the trailer area, having a base frame, a travelling mechanism, a steering handle mechanism, a driving mechanism and an electric control assembly. The base frame has a support frame and a connecting frame, and the connecting frame is disposed over the support frame. The travelling mechanism has roller wheels on the support frame, and the driving mechanism has a driver and a clutch system. The driver and clutch system are located on two sides of the support frame separately. The clutch system has an input end connected to the driver in a transmission way and an output end connected to the roller wheels in a transmission way. The steering handle mechanism is rotationally fixed to the base frame so the steering handle mechanism could deflect to the two sides of the travelling direction of the moving device for vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: Zhejiang Nowvow Mechanical and Electrical Corp., Ltd.
    Inventors: Litian Zhang, Sanjiu Zhang, Keqian Xiao, Liangdao Tang, Guogang Zhang
  • Patent number: 10427733
    Abstract: A crawler device 2 includes a crawler unit 5. The crawler unit 5 includes a first support 10 extending along a first rotational axis L1, a pair of crawler structures 20A, 20B mounted on the first support 10 and a pair of ground contacting structures 30A, 30B mounted on the first support 10. The pair of ground contacting structures 30A, 30B are arranged outside of the pair of crawler structures 20A, 20B in a direction in which the pair of crawler structures 20A, 20B are opposed to each other. The crawler unit 5 is supported by second supports 41, 42 such that the crawler unit 5 is rotatable about the first rotational axis L1. An outer periphery of the crawler unit 5 having a circular cylindrical configuration includes first zones Z1 occupied by the pair of crawler structures 20A, 20B and second zones Z2 occupied by the pair of ground contacting structures 30A, 30B alternately arranged in a circumferential direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: Topy Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takuma Akazawa, Shingo Tsukui
  • Patent number: 10427707
    Abstract: A dual-pinion electric power steering device has: a rack shaft that causes a turnable member to turn; a first pinion shaft to which a steering force from a steering wheel is transmitted; a first rack teeth disposed on the rack shaft and capable of meshing with the first pinion shaft; a second pinion shaft to which a rotational driving force from an assist motor is transmitted; a second rack teeth disposed on the rack shaft and capable of meshing with the second pinion shaft; a first pressing member disposed across the rack shaft from the first pinion shaft and configured to press the rack shaft toward the first pinion shaft; and a second pressing member disposed across the rack shaft from the second pinion shaft and configured to press the rack shaft toward the second pinion shaft. The first pressing member has a lower rigidity than the second pressing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takashi Miyoshi, Yosuke Tanaka, Yuichi Shimada, Tsutomu Tatsuishi
  • Patent number: 10421517
    Abstract: Headsets and head tube assemblies for vehicles are provided. A vehicle includes a steerer tube and a head tube. A headset rotatably connects the steerer tube and the head tube. The headset includes a coupling ring which includes a body and a central bore defined in and extending through the body. The coupling ring is connectable to and rotatable with the steerer tube. The headset further includes a cup which includes a body and a central bore defined in and extending through the body. The cup is connectable to and rotatable with the head tube. The headset further includes a damper assembly, the damper assembly including a first damper element rotatable with the steerer tube and a second damper element rotatable with the head tube, the first damper element and the second damper element in frictional contact with and rotatable relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: CANE CREEK CYCLING COMPONENTS, INC.
    Inventors: Joshua Philip Coaplen, James Gray Morrison
  • Patent number: 10406872
    Abstract: A trailer coupling for a motor vehicle for attaching a trailer or for supporting a load carrier, including a coupling arm provided for coupling a coupling piece of the trailer or load carrier, and at least one sensor arranged on the coupling arm for detecting a deformation of the coupling arm caused by a load on the coupling arm. For the trailer coupling, at least one recess is provided on an outer circumferential contour of the coupling arm, in which or on which recess the at least one sensor is arranged or held.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: WESTFALIA-AUTOMOTIVE GMBH
    Inventors: Rene Scheips, Bernhard Sielhorst