Patents Examined by Bridget Avery
  • Patent number: 8770596
    Abstract: The invention is made up of an intact interiorly hollow body portion unit having a flat posterior side, a flat topside and a flat, laterally curvaceous bottomside together with correspondingly curvaceous lateral sides extending from the locus of the posterior side and tapering to frontal edging. It has a pair of arched handle units affixed to the topside and three elongated runner units affixed to the bottomside thereof. There is an elongated strut glued to interior walling of the bottomside that runs from the posterior side to the frontal edging collinearly with the medially positioned one of the three runner units. The handle units are affixed to the flat topside via screws into centerholes within each one of each of two pairs of support stud units located interiorly within the body portion unit, and; the three runner units are adhesively affixed parallelwise to exterior walling of the flat bottomside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Inventor: William C. Herrick
  • Patent number: 8763735
    Abstract: A cooling system for an electric vehicle is provided, wherein an exhaust air duct extending into a box is disposed in an air outlet of the box disposed in a lower portion of the vehicle interior; an air discharge port of the fan case coupled to the air outlet portion of the cooling duct faces an air inlet of the exhaust air duct with a predetermined gap therebetween in a direction of air flow; and when the air discharge port of the fan case is projected on a plane including the air inlet of the exhaust air duct, the air discharge port of the fan case is opened inside the air inlet of the exhaust air duct and a predetermined gap is formed in a transverse direction to the air flow between the air discharge port of the fan case and the air inlet of the exhaust air duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Suzuki Motor Corporation
    Inventor: Koichiro Watanabe
  • Patent number: 8763745
    Abstract: A snowmobile has a structure that reduces and minimizes adverse affects of snow on a throttle motor. The snowmobile includes a snowmobile body including an engine room therein, an engine which is disposed inside the engine room, a throttle valve arranged to adjust intake air supplied to the engine, a throttle motor arranged to drive the throttle valve and disposed ahead of the engine, and an air box arranged to pass the intake air through toward the engine, disposed ahead of the engine and including a portion located ahead of the throttle motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tokinari Nagao, Atsushi Sawabuchi, Takashi Ashida, Manabu Kai
  • Patent number: 8764061
    Abstract: A stand assembly (1) to be attached to a personal transport device (100). The device (100) including a base and at least one axle (104). The axle (104) being adapted to support at least one wheel (108). The wheel being adapted to assist movement of said device along a surface. The assembly to be located in use adjacent a centre of mass (XX) of said device and including a pair of arms (5) extending generally parallel to each other and longitudinally towards a bridging member (7) to define a “U” shape. Each arm (5) includes a hole (10) at a free end to engage the axle in use to permit movement of the arms about the axle between a use position and a stored position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Open Door Solutions Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Jason Paul Apthorpe
  • Patent number: 8752857
    Abstract: A snowboard binding for coupling a snowboard boot to a snowboard includes a highback that extends upwardly from a midfoot or heel region of the binding to provide rear support for the boot. In one embodiment, the highback is formed of a plurality of modular components that each can be manufactured of a separate material to collectively provide desired structural characteristics to the highback. The attachment of the highback, its supporting elements and one or more straps to retain the boot within the binding are arranged such that certain attachment points are fixedly connected to each other and thus made to move synchronously when the position of the highback with respect to the binding's base is adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Flow Sports, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger Neiley, Anthony Scaturro
  • Patent number: 8752844
    Abstract: A shoe mobility system for allowing a user's shoe to roll on a ground surface while the user is seated in a wheelchair. The system features a base panel connected to a back panel at an angle, wherein the panels are for positioned at the back and bottom area of a shoe. A pair of flanges extends from the back panel of the system, and an axle spans the flanges. A wheel is rotatably attached to the axle. The system is attachable to the user's shoe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Inventors: Gregory J. Walker, Susan E. Walker
  • Patent number: 8746382
    Abstract: A method of priming a common bus of a machine having an engine, a generator and an auxiliary power source is provided. The method may determine an operational state of the auxiliary power source, operate the engine at a predetermined idle speed if the auxiliary power source is determined to be inoperative, and enable the generator to regulate the common bus in response to the predetermined idle speed of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Jackson Wai, Thuong Le, Timothy Goldammer
  • Patent number: 8740243
    Abstract: A foldable stroller frame includes: two opposite foldable side frame units; and a foldable middle support interconnecting the side frame units. Each of the side frame units includes a handle rod, a first leg pivoted to the handle rod and adapted to be connected to a first stroller wheel, a second leg pivoted to the first leg and adapted to be connected to a second stroller wheel, and a connecting slider mounted slidably on the second leg. The handle rod has a lower end portion pivoted to the connecting slider so as to be co-slidable with the connecting slider on the second leg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Wonderland Nurserygoods Company Limited
    Inventor: Jian-Qun Li
  • Patent number: 8733767
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a first carrier device having a first upright. A first axle and a first wheel are joined proximate a first distal end of the first upright. A first support plate is joined to the first upright above the first wheel. A second carrier device has a second upright. A second axle and a second wheel are joined proximate a first distal end of the second upright. A second support plate is joined to the second upright above the second wheel. An adjustment bar has a first end, a second end and a plurality of adjustment positions extending inward from the second end. The first end is joined proximate a second distal end of the first upright. A one of the plurality of adjustment positions is joined to a second distal end of the second upright, whereby a distance between the first and the second upright is selected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Inventor: Douglas E. Roberts
  • Patent number: 8720924
    Abstract: An auxiliary step and hand hold system for accessing a vehicle. The system includes at least one auxiliary step, at least one hand hold shaped to assist a climb into the trailer, and at least one pocket shaped to removably receive the at least one hand hold. The auxiliary step may be a rotating-retractable step that rotates between a use position and a stowed position. The hand hold is shaped to assist a climb into the cargo bay and may be inserted into the pockets in a use position and a stowed position. One or more stationary steps can also be used in connection with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The hand holds, pockets and auxiliary steps may be used alone or in combination to assist with access to a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Inventor: Phillip C. Ruehl
  • Patent number: 8714582
    Abstract: A baby stroller system is provided including a baby stroller and a ride along board attached thereto for supporting a rider (e.g., a child) while the stroller is pushed. The ride along board may include a platform for the rider to stand upon and at least one wheel for supporting the platform. Additionally, the ride along board is positioned asymmetrically relative to the stroller, e.g., in-line with one of the rear wheel or laterally outside of the stroller wheel base. Further, the platform may be positioned laterally outside of the handlebars, thereby providing more room for the rider (e.g., not having to stand or squeeze between the handlebars) and moving the ride along board and rider away from the moving space of a user pushing the stroller. The ride along board further includes at least three wheels defining a ride along board wheel base, where a center of mass of the ride along board is within the wheel base. The ride along board may be attached to opposing ends of an axle of one of the rear wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Orbit Baby, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph S. Hei, Bryan T. White, Colter P. Leys, Simon M. S. Weiss
  • Patent number: 8701818
    Abstract: A working vehicle includes an engine, a hydraulic pump, a first hydraulic motor, a vehicle speed detecting unit, a parking brake, a parking brake operating member and a control unit. The control unit is configured to determine whether the vehicle speed is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold when the parking brake operating member is operated. The control unit is configured to execute a brake control that decreases a displacement of the first hydraulic pump and increases a displacement of the first hydraulic motor without activating the parking brake when the vehicle speed is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold in a state when the vehicle is traveling, and to activate the parking brake when the vehicle speed falls below the predetermined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Atsushi Shirao, Shigeo Hashimoto
  • Patent number: 8695996
    Abstract: A utility cart includes an auxiliary swivel caster wheel assembly, a locking mechanism, and a trigger mechanism for causing the locking mechanism to releasably lock the auxiliary swivel caster wheel assembly. The auxiliary swivel caster wheel assembly is unlocked to enable the auxiliary swivel caster wheel to rotate about a vertical axis for improved maneuverability in small areas, and is locked to hold the auxiliary swivel caster wheel in a predetermined position for improved steering as the cart is moved from one location to another. The trigger mechanism is disposed on a steering handle to enable dynamic actuation of the locking mechanism while the cart is in motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Metro Industries Inc.
    Inventors: James J. Janick, Robert J. Welch, Robert R. Steele, Sanjeeb Sinha
  • Patent number: 8695999
    Abstract: A device comprising a planar element with a first wheel supported about a first rotary axis, a handle support, and a folding joint connecting the handle support to the planar element pivotal about a first pivotal axis such that in an operating state the handle support is aligned to a planar element at an angle, is provided. At least one second wheel is supported about a second rotary axis, at the distal end of the planar element. The second wheel is pivotal about a second pivotal axis and coupled to the handle support via a mechanism which converts a pivotal motion of the handle support about the first pivotal axis into a pivotal axis of the second wheel about the second pivotal axis such that the second rotary motion of the second wheel shows in the idle state a greater angle to the planar element than in the operating state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Resint
    Inventor: Gregor Von Bismarck
  • Patent number: 8690168
    Abstract: The present patent application provides a reciprocal motor tricycle with a lockable frame including a frame, two front wheels, a limiting plate, two balance plates, an upper rocker and lower rocker both connected between the frame and the front wheels, and a limiting block connected onto the balance plate. A directing mechanism is disposed between the frame and the front wheels. A damping mechanism is disposed between the balance plate and the lower rocker. A number of limiting grooves for working with the limiting block are disposed at the left and right of the limiting plate. A fixing plate is disposed at a lower portion of the frame. The balance plate and the fixing plate are movably connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Inventor: Jinjun Yu
  • Patent number: 8684369
    Abstract: A specially formed ball shaped disc 40 to 50 mm in diameter to be utilized on the PIC® inline skate, U.S. Pat. No. 5,738,360, to allow for extreme jumps, spins, and footwork moves in the sport of inline figure skating. The ball pick disc is made of molded rubber or synthetic material. The purpose of the ball pick is to provide extreme deep edges for enhanced spins, jumps, and footwork common in the sport of inline figure skating while protecting the skate frame from scraping. The ball shape is slotted to fit around the frame thus protecting the frame from scraping and allows the skater to achieve extremely deep edges. The ball shape provides 180 degrees of surface allowing the skater unlimited toe-in angles. The configuration of the disc allows the ball pick to be reversed to extend wear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Harmony Sports Inc.
    Inventors: John James Petell, Nicolas Alan Perna
  • Patent number: 8684375
    Abstract: The invention pertains to a guard assembly for securement to a wheeled base. The guard assembly comprises a central support, a plurality of wheel guards positioned in an array around the central support, a plurality of struts, and a plurality of support struts. The struts are connected to and extend between a respective pair of the adjacent wheel guards in the array. Each of the support struts are connected to and extend between the central support and a respective one of the struts. The invention also envelops a method of retrofitting an existing wheeled base with the guard assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Inventors: Harvey S. Fink, James Jagodzinski
  • Patent number: 8678127
    Abstract: A work vehicle limited in a mounting space is adapted to have an engine, which is provided with an exhaust gas cleaning device, easily arranged therein. An engine device, which is to be mounted on the work vehicle, is provided with the engine mounted on a machine body and covered with a hood, an air cleaner for cleaning air introduced into the engine, and an exhaust gas cleaning device for cleaning exhaust gas from the engine. The exhaust gas cleaning device is arranged on a flywheel housing fitted on one side portion of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Yanmar Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masataka Mitsuda, Takayuki Onodera
  • Patent number: 8651216
    Abstract: In a motor mount structure of an electric vehicle, in which a front cross frame is connected to a front cross member, a rear cross frame is secured to a rear cross member, opposite sides of a power train in a vehicle width direction are supported on side frames by a side mount device placed so that positions in a vehicle fore-and-aft direction and a vehicle vertical direction are close to a horizontal line passing through the center of gravity of the power train and extending in the vehicle width direction, while a front mount device that regulates rolling of the power train is placed on a front portion of the power train, and the front mount device is mounted to a central portion of the front cross frame in the vehicle width direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Suzuki Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Sunao Wakatsuki, Shuichi Yamane
  • Patent number: 8646800
    Abstract: A braking device for a board for gliding, includes a brake movable between a first, braking position, in which the brake occupies a low position wherein the brake is in frictional contact with the ground, and a second, non-braking position, in which the brake occupies a raised position, and a brake control device connecting the brake with a strap of a boot binding on the board for gliding, such that the brake control device causes the brake to move to the non-braking position upon closing and/or tightening of a strap of the boot binding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Skis Rossignol
    Inventors: Denis Bertagnolio, Jean-Marc Pascal, Olivier Bizzini