Patents Examined by Conan D Duda
  • Patent number: 10913319
    Abstract: A bicycle trailer pivot assembly can comprise first and second yoke arms with respective first and second end portions and a pivot coupling the first end portion of each yoke arm to a bicycle trailer frame. The first end portions the yoke arms comprise respective first and second hinge portions that interfit and that receive a hinge pin that couples the first end portions together and to the bicycle trailer frame for pivoting about an upright axis. The first and second hinge portion comprise respective stops positioned to engage one another to limit the maximum distance to which the second end portions of the first and second yoke arms can be spread apart. The first and second hinge portions can comprise respective stops that limit both the maximum and minimum spread apart positions of the second end portions of the yoke arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: Burley Design LLC
    Inventors: Mike Dotsey, Evan Aamodt, Andrew J. Miller, Patrick Nolan, Noah Dingler, Sarah Campbell, Lindsay Malatesta, Erin H. Morrissey, Scott Spence, Jon Anderegg
  • Patent number: 10906352
    Abstract: An adaptable wheel has a central hub, radial segments connected to the central hub at a proximal end and extending radially from the central hub, each radial segment having a linear actuator configured to change a length of the radial segment; a shoe connected to a distal end of the radial segment for contacting a surface being traversed by the wheel; and a locking mechanism for selectively preventing linear motion of the linear actuator. A control system for an adaptable wheel includes a distance sensor on a vehicle for determining distance to a surface in the path of the vehicle and a computer for receiving distance information from the distance sensor and, responsive to the distance information, determine a desired length of a segment of an adaptable wheel for maintaining a hub of a wheel level, and provide control signals to a linear actuator of the segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: X-Sim LLC
    Inventor: Carl E. Hein
  • Patent number: 10906578
    Abstract: A power actuator assembly for a steering column assembly is provided. The power actuator assembly include an electric motor. Also included is a leadscrew. Further included is a gear arrangement operatively coupled to the electric motor, the gear arrangement driving rotation of the leadscrew. Yet further included is a nut threaded to the leadscrew, rotation of the leadscrew actuating linear motion of the nut relative to the leadscrew, the nut operatively coupled to a moveable portion of the steering column assembly to actuate motion of the moveable portion. Also included is a leadscrew housing, the leadscrew extending axially through the leadscrew housing. Further included is a helical bushing disposed between a radially inner surface of the leadscrew housing and a radially outer surface of the leadscrew.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding Corporation
    Inventors: James E. Rouleau, Scott A. Stinebring, Harmony J. Hudnall
  • Patent number: 10899411
    Abstract: A straddle vehicle includes: a body frame including a main frame extending rear-downward from a head pipe, a pivot frame extending downward from the main frame, and a lower frame which extends downward from the head pipe and extends rearward, and further, is connected to a lower portion of the pivot frame; a side stand which supports a vehicle body during parking; and a main step on which a foot of a rider is placed. A side stand bracket for supporting the side stand includes a first fixing portion connected only to the lower portion of the pivot frame and a second fixing portion connected only to a main step bracket for supporting the main step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ken Kojika, Satoru Kamijo
  • Patent number: 10843767
    Abstract: A dual pedal driven scooter includes a frame with a front end and a rear end; a front wheel and a rear wheel connected to the frame at the front end and the rear end, respectively; a driving mechanism configured to drive the rear wheel to in turn drive the scooter; and a pedal configured to drive the scooter; wherein the driving mechanism has a driving linkage that links the pedal and the rear wheel, and the pedal is fixedly connected with the driving linkage so as to drive the rear wheel by pulling the driving linkage. The invention is more comfortable and safe to use, and not only is suitable for both playing and fitness but also suitable for a short-distance walk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: City University of Hong Kong
    Inventors: Junrong Tan, Bang Chen
  • Patent number: 10821790
    Abstract: A disclosed hitch receiver assembly includes receiver having a worm gear and a slide bushing, a worm shaft engaged to the worm gear for laterally moving the receiver, a slide bar extending through the slide bushing and fixed at each end to a static structure, a hitch received within the receiver and a receiver pin coupling the hitch to the receiver and the static structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Nathan Shaeff, David R. Huelke, Joe Buchwitz, James Drozdowski
  • Patent number: 10807633
    Abstract: An electric powered steering assembly and system for a vehicle. A sensor is coupled to a housing for detecting input from a user, such as to a steering member. An electric motor is coupled to the housing and controllable by a computer module. The electric motor supplies an assistive torque to a steering shaft of the vehicle. A coupler couples the housing to a chassis of the vehicle. The coupler prevents rotational movement of the housing about the steering shaft while permitting axial movement of the housing along with the steering shaft. The coupler may permit relative movement between the housing and the chassis in five degrees of freedom. A mounting bracket may be rigidly connected to the chassis. The coupler may comprise a coupling bracket and a link having a spherical joint coupled to the mounting bracket. Methods of installation and operating electric powered steering system are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: KA Group AG
    Inventors: Francis Gagné, Mattias Johansson, Frederic Gervais
  • Patent number: 10807668
    Abstract: A moldable bicycle sweat guard with a cover having a front end, a rear end and mirror image outwardly curved sides extending along the length of the cover. The cover is wider proximate the front end and narrower proximate the rear end. A pair of moldable wires fastened along the edge of each side substantially following the curved shape, each of the pair of wires having a portion extending beyond the front end. An elastic cord it's fashion to have an adjustable rear loop and two front ends which are fastened onto the rear end of the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Inventor: Bradlee K Haley
  • Patent number: 10793183
    Abstract: A steering apparatus for assisting rotation of a steering shaft in a steering system. The apparatus includes a motor having a drive shaft that rotates about a drive shaft axis and an output shaft that rotates about an output shaft axis. The output shaft axis extends parallel to the drive shaft axis. The output shaft is connected for rotation with the steering shaft. A gear train drivingly connects the motor to the output shaft. The gear train includes a worm screw and a worm wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: TRW AUTOMOTIVE U.S. LLC
    Inventors: Joseph E. Harter, Jr., Kevin E. Boyle
  • Patent number: 10792964
    Abstract: A trailer suitable for affixation to an all-terrain vehicle in at least two configurations, and methods for securing a trailer to an ATV. The trailer has a bed including a frame, longitudinal bars, and latitudinal bars, with a pair of wheels secured under the bed. The latitudinal bars are bent at their ends so that the ends extend beyond the sides of the bed and bend upward, with apertures positioned at each end of the latitudinal bars. A base plate is secured to and extends perpendicularly upward from the first end of the bed, with an aperture positioned thereon sized to receive a ball hitch when the trailer is affixed to the ATV in a first configuration. Affixed to the second end of the bed is a trailer coupler to receive the ball hitch for affixation to the ATV in a second configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Inventor: Robert L Peyton
  • Patent number: 10787212
    Abstract: Embodiments relate to a system or method for moving a load, the apparatus may include a control panel comprising an assemblage of one or more directional switches that are configured to activate a lift mechanism structure to lift a load-bearing frame supporting the load. The one or more directional switches configured to adjust a travel mechanism that is coupled to a roller track and connected to an electrically positionable roller assembly and adjust a pin connector that is configured to connect a support foot to the roller track to allow the roller track to rotate relative to the support foot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Inventors: Shawn Smith, Harlan Smith, Brian Unger
  • Patent number: 10787052
    Abstract: A tow apparatus includes a front bumper, a housing rigidly attached to the front bumper, and a tow hook slidable in the housing. The housing and the tow hook define a closed chamber, and the closed chamber is filled with a compressible fluid. Sliding the tow hook in the housing in a direction that decreases the volume of the closed chamber compresses the compressible fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Mohammed Shenaq, Mustafa Ahmed, Sudip Sankar Bhattacharjee, Ray Hari Manala Rethinam
  • Patent number: 10780918
    Abstract: Systems for controlling the speed and direction of vehicles, including vehicles that have low to zero turning radius capability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: MTD PRODUCTS INC
    Inventor: Peter Buchanan
  • Patent number: 10773763
    Abstract: This bicycle stand installation adapter (1) is equipped with: affixed bodies (11) to be affixed to left and right chain stays (8) constituting parts of the frame (7) of a bicycle (100) with quick-release skewers; affixing pieces (12) that are affixed to the affixed bodies (11) and extend along the chain stays (8); and spacers (25) to be interposed between left and right rear end parts (10) and the corresponding affixing pieces (12), the left and right rear end parts (10) being located at the back end of the frame (7). The affixing pieces (12) are affixed to both ends (5) of a substantially C-shaped dual-leg kickstand (2) to be installed on the rear end parts (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: KAISE CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Daichi Kaise
  • Patent number: 10766552
    Abstract: A bicycle and bicycle frame stand includes a first leg element and a second leg element which forms an angle of less than or equal to 90° with the first leg element. The second leg element has a bicycle receiving element for a bicycle component of an assembled bicycle, and the second leg element has a frame receiving element for a bicycle frame component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: Canyon Bicycles GmbH
    Inventor: John Keiller
  • Patent number: 10759483
    Abstract: An electrical seatpost assembly comprises a first cylinder, a second cylinder, a positioning structure, an electrical actuator, and a power supply. The second cylinder is telescopically received in the first cylinder. The positioning structure is to adjustably position the second cylinder relative to the first cylinder in a telescopic direction. The electrical actuator is to actuate the positioning structure in accordance with an electrical signal. The power supply is to supply electrical power to the electrical actuator. The power supply and the electrical actuator are disposed in one of the first cylinder and the second cylinder to at least partly overlap with each other when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the telescopic direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventors: Nobukatsu Hara, Toyoto Shirai
  • Patent number: 10758437
    Abstract: A patient transfer apparatus configured to traverse stairs includes a seat assembly, a rear leg pivotably coupled to the seat assembly, a track integrated with the rear leg, and a wheel coupled to a distal end portion of the rear leg. The seat assembly includes a frame with a seat portion. The rear leg is pivotable relative to the seat portion between a transport position and a stair traversing position. In the transport position the wheel is configured to contact a floor, and in the stair traversing position the track is configured to contact the stairs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: Stryker Corporation
    Inventors: Ross Lucas, Chris Gentile, Bjorn Gunderson, Daniel Brosnan
  • Patent number: 10759488
    Abstract: This application discloses a quick locking device for a bicycle front fork, a handlebar and a frame head tube. A plastic part head assembly is installed at the bottom of the handlebar; the frame head tube is arranged below the plastic part head assembly, and the top of the frame head tube passes through the plastic part head assembly to be fixedly connected with the handlebar; a first installing hole is formed in the side surface of one side of the frame head tube; a second installing hole is formed below the first installing hole; a bicycle front fork tube is fixedly arranged inside the frame head tube through a spring buckle; the bicycle front fork is installed at the bottom of the bicycle front fork tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: Ningbo Tekmax Bicycle Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Peng Liu, Xiaofei Zhao
  • Patent number: 10752065
    Abstract: A clearance-measuring break-away pintle hitch includes a mount having a first end for coupling to a vehicle. A pintle body has a portion thereof aligned with and coupled to a second end of the mount by a shear pin. Gauge members are pivotally coupled along a common axis of rotation to the pintle body. Each gauge member is rigid and has a unique length measured from the common axis of rotation. Each gauge member is independently rotatable about the common axis of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: James Sovel
  • Patent number: 10752317
    Abstract: A leg and arm powered vehicle incorporating a frame; a seat rollably mounted upon the frame for reciprocating motion; a wheel and propulsion sprocket combination mounted upon the frame for vehicle propulsions; a chain operatively engaging the propulsion sprocket, the chain having a pair of flights; a sprocket support member fixedly attached to the seat; rearward and forward drive sprockets, the rearward drive sprocket engaging one of the chain's flights; first rotatable mountable means attaching the rearward drive sprocket to the sprocket support member and being adapted for alternatively resisting counter-rotation of the rearward drive sprocket and permitting rotation of the rearward drive sprocket; second rotatable mounting means attaching the forward drive sprocket to the sprocket support member and being adapted for alternatively resisting counter-rotation of the forward drive sprocket and permitting rotation of the forward drive sprocket; and hand and foot engaging members fixedly mounted to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Inventor: Bill B. Jones